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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Stuart – I hope you are right mate, it will be vindication for those of us who gave up 3 years ago.
It’s the only way to go, eventually the penny will drop.
Beardsleys Boots(Quote)
BB I dont think Roy lives by rules 😉
Stu I think a lot of fans have had enough even if they do have near full houses for the last game or 2 , I really do think its only because the fans dont want to be blamed for not supporting the TEAM.
Big Dave(Quote)
BIG DAVE,
It looks like we’re stuck with him , when he’s not being obnoxious and rude he’s ranting and raving, he never sleeps and we caught him just in time before he went out dressed as a parrot to confront boycotters outside of SJP. Please have him back, he’s upsetting the other guests and he was made so welcome here once !
jail for ashley(Quote)
http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/newcastle-united-survival-battle-use-9220758
kimtoon(Quote)
beardsley boots
your right about the grub.
since fatso took over – the food is like school dinners compared to what it was like before he showed up.
anyways it don’t matter as there’ll be a ruby murray on the menu at the end of the night 😉
roy cropper(Quote)
Jail for Ashley thats him all over 😆 I wouldn’t spoil it for all Uncle Eds bloggers as I know they all love his wit and banter.
Big Dave(Quote)
Dave @218, Hope so mate, I thought the Tories and Labour would be neck and neck so what do I know. 🙄
kimtoon(Quote)
KIM people get the government they deserve has always what I say
icedog(Quote)
Have to laugh some are reporting Moyes has been offered 5mil a year to manage the toon,bloodly jabba will have a heart attract with just the thought of that
icedog(Quote)
They could well have offered him it, but he has already said he wants to go to a club with ambition.
That surely rules us out.
Unless he is a total hypocrite
Beardsleys Boots(Quote)
Ice he would be lucky to get 500.000 😀 I often wonder if anyone would believe this **** ?
Big Dave(Quote)
————–Krul————-
-Satka-Sterry-Coloccini-Jonas-
– Sissoko-Abeid-Colback-Sammy
———Cabella–Ayoze———
Subs: Gk, Raylor, Anita, Kemen, Smith, Obertan, Ferreyra
Cholo A. Sall(Quote)
Or drop Sissoko for Kemen and switch for 433, I admit I want this one
————-Krul———-
-Satka-Sterry-Colo-Jonas-
————Kemen———
——-Colback-Abeid——-
—Cabella———–Ayoze-
————Sammy———
Cholo A. Sall(Quote)
Jail for Ashley
Why doesn’t everyone including you leave Ed’s and leave the whirling dirvish to spin alone. 😉
Troy Stavers(Quote)
Anymore news on SDJ? Any chance he’s okay for Saturday? Armstrong? Aarons? Depending who is fit I think I’d try:
Krul, Anita, Jonas, Colo, Colback, Cabella, Sissoko, Aarons, Ameobi, Armstrong, Perez in a 442. I think one of the keys for a win is to fire Sissoko up to perform, tell him Arsenal, Chelsea scouts etc coming to the game 😉 We wont be able to defend so have to try to score goals. Think this set up would be the best chance of goals. Also think SDJ could save us if he was fit! I’ve still got our 2-1 loss to Arsenal recorded. Newcastle really played magnificently against them. If they could reproduce that play with a few more goals we’d be laughing!! But I think the more physical the side they go up against the worse Ncl are and all the lower sides are more physical 🙁
Jill(Quote)
What’s happened to Rodzilla these days! I used to laugh at his banter.
Anyway, on a side note, if anyone gans to the match the morro and have previously boycotted then they are the real problem. It’s like Labour and the North East. Tradition! I’m from the north east so I have to labour. The north east continuously votes labour and the facts are we are the most under funded region.
In comparison we continuously support the toon and we are the most under funded club in the league. (Relatively speaking)
The simple solution is to stop voting Labour and they will change their commitments to us, as in the case of NUFC.
The fans are their own worst enemy imo.
Troy Stavers(Quote)
the real problem eh troy well im ganning tomorrow and lets hope your biteing ya nose off to spit ya face dont come back to haunt us for a very long time
TOONARMYELITE(Quote)
No matter what permutation or prediction i did….. The final spot of relegation is belong to Sunderland or Hull.
Am i being over optimistic? 😆 😆
http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/sunderland-survival-battle-use-results-9221217
AngelOfDeath(Quote)
There you go, I knew this would happen and so did Jabba.
Divivde and conquer
works everytime.
Those that turn up today will turn on those that don’t and blame THEM for the defeat.
