LOOK BACK IN ANGER The Rock and Dole Years - 1947 to 1960 - Ken Brown - True Faith
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LOOK BACK
IN ANGER
The Rock and Dole Years - 1947 to 1960
Ken Brown
Editorial Note
Contents Throughout the 20+ years of true faith’s life we have been fortunate
to publish some absolutely outstanding material. There are indeed
some talented people in the stands supporting Newcastle United and
Editorial........................................................................................ pg 3
we’ve been privileged they have chosen us to be the platform to give
1946/47....................................................................................... pg 4 voice to their experiences, recollections and opinions.
1947/48........................................................................................ pg 8
One of the most popular from different generations to 1959/60, Ken Brown,
1948/49...................................................................................... pg 12 series of articles we have and were real fan-view, formerly of the Big Lamp, a
published (so far) was the on the spot accounts of 10 minute walk away from
1949/50...................................................................................... pg 16 long running Look Back In Newcastle United, stripped St James’ Park, provided
Anger, the Rock & Dole of the myths and other these superbly detailed
1950/51...................................................................................... pg 20
Years which covered the rubbish. These season by and personal accounts of
1951/52....................................................................................... pg 26 club in various sections season accounts in full his time following the club
from the post-war period detail are how it felt to be and a bit more over what
1952/53....................................................................................... pg 32 right up to modern times. following our club in those was an incredible period
We covered the history of years. for Newcastle United in
1953/54....................................................................................... pg 36
the club as a season by It was a privilege to read the post-war period.
1954/55....................................................................................... pg 40 season review and they them and feature them in As ever, we thank Ken
were written separately the pages of this fanzine. for his time writing these
1955/56...................................................................................... pg 46 by people who were there, A passage of time has now brilliant pieces and sharing
1956/57....................................................................................... pg 50
watching from the stands passed and we are sure them with us.
and variously following there are plenty of you
1957/58....................................................................................... pg 54 United home and away, We would like to dedicate
who want to read them
clicking through the this publication to all of
again. There will be plenty
1958/59....................................................................................... pg 58
turnstiles when football the players and supporters
who never caught them
and society was very at Newcastle United over
1959/60....................................................................................... pg 62 the first time round.
different to what it is now. this period.
So, here is the first series
The series involved a we have put back together Alex Hurst - Editor
whole range of supporters for you. From 1946/47 Michael Martin - Founder.
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After the bleakness of the war years, official football returned for
the season 1946/1947. We were in the second division, having been
relegated there at the end of season 33/34. Although the war had
ended almost a year earlier, the effects were still apparent, with food
and clothing rationing and shortages of just about everything. Life
was stumbling back together but times were certainly hard.
Look Back In Anger
The rock and dole years – 1946/47 He was also the one who wrote a chapter in his UK be it ships, cars, locos, tractors etc. was destined
autobiography headed “What the average Director for export as the country was bankrupt after the
However, there was the football to look forward and 1 defeat with the team sitting in 3rd place in knows about football” and then left the page massive cost of the war. This included toys, and
to once again and United played their first match the league, 14 goals for, 8 against. entirely blank. those that were available were hugely expensive.
away to Millwall which ended in a 4-1 win. Goal The next game however saw 52,137 spectators Forget turkey, chocolates, cakes and other goodies.
Opposite the Gallowgate End in Strawberry Lane
scorers were Roy Bentley with 2, Jackie Milburn and witness an astonishing match at home to Newport Chicken if you could get one was a luxury item and
in those days was St. James’s Hall which featured
Albert Stubbins. Three legendary strikers who would County on the 5th October. This will rank amongst would remain so for a few more years to come.
boxing and wrestling bouts most weekends. It is
become icons for United, Chelsea and Liverpool. All the all time great matches at SJP. Scorers that day doubtful any of the wrestlers on the card that night Nevertheless, there was always the Christmas panto
in our first post War line up. There then followed were Roy Bentley with 1, Jackie Milburn 2, Charlie would have had such a mauling as the Newport to cheer us up which included such “big stars” as
an away win at Notts Forest 2-0. Before the first Wayman 4 and Len Shackleton 6 adding up to an players suffered that afternoon. Dave Willis at the Theatre Royal, Jimmy James and
home game of the season there were letters to almighty 13-0 scoreline. It was 7-0 at half time! Jackson Earle at The Empire and The Grand Theatre
the Chronicle complaining of the high prices being Southampton away 1-1 and Bradford Park Avenue
This was the home debut of “Shack” who would in Byker was showing The Pied Piper of Hamelin
charged by the Club. 2/- in the Gallowgate and away 1-2 were followed by Man City
go on to become one of the most controversial starring Billy Whittaker and Joan Rohan.
Leazes Ends and 1/3d on The Popular Side. That’s at home. We won this one 3-0 with
figures in football. Known as the Clown Prince of
a hat trick from Charlie Wayman. After a home win over
about 10pence and 7 pence in today’s dosh. Then Soccer he would play 38 league and cup games
Charlie was one of many very good Chesterfield 2-0 (Wayman
came 6 games featuring a series of draws and wins, that season, scoring 22 goals. A great player, and
centre forwards we have had over 2) on the 21st, we were
with one defeat only, at Burnley by 1-2. So in the very controversial, he was one we lost to the
the years and it was typical of at home again a few days
first 8 games the record stood at 3 wins, 4 draws Mackems after a fall out with the United hierarchy.
United they would fall out with later. On Christmas day we
him and he would leave early the entertained West Brom who
following season for Southampton. had a good side in those days
Next up was an away win at and a crowd of 44,722 saw us
West Ham 2-0 and then a 4-0 beaten 2-4 with goals from
thumping of Sheff Wed at home Shack and George Stobbart.
with Wayman scoring all four! By Next day (Boxing day) the
the end of this season he would return at the Hawthorns saw us
score 34 goals in league and cup. lose 2-3, Wayman (who else),
In total he played in 52 games getting both goals. It was usual
for us, scoring 36 times. Fulham to play matches on Christmas
away 3-0, Bury at home 1-1, Day and this continued up until
Luton away 3-4 (we were leading the 57/58 season no doubt
3-0 at half time), Plymouth at home causing severe aggravation on the
3-2 (we were losing 0-2 at half time, a Bentley part of “wor lasses” throughout the
hat trick with three headers securing the win) and region. Because it got dark early the kick off times
Leicester City away 4-2 followed. In these 5 games during the winter months would be around the
we notched 14 goals scored by Wayman 4, Bentley 12.30p.m.mark, gradually getting later as the year
7, Shack 2 and one from Tommy Pearson. progressed. No floodlights in those days.
