The resumption of league matches against Newcastle United will be something special for Huddersfield Town supporters - through scarcity value if nothing else.
There have been 56 clashes between the clubs going back to 1921, but only six in the last 50 years.
The last of those took place back in 1983-84, when Town were beaten 5-2 at St James’ Park in the December before a 2-2 draw in the return at Leeds Road the following May.
Newcastle won promotion from Division II (now the Championship) that season, when Kevin Keegan top-scored with 28 goals.
Manager of the Magpies was Arthur Cox while Town were bossed by Mick Buxton.
The Town side for the Leeds Road clash, watched by 25,101, was: Keith Mason, Brian Laws, David Burke, Graham Cooper, Steve Stoutt, Paul Jones, Liam Robinson, Steve Doyle, Peter Eastoe, Phil Wilson, Dave Cowling.
Roy Greenwood came on as a substitute for Robinson while Eastoe was on loan from West Bromwich Albion.
Back in 1971-72, when Town were relegated from the top flight, both games finished goalless (there were 40,880 at St James’).
In 1970-71, Town were beaten 2-0 in the North-East before a 1-1 draw at Leeds Road.
The last of Town’s 19 wins in the fixture (Newcastle have 23) was at home in December 1963.
Derek Stokes, Kevin Lewis and Chris Balderstone counted.
Newcastle’s first stint in the second tier since 2009-10, when they beat Town 4-3 at St James’ in the second round of the League Cup, was confirmed as arch-rivals Sunderland beat Everton 3-0 on Wednesday (that win also put Norwich City down after just a season in the Premier League).
Fans are wondering whether Rafa Benitez will remain in charge.
The experienced Spaniard arrived on a short-term deal in March.
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There will also be question marks against the future of a number of players, including Gini Wijnaldum, Papiss Cisse, Jack Colback, Moussa Sissoko, Daryl Janmaat and Tim Krul.
Despite the uncertainties, Newcastle are early 9/2 favourites with Skybet to win next season’s Championship title.
