tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20855735915311419072024-03-05T09:49:14.763+00:00eat sleep drink ToonRamblings of someone who is old enough to know that Newcastle United will never win anything.
However, hope springs eternal...Karen Toonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15167883548042160315noreply@blogger.comBlogger141125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2085573591531141907.post-81888408908559827342011-08-08T08:21:00.004+01:002011-08-08T15:58:24.332+01:00Charity Shield<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA0fpjHqb5ly46pkn1tfm69tMRDed29KqZuAxJxsGM3-22TSCinWyRlEkbQlpZ6x3CB-NNch1Zrk6fmi6dzotoH6P-MNZMrLxf38OFko-U6DFakeNCUqlu9jSLZNcYauUbmw1BExmo4f4/s1600/IMG_0069.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA0fpjHqb5ly46pkn1tfm69tMRDed29KqZuAxJxsGM3-22TSCinWyRlEkbQlpZ6x3CB-NNch1Zrk6fmi6dzotoH6P-MNZMrLxf38OFko-U6DFakeNCUqlu9jSLZNcYauUbmw1BExmo4f4/s320/IMG_0069.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638382085967893794" border="0" /></a>
<br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);"><span style="font-size:130%;">Leeds United 3 Toon 2</span></span>
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<br />Oh, Leeds was grim, but in a fun type of way. It's that remembered pain, the returning toothache, the headache that you can't quite shift - all of those sum up supporting the Toon. The game was 'wrong' in so many ways... Brilliant sunshine, NUFC playing in Orange (one of the amusing chants was "are you Blackpool; in disguise?", half-hearted players. But the result was the same, the Toon coming up against a team who just wanted it more..
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<br />I'd said before the game I was looking forward to seeing Cabaye and Marveaux, needless to say only one of them made an appearance. However, Cabaye looked promising and Pardew certainly seems to <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/aug/07/newcastle-united-alan-pardew">like him</a>. The highlight of the game for me, was Haris Vuckic. When he came on in the second half, he (and is orange boots) lit up the pitch - loads of busy, bluster and a good goal as well. I'm sure I'd seen him for the Toon before, but he seems to have grown about 6 inches and put on a bit more bulk. He looked desperate to impress, it will be interesting if he gets a chance early season to get on the pitch. Give me Haris over Nile Ranger any day.
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<br />Most of the game wandered by in a blur of laughter and dissapointment. Partiluarlrly amusing was the away supporters reaction to a 'robust' challenge by Leeds Ross McCormack. Given that this was a friendly and only squad numbers and not names appeared on shirts - can there be anything worse than being abused by your squad number? For a full match report, from a proper website, see <a href="http://www.nufc.com/2011-12html/2011-07-31leeds-a-f.html">here</a> - like most of the players, I can't be bothered to go into details.
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<br />However, in the last week since that game, things have got, well, <span style="font-style: italic;">interesting</span> at NUFC. Firstly Barton spits his dummy out (again). Starts using Twitter to have a pop at Ashely and Co. Now, as I may have mentioned, I"m not a fan of Ashley (only EMO falls lower in my personal pecking order) but to me the recent actions of Barton seem to be him maneuvering his contract discussions to some sort of resolution. It will be either a '<span style="font-style: italic;">on your way, son</span>' or happy smiles as he has a new contract in his mitts. Either way, he'll get what he wants - more money... I did like his tweeting of Smiths lyrics though, although the Smiths lyric that has most often rattled around my mind when reading the guff he's been spouting is "Frankly Mr Shankly"
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<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Frankly, Mr Shankly, since you ask</span>
<br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> you are a flatulent pain the arse</span>
<br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> I do not mean to be so rude</span>
<br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> but still, I must speak frankly, Mr Shankly, give us money </span>
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<br />And then of course, we get back to the on the pitch antics. Surely not much could go wrong with a friendly with an Italian Serie A side?? Wrong - only the Toon could have a game rained off at the start of August. What next - a plague of locusts?
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<br />Still, at least football is back on the telly, and it all starts in earnest next week. I saw some of the Community Shield game - but that got me pondering, why did it change its name? Ever since I can recall, the first 'proper' match of the season is the Charity Shield. However, for some reason, this has been altered to Community Shield.. No idea why...
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<br />That said, I've been thinking about charity a lot this week - if you haven't seen it have a look at <a href="http://www.rungeordierun.com/">http://www.rungeordierun.com/</a>. I've been following this blog for some time, and Mark Allison's inspirational run across the US in 100 days, to raise money for two deserving causes. As I'm typing this he's painfully close to the finish line on day 100, but its been hard work for him. He's looking to raise £50k for the charities - about the average weekly wage of a premiership player from one of the top four clubs. There is something so wrong with that. Still, Mark has been doing a sterling job and he's almost there... If you can spare a couple of quid, I can't think of many better places to put it. Go on, you know you want to.
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<br />Howay the lads
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<br />Karen Toonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15167883548042160315noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2085573591531141907.post-60653661705336480922011-07-31T08:17:00.004+01:002011-07-31T09:15:55.736+01:00Starting overSunday morning. It's warm, no strike that its hot, humid even and I'm awake early. As is my custom I start planning the days tasks. Mundane stuff, cleaning, washing, ironing, going to the match, shopping... [<span style="font-style: italic;">Comedy double take moment</span>] Going to the match... in July, surely not! Quite a few years ago I swore that I'd never go to another pre-season friendly... Lots of reasons why, mainly because its an waste of money and petrol to attend a pointless, meaningless kick-about in the sun. Its the pointlessness of it all, combined with the sure knowledge that the one meaningful tackle that goes in will completely knacker your most important player for at least half of the season... Shearer at Everton anyone?<br /><br />That said, some of my funniest moments have come at some of the friendlies. I can vividly recall the chemically inebriated ch<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-8WeqlWIa3TkbqmFUhAglv-AkAp-hyBkOi__dhyLZOAkmQi4Rzc0mKATrGpl4Uy87jUIdF_OpVrIdjmwHN03cmJRKSKdozVussefiGYv20VER3shtoBw1fo1yi3TIN_JMfxFIMFGaoTg/s1600/IMG_0200.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-8WeqlWIa3TkbqmFUhAglv-AkAp-hyBkOi__dhyLZOAkmQi4Rzc0mKATrGpl4Uy87jUIdF_OpVrIdjmwHN03cmJRKSKdozVussefiGYv20VER3shtoBw1fo1yi3TIN_JMfxFIMFGaoTg/s320/IMG_0200.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635426499391928258" border="0" /></a>aps in front of me at Burnley about 10 years ago, wondering how the players could concentrate with the dragon coming out of the centre circle... And no, it wasn't Nicky Butt.<br /><br />So why are myself, the Favourite Nephew and the New Mum heading to Elland Road this afternoon? Part of it is to see what has happened to the team. I get the sense of a changing of the guard at NUFC at the moment. Some of the stalwart players have wandered away. Nolan will be a big loss in terms of his leadership, but he was getting slower by the day, and hardly a box-to-box midfielder. All the noises from Jose suggest he's on his way to join the likes of Carroll and his mackem mate at Liverpool, which will be a shame, but I can't blame him. The other 'new' players like Gosling and Ben Arfa will make a difference to the team. Its changing, as it should in order to avoid that 'difficult second season syndrome'. To me it felt like most of last season was a lot easier than I expected, and I suspect, a lot easier than NUFC expected. Staying in the Premiership wasn't really in doubt. The reason for this, was that a number of teams where in even greater disarray than the Toon... Odd sensation wasn't it? West Ham were a joke (possibly something to do with the number of ex-Toon players on their books), Blackpool were all bluster and enthusiasm, until they got found out... and Birmingham just had too many of our ex-players on their books as well.<br /><br />Anyway, I have a frisson of excitement this morning. I'm looking forward to seeing the new players - especially <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sylvain_Marveaux">Sylvain Marveaux</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yohan_Cabaye">Yohan Cabaye</a>, seeing what they can bring to the team. Also, it will be good to see Gosling and Ben Arfa... Oh, hang on - he got injured in a meaningless friendly last week didn't he?? <span style="font-style: italic;"> Hear that noise?</span> That's the sound of my case being rested.<br /><br />Howay the Lads, lets see what jollity we can have this season...Karen Toonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15167883548042160315noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2085573591531141907.post-61482819613491607912010-12-27T14:18:00.009+00:002010-12-28T11:30:51.105+00:00One of our own<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc3VepNID5myyr_Pbah8FMUMRnYE51ta39lu9ObRlj2tkDFooowOxvhAUxS00uTpyU1BGTziKxPk0X1ZLYRBUVVpJFKTqsrz_hVf-f0wXibQ0_BnvKQSAWoUZ_AdPBhWxkfj1ZVXlsSSo/s1600/Deckchair+strip.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 317px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc3VepNID5myyr_Pbah8FMUMRnYE51ta39lu9ObRlj2tkDFooowOxvhAUxS00uTpyU1BGTziKxPk0X1ZLYRBUVVpJFKTqsrz_hVf-f0wXibQ0_BnvKQSAWoUZ_AdPBhWxkfj1ZVXlsSSo/s320/Deckchair+strip.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555685236370632626" border="0" /></a><br />Interestingly, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Pardew</span> seems to be starting to have an effect at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">SJP</span>. The logical place to start was with the players (<span style="font-style: italic;">ignoring the decision to take on Steve Stone as assistant coach - personally I think he's been taken on as a translator for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Pardew</span>... but, doubt he'll have quite a glittering career as Jose <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Mourinho</span></span>) Staying put signs put over the names of both Carroll and Barton, as well as the <a href="http://http//www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/newcastle-united/8226845/Newcastle-Uniteds-Steven-Taylor-signs-contract-extension.html">news</a> that Steven Taylor has just signed at new 5 and a half year contract (<span style="font-style: italic;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">hummm</span>... that period of time sounds familiar, doesn't <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/n/newcastle_united/9267960.stm">it</a>....)</span>. Needless, to say there is no news on how much the contact is worth - but, part of me is really pleased that Taylor wants to stay on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Tyneside</span>, rather than moving to pastures new. He's spent much of the last five years being the chest-thumping, warrior.<br /><br />At times looking like the natural <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">successor</span> to John Terry - all passion, heart and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">sweat</span> for the cause. A real captain in the making and heart-on-<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">sleeve</span> soul of the club. However, at other times he's looked like the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">successor</span> to Titus Bramble - slow, ponderous and poor decision making. Also, he's had a a couple of years when he's suffered a lot with injuries - a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">persistent</span> shoulder injury, along with <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">aggravating</span> Andy Carroll leading to getting his jaw broken, has meant <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">that</span> he's been a bit part player for the past couple of seasons.