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Roker Park Opened 116 Years Ago Today – Top Newcastle Memories Video Special

10 years ago
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I have just read that Roker Park opened for the first time 116 years ago today.

These days of course the mackems play at their new stadium, one of the many that have been built in the modern era.

Their new ground is what it is and no better or worse than the other character free homes of football clubs across England.

Whenever I go to the derby matches I just thank my lucky stars that John Hall never got his wish and moved Newcastle United to an industrial estate in Newburn, or over the water to Gateshead.

(To feature like Dean, send in your articles for our website to contribute@themag.co.uk)

So what of Roker Park.

It was of course the era of still being able to stand at matches, so my memories are of being part of a sardine style packed away following, with thankfully more positive memories than bad experiences coming to mind.

What are your experiences, good and bad?

Add to the debate at the end of this piece but in the meantime I’ll give you my top three Roker park experiences.

Number One has to be Liam O’Brien’s free-kick – perfection!

[youtube=http://youtu.be/3Af8TrFLvRI&w=600]

Number Two would be my first ever derby match at Roker Park, Peter Withe scoring in a 1-1 draw. A big occasion for a thirteen year old! Withe’s goal is at 1.27 on this compilation.

[youtube=http://youtu.be/hYX1zbly3_c&w=600]

Number Three is that mad occasion when around 1500 Newcastle fans travelled down to support Gillingham in the play-offs. Tony Cascarino sending the mackems down, with Toon fans celebrating in the Roker End corner mixed in with the Gilingham supporters, while Newcastle fans also had their own paddock section!

(Enjoy highlights of the first leg and then the second leg footage from Roker Park starts at 2.17)

[youtube=http://youtu.be/yDaTllXmTPo&w=600]

 

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