Vlado Lemić, Amanda Staveley, Steve Bruce… Just a few of my Newcastle United heroes and villains

We asked some contributors to The Mag for their Newcastle United heroes and villains.

Our thanks to Simon Cahill (you can hear Simon every week on The Mag Podcast, along with Hutch and Jamie, discussing all things NUFC) for taking up the challenge.

Simon  has focused on the Newcastle United heroes and villains of the current decade, the 2020s.

Newcastle United Hero of the 2020s

Eddie Howe is the obvious choice, and rightly so, but my hero will be Amanda Staveley.

None of what followed would have been possible without her, and although I had doubts about her intentions, her passion and follow-through quickly put those doubts to rest.

She got it. What the club meant and what it needed. She made it feel like a family club again.

Newcastle United cult hero of the 2020s

Forgotten by Steve Bruce, who didn’t believe in defenders who could pass, Fabian Schär became a stalwart, probably our most consistent defender and an attacking threat.

He can also be a bit nasty at times, and I like that.

Special mention to Joelinton. Never has a player’s fortunes and reputation turned around so dramatically. Massive credit to Howe for that.

Newcastle United villain of the 2020s

Steve Bruce served up the worst brand of football I’ve seen in real time. Clueless and dangerous, nearly taking us to our third relegation.

Newcastle United not so obvious villain of the 2020s

Vlado Lemić, Alexander Isak’s controversial agent, who played a key role in one of the most frustrating transfer sagas I’ve experienced as a Newcastle supporter.

A man who has been a key figure in multiple investigations by FIFA…

The way Isak went from being adored by Newcastle United fans to seemingly forcing his way out of the club left a bitter taste. Isak must take responsibility for his own actions, but I can’t help feeling his advisors played a huge part in how badly the whole situation was handled. Everything I dislike about modern football.

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