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NUFC 1900/01 - Season Diary


NUFC Review 1900/01 NUFC Squad 1900/01

01/06 - The accounts are published and reveal that Newcastle made a profit of almost £4,000 last season, however this has all been swallowed up by ground improvements leaving the club with a small loss.

15/06 - NEWCASTLE UNITED FOOTBALL COMPANY - The Annual General Meeting is held at the Hotel Metropole; everything is "color-de-rose" and there is a jubilant atmosphere. The Chairman, Walter Neasham, congratulates the supporters of the club upon the results of last season's play. They had not won any trophies, but their team had played with remarkable success. Neasham, Turnbull, Cameron and Auld are all re-elected. It is also agreed that auditor Mr Thomas Hannah should in future be paid ten guineas per annum for his services, and that he should also receive an honorarium of ten guineas for past services. Mr Neylon speaks of the desirability of strengthening the team to meet emergencies and he is informed that the matter is receiving the careful attention of the directorate.

30/06 - Lindsay's transfer to Burnley is ratified.

31/07 - Mole's transfer to Burnley is ratified.

03/08 - Aitken, Dave Gardner, Peddie, Ghee and Roger are all back on Tyneside and they plan to hold a billiard tournament on the table newly installed at the club offices.

06/08 - Mr Watt, the match secretary of the Newcastle United, has still a liking for players hailing from his old home in the East of Scotland. He has secured the transfer of another Leith Athletic player; James Laidlaw. It will be remembered that Mr Watt got Gardner from the same club last season. Laidlaw (23) plays inside-right or centre and is 5ft 10½in and 11st 12lb. He is a near double of Carr being fair and of the same build and features. He has the reputation for being a sociable, steady lad and the latter virtue alone will do good for him.

07/08 - The players commence training.

14/08 - Newcastle play their first practice match. They have been training under their old experienced mentor. Mr. Tom Dodd, and the men present a healthy, robust appearance with the exception of Fraser and Alex Gardner. These two players have both been indisposed, but they are reported to be making rapid progress towards recovery. Laidlaw - the new recruit from Leith Athletic has arrived in the city, and the attack of the Novocastrians should reach a high level of excellence as Peddie and his old colleagues all seem to have greatly improved in physique. Both Peddie and Rodgers have retuned from their native counties with charming brides, and it is not unlikely that these two capital forwards will now settle down for some time on Tyneside.

Allen and Burgess, the two Millwall backs who gained a high reputation with the "Dockers" in the English Cup competition last season reached Newcastle last Monday, and if Davy Gardner reaches anything like the classic form he displayed last winter, the defence of Newcastle United will want a lot of beating. In short, the team now looks to be extremely well balanced, and its enthusiastic supporters are already prophesying the transference of the League Cup from Birmingham to Newcastle. However, the odds are shorter than many imagine against such an honour falling to the representatives of the "Canny Toon".

15/08 - If the enthusiasm of their supporters goes for anything, United intend to make a big bid this season for the League Championship. These same enthusiasts say that Newcastle ought to have a senior football team worthy of the "canny toon". To this end they have been filling in the weak places of last year's team; the backs let down the United last season. It is intended to alter this state of things, and so make the team able to carry all before.

25/08 - The final trial match is watched by nearly 8,000 spectators.

29/08 - J Stevenson has moved to Bristol City.

01/09 - D1: Newcastle 0 Nottm Forest 0 - GREAT MATCH AT ST. JAMES’S PARK - HARD LUCK FOR NEWCASTLE - Although it is a pointless draw it is an exciting end-to-end tussle and there are several near misses and smart work from both goalkeepers. Despite playing against the elements, United dominate most of the first period and are decidedly unlucky not to have something tangible for their efforts. The second-half is more even, but there is still no score with both sets of players playing particularly well. It’s a decent performance and United did not look rusty.

Laidlaw arrives on Tyneside

03/09 - At the meeting of the League Management Committee it is reported that Newcastle United's recent signing from Leith Athletic, Laidlaw, was previously signed by Burnley in 1894. He played for them against Padiham and they still hold his League registration. United are censured for not having made reasonable enquiries and fined a guinea, whilst they are also ordered to pay Burnley a sum of £10 by way of compensation. It is not the first time that Burnley have done their best to take down the Newcastle club and the upholding of this bare-faced twisting of the rules by the Lancashire club by the Management Committee leaves an unpleasant impression on our minds.

