03/06 - The Balance Sheet is issued and it shows that, having set aside £700 for returning St James' Park to its original level should they be required to do so when the lease runs out in 1904, a profit of £1,600 has been made. Gross Receipts were £11,446.
04/06 - The Annual Report is published.
10/06 - It is reported that Newcastle have secured the services of a prominent Queens Park forward who has done duty for Scotland in Internationals.
10/06 - There is a small attendance at the shareholders' Annual General Meeting. It is revealed that the Frater case is now closed and that United's share of the revenue from the replayed game will be distributed to local charitable causes. The new players signed on are confirmed as Caie, Cretney, Orr, Roberts and “an other” (whose details cannot be disclosed yet).
18/07 - At the Football League Management Committee meeting Grimsby are ordered to pay United £20 for the Good Friday match. The transfer of Rae to Glossop is also approved.
29/07 - On Tuesday week Newcastle will commence preliminary preparations for the new season. Secretary Watt has already sent a whip-round to the players and the ground arrangements have been completed successfully for training purposes. The turf was trampled out of existence by the thousands that promenaded over it on the occasion of the memorable fiasco on Good Friday. Bushels of seed were scattered on it in Spring and the turf has thoroughly recovered itself to leave an abundant crop of herbage. Training operations will once more be under the direction of the popular veteran athlete Tom Dodd; a skilful and experienced mentor in bringing out the best qualities of a footballer. Season Tickets have been issued and are selling like proverbial hot-cakes.
12/08 - At the Football League Management Committee meeting the moves of Laidlaw (Woolwich) and centre-half W. Miller (Belfast Celtic) are ratified.
20/08 - The first practice takes place in the evening in beautiful weather and about 10,000 witness a 4-3 win for the Whites over the Stripes. It is an interesting game, faster than normal for a practice and much enthusiasm is aroused by the performances of the new players.
21/08 - William Stewart, who signed from Queens Park, is to play as an amateur.
24/08 - A total of £20 19s 10d was collected for charity at the first practice game. The Northern Gossip Football Guide has been published including a number of photographs of local players in its 112 pages.
02/09 - Fr: Middlesbrough 2 Newcastle 1 - Middlesbrough's kick and rush tactics, with their long balls over the Newcastle backs, are better suited to the rough ground.
07/09 - D1: Blackburn 0 Newcastle 0 - A GOALLESS MATCH AT BLACKBURN - Despite having to play into the sun and a strong breeze in the first-half, United more than hold their own. After the break they mount attack after attack, but cannot do the necessary. Neither side play particularly well on what is a very hot day.
11/09 - Providing the ground is available, the Inter-League match between England and Scotland will take place at St.James’ on March 8th.
14/09 - Stevenson is transferred to Grimsby for £125. He joined from Derby for £250 in October 1898 and had a spell with Bristol City last season . He is 24 and weighs about 11 stone.
14/09 - D1: Newcastle 5 Stoke 1 - VICTORY OF THE UNITED - The club flag is at half-mast due to the murder of the US president. The whole team plays a clever game and it is a much improved forward performance with Roberts, who bangs in magnificent shots at every available opportunity, particularly impressing. Johnson flunks a penalty for the visitors after his confidence appears to be undermined by the crowd. He runs up, but then stops before shooting and the crowd in the low stand laugh and chaff mercilessly. The crowd's actions seem to cause Johnson's nerve to leave him and he flunks his shot, hitting it very wide of the goal.
18/09 - The practice games raised £17 15s in total.
Preparations are being made for the home game with Sunderland. Mounted police will be engaged outside the ground and the gates will be closed when the ground is full. Barbed wire will be placed to prevent supporters from clambering onto the roofs of the stand and the press box. This has been an issue at recent big games with the fans using the telephone wires to steady themselves.
Arguments over the ground continue with the club stating: "they have not on the whole shown too much regard for the game, or considered the vast amount of money which a big match brings to the Town on a Saturday".
The Barrack Road side is still a clay wilderness and the club are not allowed to lay down a shovel full of cinders for fear they damage the herbage. But it is an unsightly waste-ground and it is years since there has been any grass there. It is a dust-blown desert in the summer and an unfathomable bog in the winter.
