1987-88 Season - October

A mixed month in the League and a disappointing exit from the League Cup at the hands of Wimbledon.

The pressure is mounting on McFaul and there is speculation suggesting that Huddersfield manager Malcalm Macdonald might replace him.

Saturday 03 Oct 1987 - Chelsea [A] - Div 1 - Drew 2-2

Kenny Wharton scored [82m] with his first touch to earn United a draw at Stamford Bridge. Wharton and Darren Jackson (Newcastle's first ever double substitution ) had only come on a minute earlier.

Wednesday 07 Oct 1987 - Blackpool [H] - LC2 - Won 4-1

The Magpies came back from conceding an early goal and made sure of their League Cup passage by thumping Blackpool 4-1 at home to win 4-2 on aggregate.

Saturday 24 Oct 1987

Newcastle's game at Watford is cancelled and Gazza takes the opportunity to defend manager McFaul with rumours circulating that he may be replaced by Malcolm Macdonald.

Saturday 17 Oct 1987 - Everton [H] - Div 1 - Drew 1-1

Mira had a goal disallowed in the first minute as United took the game to The Champions and even though Snodin [8m] put the visitors ahead the Brazilian equalised almost immediately in a highly impressive first half performance from the Tynesiders.

The game featured some "tasty" challenges and The Toffees Adrian Heath was sent off in the 74th minute. Just before the end Goddard fluffed an easy chance to score a winner.

Mira apologised afterwards for shooting rather than passing on two occasions where Goddard and Gascoigne were much better placed to score.

Saturday 24 Oct 1987 - Coventry [A] - Div 1 - Won 3-1

The confidence boosting draw against Everton and a virtuoso performance from Gazza set United up for a handsome victory over The Sky Blues

Mira - who hobbled off - was believed to be trying to sever his ties with deal brokers Bev Walker and Malcolm Macdonald. The Brazilian was believed to be unhappy that Walker had revealed details of his contract in a TV interview and that he thought Macdonald was "touting" for McFaul's job.

Wednesday 28 Oct 1987 - Wimbledon [A] - LC3 - Lost 1-2

Without Mira United and Gazza in particular missed a whole host of opportunities before conceding a last minute goal as they crashed out of the League Cup at Plough Lane. McFaul blasted the Dunston youngster telling him to "grow up" and start taking his chances.

Saturday 31 Oct 1987 - Arsenal [H] - Div 1 - Lost 0-1

Arsenal had gone 10 games unbeaten but United could have won. They had the better chances including a penalty, but failed to take them and once again lost to a last minute goal when Alan Smith hooked in.

McFaul gagged his players and refused to attend a post match press conference explaining "if I say anything I might say the wrong things".

United finish the month in 15th