05/09 - Fr: Middlesbrough 1 Newcastle 2 - A capital exposition of the game in which United’s winner is thought by some to be offside.

07/09 - United travel to Lancashire via Carlisle and Preston and stay overnight in the County Hotel at Lancaster.

08/09 - D1: Blackburn 0 Newcastle 0 - MATCH AT EWOOD PARK - Newcastle are loudly applauded as they take to the pitch at Ewood Park. It is an even first-half in which Peddie has a lot of terrific shots and Kingsley, who often heads out, is splendid. The pattern of play continues in the second forty-five with a number of stinging shots from either side but no goals. It was a tough and exciting game.

Three good men and true will be “laid on the shelf” for a time. Fraser, Gardner and MacFarlane (who received a kick on the thigh which proved a stiffener) were all fine recipients of Blackburn boots which were effectual in making a prolonged impression. Fraser's knee is in splints as he has a collection of fluid behind his hamstring.

15/09 - D1: Newcastle 2 Stoke 1 - THE TYNESIDERS AT HOME - The visitors play a short passing game whilst United use home rushes and are much the better side overall. United shade the first-half although the play is not particularly pacy and it is level at the break. The bugler gaily heralds the re-entry onto the field of the striped players and they are once more the better team, but Stoke defend well. The referee starts to annoy the crowd with some of his decisions and after he awards Stoke a free-kick (which they think should have been given the other way) they howl like mad men for a couple of minutes. Laidlaw does well on his debut. Burgess has struggled in the first couple of games and some North country expletives were freely vented on him. He performed better with his old Millwall partner Allen.

22/09 - D1: West Brom 0 Newcastle 1 - THE TYNESIDERS AWAY - West Brom are now based at The Hawthorns having moved from Stoney Lane. The weather is dull and threatening. The first-half is disappointing with lots of rush and bustle but not much quality. United are too slow in shooting. Although it is more of the same after the interval United grab a winner just before the end when, from a quick break, Peddie scores with a rattler

29/09 - D1: Newcastle 1 Everton 0 - VICTORY FOR THE UNITED - Notwithstanding the election fever there is a grand beat up of football enthusiasts at St. James’. The match is settled by a penalty. The Lancashire press continue their long-running attack on the Newcastle ground claiming that it is still "although much improved, the unfairest ground to visiting teams in this country" and that Everton's defeat was "largely due to the ground".

06/10 - D1: Sunderland 1 Newcastle 1 - RIVALS AT ROKER PARK - The two rivals are the only teams undefeated this season. Sunderland have increased the capacity of the ground by adding extra seating along each side of the field within the railings. Strong stays have also been erected on the iron railings to prevent them giving way as happened at the seaward end during the game with Aston Villa. Newcastle supporters start arriving at Central Station as early as 12.30 and the trains are overloaded. As play approaches either goal, the crowd on the stands comes forward in a body, there being a seething mass for a minute or two until each regains a foothold again. The first half is fast and furious and pretty even, but just before half-time a McCombie own goal gives Newcastle the lead. In the second forty-five Sunderland press hard for an equaliser and fifteen minutes from time they get one. Both sides hit the post and a draw is a fair result.

08/10 - Fr: Dundee 4 Newcastle 3 - It is the annual Autumn Holiday in Dundee, Fraser and Carr miss the train so are not available. The weather is disagreeable and it is a sparse crowd, about 2,000, which witnesses a fast and well-contested game.

13/10 - D1: Newcastle 2 Derby 1 - AT ST. JAMES’S PARK - United play with the wind at their backs and although it is an even and competitive game they score twice. The Magpies start to coast and despite Kingsley’s brilliance Bloomer scores fifteen minutes from time to set up a frantic finish.

18/10 - The Newcastle directors sent a letter of complaint to the Lancashire paper in respect of the remarks they made about the United pitch. They have received an apologetic reply but nothing has been published in the paper.

20/10 - D1: Bolton 3 Newcastle 2 - THE TYNESIDERS AWAY - As the undefeated Newcastle team enter the pitch there is a cry of "play up invincibles!” The Magpies are edged out in a hotly contested game.