21/09: D1: Everton 0 Newcastle 0 - A DRAWN GAME - A fiercely competitive and stubbornly contested game in which there are lots of furious rushes and both defences are magnificent. The home side are reduced to ten men in the second-half, but United cannot make the numerical advantage count and a draw is a fair result. Bennie picks up an injury.
23/09 - Frank Watt states that the rumours suggesting United have secured the services of Glasgow Rangers inside-left Hamilton are unfounded.
28/09 - Newcastle 0 Sunderland 1 - A STERLING GAME - The gates are opened at 1pm and a couple of new turnstiles have been erected under the centre stand. In the Gallowgate area the streets are black with intending spectators and another steady stream of supporters hurries over the Leazes. There are a large number of policemen in attendance (some of them mounted) and there are five or six men in blue at the principal turnstiles. More police are inside the ground under the control of Inspector Strong including a constable assigned to guard the press box. The gates are closed at 2.20pm with thousands left locked out. It is a remarkably fast game with play raging up and down the hill. Sunderland win on merit with United failing in attack where they lack pace and harmony of action and their shooting is rare and ill-judged.
03/10 - D1: Notts County 0 Newcastle 2 - VICTORY OF THE UNITED - On the day the Goose Fair opens a superb performance from United sees them deservedly win with two late goals.
05/10 - D1: Small Heath 3 Newcastle 1 - The newly-promoted homesters score early in each half and although United battle well the Heathens deserve their victory in a fast and exciting game. The crowd observe, impartially, any good play by either side.
08/10 - The Inter-League Board meeting is held at Carlisle and although the club is censured it is deemed that Frank Watt only committed a "breach of routine" in the process of signing Stewart. They had believed him to be a free player, but he belonged to Queens Park.
Ghee has conquered his ailment, but is not match fit. Bennie has recovered from his injury, but is also not fit enough to return yet. Newcastle donate £5 to the Cobra Fund.
12/10 - D1: Newcastle 0 Derby 1 - lt is damp and dull; there is a miserable aspect overhead and an objectionable haze over the ground. The Magpies lose a hard-fought and increasingly bad-tempered match in which the visitors defend very well. The only goal comes just after the break and United are unlucky to twice strike an upright.
14/10 - Fr: Dundee 2 Newcastle 2 - Dull, rainy weather results in a poor attendance at Dens Park in a holiday fixture. Old Dundee secretary Frank Watt walks the line for his team. The Magpies have a strong team out and take a 2-0 lead just after the break but the Scotchmen fight back.
19/10 - D1: Sheff. Wed. 0 Newcastle 0 - Peddie is out with a bruised heel and United spring a surprise by using reserve centre-half Birnie at centre-forward after he scored all four goals in the "A" Team victory over Burton Albion last Saturday. With half-back Caie also in the attack it is a blunt display in a poor game on a heavy and sodden pitch.
23/10 - Fr: Newcastle 4 Middlesbrough 1 - A friendly played in aid of those left forlorn and in some cases absolutely destitute through the appalling disaster to HM torpedo destroyer Cobra. It is not a particularly good day to play the game as it is the final day’s racing at Gosforth Park racecourse.
26/10 - D1: Newcastle 8 Notts County 0 - Kick-off is fifteen minutes early to allow the Lambs to catch a convenient train back home, but the visitors look like they have never arrived. The Novocastrian Magpies record their record victory in a remarkably one-sided game in which Peddie scores the first three and then Orr scores the next four before Roberts adds an eighth with the last kick. United hit the bar twice and it could easily have been more.
31/10 - SERIOUS LOSS FOR SCOTLAND - MCCOLL GOING TO NEWCASTLE - R. S. McColl is signed from the famous Queen's Park Club, Glasgow with United succeeding when all others have failed, for the Glaswegian has been a much sought-for man. The player has been in a business of his own in Glasgow as an accountant, and in the latter capacity and as cashier he will act for the firm of Messrs Newton & Company, Westgate Road, Newcastle. He is about 25 years old, his height probably 5 feet 10 inches, and well and proportionately built. A Scottish international who has appeared thrice against England, he has always figured in the centre-forward position in international matches, but of late he has been playing inside left for Queen's Park.
02/11 - D1: Bolton 3 Newcastle 1 - The Boltonians start well and are much the better side. They play the more scientific football, put United under a lot of pressure and win deservedly.
