Grounds for hope amid some dark days at United

Captured in 1989, our photograph recalls St James’ Park in Newcastle before major redevelopments in the mid-1990s and again in 2000, writes nostalgia editor DAVID MORTON

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A view of St James' in 2000

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.

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, players’ 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 football club.