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NUFC 1929/30 - Season Diary



June

05/06 - The FA reveal that they have received a £165 cheque from the Hungarian FA, but without any covering letter supporting the charges made. “The money belongs to Newcastle United," said FA secretary Mr. Wall. “It is their guarantee, and we have no right to withhold it from them on the strength of vague foreign allegations of unfair play. Newcastle United strenuously deny the charges, and they have said quite openly that they are ready to meet any investigation we may hold, but we shall certainly not hold any such inquiry unless the Hungarian football authorities make definite charges in writing".


Monty Wilkinson

07/06 - Reserve centre-forward J. "Monty" Wilkinson moves to Everton. A native of Esh Winning he made 16 appearances last season scoring a creditable 9 goals.


08/06 - A journalist from the Berliner Tageblatt who attended the match in Milan supports United’s case. He states that both the Italian team and the linesmen lost their heads and that the referee allowed them to hold, push and punch the Newcastle players. He also says that the referee blew for offside whenever Newcastle got into a dangerous position and made lots of other unfair decisions.


10/06 - The Athletic News contains a letter from a couple of ex-patriots who are critical of the way Newcastle played in Milan stating that they "are very sorry indeed to have to confess that a display of football such as that, witnessed by Newcastle in the match in question does anything but further the British prestige of football on the Continent".


11/06 - Frank Wall (FA Secretary) has received a cable from the Hungarian FA stating that they have posted a report to him. He has seen the press reports and reveals that he met three United directors last Tuesday who were very concerned and are adamant that there is "not the slightest foundation for the allegations". Wall explains that until the report has been received, "nothing more can be said".

Walter Wilson

13/06 - Walter Wilson signs for Millwall for £600. He joined from Peeble Rovers in 1925 and in four seasons has played 134 games. He took over as first-choice from Bradley in the 1925/26 season and retained the shirt until Burns replaced him during the last campaign.


15/06 - Mr Wall announces that the report has now been received and a copy has been sent to the club. The Hungarians are asking for an enquiry to be carried out.


19/06 - The United Board will meet tomorrow to discuss the report. The FA have invited Newcastle to make any comments/corrections and then they will decide what action to take. Wall says that in 34 years as an official at the FA he has never come across such allegations against an English football team on the continent.


20/06 - The Board meet for three hours and secretary Watt states that they have framed a lengthy reply for the FA which completely denies the charges. They have also stated that, if a commission is to be held, they want the Hungarian Report and their official reply to be published in full.


25/06 - The accounts are released and they reveal that the club made a loss of £9,962 last year, due mainly to the large sums laid out on transfer fees. The total revenue was £48,386, gate receipts were £43,000 and wages/transfer fees/other expenses amounted to £27,373.


Walter Gillespie

28/06 - Left-back Walter Gillespie (25) moves to Bristol Rovers. He joined from East Fife two years ago and although some of his North-Eastern League performances have been excellent he has not been as successful as hoped. He is 5' 8" and 11st 4lb. He made 9 appearances in total, but only appeared twice last season following Thomson's arrival from Sunderland.


29/06 - The FA inform the press that United's formal reply has been received by them and will be communicated immediately to the Hungarian FA for their observations. Once these are received they will decide whether any further action is required.


29/06 - William Carlton, who was listed at £500, appealed against the fee and the League Transfer Fee Committee agree to allow him to move for nothing.


July


08/07 - Hughie Gallacher is extremely lucky to suffer only a bruised shoulder when his car overturns in an incident involving another vehicle. His car is practically wrecked.


10/07 - The organisers of the North-East Coast Exhibition are pressing hard to get Sunderland to reconsider their refusal to take part in the proposed football tournament in September and October. Leeds and Newcastle are thought to have accepted, but Middlesbrough are waiting on Sunderland's decision.


11/07 - The Western Morning News previously published a story stating that the well-known Plymouth masseur and trainer - Fred Axworthy - was joining Newcastle but have now stated this is not true. The original story came from someone purporting to be Fred and was published in good faith.


15/07 - At a special meeting the Sunderland directors once again decline to enter the North-East Coast Exhibition Football Tournament.


W Carlton

22/07 - Merthyr Tydfil sign centre-half-back W Carlton (22). His fee was removed on appeal and he is 5' 9" and 12st 7lb. He came to Tyneside in September 1926 from Washington Colliery Welfare and has made 6 appearances and scored 1 goal.


24/07 - Organisers of the North-East Coast Exhibition announce that Newcastle have dropped out of the football tournament and it will now be abandoned. United stated that they only agreed to take part on the basis of Sunderland and Middlesbrough's involvement.