Alec Gardner has gone down with scarlet fever.
09/11 - D1: Newcastle 3 Man. City 0 - Despite the heavy pitch the play is fast and although United take a while to get going they do most of the pressing. City have their moments, but Kingsley is superb as usual and is always quick to spot any danger. New signing McColl is not overburdened with passes and is fouled a lot, but impresses with his short passing and powerful, accurate shooting.
14/11 - Macfarlane moves to Dundee. He is a smart, clever player but his cleverness really retarded him at times and caused him to do pretty things with the ball which however did not get gain.
16/11 - The match at Wolverhampton is postponed due to fog.
A prominent local goalkeeper, whose luck was once proverbial has not been going so well amongst the gee-gees recently.
23/11 - D1: Newcastle 1 Liverpool 0 - The Pudlians are league Champions and it is an exciting and even game full of constant dash. Challenging for the ball both Caie and Batterthwaite collide with the boardings surrounding the field and the Liverpool man requires treatment from the doctor after suffering a severe cut to his eye. Just after the hour McColl lets fly with a hefty shot which looks like it is going over but sails in above Perkins' outstretched hands for the only goal. The ball, which had to be changed during the first-half, gets stuck on the roof of the press box and ball number three has to be requisitioned.
28/11 - A CUMBERLAND PLAYER FOR NEWCASTLE UNITED - Newcastle sign Workington Black Diamonds’ captain “Jack” Graham. He is a well built outside-left and gave a splendid display in a trial game with the “A” Team last Saturday week. Another Diamonds player, Cretney, also played in what was his second trial game on Tyneside. Newcastle have agreed to play a friendly in Cumberland.
30/11 - D1: Newcastle 5 Grimsby 1 - The Fishermen have been very poor away from home this season and the Magpies are expected to win. Peddie grabs a hat-trick in an easy game which flags considerably at times with play very slow on occasions.
McColl’s tendons behind his right knee were torn away during the game with Grimsby. He is likely to be missing for some time.
07/12 - D1: Aston Villa 0 Newcastle 0 - It is a well contested game with both teams going for all they are worth and narrow escapes at both ends. United slightly have the upper hand in the first-half but the homesters are on top for most of the second.
14/12 - D1: Newcastle 1 Sheff. United 1 - A disappointing game spoilt by a stiff northeasterly breeze. The visitors have the advantage of wind and hill in the first half: the Magpies forwards (particularly Peddie) are regularly caught offside and the crowd are not best suited. Towards the end of the game a section of the crowd, who always make their minds up early, begin to file out of the ground.
20/12 - The directors have sent McColl to Mr. Allison's famous establishment, Matlock House in Manchester, for treatment on his injury. Mr Newton - who owns the firm he works for - has generously given him leave of absence. Alec Gardner came out of hospital on Monday last and will spend some time recuperating at home in Leith.
26/12 - D1: Derby 1 Newcastle 0 - A bitterly disappointing display in which the Magpies’ shooting is vile, utterly vile. Despite the fact that the ground is heavy and lifting, United stick to their short passing game which is a mistake.
28/12 - D1: Newcastle 1 Bury 1 - It is a decent game with both sides trying their best despite the wretched state of the pitch. Bury play the better football, but let themselves down in front of goal. United take the lead when Roberts takes a shot. It is not particularly hard and straight at the keeper, but when Montgomery bends down to pick it up he lets it slip through his hands for a soft one. Niblo is not having a particularly good game and when he puts in a poor shot the crowd did not take his failure with very good grace.
01/01 - Fr: Newcastle 2 Third Lanark 1 - Ghee's opener is cancelled out by a very soft goal before a penalty from Veitch wins the match.
02/01 - Fr: Newcastle 2 Corinthians 2 - Despite the heavy ground it is a good even game. The Magpies take the lead twice through Veitch and Roberts but on each occasion the amateurs reply almost immediately.
04/01 - D1: Newcastle 0 Blackburn 3 - Blackburn display all round superiority in a game where United’s attack is weak and the shooting is vile. Roberts sums it all up when he misses wretchedly at the end of the game.
08/01 - Newcastle have signed John Rutherford, the smart outside right forward of Willington Athletic. He is a trim built athlete with a good turn of speed and impressed against Newcastle “A” a couple of weeks ago.
