4. Kevin Nolan
If nothing else, he bagged a hat-trick in what was dubbed the Demolition Derby in October 2010, when Newcastle beat Sunderland 5-1, cementing his place in Geordie folklore. Of course, there was much more than this. Joining Newcastle for
a fee of £4 million in January 2009 in a bid to keep the Gallowgate club in the top-flight, Nolan admirably stayed through relegation to guide the club back into the Premier League at the first time of asking in 2010, and went on to captain the club the following season. The Scouse midfielder was undoubtedly a fan-favourite during his time with the Toon, gaining the accolade of Championship player of the season during his spell, and his unmistakeable quack celebration was on show many times during his final season in the North-East, as he finished as top scorer for the Magpies, with an impressive 12 goals.