27/10 - D1: Newcastle 2 Notts County 0 - CONTEST AT ST. JAMES’S PARK - The ground is in good condition despite all the heavy rain which shows the effectiveness of the drainage system. lt is not as good a performance as in recent matches, but there is a marked improvement after the break when United have the advantage of wind and hill. County are also hampered by an early injury to Prescott who returns with a decided limp.

The club have given permission for a collection to be made at the Liverpool game in aid of the Lifeboat Saturday Collection.

02/11 - Matt Kingsley is selected for the English League for the match against the Irish League on the 10th.

03/11 - D1: Preston 0 Newcastle 1 - Rain falls before the game and the pitch is heavy and sodden for the match against the lowly placed Prestonians. Newcastle play into the wind in what is an uneventful first forty-five. Laidlaw gets his first goal for the club and United hang on relatively comfortably. They are now second.

10/11 - D1: Newcastle 3 Wolves 1 - lt is a fine but chilly day and the pitch is in excellent condition with not a bare patch visible anywhere. The stands are packed with great masses of expectant, excitable, good-humoured, young and elderly men. There are about 14,000 present at the commencement, but by the start of the second period there is more like 18,000 in the ground. There is lots of short passing in the first-half and the game is interesting rather than exciting. Watts performs the duty entrusted to him in an admirable way making numerous good saves at the start of the match. After the break United, playing towards town, take control. The visitors start to rough it up a bit and the referee calls the players around and lectures the Wolverhampton backs.

Fraser has been struggling with knee and ankle injuries, but the energetic little winger will be back to fitness soon.

17/11 - D1: Aston Villa 2 Newcastle 2 - A BIG GAME AT ASTON PARK - A ding-dong struggle as fourth takes on second. The Magpies fight back twice to earn a draw. At one point a decision against the home side is not relished by the crowd who do not fail to give tongue to their disfavour. The second equaliser from Newcastle is credited to a number of different players. It might have been Peddie or MacFarlane or the Villa player Evans who, according to one report), ends up in the net along with the ball after losing his balance.

24/11 - D1: Newcastle 1 Liverpool 1 - NEWCASTLE DROP ANOTHER POINT - It is a gloomy day but the boys of the Wellesley Training Ship entertain the fans before the game. Liverpool do most of the pressing in the first-half in what is an even and entertaining game. By half-time it is already quite dark and you can clearly see people lighting their pipes. The second-half is almost surfeited with excitement. It is one of the best games seen at St James' this season and a draw is a fair result. In an astonishing incident Perkins is penalised for holding onto the ball in the area. All the outfield players stand shoulder to shoulder and they successfully resist the onslaught of Newcastle players who try and carry them and the ball over the line.

01/12 - Fraser is still very far from being well; he has abscesses and boils on his body and has lost twenty pounds. The doctor has ordered him to take ten days complete rest. Rogers is now back to fitness and is just waiting for an opportunity.

01/12 - D1: The Wednesday 2 Newcastle 2 - In wretched weather United start well and take the lead, but are pegged back before the break. They are decidedly the better side in the second-half and take the lead again only for Burgess to put through his own goal when trying to head away a long shot.

05/12 - For some time Captain Dave Gardner has been suffering from what was thought to be neuralgia of the face. He had an attack just before the game on Saturday and it became so painful the following day that medical advice was sought. He has been diagnosed with facial paralysis on the right side and his right eye is completely closed. He will be confined to home for some time and will undergo a course of massaging and electrolysis. "Nibs" has the flu.

08/12 - D1: Sheff. Utd. 2 Newcastle 0 - Newcastle’s colours are lowered for the second time after they fail to take advantage of a strong wind in the first-half. When the ends are changed they are quite unable to do anything despite their supporters urging them to "play up" and "not to go to sleep". Fraser looks by no means fitted for playing and debutant Scott only has a moderate game.

Laidlaw's probation period has ended; he has shown up well, especially with his accurate shooting.