08/01 - Peddie is sent to Matlock House for treatment on his bad knee; McColl is already at the hydro.
08/01 - Newcastle Chairman Neasham dies aged 73.
10/01 - Alec Gardner is back in training. He left Walker Hospital just before Christmas and has completely recovered from the attack of fever.
10/01 - Four years after joining from Linthouse, Niblo is transferred to Aston Villa. The transfer takes place at Crewe, where Newcastle break their journey to the Potteries. He is 23, measures 5ft 9in and weighs just under 12 stone. Very clever on the ball he has played in all forward positions for the Magpies. His weakness is hanging on to the ball for too long when he should pass and attempting rather too much on his own.
11/01 - D1: Stoke 0 Newcastle 0 - The Stoke players are only just recovered from food poisoning suffered during the week. Newcastle’s forward line is missing Peddie and Roberts as well as long-term absentee McColl. It is a poor game in which both teams work hard but the forward work lacks finish. Stoke lose Leech to a broken nose and play one at the back; but rather than take advantage the United forwards keep getting caught offside.
12/01 - The Newcastle Party (including secretary Watt and trainer Dodds) arrive at the Sun Inn, Warkworth, to start two weeks of FA Cup training.
13/01 - Jock Peddie is ordered to have complete rest due to his swollen knee.
18/01 - D1: Newcastle 1 Everton 1 - Everton are in second behind Sunderland. It is a much better performance than of late and the first period is splendidly contested although both defences are solid. Young puts the visitors ahead and Roberts equalises just before the end after a scrimmage.
20/01 - The club announce that they are to play Celtic at Berwick on March 13th to celebrate their coming-of-age. It is planned to have a smoker after the match and arrangements will be made to allow workmen an hours grace to see the game.
25/01 - FA R1: Woolwich Arsenal 0 Newcastle 2 - Woolwich are in Division 2. Peddie is fit again and Aitken is recalled too. Conditions are favourable and fast play ensues but the defences are on top. Veitch and Gardner score in the last twenty minutes
26/01 - The Newcastle party return to Warkworth.
29/01 - It is reported that Newcastle are interested in buying a new centre forward. He is of the bustling type of player, but withal speedy and clever; however particulars cannot be divulged.
30/01 - Admission charges will be doubled for the Cup game with a minimum price of one shilling.
01/02 - D1: Newcastle 2 Small Heath 0 - The ground had been covered by straw to protect it from frost but it is still slippery. The first half is pretty quiet although Newcastle do most of the attacking. United up the tempo in the second period and find the net twice. They should have scored more against a poor side but their shooting was weak.
03/02 - Kingsley is selected for the English League side to play against the Scottish League at Newcastle on March 8th.
04/02 - It is reported that McColl may return to the - less exacting - Scottish League due to his injury problems.
United move to Alnwick for special training and to use the salt water baths. They are also taking a daily bathe in the sea. They are joined by McColl.
McColl is on the shelf once more. An abcess has appeared behind his knee and he is receiving treatment at Grasham House in Manchester where he is being looked after by Dr Vickery.
08/02 - Due to a heavy fall of snow in the early hours gangs of men are employed to clear the pitch, but due to the blinding snow the match is postponed.
12/02 - FA R2: Newcastle 1 Sunderland 0 - Although the match is being played on a Wednesday afternoon the ground has been thoroughly overhauled and repairs have been made in anticipation of a record crowd. The gates are opened (at 1pm) two hours before kick-off. There is a significant police presence with 70 unmounted constables and six mounted constables and a reserve force of 30 more on standby. All the tickets have been sold for the reserved seats in the directors stand (280) and a succession of fifty trains travel from Sunderland and other Durham stations. The crowd passes the time before the game by singing "Dolly Grey” and other popular ditties. The referee missed his connection at York and almost misses the start of the game. lt is a fine crisp day and although the ground is as hard as adamant a covering of snow gives some assistance to the players foothold. The game starts at a great pace as both sides struggle gamely on the frostbound pitch. Tempers start to fray and Caie is cautioned for a wanton foul when the whistle had gone. Orr scores the only goal in the 89th minute. £1358 6s 1d is taken in gate money for what is a record gate for the North. It is United’s best performance so far this season.
