Be honest... what were the feelings towards Big Jack in June 1984?

[junos_boots]

You can't have bad feelings about what JC did in 1984. He came in (I believe for no wages), always said he was only staying until end of season, kept us up and then joined the club he supported as a boy with his uncle having played for them.

 

[atypical_boro]

None at all. He came back as a favour if I recall, there was never any intention for him to come back full time. Football rivalries were very different then and a lot less bitter than they are now. I for one always wanted Big Jack to do well except when one of his teams played.

Rivalries were less bitter in the mid-80s? That’s not something I’ve ever been told before.

 

[Otto42]

Rivalries were less bitter in the mid-80s? That’s not something I’ve ever been told before.

That's my recollection, especially if you weren't out for bother and even then it was something that happened outside of the football if you get my drift. In the 70s I remember it being acceptable to admire players who played for rival teams and respect achievements. For example most would support English clubs in Europe. The advent of the premier league, phone ins and social media has turned the average football fan into a fan of their club rather than the game. We were probably coming to the end of that era by 84, but certainly my dad's generation (grew up in the 40s and 50s) thought nothing about just going to a match wherever it was.

 

[Michael_Vronsky]

Rivalries were as bitter, if not more in the 80's but Jack was SO loved and revered that you could not dislike him or hold anything against him.

 

[atypical_boro]

That's my recollection, especially if you weren't out for bother and even then it was something that happened outside of the football if you get my drift. In the 70s I remember it being acceptable to admire players who played for rival teams and respect achievements. For example most would support English clubs in Europe. The advent of the premier league, phone ins and social media has turned the average football fan into a fan of their club rather than the game. We were probably coming to the end of that era by 84, but certainly my dad's generation (grew up in the 40s and 50s) thought nothing about just going to a match wherever it was.

Oh yeah, 40s-50s and maybe even up to 70s I can imagine that easily. But the 80s feels like the dark clouds of serious rivalry Started to overshadow the game and obviously going too far sometimes.

In the 40s my Grandad would watch Newcastle one week, Sunderland the next, then when he moved further south to Newton Aycliffe he ended up with a season ticket at Ayresome. That just wouldn’t happen now.

 

[TeessideCleveland]

He'd helped us stay up, that was the main thing

 

[asredastheycome]

That accommodation was the Polytechnic's the Halls of Residence. once got drunk on Old Pecuiler in the Bar at a gig by Mungo Jerry!

I think its a care home/ OP residential accommodation/Medical Centre now.

That's the one thanks for reminding in me it was part of Poly. Didn't know they put bands on there.

 

[asredastheycome]

None at all. He came back as a favour if I recall, there was never any intention for him to come back full time. Football rivalries were very different then and a lot less bitter than they are now. I for one always wanted Big Jack to do well except when one of his teams played.

Wouldn't say rivalries were less bitter. I would say worse. The constant threat of violence did not help.

 

[indeedido]

Fair question from atypical in today's context. Had Bryan Robson for example left for Newcastle in 2000 he would have been hated; McLaren was for expressing interest.

Jack came back to help out after the Malcolm Allison train crashed off the rails. We were in deep trouble and lost just 3 of Jack's 9 matches to stay up comfortably with a bad team. He did what he said he would.

Understandable he would go to Newcastle, especially given our financial predicament, but the fella was loved here and had saved us when he didn't need to. I don't recall any bad feelings towards him going, just disappointment.

Hooliganism was at its worst - bad trouble in really small crowds everywhere. I was never part of Frontline, but have been very relieved they were there at away trips through the 80's. Stopped me being seriously done on more than one occasion; White Hart Lane Sept 88 after a 3-2 late late defeat being one.
I'm glad things progressed and wouldn't ever want a return to those days, but seeing Spurs run away that day was a beautiful sight.

 

[Norman_Conquest]

I was watching the news tonight and the article his granddaughter created about Jack brought a lump to my throat.

Big Jack could have won trophies with Newcastle and still have been a favourite with Middlesbrough fans of a certain age.

 

[Foggysfplandiet3]

I was disappointed he didn’t stay long term in 1984 but I certainly didn’t resent him for it.

Look North was interesting tonight; visited Ashington which is very understandable of course but hardly any mention of his time at Boro. Typical Look North. At Boro for 4 years and achieved so much and has been loved and revered on Teesside for the last 47 years. Had one year at Newcastle before being hounded out by chants from the great toon army.