Sucker-punch!An early boxing day start took me to Hillsborough in the hope we could continue our fine run of form against struggling Sheff Wed. It’s been well documented recently that our boxing day winning record has been less than impressive – the next chance we get, it will have been 22 years since we won! Here is my account of the match, and the day out in general…
After arriving in Sheffield and quickly finding a car parking space, me and my mate set off for the pre-match ritual pint. After a half-mile walk up an icy hill, The White Horse beckoned. Honestly, it was just like old times when we used to take over pubs and city centres, with toon flags outside and toon fans only inside.
Feeling refreshed, we walked to the ground taking our seats (second row, directly behind the goal), and sat down to enjoy the warm-up. I experienced that heart-sinking feeling as I watched our boys warming up, and quickly worked out that there was no Alan Smith, and that Nicky Butt was warming up with the starting XI (more…)
Deck the balls!I think it’s safe to say that Newcastle United is always on the mind of supporters, and even a special day like tomorrow, will be filled full of ‘black and white’ anecdotes in many a household.
And of course it’s only a short interlude as there’ll only be 24 hours until the next episode down at Hillsborough when we take on Sheff Wed. 2009 has been a hell of a year but all things considered, I think it’s a much merrier time to be a Mag than we could ever have hoped for back in the summer.
But between now and then, even if you’re not religious, Christmas is a canny little get-together. So whether you’re playing on a new X-Box game. If you’re out on a sledge and too young or in some cases too daft to care about the cold (cos it’s bloody perishing oot there). Whether you’re playing with the kid’s new toys (and putting your back out on the Wii) or sitting around having a good craic with ya loved ones. Or in some cases resting your eyes and avoiding conversation with the in-laws (I don’t know who would do that though…). If you’re stuffing your face with extra turkey and Christmas pudding or having a proper good sup, and I expect some of you might do most, if not all of the above… (more…)
Have we been nicking Premiership balls?Just how much can you discuss the same thing, day after day? Well to be fair, we’ve given it a good go but rather than rant on about the off-field stuff, I thought it might be time to reflect on the on-field matters at Newcastle United.
We’re almost a third of the way through our new season in The Championship and surely the players at our disposal must be half-decent seeing as we’re sitting pretty at the top of the table?
Clearly, some of us have different ideas about the quality in our squad and argue that our position is as much to do with luck and the lack of opposition. I’d probably agree with some of that but you can only beat what’s in front of you (to coin a well-worn cliche). Mind you, we could be here all night talking about the entire squad, so I’ll split it out a little.
For what it’s worth here’s my own term review of the the keepers and defenders. I’ve only included the lads who have played at least a couple of games so far – (more…)
Isn't it?Well it’s been a busy news day for Newcastle United fans today…….
Literally nothing of note to write up about except for a slightly tardy mention of Barton’s belated ‘olive branch’ to Alan Shearer, after his admission that there was a falling out. More on the story and Joey’s quotes can be found here, but frankly despite my initial support have some of his misdemeanours I think I’ve had enough of him.
Why does he have to keep admitting his mistakes and making his apologies? Because he keeps ****ing up. He has not yet offered enough on the pitch to outweigh the damage he’s done to our reputation, for acts either before we bought him or during his spell here. At times, he’s single-handedly dragged our name through the mud.
In other news, former Newcasle great (ahem) John Barnes has been sacked by Tranmere along with pal Jason McAteer. While our other favourite ex-player Michael Owen has been invited to join the England squad as a guest of Fabio Capello. Obviously he’s mixing with the right crowd these days. (more…)
One Great North Run wasn't enough (apparently).Calling all generous Toon fans! Actually, before I go any further, I’d just like to say that I’ve been bowled over by the support I’ve received so far via my sponsor page. Most of the donations have come from supporters on blogs such as this and many from non-NUFC fans and to be honest it’s been pretty touching.
Anyway, here’s a brief update – I’ve raised a good amount so far but I need more!
Here’s another update – My knee is knackered. I’ve potentially ruptured the ligaments in my left knee playing against the Mackems from Houghton Town but I need to wait for the swelling to go down before I have a scan. Nevertheless, I’m doing this.
See here for the ironic background to last year’s run and my determination not to let football get in the way of this special event. Will I ever grow up? (that was my mam and the better half’s question, not mine). (more…)
