Roger Jones (1975/76 to 1976/77)

Gordon Lee went back to his previous club Blackburn to sign former England Under-23 goalkeeper Jones. Now 29 he had been a firm favourite at Ewood Park where he made almost 300 appearances.

His stay on Tyneside would be short and controversial. The deal (a joint one also involving Graham Oates) was delayed for a few days because the Newcastle medical staff were concerned about one of Jones’ knees; he had fractured a knee cap a couple of years ago. The deal eventually went through a couple of days later after Blackurn agreed to accept the fee in instalment based on the number of games Jones played.

He only made five appearances for the club, all at the end of the 1975/76 season, but demonstrated in those games that he was a highly competent 'keeper.

Jones gave a promising display on his debut and then performed excellently in a goalless draw at Highbury. He made a string of excellent saves and demonstrated exceptional positioning, handling and bravery. He misses a few games with a thigh strain before returning for the final matches.

Just before the start of the 1976/77 season Jones broke his right wrist whilst trying to block a shot from Alan Kennedy in training at Benwell. Although he returned to the reserves he hurt his right knee and after fluid build-up was identified he was sent to see a specialist.

After a period of rest the specialist still was not prepared to give him a clean bill of health and Lee responded by purchasing another goalkeeper, Steve Hardwick, from Chesterfield. And in the New Year United made it known he was available for transfer.

Newcastle oniginallywanted a fee but with no willing bidders Roger is given a free transfer. He has a three day trial at Birmingham City after which a specialist said that the additional issue he suffered at Newcastle had now cleared itself and he could play for another four years. Jones eventually moved to Stoke on a free in February and played for another eight seasons.

Blackburn chairman William Bancroft was furious as it meant they would never get the additional £25,000. To add insult to injury a transfer embargo had also been placed on Blackburn as they owed United money for Glen Keeley. Not to mention the fact that he was still seething about the way Gordon Lee defected in the summer of 1975!