Memorable Rob Lee moments remembered in photo thirty years on from the day he joined Newcastle United
It is a special anniversary for one modern day Magpies legend.
The 22nd September marks a special day for former Newcastle United star Rob Lee.
After all, it was on this day in 1992 when he put pen to paper to join the Kevin Keegan revolution and started a journey that would take him all the way from the second tier of English football to European competition and England honours.
The former Charlton Athletic midfielder became a key figure in Keegan’s lauded ‘Entertainers’, starting out as a dangerous winger, before converting into a genuine goalscoring threat as an attacking midfielder.
His career on Tyneside came to a close with Lee showing the disciplined side of his game and he completed the transition into a holding midfielder under Sir Bobby Robson, a move that helped give some balance to an increasingly attack-minded United side.
By the time he departed for Derby County in 2002, Lee has scored 56 goals in 381 appearances for the Magpies, leaving behind a whole host of memorable moments for the St James Park faithful.
On the day he marks the 30th anniversary of the completion of his move to Tyneside, NewcastleWorld takes a look back at some of those moments.
1. The new boy arrives
Tales of Kevin Keegan persuading Lee that Newcastle was closer to London than Middlesbrough were doing the rounds as the Charlton Athletic star wrapped up a £700,000 move to St James Park. Photo: Getty Images
2. Promotion!
Lee quickly made an impact with the Magpies and scored ten league goals as Kevin Keegan’s side claimed the Division One title and secured a first ever season in the Premier League. Photo: Getty Images
3. Hat-trick hero!
A third placed finish in their first season in the Premier League saw Newcastle return to Europe for the first time since the late-1970s. Lee marked their return with a hat-trick of headers in a 5-0 win at Belgian club Royal Antwerp. Photo: Getty Images
4. A stunner against Liverpool!
Keegan’s side started their second season in the Premier League in fine form. A run of six consecutive wins ended with a 1-1 draw against Liverpool - but it was a stunning effort from Lee that secured a point for the ten-man Magpies. Photo: Getty Images