An Interview With…Irving Nattrass
You made your debut for Newcastle at the age of 18 against Derby having signed on professional terms the year before. What was it like to sign for a club like Newcastle?
It was always my dream to sign for Newcastle, having been with the club since I was 14. To play alongside many of the players that had won the Fairs cup was in itself unbelievable.
I understand that your favoured position was right-back but you could play anywhere across the back four. Was that to your advantage during your career?
My favoured position was as sweeper or centre back. When I made my Newcastle debut it was the first time I had actually played at right-back.
In your first season as a professional, Newcastle lost at Hereford United in the Cup and you were in the team that day. What can you remember of the day?
It was just one of those things. As a professional, you have to accept it and move on.
Newcastle faced Nottingham Forest in a Sixth Round tie at St James’s Park. The game is famous for being held up as a large number of Newcastle fans ran onto the pitch trying to get the game abandoned. What do you remember of that tie?
I remember the game well. I was injured at the time and so I watched the game from the stand. It was a game that will always be remembered.
Newcastle would go on and reach the Cup Final that season but you weren’t in the team that day. Why was that? Did you still go to Wembley and watch?
I was injured and I did go to the match at Wembley. The result was fairly predictable to be honest as we had not won a game since beating Burnley in the semi final the month before.
You would finally get to play in a Wembley final two years later, when Newcastle played Manchester City in the League Cup Final. What are your memories of the day?
The whole day was a blur to be honest. Everything goes by so quickly, the game seemed like ten minutes each way and we were very unlucky to lose.
Whilst at Newcastle, you were apparently on the verge of the England team before serious injury ruined your chances of getting an international cap. Was this the lowest time in your career?
No, again it’s part of the game, you accept it and move on.
In 1979, Middlesbrough came in for you and you made the short move over to Ayresome Park. What made you want to move there?
I left Newcastle because of the manager Bill McGarry. He was a horrible man.
Middlesbrough faced Ipswich on the last day of the season with Ipswich needing a win to become champions. Middlesbrough won and Aston Villa won the league instead. How were the Ipswich players towards you when they lost?
They were gutted
After seven years at Middlesbrough, you hung up your boots. How did it feel to finally retire from playing?
My body had had enough. I could have gone on and played for longer but I would have suffered much more in later life.
About Author
