35mm Mags: Newcastle United on film

Words: Jacob Archbold

Images: Jacob Archbold

Shot on film.

Football is a religion in the North East. As 52,000 fans make their way to St. James’ Park - ‘The Cathedral on the Hill’ - you can feel the anticipation in the air as this one club city readies itself for the biggest occasion of the week.

It’s a city unlike any in the country. As an away fan, you’ll be welcome in pretty much any of the 174 places to drink within a mile of the ground - unless you’re a mackem. London can learn a thing or two here.

The hospitality for away fans ends when they leave the pubs. Their seats are up in the gods in Level 7. The stairs are taxing, but the view of the city is nice once you’re up there.

St. James’ Park looms over every inch of the town, the Milburn and Leazes stands rise high above the tower blocks, with the brutalist East Stand sinking low amongst a backdrop of terraced houses.

©Jacob Archbold/ Terrace Edition. Newcastle United FC.

However the Gallowgate End is the most famous of them all. It sits on the site of the city’s former gallows - last used in 1844 - and houses the Toon Army’s most passionate fans.

As the teams emerge, "Going Home: Theme of the Local Hero" by Mark Knopfler plays out, as it has done for over 35 years. The crowd roars with kick off imminent.

Even though we are only four games into the season, this already feels like a must-win fixture. Today’s opponents are Wolves. Both teams are winless, but Newcastle have an ace up their sleeve - Nick Woltemade.

Signed from Stuttgart in the final days of the transfer window, Newcastle’s record buy makes the perfect start to his career on Tyneside.

A pinpoint cross from Jacob Murphy, a powerful header from the 6ft 6in German, and he is off the mark after just 29 minutes. Another striker who shall not be named is already slipping from the minds of the Geordie faithful.

The rest of the game is rather uneventful, but as the final whistle blows the Toon Army are feeling good about life once again.

Walking past the statue of Alan Shearer outside the ground, you think about the calibre of forwards these fans have seen over the years.

Hopefully Woltemade can join that cast, and propel Eddie Howe’s men into the Champions League once again.