09/06 - Joe Harvey is offered and signs a new contract.
20/07 - United players report back. John McGrath at 13st 8lb is the heaviest player, but hard with it after spending a month labouring, mainly brick carrying. Suddick has also, surprisingly, put on a bit of weight: 10st 12lb.
22/07 - BENNETT SIGNS, BALL NEXT - Newcastle sign Albert Bennett after beating off competition from Aston Villa who also met the asking fee. He is an England U23 player, but suffered a serious ankle injury on international duty last season. Harvey may now make a move for exciting Blackpool inside-forward prospect Alan Ball.
27/07 - Team photograph is taken.
31/07 - Youngsters Bobby Noble, Alan Foggon and David Crane are signed on as apprentice professionals.
03/08 - Trevor Hockey, who has not been handed a wage rise like the other players, hands in a written transfer request.
05/08 - MCKINNEY SALE GOES THROUGH - Full-back Bill McKinney. Newcastle’s longest-serving player signs for Bournemouth. The fee is understood to be in the region of £4.000. McKinney is likely to team up again with Dick Keith; he was Keith's understudy at right-back at United. McKinney joined Newcastle in 1957 from North Shields after beginning his soccer career with Wallsend St. Luke's.
10/08 - Fr: Middlesbrough 2 Newcastle 0 - UNITED SHUFFLE TO DEFEAT - Middlesbrough are the better side, but Harvey’s wholesale changes at half-time also contribute to the defeat.
11/08 - A very young, representative United side, lose 3-2 at Hartlepool in a soul destroying atmosphere. Smoke regularly drifts over from the nearby railway line, the ball keeps getting lost and children run amok in the stand.
14/08 - Fr: Newcastle 3 Middlesbrough 2 - UNITED’S ONLY CONSOLATION IS HILLEY - All the goals come in an mildly entertaining first-half which is followed by a non-event of a second period. The best performance is by a fan who scales one of the floodlight pylons on the Leazes and treats the fans to ten minutes of twisting along to the half-time music.
16/08 - CONSETT FAIL TO HOLD UNITED - Burton, Thompson, Robson and Allen are included in a Newcastle XI who take on Consett at Belle Vue Park. The far fitter Magpies win 4-0.
18/08 - Trevor Hockey, who played well in the friendlies against Middlesbrough, has his transfer request turned down.
18/08 - FOUR GOALS FOR ROBSON - Bryan Robson scores four as a Newcastle XI thrash Durham City 7-0.
20/08 - Harvey continues last season’s approach of holding a Friday morning discussion with the players about the match and the opposition. Keeper Hollins breaks his thumb in training.
21/08 - D1: Newcastle 2 Nottingham F 2 - UNITED EARN THEIR WINGS - After a nervy start, United give an excellent performance as they share the spoils in an entertaining match. Flank men Hockey and Suddick are the star performers as the Magpies twice come from behind.
23/08 - NEWCASTLE WARN BOYS OF ‘INVASIONS’ - The club warn that the Boy’s Gates will be closed if there is a repeat of Saturday's pitch invasions which occurred after both Newcastle goals.
24/08 - NEW ST JAMES’ SPLIT - The future of football at St James’s is hanging in the balance again. The lease on the ground runs out in November and Alderman Ron Hadwin, chairman of Newcastle Town Moor and Parks Committee demands that the club “put their ground in order”. He states that “until they measure up to the promises that they made when agreement was reached on the five-year interim lease there will be no new lease for the club”. He also states that since the game on Saturday they have been “inundated with complaints” regarding the lack of improvements “particularly so far as toilet facilities were concerned”. Chairman Lord Westwood describes the accusations as “utter nonsense” stating that significant work has been carried out.
25/08 - D1: Newcastle 0 West Brom 1 - ’OFFSIDE’ GOAL BEATS UNITED - Despite a battling performance and an onslaught on the Throstle’s goal in the second-half United are defeated by a goal from Kaye, their new signing, which certainly appeared to be well offside. There is some fierce tackling from both sides with 46 free-kicks in all, 33 of them conceded by the visitors.
26/08 - BUTLER MOVES TO SWINDON - Reserve left-back Joe Butler (22) signs for Swindon for a fee of £3,000. He made his debut in April 1964 and has featured in the League side three times. The performances of Frank Clark have made him surplus to requirements.
