The Story of Sir Bobby's Failed South American Revolution in 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 somewhat disappointing presence of Joelinton and Miguel Almiron now, plenty from across the Atlantic strutted their stuff in St James' Park with varying degrees of success.

However, never has the bond between Tyneside and South America been stronger than at the turn of the millennium, during the wonderful passage of Bobby Robson in the dugout of Newcastle.

In the two seasons from 1999 to 2001, no less than six South Americans wore the black and white stripes, when it was rare for most Premier League clubs to have a Latin American player in their books - no more than was unheard of.

While the transfer policy has been clearly targeted, its success has been limited. Still, the era provided entertaining memories for many Geordie.

There were a few men jointly responsible for selecting and signing players - Robson himself, as well as assistant Mick Wadsworth and head scout Charlie Woods - but if we're looking for someone to thank (or to blame) for the influx of a general sense, then it must be Nolberto Solano.

Peruvian international Solano had arrived at Newcastle from Boca Juniors in 1998 for £2.48million – still under the watchful eye of Ruud Gullit – and had taken to the northeast like a seagull from the North towards the Tyne.

His lean build might not have seemed tailor-made for English football and, as he told us in 2019, "I had to adapt quickly to the style of play. was not so easy at first because when I came to English football it was very direct."

But he adapted. His fine cross and right-footed shot, combined with a never-say-die attitude, quickly made him a hero from the terrace.

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

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With the money not flowing like it had four years before, when Newcastle broke the transfer world record to bring home Alan Shearer (but forgot to insure him), return to South America to find more bargains like Solano seemed like a risk that just might reap dividends.

The first to arrive, in September 1999, was a Brazilian named Fumaca. Fumaca had spent the previous year touring England, being tried at various clubs, Colchester and Crystal Palace, where Robson's assistant Wadsworth had worked, as well as Birmingham, Grimsby, Derby, Watford and Barnsley.

Although he didn't secure a contract at either club, Newcastle welcomed him at Wadsworth's request, with predictable results. After his debut, The Guardian compared him to the infamous Ali Dia. "Fumaca somehow convinced Bobby Robson he deserved a trial in Newcastle. Memories of Graeme Souness in Southampton, conned by a man claiming to be George Weah's cousin."

Although they were utterly disastrous, the five games Fumaca ended up playing on Tyneside were not enough to deter Newcastle from their Latin kick, and in January 2000 Diego Galivan arrived from Cerro Porteno, then 19 years old nicknamed 'Paraguay's David Beckham' in the English press.

Gavilan cost £2m so hopes were high - and in April 2000 he became the first Paraguayan to score in the Premier League. But given his age and inexperience, everyone knew he needed time to acclimatize.

In an interview with Goal, he recalled his home debut against Manchester United...