Never mind the real reasons for our predicament, just blame each other.
We’ll see
Beardsleys Boots(Quote)
Jill – Carver said SDJ hasn’t been able to train all week and is not in contention to play today.
Oh and you are right about Sissoko.
We have got to lose this try not to lose mentality as we clearly can’t defend, so accept we are going to concede and go out to try and out score West Brom, from the kick off.
It’s our only hope 😕
Beardsleys Boots(Quote)
Chola – I cant see anyway Carver is going to play 3 un-tried, un-tested at this level, players from the U21 set up in what is becoming a real must win match. Particularly when he has been told off Beardsley that none of them are ready to make the step up.
Of course I am often wrong, so we will see.
Beardsleys Boots(Quote)
If anybody thinks that Hull against Burnley and Everton against Sunderland are not important please go and stand in the corner with a dunces hat on. Wait, what do you say, there is no room because Carver is already there!
Even if we avoid relegation I will not change my views on Carver unlike some on here who flip flopped about Pardew and now Carver. Their abysmal records, their breaking of records and their appalling football speak for themselves and hardly need the embellishment of their stupid words and actions (headbutts and “I’ll see you outside”).
So one more time – Howay the Toon. That means I think relegation would be a disaster not that I support Ashley and his mismanagement and hiring of various cronies, lackeys and cone arrangers.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
well the toon are definitely causing a split.. two of my mates are going to the match, 2 are staying put. 2 aren’t listening to reason and throwing all logic out of the window and reckon we’ll win today 😯 I’m going for a loss… 😥
my mini prediction
Everton v Sunderland 2-1
Aston Villa v West Ham United 2-0
Hull City v Burnley 1-0
Leicester City v Southampton 1-1
Newcastle United v West Bromwich Albion 0-1
Gashley(Quote)
What I don’t understand is that de Jong says he is not fit enough to play but is not injured. He came on to score last week and is not fit enough to play? Carver says de Jong has a thigh strain and went for a scan. Do they not think we can read? How can we trust anybody at NUFC when they come out with contradictory information all the fucking time? And don’t get me started on Aarons. Same with Cisse. He gets suspended and then fucking 5 weeks later we find out he had a screw removed and might not be fit to return. They treat fans like idiots and then wonder why we get upset.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I wonder if Tiote will be in the dressing room today lending support in times of need ?
answers on a postage stamp please
Munich Mag(Quote)
Gashley
Logic tells you we will get beat. I’m expecting it.
TAE
If fans like you want to go to the games to support the club then fair enough. Some people are natural door mats. Each to their own. 😆
Troy Stavers(Quote)
MM: they have wheeled out Steven Taylor to say a few words about Carver saying he looked like he had aged after the Sunderland match. What, Mike Williamson was unavailable 🙂 Also, how can a mummy age, and how can Taylor tell that a pickled walnut with hair has lost sleep? He has lost a stone in weight and Taylor says he has aged or isn’t sleeping! But he is up for the fight and will not shirk his responsibilities as the Premier League’s best coach. The pressure isn’t getting to him one little bit and there is no evidence he is losing his mind – except the press conferences and altercations with players and fans 🙂
Eric Sykes(Quote)
If the toon want to keep Carver as their next manager, which I believe they do, they need to get him on a weeks crash course in media training.
He’s a car crash interviewee at the moment. It’s entertaining like. 😆
Troy Stavers(Quote)
And Troysta: since you agree with me about Carvs now it is about time that you apologize to me for saying that I (and others) should not rush to judgment and should give him time as he had never been a manager before. I didn’t need Baba Ganoush’s crystal ball to figure out Carver was ****, but I am surprised that you didn’t borrow it so you wouldn’t look like such a fool now 🙂
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Lee Clark is going to be announced as toon manager tomorrow. Mark my words or mock my words.
😉
Troy Stavers(Quote)
Its comedy central on here this morning
Beardsleys Boots(Quote)
How’d you figure that one out then Tory Boy
Beardsleys Boots(Quote)
Hahaha. Psychs. Absolute class. You made your judgement after 1 game.
Kevin Keegan hadn’t been a coach before but turned out to be our best manager.
You make me chortle Psycho with your strange way of thinking. It’s kinda quirky really. Keep it up. It’s entertaining. A bit like Carver himself.
