Newcastle United Transfers: Every Graham Carr Signing Ranked Worst To Best

2. Yohan Cabaye

Signed From: Lille

His time at Newcastle might have been somewhat blemished by his conduct in August 2013 when he agitated for a move to Arsenal, but Yohan Cabaye remains one of the most talented midfielders Newcastle have signed in the Premier League era.

Joining from Lille in 2011, the Frenchman immediately endeared himself to Newcastle fans with his range of passing, set-piece taking and vision and his impressive goal-scoring return helped cement him as a bargain.

It always felt like he would move on to bigger and better things, but watching him play alongside Cheick Tiote in the heart of the Newcastle team that came fifth was a rare high-point in an otherwise pretty rough decade for Newcastle fans.

1. Demba Ba

Signed From: West Ham

Profiting from both Stoke's refusal to ignore a long-standing knee injury and West Ham's relegation, Newcastle picked up Demba Ba on a free in 2011 even as Newcastle fans complained about the lack of investment of the funds gained Andy Carroll's move to Liverpool. On reflection, the fact that he was free makes him the best signing of Carr's tenure.

He repaid the faith shown in him by Newcastle's hierarchy in impressive fashion over the next two seasons scoring 29 league goals as the decision to allow him a £7m release clause in his contract looked increasingly silly. Ultimately Chelsea swooped to put him on their bench for two years and Newcastle had to watch as their talismanic striker disappeared for pastures news almost as quickly as he arrived.

Looking back on his time at Newcastle, Ba was fast, powerful and athletic and he had an eye for a range of goals. He was a legitimately great striker, and were it not for that release clause, he should have either remained at Newcastle for longer or earned the club a huge profit.

Who do you think are the best and worst signings made during Graham Carr's time at Newcastle? Share your picks below in the comments thread.