12/06 - Newcastle appoint former Derby trainer Leach, he was one of many applicants.
07/07 - The accounts are published which show a profit of £652. Gate money amounted to £5,183, wages to £1,892 and travel expenses were £502.
08/07 - The club are carrying out improvements to the enclosure.
1407 - The play "The Football King" is being performed at the Grand Theatre and, to give necessary realism, eleven "practical footballers" from principal clubs around the country will take part including some members of Newcastle United.
01/09 - Fr: Newcastle 1 Hibernians 1 - The Scots score first, but Collins levels within five minutes.
02/09 - Fr: Newcastle 2 Sunderland 2 - The match attracts a large 8,000 crowd, but with a 6.00pm kick-off and the weather dull, both halves are shortened to 35 minutes and 30 minutes respectively. The visitors lead 2-0 at the break and new signing Smellie nets twice in the second-half to tie the score.
05/09 - D2: Small Heath 3 Newcastle 1- New signings Watts, White and Smellie make their competitive debuts against the Heathens who were relegated in 1895/96. Heavy rain falls throughout the first half and the weather is matched by a wretched first half performance in which the far more skilful home side dominate and score three without reply. A much improved showing in the second period brings only one goal in reply.
07/09 - Fr: Newcastle 0 Edinburgh St Bernards 3 - The Scotchmen start off down the hill and although it is a fairly even game they lead 1-0 at the break. Newcastle start to show up strongly as the game progresses until they concede again from when they become disorganised and lose a third in a twinkling.
08/09 - J MacDonald’s move to Sheffield United is confirmed at the Football League monthly meeting.
12/09 - D2: Newcastle 4 Small Heath 3 - A stupendous crowd has the turnstiles clicking a continuous music in admitting an eager public as fast as they can resolve. The barriers are lined with an ascending gradient of expectant faces and a row of long-suffering individuals perch unconcernedly on top of the palisading. The United players emerge first, but it is raining heavily and they run back in. Soon both sides are out with Small Heath fresh and gay in their brand new shirts. Although the rain makes both the ground and ball heavy, it is a thrilling match. United win the toss and elect to go uphill. They race into a three goal lead and miss a penalty before the Heathens pull two back. After the break the pace slows as the ground became increasingly heavy. Although the visitors equalise, Smellie completes his hat-trick five minutes from time provoking scenes of indescribable excitement, the spectators waving hats, sticks and umbrellas and cheering for several moments.
19/09 - D2: Notts County 3 Newcastle 1 - In lovely weather at the Town Ground United are behind after only three minutes. Although Stott equalises, Notts County retake the lead almost immediately. Stott then receives an injury which knocks the sense out of him for some minutes. Foyer has to go off on the hour and County win easily in the end.
23/09 - Fr: Sunderland 1 Newcastle 1 - A benefit game for John Campbell, unfortunately the match is spoiled by a strong wind. Wardrope gives Newcastle the lead and Wilson equalises just before the end.
26/09 - D2: Newton Heath 4 Newcastle 0 - The match at Bank Lane, Clayton is played out in a wretched drizzle. Although United concede in the first minute, the rest of the first half is fast and even. The home side dominate the second half and run out easy winners with Cassidy scoring a hat-trick.
03/10 - D2: Newcastle 5 Darwen 1 - Before the game a local pressman suggests "a little assiduous practice in shooting at the goal would not be out of place at this time" and Smellie certainly seemed to have been putting the hours in as he scores four. Dick puts United ahead in the fifth minute, but Newcastle fail to capitalise on their good start and increasingly sloppy play has the fans imploring "Wake Up United". They didn't - and Darwen equalise just before the break. With the crowd urging "Play Up United" Newcastle give a much better performance in the second period and it becomes a "waak over” in local parlance.
With Graham still out, veteran Scottish international half-back John Auld is signed on loan from Sunderland and becomes the first player to make the move from Wear to Tyne. Still bound to Sunderland he will play as an amateur and will be transferred back when Graham is fit to play again.
10/10 - D2: Newcastle 3 Grimsby 0 - For the game with the Fishermen the weather is not fit to turn a dog out and the pitch is frightfully sodden. The ball has already had to be changed by the time Smellie puts United ahead in the 20th minute. A significant number of the crowd leave at half-time due to the incessant rain and the referee consults the captains about possibly abandoning the game. They agreed to continue and Aitken scores twice.