28/08 - D1: Sheff. Wed. 1 Newcastle 0 - UNITED’S MOMENTS OF TRUTH - Albert Bennett makes his competitive debut with Suddick surprisingly dropped along with Penman. It is a desperately poor performance and only a mixture of skill and luck from Marshall prevents a rout. Bennett looks a bit out of his depth.
01/09 - D1: West Brom 1 Newcastle 2 - HAIL PROUD MAGPIES - It takes United seven hours to travel down to Birmingham on the coach. Suddick gets an immediate recall and with Bennett ill, Bobby Cummings is drafted in to try and pep up United's misfiring frontline. Although Hilley gives United an early lead Newcastle have to defend in depth for large portions of the match. West Brom eventually equalise, only for McGarry to grab an unlikely winner five minutes from time.
02/09 - It is announced that Ben Sullivan, who has been operating the lottery scheme at Lincoln City, has been appointed by Newcastle as a development scheme organiser. He will officially start at the end of the month with an overall responsibility for raising funds for ground redevelopment.
04/09 - D1: Newcastle 2 Northampton 0 - HOORAY FOR HILLEY - ONLY BRIGHT SPOT - It is a miserable, wet day and the touchlines have been picked out in sand. The match is awful with Hilley the only shining light and there is plenty of jeering from the faithful. Hockey has to be carried off and Ollie Burton becomes United's first ever substitute in a competitive game.
08/09 - D1: Newcastle 1 Man. United 2 - DEFENSIVE ERRORS PROVE COSTLY - The Red Devils are still a bit rusty, but after Suddick has an early “goal” controversially disallowed, the Magpies gift them two goals. Marshall makes a mess of a cross from Best which allows Herd to score at the far post and Iley overdoes a clearance giving Law an easy chance. It is an exciting game, but United are still struggling upfront. Hockey caps a great display with the Magpies’ goal.
08/09 - UNITED LEASE SEALED - The council votes unanimously to a new five-year lease for St. James’ at an annual rate of £2,500.
11/09 - D1: Stoke 4 Newcastle 0 - UNITED ATTACK SNUFFED OUT - Bennett is recalled in place of Cummings, but his disappointing start on Tyneside continues in a shocking team performance against the Potters.
15/09 - D1: Man. U 1 Newcastle 1 - MAGNIFICENT MAGPIES - With Craig and McGrath injured, Moncur and Burton are drafted into the defence and play their part in an excellent defensive display that sees the Magpies almost grab an unlikely win; Stiles equalising McGarry’s penalty five minutes from time. It is a wonderful game, full of craft and courage and free of malice.
18/09 - D1: Newcastle 3 Burnley 2 - It is 1-1 at the interval against the League leaders after a sedate first period in which Bennett grabs his first goal. However ten minutes after the turnaround the referee has to call both sets of players together to give them a stern lecture after some "meaty" challenges. This sparks players and fans into life and Anderson sprints from inside his own half to score a brilliant second. Hilley adds a third before the Turfites pull one back. Burnley chairman Bob Lord is not impressed with United: "Newcastle are a typical Second Division side - a lot of boot and not much science. We were robbed.. they should be playing in a menagerie not a football field”.
22/09 - LC R2: Newcastle 3 Peterborough 4 - UNITED HUMILIATED - Third Division Peterborough caused a sensation on their last visit to Tyneside when they knocked United out of the FA Cup in 1962 and a crowd of only 16,132 witness another disaster. The southerners take the lead after only seven minutes and never surrender it despite a late onslaught from United that sees both Bennett and Hilley hit the woodwork. McGarry and Iley are both injured.
25/09 - D1: Chelsea 1 Newcastle 1 - UNITED WEATHER A CHELSEA ‘STORM’ - Peter Noble makes his debut in a much changed side at Stamford Bridge whilst Dave Hollins replaces the injured Marshall to play his first game for almost a year. It is a tough, uncompromising match in which there are crunching tackles aplenty, stern lectures from the referee and a fist flashing finale in the United goalmouth right at the death. Hollins is flattened during the scoring of Chelsea’s first-half goal and has to be carried off on a stretcher with Hilley taking over between the sticks. The Welshman bravely returns in the second period. The "proud knot" of United supporters are praised in the press for "rhythmically waving their black and white scarves and singing Blaydon Races with noisy gusto". However, Chelsea manager Tommy Docherty lambasts Newcastle’s approach after the game. “I’ve seen nothing worse than Newcastle’s methods. Their sort of destructive football will drive crowds away”.