<br /><br />I guess he's typical of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">ying</span> and yang of many players, some good points and some bad. He's never been afraid to put his head in, either to stop a goal, or to score a few as well. He's given us some fantastic comedy moments - such as the below<br /><br /><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/vl3HnU0HOhk?fs=1&hl=en_GB"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/vl3HnU0HOhk?fs=1&hl=en_GB" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br /><br />He's also been advised poorly, in my view... Paul <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Stretford</span> ( Rooney's <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1033852/Fear-backlash-FA-ban-Rooneys-agent-18-months.html">agent</a>) has managed to contradict that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">NUFC</span>-loving image by driving such a hard <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">bargain</span> during the contract negotiations for his client that Taylor has <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">effectively</span> spent the last 6 months on the transfer list. I, for one don't recall reading about a rush of clubs bidding for him. No doubt Taylor has an increase on the weekly wage - but it has damaged his standing amongst the fans. I wonder what price there really is on that type of public image?<br /><br />But, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">ultimately</span> he is one of ours... I'm pleased he is staying, but feel that he has much to prove over the rest of this season. I don't think that he's going to be the next captain of England (or even Newcastle United) but I'll be pleased if he really does stay for the term of this contract. However, I'm not convinced that he will. In the same way that I doubt that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Pardew</span> will see out his contract either.Karen Toonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15167883548042160315noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2085573591531141907.post-81057834496691004342010-12-11T07:37:00.008+00:002010-12-19T08:00:30.647+00:00Lack of Class<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipy3Yp8XQSCR4Hsb0lNSjqBcYqBZNpTipp4i-k83puaarZzZOy-BMTKjEVEiKAN-JiXoZj2ilVA3Zz-XYkh_TQlKrqz36DTglEpvIE9LFr4tyw7kzvuadFiOMJxU8H-YlAIs_H8qpd1_U/s1600/Big+Dunc.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipy3Yp8XQSCR4Hsb0lNSjqBcYqBZNpTipp4i-k83puaarZzZOy-BMTKjEVEiKAN-JiXoZj2ilVA3Zz-XYkh_TQlKrqz36DTglEpvIE9LFr4tyw7kzvuadFiOMJxU8H-YlAIs_H8qpd1_U/s320/Big+Dunc.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549327814301164642" border="0" /></a><br />In my younger days I had a part time job in a print shop. It was a largely <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">un</span>-rewarding job, but I got to play with some new gadgets. I was shown how to do all sorts of exciting things, such as bind documents, use the high speed photocopier and laminate signs and posters. Needless to say binding wasn't much fun (I can recall wrecking one students thesis) and, beyond the obvious, photocopying was dull. However, the laminating machine led to all sorts of hilarity... This included getting various photos enlarged and making them more 'solid' than previously as they became poster sized. I only did one for myself...I can still remember it vividly. Shearer and Ferguson celebrating a goal, with the words "<span style="font-style: italic;">Form is temporary: Class is permanent</span>" <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">emblazoned</span> across the bottom. I think I'd particularly liked it as it was at the time that Shearer was getting a tough time from the English press about him not being good enough to play for Eng-er-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">lund</span>. <br /><br />Roll forward 20-plus years and I was reminded of this moniker again, but this time the inverse. Mike Ashley has demonstrated time and time again that he lacks understanding of how to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">effectively</span> communicate with his 'customers' and the sacking of Chris <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Hughton</span> was another example of this. As a consumer of brand <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">NUFC</span>, it appeared to me that the football team was getting some stability, that the team - was starting to play like a <a href="http://eatsleepdrinktoon.blogspot.com/2010/09/team-ethic.html"><span style="font-style: italic;">team</span></a>. The results were mixed, but it felt like the team was going in the right direction. The key to this was the continuity that had been given by the management team - <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Hughton</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Calderwood</span> appeared to have been doing a good job, with limited resources. As a watcher of the business of Newcastle United, it also appeared that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Hughton</span> was doing a fair job, mid-table and regular TV revenue coming in, combined with the asset that is Andy Carroll, being nurtured and therefore his value (both in terms of transfer value and marketing value) increasing.<br /><br />But, obviously this wasn't enough for the owners of both the business and the brand. The <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/n/newcastle_united/9261212.stm">reasons </a>for the supporters as to why he was sacked are spurious. But perhaps the business ones aren't. I'd guess that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Hughton</span> was asking for money to shore up the depth of the team, that the money wasn't available or his choices deemed incorrect. From a cost perspective, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Hughton</span> will have been a lot c<a href="http://www.nufcblog.org/2010/05/newcastle-united-release-worrying-set-of-accounts/"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">heaper</span> to sack</a> than either <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Allardyce</span> or <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Keegan</span>. So, as ever Ashley fails to communicate with his punters and the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">inevitable</span> conclusion is drawn... he's got no class, and his form is temporary.<br /><br />As a demonstration of Ashley's temporary form, he got lucky with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Pardew's</span> first game. Beating a sub-standard Liverpool team might have looked good on paper. It might have lessened the volume and nature of the <a href="http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/newcastle-fans-to-protest-over-arrival-of-pardew-2154764.html">protests </a>against <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Hughton's</span> sacking for that game. But, the cracks are still visible and unless some investment is made in the playing squad Ashely's lack of class with the dismissal of someone who appeared to be a genuinely decent man - and a good communicator; will come home to roost.Karen Toonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15167883548042160315noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2085573591531141907.post-61405091479946915952010-11-20T06:17:00.008+00:002010-11-20T07:05:05.827+00:00Transitional<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8x6Sx5DV2EhspH-n_A9Pf1mStJTkpq7xxHZx_3_aLbB3366dLDXorAi4DhEQoW-6qHEVEo07wr1KBYL-lThEJo6nZS8JEmzKDl8lO9K-CxWT3H5qJO0jtm2qZJKvNSVnevdmGp7QdY8k/s1600/5-1-dvd-cover.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 223px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8x6Sx5DV2EhspH-n_A9Pf1mStJTkpq7xxHZx_3_aLbB3366dLDXorAi4DhEQoW-6qHEVEo07wr1KBYL-lThEJo6nZS8JEmzKDl8lO9K-CxWT3H5qJO0jtm2qZJKvNSVnevdmGp7QdY8k/s320/5-1-dvd-cover.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541513244893485858" border="0" /></a><br />"<span style="font-style: italic;">Its been an odd season so far</span>" That's one of those understatements that is ludicrously simplistic. From the inevitable loss at Manure at the start of the season to the unbelievable high of 5under1and (as henceforth they shall be known) on Halloween its been one hell of a roller coaster of a season so far. I, like many others, would have been happy to see the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Toon</span> finish 17<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">th</span> this season, consolidate after the shock of the Championship and then start to rebuild. Of course, then came along <a href="http://www.nufc.com/2010-11html/2010-08-22aston-villa-h.html">Villa </a>at home, and expectations were raised a little, then my personal favourite, the delight of the trip to <a href="http://www.nufc.com/2010-11html/2010-09-18everton-a.html"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Goodison</span></a> and the ambitions grew a bit more. Finally, after the result at <a href="http://www.nufc.com/2010-11html/2010-11-07arsenal-a.html"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Highbury</span></a>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">errrrr</span>.... Emirates, Newcastle United were dizzily in 5<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">th</span> place in the table. <br /><br />Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not that delusional. I know that reality isn't so much going to bite, as take a chunk out of the collective backside of the club. Mid-table is as far as my ambitions for the team go to now. Usually, this would mean a season of relative mediocrity, a few scrappy wins and a greater number of draws than usual. Not so with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">NUFC</span> - how can it be with a 6-0 and 5-1 wins at home, and even last weeks 0-0 against <a href="http://www.nufc.com/2010-11html/2010-11-13fulham-h.html"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Fulham</span> </a>wasn't two teams settling for the draw at the outset... It was just one of those games when Newcastle couldn't manage to score. <br /><br />At the outset of the season <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Newcastle</span> were supposed to be in transition, I'd <a href="http://eatsleepdrinktoon.blogspot.com/2010/08/angry-mob.html">said </a>that I thought this would be a big season for Andy Carroll (<span style="font-style: italic;">well, I got that right - and England call up and so far he's managed to stay out of jail</span>), that Kevin Nolan was too slow to cut it in the Premiership (<span style="font-style: italic;">wrong - I still think he's too slow; but he is the heartbeat and brains of the team) </span>that Sol Campbell was a mistake (wrong - he's hardly played, but when he did against Man City he was commanding) and that we'd need more bite and creativity in the midfield (<span style="font-style: italic;">right - but that was before <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Tiote</span> was signed</span>). So, if this is transition then I'm really enjoying it... Thanks lads<br /><br />Today, brings Bolton Wanderers - I've been numerous times to the Reebok, and never yet seen a good game. The mists of time make most of these games roll into one, but I have memories of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Dabizas</span> getting sent off after about a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">minute</span>, of Steven Taylor's debut and getting shoved out of the way for the only goal of the game; and most of all the annoying <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">windowlicker</span> that brings that bloody drum to each home game. Bolton have always been a team of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">stiflers</span> (is that a word?) more intent on stopping other teams playing than being creative themselves. An effective tactic that has prevented relegation over the past ten years, but dull to watch. However, today might be different, Owen <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Coyle</span> as a manager seems to have altered the ethos of the team - and they are starting to look a better side. By a happy coincidence of the fixture <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">calendar</span>, it's the Favourite Nephew's 17<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">th</span> birthday this weekend. I hope its a good one for him...<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Howay</span> the Lads<br /><br />PS - I can predict sales of the above DVD topping 50,000 in Newcastle but maybe not quite as high on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Wearside</span>... I'll have to get a copy, for those rain-sodden Sunday's when there is just nothing on the telly and you really need cheering up...Karen Toonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15167883548042160315noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2085573591531141907.post-2770308338553365392010-09-25T07:15:00.004+01:002010-09-25T08:38:33.029+01:00Team Ethic<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGrIgyyfkq_oLKEwwUXBNCEx7Kltx9U3VZSFO-yVDV_grRHtKyGolrarLmPepflqPGi2hDgB9Np_0vxQg38rAeppwrnl8MiA_eSYyHF2EuhWS_94sthRcy015MmiSIwaDRPIpW3NBifqo/s1600/charlie_crowe.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 252px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGrIgyyfkq_oLKEwwUXBNCEx7Kltx9U3VZSFO-yVDV_grRHtKyGolrarLmPepflqPGi2hDgB9Np_0vxQg38rAeppwrnl8MiA_eSYyHF2EuhWS_94sthRcy015MmiSIwaDRPIpW3NBifqo/s320/charlie_crowe.