“Jossys Giants” visit Bobby Charlton and Willie McFaul at St James’ Park – 1985.
Aye Bobby Charlton, not Jackie Charlton who had left the club as manager in the huff over player sales and such before McFaul stepped in and faced the same old problem.
After introducing the Jossy’s lads to McFaul the ex Northern Ireland goalie, Bobby then takes them through the bowels of the old St James Park, the old away dressing room with the old plunge bath, the old physio room and so on. A magical trip down Magpie memory lane. As you can see, Bobby’s no Al Pacino when it comes to acting; then again, he could probably teach Pacino a thing or two on playing against the likes of Eusebio and Beckenbauer! (more…)
Sticky Toffee time?Following on from last week’s facts on Blackpool I have decided to take a slightly different approach to this week’s preview of the trip to Goodison Park.
I am now going to try to incorporate more facts relating to this history between the two clubs as well as facts which relate to the big game along with the trivial facts of The Toffee’s to cast your eyes over. I hope you enjoy!
1. The record between the two clubs over the years is incredibly close. Out of 158 games, United have won 62 and Everton have won.. 62, with the the clubs drawing 34 times. The two clubs are even neck and neck for goals scored with United just edging it with 239 compared to 238 for The Toffees.
2. The bad news for United fans travelling down to Goodison Park however is that United have managed just five wins from the last 16 league visits to Merseyside in the Premier League, failing to win in the last 7 trips. United’s last win came in the 2001/02 season with messers Bellamy, Solano and Acuna netting the goals in a 3-1 win. Take some comfort from the fact United battled to a 2-2 in their last visit to Goodison Park in Joe Kinnears first game in the Newcastle hot seat. (more…)
Gazza - How it could have looked.The latest twist in the roller-coaster ride that is the life of Paul Gascoigne came last night, as the ex-Newcastle star decided it would be a fantastic idea to try and calm a crazed gunman down.
Now I realise this isn’t really about football, but as Gazza was my first Toon idol I reckon I could get away with slipping this in between any other news and speculation that is floating around. Unfortunately, it looks like our former midfielder is losing the plot.
The town of Rothbury was in lockdown last night as armed police finally managed to corner Raoul Moat, to the point where there was no physical way of him evading capture.
Whilst it made for dramatic viewing, or radio as I was listening to it, it is pretty much fair to say that that the dozens of armed police had the situation under control. The end was tragic, and my heart extends to the families of Moat’s victims, and of course to his own family who will be left to pick up the pieces of the whole affair. But in the middle of it all, Paul Gascoigne decided to take it upon himself to catch a taxi from Newcastle to Rothbury to try and lend a hand in the complex art of negotiation. (more…)
Gazza: Just couldn't say "no"?The enigma that is Paul Gascoigne is always one that has fascinated me over the years. Perhaps it’s because my love affair with Newcastle United started around the same time as the emergance of the Geordie star, or perhaps it’s formed over a longer time period, perpetuated by his problems that have been so widely reported in the media.
That’s my motivation for writing this. I didn’t want to jump on the bandwagon last week when ‘Gazza was yet again in the papers, this time over an altercation at Leeming Bar, which I why I decided to give it some time.
The influence Paul Gascoigne had on me whilst I was growing up was immense. He was who I was in the playground at break-times whilst I was playing football with a tennis ball. I wanted to be him, have his talent, play for Newcastle United! I, like many others, didn’t have the ability unfortunately but at that age you don’t care. Emulating your favourite players is all that does – and Gascoigne was mine, despite him being very young in footballing terms at the time. (more…)
