NUFC Season Summaries

NUFC Season 1958/59

No new signings during the summer but Mitten made an immediate impact with his "revolutionary" training techniques (gymnastics and highland dancing) and his idea for a new "continental" strip.

Mitten's first game in charge was a disaster - a 1-5 reverse at home to Blackburn - but things thankfully improved and the 11th place finish was a welcome relief from previous campaigns.

It was far from mid-table mediocrity with many high-scoring games including a 5-6 defeat at Stamford Bridge and a 4-4 draw at Old Trafford.

The fans liked what they were seeing and the average crowd rose to 40,280 (the best for four years)

Interest in the Fa Cup was short-lived as United were beaten 4-1 at SJP by Chelsea. Seymour took the opportunity to publicly blame Mitten's tactics for the defeat with McKeag blasting back ; again via the media. McKeag offered to resign if Seymour followed suit; they both stayed. Incensed by the internal bickering a group of shareholders established a pressure group to try and get representation on the board.

Wales' golden boy Ivor Allchurch was signed but Mitten was often frustrated in the transfer market because any purchase had to be sanctioned by the whole board. As a result they missed out on Mel Charles; the first of many deals scuppered by the infighting.

The media talked of "Mittens Marvels" and McKeag wanted to reward him with a four year contract. But Seymour and his allies only wanted to give him 12 months. It took an interjection from Leeds, who wanted him to takeover at Elland Road, to force the directors to sanction a three-year contract.