1976-77 Season - July/August

Close Season.

One story dominated the summer as far as Newcastle supporters were concerned and that was the future of their hero Supermac. His one year contract with the club was up on June 30th but as with most contracts of the time it included a "one year option clause" that allowed the club to retain his services for another year without him signing anything.

But Mac wanted out of Toon and although he never requested a transfer he sent two letters to Lord Westwood challenging the option and stating that he would take the club to court if necessary. His "backer" was businessman Ernie Clay, the very same man who had supported George Eastham in his battle with United 15 years earlier.

Clay stated that Mac would not withdraw his services but when he returned from holiday he wouldn't appear in the official team photo because he "couldn't raise a smile". There was rumours of interest from QPR and clubs from abroad but United's asking price scared most of.

In the end he moved to Arsenal for £3,333,333 and 33 pence; with latecomers Spurs not being prepared to match United's demands.

He left with a scathing attack. "I've never known such dissatisfaction among players in my life. There just can't be any hope of lasting success at Newcastle with all the carry-on behind the scenes"

There was certainly an element of truth in his accusations. Pat Howard and Glen Keeley were both on the transfer list. John Tudor, Tommy Cassiddy and Mick Mahoney were not happy about being omitted from the first eleven and Irving Nattrass had handed in a written transfer request.

Even the players who wanted to stay had grievances. Not only could they not negotiate better contracts, but they were also unhappy about the club's cup bonus scheme which paid them by round reached rather than matches played.

They were also up in arms about the new Bukta supplied tracksuit and strip. The strip had the Bukta motif down the sides and the name of the company was emblazoned across the back of the tracksuit tops. The players were furious that the club had not informed them and felt as if they were being "used" and "exploited"; acting as advertisements and getting no recompense.

Another summer departure was coach Ron Lewin who left with a blast "there's only one way this club is going - down". George Herd took over the reserves, Willie McFaul was given charge of the juniors and Richard Dinnis was made first-team coach.

Despite all the upheaval manager Lee was in bullish mood. "There isn't anything I can't handle. This is a big club with first class fans and I won't spare any efforts to give them what they deserve".

The fans were a lot less convinced about the direction the club was heading in but suggestions of a fans boycott were dismissed by the official Supporters Club.

Just before the season started the publication of United's accounts showed that out of a player bill of £239,815.16 (38 players), £17,376 (roughly 7%) went to Mac.

Pre Season

With Supermac sold United were made one of the relegation favorites but Lee was having none of it; claiming that his departure would make the team better.

"If I was a Newcastle player now I'd want to show I could play a bit without Malcolm Macdonald. Several players who I feel haven't had the publicity their ability deserves have a great chance to prove that they weren't just able to get by because Malcolm was in the side."

He also had an indirect dig at Macdonald. "I've got players here I wouldn't want to sell if somebody came in with a £300,000 offer. The only players who will be allowed to leave the club will be those I feel won't weaken the club by their going"

United won through the prestigious (sic) Anglo-Scottish Cup group stages.

They opened with a 1-0 victory over The Steelmen courtesy of a fine header by Gowling in a dour, lifeless game and followed that with an even worse goalless draw at Hull. The final game saw United beat Middlesbrough with three goals in sixteen minutes despite the fact that Charlton's men enjoyed the majority of the possession.