02/10 - D1: Newcastle 0 Arsenal 1 - THE SOCCER DISGRACE AT ST. JAMES’ PARK - Suddick is recalled after scoring twice for the reserves during the week. It is a shambolic game of petulance, niggling and grinding tackles. Three players are cautioned, one sent off and many others spoken to by the referee. Both Suddick and Eastham have penalties saved. United are really poor and despite playing virtually half a match against ten men, they aimlessly pump long balls forward and fail to cancel out McClintock's first-half goal. The crowd respond with a slow handclap. United officials fear that they are unjustly being labelled as a dirty team. Director Stan Seymour claims: “we play a hard game, but we are not dirty” and chairman Westwood says: “United in no way deserve such a reputation”.
04/10 - The search for a forward is being stepped with Harvey hoping to have a new leader by Saturday. Newcastle representatives see Workington forward Kit Napier score four against Swansea. And Davies (Bolton), Hateley (Villa) and Wallace (Hearts) are all players Harvey is believed to have an interest in.
04/10 - The AGM passes by uneventfully.
09/10 - D1: Newcastle 1 Aston Villa 0 - OH UNITED! - WHERE ARE THE GOALS? A terrific piledriver from the recalled McGarry, a couple of minutes into the second period, is good enough for the points as the Magpies keep a clean sheet for only the second time. However, it is another poor game in which there is very little entertainment on view. Even crowd-pleaser Suddick struggles after a decent start and is on the end of jeers from the crowd.
11/10 - Fr: Hearts 2 Newcastle 1 - A HEARTLESS DISPLAY, UNITED - A woeful display in which only Moncur, United’s scorer, puts in a decent display.
13/10 - Newcastle are one of five clubs who come to scout Napier in the League Cup tie against Ipswich, but he suffers an ankle injury after only nine minutes which will likely scupper any immediate deal.
16/10 - D1: Liverpool 2 Newcastle 0 - HUMILIATION FOR THIS NEGATIVE NEWCASTLE - As expected, United adopt for all out defence at Anfield and they barely trouble 'Pool keeper Lawrence throughout the entire ninety minutes. They don’t even get a corner until they have played for an hour. The defence battles bravely, but Liverpool score twice and it could have been so many more. About 1,000 supporters make the journey and some six hundred members of the Supporters Club spend the evening at Blackpool.
21/10 - UNITED SEND ‘TOP BRASS’ TO BID FOR DAVIES - Chairman Lord Westwood, manager Joe Harvey and directors Stan Seymour and Fenton Braithwaite hire a car and set off for Bolton in the hope of signing centre-forward Wyn Davies. The Lancastrians do not wish to sell, but are in desperate need of cash. After a couple of hours talks the clubs agree on a fee and the United delegation is given permission to talk to the Welshman. Davies phones his mother in Carmarthen from a public kiosk to ask her advice and informs Newcastle that he will give them an answer tomorrow.
22/10 - WAITING GAME - Davies informs Newcastle that he needs more time to make a decision. Other clubs including Sunderland are also believed to be ready to make a move. With the fee for Davies like to be close to £80,000 United are said to be willing to sell Alan Suddick for £40,000 to raise funds. The enigmatic player’s form has been infuriatingly erratic this season.
23/10 - D1: Newcastle 0 Tottenham 0 - UNITED LET SPURS OFF HOOK - The Magpies, and McGarry in particular, pass over some presentable chances to win the game which peters out into a lifeless stalemate. Eight clubs watch Wyn Davies play for Bolton
25/10 - Westwood reveals that United have made Davies an improved - and final - written offer. He is believed to have been promised a £6,000 payment if he signs.
27/10 - UNITED FINALLY PULL OUT OF DAVIES DEAL - Davies does not reply to Newcastle, but makes it known he wants a higher wage (which would put him above all the other players) and wants to listen to offers from other clubs. As a result United pull the plug on the deal with Westwood stating: "the board have unanimously agreed not to take the matter any further".
27/10 - A Newcastle United XI featuring six United players and five “guests” beats Sunderland 6-2 in a testimonial game for Brian Clough.