Bob Bradley

26/07 - Fulham have signed reserve right-back Robert Bradley (22) for £125. He joined United from Bishop Auckland as an amateur in November 1926 and turned professional four months later. His only appearance for the first eleven came in the 5-1 home defeat by Leicester in April 1928.


Ossy Park

26/07 - "Ossy" Park (24) has joined Welsh club Connah's Quay. Park joined from Darlington Railway Athletic in November 1924 for a £125 fee. He was an able deputy for Spencer and then Hill and made 65 appearances in total.


31/07 - Inside-right Thompson moves to Bristol City.


August.


08/08 - Stan Seymour denies rumours that he has agreed to play for Blyth Spartans in the North-Eastern League next season; he says he has no definite plans yet.


09/08 - The club, perturbed about the state of his groin muscles, send Andy Cunningham to see a specialist.


11/08 - Swindon sign F. McCartney. An outside-left, he is 5' 7" and 11st.


11/08 - United are believed to be concerned about their strength in reserve, they have sold/released a number of players and a lot of the reserves left are young and inexperienced.


11/08 - Hughie Gallacher and two other men are arrested for fighting in Half Moon Lane in Gateshead.


17/08 - Andy Cunningham has had to pull out of today's practice game because he has appendicitis. He will go into a nursing home tomorrow for an operation and is likely to be out of action for a few months.


19/08 - Both Gallacher (address Stirling House, Saltwell Road, Gateshead) and Robert Anderson (a barman who resides in Leazes Terrace) plead not guilty at Gateshead Police Court. The fight ensued after the pair argued about Anderson's sister. She has been missing for a couple of weeks and was last seen with Gallacher (who is married but separated from his wife). Gallacher denies being drunk or head butting him and also claims "my language to Anderson was perfectly candid, not foul". They are both found guilty and bound over for six months for the sum of £5.


24/08 - United sign a new keeper named Siddley following today's practice game.


24/08 - Director Jack Graham and United's Scottish representative (former player) Jimmy Hay watch Dundee United centre-forward Duncan Hutchinson in the game against Greenock Morton. He pleases them exceedingly; however, it is believed that the Scots do not want to part with him.


25/08 - United director Robert William McKenzie has passed away. He has been on the Board for thirty years and is one of the most travelled committee members in the country having scouted scores of players over the years.


26/08 - Hughie Gallacher faces more problems as he is set to be fined £5 by the FA. In 1920 the FA Council decreed that players contributing signed reports, articles or interviews which criticise other players should cease. Sheffield Wednesday made a complaint about Gallacher in relation to this dictive and their complaint has been upheld.


Duncan Hutchinson

27/08 - After lengthy negotiations in Edinburgh, United sign Duncan Hutchinson (24) from Dundee United for a fee believed to be around £4,000. A Fifeshire miner he started as an outside-right but was converted into a centre-forward and was the second top scorer in Division 2 as Dundee won promotion last season. He is a player of the dashing type with a good turn of speed and is clever and whole-hearted. A native of Kelty, he is 5' 9" (in his boots) and 12 stone. This is an interesting acquisition as although Hutchinson will help replace the void caused by Cunningham's absence he is a pivot and Gallacher has previously made it clear that he only wants to play at centre-forward.


28/08 - Rumours circulate that Gallacher will be placed on the open-to-transfer list.


29/08 - Hutchinson arrives in Newcastle to a welcome party of directors (Graham and Oliver), trainer (McPherson) and players (Gallacher, Maitland and Lang). He is a bit shy and refuses to have his photograph taken and is soon in earnest conversation with Gallacher. Shortly after Hutchinson's arrival Gallacher makes a request to secretary Frank Watt to be placed on the open-to-transfer list.


Steward blocks from Hutchinson

31/08 - D1: Newcastle 4 Man. United 1 - Gallagher is moved to inside-right to accommodate Hutchinson but Hughie is still the centre of attraction with a brilliant performance and a typical hat-trick. After an even first period first period, United score just before half-time and dominate after the break.


Hughie Gallacher

31/08 - Immediately after the game the directors discuss Gallacher’s request and decide they cannot accede to it and will not entertain any enquiries. Gallacher (laden with golf clubs) takes the train to Scotland. Before he departs he is asked if he has changed his mind: "No! The sooner I leave Tyneside district the better it will be for all concerned". He also, implying that factors other than football are involved, states a move would be beneficial for him as "a person and a player".


