North Shields and Sheffield United link – Plus your chance to see Jinky 'Jimmy' Smith

The Newcastle United opponents on Saturday, Sheffield United, have had some canny players down the years.

Here I’m going to pick out a few that made their mark in the game and could put backsides on seats.

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Tony Currie was the epitome of 1970s cool, even if he did play for an unfashionable club.

He instantly stood out with his long mane of blonde hair and rugged looks and boy could he play.

An effervescent and exuberant midfielder, he also possessed in his repertoire a superb passing ability.

Currie was a maverick off the field too and the Blades fans loved him. He made 17 appearances for England between 1972 and 1979.

In the aftermath of the glitz and glamour of the 1978 World Cup, Alex Sabella became the first Argentinian to join a British club when Harry Haslam brought him to Bramall Lane.

He spent two years at Sheffield United before going on to play for and manage the Argentine national side.

Brian Deane was a big centre powerful forward that had three spells at Sheffield United.

Deane and the Blades scored the first ever goal in the Premier League’s inaugural season in 1992/93.

He scored an impressive 82 league goals in his first spell at Bramall Lane and represented England three times during this period.

‘Hallelujah’ John Tudor joined Newcastle United in 1971 after he had fired Sheffield United to promotion to the old First Division alongside Tony Currie in 1969/70.

(John Tudor with son Jonathan to left of photo as we look at it, at a Toon Army Minnesota get together)

I have said all anyone needs to know about gentleman John in previous articles, but what a lot of people might not know, is that he had a spell managing North Shields FC after his playing career had ended.

And so this gets me nicely along to an event that is due to take place, arranged by fans of the Robins, who have sadly fallen on hard times.

There will be a fundraiser held at Chirton Social Club in North Shields on May 9th that will feature former 1970s Newcastle United stars Irving Nattrass, Paul Cannell and Jimmy ‘Jinky’ Smith.

Irving and Paul both reside in North Shields and I know the organisers (more info below from them) are especially delighted to have got Jinky on board, as talk-ins and public speaking have never previously been the great man’s cuppa.

Tickets can be bought in advance online HERE or HERE, alternatively in person at Chirton Club or the Rose Inn, Wallsend, or walk up on the night

North Shields Supporters Club

‘The Independent North Shields Supporters Club (INSSA) are delighted to hold this event with three iconic 1970s Toon stars hosted by excellent local comedian and top Newcastle fan, Gavin Webster.

After North Shields Football Club cited ‘an impossible financial situation’ before Christmas, fans have banded together and formed a fundraising organisation ready to step into the breach and deal with any eventuality that the close season may pose.