Newcastle City recognises greats

TEAMS of the century have become the norm at football clubs. Every traditional AFL team has produced a greatest ever side as have local clubs around the country.

But the Newcastle City team of the century would have to be one of the hardest to crack into, considering its rich history.

The club is one of the sport’s oldest, having being founded in 1883.

It has survived world wars, the great depression and the fact that it is based in a rugby league obsessed state. So it’s not hard to see why the Team of the Century announcement last month was such a big celebration.

A team of 22 was named, as well as coach Alan Bayliss, team manager Arthur Savage and trainer John Funnel, who was an integral part of the club in the 1960s, looking after both senior and junior teams.

The full team was:

B: John Duggan, Terry Collins, Bill Buchanan

HB: Mark Wilson, John Storrie, Barry Leacy

C: Steve Naylor, Terry Marlborough, Mark Hope

HF: John Preen, Frank Lane, Frank Brecleg

F: Jock McAlpine, Warren Gambrill, Steve Wilmott

Foll: Neil Dunn, Trevor De Roost, Mike Fitzpatrick

IC: Jim Gardiner, Angelo Koutts, Steve Blackman, Noel Miosge

Coach: Alan Bayliss

Team Manager: Arthur Savage

Trainer: John Funnel