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520736743642338498" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Everton</span> 0 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Toon</span> 1</span></span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Blimey </span>- is an underused word, but it seems to be the most appropriate word to sum up <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">NUFC</span> over the past week. The last time we had the joys of celebrating two away wins in a week in the top division seems like it was in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">pre</span>-war days (the Iraq war, that is) the last time <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">NUFC</span> won at Stamford Bridge was during the last recession and the last time <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Toon</span> won 4-3, as opposed to losing by the same scoreline, was when footballers walked to the ground, had real jobs, and handlebar moustaches.... Still, I wasn't fortunate enough to be a Chelsea on Wednesday evening, but I was at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Goodison</span> Park on Saturday to witness an away win on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Merseyside</span> for the first time since before the invention of the fourth official. Blimey.<br /><br />There were several notable things about the win on Saturday... It also had an old fashioned feel to the game, but that will have been mainly due to a 3.00pm kick off on a Saturday and the wooden bench seats. As an aside, how on earth do they get away with having such a dilapidated ground? One of the funniest incidents was seeing an older gent handing a steward the back of one of these wooden seats, pointing out that it wasn't an act of vandalism that had broken it, but woodworm. Actually, the funniest moment for me was finally hearing the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Coloccini</span> <a href="http://www.fanchants.com/football-videos/newcastle-fans-at-watford-weatherspoons-oh-coloccini/">song</a> in full throttle sung by 2500 delirious fans....<br /><br />After reflecting for a week on the performance I've concluded that the main difference was that for the first time in about five years the squad played as Newcastle <span style="font-style: italic;">United</span>, and functioned as a team. Some of the team ethic has been instilled as a result of adversity, those players to stayed after relegation had a point to prove. Some of it has arisen out of sheer bloody mindedness, a desire to prove the doubters wrong; <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">NUFC</span> aren't just going to implode and go away. However, most of it is due to a determination that no one is bigger than the club itself, no huge star players, no one playing for themselves - just a group of 11 (or so) all pulling in the same direction and getting results. It felt good. It felt like football <span style="font-weight: bold;">should </span>be.<br /><br />The result was all the more gratifying as we witnessed a fantastic match winning goal from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Hatem</span> Ben <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Arfa</span>, (has anyone else noticed that he looks a bit like the bastard offspring of Laurent Robert?) saw a debut from someone who does for 90 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">mins</span> what Nicky Butt showed us in flashes for the past two years, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Cheick</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Tiote</span> take a bow... Adding in two new personalities to a team could have really disrupted the balance and make up, but it didn't appear to do so at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Everton</span>. <br /><br />I also need to apologise, I was wrong. Way back in 2007, I <a href="http://eatsleepdrinktoon.blogspot.com/2007/12/fast-flowing-football.html">commented </a>that the young left back that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">NUFC</span> had signed from Spain wasn't good enough. I made lots more earthy, vociferous comments at games as this player seemed to be out of his depth in the English league. His first season was error strewn, he was slow and often made an incorrect decision. In my defence I think my views were coloured by a litany of overpriced and poor defenders, and I lumped Jose Enrique in with those <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">mercenaries</span>. Over the last three years his confidence has grown, he has adjusted to the pace of the game and has become the most outstanding performer for the team. Most of all, he stayed when other non-UK players started their exodus after relegation. A real <span style="font-style: italic;">team </span>player. Jose, Jose, Jose.... indeed.<br /><br />Sunday brings on the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">cloggers</span> from the Potteries. I expect Wolves Mark II - it ain't going to be pretty.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Howay</span> the ladsKaren Toonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15167883548042160315noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2085573591531141907.post-4908747125926217502010-09-04T07:34:00.004+01:002010-09-04T08:32:11.690+01:00Back to the Past<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuffAZYA2CyBsYkQi11FQUnY0vxeCoVuvE0Qgnr0sLM2sLpH_HW8vsNkaDKc9-WGkHICTj0S3-EP7ktvc-k9YEY7CFDk48I6oXQXDWjIaKr7YoEpxMUFhvNfMtfFBmHSkDYmwAwx6733I/s1600/noddy.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 170px; height: 216px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuffAZYA2CyBsYkQi11FQUnY0vxeCoVuvE0Qgnr0sLM2sLpH_HW8vsNkaDKc9-WGkHICTj0S3-EP7ktvc-k9YEY7CFDk48I6oXQXDWjIaKr7YoEpxMUFhvNfMtfFBmHSkDYmwAwx6733I/s320/noddy.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5512946542490698658" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Wolves 1 Toon 1</span></span></span><br /><br />Bank holidays. Always a strange concept. An extra long weekend when the roads become clogged with stressed families determined to make for a busy patch of beach to 'enjoy' themselves on. Chuck into this mix a couple of million folk heading to sporting events that won't wait to start until you arrive and you have the recipe for disaster. With full knowledge of this we set off for Wolverhampton last weekend. <br /><br />Of course one of the joys of the bank holiday traffic is that you get plenty of opportunity to people watch your fellow travellers. As I was cutting short a holiday in Scotland to go to Wolverhampton (<span style="font-style: italic;">I bet that's not a sentence that's been written very often</span>) I had added people watching time. One of the things that made me smile was the number of Hell's Angels on Harley's that wove their way successfully through the roadwork stymied queues. I guess their must have been a <a href="http://www.hdrcgb.org.uk/">Harley Davidson </a>convention somewhere in the North, judging by the number of riders heading south. After seeing the first few throaty roars in my rear view mirror, and getting over the jealousy of them getting past me, I was struck by the average age of the riders. They all looked as though they were at an age to have been old enough to see <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0064276/">Easy Rider</a> when it was first released, at the cinema, without having to lie about their age... It's not a young man's game - alternative culture.<br /><br />The theme for the day was set - driving into Wolverhampton we'd joked about needing to put on flares to fit in... It wasn't quite like that but the game had a definite 'old school' feel to it. Both teams had heydays in the past, both clubs struggling to re-invent themselves in the current climate and both sets of players using tactics that haven't been seen for a few years. For the Toon, the main tactic was to lump the ball to Carroll as often as possible (by the way, maybe its just me - but Carroll seems to have grown by a foot since last season) and hope that he could batter his way through the defence. However, Wolves tactics consisted wholly of giving Barton a good kicking to see if he would loose his temper. It was apparent from the kick off - and continued until the final minute. This was interesting for a couple of reasons, firstly it didn't work... but they didn't alter the tactic. Secondly, Wolves obviously thought that this was the only way to beat Newcastle. Why? Hadn't they seen how Manure had ripped into us a couple of weeks before - using pace and width? Obviously they weren't imaginative enough to take this approach. So, it felt that we were watching a game from the 80's as lumps were taken from various Toon midfielders, accompanied by the shrill sound of the refs whistle.<br /><br />One of the more bewildering chants from the Wolves faithful, was "Your going down with the yam-yams" No one around me had a clue what this 'insult' could mean. However, as someone who is lucky enough to work in the West Midlands, I was able to <a href="http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Yam-yam">translate </a>that they may just be referring to their near neighbours from West Bromwich. Looking around the crowd in the Toon end also struck me as this was an 'older' crowd than normal. More beer bellies and greying temples than young knacker-jacks having their first alcopops. We speculated on why... Maybe its just that travelling to away games on a bank holiday weekend also isn't a young man's game.Karen Toonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15167883548042160315noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2085573591531141907.post-10509957788114850492010-08-14T06:37:00.009+01:002010-08-14T17:40:38.197+01:00Angry Mob<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6-uVIniOZZHnl9NqBtn95hXBd923KQ86WOVbK-DbVpq_7fzYctjcbEErAAADoWePAz3aqEAnsxwXsCSB4Q8VyaG2KdIv1uMw_79QW-ZMzUiUq6mxJ-AXw1_kJEHLt_1fGOZQaXEJ0Aao/s1600/newspapers.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 254px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6-uVIniOZZHnl9NqBtn95hXBd923KQ86WOVbK-DbVpq_7fzYctjcbEErAAADoWePAz3aqEAnsxwXsCSB4Q8VyaG2KdIv1uMw_79QW-ZMzUiUq6mxJ-AXw1_kJEHLt_1fGOZQaXEJ0Aao/s320/newspapers.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5505137486279046370" border="0" /></a><br />A week later than last year the merry-go round is about to start again. About a month ago my phone started its text chirrup with messages like "Wolves away - I'll go if you'll drive" and "How much for the Manure tickets?!? I'm not going" as plans start to be made, familiar grounds revisited, friendships that have been on hold for the summer re initiated.<br /><br />All the fun of the fair starting again as <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">NUFC</span> join the "<span style="font-style: italic;">elite</span>" clubs in the "<span style="font-style: italic;">top flight</span>". Obviously, there are some advantages to being back in the Premiership, not least of which is the wadge of money that the club will receive from the TV, which probably help to keep the club afloat. There are also some disadvantages to this elevated status, not least of which is the price of the tickets - away tickets now routinely cost over £40, so the cost of a few away games increases as the likelihood of seeing Newcastle win away decreases (<span style="font-style: italic;">not that this puts me off, which probably says more about my psyche than anything else</span>). The other disadvantage is that the press as turned its attention to the club and Newcastle become the comedy club of the Premiership again.<br /><br />Some of the recent 'news' has been quite fair. The club seem to have managed to sign a player on a free from another Premiership club who have made a mess of his <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1292689/Dan-Gosling-quits-Everton-error-new-deal.html">contract</a> negotiations, have managed not to sack any players/managers/club officials over the summer and therefore have stayed quite quiet for the start of the season, with a notable exception - Sol Campbell. I have mixed feelings about Campbell joining the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Toon</span>. He's not a player that would have been on the top of my list for defensive cover for the season. I, and many, others remember Ian Rush turning up in a Black and White shirt for a season, which was a signing of Kenny <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Dalglish's</span> mate and an unmitigated disaster. Campbell is <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Hughton's</span> friend, has moved to the North East and there is a feeling that he's turning up just for the money. That said, he was a decent defender and no doubt some of the other players could learn from him.<br /><br />Still, none of that comes into play when the press get hold of a photo, which shows that he may not be in <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/aug/02/newcastle-sol-campbell-fans-fat-pathetic">peak physical condition.</a> Apparently, this has whipped up the fury on the message boards and therefore none of the of the fans want him to play.... Now call me old fashioned, but I really want to reserve judgement on players until I've actually seen him pull on the club shirt and kick a ball in anger (<span style="font-style: italic;">actually, remembering <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Pancrate</span> last season I'd like to give him 3 or 4 games</span>). But, then again why let a few facts get in the way of poking the laughing stick at Newcastle United again.<br /><br />To slightly misquote<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Z5kEqRFPwo"> Leeds finest band</a>...