But the Sheffield United coach – who spent some of the best years of his career at St James's Park – would be forgiven for wanting to dust them off for the visit of his old club to Bramall Lane.

While not officially retired, Speed, at 40, has no plans to play again, having not made an appearance in almost a year, his long and illustrious career as a midfielder having been brought to an end by a back problem.

Speed has since recovered, but having made the transition to coach during his spell in the treatment room, he won't be returning to the fray for Kevin Blackwell's side, though he'll be sorely tempted when Sheffield United visit St James's Park later in the season.

"If the game was at St James's Park, I'd probably be missing playing in this game, and that's no disrespect to Sheffield United," Speed told the Gazette.

"I was lucky enough to go back there a couple of times with Bolton.

"I'm really enjoying the coaching – the fact I'm not missing playing says it all, really.

"Fortunately, we've got a great set of lads here. They want to learn and improve, and that makes it easier."

Speed, signed by Kenny Dalglish, had his best years at Newcastle under the late Sir Bobby Robson, when the club challenged for the top-flight title and went on an unforgettable rollercoaster in the Champions League.

Those memories are cherished as much by the likes of Speed as by the club's supporters, and the Welshman – also saddened by the decline of another of his former clubs, Leeds United – is pained by Newcastle's plight, though he sees a bright future.

The former Wales international went on: "There's not too many left from my time there, apart from Harps, Shola and Tayls.

"I enjoyed playing and living up there. Whenever you ran out at St James's Park, it was a great feeling.

"Like a lot of ex-players, I was devastated when they were relegated.

"You remember those games against Juventus and Inter Milan, and the UEFA Cup semi-final. They're great memories, and I was lucky to be involved in those games.

"What helps is that Chris Hughton and the players have got themselves in good shape, and they're making a good go of it.

* Gary Speed is running next year's London Marathon in aid of the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation and the Everyman Male Cancer Campaign.

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