Newcastle legend John McNamee remembered as 'Braveheart and the Incredible Hulk rolled into one'

Tributes have been pouring in from Chronicle Live readers for the late Newcastle United legend John McNamee. Known for his unyielding presence in defence, McNamee's formidable legacy lives on in the hearts of supporters.

A colossus during Newcastle's European Fairs Cup triumphs, 'Big John McNamee' faced harrowing adversity in recent years, with health challenges diminishing the once towering figure. His valiant spirit, widely remembered from his glory days at St James' Park, stayed with him as he battled on in a care facility in Cumbria.

The football giant has passed away at age 83, and there's hope he will find peace that seemed elusive in his later years.

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McNamee was a titan on the field, renowned for instilling trepidation in the opposition with just his reputation alone. A quintessential Celt and warrior, his name conjures images of Mel Gibson in 'Braveheart', comic strip hero Desperate Dan, and the Incredible Hulk - a testament to his larger-than-life persona and legendary tales that are now akin to Tyneside folklore.

One heartfelt tribute came from commenter Wyntheleap, who reminisced about McNamee's influence by saying, "Loss of a cult hero. Wish I had known of his hard times as I am sure a fundraiser would have been successful. A few tears in my eyes now. Sleep well you great man."

Commenter Paulgne fondly recalls: "As a young lad my first visits to SJP were to watch the big man in 1968/69 season and what a giant he was (think of Dan Burn with a temper/take no prisoner's attitude). The team that won the Fairs Cup will always be immortalised. It's up to Eddie to bring in a trophy over the next two years."

Spearman tearfully says: "I've got a tear in my eye reading this. What a player. What a man. He was worth the admission fee on his own. I remember a game against West Ham where Geoff Hurst, after having been dumped unceremoniously on the ground for the third time by John, walked off the pitch and refused to return for about 10 minutes until Joe Harvey had spoken to Big Mac and "asked" him to ease off. Hurst didn't get a sniff all game. Sad day!"

Poorman123 adds: "Great tribute by John Gibson, I remember the game against Leeds well when Billy Bremner got dropped by big John and Jack Charlton came running up the pitch only to be put on his backside also! Also remember carrying John's boots for him when the players trained at Hunter's Moor and the players had to walk from from St James' Park. It used to be the thing in those days to get to carry the boots! Anyone remember?"

UClaudius comments: "A true club legend of the old school. My second ever game at SJP was his testimonial against Man City and he got a hat-trick if memory serves. Always wore his top one size small to appear more intimidating, as if it were possible. R I P big man."

What are you memories of the football giant? Let us know in the comments below or HERE.