The Mag is an independent magazine written by and for the supporters of Newcastle United. The first issue of The Mag came off the press in 1988 after its founders were inspired by the general football fanzine, When Saturday Comes. The Mag became the first Newcastle United fanzine. Over the years, other Newcastle fanzines followed - The Number Nine, Talk of the Tyne, Half Mag Half Biscuit and Toon Army News to name just a few. However, The Mag has outlived all of these publications, proving a popular read with a large number of Newcastle supporters worldwide, and a well-respected publication throughout the field of football fanzines.