Malcolm Macdonald was born on January 7, 1950 in Fulham and signed for his local club in August 1968. During a career in the English game which spanned a meagre eight years, ‘Supermac' became a legend on Tyneside during a four-season spell with Newcastle United where he notched 95 goals in 187 league appearances. His move back south to Arsenal in August of 1976 for the ludicrous sum of £333,333 made him a hero of the North Bank but, after a serious cartilage injury, he ended his playing career in Sweden with Djorgarden. Macdonald will probably best be remembered for scoring all five England goals in a victory over Cyprus at Wembley in 1975. He currently works in the media. "I still love the North-east. When I signed for Newcastle, the supporters made me feel at home instantly. I got a hat-trick on my home debut against Liverpool and there was no looking back after that. I still live in Jesmond and even though the game took me away from the area for a few years, I couldn't really think of settling anywhere else. I had an interesting time at Highbury; some good, some not so good and later I went back to Fulham as commercial manager, then team manager. I also had a go at management with Huddersfield Town, but it wasn't really for me. "I even spent some time running pubs and hotels, but I don't think that did my health any good - I enjoyed the products too much. The sensible thing was for me to concentrate on what I do best, talking about football, so I settled in Jesmond and had a programme on Century Radio for some time. Now I write for the Evening Chronicle, among others, and I also work for the local ITV station, so I keep pretty busy. I have never been lost for words, either as a player or in my current career. When I was on the pitch I always found myself in trouble for having too much to say. "I loved playing football and I really loved scoring, especially the goals for England, but I am not one of those who wants to turn the clock back. I enjoy life today. I have a great relationship with the people up here - and not just the Newcastle fans either. Sunderland and Boro fans treat me well, too. "Some of my memories have nothing to do with events on the pitch. I remember when I arrived to sign for the Magpies, I was taken to the ground in a Rolls Royce. When I got out of the car one of the journalists said: 'That's the first time I've seen a player arrive in his signing-on fee'. It was a great line. I don't have great memories of the FA Cup Final, though. I played in two and one League Cup Final at Wembley and lost each time. And I see that the curse of the Newcastle number 9s at Wembley is still happening. We'll get it right one day, though. LEAGUE APPEARANCES Fulham 13 appearances 5 goals Luton Town 88 appearances 49 goals Newcastle United 187 appearances 95 goals Arsenal 84 appearances 42 goals

BIG MAC FACTS   Played for Tonbridge as a defender before signing as a pro for Fulham and turning into a striker. Signed for Luton Town in July 1969 for £17,000. Lost the 1974 FA Cup Final to Liverpool and the 1976 League Cup Final to Manchester City. After moving to Arsenal, he played in the 1978 FA Cup Final against Ipswich Town. Of course, he lost. Made his senior England debut against Wales in Cardiff on May 20, 1972 in a 3-0 victory. He won 14 senior caps and scored six goals. Made his final league appearance in this country on May 14, 1979 for Arsenal away to Chelsea; a 1-1 draw. He scored the second half equaliser. A bit of a rebel, he and Alan Hudson were sent home from Arsenal's 1977 summer tour of Singapore and Australia for an alleged drinking incident. Was one of the fastest strikers of his generation and could cover 100 metres in 10.7 seconds. MAC SPEAK "He was an exceptionally talented player, who had a natural flair for putting the ball in the net and the courage to try for every half-chance. He was never worried about going in where the boots were flying and he never gave up the chase. He would still be a star in today's game" Terry McDermott "We didn't see the very best of him at Arsenal because of injuries, but what we did see was enough to show why he had such a great reputation. He was good in the air and he also had ball-playing skills on the ground. He was not that big a guy, but somehow he played like a giant. You could see defenders retreating from him" - Frank Stapleton

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