This series will take a look back at some of the original Newcastle United legends. With all the doom and gloom around our current crop of so called management and players, it seems a look back at some our old guard is in order. A little reminder of what makes this club a great one. A club with a tradition of having sublime players amongst its ranks. A club that has tasted success on multiple occasions and is engrained in English football’s history as one of the Giants. Maybe a little reminder of our proud history and past heroes will spur our current club representatives to have a little pride in the shirt and even try to emulate these Newcastle United legends. Maybe it will help convince Ashley to invest in some genuine talent for a change – and build a team round that talent instead of flogging it off. Or maybe the club will continue to be run like some cheap tat shop used as a giant mannequin to showcase Ashley’s personal business interests instead…
Hughie Gallagher was born in February 1903 in Belshill, Scotland. To give a little perspective to how much the world has changed since then, On December 17, 1903, Wilbur and Orville Wright made four brief flights at Kitty Hawk with their first powered aircraft. The Wright brothers had invented the first successful airplane.
Hughie would play locally for Tannockside Athletic and Hattonrigg Thistle before signing his first professional contract with Queen of the South in 1920, the same year traffic lights, plasters and the washing machine were introduced to the world. He married the same year and had 2 children. The following year he joined Airdrieonians, scoring 91 goals in 111 games over a 4-year period and securing the Scottish Cup. By now he had split from his wife in the first of many personal problems in his life.
In March 1924 Hughie represented Scotland for the first time. He scored 5 goals in his first 4 games including twice in a 2-0 victory over England in front of 92,000 fans at Hampden Park. Imagine the atmosphere back then… Hughie’s form was so prolific that Newcastle United broke their transfer record when they shelled out £6,500 to land him in 1925 – the same year the humble television came alive. Gallagher would spend 5 years with the Toon and he was a screaming success.
In his first season Hughie netted 23 times in only 19 appearances, including 2 on his debut against Everton. He was made Captain the following season, scoring 36 times in 38 games helping Newcastle United to secure the First Division Title for the last time to date in 1926-1927. He would go on to score an impressive 74 goals in 103 appearances throughout the following 3 seasons. To date, no Toon striker has managed to match Hughie’s potency in front of goal when you compare his strike rate to his number of appearances – 82%. Total Toon stats: 174 games, 143 goals.
He continued to do well for his Country, securing a hat-trick against Northern Ireland in 1926 and being part of the team that thrashed England 5-1 in 1928. That Scotland team would forever be known as the ‘Wembley Wizards’ as a result of that game. You can see some of the footage here The link in the 1st Comment. As if that was not enough, Hughie would score all 4 goals the following season in a 4-2 win over Northern Ireland. He’d only represent Scotland 20 times, but he scored 23 goals and only lost one game.
Hughie is described as being two footed with a powerful and accurate shot. At only 5’5’’ tall, he was surprisingly good in the air and he was a grafter – getting stuck in for the cause. Despite his talent, he was also a hot head. He would fall victim to the referee’s wrath on a regular basis and got himself a 2-month ban whilst in Toon colours, something the Newcastle hierarchy and new coach Andy Cunningham were not impressed about. What had he done? Pushed the referee Mr. Fogg into the team bath of course! He was a heavy drinker off the pitch and got involved with a local Inn keeper’s daughter. This resulted in Court action against Hughie, who had assaulted the young lady’s brother who was not happy with a still married Hughie besmirching his little sister’s honour. Hughie would right this wrong, by divorcing the mother of his 2 children and wedding the young lady. Unfortunately, his divorce cost him in the region of £4,000 (over £200 grand in today’s money during a time that footballers earnt less than the equivalent of £25,000-a-year). He was in financial ruin.
By now penicillin and liquid rocket fuel had been invented. In 1930 Hughie was sold to Chelsea for a record £10,000. A £3,500 profit for the club. Mike Ashley would be proud. Toon fans were gutted to lose Hughie and set a crowd record of 68,386 when he returned to St.James’ Park with the Blues later that year. 20,000 fans had to make do with being locked out of the stadium.
