Played for Newcastle: 2001-05 Position: Striker League Appearances: 93 League goals: 28 Bellamy moved to Newcastle United in July 2001 for £6.5 million and scored on his first team home debut against Lokeren in the Intertoto Cup. It's easy to be lazy when you're playing up front but Craig Bellamy certainly wasn't. The striker was lightning quick and constantly pressed opposition defences even when the ball wasn't there to be won. The Welsh striker scored 28 goals in 93 games and became a fan favourite because of his tireless workmanship and burning desire to win football matches. Under Bobby Robson, Bellamy formed a fantastic partnership with Alan Shearer whose ball retention and physical strength complimented the former Coventry striker's pace and endeavour. Bellamy scored against Sunderland on his Premier League debut in 2001 and scored two goals in a crucial Champions League game against Feyenoord in 2002 and plenty in between. Unfortunately disputes with John Carver, Graeme Souness and Alan Shearer led to Bellamy being loaned out to Celtic in 2005. His partnership with Shearer will never be forgotten and the Welshman will always go down as one of the most hard-working, determined and relentless strikers to have ever played for the Magpies.
NCTJ-accredited football writer with an MA in Sports Journalism. What Culture football editor. Write for the official Newcastle United programme. Former video reporter at North News. Featured and published in the Sunderland Echo, Shields Gazette, Mail Online, The Mirror, The Sun and others.
