News

A timeline of all Newcastle United captains in the Premier League era

Add as preferred source on Google

Newcastle United have had some simply phenomenal captains in the past.

At a notoriously successful club like that of Newcastle United, it’s vitally important to have a commanding figure to lead on the pitch.

The armband at St James’ Park has adorned shoulders of immense responsibility and honour. Each captain has brought a unique style of leadership, shaping the ethos and identity of the club for years to come.

Here are the Newcastle United captains past and present in the Premier League era. Please note, we’re including all players to captain Newcastle from when the Premier League was formed in 1992 – not just when the Magpies found themselves in England’s top flight.

Brian Kilcline: 1992 – 1993

Newcastle United v Cambridge United: The Emirates FA Cup Third Round
Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images

Brian Kilcline a central defender, played for Newcastle from 1991 to 1995. He captained the team during the 1992-1993 season, which was a challenging period for the club as they were relegated from the Premier League. He shared the captain’s armband with Barry Venison.

Peter Beardsley: 1993 – 1996

Peter Beardsley Newcastle United May 1996
Photo by Graham Chadwick/Allsport/Getty Images

Peter Beardsley returned to the Toon in 1993 and became club captain until 1996. During his second spell at St James’ Park, he racked up 157 appearances and scored 56 goals, bringing his overall total after two spells with the club to 321 appearances and 117 goals.

Rob Lee: 1997 – 1999

ANTWERP V NEWCASTLE
13 SEP 1994: ROBERT LEE OF NEWCASTLE SALUTES THE CROWD AFTER SCORING A HAT TRICK DURING THE ROYAL ANTWERP FC V NEWCASTLE UTD, UEFA CUP FIRST ROUND MATCH AT ANTWERP STADIUM IN BELGIUM. Mandatory Credit: Ben Radford/ALLSPORT

Rob Lee joined Newcastle United in 1992 and would go on to become one of Kevin Keegan‘s greatest signings. He was named captain under Kenny Dalglish in 1997.

Alan Shearer: 1999 – 2006

Sunderland v Newcastle United
Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images

Alan Shearer joined Newcastle United in the summer of 1996, for what was a world record at the time of £15 million, which shattered the club’s transfer record as well. He went on to become the most legendary name in the club’s history and all-time top goalscorer. He became club captain in 1999.

Scott Parker: 2006 – 2007

Newcastle United v Wigan Athletic
Photo by Matthew Lewis/Getty Images

Experienced midfielder Scott Parker was Shearer’s successor in 2006, being made captain after just a season around the Newcastle United Training Centre.

Michael Owen: 2007 – 2009

Newcastle United v Hull City - Premier League
Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images

After his return from injury, Michael Owen became team captain and was the team’s top scorer for the 2007–08 season, until he departed in 2009 following Newcastle’s relegation to the Championship. Alan Smith was vice-captain but took the reigns with Owen often absent.

Nicky Butt: 2009 – 2010

Nicky Butt playing for Newcastle United against Middlesbrough.
Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images

Nicky Butt was made permanent club captain for the 2009–10 season following Owen’s departure to Manchester United as a free agent during the summer transfer window.

Kevin Nolan: 2010 – 2011

Newcastle United v Sheffield United
Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images

Kevin Nolan was named as the new Newcastle United club captain for the 2010–11 season, succeeding the retired Butt.

Fabricio Coloccini: 2011 – 2016

Newcastle United Training Session
Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images

Fabricio Coloccini is a former Newcastle United defender who spent eight years at the club. He joined in 2008 from Deportivo and obtained club captaincy in 2011.

Jamaal Lascelles: 2016 – present

Newcastle United v Manchester City - Carabao Cup Third Round
Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images

Jamaal Lascelles is Newcastle United’s current club captain. He was appointed in 2016. He has shared the armband with Kieran Trippier in the 23/24 season.