As Newcastle United fanatic Alan Golightly approached his landmark 70th birthday, there was never any doubt he would mark the occasion with something that had a Toon theme.
If some folk might treat themselves to a holiday or throw a party to celebrate their big day, Alan, from Backworth, North Tyneside, decided to commission an original piece of artwork recreating his first ever match at his beloved St James' Park. The result is a striking painting by renowned local artist Peter Davidson, which Alan has titled The Start Of A Love Affair.
That first game took place on September 2, 1959, when the Magpies beat Birmingham City 1-0 in front of 35,000 fans. It was the Newcastle United of George Eastham, Ivor Allchurch, Jimmy Scoular and centre-forward Len White, the goalscorer on the day and a deadly marksman in black and white who would become young Alan's favourite player.