<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">We are the Angry Mob</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">We read the papers every day</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">We like who they like</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Hate who they hate</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Were all so easily swayed </span><br /><br />I have a solution to this... Don't read the papers, don't buy 'em and ignore the nonsense that permeates through other media sources.... And they wonder why the newspaper industry is on its knees?<br /><br />Actually, the real reason that the newspaper is on its knees is the change from physical to digital, so we are going through a time of change as business models are disrupted. One of the consequences of this is that I'm unable to link to a snippet that I found genuinely funny last week. The Sunday Times last week published a review of all the Premiership teams and suggested what type of cartoon characters they would be (<span style="font-style: italic;">I read it in the Pub before I get accused of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">hypocrisy</span></span>). I can't recall many of them, but Newcastle's was <a href="http://www.seussville.com/">Dr Seuss's Cat in the Hat</a> - because it causes chaos wherever it goes for the general amusement of others... Sums up perfectly the view of Newcastle from the rest of the Premiership. Why can't I link to this article? Cos the Sunday Times online has become pay per view... I hope that isn't the future...<br /><br />Anyway, as it stands today Newcastle are mid table (before a ball has been kicked, due to an alphabetical accident) I'll settle for this next May. Bring on the fun.<br /><br />Howay the ladsKaren Toonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15167883548042160315noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2085573591531141907.post-40921232412697055272010-07-24T15:16:00.008+01:002010-07-24T16:04:14.761+01:00Learning PointsAs the World Cup recedes into history I've been reflecting. From the distance of a couple of weeks I didn't really enjoy the tournament much. There were a few highlights, Germany V Argentina, Italy V New Zealand and Spain V Portugal (but that might just have been the joy of seeing Ronaldo look crestfallen), but these were few and far between. The majority of the games were stale, mundane and lifeless. I found myself getting more enjoyment out of watching Maradonna's <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Poh7ceDuV4">press conferences</a> and speculating about who's suit he was wearing than I got enjoyment out of most of the games.<br /><br />As for the final itself, it was like watching a Toon v mackem game from about five years ago. One team was so technically superior to the other that the only way that the lesser team could hope to compete was by hoofing players up into the air. For Mark Van Bommel substitute Nyron Nosworthy, for De Jong think of Paul McShane etc etc.... It was pitiful to watch, but Spain didn't have the ability to outplay them either. The tournament just seemed to leave a sightly bitter taste - it just didn't live up to the hype. That said I did learn somethings from the World Cup - for which I'm grateful. A few of these things are:-<br /><br />1. Gutierrez is no more a right back than I am<br />2. Vuvuzela is a fantastic word to roll around your mouth, but the instrument itself is pretty limited<br />3. Despite the press reports South Africa's infrastructure was able to cope with a major sporting event.<br />4. England's players are rubbish (on the whole)<br />5. Diego Forlan was a good player after all<br />6. Germany will win the next World Cup<br />7. The French players are worse than the English (temperament-wise that is)<br /><br /><br />So - lots of useful, if incidental, things picked up over the summer... Speaking of incidental things - how about this for a match made in heaven?<span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/Titus%20Bramble%20to%20be%20reunited%20with%20Steve%20Bruce%20at%20Sunderland"> Titus Bramble to be reunited with Steve Bruce at Sunderland</a></span> I was driving when I heard the news and laughed so hard I swerved. I'd guess that he wrote his application for this job some time ago (<span style="font-style: italic;">that will be in crayon and not in joined up letters</span>). Titus, I recall <a href="http://eatsleepdrinktoon.blogspot.com/search?q=Bramble">this </a>only too well.... Looking forward to seeing you at SJP again this season...... Not.Karen Toonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15167883548042160315noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2085573591531141907.post-55501710357405677442010-06-12T15:04:00.002+01:002010-06-12T15:37:49.053+01:00The Great Debate<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQsiNwZ2Bvs-2bTIKEEM6qrYv6QdbFl-HePgbL1eLjUTD8JZlCAWDRhGQ4VPurHj3vLxvM0qL5Llk6_oQvv3eAmKJ279HRDMe1U1aUnJi_TN3SVnBRSj1Z8SjVkACUZYAx4wF7yCNJW-E/s1600/spiderman.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 218px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQsiNwZ2Bvs-2bTIKEEM6qrYv6QdbFl-HePgbL1eLjUTD8JZlCAWDRhGQ4VPurHj3vLxvM0qL5Llk6_oQvv3eAmKJ279HRDMe1U1aUnJi_TN3SVnBRSj1Z8SjVkACUZYAx4wF7yCNJW-E/s320/spiderman.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481888739062119042" border="0" /></a>Well, all the talking is over and the battle for a trinket the size of a pot plant has started in Africa. Thirty two nations, some playing entertaining football, some playing measured football, some playing dull football are taking part in the <img src="file:///C:/Users/Karen/AppData/Local/Temp/moz-screenshot.png" alt="" /><img src="file:///C:/Users/Karen/AppData/Local/Temp/moz-screenshot-1.png" alt="" />quadrennial festival of football that enlivens my TV screen. Most of the time I don't really give a rats-ass about England 's (or to be more accurate Eng-er-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">lund's</span>) fortunes in these competitions. The hype and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">hyperbole</span> are wearing and misplaced, I'm of an age whereby I can still remember the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">racist</span> connotations of a number of those who follow Eng-er-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">lund</span> and the horror of riots at various <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">competitions</span> in the past. <br /><br />So some time ago (I think after England drew with Poland and failed to qualify for in 1974 World Cup) I decided that I'd much prefer watching Newcastle V <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Carlise</span> rather than England v USA... Simply, I cared more about the former rather than the later. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Occasionally</span> I have been sucked into the joy of supporting the country of my birth, but on the whole I've been a passive observer. <br /><br />That said, there always used to be a horror when watching England... Which Newcastle player would get injured and therefore miss the start/middle/whole (<span style="font-style: italic;">delete as <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">appropriate</span></span>) of the next season? Shearer, Lee, and most notably England's Michael Owen all fell pray to the same set of worries, and they were <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">usually</span> lived up to.<br /><br />For the South African World Cup, its very different. Not a Newcastle player within a beery breath of the squad, now no worries there. But, its replaced by a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">different</span> one. Enter, stage left a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">mercurial</span> winger, wearer of the black and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">white</span> stripes and the finest <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Spiderman</span> since Tobey <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Maguire</span>...Jonas Gutierrez. Not for one moment do I think that he's likely to get injured (he falls over far too easily to get hurt by anyone) but my concern is that if he has a storming world cup he'll have his head turned by a more <span style="font-style: italic;"><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">glamorous</span> </span>team - like <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Everton</span> or <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Wigan</span> and he'll leave the bright lights of the North East for pastures new. Equally I don't want him to have such a rubbish world cup that he comes back completely demoralised...<br /><br />My internal debate rages on....Karen Toonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15167883548042160315noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2085573591531141907.post-24547011499308234702010-06-06T09:45:00.005+01:002010-06-06T10:21:00.552+01:00Whilst I've been away<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9aR5vOxbwlzgtJvb6EKc27NyOsSN8YPhplxCPhLZrxANETJpuc7wOYwtoapTlFJ1BkBMdqhI1APxUBIg8wKK7X4oPn03oguUZje4bt8_zHODt5Q0Y2Kb7Ft3CS8PAdG-0eYeGJQRKyyM/s1600/tom_and_jerry-5407.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 192px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9aR5vOxbwlzgtJvb6EKc27NyOsSN8YPhplxCPhLZrxANETJpuc7wOYwtoapTlFJ1BkBMdqhI1APxUBIg8wKK7X4oPn03oguUZje4bt8_zHODt5Q0Y2Kb7Ft3CS8PAdG-0eYeGJQRKyyM/s320/tom_and_jerry-5407.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479585358108361330" border="0" /></a><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Ermmmm</span>... Sorry, I've been a bit remiss lately. In fact, depending on your <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">definition</span> of lately I've been positively tardy. But, I wouldn't want you to think I've not been paying attention. Some of the '<span style="font-style: italic;">highlights</span>' of the last 6 months include:-<br /><br />- Defying all the gloom-mongers (*<span style="font-style: italic;">cough</span>* including myself) <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">NUFC</span> have managed to win the Championship at a canter, remaining unbeaten at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">SJP</span> for a whole season.<br />- Most of the players have (so far) stayed with the club<br />- We still have the same manager, who has been quietly dignified through out the barrage of nonsense that has been stirred up in the press<br /><br />So, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">NUFC</span> are looking forward to the start of August with the prospect of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">turning</span> out against Manure, Arsenal and the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Mackems</span> next season , and all that this entails... Higher price match tickets, greater <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">speculation</span> about players in/out, even more pressure on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Hughton</span> as well as the unforgiving glare of the press spotlight being shone even brighter on those at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">SJP</span>.<br /><br />In an attempt to combat this the Board at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">NUFC</span> put out a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">statement</span> last month. Have a look at the full version <a href="http://www.nufc.com/2009-10html/2010-05-09nufc-statement.html">here</a>. This is a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">spectacular</span> example of standing on a chair, hoisting corporate skirts up and shouting "Thomas!". Surely, statements like this<br /><br /><p><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;">There will be no comment from the Board regarding the purchase of players.</span></i></p> <p><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;">There will be no comment from the Board regarding the sale of players.</span></i></p> <p><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;">There will be no comment from the Board regarding ongoing contract talks with players presently at Newcastle United Football Club or with those that the club may enter into negotiation with.</span></i></p>Will only serve to pique the interest of the press pack. What is the phrase about keeping your friends close, but your <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">enemies</span> even closer? A certain amount of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">openness</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">transparency</span> can only benefit the understanding of what the current Board are trying to achieve... How does this help?<br /><br /><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;">In simple terms this is a transparent policy that will feed through and inform all aspects of the running of Newcastle United Football Club's first team. There will be no comments from any member of Newcastle <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">United's</span> Board in the future regarding any issues surrounding Newcastle United to the press/media at large.</span></i><br /><br />That said, I sorta agree with <a href="http://www.nufc.co.uk/articles/20100527/nufc-statement_2240137_2060552">this </a>one.... Not the ethics of it, but because the Daily Mail is pure bile filled spiteful garbage...