7 Interesting Facts about Newcastle United FC
Located in Newcastle upon Tyne, Newcastle United Football Club competes in the Premier League and has gained immense popularity in football.
If you are among the millions of followers of the NUFC, there are some interesting facts you must know about your favorite team.
1. Established 128 Years Ago
Established on December 9, 1892, Newcastle United Football Club (NUFC) boasts a history of over a century, making it one of football’s most enduring clubs. Its origins trace back to the merger of Newcastle East End and Newcastle West End, culminating in the birth of NUFC. The team has held St. James’ Park as its home since its inception.
Newcastle FC broke a record of home attendance of 68,386 for a First Division match against Chelsea on 3 September 1930. The club’s highest attendance in the Premier League is 52,389, in a match against Manchester City on 6 May 2012.
2. Known as “The Magpies” and “The Toon”
NUFC is nicknamed The Magpies due to their black and white striped kit resembling a magpie’s plumage. Additionally, they’re known as The Toon due to the local Geordie pronunciation of “town.” Despite being a city, the town also refers to the city center in British slang, where Newcastle’s St James’ Park stadium is located.
3. Trophy collection
Newcastle has a notable major trophy collection in its rich history. The Magpies have won four first-division league titles, six FA cups and one UEFA Intertoto Cup. During their most successful period between 1904 and 1910, Newcastle United won an FA Cup and three of their League titles. Additionally, the club has won the English Supercup once and the English 2nd tier championship four times.
4. A loyal fanbase called “Toon Army”
The loyal and passionate “Toon Army” fans of Newcastle United infuse St. James’ Park with unwavering support, creating a vibrant atmosphere on matchdays. The beloved Geordie folk song “Blaydon Races” adds cultural significance, often chanted by fans during matches, symbolizing their deep connection to the club and its heritage.
5. The Tyne-Wear Derby
The Tyne-Wear derby, also known as the North East derby, is a highly anticipated and intense rivalry between the association football clubs Sunderland and Newcastle United. This derby is considered one of the greatest spectacles in English football and is often regarded as the most exciting rivalry in the country. The match between these two clubs puts the North East region at a standstill, and the drama surrounding the fixture year after year makes it an unmissable event for football fans.
6. Notable players
Newcastle United Football Club has had many notable legends throughout its history, namely Alan Shearer, Les Ferdinand, Jackie Milburn, Paul Gascoigne, Rob Lee, Shay Given, Kevin Keegan and Malcolm Macdonald. These players have all contributed to the club’s success and have become fan favorites
Shearer is widely regarded as the greatest player in Newcastle United’s history, having scored 206 goals in 404 appearances for the club. Milburn is another legendary player who scored 200 goals for Newcastle United, a record that stood unbroken until Shearer scored his 201st goal in a match against Portsmouth in 2006. Other notable players include Ferdinand, Beardsley, and Gascoigne, who all had successful careers at Newcastle United.
7. Iconic Black and White Jersey
Newcastle United’s black and white striped jersey is one of the most iconic football shirts in the world. The club has been sporting the iconic kit since its foundation in 1892. These colours had been used as the reserve team’s colours before. In 1894, the club adopted the now-iconic black and white stripes for their home kit.
The current 2023–24 season is Newcastle United’s 131st, and they’re in their seventh year in a row in the Premier League. Alongside the league, they are also competing in the FA Cup, EFL Cup, and UEFA Champions League. This is their first time back in the Champions League since 2003–04.
