Newcastle United narrowly avoided relegation from Division One in the 1986-87 season, a campaign marked by struggle and financial constraints, with Paul Goddard's goals proving crucial.
A Season of Mixed Fortunes
The squad that lined up for the pre-season photoshoot in August 1986 featured a diverse mix of talent, from powerful strikers like Billy Whitehurst and Tony Cunningham to local lads Kenny Wharton and Paul Stephenson, alongside seasoned professionals Glenn Roeder and David McCreery, and gifted players Peter Beardsley and Paul Gascoigne. Willie McFaul, who had taken over from Jack Charlton the previous season, led the team to an 11th-place finish.
Expectations were modest, but with Beardsley returning from the 1986 World Cup and 19-year-old Gascoigne emerging, there was hope. However, the season began poorly with a 2-0 home defeat to Liverpool on August 23, in front of 33,306 fans, where Beardsley was closely marked. The first win came in mid-September, a 1-0 victory over Wimbledon with a Gascoigne goal.
Struggles and Reinforcements
As the team hovered near the relegation zone, reinforcements arrived in the form of Andy Thomas, Darren Jackson, and Peter Jackson, with the notable signing of striker Paul Goddard from West Ham for a club-record £415,000 in November. A brief revival saw the team reach 15th, but by February 1987, they were bottom of the table.
Goddard proved to be the savior, scoring in seven consecutive games, including winners against Arsenal, Manchester United, and Chelsea. His 13 goals that season were vital. After the Chelsea win, the Sunday Sun praised him, saying, "Eat your hearts out Ian Rush and Gary Lineker - there's no stopping Paul Goddard at the moment."
Escape and Aftermath
Despite earning only one point in their final three games, United finished 17th, safe from relegation, while Leicester, Manchester City, and Aston Villa were relegated. The season ended with a 2-1 defeat at Nottingham Forest, marred by a pitch invasion and Brian Clough manhandling fans.
McFaul told the Chronicle: "We've got to be pleased that the season is over and very happy that we survived." The club's lack of ambition was evident as Beardsley moved to Liverpool in the summer, following Chris Waddle's departure to Spurs in 1985, with Gascoigne set to leave in 1988. The escape was temporary, as relegation would come two years later.