15/12 - D1: Newcastle 2 Man. City 1 - The brisk wind makes it difficult to get control of the ball but Newcastle take the lead. At half-time there are scenes of wild excitement as the cinematograph fiends invade the ground. They are taking pictures of the crowd which will be reproduced at Olympia next week. There was great amusement as the telescopic instrument was leveled at them and they sent up volleys of cheers and laughter which made the stands a mass of fluttery white handkerchiefs. After the break there are a lot of fouls and one of these leads to the “Cits” being awarded a penalty. However, soon after Peddie restores United's lead from a free-kick and the players run to shake him warmly by the hand

20/12 - Permission has been obtained from the FA for a benefit for Ghee and Peddie.

22/12 - D1: Bury 1 Newcastle 0 - It is a stern and interesting struggle, but the Cup holders edge it with a goal on the hour.

25/12 - Fr: Newcastle 4 Glasgow Rangers 1 - The famous Scots receive a substantial guarantee, but their show is decidedly weak and disappointing. Crawford’s play for Rangers is somewhat rough and does not please the home crowd.

Most interesting Cinematograph views of the recent Newcastle - Manchester City match are being shown at Olympia, Newcastle and are attracting large crowds of football enthusiasts. The features of all the contestants and their movements are plainly to be recognised.

26/12 - Fr: Arsenal 1 Newcastle 1 - The ground is fearfully sloppy, particularly at the bottom end. Despite it being only a friendly, there is a considerable interest in the game which is fast and well-contested.

United are staying at a hotel at Colwick Hall whilst they partake in special training for Saturday’s match against the League leaders.

29/12 - D1: Nottm. Forest 1 Newcastle 2 - United have been on Forest’s coat-tails for the last couple of months, Supporters from the coaly town are much in evidence with a number of excursions being run to a match which is pregnant with importance. Although the league-leaders are the better side in the first forty-five it is fairly even and it is level at the break. Peddie scores with a beauty and although the Reds search desperately for an equaliser the Magpies hold out. lt is the best performance by the forward line so far this season. United end the year in third and they have games in hand over both Forest (2) and Aston Villa (4)

05/01 - D1: Newcastle 1 Blackburn 0 - It is all Newcastle at the start but gradually the Lancastrians start to get a foothold. The crowd are not too impressed with some of Mr. Allwood’s decisions and express their thoughts in the usual manner. The second-half becomes very ragged with lots of fouls and stoppages and the temper of the crowd seems thoroughly spoilt. Even a well-sucked lemon reaches a group of players from a spectator by way of protest. United simply cannot get their game together, despite the perfect playing conditions, and there is no more understanding among the men than one would find in a team of washer-women. Ghee suffers a gashed knee and a challenge on Burgess sees the studs go right through his shin guard and pierce his skin.

12/01 - D1: Stoke 2 Newcastle 0 - Despite struggling, the Potters have a reasonable home record. lt is a fast and even game and although Newcastle press hard it is a poor display from the forward line and Stoke’s defence stands firm.

19/01 - D1: Newcastle 1 West Brom 1 - United press consistently but have to wait until the half-hour mark to take the lead and the struggling Throstles equalise after the break.

26/01 - Following the death of Queen Victoria the FA Cup games are postponed.

26/01 - Morpeth Harriers right-back Robertson broke his collarbone last weekend and his club asked Newcastle if they would be willing to play a benefit match for him. The directors could not see a way clear to do this, but have donated £5 towards such an object.

09/02 FA R1: Middlesbrough 3 Newcastle 1 - Middlesbrough are having a disappointing season and are currently tenth in Division 2. There was heavy snowfall earlier in the week and as the snow wasn't cleared until this morning, to prevent the ground becoming frozen, it is in a very sodden state. The game is played at a frenetic pace and combined with the tricky pitch the game is full of free-kicks and ludicrous mistakes. After one of the homesters goals a Middlesbrough supporter runs up to Fraser and attempts to shake hands with him. The outside-left is not known to have the longest of tempers and the invader gets his just dessert when the Newcastle man quietly but neatly knocks his feet from under him and smashes his pipe. He is a bit lucky to have only his weed-consumer destroyed.

Frank Watt and his wife have received so many presents for their silver wedding anniversary that they do not know what to do with them all. May their shadows never grow less and may they never die till a dead donkey kicks them.