September


03/09 - The directors discuss Gallacher’s request again and their official stance is that they have not reached a decision. With Hutchinson unavailable because he wrenched his knee last Saturday, Gallacher reverts to centre-forward.


04/09 - D1: Newcastle 5 Blackburn 1 - Gallacher is superb once more and all five forwards score as United play amazingly good football, particularly in the second-half. The game is often more robust than necessary.


07/09 - D1: Grimsby 4 Newcastle 0 - Newly promoted Grimsby have started in fine form and are well worth their thumping victory in broiling hot weather. Gallacher is subdued by youngster Swaby and misses a penalty.


09/09 - D1: West Ham 5 Newcastle 1 - On another oppressive day United start impressively and take an early lead, but once the Londoners equalise United crumble far too easily against their direct methods. Gallacher was annoyed by an early decision and spent most of the match arguing instead of trying to win the match.


12/09 - Captain Hill strains a thigh muscle in training to add to United's injury woes.


14/09 - D1: Newcastle 2 Leicester 1 - The weather is dull and it is a poor game in which both sides play below their normal standards. United are inept upfront and Leicester lead until the last twenty minutes when Gallacher scores twice; the second just before time.


16/09 - D1: Blackburn 4 Newcastle 2 - United concede three times in seven first-half minutes. Gallacher pulls one back and United dominate after the break for thirty minutes before conceding again.


McKenzie will undergo treatment for his leg injury at a nursing home; Burns and Hutchinson should be fit soon.


21/09 - D1: Birmingham 5 Newcastle 1 - Birmingham thoroughly deserve to win as they pulverise United in the last thirty minutes.


27/09 - With Fidler proving to be a bit unsteady United approach Sunderland to see if they would be willing to sell one of their keepers. Their first choice is McInroy but they have two promising young keepers in Bell and Robinson. It is believed that Newcastle were interested in signing either of the youngsters but a fee could not be agreed.


28/09 - D1: Newcastle 5 Huddersfield 2 - The superior team at all points, United delight their supporters. Well-balanced, with the forwards, inspired by Gallacher, demonstrating excellent combination; it is a well-deserved victory and the margin in their favour in no-way exaggerates their superiority.


30/09 - Rumours have been circulating in recent weeks that Jack Hill is unsettled at the club and these were exacerbated when the captain was missing again on Saturday. Secretary Frank Watt denies there are any issues: "I know of no trouble. A lot of these stories get about, but Hill is resting because of groin trouble"


October


02/10 - Sunderland reject United's offer of £1,000 for first-team 'keeper Albert McInroy.


A McInroy

04/10 - United return with a bid of £2,750 and Sunderland accept; it is the record fee paid for a goalkeeper. McInroy is a native of Walton-le-Dale and joined Sunderland from Leyland in 1923. In seven seasons at the club he has made over 200 appearances and he played for England against Ireland in 1927. He is 5' 11" and 12st 11lb.


05/10 - D1: Sheff. Utd. 1 Newcastle 0 - Although it is an undistinguished game both sides have lots of chances. United are totally reliant on Gallacher and although he is excellent, he can't find a goal that counts. United have three offside goals disallowed and when Gallacher's effort is incorrectly disallowed it causes much amusement amongst the home supporters.


12/10 - D1: Newcastle 2 Burnley 1 - Burnley control the first-half and McInroy has to be at his best. After the break, United totally dominate and with Hill and Gallacher outstanding they go on to secure a narrow victory. Gallacher deliberately misses a penalty when United are awarded a highly questionable one. He is immediately surrounded by Burnley players who manifest their appreciation of his "failure" in no uncertain fashion, much to his embarrassment.


15/10 - Directors Rutherford, Nevin, Oliver and Oates, secretary Watt and trainer McCombie travel down to 42, Russell Square to attend the FA Commission meeting regarding their summer tour. They are joined by players Maitland, Hill and Gallacher and Huddersfield director Barlow (who had also been with the touring party). The Hungarian FA are represented by Dr. Nandon Fodor. After hearing evidence from the both sides the commission adjourns and then issues a statement. "We are of the opinion from the indifferent displays given by Newcastle United during the tour that the Hungarian F.A. was justified in endeavouring to cancel the contract. The match, however, which was against Hungaria FC, having been played, the money retained - £165 - must be paid over to the Newcastle United club. We are further of the opinion that the referee's conduct of the game was not satisfactory. With regard to the reports as to Gallacher and Maitland being ordered off the field, on the evidence, we make no order.