12/10 - Newcastle obtain inside-right John Connell from Galston. It is understood he was recommended to the club by left-back Johnnie White who joined Newcastle in May and played alongside him at Paisley St Mirren. He will be given a two-week trial and should he prove capable will be retained. He has good grit and should become a sterling player in good company.
17/10 - D2: Man City 1 Newcastle 2 - The weather at Hyde Road is fine but dull and although the first period is fast paced neither side impresses with their shooting. United score twice and although City pull one back they hold on for their first away points in what is a major shock.
24/10 - D2: Lincoln 1 Newcastle 2 - A scrappy game littered with free-kicks on a greasy pitch. Although United lead at the break Lincoln seem to have saved a point when they equalise five minutes from time only for Wardrope to score a last minute winner.
31/10 - Fr: Newcastle 4 Burnley 1 - Heavy rain before the game and continuous drizzle throughout makes much of the pitch a quagmire. The visitors take the lead then United equalise before half-time. There is a very short half time (or none) so that the visitors can catch the early train back. The Magpies score thrice in the second-half.
07/11 - D2: Darwen 2 Newcastle 1 - Although a frozen pitch and a greasy surface make for treacherous playing conditions, it is a very vigorous game. McKee scores twice in the first-half for the Lancastrians.
14/11 - D2: Newcastle 3 Leicester 1 - Many fans seem to be caught out by early kick-off (2.30pm) and it is a disappointing crowd considering it is not raining for once. Wardrope opens the scoring amidst a yell of delight and then grabs a second from all of 30-yards. The stimulus of the enthusiastic cheers of their supporters pushes the players on and Smellie adds a third. It is very dark and you can hardly see at the end.
16/11 - Fr: Darlington 2 Newcastle 1 - Wardrope opens the scoring, but the Teessiders hit back to win.
21/11 - Fr: Leith Athletic 1 Newcastle 2 - Good work is done by both sides and the result is in doubt until the end, Newcastle deservedly coming from behind to win.
28/11 - D2: Newcastle 4 Loughborough 1 - The crowd is disappointing, indeed there were more at the Second team match against Jarrow last Saturday. This is partly explained by another bad weather day which is most unfortunate meteorologically. It is dull, damp and disagreeable, leaving the pitch in a state of unspeakable greasiness. Sawdust has been used around the goals and United play in light blue. This is the first week of the new regulations which means that referees are allowed to consult the linesmen. The Luffs have been struggling badly. Losing the toss, United play downhill in the first period, are soon well on top and lead 2-0 at the break. They double their advantage after the break and as the game finishes in comparative darkness the visitors grab a consolation.
31/11 - Thorntons Theatre of Varieties in South Shields (Union Alley) is packed from floor to ceiling for Paul's animated photographs that includes "Newcastle United football club at play."
04/12 - Sunderland want Auld back but United want to hang onto him until the end of the season at least.
05/12 - D2: Burton Wanderers 0 Newcastle 1 - There are not many chances in an even and stoutly contested first half and Foyers misses a penalty. Both sides are guilty of bad misses in the second half before Aitken grabs the only goal. And despite pressure from the home side Newcastle hold out for the win.
07/12 - Auld also signs on for Jarrow, he will assist them in some of their more important matches.
12/12 - D2: Newcastle 2 Notts County 2 - A real Red letter day, there is enormous interest in the match and a new record gate is grateful that it is not the usual pestitential weather. The visitors correctly name the lady and choose to play uphill first. It is a scrappy first period littered with numerous handlings Aitken puts United ahead but a County equaliser is met with ominous silence. The visitors, now the better team, take the lead before Wardrope restores parity.
17/12 - Newcastle sign two players from Motherwell. Centre-half Jack Ostler costs £100 with the player getting £10 down and £3 per week. Right back Thomas Stewart is signed on similar terms and attracts a £60 fee. Stewart is 5ft 9in and 11st 10lb, Ostler is 5ft 11in and slightly heavier.
18/12 - Burton Swifts advise Newcastle that they cannot play their scheduled match as they have been ordered to play their cup game with Walsall which was cancelled at the last minute.
23/12 - At the directors meeting they agree a £10 bonus for the players if United reach the Test Matches and an extra £5 if they get promoted; many believe they have a decent chance.