<br /><br /><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;"><br /><br /><br /></span></i><span style="font-style: italic;"></span>Karen Toonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15167883548042160315noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2085573591531141907.post-57798588644835124642009-12-24T07:31:00.004+00:002009-12-24T08:15:03.233+00:00Dear Mr ClausFollowing in a long established tradition for this blog (well, <a href="http://eatsleepdrinktoon.blogspot.com/2008/12/dear-santa.html">here</a> and <a href="http://eatsleepdrinktoon.blogspot.com/2007/12/dear-santa.html">here</a> anyway - if that counts as traditional); I've been sitting in front of my log fire, sipping some mulled wine whilst composing a list of small requests for St Nicholas to consider if I've been suitably well behaved this year in order for him to grant me some favours.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Actually, I've been battling the other lunatics on the ice bound M6 and shopping at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Tesco's</span> at midnight to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">avoid</span> the madness that is shopping over the festive season - but that's nowhere near as attractive an image</span>... Reality bites.<br /><br />So what would I like St Nicholas to bring the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Toon</span> for Christmas? Well, in 2009 I've seen the team relegated, a fire sale of the best players (and some rubbish ones), the worst PR machine since.....well, ever, and host of woeful and abject displays by 11 money-motivated journeymen footballers. Last year I was ludicrous enough to ask for 3 points from the Boxing Day fixture at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Wigan</span> (that didn't work) and the year before I asked that Charlie <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Zog</span> stopped being played at left back (well, that one sort of worked, but selling him to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Wigan</span> wasn't what I had in mind). So, I need to think carefully about my requests for this year.<br /><br />All sorts of things have <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">flittered</span> through my mind including:<br />- Continuing being 10 points clear of the rest of the Championship at the end of the season? Nah - that won't happen<br />- Not selling the best players during the January transfer window? Nah, Taylor, Enrique and Coco are all on the shopping lists of Premiership clubs<br />- For Shearer to be given some role in the club that obviously means so much to him - Nah, he's too champagne for a club with more sober tastes at the moment<br /><br />So, really my list for Santa consists of just one request...<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Please can you find a new owner for the team?</span> I'm sure that there must be one somewhere at the back of your sleigh? I'm not asking for much, just a billionaire who understands that football is a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">business</span> and not a plaything, someone who knows the value of customer relations and someone who has the wit to see that a five year plan will take five years to come to fruition.<br /><br />I suspect that this request to Father Christmas will fall on deaf ears like my previous ones - but I can hope. Merry Christmas Mr Ashley - oh, and get out of our club.Karen Toonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15167883548042160315noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2085573591531141907.post-15911633900282672412009-11-21T07:25:00.006+00:002009-11-21T08:22:06.420+00:00Not so Proud<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicdmnAO0te7eC62ofacXqAaVfKK2OZnsKsFbF3VOHlBg6zjUYHeha2Us2QsKldg7f_0Z-UOBWxT5jcEaTbE3PVITJWEU9rU8AHbwWVFlf__Z4M2PmHy3egv7m6wFEjpyu2GjvAbePx2m4/s1600/DSC01170.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicdmnAO0te7eC62ofacXqAaVfKK2OZnsKsFbF3VOHlBg6zjUYHeha2Us2QsKldg7f_0Z-UOBWxT5jcEaTbE3PVITJWEU9rU8AHbwWVFlf__Z4M2PmHy3egv7m6wFEjpyu2GjvAbePx2m4/s320/DSC01170.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406455550564942706" border="0" /></a><br />The past couple of weeks appear to have been a period of dust settling at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">SJP</span>. It must have been at least two weeks since the press have been able to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">snigger</span> in the direction of NE1... That said they had a damn good chortle prior to then.<br /><br />Ashley has delivered his ultimate kick in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">proverbials</span> to the fans by trying to <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2009/nov/04/newcastle-united-naming-stadium-rights">re-name</a> the stadium. I've wondered this often in the past, but just who is advising Ashley? The re-naming has been positioned as 'temporary re-branding' until the end of the season. Now, I'm no marketing expert, but when has temporary re-branding ever worked before? The aim is that Ashley's firm sponsor the ground until the end of the season and then some other company will take over, oh and cough up the cash for a video screen at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">SJP</span>. Apparently:<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">"Newcastle are currently targeting concerns including electronics giants and airlines, preferably with links to Far East and its attendant merchandising and marketing opportunities."</span><br /><br />So that means that we can look forward to tales of Ashley and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Llambias</span> having another failed trip to some Far East <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">hotspots</span> [<span style="font-style: italic;">gawd, I'm even starting to write like a tabloid hack, as this is so predictable] </span>along with the suitably embarrassing pictures. Doesn't Ashley make his money from retail? A quick Google search will show him that re-branding doesn't work. <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/3145545/Pizza-Hut-to-become-Pasta-Hut.html">Pizza Hut to Pasta Hut</a>, lasted no more than a few months and I'm of the generation that still looks for a Marathon bar or Opal <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Fruits</span> (rather than Snickers or <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Starburst</span>) when I wander into the newsagents. Just the same as when I walk up to watch a game of football, I'll be going to St James' Park.<br /><br />The other problem is that it sounds like a crap email address: sportsdirect.com@stjames'park - its just utter pants. I can see <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2009/mar/25/wigan-jjb-stadium-dave-whelan">Dave <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Whelan</span> </a>being the only one who would make even an offer for these "prestigious naming rights", JJB@stjames'park - has a ring to it, don't you think?<br /><br />The only other thing that seems to have happened off the pitch is that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Shola</span> has decided that he is a Nigerian after all (odd, how he mentions this after Nigeria have qualified for the World Cup?). No doubt <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Hughton</span> has his head in his hands, as if <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Shola</span> makes the team, he'll be at the African Cup of Nations for all of January. But, in reality, when was the last time that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Shola</span> was fit for a whole month? Maybe it will give him some impetus to perform until then, so the team can only benefit from that.<br /><br />Anyway, come Monday night I'm breaking my temporary leave of absence since the first game of the season - I'll be at Preston. The usual mixture of anticipation and fear are starting to descend.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Howay</span> the lads...Karen Toonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15167883548042160315noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2085573591531141907.post-55029649653692385172009-10-31T17:46:00.006+00:002009-10-31T19:05:37.360+00:00Grounds for divorce<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjnXzcqsdLO1Gv80H71SbNs7Q-FVduldC878vuPhw6EaE-_LhkGXdgD3V0A4IcCL550nNNo2tDATal_igJB62sMOmg5cvMH9UEhep06Yy7kl3KXQ-rMwvWfZtu8uXoTD2iiDdtrpQvMCI/s1600-h/DSC00982.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjnXzcqsdLO1Gv80H71SbNs7Q-FVduldC878vuPhw6EaE-_LhkGXdgD3V0A4IcCL550nNNo2tDATal_igJB62sMOmg5cvMH9UEhep06Yy7kl3KXQ-rMwvWfZtu8uXoTD2iiDdtrpQvMCI/s320/DSC00982.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398828107296855042" border="0" /></a><br />As the wonderfully talented Mr Guy Garvey once <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=utHxESL0f3Q">intoned</a>:-<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">I've been working on a cocktail called Grounds for Divorce</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> Polishing a compass that I hold in my sleeve</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> Doubt comes in on sticks but then he kicks like a horse</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"></span><br /><br />And that just about perfectly sums up my feelings towards the current events at NE1 4ST. The comedy club lurches from shambles to shameful, getting deeper on a daily basis into what has become lunacy. A few examples that have stopped me from blogging recently:<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">1. Chris <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Hughton</span>.</span> A man who has only ever been guilty of being in the right place at the right time. He must have a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">yoyo</span> like <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">piece</span> of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">elastic</span> leading too the managers chair. He's been interim manager on three <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">occasions</span>, and then just as he starts a four game <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">win less</span> streak, he gets rewarded with a permanent contract. <br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">2. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Keegan's</span> court case. </span>So much muck has been thrown at the current owner that I had the feeling that some of it must stick. I was wrong; it all stuck - every last fleck. From foisting a player that the manager didn't want (and advising him to watch him on YouTube), through to lying to the fans and press about <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Keegan</span> having the final say in terms of the playing personnel. Its bad enough being glib enough to lie to your employees, but also admitting to <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/leagues/championship/6256728/What-next-for-Newcastle.html">lying </a>to your 'customers' on a sustained and regular basis shows the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">utmost</span> contempt.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">3. The longest ever proposed sale of a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">business</span>. </span>It got to the stage that the unedifying hawking sight of the club being pushed around the markets, bazaars and auction houses was becoming as laughable as the proposed price - I was waiting for the eBay joke to become reality. The least <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">surprising</span> news of this week was the news that Ashley was hanging onto his shares for a while longer. I don't doubt that there is a sound business reason for this, getting promoted back to the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">financial</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">nirvana</span> of the Premiership will see Ashley recoup a lot more of his investment than selling from the second tier.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">4. Renaming of St James' Park</span> - Oh, for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">gawd's</span> sake Ashley STOP IT. The idea of renaming the stadium is <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">senseless</span> and just <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">further</span> antagonises your customer base. The few extra million quid that you may get would just be counter productive... Do you really think that "The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Aldi</span> Stadium" or some such like is going to be used by the 45,000 souls who choose to sit in the seats they have purchased every couple of weeks? Its another PR disaster. I'm not usually one for signing petitions - but please have a look at this online <a href="http://www.nust.org.uk/rename-petition"><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">petition</span> </a>from the Newcastle United Supporters Trust. I disagree with a number of things that the supporters trust are trying to do (but that's fodder for my next outpouring) but this petition is one that I've happily put my name to.