Wood comes a cropper as Hill heads away

19/10 - D1: Sunderland 1 Newcastle 0 - Although Sunderland are one off the bottom, the Roker Park attendance record is broken. They witness a poor quality, but incident-packed and often ill-tempered victory in which players are bowled over without ceremony, often going down in pairs. The ball is in the net five times (Sunderland 3, Newcastle 2), with four of the efforts disallowed.


21/10 - The Hungarian FA are not altogether satisfied with some of the findings of the FA Commission and are to ask for a full investigation by the International FA; a step which is unprecedented in the annals of English football. Their grievances are against the team in general and two players in particular.


23/10 - McKenzie displaced his cartilage during the Sunderland match and has had it removed.


26/10 - D1: Newcastle 2 Bolton 3 - United have the wind behind them in the first-half, but with Gallacher being badly missed they fail to take advantage and succumb to their first home defeat of the season.


28/10 - United sign centre-forward, Alfred Jones, from Lancaster Town. Previously with Oldham Athletic he scored 26 goals for Lancaster last season. The fee is believed to be about £350.


28/10 - The Football League Management Committee reduces the fees for Gibson, Maitland and Flannigan.


November


02/11 - D1: Everton 5 Newcastle 2 - Even though Gallacher and Hill are outstanding in what is a classic game full of enterprising football and wonderful goals, it is another defeat.


08/11 - Former centre-forward Albert Shepherd passes away (at the young age of 44) at the Crown and Cushion Hotel in Bolton where he was the licensee.


09/11 - D1: Newcastle 1 Sheff. Wed 3 - Wednesday are much too good for United who are dispirited and disorganised by the end of the game. It is a game where there was far too much "man" and too little of the ball by both sides. Needless to say Hughie was in the thick of the action and was spoken to on more than one occasion.


14/11 - A veritable bombshell as the Directors state that at the weekly meeting last night a written request from captain Jack Hill, to be placed on the open-to-transfer list, was acceded to. No reasons are provided for the request and Hill only says a move is in his "best interests".


16/11 - D1: Man. City 3 Newcastle 0 - Second-placed City generally overplay the Tynesiders in what could easily have been a much heavier defeat. This fifth reverse in a row sees Newcastle drop into the relegation positions.


18/11 - It is reported that the Hungarian FA have stated that United will be banned from playing in their country until they have given entire satisfaction for an offending term alleged to have been used by a member of the United party during last summer’s visit.


21/11 - The players and officials have had a "round table" to try and resolve some of their issues. Tottenham have made an enquiry for Hill and it is believed that the asking price is about £5,000.


23/11 - Stoke are also said to be interested in Hill.


Gilfillan saves a shot from Boyd

23/11 - D1: Newcastle 4 Portsmouth 1 - In heavy rain the Magpies are indebted once more to Hughie who performs sensationally and scores all the goals in United's first win since mid-October. His outwitting of defenders at close-quarters and marvellous trick of hooking the ball through the smallest possible openings has Portsmouth manager Jack Tinn calling him "the greatest forward I have seen".


25/11 - Newcastle sign versatile half-back Sam Weaver (20) from Hull City. The fee of £2,000 is a record for someone so young. He joined from Sutton Junction in April 1928 and has made 50 appearances for Hull. He comes from Pilsley (Derbyshire) is 5' 10" and 11st 10lb.


30/11 - D1: Arsenal 0 Newcastle 1 - In a match broadcast on the radio United finally win on the road after eight successive defeats. The conditions are not conducive to scientific football, but it is a thrilling game in which Hill and McInroy are superb.

December


02/12 - Reserve wing-half Louis Nainby (19) moves to Blackpool for about £200. A very promising player he joined United from Seaton Sluice at the beginning of the year.


05/12 - Former director Mr Bates passes away.


A mix-up in the Villa goalmouth

07/12 - D1: Newcastle 2 Aston Villa 2 - Despite a difficult high wind, third-placed Villa and United play a remarkably good game, this is particularly true of the second-half in which thrills abound.


07/12 - Wood is not happy that Wilson was chosen ahead of him and he requests a transfer which is not acceded to.


11/12 - The Board decide to allow Wood to be placed on the open-to-transfer list.


14/12 - D1: Leeds 5 Newcastle 2 - Normal service returns away from home as United lose despite playing their part in a splendid tussle. As the interval approaches a certain amount of feeling creeps into the game particularly when Hart is floored by a foot in the face. And after the break there are disgraceful proceedings in what is thought to be the most notorious game for unseemly incidents that has been witnessed in the top division for many seasons. Amongst the many incidents two players stand up to each other in approved fighting attitude and Chalmers and Maitland have to step in to stop McCurley coming to blows with a home player.