It was now coming up to Christmas 1946. Just Millwall away saw them gain some revenge for our
about everything was rationed and everything was opening day win at their place when we lost 0-2.
in short supply. Whatever was manufactured in the After three straight defeats there were 5 letters from
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There would be no more football played until the
22nd of March due to the exceptionally severe winter
weather which saw the entire country under several
feet of snow and brought practically to a standstill. In
those days, needless to say, teachers and children were
still expected to find their way to school and did!
Eventually things got under way again with home
games against Fulham (1-3), Birmingham City (2-2)
and Luton Town who were given a 7-2 pasting, with
goals from Wayman 2, Stobbart 2, Shackleton, Milburn
and Joe Harvey. Joe was an exceptionally good right
half and captain and would look after his teamates if
any trouble arose. He was a tough ex sergeant- major
and did not go looking for trouble, but if any started
he would finish it. At this stage we were 5th top of
the league and would remain there for the rest of the
season.
The Marx Bros, Errol Flynn, Charles |Laughton, Barbara
The season then more or less drifted to a close which
Stanwyck, Chips Rafferty, Betty Davis and Stewart
included a notable 2-0 away win at Man City. Goals
Granger were amongst those whose films were
came from Tommy Walker and Charlie Wayman. The
irate fans to the Evening Chronicle in the Jan 1st More likely they were suffering from New Year’s Eve showing at the time.
win was notable because at the end of the Season City
edition blaming the defence and the directors of the hangovers. At that time there was a serious shortage of Big players for us that season were Shackleton (signed
were promoted as Champions with 62 points from 42
club. Two of the letters castigated some of the fans fuel which caused some industries to work short time for £13,000 from Bradford Park Avenue), Wayman,
games. We would finish with 48. In those days it was
in a “certain section of the ground” for mercilessly and the loss of productivity was keenly felt. Bentley (signed from Bristol City for £8,500 without
2 points for a win and 1 for a draw. They would score
barracking a defender (not named). However, on New being watched), big Frank Brennan, a tremendous
Next up were Swansea Town, who in those days were 78 goals and concede 35. Our record was 95 and 62.
Years Day order was restored when we beat Notts centre half – probably the best
a town, not a city, which we won 2-1 thanks to goals On March 29th we met Charlton Athletic in the semi Charlie
Forest at home 3-0 (Bentley, Wayman, Woodburn). we have had from post war
Also on New Years day 1947 saw the newly formed from Shack & Wayman. final of the cup at Elland Rd and were fancied to win it. Wayman
to the present day. He was
National Coal Board officially take over all the pits in Then, on Jan 11th came the FA Cup which began with Charlton were near the bottom of the first division and
excellent in every department
the country. On 2nd Jan it was reported in both the a 6-2 thumping of Crystal Palace at SJP. We would go fighting relegation. In front of 47,821 they whacked us
and could run the 100yards
Northumberland and Durham coalfields there was on to reach the semi-final this season, losing out on a 0-4. Charlie Wayman was mysteriously dropped for
in 10.2 seconds. Joe Harvey, a
an estimated 65/70% absentee rate. Perhaps the lads Wembley date by getting duffed up 0-4 by Charlton this match and replaced by George Stobbart.
great captain and later a good
thought now they owned the pits they only needed to Athletic, then a first division side. Unlike today the FA It was a huge shock and left thousands
manager who suffered from
show up when they felt like it. upon thousands Geordies who crammed
Cup was THE tournament in England, better by far “useless directors syndrome”.
the terraces at Elland Road hugely
than winning the First Division. It was a big day out Wor Jackie was beginning to
disappointed.
in the capital and was recognised as a major prize make a name for himself
throughout the entire football playing world. On June the 7th the season ended with although he played that
a 2-4 defeat at the hands of Newport season as a right winger
62,873 fans would turn up for our next league wearing the No. 7 shirt.
County with Shack and Tommy Pearson
game at SJP for Tottenham Hotspur and they scoring. Our average home attendance Unlike nowadays shirt
would see a 1-0 win thanks to a Shack goal. On that season was 49,435. numbers corresponded to
the 25th we beat Southampton at home 3-1 in the position the players played
the 4th round of the FAC. At the end of Jan we At this time ALL sports were
in. He, like Brennan, was also
lost away to Burnley 0-3 who would go on to gain seeing huge gates with the likes
very fast and regularly competed in the
of Greyhounds at Gosforth and
promotion to the First Division at the end of the annual Powderhall sprint in Edinburgh
both Greyhounds and Speedway
season. Two league games only in Feb of 1947. which attracted the fastest runners from
at Brough Park (attendances in
On the 1st we thumped Barnsley 4-2 at home, all sports. JET by name, JET by nature!
the 13,000s). Senior Rugby
goals from Bentley, Shack, Stobbart and Wayman
was played at Gosforth and At the end of the season the league table
and then on the 15th we lost 1-3 at home to Northern, Horse Racing at showed Man City and Burnley promoted,
Southampton, our lone goal courtesy of Tommy Gosforth Park and Boxing/ followed by Birmingham City, Chesterfield and then
Pearson. In the FA Cup that month we drew with Wrestling at St. James’s Hall. us in 5th. The following season would see some player
Leicester City 1-1 at home and then beat them Cinemas and Theatres (4 in Newcastle, upheavals and a bid for promotion.
2-1 away in the replay. On March 1st we then 1 in Gateshead) were all booming. Ken Brown
won away at Sheff Utd 2-0 in the 6th round.
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was hit by an underground explosion and 19 Iron, and all classes of bottles and jars. Spot cash
miners lost their lives with others suffering paid and they would collect. I wonder what little
severe
was hitinjuries
by an and rushed to the
underground R.V. I.. and 19
explosion Frederick
Iron, wasclasses
and all doingofatbottles
this time? The Spot
and jars. shipyards
cash
miners were absolutely
paid and booming
they would with
collect. recordwhat
I wonder tonnages
little
The gamelostwent their
aheadlives
and with
a 6-1 others
win was suffering
recorded
severe injuries and rushed to the R.V. I.. Pearson, being launched
Frederick from at
was doing allthis
the time?
Tyne. A shortage
The of
shipyards
with the usual suspects scoring (Bentley,
steel
were was proving booming
absolutely a hindrance
withthough.
record tonnages
Shackleton
The game went2, Tommy
ahead Walker andwin
and a 6-1 Wayman). A 1-0
was recorded
win being the
After launched from
first five gamesall we
the were
Tyne.9th
A shortage of
in the table
withaway to Chesterfield
the usual suspects followed, WaymanPearson,
scoring (Bentley, scoring,
and then a2,loss to Luton steel was proving
and taking a hindrance
some severe though.
stick from the Chronicle’s
Shackleton Tommy WalkerTown, 1-2. This Agame
and Wayman). 1-0
marked football
After the writer
first fiveWill Lowes. The 9th
result against
win awaythe return to Luton
to Chesterfield of United’s
followed, Waymanmanager
scoring, games we were in the table
George Martin Brentford was “lucky” and the standard of football
and then a losswho to had
Lutonbeen there
Town, 1-2.forThis
14 game
years and taking some severe stick from the Chronicle’s
as player and coach. He was very highly regarded in all these
football games
writer WillwasLowes.
