Little Book of Newcastle United

The good times have come back to Tyneside. Newcastle is a one-team town and, with Alan Pardew at the helm, the Magpies can enjoy an new exciting look to the team which did so well on its return to the Barclays Premier League. But it hasn't always been that way. Perhaps more than most, the club has had its share of ups and downs. And it's certainly had more than its share of characters. This is a collection of quotes from those who have passed through St James Park and some who are still there, sound bites past and present that range from the inspired to the insane, and from the profound to the surreal. From Jackie Milburn and Ivor Allchurch through Malcolm Macdonald, Arthur Cox and Jimmy Smith to Paul Gascoigne, Kevin Keegan, Sir John Hall and Mike Ashley, few clubs can boast so many people with so much to say for themselves. Newcastle United have a proud tradition with a very loyal support, and "The Little Book of Newcastle United" aims to capture the flavour of both.

Mike Bolam is author of The Magpies: A Day to Day Life and is currently co-editor of the Newcastle United FC's official website, nufc.com. After many years of travelling, he now lives in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, within sight of St James' Park.