21/12 - D1: Newcastle 2 Derby 3 - United attack constantly before the break without reward and then, hampered by an injury to Hill, concede three goals in fourteen second-half minutes. They pull two back to set up a storming finish, but an equaliser cannot be found. United are guilty of persisting with short-passing which didn't work against Derby's "packing system" in defence.


25/12 - D1: Newcastle 3 Middlesbrough 2 - Despite heavy rain in the first period which precludes against quality football the game has a good many thrills.


26/12 - D1: Middlesbrough 2 Newcastle 2 - A thrilling draw which pulsates with incidents.


28/12 - D1: Man. United 5 Newcastle 0 - In atrocious conditions Newcastle are jaded and Manchester are dashing in a first period which sees United concede five goals. After the break (with the pitch a quagmire) the match is scrappy and drab. The referee is very unsympathetic to the conditions and whistles freely. At one stage Gallacher has to depart the field to change his kit.

January


01/01 - Fr: Newcastle 4 Corinthians 4 - Although the going is heavy the sides still manage to play some clever football in an entertaining friendly. The crowd also enjoy the unorthodox custodianship of amateur keeper Baker (38-years-old and well-sized) who also astonishes the crowd with the length of his kicks. The attendance is hampered by the rain and counter-attractions.


04/01 - D1: Newcastle 3 Grimsby 1

Cunningham makes his first start of the season and he dominates the game against the wooden-spoonists despite their very robust play. The first period is very poor from an attacking perspective but United dominate after the break.

Grimsby - SJP - 20,000

McInroy, Maitland, Thomson, Harris, Hill, Weaver, Hutchison, Cunningham, Gallacher, McCurley, Scott

Scorers: Gallacher, Hutchison, Scott - Coleman

Half-time: Newcastle 0 Grimsby 0

48m - A deft pass from Cunningham sets up HUTCHINSON whose shot from near the touchline goes in off the far post (1-0).

70m - Cunningham is the provider again for SCOTT who beats three defenders in amazingly cool fashion before smashing the ball into the far corner (2-0).

76m - With a backward twist of his head GALLACHER heads in from a corner (3-0).

82m - A defensive lapse lets in COLEMAN to score from close-quarters.

Full-time: Newcastle 3 Grimsby 1

Position: 20th


09/01 - Newcastle announce that Andy Cunningham has been installed as player-manager.


11/01 - FAC R3: Newcastle 1 York 1

Urwin shoots, but Farmery will block

On a snowbound pitch United are sensationally held to a draw by Division 3 York who defend superbly in a very cleanly contested game. Newcastle once again make the mistake of sticking to close methods in attack.


Jackie Cape

14/01 - United sign clever young winger Jackie Cape (17) from Carlisle. He is a native of Carlisle and won his place in the senior side in October. The fee of more than £1,500 represents a record for the Cumbrians.


15/01 - FAC R3r: York 1 Newcastle 2 - There are unprecedented scenes at Fulfordgate where many thousands are locked out when the gates are closed an hour before kick-off. The York side - which cost less than £100 in total - are unbeaten since mid-October and United have to come from behind in another tough game,


17/01 - Three Newcastle representatives travel to Burnley to negotiate for the transfer of Scottish inside-forward Joe Devine. Agreement cannot be reached as the Turfites allegedly want £7,500 for him.


Joe Devine

18/01 - United and Burnley reach agreement on a fee for Devine and the deal is completed in the early afternoon. The Scot is a native of Motherwell and joined Burnley from Bathgate in 1925 for £250. He played in every game last season and scored 11 times. At his best he is a typical Scottish inside-forward and is crafty to a degree.


18/01 - D1: Leicester 6 Newcastle 1 - Another disastrous performance in which the defence is riddled with a lack of understanding. United are 3-0 down after only seventeen minutes and Leicester could easily have scored more goals. United are out-paced and out-generalled for the most part.


23/01 - Third Division South Shields are still struggling to attract support to their Horsley Hill Ground and at a Board meeting they decide to apply to the League Management Committee for permission to move the club lock, stock and barrel into the Newcastle district. Manager Mr. Douglas states "we must move to Newcastle or seriously consider the question of closing down". They plan to ask Newcastle for their support and he argues that "we have no desire to compete with Newcastle United with whom South Shields are on the best of terms".