30/10 - D1: Fulham 2 Newcastle 0 - Burton, Thompson and Robson are brought in for the injured Anderson, McGrath and Bennett. United once again fail to take their chances and then concede twice in the last three minutes. Pop Robson, who has been scoring regularly in the reserves, is tried at centre-forward, but struggles due to a lack of weight and experience.
30/10 - United representatives watch Napier again as well as Morton inside-forward Alan McGraw.
05/11 - NAPIER THE RAPIER IS A GOOD SIGNING - Newcastle finally get a new centre-forward when Harvey spends £33,000 on Workington's Kit Napier whom he believes "shows great promise". On Monday (1st) the Cumbrian club turned down United’s bid, but realised they couldn’t afford to turn the money down
06/11 - D1: Newcastle 2 Blackpool 0 - ROBSON IS THE GOAL HERO - Kit Napier does well on his debut, but it is Robson, moved out to the right flank, who gets the goals. It is a pretty ordinary game and the best players on the Park are the visitor’s midfield dynamos; Alan Ball and Tony Green.
13/11 - D1: Blackburn 4 Newcastle 2 - ENGLAND SHAKES WEAK UNITED - Welsh captain Mike England is the star for the struggling Lancastrians. United are lucky to be ahead at half-time and three goals in the second period enable the bottom of the table side side to sweep the Magpies away. There is a decent amount of individual ability in the side, but team play is once again absent.
16/11 - The Magpies are reported to have made a bid for Rangers international winger Davy Wilson. But the player makes his feelings clear. “Newcastle United or any other club needn’t bother. I don’t want to leave Ibrox”.
16/11 - ANDERSON FOR BORO? - Middlesbrough make a shock move for United captain Stan Anderson (31). The clubs have agreed a fee and the Teessiders are offering him a player-coach role. United have left the decision to the player and Anderson is considering their offer.
18/11 - ANDERSON LEAVES - After extended talks Stan Anderson agrees to sign for Middlesbrough. It is not a move that will be popular with supporters.
19/11 - HOCKEY FOLLOWS ANDERSON THROUGH THE EXIT DOOR - Hard-working outside-left Trevor Hockey (22), who has been unsettled for some time, moves to Birmingham for £22,500.
20/11 - D1: Newcastle 1 Leicester 5 - UNITED NEED HANS ANDERSEN - Moncur replaces Anderson and McGarry is recalled at centre-forward with Napier being moved to outside left. The crowd's mood is not lifted by a sound thrashing from Leicester. Although the score is a bit harsh on United, who show plenty of endeavour and strike wood twice, they are well beaten by a much better footballing side.
22/11 - Fr: Newcastle 1 Moscow Dynamo 4 - DYNAMIC DYNAMOS - The Russians open their short tour of England and Scotland with a magnificent performance on three inches of snow. They completely outplay United and could have scored many more as they also hit the woodwork several times and saunter through the last third of the game.
24/11 Hollins, called-up because Gary Sprake is playing for Leeds, has a great game for Wales against Scotland.
27/11 - D1: Sheff. United 3 Newcastle 2 - OH MCGARRY - YOUR BOOB WAS BEGINNING OF THE END - Harvey springs a major surprise by playing reserve centre-half Thompson at centre-forward and his bravery seems to have been rewarded when his goal helps United to a two goal half-time lead. The Magpies are coasting until the hour mark when McGarry gives away a penalty with a needless handball and then the Blades score twice in the last two minutes. United end the month in 18th
01/12 - Hollins plays for Wales against Denmark.
01/12 - PITCH “CLEARED IN FIVE HOURS” CLAIM - United are given a demonstration of a snow-clearing machine made by a Seghill company. The company claim they could clear the twelve inches of snow and ice off the Gallowgate pitch in five hours.
04/12 - United make no effort to clear the pitch and the match is postponed after a referee inspection.
11/12 - D1: West Ham 4 Newcastle 3 - Harvey makes five changes as he rejigs the forward line once again, but it is at the back where the problems are now as the Magpies have shipped sixteen goals in the last four matches. United are 3-0 down after only 18 minutes and despite a Jim Iley inspired second-half comeback the Hammers hold out to win a thriller.
13/12 - NEWCASTLE MAKE BID FOR RON DAVIES - United make a £50,000 bid for Norwich City and Wales centre-forward Ron Davies. In addition Harvey is believed to be willing to let one or two of Suddick, McGarry or Penman go to Carrow Road. However the Norfolk team reject the offer.
