Documentary - RESCUE: HOW TO SAVE A FOOTBALL CLUB (twice)

Welcome to the second podcast documentary by the true faith podcast.

In the Summer of 1982 Newcastle United were preparing for a fifth straight season in the second division of English football. They hadn't realistically come close to promotion since relegation in 1978. The club had recorded back to back average attendances of below 20,000. Each season was the only season since 1903 (excluding war time) that the club attracted an average attendance of less than 20,000 fans.

Enter Kevin Keegan. England international, two time Ballon d'Or winner. A city and a club reborn......

Winter 1992 and United are second bottom of the second division and in danger of falling into the third tier for the first time in the clubs history. Crowds of less than 16,000 are frequent at St James' Park and the club is facing bankruptcy if relegated.

Enter Kevin Keegan....

This is a documentary aimed at finding out what was like with and without Kevin Keegan in the 1980's and early 1990's. How had the club who owned the FA Cup, the club of Super Mac and Joe Harvey fallen on such hard times? What was going to St James' like with no Leazes end? How much did the fans stick with Ardilles? How much does a play off defeat to Sunderland really hurt?

We discuss all of this and more.

Featured alongside match footage from the time are a selection of superb interviewees.

Martin Hardy is an award winning author and journalist. His recent Newcastle United books are a must-own for any Newcastle United fan. Martin was a dedicated Newcastle United fan in the 1980's and tells us what is was like at St James' when Kevin Keegan made his debut and then just how Keven Keegan created one of the biggest clubs in Europe.

Norman Riley is a true faith contributor and felt every beat of a football club and region still reeling from 80's decline in the early 90's. He provides an almost match by match account of the 91-93 season.

Andrew is a long time podcast listener and was Newcastle United home and away as the club drifted towards division three.

Marc Corby is one of the go-to voices on Newcastle United these days. His speciality subject is Newcastle United 1980-1994 - so his expert opinion was vital for this documentary and he once again delivered.

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