Hughie still liked the drink and was actually accused of being Drunk & Disorderly whilst on the pitch. He claimed he had used whiskey as a mouth wash! He failed to land any silverware with Chelsea, but still managed a tidy return of 81 goals in 144 games for the club, was their top scorer for 3 years and saved them from relegation in 1933 – the year the electron microscope was invented. Gallagher was moved on to Derby County after this. At the time of the move, Hughie was in financial dire-straits and part of his move to Derby included the Rams clearing his debts. He found the back of the net 38 times in 51 appearances. He was now on the decline and turned out for clubs such as Notts County, Grimsby Town and Gateshead.
Hughie finished up his career just prior to World War 2 with 624 senior appearances, netting 463 times. His life would end in tragedy in 1957. He had thrown an ashtray at his misbehaving 14-year-old son Matthew and clipped him with it, drawing blood. He was in drink at the time and in the throes of depression. His wife had died in 1950 and Hughie had never gotten over it. Gallagher’s eldest son Hughie junior had just returned from a tour with the RAF and was not impressed with what his Dad had done. He took Matthew to a friend’s house and turned his Dad away the following day, telling him he never wanted to see him again. That was the last time the two Hughie’s ever saw each other and Hughie junior has regretted it ever since, insisting his Dad had never raised a hand against any of his kids on any other occasion.The day before he was due to appear at Court he threw himself in front of the York to Edinburgh train, losing his head in the process. At his inquest a letter of apology penned by Gallagher was read out. Part of that letter read: ‘I’ll never forgive myself for having struck Matthew, even if I live to be a hundred.’
Hughie is a true Newcastle United Icon. A record purchase, highest return in goals to games and the man that began the Cult status of the famed number 9 shirt. In the 1926-1927 season Hughie sealed no less than 5 hat-tricks in that famous black and white #9 shirt and his 36 league goals that year is a record that still stands today. Hughie is considered as one of the first true football celebrities. He liked the social scene, was popular with fans and was up-to-date in the fashion stakes. He’d walk around Tyneside dressed like a gangster in a broad-brimmed hat, double breasted suits and spats. On top of that, he had bag loads of skill and knew how to put a shift in. A true legend of the game.
Written by Shamrock. Content from various open sources.
About Shamrock
Like everyone here, support Newcastle United. Not the easiest side to feel good about at times, but it's our side!
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Big Dave(Quote)
Shamrock brilliant read that took me away from the pain of our current plight 😆 , sorry even after near an hour I still couldn’t get the link to the video in the article to work 😥
Big Dave(Quote)
the curse of hughie gallagher.
Wee’ Hughie Gallacher.
Apparently, he was less than impressed at being sold by the club he loved and didn’t hold back when he later became an outspoken sports reporter.
He was subsequently banned from St James’ Park. “Newcastle United, you’re doomed,” he is alleged to have said before he jumped in front of a train.
hitman(Quote)
Shamrock, excellent read mate. Well before my time but I obviously know about the man, but learned a lot more from that article. Every now and then a total footballer comes along, a goal machine, a sublime talent and how sad that often along with it comes many issues. Best, Gazza and the likes of Suarez and Maradona are modern day examples of flawed geniuses. Of course you have other greats who don’t, but somehow their just not quite as much fun. Hughie lived the life of a idol it would seem, imagine the money he would earn today, imagine the transfer fee. One things for sure he wouldn’t come within one inch of the Toon under the present regime. 🙁
kimtoon(Quote)
Shamrock – I’ve really enjoyed reading that thankyou.
As Big Dave says takes the mind away from the current situation for a while.
An excellent article cheers
Beardsleys Boots(Quote)
Kim its funny when you think of most of the special footballers had flaws.
Big Dave(Quote)
Cracking article Shamrock – bit before my time, but a true NUFC legend.
Not quite as prolific as Hughie, but a good open letter from Micky Quinn:
http://mobile.newsnow.co.uk/A/771804484?-11058:809:t
Sharpy17(Quote)
Nice one Shamrock. My Grandad always said there’d never be anyone better than Hughie.
georgio(Quote)
Big Dave – I don’t know what criteria you use to quantify a ‘special footballer’ but anyway, I would have to disagree with the ‘most’ bit.
😆
SOME would be more like it.
For every flawed one there are many more equally good ones, yet for some reason we put cult hero status onto the flawed ones more.
