Alex was a makeweight in a deal that saw John Bird move to Newcastle (one that saw Jack Charlton quit as manager of Preston North End as a direct result).

That fact, might some as something as a shock to those who look at his record. As whilst he would only spend one season at Newcastle Untied (scoring just 3 in the league) his record for Preston is nothing short of remarkable.

At the time of writing this (2021), Alex remained Preston's second highest goalscorer in their long history. netting 157 in the league alone, he sits behind only club legend Tom Finney, winning the Golden Boot in 1978,

For Newcastle United, a story of 'what might have been'.

Alex represented his country just one, at U23 level.