15/02 - D1: Newcastle 2 The Wednesday 1 - Although The Magpies lead 2-0 after only three minutes and go on to win Wednesday are probably the better side overall. They change ends without leaving the field so the visitors can catch the early train home
21/02 - The ground is covered in straw and for the last two nights tons of iron coke have been burnt in iron grates in order to remove the ice from the turf and the fires will be kept alight until tomorrow when sixty loads of sand will be laid down to make going as good as possible.
22/02 - FA R3: Newcastle 1 Sheff. United. 1 - The ground preparations have not worked out at all as heavy rain couldn’t drain into the ground because of the straw and the addition of the sand has produced a surface that is soft as pulp. The pace is remarkably fast considering. McColl makes a welcome return from injury after almost three months on the sidelines, albeit with his knee swathed in bandages. The visitors are the better side up to the break and Newcastle thereafter, with the crowd not being happy with some of the Sheffielder's safety tactics. The gate receipts amount to £1,335.
27/02 - FA R3r: Sheff. United. 2 Newcastle 1 - TREMENDOUS FOOTBALL IN THE MUD - There are about 700 excursionists from Newcastle. Although heavy rain yesterday has left the ground very heavy the Blades play with wonderful skill and dash, overshadowing the Tynesiders in their combination and strategy.
01/03 - D1: Newcastle 4 Bolton 1 - TYNESIDERS IN BRILLIANT FORM - Orr is absent due to the death of his mother. Upon a thoroughly sound turf Newcastle demonstrate their prowess as exponents of pure scientific football. They co-operate together with remarkable skill and cleverness and they are immensely superior in their footwork, speed and shooting accuracy. McColl is superb and teenager Rutherford impresses on his debut.
05/03 - Fr: Alnwick St. James’ 0 Newcastle 4 - A match played to give a fillip to the game in the ducal town. Places of business are closed and the match at St. James’ Park draws the biggest crowd ever assembled for a football game in the town. Newcastle take it easy in the first-half before scoring four following the turnaround. After the game the teams enjoy an excellent knife and fork tea at the Star Hotel.
08/03 - D1: Manchester C 2 Newcastle 0 - McColl (leg strain) and Orr are injured and Kingsley is playing in the Inter-League match. Although the Mancunians have been at the foot of the table throughout the season they play with commendable dash and go. United’s re-arranged frontline with Alex Gardner as pivot is a failure.
08/03 - The Inter-League match between England and Scotland is played at St. James’ Park for the first time. The crowd of 10,894 witnesses a 6-3 victory for the English.
10/03 - D1: Wolverhampton 3 Newcastle 0 - DEFEAT OF THE NORTHUMBRIANS - In the first-half Newcastle play a very erratic game and concede twice. They are better after the break but the homesters score again just before the end.
13/03 - Fr: Celtic 4 Newcastle 2 - Played at Berwick Cricket ground, this ehibition game was arranged by local side Berwick Rangers to celebrate the 21st anniversary of their establishment.
15/03 - D1: Newcastle 3 Wolves 1 - TABLES TURNED - A schoollboy match is played before the game for which a number of injuries brings another re jig. There is a stiff breeze favouring the side with hill advantage and having correctly predicted the toss Aitken takes advantage of. Rutherford scores his first goal and the crowd howl in indignation when the referee refuses to award a penalty for a clear foul on Graham. And when the official awards a penalty to Wolves soon after when Aitken accidentally handles a very emphatic howl is set up. The howling continues unabated as Pheasant takes the kick which transforms into frenzied delight when Kingsley tips it over the bar. Veitch and a second from Rutherford make it 3-0 before Beats Pulls one back.
Aitken and Orr are selected for the Anglo-Scots team in the trial game.
19/03 - D1: Nottm Forest 0 Newcastle 2 - VICTORY OF THE NEWCASTLE TEAM - Two goals in fifteen minutes from Aitken and Pattison see off the Foresters. United move up to third.
22/03 - D1: Liverpool 0 Newcastle 1 - VICTORY OF THE TYNESIDERS - The Lancastrians are doing remarkably badly this season after winning the League last year. The pace is warm throughout the match at Anfield Road with both sides putting in some excellent work. Orr heads in the only goal.
