In 1950s I used to live in black Road Hebburn. Most Saturday mornings were spent playing football on an area near to where the Long Boat is today. Among the group playing was this wizard with the ball, Alan Carter. He informed us we were actually playing on what used to be the pitch for Jarrow & Hebburn utd. He further explained that an FA cup match had once been played on this ground.
About 20 years later I was standing in the Gallowgate end of Saint James Park watching Pop Ropson banging in the goals for Newcastle. Reminiscing with a pal, I recalled how much like Pop Robson Alan Carter had looked and played. My friend Vince agreed and we both wondered why Alan had not appeared at Newcastle Utd. We were both amazed when the chap standing in front just to my left turned around. It was him. Alan Carter. Without any malace in his voice he said he had found it was not how good you were at Newcastle - it was who you knew.
I heard many years later he had moved to Morpeth.
Alan stands alongside Don Taggart the racing cyclist of the Vics as unsung greats of their sport.