The forst ever game of futbaall at St. James' Park took place 144 years ago on 16th October 1880 when a Newcastle Rangers 'Captains X1' took on 'Others' who had 15 players on the field!
Rangers anly had 11 players but won 6-1!
The Daily Journal recorded that: "The new ground is very nicely situated. It is 120 yards by 60 yards broad and is comparatively level!"
Rangers headquarters were recorded as: 'Strawberry House, 78 St James' Park' and Rangers christened the ground St. James' Park az it woz next to St. James' Street which iz still there in the shadow of The East Stand!
*By amazing coincidence aa got married to Val on 16th October 2005 at St James' Park!---on the 125th anniversary of the forst game!
Aa didn't realise this til aa woz researchin' this article in October 2018! Aa thought "16th October rings a bell?"--- but aa couldn't remember why???
PS: I tell people I got married to Val in a cathedral!
"The cathedral on the hill!"---az Sir Bobby Robson caalled it!