16/12 - It is revealed that Norwich wanted £60,000 plus Ollie Burton for Davies.
18/12 - D1: Newcastle 0 Liverpool 0 - MARSHALL AID RESCUES MAGPIES - After being barracked by supporters since his return Marshall had handed in a transfer request, but he is the hero as United put an end to their losing streak against League leaders Liverpool. Although goalless, it is thrilling fayre lapped up by the crowd.
27/08 - The Tyne-Wear derby is called off at 1.15pm leaving a lot of fans angry at both the lateness of the decision and the fact that United had not laid any straw on the pitch.
01/01 - D1: Aston Villa 4 Newcastle 2 - TWO BENNETT GOALS WERE IN VAIN - A great game tightly crammed with swinging fortunes, skilled team-drills, exciting individualism and courage. But having fought back from a two goal deficit, United once again lose the game in the final few minutes of the match. Having gained only one point from the last seven games United are one place above the relegation places.
03/01 - D1: Sunderland 2 Newcastle 0 - SUNDERLAND REIGN SUPREME - Before the game the goalposts have to be repainted as during the night one or more people had painted black and white stripes on them. Huge crowds descend on Roker Park and when the gates are closed ten minutes before kick-odd thousands are locked out. Newcastle are simply dreadful and offer nothing going forward. They simply opt for blanket defence with eight, nine and even ten (on occasion) behind the eighteen-yard-line.
06/01 - JOE HARVEY SIGNS KETTLEBOROUGH AS GENERAL - Harvey signs experienced midfielder Keith Kettleborough (30) from Sheffield United for £25,000. He says: “Keith is the sort of General we have needed in midfield. I have long had an admiration for his skill, courage and stamina, and I feel sure the Tyneside public will judge him a fine player and a good type to spark that lift up the table we all want to see." He is 5ft 7in and 10st 8lb.
08/01 - D1: Newcastle 2 West Ham 1 - KETTLEBOROUGH LAYS ON TWO AS UNITED NAIL HAMMERS - Suddick is recalled, but it is debutant Kettleborough who steals the show with a superb performance which suggests that Anderson has at last been replaced. The Hammers are poor but nobody is complaining as Newcastle register their first win in over two months. It is much easier than the scoreline suggests with West Ham's consolation coming in the final minute and United missing two open goals. Hundreds of youngsters invade the pitch after the goals and the club respond by announcing the closure of the "Boys'Gates" for the next home match
13/01 - DAVE HILLEY SAYS ‘I WANT TO LEAVE NEWCASTLE’ - Dave Hilley has handed in a written transfer request. New signing Kettleborough took his inside-right slot for the West Ham game and with Suddick at inside-left Hilley was asked to play at outside-right. He is the only player to have played in every game this season. "I consider I have been badly treated by the club, and my confidence has been shattered by the management. I have really enjoyed my football this season, and I thought I had given my best season for Newcastle. I'm sure I have been the most consistent forward, yet I'm the one they replace. This is no half-hearted request for a move. I'm determined to leave."
15/01 - D1: Tottenham 2 Newcastle 2 - NEWCASTLE SNARL DEFIANCE - It is treacherous on a hard and slippy surface and United are under severe pressure for the majority of the game. They battle well and two goals either side of half-time, including a superb Suddick dipping shot from thirty-yards, secure a precious point. Iley and Kettleborough are the stars.
17/01 - A thirteen-man squad head for Blackpool for special training.
22/01 - RIVAL FANS BOARD CUP-TIE SPECIAL - MORE than 400 Sunderland and Newcastle supporters board a ten-coach "football special" which leaves Newcastle Central Station. The train will leave Liverpool almost immediately after the finish of the Sunderland-Everton match so that there will be no time for drinking. Newcastle fans will rejoin the train at Manchester. And a special BR representative will travel on the excursion to ensure that there are no issues. A spokesman said: "We decided a combined excursion would be satisfactory. We know there is some risk attached to this but in the past we have never had any trouble between rival fans. North-East supporters have the best reputation in the country and we hope they will justify our faith in them."
22/01 - FA R3: Chester 1 Newcastle 3 - UNITED KEEP THEIR HEADS - AND BREAK THAT SPELL - Joe Harvey keeps quiet about a rash of injuries and illness during the build-up. He also purchases a set of basketball boots as United believe the pitch will be rock hard. Fourth Division Chester are unbeaten at home for ten months and when they take the lead after only eight minutes the possibility of another cup humiliation looms large, thankfully Jim Iley masterminds a recovery that sees United through.