“simplyThenotresult
good enough
against
marked the return to Luton of United’s manager
and presented with
Brentford was “lucky” and the standard of Graham
only Brennan, Bentley and Duggie
George Martinwithwhoa had
goldbeen
watchthere
in appreciation
for 14 years of football
his services to the Hatters. Over 25,000 turned up showing
in well.
all these The was
games forwards showed
“simply littleenough
not good or no
as player and coach. He was very highly regarded
- Luton’s biggest home gate. We lost 1-2. The next fight
with for theBrennan,
only cause”. He could well
Bentley and be writing
Duggie about
Graham
and presented with a gold watch in appreciation of
game was attohome to Chesterfield in which 58,334 season 2008/2009.
showing well. The forwards showed little or no
his services the Hatters. Over 25,000 turned up
saw us lose
- Luton’s 2-3 (having
biggest led 2-0)
home gate. and 1-2.
We lost was The
followed
next fightthen
We for the cause”.toHe
travelled could well be
Birmingham writing
City about
who would
Take a walk around our splendid city and what do you see? Hordes by a 1-0
game washome win to
at home over Brentford (56,622).
Chesterfield in which 58,334 season
take 2008/2009.
first place at the end of the season, and got
of fatties is what! Everywhere is the same. The Fat Controller sawabout
At us losethis
2-3 time
(havingC led
& A2-0)in and was followed
Northumberland a creditable
We 0-0- draw.
then travelled At home next,
to Birmingham City to Leicester
who would
Take a walk around our splendid city and what do you see? Hordes by a 1-0
Street home
were win over their
advertising Brentford
25th (56,622).
anniversary and City,
take ending 2-2 at
after
thebeing 2-0the
up season, and got
owns our Football Club. There are hundreds of restaurants and first place end of
of fatties is what! Everywhere is the same. The Fat Controller as aabout
At specialthis
treat theyC were
time & A offering the ladies a
in Northumberland a creditable
There then 0-0- draw. At
followed a home
run of next, to Leicester
games which
take-aways serving food from practically every country on the “Black Coat advertising
Street were trimmed with Persionelle,
their a rich silky
25th anniversary and City,
would ending
take 2-2
us upafter
to being
2nd in2-0the
up table. At home
owns our Football Club. There are hundreds of restaurants and fabric resembling Persian Lamb, and Yours
globe. We have supermarkets the size of Leazes Park stocked to as a special treat they were offering the ladiesFora to Birmingham
There we won a1-0
then followed (George
run Hair), which
of games home
take-aways serving food from practically every country on the Only
“Black89/11(£4.50)
Coat trimmed plus 15 Persionelle,
with coupons” The coupons
a rich silky to Leeds winning 4-2, (Hair, Shack 2,
would take us up to 2nd in the table. At homeStobbart),
the ceiling with every known product, most of them available at were
fabric resembling Persian Lamb, and Yours two
of course clothing ration coupons. Also For Fulham away 0-3,
to Birmingham we Coventry at home,
won 1-0 (George 0-0, home
Hair), West
globe. We have supermarkets the size of Leazes Park stocked to men were hanged inplus Pentonville PrisonThe
after being Ham at home 1-0 (Jackie Milburn), Bury away 5-
two for the price of one. Do you see raggy-arsed children wearing Only 89/11(£4.50) 15 coupons” coupons to Leeds winning 4-2, (Hair, Shack 2, Stobbart),
the ceiling with every known product, most of them available at found
were ofguilty
courseof clothing
murder, and Johnny
ration Walker
coupons. AlsoBlack
two 3 (Milburn
Fulham 3, Shack
away and an o.g)
0-3, Coventry Southampton
at home, at
0-0, West
sandshoes in the middle of winter with their backsides hanging Label was yours for 25/9 (£1.30) a bottle.
men were hanged in Pentonville Prison after A recent
being home winning 5-0 (Milburn, Pearson,
Ham at home 1-0 (Jackie Milburn), Bury away 5-Stobbart,
two for the price of one. Do you see raggy-arsed children wearing chum of
found oursofwas
guilty also advertising
murder, and JohnnyinWalkerthe papers,
Black Walker
3 (Milburn2) 3,and Doncaster
Shack away
and an o.g) 3-0 (Harvey,
Southampton at
out of threadbare trousers? Of course not. The welfare state and none other thanforW. F. Shepherd – Scrap Metal Milburn 2). It 5-0
was(Milburn,
the home gameStobbart,
against
sandshoes in the middle of winter with their backsides hanging Label was yours 25/9 (£1.30) a bottle. A recent home winning Pearson,
Primark (amongst others) saw to that. Merchant
chum of ours of was
Brewery Bank in Byker,
also advertising in theurgently
papers, Coventry
Walker 2)in andwhichDoncaster
Wayman played
away his
3-0 last game
(Harvey,
out of threadbare trousers? Of course not. The welfare state and wanting
none other Brass,
thanCopper, Lead, Heavy
W. F. Shepherd Steel,Metal
– Scrap Cast for us. 2). It was the home game against
Milburn
Look Back In Anger
Primark (amongst others) saw to that. Merchant of Brewery Bank in Byker, urgently
wanting Brass, Copper, Lead, Heavy Steel, Cast
Coventry in which Wayman played his last game
for us.
Look Back
The rock andIndole
Anger
years – 1947/48
The rock and dole years – 1947/48
The summer leading up to season 47/48 was So it was that on a fine warm August Saturday
indescribably different. There was severe food in 1947 the season began, with high hopes
rationing,
The summerpetrolleading
shortages,
upelectricity
to season and 47/48
gas supplies
was for
So itthe
wasfuture
that onofa fine
United.
warm They began
August their
Saturday
were unreliable different.
indescribably and there was an organisation
There was severeknown food long1947
in marchthetoseason
promotion with
began, a home
with game
high hopes
as the International
rationing, Emergency
petrol shortages, Foodand
electricity Council. Bacon
gas supplies against
for the Plymouth
future of Argyle.
