1987-88 Season - April
A hective month involving 9 games plus the ill-fated Centenary Cup sees John Hall start his campaign to democratise the club, Gazza reject a new contract and Kenny sitting on a ball.
Saturday 02 Apr 1988 - Luton [H] - Div 1 - Won 4-0
A hat-trick from Michael O'Neill allows United to gain ample revenge for the drubbing they received at Kenilworth Road but the match was best remembered for a touch of ball sitting from Kenny Wharton.
Monday 04 Apr 1988 - Derby [A] - Div 1 - Lost 1-2
O'Neill gave United a half-time lead but The Baseballers fought back to win in a game where Gascoigne was once again given his marching orders. A number of United fans were just as poorly behaved and there were 33 arrests.
Wednesday 06 Apr 1988 - Derby [A] - Div 1 - Lost 1-2
The club reveal that Gascoigne has turned down a five year contract they believe would have made him the highest paid player in the League. The possibility of a three year contract has not been ruled out.
Saturday 09 Apr 1988 - QPR [H] - Div 1 - Drew 1-1
A poor game with a distinctly end of season flavour; O'Neill on target again to equalise a controversial Rangers penalty.
Monday 11 Apr 1988
Tyneside property developer John Hall calls for the democratisation of the club and issues details of plans for a £5 million share issue (from 500,000 £10 shares) which would give voting rights to their holders
It is thought that the current board would block any such move.
Tuesday 12 Apr 1988 - Watford [H] - Div 1 - Won 3-0
Michael O'Neill scores for the fifth game in succession as United canter home against the bottom placed club. Wharton and Tinnion are also on target in front of a disappointing crowd of 16,318 (the lowest of the season).
Thursday 14 Apr 1988 - Watford [H] - Div 1 - Won 3-0
The Newcastle Board issues a six page statement which viciously attacks Hall and his plans
Amongst other things they accuse him of "dragging the club's name through the mud" and state that they don't want a "Robert Maxwell" type at St James'
Saturday 16 Apr 1988 - Liverpool, Tranmere [H] - MCCT - Won, Lost
The Mercantile Credit Centenary Festival at Wembley - marking the 100th anniversary of the League - is an embarrassing flop with hardly anybody turning up to watch
Typically United beat champions elect Liverpool on penalties before losing to Fourth Division Merseyside neighbours Tranmere
Monday 18 Apr 1988
McFaul broke the club's transfer record to sign John Robertson from Hearts. The little Scot had scored 31 goals in 1987-88 and McFaul proudly proclaimed that he could "give the same kind of excitement as Kevin Keegan".
Tuesday 19 Apr 1988 - Watford [A] - Div 1 - Drew 1-1
Mira returned for his first game since mid March but failed to last the match on a mud bath of a pitch. A thumping first goal of the season from John Anderson rescued a point for the Tynesiders.
Saturday 23 Apr 1988 - Charlton [A] - Div 1 - Lost 0-2
Having served a one match suspension at Watford McFaul controversially left Gascoigne on the subs bench with John Cornwell replacing him in the side
United were two down after 15 minutes against the struggling Londoners; both goals from Garth Crooks.
Saturday 30 Apr 1988 - Oxford [H] - Div 1 - Won 3-1
In the week prior to the game a secret meeting was held between John Hall and a number of people who had pledged financial support. Hall was confident he had the necessary 10% of shareholder support to force an extraordinary general meeting. But was a long way offer the 75% he required to force through a share issue.
Anth Lormor scored within five minutes of his first start but United were as poor as an Oxford side which needed a win to stave off relegation. Further goals from O'Neill and Goddard finished them off.
United finish the month in 10th.