NUFC - 1950's Full Backs

Small, but speedy and fearless tackler from Trimdon. Discovered during War Time he established himself during the promotion season of 1947/48 and kept his place until he had to retire through injury in 1956.

Played in every cup tie during the victorious FA Cup runs of 1951, 1952 and 1955 and earned himself a reputation for his off-the-line clearances. He never represented his country but Jackie Milburn rated him as one of the best uncapped right-backs in the country.

After his retirement the directors awarded him a testimonial; the first post-war player to get one and an unheard of concession on Tyneside at that time.

Another Bobby acquisitioned by Seymour during the War; Corbett hailed from a well-known footballing family from Throckley. He started as a winger and even after his conversion liked nothing better than to speed down the left flank and deliver crosses.

Faced stiff competition for the left-back slot which curtailed his appearences in the side, but when McMichael broke his wrist in the 1950/51 season it gave the cheery ex-miner a chance to shine at Wembley.

Charlie Crowe stated that he "played football with a permanent smile on his face"; but this was wiped off when he had an on-pitch altercation with Captain Harvey.

Corbett had misplaced a pass and Joe called him a "stupid b******". Little Bobby squared up to Joe but within seconds they were both shaking hands. They forgave each other but within months it was goodbye from him as he was sold to 'Boro.

Recently deceased Belfast man who was United's most capped player until Mr Given overtook his forty cap total. McMichael was discovered playing for Linfield and was a great servant who remained on Tyneside throughout his professional career. Only four players have mode more appearances than him in the history of the club.

A cool and collected player with excellent positional sense he was unlucky to miss out on both the 1951 and 1955 Cup Finals through injury although he did get a medal in 1952.

Into the sixties he captained United in 1960/61 and was awarded a testimonial in 1963 when he became player-manager at South Shields.

Hard tackling two-footed full-back from West Stanley who thrived when the team were under the cosh. Batty's thirteen year career at United was unluckily blighted by a succession of injuries. He also faced tough competition from the likes of Corbett and McMichael and as a result was rarely seen in the first team.

McMichael's ligament injury gave him a chance to win an FA Cup medal in the 1955 Final against Manchester City. At the age of 32 Batty was allowed to leave for Gateshead where he became player-manager.

Bermudan born six footer who was another squad player providing cover for Cowell at right-back. He made his debut as a centre-back in a 5-1 defeat against Portsmouth in a makeshift United defence in April 1953. The rest of his matches were in his favoured right-back slot.

At six foot geordie George was an imposing defender who liked to get stuck-in; his crunching tackles making him a popular figure on the terraces. Usually turned out at right-back but proved to be a versatile player who could play across the back line.

He turned professional at the age of nineteen but spent most of his time in the "N"s and rarely featured in the first eleven; most of his appearances coming in the 1955/56 season after Bobby Cowell's injury.

Wee Scotsman who United signed as cover for McMichael and Batty. He joined at the age of twenty and stayed for four years but only got four games. He played three consecutive matches in 1952/53 and got one more chance the following season.

Geordie Waugh joined United as a teenager but had to wait three years for his debut.Cowell's injury had left an opening on the right flank and Ken was one of a number of players given an opportunity. He failed to impress sufficiently and was soon on his way to Hartlepool.

Seymour returned to Linfield - from whom he had signed McMichael - to capture another promising youngster; Dick Keith. He was thrust straight into the side and formed an excellent full-back partnership for club and country with McMichael

He was another polished performer who liked to play football and remained at the club during the difficult years of the early sixties; Harvey trusting him with the captaincy in the 1962/63 season.

He moved to Bournmouth at the age of thirty with Captain Joe clearing out the decks to allow the younger players through.

Ashington born Bobby signed for United at the age of eighteen and stayed at the club for eight seasons. During that time he was used as a deputy for Dick Keith and as a result rarely featured.

Went to Darlington after a loan spell at Cambridge City.

Newcastle born McKinney was another reserve who remained at the club for a number of seasons with only the odd run out here and there. At six foot he cut an impressive figure and was not afraid to let attackers know he was around.

He was another deputy to Keith; his most productive season (21 games) being 1960/61, unfortunately this was the year when United conceded 109 goals as they crashed out the First Division.

When the Irishman finally left he found that a new young Ulsterman had emerged, David Craig, and McKinney moved on to Bournmouth

Despite making his debut at the age of seventeen at the end of the 1955/56 season Dudley born Ferguson would only make a dozen appearances for United during his seven seasons at the club.

He was third choice behind McMichael and Batty and even when the latter left his chances were limited by the Irishman rarely missing a game. Five consecutive games during 1961/62 was his best run in the team.

He went on to have a fairly undistinguished playing career but later earned fame as coach and assistant to Bobby Robson at Ipswich. When Bobby received the call from Lancaster Gate Ferguson took over for a short and unhappy spell in the hot seat.