Newcastle 1976/77 Squad

For the first time in six years the squad was sans Supermac with Mick Burns having taken over the coveted number nine shirt.

It led many to tip United for relegation and this upset a lot of the players who were sick of United being regarded as a "one man" team. As a result many were willing to go into print to say how well things were going after Mac.

Alan Kenneddy said: "We're a team now. We're playing like a team." Then Irving Nattrass piped up with "Frankly I'd rather have Paul Cannell in my side than Malcolm Macdonald. Paul not only scores goals but he runs himself into the ground. He'll cover back when the opposing centre-half breaks which is something Mal was never keen on doing"

It was a squad which lacked depth and we were lucky that it was a relatively injury free year; although 22 players were used in all it was virtually the same side that played in every game.

Goalkeepers

Mick Mahoney () [48/0 - 0]

Mahoney was unsettled during the summer as he thought he might have to play second fiddle to Roger Jones.

But a wrist injury and then a knee complaint kept the former Blackburn 'keeper out and Mahoney went from strength to strength. He played in every game and was named Player of the Year

Full Backs

Irving Nattrass (26) [46/0 - 4]

Nattrass was another unsettled player during the summer and he talked openly about putting in a transfer request.

But Lee was determined to retain his services and persuaded the board to offer him a testimonial. In the end he stayed on and missed only two games all season.

David Craig () [3/2 - 1]

With Irving Nattrass in such commanding form opportunities fror Craig were rare and seeing the success of his old flanker Clark at Nottingham Forest the popular Irishman looked likely to leave in the summer

Alan Kenneddy () [48/0 - 2]

Kenneddy was a permanent fixture throughout the season

Centre Backs

Aiden McCaffery () [43/1 - 4]

McCaffery held of the challenge of John Bird to partner Geoff Nulty throughout the season. His form was so impressive he almost made it into the England Youth team.

Two goals in the home victory over Norwich even had the crowd chanting "Supermac".

Geoff Nulty () [48/0 - 3]

Captain Nulty was dropped back into defence to replace the departing Howard and had a much happier campaign than in 1975-76. Possibly Lee's favourite player he compared him to Bobby Moore and suggested he should be a regular for England.

John Bird (28) [5/1 - 0]

Bird played in the first three games before getting injured and being replaced by McCaffery. Upset at not getting a regular game he complained that he wasn't being given a fair chance and demanded a move, earning himself a fine for his troubles.

He was still at the club at the end of the season dspite rumours linking him with moves to Southampton and Preston

Pat Howard () [0/1 - 0]

Pat Howard was determined to leave the club. A move to Nottingham Forest fell through and he made one last substitute appearance before joining Macdonald at Highbury.

"At the end I got the impression I wasn't too appreciated" he stated after her left

Midfielders

Tommy Cassiddy () [41/0 - 2]

With Nulty dropping back into defence Cassiddy established himself as the anchor man in midfield and had one of his most productive seasons for the club.

Tommy Craig (23) [44/0 - 9]

Lee was prepared to let Craig go during the summer but a move never materialised and after a great start to the season the manager changed his mind and he missed only four games all season.

Ray Hudson (21) [5/0 - 1]

At the age of 21 Rocky was looking for regular first team football. He got off to a good start and played in the first five games of the season, scoring his first senior goal on the opening day.

But he never played again that season and slapped in a transfer request when Ralph Callaghan was signed from Hearts although Dinnis persuaded him to withdraw it. He left early to play for Fort Lauderdale in America.

Stewart Barrowclough () - [47/0 - 4]

Barrowclough had probably his best season for United as he made the right sided midfielder position his own and rediscovered the form that had seen him capped at Under 23 level

Graham Oates () - [15/3 - 3]

Oates was used as a striker at the start of the season but failed to find the net. Once again he found himself on the end of abuse from the terraces

Ray Blackhall() [7/11 - 0]

Bomber was United's perennial reserve that season and 11 of his 18 appearences were made from the substitutes bench.

Attackers

Micky Burns () [46/0 - 17]

Burns had the ominous job of taking over the Number 9 shirt, but he rose to the challenge and had his best season for United and weighed in with a decent 17 goals.

Alan Gowling () [40/0 - 12]

Gowling was nowhere near as prolific as he had been alongside Macdonald; scoring at a rate of 1 in every three games.

Paul Cannell ( ) [35/1 - 13]

Cannell's outside commitments had led many to question his desire for a first choice career; but a summer playing in America for Washington Diplomats and the place left by Mac led to Cannell having his best season at the club.

John Tudor (30) [1/0 - 0]

A dream move to Anderlecht and interest from Bristol City both fell through in the summer so Tudor was still in the squad at the beginning of the season and played in the goalless draw at home to Bristol City.

It proved to be his last match as he was soon off to Stoke; initially on loan and then permanently.

Ken Mitchell (19) [3/0 - 0]

Makem Mitchell made his debut in the 2-2 draw at home to Manchester City in February as he deputitised for the injured Cannell