Providing a link between the Newcastle United's of England and Australia is Chris Zorocich, a 32 year old New Zealand International defender. Now firmly part of the Australian soccer scene, having previously been at the Brisbane Strikers and Sydney Olympic, "Zoro" has had two spells in England.  He made one appearance for Newcastle on trial in December 1990 during the Jim Smith era, when Newcastle reserves beat Leicester 2-0. Although the Magpies elected not to pursue their interest, Zoro did play league football during a spell with Leyton Orient and latterly turned out for Doncaster Rovers before leaving England in the mid 90's. He did return briefly in 1998, for an unsuccessful trial at Chelsea, then managed by a certain Ruud Gullit.

Chris Zoricich

His career began with New Zealand side Central United in Auckland, and he also studied for and gained a degree in Economics and Accounting at the local university before packing his bags. 

He's also captained the New Zealand all-whites national team, and an injury he suffered last year saw current Newcastle Under 19 player David Rayner drafted into the senior squad for the first time for a tournament held in Malaysia.

Zoro turned down approaches from an un-named Japanese club and also the Auckland Kingz (New Zealand pro club who now participate in the Australian NSL alongside Newcastle) to sign for the Newcastle Breakers for the 2000/01 season. The Breakers then collapsed with financial problems, only to be re-christened Newcastle United and take the Breaker's place in the NSL.  

Biffa