My First Match 27 April 1968
My First Newcastle United match was against Tottenham Hotspur on the 27th April 1968. The match itself ended in a 3-1 defeat, so nothing has changed there, but I remember being gutted about that at the time! Tommy Robson scored for the Toon but we were outclassed on the day.
My Granddad knew Les Coxon who was involved with Spurs in some capacity and that is how we got our tickets.
Me and my brother, Brent, stood and waited for the Tottenham team bus arriving as the crowds began to gather at St. James’ Park. As the bus pulled up and the Spurs team got of I caught a glimpse of their players as they walked past me and into the stadium. We were handed our tickets from Spurs left back, Cyril Knowles! I managed to get his autograph, as well as Jimmy Greaves, Dave Mackay and the best of all – Jackie Milburn!! I remember keeping them and the green and white programme that I got on the day but who knows where they have went over the years.
Bit of a random link but if I can remember rightly Cyril Knowles was taken off that game and replaced by none other than Joe Kinnear!!
I also have fond memories of the Fairs Cup Quarter Final against Real Zaragoza in 1969 and Super Mac’s hat trick debut against Liverpool in 1971 – ooosh!
But the first match provides the fondest memories and I’ve been a fan ever since.
Gary Mordey
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 October 9, 2013
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