England?The England football team play a friendly this evening, so I thought I might raise an issue which I have wondered about for some time – how many Newcastle United fans are also England supporters?
I realise to some of you, that might seem like a daft question, but I don’t think it is. I know the simple assumption, particularly in the media, is that because United are an english club, all of it’s fans must be England supporters. However I know this is not true!
I remember during the pre-match entertainment for Alan Shearer’s Testimonial there was some sort of competition, might have been a penalty shoot-out or something, and the guy on the mike was saying “Newcastle fans cheer for the english lad and Celtic fans cheer for the scottish lad” – and I remember thinking “it’s not that simple mate!”
For a start, there are a lot of fans come down to the match from Scotland. I remember having a drink with some Hibs casuals when I was working in Edinburgh and they explained that there were a lot of Newcastle fans in the Edinburgh area – who started supporting the Toon as their “English Club” because it was the first stop down the east coast line! And it’s not just from Edinburgh either, there are United fans all over Scotland, even if it’s their “second team”. (more…)
Jermaine Defoe - Goal hero for England.In a tense match played out in Port Elizabeth this afternoon, it was England who emerged the victors against Slovenia and secured their place in the knockout stages of the World Cup in South Africa.
The final score was 1-0 to England with Jermaine Defoe (as pictured) being the goal hero on this occasion. He popped up in the penalty area to slot home a James Milner cross on 23 minutes to send the England fans into raptures. But the result only formed part of the story as the England team knew they needed to not only win the game, but to also put on a performance to appease the critics who have been queueing up to take a swipe at England since the tournament started. The England players gave that much sought after performance, and although the scoreline may not reflect the way game played out, the winning margin could and probably should have been greater than just the one goal. (more…)
Come on England!It’s a case of one last throw of the dice for England this afternoon as they take on Slovenia in Port Elizabeth.
England’s performances in the first two group games have left a lot to be desired and have attracted their fair share of criticism from fans, pundits and press, and rightly so.
But now is the time for the players to put that behind them and show England fans that they have the ability to give a decent account of themselves, and to ensure that they get the win needed to secure a place in the knockout stages of the tournament.
As ever, this is the place for everyone, of any nationality, to get involved and piss and moan about the England game, and of course, to piss and moan about the USA v Algeria game aswell, as the result of that match could come into play with regard to the fortunes of England and whether they qualify for the next round. (more…)
Will he switch to the auld enemy?It’s not exactly new news, but as we enter international season and sit around awaiting the start of the World Cup, Scotland boss Craig Levein has again decided to make public his desire to get Andy Carroll to declare his alliegance to Scottish national team.
Carroll could qualify to play for Scotland through his grandparents despite having represented England at under-21 and under-19 levels. Whether Carroll would make the switch is a question only he will know the true answer to, although he may well want to wait and see if England boss Fabio Capello continues with the admiration he has shown the Gateshead lad after last season. The feeling amongst the England setup is that Andy Carroll could well have a bright future in front of him, and could be a part of the national side in years to come. However a switch to representing Scotland will mean near guaranteed international football for him pretty much straight away. (more…)
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…)