Actually you are the Carver of this blog. 😛
Troy Stavers(Quote)
Betsy
He’s just resign from Blackaz. You watch. 😉
Troy Stavers(Quote)
Beardsleys Boots #245 Cheers bonny lad. and #246 How could you possibly be wrong if you agree with me at #245 😀
Troy #253 Aye Carver cracked me up with that interview with his ‘Best manager in the Premier League’ at least he hasn’t lost his sense of humour! 😆
Doubt it means anything at all but I did have a dream that Ncl won 3-0 today 😕
Jill(Quote)
Troysta: I didn’t make my judgment after one game, I watched him as coach for 4 years and saw 1 goal from a corner in 2 years when he was supposed to be coaching the attack. I also read up a bit on his time in Toronto. But keep repeating yourself, someone might believe you (apart from the backtracking that you do 🙂 )
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Our only hope is that the players will be out to prove a point after all the stinging criticism they have received from ex players, pundits and fans. It’s one thing getting it from your fans but when ex players and pundits agree you’d hope it spurs them on. Go on, prove us wrong lads, show us the spirit present against Chelsea, City in the cup and Arsenal 2nd half. Do that and we have a chance.
kimtoon(Quote)
The reality train left the station about Carver a couple of years ago and Troy wasn’t on board. He is now though, just forgets what he said previously. If somehow we get a draw, or God forbid a win, today Troy’s selective amnesia will return and it will be as if he never said a bad word about Carvs.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Kimtoon: we also did OK against Hull under Carver. I know I am picking all the worst bits about the guy for emphasis that I don’t think he should be manager. However, they say that given enough time that blind monkey’s could come up with Shakespeare’s plays and I am hoping that 3 months of Carver can get Ryan Taylor to be a defensive midfielder 🙂
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Psychs
Come come my little quirky friend.
You haven’t been right about anything, ever. 😆
Did you enjoy watching the Bobby Robson era when we played in the CL and finished 3rd?
Yes or No? (Here comes a long winded rant and all I want is a one word answer) Tin hats at the ready. 😛 😛
Troy Stavers(Quote)
Jill, I hope that dream is a portent of things changing in our favour now 😉
kimtoon(Quote)
Troysta: not right about Carver? Well you agree with me now, so what does that mean?
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Got some good old northern weather today, that should go in our favour.
Nee softies in wor team eh ❓
Beardsleys Boots(Quote)
Eric, Yeah I know we stuffed them 3.0 but I didn’t mention it as it was, well, Hull 😳
kimtoon(Quote)
Troysta: the Bobby Robson era was a long time ago when a useless coach was dragged up by his bootstraps by a genius man-manager. Are you enjoying the John Carver era now 🙂
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Jill@240, Don’t think DJ is starting today or even playing, he’s been told he can only do certain things and says he isn’t strong enough to play yet. To be honest I’d rather we left out an unfit player who will be hopefully be better use to us next season when fully recovered.
kimtoon(Quote)
would a draw be seen as a good result this afternoon ?
I have a feeling for a 1-1.
But is a point going to be enough 😕
Beardsleys Boots(Quote)
Well that didn’t read right at all 😆 should say.
Who will hopefully be better use to us next season when fully recovered.
kimtoon(Quote)
So Cisse hasn’t trained with the squad for 7 weeks, and is on the bench today
WTF ?
are we getting desperate or what ?
Beardsleys Boots(Quote)
BB, Rather a win mate but I would take a draw, especially if other teams do badly.
kimtoon(Quote)
And Troysta: I think I make perfect sense actually. Pardew was a gobshite liar who is now mis-portraying his record at NUFC. He had his honeymoon period and is reverting to type at Palace. Carver is useless and ugly and makes no sense. How is that quirky? The evidence of my eyes and ears tell me I speak the truth 🙂
Eric Sykes(Quote)
BB, Think an unfit, rusty Cisse could still get us goals. After all he was scoring whilst playing with a knackered knee previously. Bring him on for 2nd half or play him first half only to inflict early damage, we need that win.
kimtoon(Quote)
yes Kim, but a draw would at least stop the rot and could possibly give us a drop of momentum to go to QPR and get the win.
Beardsleys Boots(Quote)
What I really want to see is attacking intent for a change.
Pile on the pressure and go for the win.
