A skip outside of St James' Park which contains old Newcastle United picture memorabilia

A skip outside of St James' Park which contains old Newcastle United picture memorabilia

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Newcastle United have dumped framed pictures of Sir Bobby Robson’s title chasing 2001 - 2002 team in a skip.

Sir Bobby, flanked by his star players Alan Shearer and Gary Speed are shown standing proudly in their squad line-up photo - but the image has been removed from the walls of St James’ Park.

Alongside around 30 other framed photographs, the team picture now lies discarded in a skip, alongside grass cuttings and building materials.

It is understood that the pictures had been on the walls of the club’s 100 corporate boxes but have now been replaced by more up to date images of the current team.

It's also understood that every individual group photograph since 1993 is available to view in the club’s media suite for anyone who goes on a ground tour.

However for fans the time during which Sir Bobby Robson managed the club remains a golden era and pictures of the team, whose success landed them a place in the Champions League, are treasured souvenirs.

The line-up shows Sir Bobby Robson alongside goalkeeper Shay Given and players Warren Barton, Robbie Elliott, Nolberto Solano, Rob Lee, Steve Harper, Wayne Quinn, Craig Bellamy, Shola Ameobi and Olivier Bernard.

The team finished fourth that year in the Premier League and went on to land a place in the Champions League. The following season they came third, enjoying a second run in Europe.

The skip is outside the club’s Leazes Stand off Leazes Terrace and is filled with the pictures, mounds of grass cuttings and other pictures, including one of a stately home.

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Fans have already taken to Twitter to discuss the way the images have been discarded - and suggested they should have been sold off for charity.

Steve Wraith, of NUFC Fans United said: “They could have auctioned them for charity, but just to put these things in the bin is awful. Now fans are talking about going and helping themselves.

“They are pictures of club legends. I don’t think the club want people to be reminded of a time when they were doing well because they are doing so badly at the moment.”

Ian Morris using Twitter name @Bigmozza33, wrote: “Any one want any old #NUFC framed pictures Pop down to the skip outside the ground there’s loads.”

He then got in touch with former player Rob Lee, one of those in the photo, who retweeted this message to his 26,000 followers. “@7RobLee sad times rob your in the skip outside SJP”.

@dave_leeds wrote: “Auction them for charity, give them away or something. Just binned like the club’s soul.”

Craig Oliver @craigoliver0412 wrote: “In the skip, along with ambition, pride and the quest for success.”