The Toon’s ‘last man standing’
HAPPY 87th birthday to Vic Keeble.
When we talked to the former Newcastle United striker last time, he declared: “I’m the last man standing” - and indeed he is.
Living today in his native Colchester, Vic is the only player left alive from Newcastle United’s three heroic 1950s FA Cup-winning teams.
“I signed for Newcastle in 1952,” he recalled, “And, of course, played in the 1955 FA Cup Final.
“I thought it was a wonderful place - the club and the city.
“And the crowd at St James’ was just unbelievable. And it’s always been famous for that.”
Keeble played alongside the likes of Jackie Milburn, Bobby Mitchell and Len White in the 1955 final but, six decades later, the day itself is a bit of a blur.
“What do I remember about it? Not a lot,” he said.
“But I do know we were determined to win, we deserved to win, and we were the better team.”
Centreforward Keeble, was 22 when he signed from Colchester United for £15,000.
A name sometimes overlooked in a Newcastle United era dominated by the towering figure of Jackie Milburn, Vic managed to fire in 56 goals in 104 appearances between 1952 and 1957.
He left for West Ham in that year, and he was a success at Upton Park before retiring through injury in 1960.
Vic, who has often returned to Newcastle for players’ functions and get-togethers, has nothing but fond memories of the region.
Indeed, he has a street named after him in Ashington called Keeble Court. He recalled: “I didn’t want to leave the club back then, and I have wonderful memories of Frank Brennan, Len White and Jackie Milburn who looked after me when I arrived in Newcastle.
“I really don’t where the years have gone. I’m the last man standing.”