1997-98 Season - August
August
Friday 01 Aug 1997
United pull out of a deal to sell Beardsley to Bolton which has recriminations all round.
Furious Bolton manager Colin Todd claimed Newcastle "had lost their credibility" and Dalglish was forced to refute allegations that the board had overruled him to block the move.
"There is no-one here undermining my job. If there was I wouldn't be here. Of course there was consultation between myself and the board. This board is no different from any other club. My position is no different from any other manager".
Meanwhile Kenny is looking to supplement his depleted strikeforce. United are linked with Norwegian striker Stig Johansen and Brazilian World Cup star Viola.
Monday 04 Aug 1997
Steve Howey claims that the United players were "baffled and unhappy" at the club's decision to sell Les Ferdinand to Tottenham. "for some reason people involved in the club are taking our chance away."
Wednesday 06 Aug 1997
An independent tribunal rules that United have to pay Blackburn £1.5million for 21 year old Republic of Ireland keeper Shay Given.
Thursday 07 Aug 1997
It is revealed that a number of councillers will be prevented from voting on United proposed stadium plans due to their vested interests as eitherseason ticket holders, shareholders or hospitality beneficiaries.
Councillor Terry Cooney blasts the decision "I believe I should be part of the discussions and that is what I was elected for. It is a disgraceful situation".
Saturday 09 Aug 1997
The season gets under way with an entertaining 2-1 victory over Sheffield Wednesday; Asprilla scoring both goals. The first within two minutes and the winner 19 minutes from time.
Before Asprilla opens the scoring Danish international debutant Jon Dahl Tomasson blazes straight at goalkeeper Pressman from 10 yards after being put through by Asprilla. It wasn't to be the Dane's day as he had two other first half efforts disallowed.
Tuesday 12 Aug 1997
79 cap John Barnes [cartoon by Bob Bond] is snapped up on a free transfer from Liverpool. "I think we'll certainly get good value for money because he came on a free!" muses Kenny whimsically. " He is a good player, a quality player and he is still very, very fit for his age".
West Ham manager Harry Redknapp is not in such a good mood claiming that the 33-year-old Barnes had "given his word" he would join the Hammers.
John Beresford - playing as a wing-back - is United's unlikely goalscoring hero as his two strikes helped United to a narrow 2-1 victory over an impressive Croatia Zagreb side at SJP.
Friday 15 Aug 1997
There is another shock arrival with Ian Rush signing on a free after an unhappy year at Leeds.
"I have come here to get into the side and then do well to try and keep a place. I assure you I wouldn't have signed for Newcastle if I didn't feel confident I could get into the team. One thing is certain, neither I nor John Barnes have joined Newcastle to put anything less than one hundred per cent effort and commitment into our work at the club".
Monday 18 Aug 1997
As one legend arrives another departs with 37 year-old Beardsley finally joining Bolton for a fee of £450,000.
Saturday 23 Aug 1997
Faustino Asprilla watches from the stands for the home match with Villa. He arrives too late to be considered after being stranded in Colombia due to industrial action. "There's nothing underhand, nothing dishonest about what happened and there is no question that I am unhappy over Tino's late arrival."
Another Bez goal (13th minute) gives United a narrow 1-0 victory despite having to play with ten men for most of the Second Half; David Batty having been sent off for two bookable offences.
It is revealed that replica away shirts carrying Alessandro Pistone's name were the top sellers in the club shop
Wednesday 27 Aug 1997
The Magpies reach the Champions League proper for the first time with a 4-3 aggregate win over Croatia Zagreb.
Asprilla scores from the penalty spot just before half-time to make it 3-1 on aggregate, but Simic pulls one back just before the hour and then with only seconds remaining Cvitanovic scores to take the tie into extra time.
The Magpies stand firm in a hostile atmosphere and with less than a minute to spare sub Temuri Ketsbaia scores the winner sparking jubilant scenes among the players, coaching staff and 450 fans in a sell-out crowd of 34,000.
Pearce tweaks his hamstring during the game and is replaced by the returning Steve Howey
Sunday 31 Aug 1997
The match with Liverpool is postponed following the premature death of the Princess of Wales