He Only Played 36 Games - But He Became A Geordie Legend!

Last updated : 09 July 2008 By Footy Mad - Editor
He was signed from Blackpool for £150,000 (including the transfer of Keith Dyson), and he only made 36 appearances for Newcastle before injury caused a tragic end to such a rare talent .

Injury at Crystal Palace in 1972, when he was only 27, robbed him of a brilliant career.

Glasgow-born, he won 6 caps and would have won scores more but for that tackle from Mel Blyth.

Tony Green: "I get back maybe once a year and it's nice - it probably wouldn't happen anywhere else but the north east.

"If I'm coming back from Newcastle and get to the M6, my wife will say 'You're a normal person now'. It's lovely, and I always enjoy coming back.

"I'm just a supporter now, waiting for something better to happen than in the previous years. I follow Celtic, Blackpool and Newcastle, but probably Newcastle more than anyone else.

"In a way, I'm glad that if I had to finish like I did, I did it at Newcastle. I had a chance to play for a big club every week, in front of big crowds.

"You can't regret that. I'd have loved to have played on, but if you keep looking back it would drive you crackers.

"They (Newcastle) lost to Manchester United, Manchester City and Arsenal in cup finals, but if I'm being honest, they never looked as though they were going to win.

"They also finished second in the league under Kevin Keegan.

"You just never know with Newcastle, and I hope the regime there gets it right. You keep looking on in hope.

"When you had Terry McDermott and 'Jinky' Jimmy Smith the place was buzzing for a while. The football was terrific.

"Then there was the period with Ginola and Ferdinand, which was probably as good as it's been.

"Football changes so often, and I just hope Kevin Keegan is still in touch.

"The top four have left the rest behind, and it's a massive thing to break into, but if anybody has a chance of doing that, then it's probably Keegan.

"He understands what the north east is all about, and I don't think the previous managers did. He's got more of an understanding.

"They've bought a lot of players who you thought were very good, but a lot of signings haven't come off, and if Keegan can buy right, then they have the chance to be there or thereabouts."