Bob Fraser (1946/47 to 1949/50)

At just over six foot, utility man Robert Fraser cut an imposing figure. He was signed at Christmas 1946 (aged 29) when United had a number of half-backs on the sick list including Frank Brennan who he would provide cover for.

It was a quick-fire transfer, involving a dash to Scotland by Mr Stan Seymour. He had been with the Edinburgh side since 1938, but had lost his place in the side to Aird.

Excellent on his debut against Nottingham Forest, he steadied the Newcastle defence and impressed with his powerful kicking and timely tackling. But he would only play twice before Brennan returned and once more later in the season. Although Charlton manager Jimmy Seed failed to persuade Seymour to sell there were rumours that he may leave during the summer.

Bob was at his happiest in the half-back line, but it was as a right-back that he would make most appearances on Tyneside. He established himself in that position in the 1947/48 promotion side until he fractured a bone in his foot.

He rarely featured during 1948/49 and was one of eleven players transfer-listed in January. However, he was removed from the list soon after and seemed to have changed his outlook. “I don’t mind playing second-fiddle to Frank (Brennan) for the rest of my career. I think Newcastle’s a grand place, both club and city and I’m well satisfied with my lot”.

In November 1949 Fraser was one of the United players cited as a possible target for a Canadian club.

Charlie Crowe (A Crowe Amongst the Magpies) tells of how manager George Martin did not rate him and attempted to "persuade" him to move on. The tough Glaswegian was having none of it and vowed to outlast his boss; which he did, by a few months, before being transfer-listed at the end of the 1949/50 season and subsequently retiring.