United.Nevertheless
They beganbefore
their
rations had been halved, butter rations reduced,
were unreliable and there was an organisation known but the
long march to promotion withwould
season was through there be the
a home all
game
there
as thewould be moreEmergency
International margarine available. Ugh!Bacon
Food Council. Most the usual
against shenanigans
Plymouth we Nevertheless
Argyle. associate with our
before
farm
rationslabourers
had beenwere POWs
halved, whorations
butter were now due but
reduced, for beloved club.
the season was through there would be the all
repatriation andmore
theremargarine
was concern as toUgh!
whoMost
was the
there would be available. Thereusual
was shenanigans
a new manager,we associate
name ofwith our
George
going to do the were
farm labourers work POWs
in future.
who were now due for beloved who
club. had joined the club in May and it
Martin,
repatriation andthe
there was concern as to who
long,was was
Despite all this, summer was gloriously hot Therehewas
who awas
newinstrumental in moving
manager, name Jackie
of George
goingsunny
to dowhich
the work in some
future.way to compensating Milburn fromhad
the joined
right wing to centre
and went Martin, who the club in Mayforward.
and it
for the severest
Despite winter
all this, the the country
summer had suffered
was gloriously for
long, hot An
wasinspired
he who decision. However in
was instrumental on moving
this very day
Jackie
many years.
and sunny which went some way to compensating (Aug 23rd) the Louise Old Pit in Annfield
Milburn from the right wing to centre forward. Plain
fortfthe
34 severest winter the country had suffered for An inspired decision. However on this very day
www.true-faith.co.uk www.true-faith.co.uk tf9 35
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many years. (Aug 23rd) the Louise Old Pit inwww.true-faith.co.uk
Annfield Plain www.true-faith.co.uk
From Chilton in Co. Durham, Charlie played in 52 and about United’s fans he opined: “They are the Where did “The Baggies” come from? This time Under the headline “Loyal Tynesiders” the E.C.
games and scored 36 goals for us, an incredible most loyal body of supporters in the country”. As we won both games, 1-0 away and 3-1 at home. noted United’s following was the envy of the
success ratio of 69%. He was transferred to true today as it was then. 61,301 saw this one at SJP on Jan 1st 1948. This country. Furthermore, following Shacks departure,
Southampton and later played for Preston N.E., day also saw the nationalisation of the railways, Will Lowes wrote that “It is not a “star- studded”
The next game was at home to Forest which we lost
Boro and Darlington. For these teams he played 335 making British Rail the biggest transport, hotel side that we want (I am sick of reading this in
0-2. This signalled Roy Bentley’s last game for us. In
games and scored 223 goals, a 66% scoring rate. owners, caterers, farmers, and dock owners in every football programme I pick up at away
all he played 54 times and scored 25 goals (46%). He
Surprisingly (or maybe not) he was never capped. the country. 64,931 saw the next match at home matches), so much as a sound team and team
moved to Chelsea apparently on Doctors orders. He
He had basically fallen out with the to Luton in which we gained revenge for the spirit”. The “star” is an unfortunate label and one
suffered from a lung condition
club due to being left out of the loss at their place earlier in the season with a or two in the team do not guarantee promotion”.
and it was thought that the
previous season’s FAC semi final. 4-1 victory with goals from Milburn,3 and Bill Remind you of anything?
air in Newcastle did not suit
Luckily for us his leaving meant Dodgin. Milburn in this game
him. How moving to London The season then moved on to
that Wor Jackie was switched was “outstanding, with a
with it’s infamous “pea souper” it’s climax, with the home game
from the right wing to centre bewildering unorthodoxy”
smogs was
smogs was supposed
supposed to to help
help against Sheff
against Sheff Wed
Wed on
on April
April 17th
17th
forward
forward and
and carried
carried on
on scoring
scoring wrote
wrote Will
Will Lowes.
Lowes.
him
him only
only God
God knows.
knows. There
There was
was proving
proving crucial.
crucial. 66,483
66,483 watched.
watched.
from where
from where Wayman
Wayman left left off.
off.
also the
also the rumour
rumour his his wife
wife could
could Meanwhile,
Meanwhile, Domestos,
Domestos, which
which Win this
Win this one
one and
and we
we would
would gogo
Milburn
Milburn of
of course
course would
would become
become not
not settle
settle in
in the
the area.
area. Nothing
Nothing was
was aa Newcastle
Newcastle company
company up.
up. We
We duly
duly did,
did, 4-2
4-2 with
with Joe
Joe
one of
one of United’s
United’s greatest
greatest ever
ever
new there
new there then!
then! Whatever
Whatever thethe in
in those
those days,
days, was
was frantic
frantic Harvey, Frank
Harvey, Frank Houghton,
Houghton, (a (a
players.
players. This
This season
season hehe would
would reason
reason Roy Roy waswas aa very
very good
good for
for bottles.
bottles. ”No ”No bottles,
bottles, recent
recent buybuy from
from Ballymena)
Ballymena)
play 40
play 40 games
games and
and finish
finish as
as top
top
player for
player for us
us and
and he
he would
would go
go on
on No
No Domestos
Domestos –– you you MUST
MUST scoring two
scoring two and
and Stobbart
Stobbart thethe
scorer
scorer with
with 20
20 goals.
goals. to
to bebe capped
capped forfor England
England –– now
now return
return your
your bottles”
bottles” ran
ran the
the other.
other. Houghton
Houghton broke broke his
his
Despite this
Despite this lofty
lofty league
league that he
that he played
played forfor Chelsea
Chelsea ofof advert
advert in in thethe newspapers.
newspapers. leg whilst
leg whilst stopping
stopping aa certain
certain
position
position all
all was
was far
far from
from well
well course!
course! New
New bottles
bottles were were simply
simply Wednesday
Wednesday goal goal in
in this
this game
game
at the
at the club.
club. The
The headline
headline inin the
the not
not available.
available. MaybeMaybe the the and was
and was out
out until
until well
well into
into
From now
From now on
on though
though the
the team
team
Chronicle’s
Chronicle’s sports
sports section
section onon Shepherds
Shepherds hadhad them
them all!
all! the
the following
following season.
season.
were
were never
never lower
lower than
than 3rd
3rd in
in the
the
the 13th
the 13th Oct
Oct read
read “Internal
“Internal
table with
table with the
the exception
exception of of one
one January
January 10th
10th saw saw the
the first
first At the
At the endend wewe would
would go go
Troubles
Troubles of of United”.
United”. There
There game
game following
following anan away
away defeat
defeat and
and only
only match
match we we played
played in in up
up in in second
second place
place with
with 56
56
followed an
followed an article
article in
in which
which
0-1 by
0-1 by Sheff
Sheff Wed
Wed atat the
the end
end ofof this
this years
years FAFA Cup.
Cup. Once
Once again
again pts and
pts and goals
goals for
for 72,
72, against
against
several
several players
players were
were submitting
submitting November.
November. However
However it it was
was only
only Charlton
Charlton Athletic
Athletic beat
beat us,
us, this
this 41.
