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Paul Bracewell was Newcastle's first signing in the summer of 1992.
Shortly after captaining Sunderland to FA Cup Final defeat against
Liverpool at Wembley (Bracewell's third FA Cup Final defeat), he became a
free agent. Sunderland had offered Bracewell a one year deal but Paul,
who had wanted a two year contract, decided on the extra security of
Newcastle and Kevin Keegan's three year offer. A tribunal set the fee at
£250,000, considerably less than the £700,000 that Sunderland had
wanted. The signing was a major coup within the region and to this day
remains one of the most controversial Tyne/Wear transfers. Many
officials at Newcastle were concerned as to how Paul would be received
at St. James Park.
However, any fears were allayed 10 minutes into his
debut against Southend, when he launched a thunderbolt shot into the
back of the net from the edge of the visitors area. An industrious and
tough tackling defensive midfielder, Paul brought experience and
stability to the team. The defensive cover he provided in midfield was
invaluable as it enabled the adventurous attacking style of the likes of
Gavin Peacock, Robert Lee, Scott Sellars and Peter Beardsley to
flourish. Paul's experience was also valuable in the development of
Newcastle's younger players such as Steve Watson and Lee Clark, whom he
would later link up with again at Fulham. Sadly Bracewell's appearances
at Newcastle were limited to due to the ankle and groin injuries which
had blighted him throughout his distinguished career.
He became known as
'The Iceman' as a result of having his ankles encased in ice after
every game. Despite this he made 73 league appearances in three years at
the club, helping Newcastle to the First Division title in 1992/93 and
qualifying for the UEFA Cup after finishing 3rd in the Premier League
the following season. In his final season Paul did not play his first
game until a Boxing Day trip to Elland Road, due to injury. At the end
of the campaign he was once again a free agent and was allowed to return
to Sunderland for £100,000, having made a significant contribution to
Newcastle United's change in fortunes. (Gordon Tait)
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