Supermac the obvious choice as St James’ Park guest of honour for Newcastle v Arsenal | OneFootball

Newcastle United have provided England with some canny post-war centre-forwards – Jackie Milburn, Malcolm Macdonald (Supermac), Les Ferdinand, Alan Shearer and Andy Carroll all represented the Three Lions whilst the proud wearers of the Newcastle United Number 9 jersey.

Alan Shearer scored more goals for his country than all four of his fellow Toon strikers put together.

He led the England line in the 1998 World Cup in France, two years after his World record £15m move from Blackburn Rovers.

Wor Jackie’s tally of 10 goals in 13 appearances is very impressive. He also represented England at the World Cup held in Brazil in 1950.

Malcolm Macdonald wasn’t called Supermac for nothing. He was a 1970’s phenomenon on Tyneside and literally forced himself into Don Revie’s international squad.

Revie didn’t like him, preferring the likes of Alan Clarke, Mick Channon and even the maverick Frank Worthington.

Supermac would write his name into the record books in a European Championship qualifier against Cyprus at Wembley in 1975.

He scored all five England goals and when the game ended, the scoreboard under the Twin Towers read Supermac 5 Cyprus O.

Malcolm is now in his seventies and living in North Shields. One of my mates saw him in a local supermarket recently and he said it got him thinking.

The aisles were quite busy with shoppers and he said that he wondered if they knew that there was an actual legend in their presence.

That’s because not many people under 60 will have seen Supermac in his Toon heyday.

I always thought that Malcolm may have been considered for the United manager’s job after Arthur Cox left the club weeks after our promotion in 1984.

He had earlier made another one of his former clubs Fulham into a solid and entertaining Second Division side.

They had the likes of Gordon Davies and a young Ray Houghton in their ranks and took us apart at St James’ Park in front of the Match of the Day cameras.

Although he is still idolised on Tyneside, I don’t think Malcolm Macdonald gets the recognition he deserves elsewhere.

Of course there are bits and pieces on YouTube etc but I’ve seen more accolades bestowed on players from the 70’s who couldn’t lace his boots.

This is more testimony in my eyes that as far as the rest of country are concerned, the North East may as well not exist.

Supermac spent his best years at Newcastle and also admirably did the business for Arsenal before injury ended his playing career at only 29.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if Malcolm was made the guest of honour for the Carabao Cup second leg against the Gunners on February 5th.

Just imagine the reception he would get if he was to make just one more appearance at the place where was literally worshipped.