Of course I am talking bollix though because they are all flawed in one way or another, just some are more flawed than others and grab the headlines.
Perhaps it’s just the genius ones that blew it prematurely, you know like Ranger for example 😳
Beardsleys Boots(Quote)
BB I was talking about ones that stand out in your mind.
Big Dave(Quote)
I didn’t know that Hughie quote, Hitman. So you think his resentful ghost has possessed Ashley?
GTE(Quote)
Talking of past greats
http://www.themag.co.uk/2015/05/newcastle-fans-to-observe-a-minutes-silence-at-3pm-today/
kimtoon(Quote)
Be interested to see Ice’s view on this, he was there to see Hughie play live! 😆 😛
nice read Shamrock!
Aussie Magpie Fan(Quote)
Talking of times past
where’s Richie at these days 😕 ❓
Beardsleys Boots(Quote)
there was 1 manager or player who pissed in all 4 corners of the pitch to try and rid us of the curse,all urban legend.
didnt gullit bring in a priest when he heard about it also.
plus it dosnt help sjp being built on where they used to hang people.
hitman(Quote)
Could do with him now!
Stuart79(Quote)
I don’t know Hitman, I can think of one or two we’d like to hang there today.
GTE(Quote)
Cheers for the comments everyone. I learnt a lot myself researching Hughie. Will try and dig up a few more past greats over the coming months. What we’d give to have someone like him amongst our ranks today eh?!
Shamrock(Quote)
Lovely article about a REAL great player who I was lucky to actually see him play in a friendly war-time charity match while he was a labourer at the Huwood factory on Team Valley. The select team played against the famous Amateur Cup winning Bishop Auckland team at Simonside, South Shields. My father took me saying “come on son, you’ll never see the like of this man again” and he was right! Even the great Dixie Dean of Everton and England when asked who was the best centre-forward playing in England said that Wee Hughie was the best.
In the game at Shields, Hughie only play for half the game before the age, booze and smoking took its toll – but in that time he had Warney Cresswell’s son all over the field. He gave us glimpses of just how brilliant he could still be. Unfortunately, not a very nice man BUT what a magnificent footballer.
I followed Newcastle home and many away games from 1942 until they sacked Sir Bobby. I’ve never been since nor ever intend to again until people like Ashley and the poor quality team have all gone.
Tom Page(Quote)
Loved that read mate,I have wished someone would write some threads about our past heroes more so in this time of gloom,being a very long time fan I don’t think a lot of fans know how many C/F the toon have gone through since those days maybe you could write some threads of past C/F we had some great ones (and ***** ones) Len White was my favorite,the great days of White,Alchurch,Eastham the guy that started the the Bosman carry on
BIG DAVE will know a lot of hughie games heard he never missed any of his games 😆 😆
icedog(Quote)
TOM hope to see you on this blog a lot more mate,well done
icedog(Quote)
Nice contributions Tom and Ice. Particularly pleasing to hear from a person that actually saw Hughie play! I am too young to appreciate it fully, but my word it was a different world back then. Ice I shall do my best to churn out a few of the Old Guard over the next few months and will include your man Len White.
Shamrock(Quote)
Good to see new bloggers and new style article. The blog is getting back to how it was in the glory years.
We just need Stardust to return to spoil everything. 😆
Troy Stavers(Quote)
Thanks SHAMROCK,hardly missed a game home or away from seven years old apart for me playing the game myself for a while,but gave up my season ticket a while back in protest to jabba,will forward to your threads
icedog(Quote)
LOOK
icedog(Quote)
@23 I will second that
icedog(Quote)
I’m memory of the late great Hughie Gallagher I have today dressed in a broad-brimmed hat, double breasted suit and spats and I’m currently cutting roond the toon, proppa gangsta rappin!
Sad story aboot Hughie and his son like. 🙁
Troy Stavers(Quote)
http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/newcastle-united-starlet-olivier-kemen-9199838
If it we could see these youngsters progressing to the first team more often…
Shamrock(Quote)
Troy – I think he’s still under his rock after his fu*k buddy Mike completely cocked everything up.