29/01 - D1: Nottm. Forest 1 Newcastle 2 - UNITED EXPERIENCE PAYS - Iley, Kettleborough and McGrath command the middle as Newcastle come from behind to secure their first success on the road (in the League) since the beginning of September.
05/02 - D1: Newcastle 2 Sheff. Wed. 0 - UNITED HIT CUP FORM - The Boy’s gates are closed again. Although there is not much to get the crowd excited, Newcastle win the tactical battle and Suddick scores a brace against next week’s Cup opponents.
09/02 - Heavy snow sees the pitch covered by two-and-a-half inches whilst it is up to six-inches deep on some of the terraces. Head Groundsman Arthur Charlton is pleased as it will protect the field from frost and ice.
12/02 - FA R4: Newcastle 1 Sheff. Wed. 2 - UNITED ATTACK TO BLAME - Hundreds of volunteers join ground staff to clear the pitch, terraces and steps of snow. So many turn up for the 8.00am start that police have to be called to control the queues of people wanting to help and many have to be turned away. The job is finished by midday. Despite their best efforts he conditions are atrocious; the pitch inevitably turning into a quagmire and there is driving sleet and rain. Unfortunately United are 2-0 down after half an hour after conceding two soft goals including a McGrath own-goal. Although Suddick pulls one back, United are very poor in attack and spurn numerous chances due to a lack of composure.
18/02 - Carlisle make a tentative enquiry about McGarry.
19/02 - D1: Northampton 3 Newcastle 1 - SHAMEFUL SHOW NEWCASTLE - Moncur replaces the injured Burton and Bennett comes in for the dropped McGarry. It is a travesty of a performance against a side which has conceded 12 goals in the last 2 games and are careering back to Division Two. Iley's consolation comes just before the final whistle.
24/02 - Bury manager Bert Head reveals that Newcastle are one of a number of clubs who have enquired about Colin Bell. The Lancastrians value him at £60,000.
26/02 - D1: Newcastle 3 Stoke 1 - NEWCASTLE IMPRESSIVE - Harvey tries a new 4-2-4 formation with half-backs Kettleborough and Iley making up a six man defence when Stoke are attacking and a six man attack when United are going forward. It works a treat, Hilley scores after only 56 seconds and Suddick adds a second. The Magpies are less dangerous after the break as Moncur has to play as a makeshift centre-forward due to McGarry suffering a back injury.
05/03 - D1: Newcastle 2 Sunderland 0 - THANK HEAVEN FOR SUDDICK - Sunderland are abysmal, but United are not firing on all cylinders either in a very poor derby game which is settled by another Suddick brace. Jim Baxter is on the receiving end of a number of ditties including one (to the tune of “She'll be coming round the mountains”) which suggests we should "Hoy him in the Tyne". "Dirty Hurley" also receives abuse after putting “emergency” centre-forward Burton out of the game.
12/03 - D1: Burnley 1 Newcastle 0 - HARD LUCK, NEWCASTLE - A 55th minute goal from Morgan is enough to settle a tedious match in which United's defensive tactics bring no reward.
15/03 - Middlesbrough are believed to have made a bid for McGarry, but Harvey makes it clear that he “can’t afford” to let him go as the squad is depleted enough already.
16/03 - The Scottish League beat the English League 3-1 at St James’.
19/03 - D1: Newcastle 0 Chelsea 1 - UNITED ATTACK FADES - Newcastle show a worrying lack of fight in what turns out to be a routine victory for the Londoners. It is a poor match with the only goal coming from Terry Venables.
26/03 - D1: Arsenal 1 Newcastle 3 - IT’S EASY - BY ILEY - Playing an excellent counter-attacking game United are 3-0 up after an hour and thoroughly deserved their morale boosting victory in front of only 13,979 fans.
01/04 - The match at Blackpool is cancelled due to a waterlogged pitch.
05/04 - Burton has a cartilage operation and Bill Thompson is also out for the rest of the season.
08/04 - D1: Newcastle 0 Everton 0 - OH DEAR - WHAT A WASH OUT - With both teams concentrating on defence the Good Friday game is a shuddering bore. A small dog that appears on the pitch at half-time is the most popular entertainer.