<br /><br />All of the above (and a whole heap more) have led me to reassess my ongoing <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">commitment</span> to the club that has been such a big part of my life for so long. Picking up on the song, I'm not going to look to divorce myself from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">NUFC</span>, but I'm having a trial <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">separation</span>. Not been to a game since <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">WBA</span>, turned down a few tickets and didn't even watch a few of the live games (I went to see a ballet instead of watching the Forest game!) I'm still that glutton for punishment though, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">surreptitiously</span> stalking the latest <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">misdemeanours</span> of the club via the press. It's not a healthy relationship at the moment.Karen Toonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15167883548042160315noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2085573591531141907.post-57593094513680795162009-09-26T07:37:00.006+01:002009-09-26T09:00:41.755+01:00Time to reassess<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeNGEFw0r4fcTv8suqrrcNmb4MkuRKvttFhuusTS-QWuXEmea_i9QMSpihpt9lQWVBUgyISG0QujjXyw6ONwC386rej9lgQNjycUy3BB1t02pLySTRZrqdGk53dqU9gfX8t-Ulc59pjBQ/s1600-h/abu+Gray+shirt.gif"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 264px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeNGEFw0r4fcTv8suqrrcNmb4MkuRKvttFhuusTS-QWuXEmea_i9QMSpihpt9lQWVBUgyISG0QujjXyw6ONwC386rej9lgQNjycUy3BB1t02pLySTRZrqdGk53dqU9gfX8t-Ulc59pjBQ/s320/abu+Gray+shirt.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385681942869955458" border="0" /></a><br />I've had an epiphany over recent weeks (<span style="font-style: italic;">I know, the chemist will sell me some cream and it'll clear up shortly</span>) - I started to enjoy watching football again. Obviously, I need to clarify that last sentence - I don't mean that I've been hanging around my local park avidly watching the local Sunday pub teams hack lumps out of each other (although I must admit that sometimes that does contain some amusement, normally generated by the half time pint, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">cig</span> and pasties that are produced) but that I'm starting to enjoy Premiership football again.<br /><br />For the past ten or so years I've been sure of my beliefs, for example, knowing that any team managed by Sam <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Allardyce</span> would be dreadful to watch (including <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">NUFC</span>), that I was a fully paid up member of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">ABU</span> (Anyone But <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">manUnited</span>) club, and that Craig Bellamy could start a fight in an empty room. But since relegation I've started reassess my beliefs. This all started a couple of weekends ago when, with nothing else to watch on a Saturday afternoon I found myself in front of Manure v Spurs. I really enjoyed the game. It was only afterwards that I realised that it felt like watching a Spanish or Italian game. What I mean by that is, it was mildly interesting to watch, admire some of the football, but I didn't <span style="font-style: italic;">care </span>who won.<br /><br />I tested this theory further when watching Manure v Man <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Citeh</span>. In the past I'd have been willing <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Citeh</span> to beat their neighbours, but on Sunday I just watched the ebb and flow of the game, was mildly perturbed when the millionaire <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">EMO</span> got the winner and enjoyed getting the outraged texts from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Citeh</span> friends. So I started to think about the other Premiership games and realised that even if I was offered free tickets nothing would ever entice me to go and see Bolton v Stoke. In fact I'd go further, I wouldn't go if it was free tickets, free meal, free helicopter ride to the ground and getting to meet the teams afterwards. A draw in that game had to have been the least surprising result of all time.<br /><br />The reason why I've stopped caring about the Premiership has nothing to do with the decline in the game, the over-exposure of the product, or even the over hyped players. Its simply that those teams are no longer relevant to the team that I care about the most - Newcastle United. Equally, my sphere of knowledge hasn't developed any of the irrational prejudices of teams in the Championship - I haven't merely replaced a dislike of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Wigan</span> with Preston or Manure with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">QPR</span> (the parallels are there for them both) because I don't know enough about them.<br /><br />So, recently I've started to live in a new footballing world, which is a happier place. Perhaps I have got something to thank Mike Ashley for after all... (<span style="font-style: italic;">that's irony by the way, for anyone reading outside of the UK</span>). That said, this weekends game will reacquaint me with some old prejudices, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Toon</span> v Ipswich. Which re-ignites the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Toon</span> with the ex-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">mackem</span> manager and half the ex-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">mackem</span> team. It'll be an interesting game for a number of reasons, not least the likely debut of the man with the unfeasibly small head, Marlon <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Harewood</span>. He sounds like a good loan signing and also looks like a typical Championship player - he's starting to make the <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/leagues/championship/newcastleunited/6231124/Marlon-Harewood-hoping-to-recapture-form-at-Newcastle.html">right noises</a> and he might make an impact. It's on the telly as further testament to the effect that Sir Bobby Robson had on both clubs and to the sport itself. No doubt, not a dry eye in the house...again.<br /><br />Oh, and just in case you think that the epiphany has made me go all liberal and soft, I'd just like to make it clear, I sincerely hope that Hull don't get another point in the Premiership all season, and finish second bottom - just above the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">mackems</span>.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Howay</span> the lads!Karen Toonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15167883548042160315noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2085573591531141907.post-53454793591473895992009-09-05T07:50:00.004+01:002009-09-05T08:07:39.450+01:00Set adrift on memory blissSo, that was the summer then - a few rays of sunshine, intermingled with dark heavy storm clouds that have never really cleared. And as for the weather... The rays of sunshine (probable take over, Shearer as manager, prospect of any new players) have been eclipsed by the storm clouds (Ashley staying, no new investment). It's become apparent that the reactive management of Newcastle United probably haven't got a plan A, never mind a plan B. So, off the club trundle into the international break, with a wafer thin squad, an interim manager and top of the league.<br /><br /> <span style="font-style: italic;">Hang on, can that last sentence be right</span>? If everything is so doom and gloom how on earth can the league table look like this...<br /><br /><table class="sortable" id="currentform" cellspacing="1" width="100%"><tbody><tr class="leagueTablePromotion"><td style="text-align: center;">1</td> <td class="ltTeamName" align="center"> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nufc.premiumtv.co.uk/"> Newcastle </a> </td> <td style="text-align: center;">5</td> <td style="text-align: center;">4</td> <td style="text-align: center;">1</td> <td style="text-align: center;">0</td> <td style="text-align: center;">8</td> <td style="text-align: center;">1</td> <td style="text-align: center;">7</td> <td style="text-align: center;">13</td> </tr> <tr class="leagueTablePromotion"> <td style="text-align: center;">2</td> <td class="ltTeamName" align="center"> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.wba.co.uk/"> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">WBA</span> </a> </td> <td style="text-align: center;">5</td> <td style="text-align: center;">3</td> <td style="text-align: center;">2</td> <td style="text-align: center;">0</td> <td style="text-align: center;">9</td> <td style="text-align: center;">5</td> <td style="text-align: center;">4</td> <td style="text-align: center;">11</td> </tr> <tr class="leagueTablePlayOff"> <td style="text-align: center;">3</td> <td class="ltTeamName" align="center"> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.cardiffcityfc.co.uk/"> Cardiff City </a> </td> <td style="text-align: center;">5</td> <td style="text-align: center;">3</td> <td style="text-align: center;">1</td> <td style="text-align: center;">1</td> <td style="text-align: center;">11</td> <td style="text-align: center;">4</td> <td style="text-align: center;">7</td> <td style="text-align: center;">10</td> </tr> <tr class="leagueTablePlayOff"> <td style="text-align: center;">4</td> <td class="ltTeamName" align="center"> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.mfc.premiumtv.co.uk/"> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Middlesbrough</span> </a> </td> <td style="text-align: center;">5</td> <td style="text-align: center;">3</td> <td style="text-align: center;">1</td> <td style="text-align: center;">1</td> <td style="text-align: center;">8</td> <td style="text-align: center;">2</td> <td style="text-align: center;">6</td> <td style="text-align: center;">10</td> </tr> <tr class="leagueTablePlayOff"> <td style="text-align: center;">5</td> <td class="ltTeamName" align="center"> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.bcfc.co.uk/"> Bristol City </a> </td> <td style="text-align: center;">5</td> <td style="text-align: center;">3</td> <td style="text-align: center;">1</td> <td style="text-align: center;">1</td> <td style="text-align: center;">6</td> <td style="text-align: center;">6</td> <td style="text-align: center;">0</td> <td style="text-align: center;">10</td></tr></tbody></table><br />As with so many things with Newcastle United, it just doesn't make sense. The talk at the moment is that Chris <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Hughton</span> will get manager of the month in the Championship. Don't the powers that be realise the irony of this? He is a manager who's business card must have the words <span style="font-style: italic;">interim, interim manager</span> printed on it... He's been the stand in for the last couple of stand ins. He obviously is a nice man, and somehow despite (or because of?) the chaos going on around him seems to have managed to get the club into the top of the Championship pile. Maybe its that in all this adversity he's starting to learn about the players and the team that he is managing (obviously there are a few less on the list now) and because he's hung around the team have started to react positively to him. <br /><br />Whatever the reasons, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">NUFC</span> are top of the pile at the moment. The last time we were top of the league at this time of year was in the halcyon days of 1995, when the team stayed in that spot until March... and ended up 2<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">nd</span>. At the time that felt like a massive, crushing <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">disappointment</span>. If in March 2010 the league table looks similar then it won't be a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">disappointment</span> - the storm will have been weathered. But I suspect that there is a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">typhoon</span> approaching first.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Ok</span> - I'll stop stretching this <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">analogy</span> any further...</span>Karen Toonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15167883548042160315noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2085573591531141907.post-39833627610181566042009-08-31T09:36:00.009+01:002009-08-31T10:41:34.245+01:00Bank Holiday BluesI really dislike this time of year, for a start bank holiday's always mean some sort of personal disaster for me. The last one resulted in a badly damaged knee, and previous ones have resulted in various trips to A&E <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">depts</span></span> (for either me or family members), or some sort of irrevocable fracture in relationship/friendship occurs caused by spending too much time with those you wouldn't usually be with. The August bank holiday is always a trying time, summer is starting to fade (what's to celebrate about that), the weather is invariably crap, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">DIY</span></span> and garden disasters beckon, and the roads are clogged with folk seeking the last bit of '<span style="font-style: italic;">quality family time</span>' before December.