41. Birmingham
Birmingham CityCity were
were
transfer requests
transfer requests andand Wayman,
Wayman, having
having stated
stated his
his
two up,
two up, two
two down
down then
then and
and so
so it
it would
would gogo to
to the
the time
time 1-2
1-2 atat the
the Valley
Valley inin front
front champions. Our
champions. Our average
average
desire
desire to
to leave,
leave, committed
committed whatwhat today
today would
would be
be aa last
last games
games of
of the
the season
season toto decide
decide promotion.
promotion. On On of
of 53,248.
53,248. Afterwards
Afterwards aa London
London attendance
attendance
hanging offence
hanging offence by
by mentioning
mentioning thatthat he
he would
would prefer
prefer
Boxing day
Boxing day and
and New
New Years
Years day
day we
we once
once again
again played
played supporter
supporter living
living in
in West
West Ham Ham for this
for this
to
to go
go to
to the
the Mackems
Mackems rather
rather than
than anywhere
anywhere else.
else. back
back to
to back
back games
games against
against W.B.A.
W.B.A. who
who were
were known
known wrote
wrote toto the
the E.C.
E.C. saying
saying that
that season
season was was an an
Elsewhere at
Elsewhere at this
this stage
stage of
of the
the season
season 1616 managers
managers
in those
in those days
days as
as “The
“The Throstles”
Throstles” because
because ofof their
their he
he had
had never
never seenseen aa more
more entertaining
entertaining team
team astonishing 56,299
astonishing 56,299 -- aa record
record that that
had
had been
been sacked
sacked including
including those
those at
at Arsenal
Arsenal and
and Man
Man badge
badge which
which still
still shows
shows thethe same
same bird
bird on
on it
it today.
today. than
than Newcastle
Newcastle and and that
that they
they should
should have
have won
won would
would last
last until
until it
it was
was beaten
beaten by by
City.
City. The
The Chronicle’s
Chronicle’s United
United writer
writer was
was Will
Will Lowes
Lowes 8-0
8-0 at
at least!
least! the Man
the Man UtdUtd of
of Best,
Best, Charlton
Charlton
and
and LawLaw famefame playing
playing
On the 24th Jan we played away at Leeds who had
On the 24th Jan we played away at Leeds who had in the first division in
been newly relegated from the first division and in the first division in
been newly relegated from the first division and 1967/1968 with an
lost 1-3 (Milburn) but this game was significant 1967/1968 with an
lost 1-3 (Milburn) but this game was significant average of 57,573.
because it was the last game Len Shackleton average of 57,573.
because it was the last game Len Shackleton It took winning
played for us. He was sold to the Mackems (we It took winning
played for us. He was sold to the Mackems (we the European Cup
didn’t call them that then though) for the sum the European Cup Whaaat!
didn’t call them that then though) for the sum to exceed a Whaaat!
of £20,050. The extra £50 was paid to create a to exceed a We’re
of £20,050. The extra £50 was paid to create a record we’d set We’re
replacing
new transfer record. He had played 64 games record we’d set replacing
Shack with a
new transfer record. He had played 64 games in the Second Shackoutside
bloody with a
for us, scoring 29 goals (45%) and left because in the Second bloody
right!outside
for us, scoring 29 goals (45%) and left because Division. Who’s
he had been dropped for the next game at home Division. right!
this Who’s
Milburn
he had been dropped for the next game at home thisanyway?
Milburn
to Leicester and was selected to play for the Ken Brown anyway?
to Leicester and was selected to play for the Ken Brown
reserves at Burnley. He immediately slapped in
reserves at Burnley. He immediately slapped in
a transfer request and after frantic horse trading
a transfer request and after frantic horse trading
between Bolton, Liverpool and Sunderland, the
between Bolton, Liverpool and Sunderland, the
Mackems got their man.It was widely rumoured
Mackems got their man.It was widely rumoured
United had renaged on a promise to Shackleton
United had renaged on a promise to Shackleton
and he appeared bitter about leaving the club for
and he appeared bitter about leaving the club for
the rest of his life.
the rest of his life.
36
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www.true-faith.co.uk tf 37
tf 11
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in Byker was showing “Strictly Saucy” staring undefeated at home, yet only 51,399 turned up
the Neapolitan Models, bread rationing was to to see it. Both the Chronicle. and the Journal ran
end, there were now more in Gaol than for forty articles saying so many people wanted to see the
years and the under 30s were “idle, uncooperative match they feared Roker Park was not big enough.
and undisciplined”. New laws in the game were Consequently thousands were put off going. Jackie
introduced to penalise players who “crowd the ref Milburn missed this one having been selected to play
and linesman demanding consultation”. They would for England v. N. Ireland in Belfast. As for the game,
be sent off for such actions. Joe Harvey completely snuffed out the Shack threat
and at the end it was the home side desperately
United returned to the First Division and opened
holding on for a point. Our forwards were dominant.
their season with an away game at Everton, 3-3,
and then their first division home game for 14 A few days later and a bombshell! Milburn submitted
years, against Chelsea in front of 59,020, drawing a transfer request to the club because his Scottish
2-2. The next game was also at home when 63,549 wife Laura, 20, was expecting a baby and was living
saw us blitzed 2-5 by Preston N.E. who would be with her father and stepmother in London. Milburn
relegated at the season’s end. We were missing said “I have tried to get my wife to live in the N.E. but
five key players including Milburn and Brennan. she says while she likes the people the climate does
However the following seven games saw us win 4 not agree with her”
and draw 3 in front of home crowds well over 55,000 Pathetic or what!? He went on to say that “he was
and up to fifth in the table. On Oct 2nd we lost 100% happy at Newcastle but that any club in the
People say; “There is nothing new”. “The Wheel turns full circle”. away to Portsmouth 0-1. Pompey had a great side, south would do for him”. There followed 6 letters to
“What goes around comes around”. Let us then compare and contrast containing amongst others Jimmy Scoular. He was a the Chronicle in which all agreed that he should go.
barrel shaped Scottish right half and was as tough One writer suggested that if Milburn got another
supporting NUFC between the present day and the olden days. and as fearless as they make them as well as being England cap it should be a larger size. Another asked
Nowadays, for example, in our magnificent Stadium, the “choir” in an exceptionally good footballer. As a Pompey player what is wrong at SJP when players come here, spend
he was a “filthy little bugger”. He would eventually a couple of seasons, make their names, and then go
the Curva Nord in the Leazes End turn, as one, towards the opposition sign for us and become “hard but fair”. on elsewhere? We had tried to sign Bobby Langton
supporters and remind them, in song, that their support is akin to Then, on Oct 9th the first derby for 14 years, away from Blackburn earlier but his lass wouldn’t come
because she wouldn’t leave her Mam!
having sexual intercourse with faeces. Let us now all pile into Dr. to the Mackems, resulting in a 1-1 draw with our
goal scored by George Hair. Extra trains ran from When you see how fabulous SJP is nowadays on
Who’s Turdis and time travel back to those far off days in1948. the Central, (one every three minutes), the Band of the last game of last season, the grass on the
the Royal Hussars entertained, the mackems were pitches by mid October in 1948 would be dead or
Look Back In Anger
The rock and dole years – 1948/49
Then, the opposition supporters would arrive in “sportsmanship” and it showed an appreciation of
Newcastle, go into a pub and mix freely with good quality football irrespective of who played it.