McInroy claims a Clapton centre

25/01 - FAC R4: Newcastle 3 Clapton Orient 1 - Teenager Richardson is the star with an excellent hat-trick in an incident-packed tie. The game lacks quality and is often crude; captain Hill is barracked during the game.


27/01 - It is believed that Newcastle will not support South Shields desired move to Newcastle.


David Davidson

30/01 - Centre-half-back David Davidson (24) signs from Liverpool for what is said to be a big fee. Davidson signed from Forfar Athletic and has been at Anfield for two seasons. The arrival of a new notable pivot may spell the end for Jack Hill's time on Tyneside.


February


01/02 - D1: Huddersfield 2 Newcastle 0 - In a hard-fought game which is not free from roughness United are well beaten and slump to the bottom of the table. Their first-half display is deplorable; with United barely getting out of their own half for a thirty-minute period, the home side could easily have scored half a dozen. A good deal of feeling creeps into the game and Gallacher and Goodall get involved in a hacking match at one point with Hughie coming off the worse. With twenty minutes left it looks all Lombard Street to a china orange of the game being drawn but Mangnall scores twice.


Tom Urwin

07/02 - Urwin moves to Sunderland.


07/02 - Newcastle Chairman David Crawford (85) passes away. He joined the Board in 1904.


08/02 - D1: Newcastle 3 Sheff. Utd. 5 - The players wear black armlets and the flag is at half-mast in memory of Mr Crawford. Both sides go at it hammer and tongs at the start but United's play is anxious and soon becomes disjointed and eventually they degenerate into a team of individual units. Once again United's defending is abject with the half-back line (as has often been the case) struggling in particular.


11/02 - Newcastle return to Saltburn (for the second week running) for their Cup preparations and once again Hill is left behind.


13/02 - A couple of shareholders are so concerned with the current state of affairs they have sent a letter to all other shareholders asking them to attend a meeting on 20th February. They want to discuss two resolutions: to request the directors to either call an EGM or to receive a deputation of seven shareholders (to be elected at the meeting).


15/02 - United were in negotiations to sign Wolves' left-winger Harold Shaw yesterday but he joins Sunderland instead.


McInroy claims a Clapton centre

15/02 - FAC R5: Newcastle 3 Brighton 0 - More than 3,000 Brightonians travel to Newcastle; mainly on five special trains. The Mayor and other leading citizens are amongst them. Third-Division (South) Brighton have already knocked out two Division 1 clubs in Portsmouth and Grimsby. However, the visitors disappoint and they simply cannot cope with the irrepressible Gallacher whose brilliance and opportunism carries the Magpies though.


17/02 - South Shields Football Club have been considering a move to Newcastle due to their poor gates. They asked for United’s support for the move, but it was not forthcoming. Consequently, the League Management Committee (who considered South Shields proposal today) state that "in view of the protest and opposition of the Newcastle United club the management Committee do not feel justified in granting permission".


19/02 - The tickets for the FA Cup match with Hull go on sale and there are remarkable scenes at St James' where there is an unprecedented rush. All are sold within a couple of hours and many postal applications have to be refused. Secretary Watt admits that he has never known such a remarkable and quick demand.


20/02 - A special shareholders meeting, presided over by Tom Edgell, passes the resolutions proposed a week ago.


22/02 - D1: Newcastle 3 Sunderland 0 - A deserved victory in every respect with every member of the team concentrating fully and giving their all for ninety minutes. The first-half is fairly even, but United take control after the break; youngster Richardson shows incredible confidence.


27/02 - Sunderland have enquired upon Gallacher’s availability but have been given a firm rebuttal. United have bid for Aberdeen's right-wing pair Love and Cheyne.


March


A hot shot from Gallacher

01/03 - FAC R6: Newcastle 1 Hull 1 - Hull deservedly force a replay in a fierce cup-tie during which tempers fray and there are a number of nasty incidents. United opt to play Hutchinson at centre-forward and it is only when (in the last 20 minutes) he and Gallacher swop places that any concerted pressure is exerted.


03/03 - The United party return to Scarborough to prepare for the replay.


04/03 - The newly formed Newcastle United Supporters Association hold a successful meeting at the Roma Cafe presided over by Mr. J. Walker. The number of attendees is three times the amount who came to last Thursday's initial meeting. In enterprising fashion they have negotiated with London and North Eastern Railway Company to run a special train of saloon carriages to Hull for the replay. Tickets are 7s 6d each.


05/03 - The Newcastle team have been getting plenty of relaxation and are in the pink of condition. Hill and the directors are once more on friendly terms therefore there is no reason for him to be excluded anymore. He will return in his favoured centre-half position.