25/12 - Fr: Newcastle 3 Dundee 1 - New signings Stewart and Ostler both play. Although it is a fine day the ground is hard and frosty. The Magpies score twice just before interval and although the Scots pull one back Milne adds a third
26/12 - D2: Grimsby 3 Newcastle 2 - A North Eastern Railway excursion train leaves Sunderland at 5.55am. Stewart and Ostler both make their competitive debuts and on the terraces the Northumbrian trippers make themselves heard by various instruments of “torture". The ground is in a fearfully sloppy state and a gale is blowing so the game is not of a high quality. There is a good deal of rough play in the first half. Higgins is cautioned and Wardrope has to go off temporarily as his trousers are slit to pieces.
28/12 - D2: Gainsborough 2 Newcastle 0 - Although it is a wet day and the ball is greasy, both sides play like Trojans. United do most of the pressing in the first-half, but it is Gainsborough who take the lead. The pattern is similar after the break and United miss a penalty.
01/01 - D2: Newcastle 2 Newton Heath 0 - Playing down the hill the visitors have the best of the first-half, but it is United who are ahead at the break through Wardrope. United gain the ascendancy and Aitken notches a second.
02/01 - D2: Newcastle 2 Lincoln 1 - On a delightful day the visitors get a hearty reception, cheered by the less partisan portion of the onlookers, perhaps it is Christmas cheer or simply because they are bottom of the table. It is a poor game with United lacking effort and the opposition unchallenging. Smellie and Aitken grab the goals in the first half before the visitors get a goal back and the game drags its weary length.
09/01 - D2: Leicester 5 Newcastle 0 - The weather is terrible, with a snowstorm and a very slippy pitch. United are all at sea, but the 5-0 scoreline is a bit harsh.
There are reports that the Football League is considering extending Division 1 from 16 to 20 clubs. The resolution needs a 2/3 majority (22 clubs) to support it.
16/01 - D2: Newcastle 4 Blackpool 1 - It is clear and frosty and the red lines on the snow covered pitch look like anchovy sauce. As United enter the arena in Cambridge Blue there are derisive shouts of "Good Old Leicester" and the small boy displays his usual sarcasm. Although United (going downhill) are well on top in the first half, deplorable shooting lets them down before Auld scores just before half-time. In the second-half the supporters are in hysterics of delight as United plunder three more goals before 'Pool pull one back.
23/01 - D2: Newcastle 2 Woolwich A 0 - United travel back from their FA Cup headquarters at Talkin Tarn, near Brampton. The game is almost postponed due to the frost bound pitch and an icy cold wind makes it an uncomfortable experience for fans and players alike. Lots of players lose their footing, but Aitken and Auld manage to notch for Newcastle. At one stage the referee stops the game because of the amount of abuse from the crowd and secretary Watt has to intervene. There is an amusing incident when TBC shouts "it's alright". Watts is injured in a collision and suffers slight concussion of the brain.
30/01 - FA R1: Aston Villa 5 Newcastle 0 - Fans from Tyneside are in strong force at Perry Bar. Some 600 left at midnight on Friday on two special excursion trains and the good old song "Canny Newcastle the pride of the North" was aired on occasion. Before the game starts excess water has to be cleared off the ground using brushes and bucket. However, the pitch is still in a wretched condition, full of puddles and totally unfit for football. The home side are well on top in the first-half and lead 4-0 at the turnaround. In the second-half the pace is much slower and though Villa still dominate their attack has lost its sting. Newcastle play up vigorously towards the end only for Villa to add a fifth just before the end. The Novocastrianss did not play that badly and the local press are full of praise for their efforts. The club lost money on the game due to the heavy travel expenses plus the £50 bill for their Talkin Tarn stay
06/02 - D2: Newcastle 3 Man C 0 - Auld and Stewart are both out injured. Despite the fact that The weather is wet again there is a capital muster. And though a plentiful supply of straw and sawdust or some other substance has been used to absorb excess moisture the ground is still very soft. United play downhill first-half and have the majority of the play. Wardrobe is rendered “hors de combat” and has to be led from the field. Thankfully he returns a few minutes later and United’s fighting strength is once again “en regle”. Star of the day, Wardrope, grabs a goal in each half and Aitken seals the victory. Newcastle are in third place, 2 points behind Grimsby, but with 2 games in hand.
