1976-77 Season - February

Burns, Gowling and Nulty had in the past talked directly to the directors about matters concerning the players and on the Monday after Lee's resignation they were invited to chairman Lord Westwood's home to discuss the managerial situation. Fellow director Stan Seymour Junior was also present.

According to Alan Gowling the players were asked their opinion and they stated that they thought Dinnis should be given the chance to be the manager. The directors "intimated" that Dinnis would be given the job of handling team affairs and the players left under the impression that this meant he would be made caretaker manager.

Tuesday February 1st

Secretary Russel Cushing announces to the press that Dinnis would be in control of “team affairs and team selection” for a trial period of four weeks.

Thursday February 3rd

Realisation dawned amongst the players that the directors had not officially stated that Dinnis was manager. Nulty in particular was furious that - in his opinion - the director's had gone back on their word and another meeting was held with the board. They were told that some of the board were reluctant to give him the job due to lis lack of experience

The players felt as though they had been misled by the directors and organised a meeting with Dinnis in attendance. Some reportedly wanted to strike but in the end they decided to issue a press statement. Nulty stated that they recognised the right of the directors to select whoever they wished as manager and were conscious of the use of “player power”, but never the less wanted to ensure that the directors were fully aware of their feelings.

The directors met again and discussions continued until the witching hour.

Friday February 4th

The directors state that Dinnis would be caretaker-manager effectively “on trial” until the end of the season.

Saturday February 5th

United share a bore draw with Bristol City at Ashton Gate

Tuesday February 8th

It is announced that Ralph Callaghan had been signed from Hearts for £90,000 and Dinnis knew nothing about the deal! He had been signed by Lord Westwood on the recommendation of Lee's assistant Len Richley.

Dinnis was privately furious but remained calm in public, stating “I really can't see how I can become manager now. It has been made clear to me that I am first team coach with responsibility for selecting teams. Naturally I feel confused - like the players I was under the impression that I was on trial as manager”

The players were not prepared to be so contrite. They sensationally issued a statement of “no confidence” in the board and demanded a showdown meeting with Dinnis and the directors .

Thursday February 10th

The result of the Thursday meeting represented a remarkable climb down by the directors as Dinnis was offered and accepted a contract as manager until the end of the season.

Saturday February 12th

The next match should have been the Tyne-Tees derby at St James Park, but the match was controversially called off by referee Les Hayles 24 hours before kick-off due to a “waterlogged pitch”. The general feeling at the time was that this had been a political decision as there were concerns that there may be more crowd trouble as a result of the recent events.

And then

The next games saw Newcastle beaten easily at Old Trafford (1-3) and then fight back from 2 goals down to draw at home with the team from the blue half of Manchester. Newcastle had slumped to 10th position but had a number of games in hand over their rivals.

Dinnis finally got a win in the home match against a struggling Spurs side. Dinnis was delighted, though the match was poor and the crowd made their feelings known.