Geordies. Not only that but both sets of fans would And yet at the away game at Plymouth last season
go up to a semi derelict SJP, go into the same part as we clinched the Div.2 title were we not treated
of the ground, fighting their way in past police to equally sportsmanlike behaviour from their fans
horses, rusty turnstiles, etc., and all the while mixing and club?
happily. Once inside getting a spot on the terracing
was a free for all and by the time the fans fought Prior to the season opening things were happening.
their way out again they’d suffered a harder match The Government were discussing whether to abolish
than the players. Even harder to imagine is that if hanging, Newcastle City Council were contemplating
the opposition team scored a goal there would be allowing cinemas to open on Sundays, on July 19th
a polite ripple of applause around the ground from the Olympic games opening ceremony took place
all the fans, ditto even if the opposition simply put at Wembley Stadium, there was a heatwave in
together a good move. This was known quaintly as Newcastle – 80F at noon – the Grand Theatre
12 tf www.true-faith.co.uk www.true-faith.co.uk tf 13
the season. Over the next seven games we won two, One loss and three wins followed and brought us up
drew two and lost three (one of which was a shock to the game of the season against Portsmouth. Both
home FA Cup 3rd round tie against second division of us were going for the title and on April 6th in front
Bradford Park Avenue 0-2) which brought us to the of 60,611 we were twanked 0-5 at SJP, all scored by
return fixture against our bitterest rivals. headers. In the first half we had eight
corners to their none but were
It is fair to say the hatred
0-3 down. It was one of those
between the two sets of
days. Pompey were roundly
supporters was nowhere
applauded from the field. Next,
near as vitriolic as it is today.
away to Derby County we won
Nevertheless there was little
4-2 (Harvey, Sibley, Robledo,2)
love lost.
a particularly good result as
dying and into November practically non-existent New years day arrived with transport strikes On 5th March 1949, SJP saw they were an excellent side
except for a few tufts around the corner flags. Over and gales lashing the south coast. The Theatre a 2-1 win in front of 58,250 who would finish 3rd top
the winter and spring it would be little more than Royal panto was Sleeping Beauty starring Wilson, with goals from Milburn and of the league. Home to the
a quagmire. With the case balls made of leather Keppel and Betty (ask your Granddad) and Eddie George Robledo. The latter Smoggies (not known as that
which soaked up the moisture it is amazing how the Reindeer (honest!), and the quietest Newcastle had joined from Barnsley for then) who were very close
players could move it more than a few inches. Also, had been in living memory. It seems people were £26,500 in January and became to relegation. A 1-0 win in
transfer fees were now causing concern amongst the staying around the doors with the police and the an immensely popular player a dire game brought a slow
games administrators. When Len pubs reporting a deathly hush. There was to be a for United, playing 164 games handclap from around the
Shackleton went to the mackems giant petition to the Home and scoring 91 goals (55%). ground. The return three days
for a record £20,050 there were Secretary to lift restrictions He was a Chilean national and later saw them gain revenge
shock waves, with one leading light on rations. No bacon, very played for his country in the in a full blooded derby with
at the Football League exclaiming little meat and the bread 1950 World Cup. Bobby Mitchell a 2-3 victory, albeit we were
“Has football finance gone mad? was described as “inedible”. made his debut in this game 2-1 up at half time after
Football is our National sport – and would go on to become one playing some excellent
At this time both blue
don’t let’s spoil it” of the best loved players of all football.
and white collar jobs were
Whilst football today is played at time for the Mags. Not until the The three remaining games saw us draw at Liverpool
plentiful Every day the city
an incredibly fast pace the game arrival of David Ginola would we see a left winger 1-1, lose at home to Man U., 0-1 and end up drawing
centre would see monstrous
in the olden days would probably to compare. The conditions were atrocious with a away at Sheff Utd. 0-0 to finish in 4th place (52 pts).
traffic congestion as buses
have the modern day supporter biting wind and sleet but it was one of the best The league winners were Pompey (58 pts) followed by
came into town from unheard
slack jawed in disbelief at how games of the season. Our star men were Robledo Man Utd and Derby County. All in all a very creditable
of places such as Clara Vale,
slow it was. However the players and Tommy Walker with Milburn typically missing position for our return to the top flight. The Mackems
Philadelphia, Cambois and
themselves were no slouches. easy opportunities but scoring the more difficult finished 8th and the smogs 4th bottom. Milburn would
Sleekburn. There was a Stock
John Edward Thompson Milburn chances (a trait he would eventually lose). Shack be top scorer with 19 goals from 35 games (54%) and
Exchange, loads of banks,
was aptly initialled JET. He was and Broadis played well for them. our average home attendance was 53,702. Ken Brown
insurance companies, shipping
at one time a professional companies, NCB offices etc. The
sprinter and was timed at 19.7
Union Rooms was a Business
seconds over 200yards (182.8
Club where the glitterati of the
metres). Also Frank Brennan, a 6ft.2ins centre Chile’s No: 1
local business scene gathered.
half, could do the 100yards (91.4m) in 10.2 seconds.
There were huge factories employing skilled, semi
Training methods were primitive consisting mainly
skilled and labourers. The pubs benefited hugely as
of running around the pitch and kick-abouts on the
did the back street bookies. Every back lane had
club car park. Players were given cigarettes as part
one. Gambling was illegal.
of their bonus and travelled to the game by public
transport. Some would maybe pop into their local After the derby we would go on to win six games
for a couple before going to the ground. However by on the trot culminating at Arsenal on Nov 20th.
the standards of the day their pay was good. They We won 1-0, deservedly. The Gunners played robust
got £12 per week, with bonuses of £2 for a win and (dirty) football injuring Jackie Milburn in the process.