13/02 - Fr: Newcastle 4 Grimsby 0 - Promotion rivals Grimsby are second and it is a fairly even first half
17/01 - United recently signed Hedley, a young amateur of Stockton. But he has previously signed a league form for Sheffield United and they were not consulted. At the meeting of the Football League Newcastle are asked to explain why they approached him without their consent.
18/01 - The Newcastle players asked the directors to arrange a friendly with Sunderland as a benefit for Thompson and Graham; Sunderland are to consider the request.
20/01 - D2: Loughborough 3 Newcastle 0
23/01 - The Scottish FA pass the transfer of Miller from Kilmarnock.
24/01 - Frank Watt is reported as being in the running for the Arsenal manager's job.
The directorate hold a number of emergency meetings and they decide it is absolutely necessary to strengthen the team. As a result Kinsella, one of the best forwards of the Darwyn club is secured for £60.
27/02 - Fr: Newcastle 5 Leith Athletic 0 - Kinsella plays in what is a tame game in front of about 6,000 spectators . Although nothing of exceptional brilliancy is exhibited by either side the Scotchmen are outclassed.
Newcastle agree to allow Miller play for Kilmarnock in their Cup tie with Dumbarton.
06/03 - D2: Newcastle 2 Walsall 0 - Medical Students collect for new infirmary fund before the match. The pitch is in a terrible condition and soon resembles a quagmire. Fouls are unpleasantly frequent from the start and both sides are guilty of an unnecessary amount of roughness. in the second-half the referee draws the players around him and administers a remonstrance all round. Other incidents see Stewart accidentally kick Griffin in the abdomen leaving him in agony and one of the goal nets becomes detached. The referee also gets lots of abuse from certain sections of the crowd.
13/03 - D2: Blackpool 4 Newcastle 1 - With special excursion trains being laid on there is a large contingent from Newcastle. Although it is a fine, sunny day the ground is treacherous. The home side’s fans are confident before the game and their prognostications turn out to be correct. Blackpool start well, but United’s defence is strong, although they do not restrict themselves to drawing-room etiquette. Blackpool are the better side (they also hit the bar twice) although United also play well in a great game which is chock full of incident and played at a very fast pace.
16/03 - The transfer of Kinsella from Darwen is ratified at the League meeting.
20/03 - D2: Newcastle 1 Gainsborough 2 - There are derisive shouts of "Good Old Blackpool" as the United players take to the field and one particularly loud one leads to homeric laughter. Lennox puts the Novocastrians ahead after only two minutes but Gainsboro’ hit back to lead. The crowd show their anger towards the referee when an Aitken header is disallowed for offside. With Stern defence and palpable “roughing” Trinity hang on.
27/03 - D2: Newcastle 2 Burton Swifts 1 - Before the game there is a match in the Sambotee Cup. The players are excused the usual ironical demonstration when they troop out in light blue jerseys although there is some sarcastic bugling. The match is played in a hurricane of wind and as a consequence neither contestants show their true form in a tame game. Lennox once again gives Newcastle the lead within minutes and although the Swifts equalise through a wind assisted goal amateur Blyth breaches their citadel for the winning point.
31/03. - Fr: Newcastle 5 Sunderland 2 - The first of a series of evening friendlies which the club annualy bring their season to a close. It is also a benefit game for W Graham and W Thompson and there is an attendance of some 5,000. Sergeant Lowes and the police in attendance manifested an admirable spirit by providing their services free of charge. The visitors have not a good side out and Newcastle score thrice in the first-half and twice in the second before the visitors pull two goals back.
03/04 - D2: Walsall 0 Newcastle 2 - Both teams are at full strength on what is a cold day at the saddlery town. Although Newcastle play against the wind they are the better team and lead through Smellie at the interval. In the second-half Aitken adds a second from a penalty-kick.
10/04 - D2: Newcastle 3 Burton W 0 - A very easy win with Smellie kicking two goals and Aitken one in the first-half. In the second the Wanderers essay to make matters lively, but fail entirely. And itbecomes a very slow game with Newcastle taking it easy in the sultry weather.
12/04 - D2: Burton Swifts 3 Newcastle 0 - Newcastle play a disappointing game, their combination being at fault, and as a result the back division is busily employed.
