Magpies' hotchpotch ground signalled declining era of club

FOR Newcastle United fans in the late 1980s and early 1990s, this was their St James' Park. The view will be largely unrecognisable to younger supporters.

- By DAVID MORTON

St James' Park football stadium, the home of Newcastle United, pictured in April 1989. It was a ramshackle home for a club suffering a sad decline

On the left, the Milburn Stand with seats and standing paddocks opened in 1987, replacing the original 1906-built West Stand. Named in honour of one of the football club's greatest sons, 'Wor Jackie' Milburn, this was home to the boardroom, administration and entertainment areas, dressing rooms, and was the main area for seated season ticket holders.

Opposite, on the right, the East Stand with seats and bench seating (where standing paddocks had once been) opened during the 1972-73 season. The brutalist cantilever construction had replaced the sprawling, unroofed Popular Side terrace which dated from the early days of the club.