During the 1987–88 season, Newcastle United participated in the Football League First Division. Following the sale of star player Peter Beardsley to Liverpool for a club record fee of £1.9 million, manager Willie McFaul recruited the Brazilian international Mirandinha. With the Brazilian joining Paul Goddard and Paul Gascoigne, the team made a mediocre start to the season. Midfielder Glyn Hodges arrived from Wimbledon but only managed seven games in his 86-day stay, before heading back south. McFaul signed young Irishman Michael O'Neill in the winter; hailed as a new George Best by some, the 18-year-old went on a run of 12 goals in 19 games that saw Newcastle finish 8th, their highest finish since being promoted back to the top flight.

League table

Kit

English company Umbro remained Newcastle United's kit manufacturers for the eighth consecutive season, and introduced a new kit for the season. Greenall's Beers remained kit sponsors, although the "Beers" was dropped from the kit sponsorship.

Appearances, goals and cards

Coaching staff

Transfers

In

Out

Total spending: £30,000