Tony Green signed for Newcastle from Blackpool and never has a player made such an impact in such a short time.
Green played his first match for United at the end of October 1971 and played his 35th and last game only ten months later; yet he made such an impression during his short stay that he is rightly regarded as one of the best players to pull on a black and white shirt.
Crystal Palace defender Mel Blythe made the tackle that ruined Green's career, and he retired aged 27.
His brilliant individual skills and searing burst of pace would have been enough to make him a really good player but what made him exceptional was that he combined these qualities with tremendous work rate, heart and character.
Green had pace, agility and skill in abundance. He had superb ball control and his greatest asset was that in the congested central midfield areas he could shimmy past opponents at speed.
Stan Mortenson (speaking in 1969) talked of him in glowing terms. "His greatest asset is that he moves quickly from defence into attack. He's never afraid to take on a man and beat him ... which allied to his enthusiasm, ability, guts, strength and temperament, makes him what he is - a great player."
When he joined the club United were in dire trouble; the 1-0 defeat at Goodison Park on his debut sending them into rock bottom place after 2 wins, 4 draws and 10 defeats in the first sixteen games.
His arrival kick started the season as Green linked up superbly with the other new recruits Hibbitt and Macdonald . His inspirational form helped United gradually climb out of trouble and earned him the Man of the Match in two thirds of the matches he played. Not surprisingly he also walked off with the Player of the Year award.
United coach Burkinshaw talked of his desire to succeed. "His attitude is his greatest asset. This is what makes him tick". And also states that "for taking a man on he's the best I know, anywhere".
Don Revie enthused (after he had performed brilliantly against Leeds) : "Green was superb. He is a man with skill, courage and pace".
The little scot was a quiet unassuming man who had a much appreciated wry sense of humour. Terry Hibbitt went as far as claiming he was "the joker in the pack". Despite his major impact on Tyneside Green retained his modesty refusing to accept that United's resurgence was down to his arrival and claiming that "with players like this and fans like this you can hardly help but play well can you"
However, despite his obvious credentials Green won only six caps for his home country with Tommy Docherty appearing unable to fit his mercurial talents into his struggling side.
Tragically at the beginning of the 1972/73 season he suffered a cartilage injury that would end his career. At 26 he had just been reaching his prime.
Newcastle's insurance repaid the transfer fee, but Joe Harvey regarded it as scant consolation. "After they made Tony Green they threw away the mould. I couldn't hope to buy a similar player not even for twice that amount".
"Tony was the best midfield man in the country and I mean that. His skills thrilled me in a way that no one else has been able to achieve. That lightning speed over the first five yards, the body swerve and that fabulous shot from such a little fellah ....... he was unique".