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Alex Tait - 1933-2018
Written by Mark Hannen
Newcastle United were saddened to learn of the death earlier this week, at the age of 85, of former player Alex Tait after a short battle with cancer.
At Gallowgate between 1951 and 1960, the West Sleekburn-born striker netted ten goals for the Magpies in 34 appearances. He died in Tutbury on Tuesday.
Perhaps best remembered for his 35-minute hat-trick against Sunderland in December 1956, as United went on to win 6-2, he was the first Newcastle player to hit a treble against the Wearsiders, a feat later equalled by Peter Beardsley and Kevin Nolan.
Tait was also the first North East player to appear for the England youth side, scoring four goals in a 6-0 win over Wales in March 1952 as an 18-year-old.
After leaving United in 1960, Alex enjoyed good years at Bristol City (44 goals in 136 games), Doncaster Rovers and Burton Albion before moving into the teaching profession in Derby.
The thoughts of everyone at Newcastle United are with his family and friends.