£1 for a draw. This compared favourably with the On 18th Dec we beat Everton 1-0 unconvincingly at
average wage of around £4. Some players also got home to go top of the table. Then on Xmas day we
club owned houses to live in, usually those with lost 0-1 away to Birmingham, which put us second,
wives and bairns. and we would stay there until the last two games of
14 tf www.true-faith.co.uk www.true-faith.co.uk tf 15
Before the start of season 49/50 a newspaper report had it that “Football Tragically it was announced that Septimus missions. The players he signed are too many to list
Donaldson had died aged 72. He was known as but Stan introduced Jackie Milburn, Frank Brennan,
had a grip on the Nation. Over a million people every week paid to watch “The King of Mascots” and for over forty years Sep Bobby Mitchell, Alf McMichael and many more who
it”. There was a First Division, a Second Division, a Third division (North) had followed United all over the country dressed would be top players for United.
in Black & White hat, coat, trousers, (sometimes a
There then followed 4 wins, 1 draw and 2 losses
and a Third Division (South). Last season a total of 41,271,424 watched, kilt), crooked walking stick and so popular was he
bringing us to October 15th and our home derby
that postcards of him and his brooches were sold
with the Mackems. After 32 minutes we were 2-0
with the best in the country being Newcastle United with an average throughout the country.
up with goals from Robledo and Walker but we
gate of 53,702. Not Man Utd. Not Liverpool. Newcastle United - the club Following a successful 5 match tour of Canada succeeded in snatching defeat from the jaws of
and America with a goals tally of 31 for and 9 victory by giving away two soft goals against 10
with the largest following in England. And not just a one off either. against, this season for United would be a season men. Milburn was missing on International duty
of consolidation, exciting in parts but with some busily scoring a hat-trick against Wales. The game
The Football League held a meeting at which it was concluded that inconsistent performances. was not a classic by any means but if we had taken
even a few of the chances we created we would
this would not last and that contingency plans must be considered. It opened with a home game, in a heat-wave, against
have tripled the score. 57,979 watched.
Champions, Portsmouth, and perhaps predictably
They would be proved right. One idea was to raise the minimum we lost 1-3 (George At this time there were
Robledo scoring). no teams that dominated
admission to 1/6 (8p) but this was overruled by 2 votes. Pompey played hard the league or the Cup
(dirty) but were a like we see today. There
Look Back In Anger
quality side and the was a maximum wage
scoreline could have structure in place which
been worse. We then basically meant that
The rock and dole years – 1949/50 lost away to Everton
1-2, and next away to
every club had good
players. There was no
Wolves by the same point in going anywhere
score. Lowrie, our else if the wages were
No.10, tangled with the same. It did not
Smyth who reacted by stop the constant
reeling with his hands demands from players
clutching his face. asking for a transfer,
The ref hadn’t seen it usually because of
but the linesman had. personality clashes (or
Lowrie was booked wives). However, the
then sent off. It was players were chattels
the last game he would of the clubs and could
play for us. Revenge at be refused point
home to Everton and blank if the directors
a 4-0 result, with goals so decided. Tom Finney for
from Milburn, Robledo, Mitchell and Walker. These example, who was a truly great player for Preston
players were part of a good forward line which and England, was offered riches beyond belief to go
would include “little” Ernie Taylor. They would get and play in Italy for Napoli but when he requested a
better. transfer was simply told by the P.N.E. chairman to
forget it! And he had to!
Astonishingly, a director of United was hailed
as “Footballs Greatest Scout”. Nowadays club We were now 10th in the league and would remain
Directors are generally as knowledgeable about there until Dec 17th and our return match at
football and their own team as Fat Boy Ashley is Portsmouth which we lost 0-1. The weather was bad
about Quantum Physics, or, in his case, football. with a strong end to end wind, the ref was poor and
Stan Seymour, born in Kelloe, Co. Durham had the Pompey tackling was “crude” but despite this we
played for the team and was now responsible for dominated the game. Our next game was at home on
finding and signing new players. He was rarely seen Christmas Eve to Wolves which we won 2-0 in which
at SJP, travelling, mainly to Scotland, on scouting George Hannah and Ernie Taylor excelled. Hannah and
16 tf www.true-faith.co.uk www.true-faith.co.uk tf 17
but ultimately harmless. He decided to stay out, In our last 14 league games of the season we would
but fortunately was found late that night, near lose only once. One of the best games of the season
his home, safe but freezing cold, following a was at SJP versus Liverpool who were top of the
neighbourhood search. Result, no thrashing and a league. We whacked them 5-1 and they were lucky
second free new pair of NHS specs. it wasn’t more. Liverpool had reached the cup final
Jim Rising remains a season ticket and were going for the double. They
holder to this day. would get neither!
Oldham Athletic were a mid table On April 15th we were at Highbury
team playing in the Third Division for our one and only defeat, 2-4,
(North) when they were drawn in which Arsenal were deemed to
at home to Newcastle United in be lucky. We were 0-2 down but
the third round of the cup and came back to 2-2 (Hannah, Robledo)
41,706 packed Boundary Park to but our keeper Lowery who was in
see the game. We were 2-0 up for the injured Fairbrother was, in
after 6 minutes but then it was modern parlance, “a dodgy keeper”
all Oldham. Charlie Crowe and and the game finished 2-4.
Alf McMichael, a left back, had been signed earlier this Unlike today there was no undersoil heating and if George Hannah played blinders
In this game Bobby Mitchell gave the
season from Linfield by Stan Seymour and McMichael a frost was imminent then straw was spread over for us yet despite Oldham pulling
Arsenal full back Wally Barnes the run-
would prove an excellent signing. Wolves would finish the pitch. On the morning of the match the straw a goal back we eventually finished
around, something which would repeat
the season as runners-up. would be moved to the red shale track around the 7-2 winners (Milburn 3, Mitchell,
itself with dramatic results in the future.
edge where thousands of youngsters usually sat to Walker 2 and an own goal). All
Christmas arrived, very mild with the temp at 48F On the same day England beat Scotland
watch the game. They sat there because they were was undone in the next round away to Chelsea,
in Newcastle. The nurses at the General sang carols 1-0 at Hampden Park in front of 138,000 producing
too little to stand on the packed terraces and see. losing 0-3. According to Ken McKenzie writing in the
to the patients, there were more goods in the shops gate receipts of £30,000.
