A time when we all had something to smile about“What makes a Geordie, a Geordie?” “Passion for football…..”, so went the old McEwans advert.
And passion is an essential ingredient of our national game and, of course, of our beloved club. And there are arguably none more passionate than our own Sir Bobby Robson.
Nobody needs me to give a recount of what he means to the club and the region or indeed what he means to football in general. Neither do I need to spell out what the club means to him. Even in ill-health last season he was seen at games, ever the engaged and fanatical supporter, our erstwhile manager caring as much now as he did while he was in charge.
The fact that the current incumbent managed to organise a preseason friendly on the same day as the already advertised charity game at St James on Sunday 26th July, says as much as you need to know about their lack of appreciation for this legendary football figure and the club and it’s supporters. That is a moot point now though, as the game in Holland was cancelled and the charity game goes ahead but it shows a stark contrast with how Sir Bobby would expect things to work round here.
Our club is on it’s knees and we are crying out for the dignity with which Sir Bobby carries himself. We are desperate for the honourable ethics and principles he encourages. Desperate also for the leadership, technical nous and managerial qualities he displayed in better health. (more…)
Ryan Taylor - unsettled.Well, another day, and the ceaseless tide of drivel about Newcastle United continues unabated in the media.
First dog out the trap today is the Guardian, not the risable Louise Taylor for a change, but Simon Williams. He’s been speaking with the ubiqiutous Newcastle “source” again, who tells him that the “close friend Rob Lee” was wrong after all, and that Alan Shearer will not give up on the Newastle United manager’s position.
The source says:
“There is no chance Alan will give up on becoming Newcastle United’s permanent manager. He will not walk away and he continues to wait for news regarding the sale of the club.”
Meanwhile, old Crusader, the Daily Express is running with the story that Sebastien Bassong has joined Alan Shearer in limbo. Niall Hickman reports that Tottenham, “made a £6 million offer for Bassong”, who, apparently “deperately wants to leave”
Writing about things of which he knows nothing, Hickman spouts: (more…)
Have a little patientsSo, as ever, the situation at St James’ is as clear as the River Tyne. One minute we hear Rob Lee lamenting the missed opportunity as Big Al is apparently certain to walk away in frustration. And already we hear those claims being rubbished on the same day by our favourite fellow ‘the source’.
The source said:
“There is no chance Alan will give up on becoming Newcastle United’s permanent manager. He will not walk away and he continues to wait for news regarding the sale of the club.”
Being brutally honest, it sounds like the wishful thinking of a fan. In fact, it’s not far off from what I’m thinking or at least hoping, despite a previous article in which I implied that Shearer will be reaching the end of this tether. After all, how long can Shearer sit around waiting for a decision one way or another before it gets just a little bit silly? Yes, he’s black and white through and through but that loyalty should not be abused. (more…)
Biting his tongue?Does anyone really know what’s going at St James’? According to Big Al’s big pal, Rob Lee, even he hasn’t a clue.
Talking to the press, Rob had this to say:
“I speak to Alan every day and he’s frustrated to say the least. He’s coming to the end of his tether now. He’s waited for ages and been told that things were due to happen, but nothing has and he’s very frustrated.
“He organised all the pre-season games at the end of last season but he also had targets in mind that he wanted to bring in to the club. Now it looks like he will miss out on them.
“I’m amazed he hasn’t already told Newcastle that he doesn’t want the job any more, but there will come a point where he says, ‘You’re too late’.
“He still wants the job desperately but you can’t expect someone like that to wait forever. He’s not daft and they’ve had ample time to sort something out. (more…)
Duff wants Shearer. Damien Duff is the latest Newcastle player to complain about the drawn out takeover process and he called for Alan Shearer to be made manager while doing so. According to The Guardian he said:
“For me it definitely has to be Alan Shearer. The eight weeks I had with him I enjoyed them thoroughly. It was unfortunate we didn’t stay up but it was the most enjoyable eight weeks I’ve had [at Newcastle]. The training was great and there was proper professionalism. I think discipline was lacking over the last three years but he came in and changed things. Anyone who does come in and buy the club, he should be the main man.
“Time is not on our side. There are obviously [transfer] windows to think about. There are most likely going to be big changes but the start of the season is just three weeks away so we need him in now, not in three weeks’ time or four weeks’ time.”
Shearer certainly seems the popular choice amongst the players despite most of them saying he’s strict on discipline.
The club chose to respond to claims that only 15,000 season tickets had been sold with a press release of their own that reads as follows: (more…)
