Now he says Demba Ba has joined Newcastle United’s Premier League hat-trick club – but he is still a long way off getting that No 9 shirt.
Les Ferdinand: “It’s a great feeling.
“To pull on the black-and-white shirt and play in front of an adoring public like that was great for me – to get a hat-trick is even better.
“I played alongside Alan Shearer in my last season for the club and that was a massive buzz for me.
“Demba is welcome in that club too, because it means Newcastle are finding the net.”
“The number nine shirt hasn’t been filled for whatever reason.
“But the emphasis is now on those who are still here.
“People like Leon Best and Demba Ba can stake a real claim for the shirt if they want it enough.”