Stuart79(Quote)
Shamrock,
Please try and give some insight to some wonderful players that I was fortunate to see play – Albert Stubbins, Harry Clifton, Frank Brennan, Dougie Wright, Tom Finney, Jack Milburn, George Robledo, Len Wight, George Eastham, Bobby Mitchell, Bobby Cowell, Bobby Corbett, Jack Fairbrother, Ronnie Simpson, George Luke, Charlie Crowe Jimmy Scoular and many, many more. All of these lads would make the current team ashamed to pull on the shirt.
I’d have given everything to have been allowed to play in that shirt but this lot don’t give two hoots about it – all they want is their money and to hell with the fans.
Tom Page(Quote)
Stuart
I speak to him regularly. His crabby face contorts even more than normal when I remind him of his undying love for fat Mike whilst on here.
He tries to brave it out by trying to keep a straight face but I’ve entered him into the world gurning championships!
What an odious little creep he is. 😛
Troy Stavers(Quote)
Tom – I bet you have some stories & memories following NUFC during that time mate 😉
Sharpy17(Quote)
Shamrock – the older players haven’t been doing it for us, and players like Raylor & Jonas won’t be getting new contracts.
I would love to see young players getting their chance – more game time for Aarons & Armstrong, bring in the likes of Satka, Roberts & Kemen and give them a chance.
We should have been doing it over the last couple of months really – maybe now with 3 such important games left isn’t the right time, but we have to find a way of integrating these young players.
Sharpy17(Quote)
What the hell has Kemen go to do to get a look in? How bad must he be if he can’t get into the worst defence in the league even when we’ve run out of defenders?
I’m tired of hearing Carver talk about experience because it’s not working. We need energy, not clapped out old hits who are out of contract in the summer.
Stuart79(Quote)
Hopefully a new manager will have the foresight to give the kids a chance age does not come into it imo,how old were Owen,Rooney,even big Al ect when they hit the PL,if they are good enough give them a chance the so called first steamers are just not up to it
icedog(Quote)
I agree. Age has no bearing on talent. Wisdom yes, but you could counter that with the hunger of youth. Somebody like Saylor has always had talent, but age has not bestowed wisdom on him. He still makes stupid mistakes. Janmaat is a work cup finalist, but his age and experience meant nowt when he got himself banned the other day. Give youth a chance I say.
Tim I shall look up those names and as long as there is enough material out there , I will put a few of them into the series with pleasure 🙂
Shamrock(Quote)
Sharpy17,
Yes, I have some wonderful memories. However, I’ve also got some bad ones too. This lot now remind me of what happened when we had Gordon Lee as manager – he was absolutely woeful and some of his signings were too. Then I had to watch people like Mulgrew and Bottom, totally useless.
These were countered by the Cup Finals in 51,52 and 55. I was at the last final when Jackie scored with one of his very rare headers. Jimmy Scoular was magnificent that day. His cross-field passing to Bobby Mitchell was inch perfect. The City was really alive and the celebrations at SJP were great.
In those days I stood in the old Leazes end, complete with corrugated roof, behind the goal. I remember we played Leeds Utd and there were a lot of Leeds fans around us in the same end. We tore up the forwards of both teams from the programme and we all put two shillings into the pot. The Leeds lad that pulled out the name of John Charles got the winnings when Charles scored a hat-trick to beat us 3 – nowt
I still miss having my two season tickets, originally in the old West stand that I got from my father. The seats were on the centre line and were next to Malcolm Dix’s dad. Then the club chucked us (my son and I) out and transferred us to the John Hall stand. It was OK but not the same.
I still miss not going to SJP and although now in my 80’s would go back again if they brought back Kevin Keegan, or someone like him, to run the team properly.
Tom Page(Quote)
I see jabba has raked in another 44mil selling a lease in London building,and will be up for 900mil on flats ect in Chelsea,how much dough does this guy want ffs
icedog(Quote)
TOM aye mate those were the days,I was 7yrs old when my dad took me to Wembley to see the 55final,I was also lucky enough to see both legs of our fairs cup win in 69 through my dads friendship with JH
icedog(Quote)
Well I think I have heard it all now! Carver says in his press conference he still thinks he’s the best coach in the PL!!! Does this not sound alarm bells at the club?!!! He also says he has the backing of Charnley and Ashley which is just as worrying! Nothing’s changing so I say boycott the game!
