Ray Ellison (1966/67 to 1972/73)

Ray Ellison joined Newcastle at the age of fifteen and was part of the junior side which won the Northern Intermediate Cup in 1966/67, beating Sheffield United in the final. He skippered the juniors in 1968/69 and started playing regularly for the reserves in the following season.

Ray Ellison made his debut (aged nineteen) during United’s early season injury crisis in 1971/72. He played in seven consecutive games, but the team suffered six defeats with the draw coming in the Texaco Cup.

Despite this terrible run, Ellison impressed everyone with his determined defending and willingness to go forward. And Crystal Palace manager Bert Head gave him the Newcastle Player of the Match award commenting: “Ellison showed the spirit and determination that is so necessary when teams are in trouble”.

However he was injured at Goodison Park and that would be the first of a number of injuries, including serious groin and thigh issues which would sideline him for the vast majority of the rest of the season.

In February 1973 he asked for a transfer after being angered by his initial inclusion and then eventual exclusion from the squad travelling to Italy for the Anglo-Italian Cup match against Roma.

When he heard Sunderland were interested Ellison said “This kind of move would be marvellous. It would give me a chance to establish myself and keep me in the area”.

Bob Stokoe took him to Roker Park for £10,000 in March 1973.