06/03 - There is huge interest in the Replay in Hull and extra accommodation has been provided for 1,000 inside the enclosure. A half-day holiday has been granted and the ground is full over an hour before kick-off with thousands still outside. Included in the throng are the members of the City Council who supported a motion by Hull director Mr. Shepherd to adjourn their regular meeting; sixty seats had been reserved for their accommodation. An estimated 3,000 have travelled down from the North-East by train and many more have travelled down by motor and charabanc.


06/03 - FAC R6r: Hull 1 Newcastle 0 - Hull reach the FA Cup Semi-Final for the first time. United are guilty of some poor finishing, but are also denied by a simply amazing display from custodian Gibson. Before and during the game ambulances have to deal with many supporters suffering from the pressure within the stands. At the end thousands of fans rush on to the pitch and Gordon is carried shoulder high. Gallacher describes the keeper as a "superman" and Cunningham replies to local reporters by simply saying “we lost, you have a very good keeper".


08/03 - D1: Newcastle 1 Everton 0 - A bad game of numerous missed chances between two admirably weak sides; many view it as one of the worst games seen at St James' for a very long time. Gallacher is the difference between the two struggling sides.


11/03 - D1: Burnley 0 Newcastle 3 - Hill is back to his best against his former club and United, playing fast and clever football, are superior in every phase of the game. It is a well-deserved victory.


14/03 - The League Management Committee give South Shields permission to move to Gateshead. As it is in a different County (Durham) the Committee did not think Newcastle would need to be consulted. Although there is no official response a United director confirms that they were not asked and makes the point that the new location is virtually the same distance from St James' as Shields' originally proposed site in the East End of Newcastle.


15/03 - D1: Sheffield W 4 Newcastle 2 - United's mini-revival comes to an end at snowy Sheffield. United face a mini-blizzard in the first-half and they are overwhelmed with their short-passing and lightweight team being ill-suited to the wintry conditions. United only come into the game in the last half-hour when Wednesday ease up.


22/03 - Dr. R. Rutherford of Wallsend has been co-opted onto the Newcastle Board. He is the second appointee within the last couple of weeks as a result of the death of three directors since the last Annual Meeting in June.


Busby gives City the leadr

22/03 - D1: Newcastle 2 Man. City 2 - Hard, robust football is the order of the day as the two struggling sides put on a poor display. United come from two-goals down, but although they totally dominate after the break they cannot find a winner. Newcastle have neither the craft or the method of the old team. However, they are also unlucky in that the referee refuses a couple of strong penalty appeals.


26/03 - Scotland play England on the 5th April and although United asked the Scottish FA to take into account their perilous position Gallacher has been included in the team for the game. The club will leave the decision to the player.


29/03 - D1: Portsmouth 2 Newcastle 0 - Despite having the advantage of a strong wind in the first-half and attacking with great determination United cannot find the net and it is the home side who score before adding a second after the break. Teams know that if they stop Gallacher they stop United; the team is built around and too reliant upon him.


April


01/04 - The directors meet with Gallacher to discuss his call-up for the international on Saturday; no statement is released.


02/04 - D1: Newcastle 1 Birmingham 1 - Although Birmingham have a considerably weakened team out United need a scrambled effort from Devine just before the end to earn a point.


03/04 - Gallacher takes the largely unprecedented step of putting club before country and withdraws from the Scotland team for Saturday's game. Gallacher says "I play for my club and especially for the man who pays his bob".


05/04 - D1: Newcastle 1 Arsenal 1 - Despite Gallacher's appearance United's forward play leaves much to be desired and they are indebted once more to Devine who scores another late equaliser. Arsenal are hampered by the loss of their keeper for the last twenty minutes, but the increasingly nervy Novocastrians can only beat his replacement once.


09/04 - D1: Bolton 1 Newcastle 1 - A hard and poor game played in heavy rain. Gallacher heads United in front and then misses a penalty before the homesters equalise.


10/04 - The body of former footballer Alfred Brown - who had a short spell on Tyneside - is discovered on a roadway adjacent to Largs beach. Empty bottles of lysol and aspirin are found by his side.


10/04 - The directors and players are interested spectators at Brandon Speedway.


12/04 - D1: Aston Villa 2 Newcastle 0 - Newcastle strive desperately hard and match the home side in many departments however they are outpointed by Villa whose forward work is much superior. United edge the first-half in what is a fine exhibition of football, but it is Villa who score twice after the break as the increasingly rattled Magpies give away a lot of free-kicks.