16/02 - D1: Derby 1 Newcastle 1 - A POOR GAME AT DERBY - Although the weather is brilliantly fine the pitch is treacherous; slippery on the surface and hard underneath. It is an even but disappointing game. County take an early lead and Peddie replies. Derby are unlucky to lose Lockie before the break, leaving them with ten men. Best moment of the second half is a superb combined attack involving all five United forwards which is thwarted by brilliant work by Derby custodian Fryer.

Fr: Newcastle Derby TYNESIDERS STRONGER IN ATTACK- A trial is given to promising member of the reserve eleven, namely. Daniel Rathson, who figured in the ranks of Willington Athletic last season. It is wonderfully interesting for a friendly fixture in which the honours are chiefly borne off by the Novocastrians. who are far superior to their opponents, particularly in their aggressive work. The attack is much better than of late with reserves Pattinson and Heywood playing with unfailing energy and success.

02/03 - D1: Notts County 3 Newcastle 1 - Although United win the toss they give Notts the advantage of the strong wind in the opening half and the home side score three times without reply. United have as many chances but dally and shoot feebly. With the wind behind them the Magpies only manage a single goal. Towards the end there is an unpleasant incident in which Niblo and Lewis get at loggerheads resulting in both of them coming under the ban of the referee.

08/03 - A presentation is made to former player Joe Rogers in the saloon of the Empire Theatre, in the presence of a large gathering of his admirers. Mr. R. Yeldon presents Rogers with a valuable gold albert and medal, suitably inscribed. One or two other speeches are made, in which the management of Newcastle United are adversely criticised for parting with the player.

09/03 - D1: Newcastle 3 Preston 5 - Despite recent failings there is great confidence that the Newcastle team can lower the colours of bottom side Preston and get their title chase back on track. However, it is 5-1 to the Lancastrians with fifteen minutes left and only two late goals give the scoreline a slightly more respectable look. Preston play very well and each of their goals is heartily applauded, but with the exception of a few unkindly spectators from Sunderland, the whole of the crowd departs disgusted.

09/03 - PRESENTATION TO MR. FRANK WATT. United’s secretary is held in very high regard by the press men and during the interval in the Preston match, Mr. J. B. Radcliffe, the doyen of the sporting press in the North of England, makes a presentation of an ivory-handled and silver-coated stick to Frank on the occasion of his silver wedding anniversary.

16/03 - D1: Wolves 1 Newcastle 0 - A VIGOROUS CONTEST AT WOLVERHAMPTON - Although the Magpies are equally fast, keen and strenuous in their efforts and play just as good football they are once more lacking in the scoring department. The game is not noted for any organised cleverness. United are now down in 8th

18/03 - St. James’ Park hosts its first ever International game as England take on Wales. Matt Kingsley wins his first cap and has an easy time as the Welshmen are beaten 6-0. The pitch mitigates against a good game, it is in a terrible state and is ankle deep in sticky mud in some places.

20/03 - Aitken and Fraser play for the Anglo-Scots in the trial match at Cathkin Park. Aitken wins many plaudits for a brilliant display.

23/03 - Fr: Newcastle 2 Everton 1 - A slow, uninteresting exhibition of football, only occasionally received by spirited and brilliant play.

27/03 - D1: Newcastle 3 Bolton 0 - A tough game is expected but Newcastle outclass the Wanderers in every department from the outset. Their tactics are quite irresistible and their shooting is both frequent and deadly. Bolton’s custodian Sutcliffe makes some miraculous saves.

30/03 - D1: Liverpool 3 Newcastle 0 - LIVERPOOL TOO GOOD FOR NEWCASTLE - The Magpies have to play into driving rain in the first-half which does not help their cause, but throughout it is a disappointing and lackadaisical performance. At times they are clever pedipulators but their play and movement is too slow and intricate. They also clearly miss Aitken, who is playing for Scotland.

30/03 - Rangers’ Neil Gibson has to withdraw due to a family bereavement and the SFA requisition the services of Aitken for the match against England.

31/03 - At the Lion and Lamb Hotel, Newcastle, Mr. Frank Watt, the popular secretary of Newcastle United, is the recipient of a spirit stand from his numerous football friends in celebration of his silver wedding. Judging by the many presentations that have been made in honour of his “long suffering,” Mr. Watt has obviously won hosts of friends on Tyneside since he left “Bonnie Dundee” some six years ago.

