Season 1979/80 - The Squad
Goalkeepers
Steve Hardwick - [Age 22 - Apps 44 - Gls 0 ]
Hardwick was back in possession of the Number 1 shirt and he kept it all season; only missing the last game.
He started reasonably well but his performances became increasingly nervy and erratic as the season progressed
Kevin Carr - [Age 20 - Apps 1 - Gls 0 ]
Only a single game for Carr; the last game at home to Luton.
Defenders
John Brownlie - [Age 26 - Apps 41 - Gls 0 ]
Virtual ever present (missing only four games) and his form during the season led to him being on the verge of a call-up for Scotland. His stout defending, powerful runs up the wing and his bubble perm were some of the highlights of the season
Ian Davies - [Age - Apps 39/1 - Gls 2]
United's only summer signing Davies cost £125,000 from Norwich and filled the problem Number 3 shirt which had not been successfully filled since Alan Kenneddy's departure.
David Barton - [Age 20 - Apps 35/2 - Gls 0]
Dick formed a decent centre-back pairing with new signing Stuart Boam
John Bird - [Age 33 - Apps 10 - Gls 0]
Played in the first three games of the season but the arrival of Stuart Boam knocked him off his perch. Replaced Barton towards the end of the season but he would be shipped off to Hartlepool at the end of the campaign.
Stuart Boam - [Age - Apps 40 - Gls 1]
A shock purchase from Middlesbrough whom he had served for nine years. Thirty year old Boam proved to be a superb capture providing some real solidity to the United back four. At over six foot and 13 1/2 stones he was a familiar barrier and no-one dared laugh too loud at his lucky checked sports jacket which could be heard from the other side of the ground. Took over the captaincy when Martin was injured.
Steve Carney - [Age - Apps 10/1 - Gls 0]
Signed from Blyth Spartans, Carney went from airport baggage handler into professional footballer in one big step. Managed to appear in five different shirts in his handful of games. "He's quick and his attitude is right" said McGarry
Kenny Mitchell - [Age 22 - Apps 6 - Gls 0]
A disappointing season for Kenny who rarely found himself on the team sheet
Midfielders
Nigel Walker - [Age - Apps 11/2 - Gls 0]
There were very few chances for Nigel and when he did play he failed to make an impression; rumours circulated in the press that he would soon be on his way.
Terry Hibbitt - [Age 32 - Apps 37 - Gls 2]
Occasionally revived memories of his previous Tyneside term with some excellent performances but he was one of many whose form dipped in 1980.
Received a heavy fine for making a two fingered gesture towards the dugout when substituted in the FA Cup game against Chester despite denying that it was aimed at Bill.
Tommy Cassiddy - [Age 29 - Apps 31/1 - Gls 6]
More a less a regular in the side Cass was in his last season on Tyneside.
Mick Martin - [Age 27 - Apps 21 - Gls 0]
McGarry viewed Mick Martin as one of his most influential figures and this appeared to be borne out by the impact of his loss at the beginning of December. They were in top spot at the time but slumped badly from then on and won only five more matches
Peter Cartwright [Age 21 - Apps 34/5 - Gls 4]
Like Alan Shoulder in the previous campaign Cartwright stepped up from non-league football to become a mainstay of the side. Signed from North Shields this proved to be his "big" season as from then on his chances were limited.
Alex Cropley - [Age - Apps 3 - Gls 0]
Formed Scottish international who arrived on loan at the end of February as McGarry looked to plug the gap left by Martin's absence. Did not impress and was substituted in all the three games he played. On his departure he claimed that "even Pele would have trouble settling in here at the moment"
Kenny Wharton - [Age 18 - Apps 1 - Gls 0]
A single game in the 3-1 home defeat by Swansea in April where he was voted man of the match.
Attackers
Peter Withe [Age 27 - Apps 40 - Gls 11]
Continued to give 100% effort and like the rest of the side had a decent first half of the season. However he only scored twice in the last 22 games of the season.
McGarry tried his best to get him to stay but Peter was soon back in the big time when he moved to Villa for £500,000; his two year stay on Tyneside was actually his longest period at any club up to that time.
Jim Pearson [Age 26 - Apps 2 - Gls 0]
Played the first two games before suffering a knee injury in the reserves which would eventually end his career.
John Connolly - [Age 29 - Apps 8/8 - Gls 2
In his last season on Tyneside Connolly was hampered by injury and failed to make an impact
Alan Shoulder [Age 26 - Apps 43/1 - Gls 21]
Shoulder finished the season as top scorer (albeit aided by nine penalties) but he suffered a loss of form and confidence in the New Year and lost his place in the side for a while when Shinton was signed.
Bobby Shinton - [Age 2 - Apps 10 - Gls - 1
Man City flop Shinton was bought as McGarry tried desperately to recover United's slumping form. The impression he made was minimal
Gary Nicholson [Age 19 - Apps 3/1 - Gls 0]
Geordie Gary was once again used very sparingly..
Brian Ferguson [Age - Apps 4/1 - Gls 1
Made his debut when he came on as sub in the home game against Burnley and scored his only goal for the club at Loftus Road. Never appeared again
Billy Rafferty [Age 28 - Apps 20/5 - Gls 4]
Wolves' purchase of Andy Gray meant that "Chips" was surplus to requirements and he was brought to Tyneside in October to try and take some of the pressure off Withe. He declared it "the most exciting move of my career" but rarely enthused the Gallowgate faithful.