<br /><br />Equally in football its a grim time, mainly caused by the corporate anxiety caused by the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">imminent</span> slamming of the transfer window at the start of September. In the majority of boardrooms this involves a frantic set of player movements as those going through the <span style="font-style: italic;">out </span>door are supposedly replaced by newer shinier and better models through the <span style="font-style: italic;">in </span>door. By the end of the first week in September squads are supposed to emerge, fully formed with polyester clad badge-kissers proclaiming that "this is the move of my dreams - I've always dreamed of playing for [<span style="font-style: italic;">insert club name</span>]". Before pocketing £5<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">0k</span> a week and having a squad number in excess of 50.<br /><br />Of course, Newcastle United do this <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">differently</span>. I have fond memories of 1995, when <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Keegan</span></span> stood on the pitch at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">SJP</span></span> proudly introducing Les Ferdinand, Warren Barton, Shaka <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Hislop</span></span> and David <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Ginola</span></span> to the faithful. We knew that this was a brave new dawn, and the anticipation was almost matched in that year. Fast forward 14 years, and the feeling is so different. At present its keeping an ear open to see whom else the club is <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">hemorrhaging</span> in terms of playing staff. The revolving door seems to have got stuck on <span style="font-style: italic;">out </span>at the moment.<br /><br />I'm realistic enough to realise that relegation wasn't going to bring in an <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">influx</span> of international quality players, but I'd sort of hoped for a bit more that just Danny Simpson on loan (who looked hopelessly off the pace against Coventry). Call me unrealistic, but I was looking forward to a few <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">wisened</span></span> journeymen to get us out of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">clarts</span></span> and back up to the Premiership, ably assisted by a few young players grabbing their chance to impress in a black and white shirt and show us what they can really do when unshackled from the shadow of the recent incumbents. But then I remember the club is for sale, the first team is still managed by an interim manager (and has been for almost a year now) and there were no relegation clauses in contracts. Call me unduly suspicious, but I find it a bit odd in Steven Taylor pledging his <a href="http://www.sportinglife.com/football/nationwide1/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/09/08/31/SOCCER_Newcastle.html&TEAMHD=nationwide1">future </a>to the club just a week after he's said that he wasn't happy with the team... A bit of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">pre</span></span><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">emptive</span></span> PR perhaps? I hope not.<br /><br />Still, tonight is a welcome distraction as attention turns to the pitch again. Leicester City - fond memories of a 4-3 win (before loosing 3-4 became fashionable) in <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">February</span> 1996 - but I doubt it will be the same this time...<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Howay</span></span> the lads (if any are left)Karen Toonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15167883548042160315noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2085573591531141907.post-67918051661901841562009-08-23T11:10:00.005+01:002009-08-23T12:20:23.953+01:00Never Ending Circle<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgImsU4X75OHigKIky413Pf7pwuVwj1a79ec7Veo3k7CfwIFk8CE_5niGRDRkTyN2H9UfzTnrv0dhXscbBAXDrHIqoywLpmu4EXOdUx7xWhg0_xehyphenhyphenSL5KluZD0GTxxAjZ2f8aSZwChNYo/s1600-h/scan0001.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 206px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgImsU4X75OHigKIky413Pf7pwuVwj1a79ec7Veo3k7CfwIFk8CE_5niGRDRkTyN2H9UfzTnrv0dhXscbBAXDrHIqoywLpmu4EXOdUx7xWhg0_xehyphenhyphenSL5KluZD0GTxxAjZ2f8aSZwChNYo/s320/scan0001.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373099936359231474" border="0" /></a>As I've mentioned before, I collect stuff. This is usually something that acts as a memory jogger from events that I've attended, mainly because I've got such a phenomenally poor memory for dates. For example, I've no idea of the date that I made the migration from the hallowed land of the North-East and tipped up in the North-West... I know it was a long time ago, and Newcastle United haven't won anything since I arrived in Manchester, put that doesn't really narrow things down does it? However, the memory jogger does help, for example I know that I saw Elvis Costello and the Attractions in 1978 - 'cos I've got the ticket stub still to prove it as well as recalling how brilliant <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1MT4oKbPlOk">Lipstick Vogue</a> was.<br /><br />Equally, as you'd expect I've got a load of Newcastle United memorabilia, from dog-eared, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">bovril</span>-stained programmes to crumpled, torn and crushed away tickets (except the plastic Man City ones, obviously). At one stage these used to adorn my book-cases, but as real life and pragmatism have got in the way, I now have a large box under my desk filled with all sorts of interesting <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">ephemera</span> (or <span style="font-style: italic;">junk</span>, depending on your perspective). One of the things that has <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">happened</span> is that <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">friends</span> and fellow <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Toon</span>-suffers now see me as the perfect vehicle to offload the junk that has been cluttering up the spare bedroom/garage/loft-space. All of which I accept gleefully, like a small child on <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Christmas</span> morning looking for something more than just another <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">satsuma</span>.<br /><br />A couple of weeks ago I was given a gem, an issue of the magazine, <a href="http://www.nufc.com/html/mag-fanzine.html">The Mag</a> from 1988. It was the third issue of this magazine, and a relic of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">pre</span>-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">t'interweb</span> times, entirely in black and white, full of spelling and typographical errors, with hand drawn cartoons and a letters page that consisted of a single <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">piece</span> of correspondence. <br /><br />The other thing that really stuck me about this issue was that it could have been written yesterday, rather than 21 years ago... To quote from the editorial:-<br /><br />"<span style="font-style: italic;">...any directors who hold out until the bitter end will remain what they are now, the most loathed men on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Tyneside</span></span>"<br /><br />In 1988 the club was going through another transition, with newly formed Magpie Group trying to wrestle control of the board, which eventually led to John Hall's chairmanship. Fast <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">forward</span> 21 years and the only difference appears to be that rather than an unseemly squabble as to who should own the club, there is now an owner who doesn't want it, and no one interested (or stupid) enough to meet the asking price. <br /><br />As the on-pitch results are really pleasant to see, don't be fooled. Sitting in an automatic promotion place after four games is great, but it won't last if the situation with the management of the whole of the club isn't sorted out. Playing staff are <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">hemorrhaging</span> out of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">SJP</span> as the lure of more attractive contracts are waved in front of their avaricious<b> </b>faces with little sign of any sort of replacements coming in (Danny <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/leagues/championship/newcastleunited/6027884/Newcastle-sign-Manchester-Uniteds-Danny-Simpson.html">Simpson </a>doesn't count, he's a Manure cast off), combined with the team <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">having</span> a temporary manager (with the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">spectre</span> of Alan Shearer casting a long shadow over the first team). The current set of results aren't sustainable. A situation that has <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">desperately</span> needed resolving gets more acute.<br /><br />To quote from the current <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">edition</span> of The Mag (no 238, if you are interested):-<br /><br />"<span style="font-style: italic;">Sadly as the months have drifted by...Mike Ashley became <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">precisely</span> a unique <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">villain</span> in Newcastle's history. And that is some achievement at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">NUFC</span> - purveyors of chaos since 1982</span>"<br /><br />And so the cycle of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">despair</span> and hope (albeit in only small glimmers) continues.Karen Toonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15167883548042160315noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2085573591531141907.post-35664262674302844852009-08-09T10:31:00.003+01:002009-08-09T11:24:43.024+01:00Bagging a point<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">WBA</span> 1 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Toon</span> 1</span></span></span><br /><br />On the way to the game we played a new game to keep us entertained, 'guess which clubs are in the same division as we are?' It look us a while, and I'll confess that the whole of the car laughed hysterically when I inquired if we'd be playing <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Luton</span> Town this season? (apparently they ceased troubling the league statisticians some time ago). It all felt a bit unreal yesterday, traveling to a game in blazing sunshine, going to a familiar ground, seeing a team playing in a strip that is an affront to the eyes; and then there was the tributes to Sir Bobby. We'd all thought that it was going to be an emotional day and it proved to be so.<br /><br />The tributes to Sir Bobby, ranged from scrawled on bed sheets proclaiming adoration for the man to freshly minted shirts bearing his name. The applause started long before the scheduled one minute and lasted for a long time after. A fitting tribute to the man and to all those in football he touched.<br /><br />The game itself was a mixture of the same hangover from last year with a little bit of added new angst. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Shola</span> had a shocker, Nolan looked unfit, and Gutierrez promised way more than he delivered. The positives were, Smith looks like he may make a good Championship captain, Duff finally hit a ball sweetly, and Stevie Taylor is going to do well in this <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">division</span>. Another <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">positive</span> was that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Shola's</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">clumsiness</span> in sideswiping Harper's forehead meant that Tim <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Krul</span> got a chance to show that he really is a class 'keeper. Without him I doubt Newcastle would be mid-table now, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">definitely</span> one for the future, maybe along <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">with</span> Nile Ranger, who managed to get onto the pitch for the last 90 seconds.<br /><br />A couple of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">additional</span> observations from the game, the warm up was interesting (yes - I drove so we arrived a full hour early). It was obvious who the starting 11 were, they all warmed up together on the right hand side of the pitch. Whilst, the substitutes warmed up on the left hand side of the pitch, with one <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">exception</span> - Barton spent the 20 minute warm up kicking a ball back and forwards with the Newcastle mascot - no one talking to him, no one involving him in any of the planning for the game. His whole body language sets him apart from the rest of the team. More trouble ahead with this, <span style="font-style: italic;">ahem, </span>character methinks.<br /><br />Also, I wonder if Ashley is getting the message yet - the number of times 2700 folk felt the need to sing "<span style="font-style: italic;">Get out of our club, get out of our club....