He once completed a 90 minute game with a fractured pelvis following a collision with a police horse after one of his trademark sliding tackles

Linton supplements his income by working at his brother’s newsagents, delivering The Evening Chronicle to local residents on Tuesdays & Thursdays

Joe Linton rose from apprentice at a Gateshead chip shop to controlling the Newcastle United midfield

The son of whippet trainers Dennis & Audrey Linton, Joe is famed for his thunderous left foot and fearless mentality