The story of Sir Bobby’s failed South American revolution at Newcastle

Newcastle United have long loved a South American import.

From George and Ted Robledo, who won two FA Cups with the Mags in the 1950s, to Mirandinha in the late ’80s and the slightly underwhelming presence of Joelinton and Miguel Almiron now, plenty from the other side of the Atlantic have strutted their stuff at St James’ Park to varying degrees of success.

Yet never has the link between Tyneside and South America been stronger than it was around the turn of the millennium, during Bobby Robson’s wonderful spell in the Newcastle dugout.

Over the two seasons from 1999 to 2001, no fewer than six South Americans pulled on the black and white stripes, when it was rare for most Premier League clubs to have one player from Latin America on their books – any more than that was unheard of.

While the transfer policy was clearly purposeful, its successes were limited. Still, the era provided some entertaining memories to many a Geordie.

There were a few men jointly responsible for selecting and signing the players – Robson himself, as well as assistant Mick Wadsworth and chief scout Charlie Woods – but if we are looking for one person to thank (or blame) for the influx in a general sense, then it must be Nolberto Solano.

Peru international Solano had arrived at Newcastle from Boca Juniors in 1998 for £2.48million – still under Ruud Gullit’s watch – and had taken to the North East like a North Sea gull to the Tyne.

His scrawny build might not have looked tailor-made for English football and, as he told us in 2019, “I had to adapt quickly to the style of play. It wasn’t that easy in the beginning because when I arrived in English football it was very direct.”

But adapt he did. His beautiful right-footed crossing and shooting, combined with a never-say-die attitude quickly made him a terrace hero.

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READ: Nolberto Solano: Newcastle are in my heart; I want to coach in England

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With money not flowing like it had four years prior, when Newcastle broke the world transfer record to bring Alan Shearer home (but forgot to insure him), going back to South America to locate more bargains like Solano seemed like a risk that could well reap dividends.

The first to arrive, in September 1999, was a Brazilian called Fumaca. Fumaca had spent the previous year touring England, going on trial at various clubs, pitching up at Colchester and Crystal Palace, where Robson’s assistant Wadsworth had worked, as well as Birmingham,…