‘Super Goalie’ Mike Mahoney shares his memories of Newcastle United with Toon Times.
What can you remember of your debut for Newcastle United?
My debut was against Everton, I believe, in 1975. Unfortunately we got beat 1-0 but it was a great thing for me coming from Torquay to make my debut for Newcastle United in the First Division.
Despite the result I was happy with how I played and how the supporters took to me and carried me through; this is something that lasted throughout my time at the club.
What were your personal highlights playing for Newcastle United?
There were quite a few to be honest, first and foremost has to be the great support from the fans up there. Back in that time they were second to none!
The League Cup Final against Manchester City in 1976 also stands out both personally and for the club. From the matches that we played on that cup run, especially the semi-final against Tottenham despite losing the first leg we got there in the end. Unfortunately a lot of the tem the night before the final had flu with temperatures over 100! Although we can’t make excuses and the result went against us.
It was a wonderful experience playing at Wembley and the reception we received from the supporters on our return to the train station to St. James’ Park was amazing.
On a personal level in 1976 I also received the BBC ‘Save of the Year’ Award and Newcastle United Player of the Season, which were fantastic achievements.
Best player you played with at Newcastle United?
Where do I start? Obviously Malcolm Macdonald has excellent. He knew were the net was. We also had Terry Hibbitt, Irving Nattrass, Alan Kennedy and Stuart Barrowclough. It’s hard to believe we did not win anything.
Thoughts on the legendary support of Newcastle United fans…
Supporters at any club make you or break you although the support at Newcastle was and still is fantastic. I took over from Willie McFaul who was a popular figure but it makes a big difference when you know the crowd are behind you. The crowd up there are very knowledgeable and know if you are having a good or bad game but having their support really helps a player.
I always watch out for the results of the three clubs I played for (Bristol City, Torquay United and Newcastle United) on a Saturday afternoon and hope they all get good results.
Mike Mahoney
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 September 17, 2013
Comments
No comments have yet been added to this memory.
