NUFC - 1960's Full Backs

It was a vastly experienced full-back pairing at the start of the decade with Irishmen Keith and McMichael defending the flanks.

They would both remain regulars in the side until 1962/63 when - both in their thirties - they were allowed to move on

Class acts, they each captained the club during their time on Tyneside.

Geordie McKinney acted as Dick Keith's understudy. When Keith left it looked as though he may get an extended run in the side but David Craig had emerged from the youth side and Bill moved to Bournmouth following the promotion season.

Malcolm Scott was another local who was a regular member of the stiffs. A centre-back by trade but occasionally turned out at left-back where he played his only game of the 60's.

Scotsman Ferguson had an undistinguished playing career which saw him make less than 100 professional appearances in total. He got a handful of games at left-back before being sold to Derby

Left-back Clish was a member of United's Youth Cup winning side of 1962 and made his debut during 1961-62 but the emergence of Dalton and Clark saw him deemed surplus to requirements.

Dalton broke into the side as a left-half before taking over from McMichael for the 1963/64 season. His excellent performances had many tipping him for international honours but a nasty challenge from Leeds' Johnny Giles fractured his leg and wrecked his career.

Unassuming Irishman Craig was another success from the Youth Cup winning side; he established himself at right-back during the 1963/64 season and would stay there until injuries forced him out over a decade later.

Little Geordie Butler had to wait almost four years before he got into the starting line-up He got a League Cup start and three League games in a row but that was his lot.

In contrast his replacement Frank Clark dominated the Number 3 shirt for the next 11 years playing nearly a half century of games.

Welshman Alwyn played in a number of different positions including both full-back slots. A succession of injuries meant he struggled to retain his position, but he was the regular right-back throughout the 1967/68 season.

Burradon born Guthrie was Frank Clark's understudy and despite being highly thought of Frank's consistency and fitness meant he rarely got a look-in.

One of the select few players to serve the club twice right-back Craggs usually found himself third choice behind Craig and Burton but he got a decent run in the side in the 1968/69 season and helped United in their Fairs Cup run.

David Young was a midfielder but he made his first two appearances in each full-back position in March 1970.