09/04 - D1: Newcastle 2 Blackburn 1 - WHY NO GOAL DELUGE? - Newcastle score two well-taken goals in the first 17 minutes. However, rather than press home the advantage against the bottom-placed Lancastrians, United become ever more defensively-minded. The crowd entertain themselves by singing "relegation to you" to the tune of “Happy Birthday”. The win makes United’s safety virtually certain.
11/04 - D1: Everton 1 Newcastle 0 - EVERTON LET NEWCASTLE OFF SO LIGHTLY - Although Everton give United a more merciless pummelling than Cassius Clay ever gave Chuvalo, they need a 77th minute penalty to win. The spot kick was awarded for a flying save from Frank Clark to stop a shot from Labone on the line. They also hit the woodwork twice and Clark clears another goalbound effort on the line by fair means.
16/04 - D1: Leicester 1 Newcastle 2 - PLAY IT COOL UNITED HANG ON TO WIN - United go behind after only nine minutes, but two goals in 15 minutes after the break turn the match around, Robson scoring with his first ever penalty.
20/04 - D1: Blackpool 1 Newcastle 1 - SUPERB SUDDICK GOAL BRINGS VITAL POINT - A scintillating goal from Alan Suddick after only twelve minutes is United’s only shot on target. The relegation-threatened Tangerines, with Alan Ball in brilliant form, pin United back throughout. Marshall and McGrath are the stars.
23/04 - D1: Newcastle 0 Sheff. Utd. 2 - THE BIRTHDAY BOY BLASTS UNITED - Mick Jones scores both goals for the Blades and after the second (just after the hour mark) many fans decide to leave. It is a pathetic performance and half the crowd has disappeared by the time the game is put out of its misery.
25/04 - The Journal report that the club, sick of battling with the Council, are seriously considering leaving St. James Park and moving to land owned by the Gosforth Park Racecourse Company.
30/04 - D1: Leeds 3 Newcastle 0 - UNITED’S DEFENCE IS PULVERISED - But for the heroics of Marshall, United would have suffered a much heavier defeat against Revie's revellers who produce their usual combination of skill and clogging to bulldoze the Magpies.
07/05 - D1: Newcastle 1 Fulham 1 - ONLY SUDDICK SHOWS THE KILLER TOUCH NEAR GOAL - Although meaningless this is one of the most entertaining matches of the season with Suddick turning on the style. The main talking point of the game is when Frank Clark clearly uses his hand to deflect a shot by Fulham player Graham Leggat onto either the underside of the crossbar or the netting just behind the bar. The ball bounces down and is cleared with Fulham’s appeals for either a goal or a penalty being waved away.
12/05 - I WANT A MOVE - Albert Bennett wants to leave as his wife, who is expecting, has not settled in the area.16/05 - D1: Newcastle 2 Leeds 0 - BRAWNY LEEDS FLOORED BY TWO GREAT GOALS - A rip-roaring finale to the season as the Magpies refuse to be daunted by physically-dominating Leeds and hit back punch for punch. It is a furious battle, a biting will-to-win clash. Newcastle, with Thompson and Clark excelling, defend superbly and hit Leeds on the counter with youngsters Suddick and Robson both scoring superb goals. At the end of the match the fans chant “Newcastle above Sunderland”.
23/05 - RETAINED AND REJECTED - Dave Hollins, Ron McGarry, Kit Napier, Tommy Knox (who today agreed terms with Rotherham), Keith Webster and (surprisingly) Willie Penman are all transfer-listed. Bennett has not been listed. Meanwhile, Dave Hilley has asked to be removed from the transfer list and has requested a two-year contract.
25/05 - NORWICH REJECT £50,000 BID FOR DAVIES - Newcastle’s offer for Norwich centre-forward Davies is described by Canaries manager Ron Ashman as “hopelessly inadequate”. United were prepared to offer Ron McGarry in a part exchange deal but Ashman is “not interested”. The club initially made a bid in December, but Harvey’s interest has not cooled.
27/05 - NEWCASTLE SWOOP FOR LOWERY - Newcastle beat numerous First and Second Division clubs to the signing of Paddy Lowery as an apprentice professional. He is rated as the best player to come out of North-East schools soccer for a number of years. From Kenton, he signed within two hours of leaving Rutherford Grammar School for the last time.