Shirt of Legends: The Story of Newcastle United's No. 9 Heroes (Mainstream Sport)

Much rests on the shoulders of United's No. 9 center-forward, as he carries the dreams of thousands and the hopes of a whole Geordie nation. From Peddie, Appleyard, and Shepherd to Wee Hughie Gallacher, Albert Stubbins, Jackie Milburn, Wyn Davies, and Malcolm Macdonald, as well as modern-day icons such as Andy Cole, Les Ferdinand, and Alan Shearer, they have been a mixed bunch. Some have been masterful in the air, while several struck the ball with terrific power; others have possessed the art of placement and, a few, the ultimate poacher's instinct in front of goal. But all had the same mission: to score goals. And whatever their style, if they donned the center-forward shirt for Newcastle United, they were treated as gods. Shirt of Legends is about all of those players—the many different characters and personalities in the center-forward role who have worn Newcastle United's No. 9 shirt since its introduction in 1939.