It’s not every day you get to sit down with a living legend, but that’s exactly what happened when I met up with Malcolm Macdonald, a man whose name is synonymous with Newcastle United’s finest moments.
After a long, hearty lunch in a North Tyneside pub, filled with stories from the past, we ventured into the remarkable journey of a man who could have been an Olympic sprinter but chose football instead.
The Decision to Pursue Football Over Sprinting
Back in 1975, Macdonald ran the 100 meters in an impressive 10.9 seconds, a time that would have made him a serious contender in Olympic sprinting.
Yet, despite the temptation of a potential sprinting career, he chose football.
According to Macdonald, athletics coach Ron Pickering had told him he could break 10.5 seconds if he focused solely on running.
But, for Macdonald, it was all about the goals, not the gold.
The Humble Beginnings and First Impressions
Our conversation soon drifted to his early days at Newcastle, when he made his grand entrance in 1971 after signing from Luton Town.
At just 21, Macdonald was introduced to the Geordie faithful in a Rolls Royce, drawing the attention of local journalists, including John Gibson, who’s now a close friend and longtime chronicler of his career.
But, as Gibson recalls, no one was sure what to expect from the young Cockney striker.
Was he cocky or just confident? The answer, as they both laugh, was “both.”
From Debut Hat-Trick to Football Icon
Macdonald’s debut for Newcastle against Liverpool is still one of the most talked-about moments in Tyneside football lore.
Scoring a hat-trick in a thrilling 3-2 victory, Macdonald’s performance was so electrifying that even though he was carried off with missing teeth, the crowd’s chants of “Supermac, superstar” resonated through St. James’ Park.
Gibson, who witnessed it firsthand, recalls how the atmosphere in the stadium was unlike anything he’d experienced before.
Supermac’s Fearless Approach to Football
As our conversation continued, I asked Macdonald how he would describe his playing style.
His answer was simple yet powerful: “Don’t. Give. A. F***.” For Macdonald, football was all about being in the right place at the right time, and he didn’t let anything—especially coaches—distract him from his main goal: scoring.
His ruthless, single-minded attitude towards goal-scoring made him one of the most feared strikers of his era.
The 1974 FA Cup Final and a Bitter Defeat
Though Macdonald’s career was filled with iconic moments, not all were triumphs.
One of the most painful memories he carries is the 1974 FA Cup final against Liverpool, where Newcastle lost 3-0.
But even in defeat, Macdonald reflected on the importance of playing with heart and leaving everything on the pitch.
The Newcastle squad, dressed in their dog-tooth jackets, didn’t perform as expected, and the result left Macdonald with a sense of unfinished business.
Off the Pitch: The Bond Between Supermac and Gibson
Outside the football field, Macdonald and Gibson have built a bond that goes beyond professional rapport.
Their friendship goes deep, with Gibson recalling a particularly poignant moment when Macdonald supported him through the heartbreaking loss of his young son.
It’s a testament to the kind of person Macdonald is—loyal, supportive, and always there for his friends.
Supermac’s Time with Football Legends
One of Macdonald’s fondest memories was spending time with football legends like George Best, Bobby Moore, and Alan Ball.
Macdonald recalls a night at the opening of Bobby Moore’s pub, where he had the chance to sit down with Best and chat about life.
The warmth and interest Best showed in others left a lasting impression on Macdonald, further cementing his love for the game and its iconic personalities.
The End of an Era for Newcastle United
As we spoke about the current state of football, Gibson reflected on the loss of players like Macdonald and the lasting impact it had on Newcastle.
When Macdonald was sold to Arsenal for £333,333 in 1976, it marked the end of an era for the club.
And as speculation swirls about the future of Alexander Isak, Gibson warns that Newcastle can’t afford to let go of players like him, just as they couldn’t replace a talent like Macdonald.
Supermac’s Lasting Legacy
As the evening drew to a close, I couldn’t help but reflect on the incredible legacy Macdonald has left behind.
From his unforgettable debut to his time with Arsenal, Supermac’s career has been nothing short of legendary.
And even though he’s now retired, his name continues to evoke passion, pride, and excitement for football fans everywhere.
Macdonald may not have taken the sprinting route, but in the world of football, he’s always been a superstar, and his stories will forever be part of the game’s rich history.