05/04 - D1: Newcastle 0 Sunderland 0 (aban) - full details to follow.

06/04 - D1: Newcastle 0 The Wednesday 0 - A POOR GAME AT NEWCASTLE - The pitch is bare of it’s green carpet as a result of it being trampled out of its existence yesterday. It is a wretched game, the worst seen at the ground this season.

08/04 - D1: Everton 0 Newcastle 1 - The game is played in delightful though breezy weather and in the first period the Magpies face the wind and sun. Despite this disadvantage they take an early lead through Andy Gardner with the homesters protestations of offside being waved away. Although the Evertonians have chances to equalise United defend energetically and whenever the forwards get away they are dangerous.

10/04 - Fr: Belfast Distillery 1 Newcastle 4 - A holiday exhibition match played at Grosvenor Park. The Magpies start slowly and after netting an early goal the Irishmen lead at the break. United wake up after half-time and a hat-trick from Peddie and another from Aitken sets up the preponderating score.

13/04 - D1: Newcastle 3 Sheff. Utd. 0 - SHEFFIELD UNITED DEFEATED AT NEWCASTLE - With the Cup Final looming the “Cutlers” rest a number of their crack players. United play against the wind before the break and the play is pretty even. MacFarlane scores in the first minute after the resumption and it is soon 3-0, after which the game peters out.

16/04 - At the League Management Committee Meeting a claim is made against Newcastle for £190 from Aston Villa due to having to play the game midweek rather than on Saturday.

17/04 - D1: Newcastle 3 Aston Villa 0 - United’s performance in all departments exceeds that of any other game this season. It is a marvelous display of scientific football combined with speed and stamina.

18/04 - AWARD TO THE LOCAL CHARITIES - At a meeting of the Newcastle management at the Hotel Metropole they discuss what steps should be taken in regard to the money that was taken in the postponed match with Sunderland. It is decided that half of the gate from the re-arranged match will be awarded in proportionate amounts to the local charities, less expenses, providing no action is taken in the matter by the Football Association. It is anticipated that the proceeds of next Wednesday's match will amount to some £800 or £900. It is also stated that the report presented to the FA by the referee, Mr J. Stott, attributed no blame whatever to the management for the riotous proceedings which occurred.

20/04 - D1: Man. City 2 Newcastle 1 - NEWCASTLE DISUNITED AND DISAPPOINTED - If results go their way the Magpies could still be Champions and there is a large band of Novocastrians at Hyde Road. City are uncomfortably near the bottom end of the statistical statement and once again United contrive to lose against one of the lesser sides. In an entertaining first-half Peddie equalises just before the break. But within a couple of minutes of the resumption Gillespie gets his second and although the Magpies try and fight back the hot weather starts to take its toll on both sets of players.

24/04 - D1: Newcastle 0 Sunderland 2 - Special trains are run from Sunderland and are well patronised. Special arrangements have been made to deal with the crowd and there are 17,494 plus 1,200 season ticket holders present. After winning the toss Sunderland captain Forster opts to play down the hill first. W Hogg gives the visitors the lead just before the half-hour mark. After the retirement Sunderland control the game well and R Hogg scores a second. There is some suspicion that the Newcastle players lay down to Sunderland, but this is not true. It is a hard fight and the vigorousness shows the intensity of feeling amongst the players. In the first-half alone four United players are temporarily placed hors de combat.

27/04 - D1: Newcastle 0 Bury 0 - The Magpies have a weakened team out. The wind is boisterous, but the opening play is extremely tame. Although United improve after the break they are very defective in front of goal and at the call of time the game remains a pointless draw.

29/04 - Fr: Glasgow Rangers 3 Newcastle 1 - At Ibrox Park, Govan it is a very fine, competitive game in which both sides exhibit some nice play. However, the Scottish League Champions are on the whole the smarter team all over.

30/04 - Fr: Heart of Midlothian 2 Newcastle 0 - The Scottish Cup holders win with two first-half goals.

01/05 - Tom Davidson, one of the full backs of the Millwall Club is signed on. He formerly played for Bury, during which he earned the reputation of being a reliable and clever player. He is 26 years of age, stands 5ft 10½in. in height, and weighs about 11st 8lb. The directors have also secured the services of John Peddie for another season.

