NUFC Season Summaries

NUFC Season 1960/61

A catastrophic season in which Newcastle returned to the Second Division in an avalanche of goals. United scored 86 goals including ten in their first two games, unfortunately they also conceded 109 (their worst total ever). They only kept a clean sheet twice all season and conceded three or more goals in no less than nineteen games.

Thirty four players were used as Mitten continually shuffled his pack. More and more untried youngsters were thrown in as he dispensed with the more experienced players such as Stokoe and Keith

The problems actually started during the close-season with two of the star inside-forward line requesting transfers. Both requests were turned down, but whereas Ivor Allchurch reluctantly stayed on George Eastham challenged the very heart of the transfer system by refusing to resign.

The FA Cup provided some light relief as United reached the quarter-finals, but it was a distraction rather than an attraction. There was a new cup to play for - the League Cup - United crashing 4-1 to Fourth Division strugglers Colchester.

Despite the number of goals on offer the average home gate slipped below 30,000.