The straw would be wet and would stick in various Sunday Sun “ United were pathetic, completely out-
this year including Binns, in Market street, with a
orifices but whenever we scored the thousands of skilled, out-thought and outplayed. Chelsea deserved So to the last 3 games of the season with a 2-1 home
Dual Purpose Handbag available in tan, black, ivory,
lads and lasses would leap up shouting in glee and at least 6-0”. success over Man U., in which we were comprehensively
grey and nigger (gasp!) brown for 77/6 (£3.80). You
throwing the straw up into the air, the while calling outplayed, an away victory 3-1 at Chelsea which was
could travel in comfort to London with United Buses Our home gates had now dropped from an average
out such well known phrases as “well played” and described as our best football of the season and a
(nothing to do with NUFC) for 38/- (£1.90) and the 54,025 to 49,652 due to the fact that we were
“jolly good show” and “fine goal Jackie” (or George final great game at home to Blackpool including the
North Eastern Electricity Board thanked everyone having a patchy season performance wise. At home
or Bobby or Tommy, or whoever) legendary Stanley Mathews, who was comfortably
for helping to keep cuts to a to Burnley we drew 0-0 and on March the 4th we
- or words to that effect. Just such contained by Alf McMichael. We won 3-0. Blackpool
minimum. People splashed out found ourselves at joker park where they recorded
a lad was Jim Rising. Now in those had the best defensive record in the league.
on cigarettes, sweets and bread, their biggest ever home league attendance of
whilst if you were looking forward days the National Health Service 68,004 and in which we were the more impressive The final league table saw us in 5th only 3 points
to the summer then Butlins were was in it’s infancy and, unlike now team on show. This game lived up to expectations behind the champions Portsmouth, with Wolves
tempting you with quarter page when you can get anything you like and we were ahead through Houghton after runners-up. Jackie Milburn was our top scorer with
adverts. from Aphrodisiac (Viagra) to Zocor 11minutes. Shack equalised on 27 mins but we 21 goals from 32 games (65%). Not bad eh? Our
(ask your Doctor), then, you were regained the lead through Ernie Taylor (a Sunderland average attendance was 46,456. In the Amateur Cup
On Boxing day we were at home
rationed, and in Jim’s case to one lad) 3 minutes later. Broadis scored the final goal final Willington beat Bishop Auckland 4-0 in front of
to the Smogs and lost 0-1 in front
pair of spectacles a year. after 52 minutes but we were easily the better of 77,000 at Wembley. Arsenal beat Liverpool 2-0 in
of 61,184. On the very next day, in
Consequently when the the two sides on the day. the Cup final. Ken Brown
the return, exactly the same result!
This put us down to 15th at the turn straw came down and the
of the year but on New Years Eve we pandemonium had subsided
managed a 1-0 win at Villa, Hannah Jim’s glasses were nowhere
scoring, moving us up slightly to to be seen, (well, he couldn’t
finish the year in 12th spot. We had see them ‘cos he had no
played 5 matches in the space of 17 specs). Panic ensued! These
days. Celebrations this year were very were his one and only pair!
different to last with the city packed to overflowing. For the year! How was he to go home and tell
Thousands danced and sang outside St Nicholas’ his Mam and Dad? What would they say? Jim
Cathedral and the dance halls, pubs and cinemas decided a return home straight after the match
announced a roaring trade. The Police reported no would probably result in a good thrashing, with
problems! the belt. A practice not unheard of in those days,
18 tf www.true-faith.co.uk www.true-faith.co.uk tf 19It was the World Cup! It was England v. USA!
It was England 0 USA 1! It was in Belo Horizonte! In
Brazil! In the summer of 1950! Frank Brennan, who,
It was the first time England had deigned to enter this rare forays the Yankees scored from a deflected shot
from the resumption of
competition having snootily declared in the past our (said England goalie Bert Williams). This meant we football after the war
Home Nations Championships were vastly superior. had to beat Spain to continue. However the Spaniards up to the present day
Jules Rimet, a French equivalent of Sepp Blatter, had played a dirty game with several handballs and two
introduced this tournament in 1930 and it was very stonewall penalty claims ignored by the partially is the best centre half
much a haphazard type of competition until 1954 sighted Italian ref. We lost 1-0. EVER! to wear the B&W
when it was properly structured. Scotland declined an It would be up to United to show them how to shirt – BAR NONE!
invitation to Brazil because they had finished second win a cup.
in the Home Nations (played at the end of every In our first eleven games we were unbeaten and
season between England, Scotland, Wales and N. were top of the league after 5 wins and 6 draws.
Ireland) and France declined because of the distance In our next eleven we lost only 3 matches and
and expense (as did other European associations). were in third spot. Typically we then lost the next
We had been installed as favourites to win. In the three successive league games including Everton,
first game we beat Chile 2-0 with George Robledo who would be relegated, and Chelsea who finished
the ONLY professional in the Chilean side. In the 20th, one place above a relegation place (only the
second game we lost to the Yanks. To be fair we did bottom two clubs went down back then). Perhaps
everything but score - hitting the woodwork several in mitigation these 3 games were all away. Notable
times and missing numerous sitters. On one of their games during this period were a 6-0 thrashing of Huddersfield Town, and a brilliant 2-1 win against allied to quick pass and move. At 5-0 up Spurs
Arsenal at SJP in front of 66,952. Arsenal were 1st, spurned chances galore to score in order that their
look back in anger
we were 2nd and we played them off the park centre forward Len Duquemin could get on the
despite going a goal down. We went top after this score sheet. He couldn’t.
result. A 4-2 win over Blackpool and a 4-2 win away Order was restored with a home win, 3-2, against
the rock and dole years – 1950/51 at Liverpool followed, these latter two games back
to back and both of them great games with a hat-
trick in each from George Robledo.
Charlton and a deserved 2-1 away win at Man U.
It was the Mancs first home defeat of the season.
Then away on Christmas Day to The Smoggies
However, the outstanding match took place on which we lost 1-2. Bob Stokoe scored our goal.
Nov 18th at White Hart Lane. Spurs had easily won In the meantime our manager George Martin had
the second division the previous season (including departed for Aston Villa and Stan Seymour took
pasting the Mackems 5-1 in the 4th round of the over as “acting manager”.
cup) and were going well in the first division this We didn’t play again until Jan 6th 1951 when we
season. All of us at 5 o’clock on that Saturday were at home in the third round of the Cup against
afternoon sat around the wireless (radio) to get Bury. They were a struggling second division team
the football results. In those days no-one knew and were duly cuffed with a comfy 4-1 win. Our
any of the scores until they were given on Sports goals came in an eight minute rush between the
Report at 5 pm. The introductory music finished, 11th and 19th minutes.
the headlines were announced and without
further ado the results were read out. When the James Maughan, an aged miner from Sherburn was
reader announced…..”Tottenham Hotspurs seven, the guest of honour at the match having supported
Newcastle United nil!” There was pandemonium! the Mags for 63 years only missing games because
It wasn’t true! There’d been some ghastly mistake! of service in the Boer and First World wars. He
He’d mistaken the seven for a one perhaps! The recalled the West End years and us playing Bury in
following day the Sunday Sun’s headline was: “The a cup tie in 1896.
White Hart Lane Massacre”. Sure enough we had The fourth round saw us at home on 27th Jan
been slaughtered even though we had hit the post in front of 67,596, to a much more formidable
twice and had fought well. Tottenham’s football was opponent in Bolton Wanderers. They had a strong
modelled on the played on the continent - pace side with the outstanding Nat Lofthouse at centre
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