The late 70’s and early 80’s were something of a low point for Newcastle United, but things picked up dramatically with the surprise capture of England’s leading Brut ambassador, Kevin Keegan.
Wearing this Umbro shirt – sponsored by local brewing company Newcastle Breweries – the Magpies achieved promotion back to the First Division in 1984 after an absence of six years. Ably aiding Keegan that season (his last as a player) and in the following years in the top flight were fellow Toon legends Peter Beardsley, Chris Waddle, Terry McDermott and…erm…Jeff Clarke.
The young Paul Gascoigne also made his Newcastle debut wearing this shirt, which sported the famous NUFC badge so sorely missed by Geordies and nostalgists alike.
This shirt was probably most memorably worn on the final day of the 83-84 promotion season against Brighton when Beardsley scored a beautiful chip and Keegan netted on his final appearance, and when Newcastle let a four-goal lead slip at Loftus Road and ended up drawing 5-5 on QPR’s horrendous plastic pitch in September 1984.
Classic Retro shirts now available from Campo Retro www.camporetro.com
