Earlier this week, we had the privilege of interviewing former Newcastle player Tony Lormor – the Geordie-born lad who scored 3 goals in 8 appearances for the club, after rising through the academy ranks.
Tony played for Wallsend Boys Club during his youth years and moved to Newcastle, the team that he supported, in 1987. Operating as a striker, he went on to play for clubs like Chesterfield, Preston and Notts County.
We would like to thank Tony for his participation in this interview and we wish him the best for his future endeavours.
1) When did you join Newcastle and what situation was the club in at the time?
I joined Newcastle straight from school in 1987 aged 16. I’d been involved with the club from the age of 12 and played for the youth team when I was 15. I signed my 1st professional contract on my 17th birthday. The first season I was there, the club finished 7th or 8th and Willy McFaul was the manager with Gordon McKeag as chairman, so the club seemed stable. The club got relegated and I remember a number of protests against the board and then there was a change of manager and a change of players.
2) What managers did you work under during your tenure at the club?
Willy McFaul was my first manager, but then he got the sack. Colin Suggett took over as a temporary manager, until Jim Smith became the full-time manager of the club.
3) Who was the best player you played with at Newcastle?
Paul Gascoigne was by far the best player I ever played with. I was very fortunate to have some very good players around me and Glenn Roeder was a huge influence on me. Paul Goddard taught me a lot and there was also Merendinha, a player that you never knew what was going to happen next with. There were some very good players at the club.
4) What is your opinion McClaren’s start as Head Coach?
I believe he is an excellent coach and I think he will be a huge asset for the club – if he’s given the time. I think he has inherited a very unbalanced squad and it will take time to get that right. Nobody wants to see the team in the position they find themselves in at the moment, but I firmly believe the club will rise the table and finish safely in mid-table. If given the time and resources, I can see good times ahead for the club.
5) Who do you think is Newcastle’s best player at the moment?
Georginio Wijnaldum has made a big impression and I’m not sure if he’s playing in his preferred position, so he’s going to be a massive player for the club. I like Mitrovic as well and as a young player, he has huge potential.
6) What was your favourite aspect of playing for Newcastle?
Newcastle is my hometown club and after growing up in the city, to play for the club was a dream come true. As you well know how important football is to the fans and the city, it was an honour to pull on the shirt and have a little success while I was there.
7) Finally, where do you think Newcastle will finish this season?
This season I think Newcastle will finish about 12th. I certainly hope we don’t get into the situation like last season, but as I said earlier, I believe that the team will steadily climb up the league.
A massive thank you to Tony for taking the time to talk to us. We appreciate it!
