Newcastle United cult hero signed by Chris Hughton in 2010 announces his retirement from football

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Former Newcastle United man James Perch announces his retirement from football aged 39.

The 39-year-old has called it a day on his career after amassing over 500 appearances across seven clubs from Premier League to non-league.

Perch was playing for Northern Premier League Premier Division side Ilkeston Town before the announcement but made his name playing for Newcastle between 2010 and 2013.

Fans took a shine to the midfielder, giving him the nickname ‘Perchinho’ due to his steady performances and versatility in Newcastle’s first-team squad.

Perch kept a close eye on Newcastle even after he left the club. He once suggested that former owner Mike Ashley had a hand in team selection while he played there under Alan Pardew.

At times, he partnered with former Newcastle man Yohan Cabaye creating a formidable midfield that was known to get the job done.

James Perch’s career path after Newcastle

Perch spent 16 years at Nottingham Forest before signing for Newcastle under Chris Hughton, a man who has said Newcastle is always with him in 2010. He went on to make 81 appearances in all competitions for the Magpies – helping them qualify for the Europa League in 2012 where they reached the quarter-finals.

He scored one goal during his time at the club in a 4-3 defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford.

He left the club in 2013, signing for Wigan Athletic before making a move to Queens Park Rangers two years later.

Perch featured for QPR in both their games against Newcastle in the 2016/17 Championship season, losing 6-0 at Loftus Road before drawing 2-2 at St James’ Park.

A 2018 move to Scunthorpe would follow before joining his hometown club Mansfield Town in 2020 where he would stay for three years before dropping down to non-league.

Perch loved Newcastle

The midfielder received a lot of love during his time at the club which he felt from the pitch.

In a recent interview with newcastleunited.com he spoke about the move and the reaction from the fans.

He said: “The Newcastle fans really appreciate someone who goes and gives their all wherever they play because they’d do the same thing if they got the chance.”

“I want to take my boys to a Premier League game. They see Newcastle now as a massive club with a big investment, finishing fourth, playing Champions League – they can’t quite believe I used to play for them!”