Liverpool's Lucas tries a trick kick

18/04 - D1: Newcastle 3 Liverpool 1 - United win their first game for a month and it is a thoroughly deserved victory. It is very important, particularly as fellow strugglers Everton, Grimsby and Manchester United all win too. Consequently Newcastle are still only one point above the relegation positions.


McDonald relieves in clever fashion

19/04 - D1: Newcastle 2 Leeds 1 - Leeds fail to take advantage of a great wind in their favour in the first-half and Newcastle - who show the better fighting spirit - deservedly win. Hill gives a towering performance. With three games left the Magpies remain one point above the relegation zone and are still in deep trouble.


21/04 - D1: Liverpool 0 Newcastle 0 - Liverpool's legendary 'keeper Elisha Scott makes his first appearance for some time but he suffers a bad injury in a collision with Devine. It is a close game and the Magpies are happy to settle for a point. United are now 2 points ahead of Grimsby but they have a game in hand.


24/04 - Outside-right Dunmore has been signed on professional terms by Derby. The youngster was on amateur terms at Newcastle and has played for the Juniors and Swifts. United objected to the move at first but have withdrawn their rejection.


Carlisle


26/04 - D1: Derby 3 Newcastle 1 - Heavy rain (accompanied by thunder and lightning) throughout the game results in farcical conditions; the ground is in a shocking condition and there are lakes of water in various parts of the field. The conditions render United's intricate playing style impossible and they stand accused of failing to adapt. Newcastle are one of six clubs still in danger.


May


02/05 - United have left the re-signing of players to the last minute and they get a shock. Gallacher is one of the first to sign but big-money signings Hill, Devine and Davison have all refused at this point.


02/05 - Newcastle sign right-back David Bell from Wallyford Bluebell. Andy Cunningham believes that he could be another Bill McCracken. he is 5' 11" and 12st


03/05 - It is strongly rumoured that Newcastle offered Gallacher to Sunderland during the week. Gallacher says "I have had no official word from the club, but if they desire me to go to another club I shall certainly let them know my views about the matter".


03/05 - D1: Newcastle 1 West Ham 0 - It is a really poor game but the single goal from Devine, with only 16 minutes remaining, is priceless as it secures safety. A draw would not have been enough as the three teams below United all won in comprehensive fashion: Sheffield United (5-1), Burnley (6-2) and Everton (4-1).


05/05 - Devine re-signs but Hill still has not; there are rumours that Gallacher is on his way to Chelsea.


05/05 - Derby snap up another United youngster as inside-right Oswald Bowden (17) moves South. He has done well for the Swifts but is rather frail.


Ossie Park

07/05 - Newcastle re-sign "Ossy" Park from Welsh club Connah’s Quay. There is no transfer fee involved as he was kept on United's retained list. He has shown very good form in the Welsh combination.


Jack Wilkinson

08/05 - Sheffield Wednesday outside-left Jack Wilkinson (23) signs. He joined Wednesday in 1925 after rising to prominence as a schoolboy and was a regular in the side until the arrival of Ellis Rimmer. He is on the light side and of modest build (5' 5" and 10st), but is speedy, tricky and good with both feet.


08/05 - Hill states that "as I feel now, I am practically determined not to have another season at St. James' Park.


Ron Starling

14/05 - Hull forward Ronald Starling joins United. A native of Pelaw he turned down both Newcastle and Sunderland as a youngster. He joined Hull three and a half years ago from Washington Colliery and has made 87 appearances and scored 14 goals. He was keen to leave after being barracked by the Yorkshire crowd. he is 5' 10" and 11st 4lb.


14/05 - Reserve half-back Wilfred Carr (21) moves to West Bromwich Albion. Born in Burradon he has shown some promise.


14/05 - Newcastle Swifts centre-forward W Ryott (19) who scored almost 80 goals last season moves to Carlisle.


18/05 - Hill is the only player who United wish to retain who has still not re-signed. He claims that "recent developments" have caused him to withhold his signature.


20/05 - The club announces that Hill has re-signed.


Duncan Lindsay

23/05 - Newcastle sign Cowdenbeath centre-forward Duncan Lindsay. He has played 129 successive games for the club and has been a regular scorer in his four seasons there. He is 5' 8" and 11st 7lb.


24/05 - Hughie Gallacher signs for Chelsea in Glasgow. The fee of £10,750 is the highest ever paid for a single player. He will get an accrued share of benefit and it is believed has been well treated in other directions.