NUFC - 1960's Half Backs and Midfielders

The decade started with the highly experienced pair of Jimmy Scoular (35) and Bob Stokoe (30) in the half-back line.

With United conceding goals by the bucket load manager Mitten decided younger blood was necessary and both left in the early months of 1961; but it would prove difficult to find adequate replacements

Duncan Neale took over from Scoular at right-half. He joined from non-League Ilford and scored twice on his debut, but after early promise his form faded and he was allowed to leave just before the start of the 1963/64 season.

Youth team captain Brian Wright rivalled Duncan Neale and played most of 1961/62 before falling victim to the Harvey purge and moving onto a distinguished career at Peterborough.

Stokoe's understudies Bill Thompson and George Heslop looked likely successors at centre-half, but Mitten exchanged Bob with Bury's John McGrath.

Wallsend born Heslop got 8 games in 1960/61 and 15 in 1961/62 but he was deemed surplus to requirements and allowed to move to Everton.

McGrath struggled initially and Thompson got back in.But from 1963/64 to 1965/66 a more combative McGrath formed one third of one of the best half-back lines in the country.

The left side was proving equally difficult to fill. Jackie Bell was the man in possession but only played in half the 1961/62 campaign and he was another player who left when Joe Harvey took over.

West Moor born George Dalton was his main rival and he took over the Number 6 shirt before converting to left-back when Jim Iley was signed.

Jim Iley was a brilliant acquisition at the start of the 1962/63 season; combative, classy and a team player. United had at last found a replacement for Scoular.

Ollie Burton played in a number of different positions over the seasons but he started at right-half and would return to that position on and off during the next ten years in a career disrupted by a succession of injuries.

He lost the Number 4 shirt within a couple of months as United made a sensational swoop for Sunderland skipper Stan Anderson who was deemed surplus to requirements on Wearside.

The half-back line of Anderson, Mcgrath and Iley was now complete and would form the bedrock that resulted in promotion in the following season.

The dominance of that triumvirate made it very difficult for those in reserve to break into the side.

Scottish born youngster Markie got a couple of games in 1963/64 when Burton got injured but Stan Anderson's arrival put paid to his Tyneside career.

Dave Turner suffered a similar fate; managing one game a season from 1961/62 to 1963/64 before being sold to Brighton.

Right-half Len Walker was another player tried out during the 1963/64 season where he made his only 2 appearances before a long and distinguished career with Aldershot.

Another frustrated youngster was Bobby Moncur who endured a number of hit and miss seasons before he established himself during the 1967/68 campaign. The following year he led United to their fairs Cup victory and he captained the side until 1974.

With United struggling badly during 1966/67 Harvey decided he need to strengthen his back line and brought in centre-back John McNamee

Junior graduate centre-back Winstanley spent more time warming the bench than actually playing and his appearances were few and far between before he was sold to Carlisle

Experienced and follically challenged Yorkshireman who only had a year on Tyne but was pivotal in United's pull away from relegation in 1965/66. Previously operating as an inside forward he proved mightily effective as a deep lying link man for United

Roll on a year and United are struggling again and Sunderland reserve Elliot is one of three players brought in who helps turn the tide. A solid hard working midfielder who was a regular until the arrival of Tommy Gibb.

Scotsman Gibb was an enthusiastic box to box player who always put the team's needs before his own. He joined as a squad player but did so well that following his debut he played in 171 consecutive games (a club record).

Small and chunky Dane who joined United just in time to take part in the Fairs Cup win of 1969. "Benny" was a tireless worker and team player and he served United well for three seasons.

Slim John arrived from Ireland as an 18-year-old and stayed for 6 years but barely got a look in despite winning a Northern Ireland cap during his time on Tyneside. A bad knee injury certainly didn't help

Signed as a tax dodge there were high hopes for a player dubbed the "new Jim Baxter". But "Jinky" missed a chunk of pre season training and despite his undoubted skill struggled in his first season of English football.