To show where the club have come from, I was a regular attendee in the 1980/81 season which is surely one of the worst in the Toon's history. Dumped out of the league Cup by 4th division Bury, 30 goals scored in 42 games (Bobby Shinton top scorer with 7 goals), average home attendance 16,001.
In the FA Cup 5th round.we drew 1-1 with 3rd division Exeter at home. I travelled to the replay by train, the Toon lost 4-0. The fans heading home north had to change trains twice, I finally arrived at York Station somewhat bleary eyed around 8am the next morning.
A couple of highlights from that season, the discovery of a promising young striker from a sausage factory and the beginning of the Arthur Cox reign.
I often pinch myself how far we have come from those dark days.