Tiote, Shearer and the 17 Newcastle United hardmen of the Premier League era
Some of the toughest players to wear the black-and-white stripes in recent years
They say you have to be mentally strong to pull on a Newcastle United shirt and run out in front of 52,000 fans every other week. Well this lot have got the brawn to match too.
There have been plenty of 'hardmen' to represent the Magpies down the years, with the likes of Frank Brennan, John McNamee and Malcolm Macdonald from the 1950s, 60s and 70s springing to mind.
The Premier League era may be a different game, but that doesn't mean you don't need tough characters around - and these guys below certainly tick that box. From hard-as-nails defenders, robust midfielders and no-comprising forwards, Newcastle have had their fair selection.
Check out our list here - and let us know who we've missed out in the comments.
Cheick Tiote
The much-missed Cheick Tiote added steel to Alan Pardew's side which challenged for a Premier League place. Alongside Yohan Cabaye, he was not a player to be messed with
1 of 17David Batty
He was not the biggest, but Batty more than made up for that with some tough tackling and a desire to win. He added some beef to the Entertainers side under Kevin Keegan
2 of 17Joey Barton
Newcastle needed strong characters when they were relegated to the Championship, and the likes of Barton stood up to be counted. Never one to shy away from a challenge (or to look for one), he was one of the stand-out players of United's comeback
3 of 17Alan Shearer
![Alan Shearer of Newcastle United covered in blood from a head wound]()
No list of Newcastle hardmen would be complete without Big Al. Yes, he could dish it out, he could take it too. The legendary No 9 was often the target for defenders - and usually came out on top in any physical battle
(Image: Getty Images Sport)4 of 17Duncan Ferguson
![Duncan Ferguson celebrates a debut goal for Newcastle United against Wimbledon]()
Just looking at Duncan Ferguson could send shivers down defenders' spines. The Scot's time at St James' Park was all-too fleeting, but fans were left in no doubt over his fierce attitude on the pitch
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