Gary Speed is the Welsh international team captain, and has been a vital part of Newcastle's midfield since a £5.5m transfer from Everton in February 1998. Gary made a big name for himself as part of the famous Leeds United midfield which launched the Elland Road side to the 1992 First Division (old) Championship.

The left-footed central midfielder has a brilliant goalsoring record from over the years, and he has a trademark bullet header which defences can't stop. He also has an excellent passing range, and has scored 36 goals for Newcastle in five years.

After Leeds, he went to Everton for £3.5m, but it didn't work out for him. After only a season and a half at Goodison Park, he came for a fresh start at St James'. He played in both of Newcastle's losing Cup Final appearances in 1998 and 1999 and has signed a new contract which will keep him at St James' Park until the end of the 2004/05 season.

Speed is also the player that has played in more Premiership game than any other player, he has been involved in 376 games. Speed now faces a fight to reclaim his place in the side after losing it to Jermaine Jenas after the youngster burst onto the scene last season, but the vice-captain has seen it all before and will be looking to re-capture his spot in central midfield in 2003-04.