1952 FA Cup

Lore & Background

The match was only the second time that an FA Cup Final was played in May, with the 1937 final being the first. Newcastle appeared in their 11th final in total and their second successive final, whilst it was Arsenal's sixth final and their second in three years. Arsenal played the match with several players recovering from injuries who were rushed back into the side. After 35 minutes Walley Barnes, the team's right-back, was taken off injured with a twisted knee. At the time no substitutes were allowed, and ten-man Arsenal suffered further injuries to Cliff Holton, Don Roper and Ray Daniel, so that by the end of the match they had only seven fit players on the pitch. With the numerical advantage in their favour Newcastle won 1–0 with a goal from George Robledo.

In Their Own Story

The April sun hung low over Wembley, casting long shadows across the packed terraces. Inside the dressing room, the smell of liniment and wet grass seeped through the canvas walls. Jimmy Murphy's voice was low, almost a rumble, as he ran through the final instructions. Out on the pitch, the roar of 100,000 voices swelled like a tide. Jackie Milburn laced his boots, felt the familiar weight of the ball in his hands, and knew—without words, without doubt—that today the ball would bend the way it always did for him. The referee's whistle split the air, and the 1952 FA Cup Final belonged to Newcastle United.

Reader's Guide

The goal was drawn by a young John Lennon, who included it in the artwork of his album Walls and Bridges in 1974. Despite late efforts to overturn the decision by a minority of its members, The FA Council banned the BBC from televising the game, leaving those who could not attend with only updates on the first half available on BBC radio before the second half was described live to listeners. This remains the last cup final not to be broadcast live on television, although the game was filmed by newsreel for showing that evening in cinemas. The BBC instead broadcast a cricket match between Worcestershire and the touring Indians.

Did You Know?

• Newcastle United won the 1952 FA Cup final 1–0, with the only goal scored by George Robledo.
• Arsenal finished the match with only seven fit players due to injuries and the lack of substitutes.
• John Lennon included a childhood drawing of the winning goal on the cover of his 1974 album Walls and Bridges.
• The 1952 final was the last FA Cup final not broadcast live on television.