After my dad took me to St James Park for the 1st time in 1976, unfortunately for me things went downhill rapidly for NUFC. After years in the top flight, relegation soon followed. Crowds were relatively low. The ground was crumbling and we languished amongst the gloom of the old 2nd division for almost a decade. Then in the summer of 1982, bracing myself for another season of struggle, I bumped into a neighbour on his way back from buying the chronicle. He showed me the back page and there was Kevin Keegan arriving at Newcastle airport to sign.
Sheer disbelief on my part. This was European player of the year(twice), England international, European cup winner Kevin Keegan. A true superstar, and he came to play for my club, my city, struggling Newcastle. Of course in 'Roy of the Rovers' style he scored the winner on his debut. The ground was full to bursting and promotion was achieved soon after. There was a great buzz around the city and for a while at least, pride was restored.
Thanks for the memories KK.
John Scott
Newcastle United Foundation have a heritage project for fans of all ages called Toon Times.
Toon Times will culminate with a major Newcastle United exhibition at the Discovery Museum, Newcastle, although in the lead up to this event Toon Times wishes to reach out to all Newcastle United fans across the North East and further afield to get involved and share their memories, experiences, photos and memorabilia what people have collected over the years.
We are supporting the project by helping to collect NUFC memories online - fans can share their memories on the Replay Football website, simply select the Toon Times tag when submitting yours.
For more info contact the Toon Times Heritage Project Coordinator, Newcastle United Foundation, gavin.ferry@nufc.co.uk
Memory added on August 26, 2013
Comments (Add your voice)
No comments have yet been added to this memory.