Beardsleys Boots(Quote)
Carver says he doesn’t watch other teams because our destiny is in our own hands. Sure, but isn’t that a rather simplistic way of looking at it? Let’s say we are on equal points with Hull on the last day of the season and they are losing and we are drawing. Does their result not matter? Would it not be wise to try to keep the draw under that scenario? Everything Carver says is simplistic from a simpleton. I know Advocaat said the same cliche and I disagree with him as well.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Eric, They are telling porkies mate, of course they are looking to other games results, it’s human nature. But at the same time it IS in our hands and that will be both their mantras.
kimtoon(Quote)
Lets hope we are the injured animal with bite left in us today.
kimtoon(Quote)
Kimtoon: sometimes I like to poke the troll (Troy). I know he thinks he is the Oracle but then he proves himself wrong with everything he says. I will stop now and hope for a good result in our game and also in the first game when I hope to see a slaughter of the Mackems.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
That’s me ready to go to the match. What am I going to witness today. Fight, passion, a little bit of skill maybe or the dross of recent times. Let’s hope it is the former.
Happy Days
Toby le Rhone(Quote)
Agreed Kimtoon 😎
Jill(Quote)
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-3074118/Newcastle-fastest-kamikaze-ride-world-people-hate-need-balls-steel-insists-Steven-Taylor.html?ITO=1490&ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490
kimtoon(Quote)
Well after all the players ex players etc being wheeled out this week telling us we need to support the team for what Carver has said is the most important game in the last 6 yrs, so I wonder if Jabba will turn up to support the team
Big Dave(Quote)
Eric, Think there is a lotta love going on between you two 😉
kimtoon(Quote)
Dave, Not a chance mate, can’t see it, he’ll be hiding in his bunker just like Hitler.
kimtoon(Quote)
I’m not so sure Kim – he may feel he needs to come and see what all the fuss is about.
But then again, his presence could just inflame the situation.
Poor ****** only wants to have a bit of fun after all.
Its a bit hypocritical if he’s not there after all the ‘support the team’ spiel we have had to endure this week.
Beardsleys Boots(Quote)
Hows the knee holding up Kim ❓
Beardsleys Boots(Quote)
BB, Fair point mate, but he could turn the atmosphere toxic should we concede early. The fans will turn ugly and ruin any chance of a fightback in that situation. No, for me he needs to stay away, sad state of affairs but that’s the reality and it’s entirely of his own making. He tried to serve up a banquet using scragg ends and then acts surprised when nobody wants to leave a tip. 🙄
kimtoon(Quote)
BB@291, I’m able to sit with leg straight for a while mate. MRI next Wednesday then hopefully an op date soon. Hate not driving as it’s costing me a fortune in taxi’s and buses. 👿
kimtoon(Quote)
so Moyes has ruled himself out of the toughest job in football.
“Another One Bites The Dust”
Oh! Let’s go!
Carver walks warily down the street
With the brim pulled way down low.
Ain’t no sound but the sound of his feet,
Machine guns ready to go.
Are you ready, hey, are you ready for this?
Are you hanging on the edge of your seat?
Out of the doorway the bullets rip
To the sound of the beat
Another one bites the dust
Another one bites the dust
And another one gone, and another one gone
Another one bites the dust
Hey, I’m gonna get you, too
Another one bites the dust
How do you think I’m going to get along
Without you when you’re gone?
You took me for everything that I had
And kicked me out on my own
Are you happy, are you satisfied?
How long can you stand the heat?
Out of the doorway the bullets rip
To the sound of the beat
[Chorus]
Another one bites the dust
Another one bites the dust
Another one bites the dust
Another one bites the dust
There are plenty of ways that you can hurt a man
And bring him to the ground
You can beat him, you can cheat him
You can treat him bad and leave him when he’s down
But I’m ready, yes, I’m ready for you
I’m standing on my own two feet
Out of the doorway the bullets rip
Repeating to the sound of the beat
[Chorus]
Beardsleys Boots(Quote)
Kim – how are you coping then with Lew n all
can’t be easy like
Beardsleys Boots(Quote)
BB, The crutch is a big bonus though, people open doors and make way for me, anyway if they don’t I clip em with it 😆
kimtoon(Quote)
ah ha ha ha ha
like a banshee in heat
‘move it or lose it, Kim’s comin thru’
Beardsleys Boots(Quote)
BB, It’s really difficult, district nurses came in once last Tuesday to help when it was really bad, but nowt since. There is NO care out there, end of,our care system is ****** to be frank. My mum has been waiting for assistance with feeding since last December. Her present care team are doing it but it’s not in their remit and they won’t do it for ever. Hazel has been a massive help to me, helping when she can and his day centre have chipped in too.
kimtoon(Quote)
Kim @288: nah, not at all. I disagreed with TDS earlier ‘coz he was saying the same shyte as Troy does. I dwell on Carvs like I did about Pards but that is because I hate them 🙂
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Eric, I think we’ve sussed that out by now mate 😆
kimtoon(Quote)