Newcastle fan launches online store for club merchandise
Angela Stanger-Leathes, from Seaton Sluice, has established the business to sell official merchandise, books, and authenticated memorabilia to fans worldwide. The venture features replica shirts and club clothing alongside rare collectables signed by legends like Alan Shearer and Kevin Keegan.
She first discovered the potential of websites when writing books about the club, wanting a platform separate from Amazon or eBay.
Her latest publication focuses on John Tudor, and the website developed alongside it has since expanded into a full retail operation. The site now stocks items for men, women, and children, along with special memorabilia pieces.
Among the collection is a shirt signed by players from the ‘Entertainers’ side of the 1990s, along with former manager Kevin Keegan and his assistant Arthur Cox. The shirt had been stored safely for years before Angela Stanger-Leathes acquired it.
“It had been kept safe all those years and when I had the chance to purchase it, I couldn’t resist.”
The shirt also includes a signed football. While Angela Stanger-Leathes considers the item special, she has not ruled out selling it in the future.
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More than just a shop
The website has already attracted international interest, with shirts shipped to fans around the globe. However, Angela Stanger-Leathes’ connection to the club stretches back to the 1970s, long before online shopping became common.
Her father took her to a night match at St James’ Park when she was around 12, sparking her lifelong devotion. She recalls the players coming onto the pitch under enormous old floodlights, creating four shadows each.
During the 1970s, Angela Stanger-Leathes organized supporters’ coaches to away matches, travelling with fellow fans and occasionally players’ wives, including Anne Tudor. These trips forged lasting friendships, including with respected football journalist John Gibson.
Rather than focusing solely on players and results, Angela Stanger-Leathes sought to capture the experiences and memories of supporters themselves.
She interviewed fans from every part of the ground, young and old, to document the love people have for the club.
Supporting the next generation
“It still really annoys me when I think about it,” she said. “So, I decided that one way I could make a difference was to help young girls who want to play football today.”