De Jong has a ‘issue’ with his thigh too so is a doubt! FFS!
What an utter shambles!
Stuart79(Quote)
Tom – it’s been a big part of yours & your sons life then mate. I reckon there’s a few on here (including myself) who would love to sit & have a pint with you and listen to those footy stories. I don’t imagine fans sharing a stand like that Leeds game now 😆
It must have been difficult walking away from your tickets, but could I ask what you make of all the goings on at the moment? – do you back the boycott?
Sharpy17(Quote)
Stu – the bloke is absolutely delusional if he’s coming out with craic like that!!.
He wants to drop the self importance act and focus all his attention on keeping us up – the dumb muppet.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Tom thanks for stopping and shaing your experiences. Only been a Toon fan 20 years myself and from afar at that so I really love hearing about the history from those who wintnessed it and lived it. Please contribute to the blog more often mate
Shamrock great piece and keep them coming. It would be great to read a series of these over the summer
MDS(Quote)
And I’ll 2nd that too 🙄 😆
Beardsleys Boots(Quote)
From Carver:
“I still think I’m the best coach in the Premier League.”
“I have got the backing of Mike (Ashley) and Lee (Charnley) and that is enough.”
“West Brom are very well organised and a threat at set-plays but we need to win the game and have to find a way to do that.”
“It has been a tough period but I have a spring in my step and am ready to go for the next three games.”
Surely the best coach in the PL would already know how to break WBA down, and would have coached his side to fear no opponent at set pieces.
Still, we shouldn’t worry – he has a spring in his step, so survival is as good as ours 😉
Sharpy17(Quote)
More injuries and this can’t be a coincidence that we have one of the most skeletal coaching staff in the league. We penny pinch all over place and it keeps coming back to bite us in the ****. Who will issue the final bite that finally kills is off?
Stuart79(Quote)
Sam fecking Allardyce, that who Stu.
Shamrock(Quote)
http://mobile.newsnow.co.uk/A/771942155?-11058:809
If (and it’s a big if) Ashley does ever decide to put the club up for sale, I reckon these figures will be at the forefront of his greedy mind.
I don’t think the fat **** will knock a penny off – regardless how bad things get.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Shamrock – and won’t he just enjoy every second of it.
Sharpy17(Quote)
wow carver has well and truly lost his mind.clown
hitman(Quote)
He’s not quite Kinnear but he isn’t far off is he?
MDS(Quote)
Tom, you are a breath of fresh air. Great to hear what it was like in the past, please come on more often as it’s nice to get a different perspective on things . 🙂
kimtoon(Quote)
Hitman, he really has to start shutting his trap. The time for words and self praise has gone, he can come off with all the bloody ” I got mikes backing” and “it’s been tough” that he wants, it means zero if it don’t improve on the pitch. Why are the club not telling him to keep it simple in pressers and leave out the self adulation. 👿
kimtoon(Quote)
That’s a good question Kim. He’s starting to look like David Brent. No wonder the players don’t respond to him.
Shamrock(Quote)
Feel a bit harsh criticising Ashley for being cheap now I’ve found out we employ the best coach in the premier league
Seeing as the premier leagues routinely trotted out as the best league in the world does that make wor John the best coach in the planet ??
He’s lost the plot
CC(Quote)
Has anoyone seen footage? Please tell me that he was laughing as he said it….
GTE(Quote)
Sharpy17.
Thank you all for your support.
I’m very sorry to say this but I fully understand the feelings of those fans who stay away. Until this parasite Ashley and his crew leave you won’t see the likes of footballers I’ve been privileged to watch in a black and white shirt.
To think that I used to go to the match and pay 6d (2 1/2p) to get in to watch those top class players when they were in the old 2nd division.
In those days we had Tommy Swinburn in goal and although he had been good, he was well past it. We played Bury in an early round of the cup and one of their players took a shot at goal. Tommy tried to bend down to save it – missed it and the ball rolled between his legs and into the net. Needless to say we lost the game. But and here’s the irony. The Newcastle fans didn’t get upset with Tommy, they knew he had tried his best and that’s the difference today. The current players are not trying their best, they are just going through the motions thinking that we Geordies know nowt about the game – how wrong they are. We’ve lived for our football for many years before my time – when we were East End and West End and then United. We know a lot more about the game than they and others give us credit for.
