'WOR' JACKIE AND THE TOON'S FA CUP TREBLE

COLIN ALLAN RECALLS WHEN THE LEGENDARY JACKIE MILBURNK AND NEWCASTLE UNITED WERE CUP KINGS IN THE EARLY 1950S...

- COLIN ALLAN

JACKIE Milburn lined up in his customary fourth position as his Newcastle United team-mates awaited the call to walk onto Wembley’s hallowed turf for the 1951 FA Cup final.

The Magpies left the tunnel into bright sunshine to face a cauldron of expectation. It was April 28, 1951 and Newcastle faced Blackpool for the honour of lifting the famous trophy.

It was a proud moment for manager Stan Seymour as he led out his Newcastle lads. Such had been his contribution to the club over the years that he was called ‘Mr Newcastle United’ by the Tyneside press.

Nor was he a stranger to Wembley for he had played for United on the left wing in the 1924 final, scoring one of the two goals which defeated Aston Villa.

He had also given a trial to the then 19-year-old Milburn in 1943. The pit lad so impressed Seymour that he gave the youngster a contract to join the Magpies.

Now, in 1951, both men were club legends. Such was the affection the St James’ Park following had for Milburn that he was called ‘Wor’ (Geordie for ‘our’) Jackie.

A frail-looking King George Vl was presented to the teams before what was dubbed ‘the Stanley Matthews final’ commenced. Matthews had been one of Blackpool’s losing finalists in 1948 and this was seen as his last chance to gain a cup winner’s medal.

As it transpired, Matthews was to be well marked throughout the match by Newcastle full-back Charlie Crowe. Despite all his wizardry, Matthews would have to wait another two years for that elusive winner’s medal.