Newsome began his career at Sheffield Wednesday, where as a YTS scholar was present at the Hillsborough disaster carrying out ball boy duties. He joined Leeds United in 1991. At Leeds he played in ten games and scored twice (against Tottenham Hotspur and Sheffield United - the latter a crucial goal to give Leeds United the lead in the title decider) as they won the First Division in 1992, meaning Newsome was eligible for a medal. Norwich City manager John Deehan paid Leeds £1,000,000 for his services in 1994. It was the first time that City had paid seven figures for a player and he remained the club's record signing until 2005 when City paid £3,000,000 for Dean Ashton.