For most neutrals, the single season "Didi" Hamann spent at Newcastle will not live
long in their memories of the German midfielder's career. Hamann won titles at home
with his local team Bayern Munich, and, after leaving Newcastle, went on to greater
success with Liverpool, winning English and European trophies in his time with the Reds.
He was also an important part of the German side that reached the World Cup Final in 2002.
Dietmar had come to attention in the previous World Cup in France, and Kenny Dalglish
paid around £5million to bring him to Newcastle on the back of some impressive performances
in that tournament. Before long Dalglish was sacked and replaced with Ruud Gullit,
but it was clear that the Dutchman rated Hamann just as highly.
Though the 1998-99 season was not a great success for Newcastle, Didi's performances were
a rare bright spot. He became known for his powerful shooting and spectacular free-kicks,
as well as a superb range of passing. Hamann scored his first goal for Newcastle in a 3-0 home
win over Bradford City in the FA Cup 4th Round, and appeared in every round as the Magpies
returned to their second successive FA Cup Final. His other major contribution to Newcastle's
cup run was a glorious seventy yard pass that allowed on-loan striker Louis Saha to knock out
Blackburn in a tense 5th Round replay at Ewood Park. Hamann's relationship with the press
and Newcastle's fans was not always the most positive, and it was no surprise to see him agitate
for a transfer away from St James' in the summer of 1999. The £8million Liverpool paid meant
Newcastle made a sizeable profit on one season's work, but the team was weakened by
Hamann's loss. What was more surprising was to see Didi, who had played in an attacking
midfield role at Newcastle, converted into a totally defensive force under Gerard Houllier.
During his time at St James Park Hamann made thirty-one appearances for Newcastle, and
scored five, mostly spectacular, goals. He went on to score the last competitive international
goal before the redevelopment of Wembley Stadium, his long-range winner leading to the
resignation of former Newcastle hero Kevin Keegan from the England manager's job. (Martin Rowntree)