John Alder
He earned the title ‘superfan’ after not missing a match since 1973 and over the years John Alder became a good friend of the Chronicle.
Overcoming any obstacle to make sure he saw his beloved team play, John ‘The Undertaker’ was even inducted to the Hall of Fans in the same way as Robson Green.
And every step of the way, the Chronicle reported on John’s passion for the Magpies.
Back in 1995 we told how John, of Deckham in Gateshead, managed to get a ticket for Newcastle’s game with Manchester United at Old Trafford on Boxing Day despite the fact the Club announced that, because of their building work, no visiting fans will be admitted to Old Trafford this season.
John was such a dedicated supporter that this was not the first or last time he overcame similar challenges so he could see United play. But how he managed it always remained a secret.
John once considered buying a season ticket at Maine Road when Manchester City were planning to ban away fans because of their ground developments. But he wasn’t one of the half dozen United supporters who bought Sunderland season tickets to make sure of seeing a game, he said there was no way he would consider it.
“Giving money to Sunderland is way beyond the call of duty,” he said.
He became known amongst fans for always wearing a black suit, getting himself the nickname ‘The Undertaker’. Even in sweltering heat John would be seen in his suit, no matter what country he followed the team to.
In 1999 John was included in the Hall for Fans after not missing a United game since his visit to Queens Park Rangers in 1973.
He was inducted to the Hall of Fans in the same way as Robson Green, but had his handcast and interview done at St James’s Park instead of getting a trip to London to the FA Premier League Hall of Fame in County Hall.
