SJP Forever! Some United supporters it has to be said were fairly laid back about the attempt by the current “southern-based tenants” to consign the name St James’ Park to history. The geordies amongst us, who were brought up the correct way, refused to give up our history without a fight. The name means a lot to us. It did to our fathers and grandfathers. There’s too much of our lives, our memories, our passion and our families histories tied up in the cathedral on the hill. It will always be St James’ Park.
Some people wondered about Newcastle City Council’s support for the fans’ view – in refusing to change any of the signage in the city – all signs still point to St James’ Park. A publicity stunt? No – an acceptance of reality? yes. The southern tenants squatting in St James’ Park have even muttered about taking legal action against the City Council – now that would be a popular move Mr Ashley – NOT!
The point is that the naming of the ground after a T-shirt shop is transitory, temporary. Even the current tenants admit it, and claim to be actively seeking another sponsor, another name to plaster all over St James’ Park and point at the TV cameras, in return for a fast buck. So why should the city council spend ratepayers money changing the signs, just to have to spend even more ratepayers money changing them again when a new sponsor is found? And all of this when the country is allegedly skint, and the London Government is taking money away from our council (and the NHS, the schools etc) to pay for their 6-week Olympic extravaganza? (more…)
A Contender?The English media are a fickle lot. They campaign long and loud for whatever issues they perceive are popular with the public, whatever will get them readers, listeners or viewers – yet reserve the right to change their minds overnight and start saying the exact opposite without so much as a “by your leave”.
They bend with whichever breeze is blowing at the time, or whoever is shouting the loudest. Newspaper Journalists, Studio pundits on TV and Radio – we’ve heard it all and seen it all so many times. Many people now are immune to it, just as we are to the drivel that comes out of the mouths of politicians.
This curious way in which the media do their stuff is never more apparent than when they are discussing the poisoned chalice that is the job of England Football Manager. We’ve all seen in the past, examples of the media bellowing to have certain individuals installed as England Manager, only to spend the entire time the unlucky individual is in the job taking him apart, screaming about his ineptitude for every draw or defeat and explaining why he should never have been appointed in the first place! (more…)
"Making Good Progress"Alan Pardew has been talking to The Sunday Mirror – and his comments confirm what most of us now accept is happening at United.
The “austerity” policy and supporting business model which Mike Ashley instigated when taking over the club, and which was highly criticised by many United fans, including myself, is achieving what it set out to do – to make the club financially sound and put it in a position to compete with the so-called “Big Clubs” at the top of the Premier League.
Pardew told The Sunday Mirror:
“From day one I’ve tried to be open and honest about the financial model we’re operating. I understood the fans’ initial resentment”
“Mike set out to make Newcastle self-financing and I knew exactly what that framework entailed when I took the job in December 2010. I’ve aimed to be transparent with the supporters and give them clarity about what we are trying to achieve and how we will operate in the transfer market.
“They know that in certain circumstances we will sell players.”(more…)
Chelsea Target?It’s being reported in The Mail On Sunday today that Chelsea are looking to make an offer for Tim Krul this summer. And they apparently think they can get him for £15M. This story maybe links with the one we’ve run in the last two days over the future of United’s other top keeper Fraser Forster.
The Mail offers the opinion that this interest from moneybags Chelsea will “knock Tottenham out of the race for the keeper”.
Now far be it from me to suggest this is the London media trying to unsettle our keeper at a time we are entering the final five games of the season and vying for a Champions League spot with – you’ve guessed it! – Chelsea and Tottenham!
However, even though it’s only newspaper speculation, should United fans be worried?
Tim recently signed a new 5 year contract with the St James’ Park club, just before the derby with Sunderland, and he said at the time: (more…)
Forster - Celtic Bound?Newcastle United Goalkeeper Fraser Forster is approaching the end of his second loan spell at Glasgow Celtic, and decision time is fast approaching over what happens next for him.
The big keeper has in the past been the target for some unfair and unhelpful comments from some sections of the United support. Personally, and as a plastic Celtic fan who probably has seen more of him than most, I rate the lad highly, and would much prefer to see him back at United next season, where I think he could give Tim Krul some serious competition for the No1 spot.
Forster has done well at Celtic, and has developed into a very good keeper. Neil Lennon, Manager of the Scottish Champions also rates him highly, and has already begun to set out his stall with a view to taking him permanently. This of course will depend on what view the United heirarchy take. It will also depend on whether any silly money is put on the table for Tim Krul’s services this summer – it has been rumoured, for example, that Tottenham Hotspur see him as an ideal replacement for the ageing Brad Friedel. I’m sure they do! But whether they have enough money to buy him is another matter! They can always have Rob Elliot of course. (more…)
