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…)
Butt InjuredAfter just a couple of friendlies we’ve picked up our first injury of the season. According to the official club site, Nicky Butt will be out for 4 weeks and will have a hand operation to repair the partially dislocated thumb he received during the Darlington game. This of course means he’ll miss the start of the season.
I hope this isn’t a sign of things to come. We seem to have had a particularly injury-prone squad in recent seasons and I was beginning to wonder whether that’s just down to bad luck or whether there’s something wrong with the training / physio regime.
According to The Chronicle, the players have been told that they can expect Hughton to be in charge for the start of the season, which is no real surprise given the way things seem to be dragging on. The article also suggests that the Malaysian consortium that was recently given a tour of St James’ Park has fallen by the wayside, although I’m not sure how The Chronicle knows that because all that Ashely’s PR man had to say on matters was: “we can’t give out anything on the record“. (more…)
The clue is in those three words Mr Lovenkrands I’m sort of chuckling even as I write this. I say ‘sort of’, simply because it’s turning more from a chuckle to a kind of hysterical low mewling sound. That’s what this club is doing to me and to others. The fact that the board continue to display such incompetence and such a lack of decency and respect for those at the club and the supporters is bordering on the ridiculous.
The latest debacle is the letter Peter Lovenkrands received through the post informing him that his services were no longer required. He’d earlier gone on record as saying he’d be happy to stick around if offered the right deal. And in return he receives this unwarranted kick in the teeth. (more…)
Bobby Robson: Messiah? Or very naughty boy? As NUFC fans we are living in tumultuous times. The club is a mess from top to bottom, the fans are in disarray and we are about to start our first season outside top flight football for 16 years.
Here, I will attempt to disseminate all the chaos that is surrounding the club and show you the exact point where it all went wrong and the one single person who is to blame for all this. Although the tabloid style headline may give you a clue as to where I’m going with this, please, keep reading you might be surprised.
First of all let me take you back to 1992. Suede were playing at the Riverside, A second laser tattoo removal ward opened at the Freeman hospital and in February of that year a certain Osvaldo Ardiles was still manager of Newcastle United Football Club. Before the end of February he would be replaced by a Mr. Kevin Keegan. At the time I remember being more shocked than elated. Here was Keegan, a footballer I’d admired when he played with FC Hamburg, a legend at St James Park and the person who allowed me to see a helicopter up close for the first time ever, coming to manage my football club. Along with Sir John Hall now firmly on board nothing could go wrong. We were saved!
By the end of March Keegan had walked out. Bugger. (more…)
