William Hampson (1913/14 to 1926/27)

William Hampson was a right-back by trade, but could also do a job on the left and holds the distinction of being the oldest player to turn out in a first-class fixture for the club.

Born in Radcliffe, his first club of note was Bury and he had a short spell at Rochdale. Subsequently he saw service with Norwich City, and it was from the Southern League club that he was transferred to Newcastle in January 1914. United paying a joint fee (part to each club) to acquire his services.

His strong points were his positional play, tackling, beautiful kicking and placing. He was rarely beaten, and never asked for a quarter.

As he aged, Bill was not so speedy as of yore, but put his heart and soul into the game to make up for his deficiency. He remained a force to be reckoned who was very difficult to pass, as opposing forwards found to their cost.

He was a member of the 1924 Cup winning side and also played a couple of games in the 1926/27 League Championship winning season, his last at the club. Bill was 42 years, 7 months and 14 days old when he played his last game in April against Birmingham.

He was a man of many sports, and no mean cricketer. West Ham and Chesterfield also claimed brothers of Hampson