Les Ferdinand

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Lore & Background

Ferdinand was sold to Newcastle in 1995 for £6 million. His arrival at the club came nearly three years after the Magpies had offered QPR £3.3 million for him during their Division One promotion season — but the offer had been turned down. The spell on Tyneside was arguably Ferdinand's most successful club tenure. He scored 29 goals in his first season with Newcastle, and significantly contributed to the side's getting within touching distance of the Premiership title in the 1995–96 season. Newcastle led the league by 12 points at one stage, but were overhauled by Manchester United in the final three months of the season. In both of his seasons on Tyneside, Ferdinand collected runners-up medals in the Premier League. In the second season, they contested a four-horse race with Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool before Manchester United won the title. Midway through the 1996–97 season, manager Kevin Keegan surprisingly departed Newcastle and was replaced by Kenny Dalglish. Despite the Scot being regretful to lose such a talented striker, it quickly became apparent Ferdinand would be dispensed to free up funds for further signings. In an interview with Sky Sports in 2019, Ferdinand admitted that he regretted leaving Newcastle and had hoped at the time to stay on Tyneside for the rest of his career.

In Their Own Story

Ferdinand received a standing ovation when he returned to St James' Park as a Tottenham player. Trying to put Shearer's number 9 shirt on to complete a lap of honour, he broke down in tears and could only manage to put the shirt on inside out and back to front before being helped from the field. Ferdinand returned again, when he also received a standing ovation, coming on as a substitute at Alan Shearer's testimonial and subsequently scored. He was inducted into the Newcastle United Foundation Hall of Fame on 7 November 2017.

Reader's Guide

Ferdinand's time at Newcastle United, from 1995 to 1997, was defined by his prolific goal-scoring and a legendary partnership with Alan Shearer. He scored 50 goals in only 84 games for the club. His first season saw him net 29 goals as Newcastle came close to winning the Premier League title, leading by 12 points at one stage before being overtaken by Manchester United. The following season, Newcastle again finished as runners-up in a four-horse race. Despite the lack of a league title, Ferdinand's impact was immense, and he remains a beloved figure on Tyneside, affectionately known as 'Sir Les'. His departure in 1997, to make way for new signings under Kenny Dalglish, was a move he later regretted.

Did You Know?

• Ferdinand was sold to Newcastle in 1995 for £6 million, with Hayes receiving £600,000 due to a sell-on clause agreed following his move to QPR.
• He scored 29 goals in his first season with Newcastle, helping the side get within touching distance of the Premiership title in the 1995–96 season.
• Ferdinand scored 50 goals in only 84 games at Newcastle, forming a successful strike partnership with Alan Shearer.
• He was inducted into the Newcastle United Foundation Hall of Fame on 7 November 2017.
• In an interview with Sky Sports in 2019, Ferdinand admitted that he regretted leaving Newcastle and had hoped at the time to stay on Tyneside for the rest of his career.