Cole and Ferdinand shortlisted for place in Premier League Hall of Fame

Cole and Ferdinand, who both wore the famous number nine shirt during their time at St. James' Park, are among 15 players nominated to join Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger as 2023's inductees.

Nottingham-born Cole joined Kevin Keegan's Magpies from Bristol City in 1993, firing United to promotion to the top flight before establishing himself as one of the country's most feared marksmen prior to his departure for Manchester United in 1995.

While on Tyneside, he netted 43 goals in 58 Premier League outings and went on to win the title five times during his time at Old Trafford.

Ferdinand, meanwhile, became a fans' favourite after signing from Queens Park Rangers in 1995 thanks to a similarly prolific strikerate.

He was part of a swashbuckling United side dubbed 'The Entertainers', with his two years at the club bringing a total of 41 goals in 68 top flight matches for Keegan's title challengers before his departure for Tottenham Hotspur in 1997.

Also nominated are Tony Adams, Michael Carrick, Petr Cech, Ashley Cole, Jermain Defoe, Rio Ferdinand, Robbie Fowler, Gary Neville, John Terry, Yaya Toure and Nemanja Vidic, as well as former United players Michael Owen and Sol Campbell.

Three inductees will be decided by a combination of a public vote, as well as votes from the Premier League Awards Panel and past inductees.

Newcastle United supporters can vote for Cole and Ferdinand by clicking here.