Alex McLeish brought Rob Newman to Motherwell on a 3 month loan deal from English side Norwich City, with the option of buying him if he impressed. Centre Back, Newman made his ‘Well debut on his birthday (13-12-1997) and put in an impressive performance as Motherwell defeated Dundee United 1-0 at Fir Park, he would go on to play a further 14 games for the club in all competitions. The club had been struggling in the league, the Englishman proved to be a popular player with the support as he was a determined individual who possessed the strength and grit required to cope in the Premier League. Unfortunately for both Motherwell and Rob, Alex McLeish joined Hibernian as their manager and Norwich City refused to extend the loan period for new Finnish manager, Harri Kampman who didn’t want to purchase him without a proper look himself which resulted in no longer term contract for the veteran Newman.

Born in Bradford Upon Avon, Rob had begun his football career as an apprentice in 1981 with Bristol City a club whom he served so diligently for ten years, making close to 500 first team appearances as well as being the club captain. He got his break in the first team as an 18 year old when the club was in financial turmoil and had allowed many top earners to move on. During his career he would also serve Norwich City, Wigan Athletic and Southend United. Once his playing days ended he tried his hands at management taking the reigns with Southend United and Cambridge United. After a spell as Bournemouth’s assistant manager he would become head of scouting at Manchester City.

Name:	Robert Nigel Newman
Height:	6′ 2″
Weight:	13st 4lbs
Date of Birth:	13th December 1963
Place of Birth:	Bradford Upon Avon
Position:	Defender
Nationality:	English

Football Career:

Bristol City	1981	1991
Norwich City	1991	1998
Motherwell (Loan)	1997	1998
Wigan Athetic (Loan)	1998
Southend United	1998	2002

Well Career:

	Apps	Goals
League:	11	0
Scottish Cup:	4	0
League Cup:	0	0
Other:	0	0
Total:	15	0