When Saudi Arabia's PIF sensationally swooped to buy Newcastle United in October 2021, it made news headlines around the world.
Forty years ago, there was another Saudi-related football story doing the rounds - but with rather less substance. It was January 1983, and United star Terry McDermott, dressed up like an Arab sheikh, decided to carry out a practical joke on United staff.
The 31-year-old midfielder hatched his plot after reading reports that superstar teammate Kevin Keegan was wanted by a club in soccer-mad Saudi Arabia. Arriving unannounced at the Magpies' Benwell training ground, and wearing an outfit he had acquired in Dubai while on tour with former club Liverpool, the mystery visitor informed manager Arthur Cox that he wanted to talk transfer business over Keegan. It didn't take too long, however, for Cox and Keegan to rumble the prank and much laughter ensued.
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McDermott, of course, enjoyed two spells at St James’ Park. But no matter how effective he was in black and white, it was the hugely successful eight years in between – spent at Liverpool – for which he’ll be more widely remembered.
The 21-year-old Scouser first joined the Magpies from Bury in February 1973 for a bargain £25,000 - and he would play for Newcastle in the ill-fated 1974 FA Cup final against Liverpool. Signed by the Reds from United just six months later, he soon developed into a world-class, free-scoring midfielder, securing much silverware, including three European Cups. He would also earn 25 England caps.
Terry still had enough left in the tank for a last hurrah on Tyneside. Back at Newcastle and laden with honours, his “second debut” in 1982 as a 30-year-old, came in the 5-1 win at Rotherham’s Millmoor. He was a key figure in helping propel the Magpies back to the First Division in 1984.
His final competitive game as a Newcastle player was in the joyous 3-1 home win over Brighton, the club’s last game in the Second Division before the top flight once again beckoned. In all, he made 167 appearances for United, scoring 23 goals.
A decade on, he would spend time among United’s back-room staff, famously as “buffer” to manager Kevin Keegan - and later alongside the likes of Dalglish, Souness, Roeder and Allardyce. He once told the Chronicle: “I’m not a coach, never have been and don’t pretend to be. I didn’t take any badges. I know my strengths and I’ve learned a lot by working with good managers at Newcastle.”
Remaining a popular figure among fans at Anfield and St James’ Park, there was sad news in August 2021, when Terry revealed he was suffering from dementia. "I've got to get on with it and I will. It’s the way I’ve been brought up," he said. "Nothing has come to me easily. I’m not frightened of taking it on."
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