Three Newcastle United stars proudly displaying their international colours. The photograph dates from 1906.
Billy McCracken (Ireland),
International debut 1902, 16 caps.
McCracken didn't actually play international football in 1906.A curious interruption to his international career came from 1908- he demanded a five times increase of his match fee to play England. The Irish Football Association refused and dropped him. McCracken didn't play any more international football until 1919 but following his recall he went onto win a total of 16 caps, retiring at the age of 40.
- Football League championship: 1904–05, 1906–07, 1908–09
- FA Cup winner: 1910
Colin Veitch (England)
International debut 1906, 6 caps.
The fascinating Colin Veitch was a socialist who was active in the formation of the Players' Union. He was a keen dramatist and an accomplished journalist. Veitch also championed the idea of using a blackboard for tactical analysis.
Veitch was on the losing side in the FA Cup final on 4 occasions. Veitch is reputed to have developed the 'offside bogey' with McCracken.
- Football League championship: 1904-05, 1906-07, 1908-09
- FA Cup winner: 1910
Jimmy Gentleman James Howie (Scotland)
International debut 1905, 3 caps (all v England , 1905, 1906 &1908) 2 goals.
- Football League championship: 1904-05, 1906-07, 1908-09
- FA Cup winner: 1910
All 3 went on to become managers:
McCracken: Hull City, Gateshead, Millwall, Aldershot
Veitch: Bradford City
Howie: Queens Park Rangers, Middlesbrough