03/05 - At the Football League Management Committee meeting Sheffield United are asked to explain why they played a weakened side against Newcastle. With regards to postponed fixtures, Bolton are ordered to pay United £118. The transfer of Davidson from Bury is authorised.

04/05 - The commission appointed by the FA to inquire upon the circumstances of the Good Friday disorder meets at the Station Hotel. They interview a number of United officials and Sergeant Potts of Newcastle Police and they also inspect the ground.

05/05 - THE GOOD FRIDAY FIASCO - Frank Watt receives the following telegram from the FA. “Commission find reasonable precautions taken for Sunderland match, but owing to inefficient fencing of enclosure and unusually large attendance of spectators arrangements broke down. Certain recommendations made for better fencing round enclosure, increased number of police, etc. Approve decision to give to charities, Newcastle pay expenses of inquiry. Full report to follow. The club have agreed to donate the whole of the club’s share of the last gate to charity.

06/05 - BURGESS SIGNS FOR PORTSMOUTH - Left-Back Charles Burgess travels South again having been secured by Portsmouth. Burgess has only been moderately successful with Newcastle, his style of play hardly being up to the standard of First League football.

06/05 - Fraser, who was off-colour in the last few months of the season sailed from the Tyne on Saturday (4th) on a trip to the Mediterranean. It is hoped that the voyage will thoroughly recruit his health.

06/05 - The full list of players signed on for next season is released. The League team: M. Kingsley, F. Heywood, J. Carr, A. Garduer, C. Watts, A. Aitken, D. R. Gardner, T. Davidson, A. McFarlane, J. Peddie, T. Ghee, T. Niblo, J. Cretney, and A. Caie. The last-named played formerly with Milwall and Woolwich Arsenal. For the reserve team the undermentioned have appended their signatures to the necessary forms: - G. Collins, E. Birnie, W. Wilson, J. Bruce, D. Pattison, W. Innerd, J. Littlefair, E. McIntyre, T. Lacey, T. Bamlett, J. Madden, J. W. Glenwright, and J. Raeburn. Madden is the late goalkeeper of the South Shields club. In all twenty-seven players are at the disposal of the club.

06/05 - United are advertising for new backs and an inside-forward in the Scottish Referee.

08/05 - The Bolton directors discuss the imposition of the £118 payment to Newcastle and vow to oppose it "tooth and nail".

07/05 - JR ROBERTS - Directors Telford and Auld travel to Birmingham to sign dashing outside-left RT Roberts from West Bromwich Albion. He was originally connected to Redditch and displayed smart form as an outside-left-forward last season being by far their best forward. Roberts made a good impression on the Tynesiders when he played at Newcastle last January he will strengthen what was a weak spot in the eleven last season.

11/05 - Numerous footballers gather at the Darnell Hotel for a special "leaving" presentation for Burgess. Former forward Johnny Campbell does the honours, with Charles getting a gold albert and his wife a handsome gold brooch.

15/05 - DECISION IN FAVOUR OF THE CLUB- A solicitor from Sunderland, Mr Moses Frater, summons Newcastle United at Newcastle County Court. He is suing the club for the 3s 8d that he paid for his rail fare and admission to the Good Friday match against Sunderland which was abandoned before the start of the game. Judge Greenwell finds in favour of the club.

17/05 - At the League Management Committee meeting Sheffield United’s reason for playing a weakened team is accepted and Bolton’s appeal is heard.

18/05 - Dundee fail in a bid for back Edward Allan.

24/05 - At the full meeting of the Council of the Football Association they accept that, with reference to the disorder on Good Friday, that the club took all necessary precautions and no further action was necessary. It is also resolved to pay an additional £250 to the Soldiers and Sailors’ Family Association.Sunderland’s appeal for half the gate money from the re-arranged fixture is successful and the Committee decree that it should be paid forthwith. Bolton’s appeal against the £118 compensation they were ordered to pay Newcastle is dismissed.

20/05 - PAISLEY PLAYERS FOR NEWCASTLE - EXTRAORDINARY TRANSFER PRICE - Representatives of Newcastle visit Scotland and sign two players of good reputation from the St. Mirren club, Paisley. Robert Bennie is a full-back and Ronald Orr plays at either inside left or right. The combined fee is a colossal £600.