28/03 - D1: Grimsby 3 Newcastle 0 - For the Good Friday match Newcastle are strengthened by the return of McColl and Roberts. Dave Gardner misses the whole of the second-half after suffering a nasty foot injury and the Grimbarians end up winning decisively. Newcastle have two goals controversially disallowed.
31/03 - D1: Sunderland 0 Newcastle 0 - The gates are opened at 1.30pm for the 3.15pm kick-off as a mammoth, record for Sunderland, crowd of almost 35,000 gathers at Roker Park. 5,469 passengers made bookings from Newcastle. The “Prince of Referees” John Lewis misses his connection at Harrogate and Mr. Boldison from Stockton has to step in. The first-half is poor with neither custodian having much to do. After the change of ends Sunderland are much the better side and United are indebted to Kingsley who makes a number of fine saves. William Armstrong (26 and from Brampton) died after falling from the back of the South Stand.
05/04 - Aitken captains Scotland against England at Ibrox, but the day is completely overshadowed by the horrific disaster in which a section of the terracing collapses.
05/04 - D1: Newcastle 2 Aston Villa 1 - VICTORY OF THE TYNESIDERS - Niblo returns to Tyneside and he equalises three minutes after Stewart does the needful. However United’s outside-right notches a second after the interval and United wrest a rather lucky victory.
12/04 - D1: Sheff. United 1 Newcastle 0 - As they are in the FA Cup Final next Saturday the Blades rest four key players although two are believed to be injured including Common who has severely ruptured himself leaning across a billiard table. Boyle unfairly charges Stewart on numerous occasions despite being severely spoken to twice by referee Mr Strawson. And the leniency of the official in general towards the Sheffielder's ungentlemanly tactics knocks the steam out of the United forwards
19/04 - D1: Newcastle 3 Nottm. Forest 0 - BRILLIANT VICTORY OF THE TYNESIDERS - Rutherford scores twice
23/04 - Fr: Newcastle 2 Middlesbrough 1 - A match played in aid of those who suffered by the terrible disaster at the International Football contest between Scotland and England at Glasgow. All proceeds are to be devoted to the Disaster Fund. Newcastle play a strong team but disappointingly the Teessiders have only sent two regulars. Prices were doubled for the game and there were only about 1,200 in attendance at the start although this increased to about 2,000 by half-time. After the match the teams are entertained to tea at the Hotel Metropole by the Newcastle directors.
26/04 - D1: Bury 4 Newcastle 0 - In their final match United suffer their heaviest defeat of the season. Playing against the wind in the first-half they concede three and even when they have it to their advantage they are no better. The Lancastrians have the upper hand throughout.
29/04 - D1: Glasgow R 0 Newcastle 5 - BRILLIANT DISPLAY BY NEWCASTLE UNITED - United give one of the finest exhibitions from an English side at Cathkin Park. Peddie gives Newcastle the lead in the first half and after the interval United are all over the Rangers. Peddie and McColl both score twice.
30/04 - D1: St. Mirren 1 Newcastle 2 - At Love Street, Paisley, Newcastle play a completely different eleven to the one that played against Rangers. And having gone behind in the first-half, United hit back to win in what was an increasingly listless game.
01/05 - D1: Kilmarnock 2 Newcastle 0 - The hame , played at Rugby Park, sees both sides give a good exposition and £60 is raised for the Ibrox Disaster Fund.
03/05. - England and Scotland “replay” their international at Birmingham and McColl, Orr and Aitken all play.
07/05 - At the directors meeting it is revealed that the match with Middlesbrough raised £122 0s 11d for the Ibrox Fund.
19/05 - There are reports that Jock Peddie has resigned for former club Third Lanark.
19/05 - Forward Harry Stenhouse is signed from Blyth Spartans. The terms are said to be satisfactory.
22/05 - NEWCASTLE UNITED ENGAGE A NEW BACK - Newcastle secure the transfer of W Agnew from Kilmarnock who exhibited fine form last season. Agnew is only 21 and stands about 5ft. 9in. in height and weighs 13 stone. The transfer fee is £150 with an additional £50 if he proves to be a success.
27/05 - Newcastle release their Annual Report and it reveals that the club is financially in a flourishing condition. Profits of £1,371 12s 6d are announced which means their total reserve is now £7,027 15s. Shareholders will be paid a 5% dividend.