13/04 Miller’s transfer from Kilmarnock is ratified by the Scottish FA.
16/04 - D2: Woolwich A 5 Newcastle 1 - On Good Friday Woolwich have the wind behind them in the first-half and after dominating score thrice. It is more even after the retirement, but the home defence is very sound. A very unusual incident occurs during the game, the referee, sending Newcastle United secretary, F. Watt off the field. Watt had taken a line in default of the appearance of the appointed official. He appeared to take umbrage at the referee consulting the other linesman, and the "gentleman with the whistle" did not consider he was afterwards paying sufficient attention to the game or treating him with due respect.
17/04 - Fr: Newcastle 3 Hearts 0 - Hearts are the present Champions of the Scottish League. The weather is wretched and the ground is very heavy and as the heavens open up once more after the break the pitch is in a terrible state. As a result it is a tame game.
20/04 - Fr: Newcastle 3 Paisley St Mirren 0 - The weather is fine and although the first half is well-contested the Scotchmen concede twice without reply. It is all Newcastle in the second forty-five although the failing light makes it very difficult to follow the game by the end.
21/04 - It is reported that goalkeeper Watts is likely to be one of few players retained for next season.
23/04 - "Bobbie" Foyers is to join St Bernards; his time on Tyneside has not been a happy one. His arrival a couple of years ago was regarded as sensational.
24/04 - Fr: Newcastle 3 Glasgow Rangers 1 - In glorious weather the Scottish Cup holders play downhill and are deservedly ahead at the interval. But the second-half belongs to United. The crowd are surprised by the Scotchmen’s frequent explicit appeals to the referee such as “foul there referee, for a push” and “foul there for hands”.
26/04 - Fr: Newcastle 1 Third Lanark 0 - The gate is miserably small as the Lanark team are not well-known in the district. Newcastle play down the hill and Aitken scores. Third Lanark put in a lot of hot shots in the second-half, but are unable to score.
28/04 - It is reported that not many of the players are to be retained. The club is well off financially and the directorate are looking to build a promotion team.
28/04 - Fr: Newcastle 3 Sunderland 0 - In the "Championship of the North" Aitken scores twice with Ostler getting the other.
30/04 - Fr: Newcastle 0 Edinburgh Hibernians 3 - The Scots win the toss and opt to play down the hill. It is not a good game and with United not putting much effort in they trail 2-0 at the break. And although they up the tempo in the second-half Hibernians score again.
The big Ayrshire player of the “grew” breed, Tom Ghee, has signed on for Newcastle from St. Mirren. He. Is a clever young half-back of great promise.
01/05 - Outside right R Allan, late of Preston (who still hold his League forms), is signed from Dundee.
03/05 - United sign Glasgow Rangers reserve centre-half James Jackson. The list for next season is currently: Watts, Stewart, White, Stott, Ostler, Ghee, Jackson, Allan, Aitken, Wardrope, Lennox
05/05 - Sturdy Hibernian back Tommy Robertson is signed - a fiver a week is his retainer.
07/05 - Those who have been dispensed with include Miller, Connell, Smellie, Collins, and Graham. Miller and Collins are thought to be going to Millwall Athletic.
11/05 - Johnny Campbell and "Wee" Harvey, of the Sunderland team, transfer their affections to Newcastle United, and will play for them next season. The Sunderland club benefits financially over the transaction, receiving £40 for each as transfer fees. The players receive £10 bonus and £3 weekly all year round . The signing on of these men has given satisfaction to the followers of the United club. During the summer Harvey will return to Glasgow to work as a fitter.
14/05 - "Dicky" Allan is made over from Preston.
24/05 - Centre-forward Tom Hume signs from Shankhouse - following Joe Forster.
24/05 - The financial statement of the Newcastle United Football Club for the season 1896-7 is issued to the shareholders, and the figures given therein form food for reflection. The gate receipts total £4,797, the League team drawing £3,899 of this sum and the Alliance team £898. These healthy figures are a sufficient testimony to the flourishing condition of the game in Newcastle. Of course the heaviest item on the expenditure side is that of players' wages, the League team costing £2,185 and the Alliance team £311. The net result of the year's working is a loss of £15 6s 10d, but it is gratifying to note that the old accounts which have been standing against the club for so many years have been paid off, and the concern is now in a thoroughly solvent condition.