I hate to say it but staying away is probably the only way to get rid of Ashley and the others who suck-up to him.
But I’ll still be saying ‘Howay, me bonny lads’ and thinking of all the fine players that wore OUR clubs shirt with pride.
Tom Page(Quote)
MDS – Not even Kinnear said he was the best coach in the PL!
GTE – Genuinley he said it with a straight face even after everyone stopped laughing!
Stuart79(Quote)
Stu I still give the edge to Kinnear until Carver starts mispronouncing player names and claims to have signed players that predate his tenure. It’s getting close though
MDS(Quote)
Kinnear did claim those 3 manager of the year awards too:)
MDS(Quote)
Tom – you’ve found a new home on here mate, I completely agree with you. I hope you stick around and post some more as we see this season out and beyond 😉
Sharpy17(Quote)
i think carver would be better suited to geordie shore than newcastle united,he would fit right in on that show,total fkin embarrassment to geordies.
hitman(Quote)
Hey guys! I’ve just found out that everything is going to be alright. Apparently Carver is the best coach in the Premier League! So it’s ok then. Mourinho and Wenger could easily keep us up, so Carver will probably have us qualify for the Champions League! HWTL!
ToonDarnSarf(Quote)
One thing that might effect the gate on Saturday is that I know a fair few who are going to Wembley to watch North Shields. Wouldn’t that be a statement if there were more there than SJP!!! Won’t happen but would be good.
Stuart79(Quote)
No Stuart, it won’t be good. Carver and Colo are right about this one. It would be good if fans would swallow their pride, launch into fabulous song for 270 minutes and then once the final match is over (and we’ve stayed up), they can launch into whatever protests about Ashley that they want.
ToonDarnSarf(Quote)
Tom Page – you’ve made my day today fella with your fine words and memories.
Thanks and please feel free to come back again.
All the best to you.
Howay the Lads
Beardsleys Boots(Quote)
TDS – ” once the final match is over (and we’ve stayed up), they can launch into whatever protests about Ashley that they want.”
And exactly what good is that gonna do ?
NOWT
Get real please.
Beardsleys Boots(Quote)
Excellent Article Shamrock, thoroughly enjoyed that. My Grandad used to rave on about Hughie, even up until he died 2 yrs ago aged 92. He would of been 5-6 when Hughie was signed so probably had some great memories.
very interesting life he led and sounds like a top striker.
Gashley(Quote)
BB
And you think it will be any different to protest by staying away and letting the club get relegated? Get real please.
What’s the season ticket take-up for next season? I’m assuming that if fans are as pissed off as you, then hardly anyone will have bought a season ticket right? That seems a good way to protest for me. Do you really think the players are going to try their hearts out if the fans don’t turn up to show them the real NUFC? Will they hell…they’ll just go and get their pay packet elsewhere.
ToonDarnSarf(Quote)
@ToonDarnSarf 65
I agree with that m8. As much as I detest MA its ‘our club’ that need our support for the next 2 home games.
Gashley(Quote)
GASHLEY
Good to hear mate. Mike Ashley is soulless. We (the fans) need to remind the players that NUFC has a soul and it resides in us. Getting relegated won’t mean we get rid of Ashley any quicker…in fact it’s more likely to be the opposite. I can’t see him taking a hit and selling at a huge loss, he’ll just bide his time until we’re back in the PL…
ToonDarnSarf(Quote)
Plus it might be the last 2 Prem games you see @St James’ for a few years 😯 might as well get your monies worth out of your season ticket.
Gashley(Quote)
TDS I agree mate but Ashley is a total ****.
Terry(Quote)
Williamson’s not defending so that’s a plus.
Terry(Quote)
TERRY
I dare anyone to deny that…
What is most frustrating is that, just when it looks like things are set up nicely, he manages to mess things up for us again. I actually think that under Pardew and with the squad we had in December (including MYM and Santon – or at least replacements for them), that we had a good chance of a nice stable top 10 finish.
The players clearly don’t want to play for Carver so whoever made that decision is just plain stupid. Not sure if it was Charnley or Ashley though…
ToonDarnSarf(Quote)