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Well this was a blast from the past. Plum forgot that I actually worked with Big Bill Thompson at Wilkinson Sword during the 70s at the time magpies were on the 74 cup run. Real Quiet Bill and I suppose he didn't like talking about his time as he must have had many wanting to ask him same old questions. He was a real tough player though. Hope he is still around and in good health.

To the best of my knowledge the only person from Bedlington to play for Newcastle United was Bill Thompson. He lived behind the Terrier's football pitch (I think it was Lily Avenue). He attended the Whitley Memorial School and played for East Northumberland and was signed up by Newcastle United Juniors in 1955 and his first game for the senior team was in 1960. He played at centre half for the Newcastle United first team for 10 years and was in the England under 23 squad but could not not play any games due to injury. Hid brother Jimmy played for Bedlington Dr Pit Welfare.

Derek Jefferson, lived near the Terrier pub, went to the Whitley Memorial then the Station Modern and was an imposing Centre Half. From school he went to Ipswich Town and then to Wolves. Derek Jefferson Personal information Full name Derek Dave Jefferson Date of birth 5 September 1948 (age 68) Place of birth Morpeth, Northumberland. Playing position Centre back Senior career* Years Team Apps (Gls) 1966–1972 Ipswich Town 166 (1) 1972–1976 Wolverhampton Wanderers 42 (0) 1976 Boston Minutemen 10 (1) 1976 Washington Diplomats 11 (0) 1976 → Sheffield Wednesday (loan) 5 (0) 1976–1978 Hereford United 39 (0) * Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only.

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Eggy & Pete, I don't ever recall Bedlington Mechanics FC playing in anything other than Red Shirts (with white sleeves) and White Shorts. Looking at this b&w photo with the footballers coloured in I would hazzard a guess to say this was probably in the 1940's (maybe even War-Time or could be TA Reservists) and that most of them are Bedlington lads. Perhaps the footballers may have been amongst the ones who started Bedlington Mechanics when they were formed in May 1949.