</span>" (decency prevents me from writing the rest of the song). Seeing as the BBC are reporting this morning that he's now thinking of staying on and appointing <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">O'Leary</span> as manager, I'd guess that he's a little hard of hearing. If this man is supposed to be such a good <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">businessman</span>, how can he think that alienating the whole of the customer base is a good way to make more money? Madness.<br /><br />A final thought, last season we <a href="http://eatsleepdrinktoon.blogspot.com/2008/08/sweet-streford-sunshine.html">started </a>with a 1-1 draw in the sunshine, against the eventual champions and ended up relegated. I think that if things don't change in terms of ownership and management, the same could happen again. Newcastle United - never dull.<br /><strong></strong>Karen Toonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15167883548042160315noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2085573591531141907.post-36324608660548134492009-08-01T06:52:00.005+01:002009-08-01T07:42:57.073+01:00Sadness - Part 1I'd just got out of a meeting yesterday and my phone chirruped with a text* - "<span style="font-style: italic;">Sir Bobby has passed away</span>". Whilst this was probably the least surprising news, it still provoked an unexpected sense of sadness within me.<br /><br />I never met Bobby Robson, but I'd stood in grounds singing his name "<span style="font-style: italic;">Walking in a Robson wonderland</span>" as the team he created and I supported entertained me. He was responsible for a resurgence in the fortunes (no doubt both in a financial and footballing sense) of the football club. His passion and for his job shone through. I remember after one game, standing in a busy pub with the throb of conversation pulsing around me, all dissecting the the previous 90 minutes entertainment. As ever the TVs were all on in the background, merely adding to the noise. However, as the after match interviews started and the second that Bobby Robson's face flickered onto the screen a quietness settled over the pub. People wanted to listen to what he had to say about football - his passion, knowledge and honesty shone through.<br /><br />Many of the <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/8178079.stm">tributes </a>that are being given talk about his compassion. He directly touched my life once. In 2003 I was on my way to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">SJP</span> to watch <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Toon</span> v Man City. Now, living in Manchester and having a number of friends who are City fans, this was always one of the special fixtures that I'd make the trip to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">SJP</span> for. I never saw that game - I had a bad car crash on the A1 and ended up in hospital for the next few days. I was lucky, I recovered fairly quickly but the friend who was in the car with me wasn't as fortunate, she broke her back. Over the next few weeks after the crash I helped out with whatever I could for her, and one of the things that I did was write to the club to see if they would send her something to cheer her up.<br /><br />I'd explained that my friend was a City fan, and the circumstances of the accident. To be honest as I posted the letter I wondered if I was wasting the stamp. By return of post came a get well card, signed by Sir Bobby. The card was special, not a flashy corporate standardised card, but something that looked like it had been done in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Wordart</span>, signed in felt-tip pen by Bobby. We joked at the time that it looked like Bobby had done it himself on the computer... Thinking about it now, he just might have done. I hope that card is still treasured. It's one small example of the compassion that he showed for others.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU42rQLt8XLx6y8nfQlh9cRCuxthMS7V2RYBLnRLEu0jBUCKDrZESQ3KITfoHYrIMAvIBLx7dOWUKa6pDbX0a58TqwJjXIzJtpwh0YkjfNKhDZI5fi3YKZIvRucl4D-oL9PadHRWUSVs8/s1600-h/0,,10278%7E6826708,00.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 131px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU42rQLt8XLx6y8nfQlh9cRCuxthMS7V2RYBLnRLEu0jBUCKDrZESQ3KITfoHYrIMAvIBLx7dOWUKa6pDbX0a58TqwJjXIzJtpwh0YkjfNKhDZI5fi3YKZIvRucl4D-oL9PadHRWUSVs8/s320/0,,10278%7E6826708,00.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364879954722353762" border="0" /></a>His humour was also a overriding feature - apparently he regularly got players names wrong. One of those was <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Shola</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Ameobi</span>, who when asked how Robson pronounced his name said "Carl Court". The other was Bryan Robson, who at the World Cup was called 'Bobby' by Robson... In the wrong context it would have been easy to dislike someone who gets your name wrong. But its interesting that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Shola</span> was one of the players who has laid a wreath for Bobby at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">SJP</span> and Bryan has been keen to add his words to the tributes that have been given.<br /><br />Next weekend sees the West <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Brom</span> game, I'm going. Bobby Robson played for West <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Brom</span> and managed Newcastle. The last game that I <a href="http://eatsleepdrinktoon.blogspot.com/2009/05/new-adventures.html">went </a>to I was determined not to get emotional, not to shed a tear for the demise of my team. I'm not so sure it will be the same next weekend for Sir Bobby Robson.<br /><br /><br />* I've still no idea who sent me that text...Karen Toonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15167883548042160315noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2085573591531141907.post-37741507025688508062009-07-26T08:29:00.007+01:002009-07-26T09:38:04.356+01:00Laughing Stock - Part 97<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgblUdqaL4nWWm4o9kHnT_F3Rg7JQBiVnZQwWZRkKdYcSO2XWilKK6awMphwoiXlhdJ4FCzxOWnxvBXsSoWM0aQL2m0xVzxlCMArLzokDGrkM92J6-Q7hAYodVDns_jRKNw6AeaML8kIo/s1600-h/Deckchair+strip.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 317px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgblUdqaL4nWWm4o9kHnT_F3Rg7JQBiVnZQwWZRkKdYcSO2XWilKK6awMphwoiXlhdJ4FCzxOWnxvBXsSoWM0aQL2m0xVzxlCMArLzokDGrkM92J6-Q7hAYodVDns_jRKNw6AeaML8kIo/s320/Deckchair+strip.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5362672462714144498" border="0" /></a><br />Just when I'd started to think it couldn't get any worse, NUFC reapply the 12 bore to the foot and pull the trigger - again. Not content with the pain of relegation, the debacle in the boardroom, the complete absence of a manager (Chris Hughton doesn't count), and a squad shuffling towards the exit door; the kit manufactures have now got in on the act with this debacle. Now, I'm aware that I <a href="http://eatsleepdrinktoon.blogspot.com/2008/07/false-dawns-and-earthquakes.html">moaned </a>on about last seasons away kit, but this one is so bad it makes the purple one look tame. What is even worse is that its given the BBC the opportunity to wheel out some local window-lickers to <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/8166024.stm">comment</a> on the kit - along with the snappy title "Crowds down for NUFC away kit" apparently three (fool)hardy souls queued for the 'honour' of purchasing one of these monstrosities.<br /><br />A couple of weeks ago I took myself off for an evening of non-football related entertainment (so much more edifying, so much less stress) and went to see <a href="http://www.thetwang.co.uk/">The Twang</a> at Manchester Academy. Birmingham's finest band have a new album out in August and are getting back on the road after being in the studio for about a year. This was their first gig, of what I expect will be a long tour and a such the ticket prices were relatively cheap. The gig was great fun, the band interspersing tracks from the new album (which no one knew) with some of the old favourites. A good night was had by all (even though they only played a short set) and it certainly wasn't diminished at all when the band had to stop in the encore because they had forgotten the words one of their oldest songs... The crowd laughed, it added to the enjoyment of the evening and then we helped the band 'remember' the words. <br /><br />I learned a long time a go not to pay any attention to pre-season games. They are full of over-weight and uninterested players who are either concerned about not getting injured or about getting a better contract. I long ago learned that if Newcastle have a stunning pre-season then a mediocre season will ensue (the reverse is also true, last season we managed to draw with PSV Eindhoven, and beat Valencia - and look how well we fared!), as a result I stopped going. However, I'd love to think that yesterday's result was just a case of forgetting the words, but somehow I think its a symptom of a deeper malaise. Still, at least its given the <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1202171/Leyton-Orient-6-Newcastle-United-1-Magpies-humbled-fans-jeer-hated-Ashley-Shearer-return.html">press </a>to confirm our laughing stock status, oh, how Man City must be relieved.<br /><br />However, like a moth to a flame, I still haven't given up. The half-feared text came through this week... "<span style="font-style: italic;">Want tickets for the Baggies game?</span>" So despite the game being live on BBC, it being half-way through the holidays and all of the mess mentioned above, I'm going. I feel like I'm rubbernecking at a car smash... I know I shouldn't look, but I can't look away.Karen Toonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15167883548042160315noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2085573591531141907.post-16072741210801418732009-07-07T21:42:00.002+01:002009-07-07T21:50:41.517+01:00Sort it outSays it all really.....<br /><br />Talking of....<br /><br />- Malaysian takeovers<br />- Player revolts [<span style="font-style: italic;">insert own joke</span>]<br />- No manager<br />- A season that is starting in a months time<br /><br />As ever NUFC manage to make themselves a laughing stock, even by doing nothing. For once doing nothing isn't an option.<br /><br />Despair, disarray and disunity - the new watchwords at SJPKaren Toonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15167883548042160315noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2085573591531141907.post-47589792501469134692009-06-28T07:43:00.004+01:002009-06-28T12:04:30.240+01:00Advertising StandardsIt's no great surprise that the advertising industry is being hit hard by the economic woes of the world. Have you noticed that even TV is now having to advertise the power of <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNQi0CIgncc">advertisements</a>? I'd guess this is one of the best barometers of both the state of the economy as well the change in the revenue models for TV. You always recall the good adverts, and if they are done well they become intimately associated with the product they are selling - for example <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Cadbury's</span> Gorilla, Guinness Horses and Surfers or the Smash Martians. However, some advertising is just plain wrong. My current hate is the Iggy Pop, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Swiftcover</span> <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tEcFlyrgcUY">ad</a>. After years of leaping around a dance floor to Iggy's Lust for Life, there is something deeply <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">disturbing</span> that Iggy has gone lusting after the adverting dollar. I have no problem with him needing to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">supplement</span> his pension, but with a cheesy insurance ad? I develop <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">tourette's</span> every time I see the ad. <br /><br />Equally, the emergence this week of a 34 page brochure advertising the <span style="font-style: italic;">*cough*</span> icon that is Michael Owen, who 'may<span style="font-style: italic;"> </span>consider a move away from St James' Park' <span style="font-style: italic;">*really, I'd never have guessed* </span>is <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">just</span> plain wrong<span style="font-style: italic;"></span>. <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1194209/MICHAEL-OWEN-BROCHURE-The-complete-32-page-agents-dossier-fallen-Newcastle-star-England-striker.html">This </a>glossy contains some interesting facts about Brand Owen, including 0.5 goals per game ratio, his current sponsors (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Umbro</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Tissot</span> and BMW - in case you are mildly interested) and how he isn't really injury prone. Its the fact that he is being hawked around (in English, Spanish and Italian) that is so unedifying. Don't get me wrong, I'd not hankering back to the days of the bags full of cash in motorway service stations in order to transfer a player from club to club, this just feels so extreme, so impersonal, so desperate. <br /><br />What is does <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">demonstrate</span> is that the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">corportisation</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">internationalisation</span> of football is complete. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">EMO</span>, will load up his metaphorical saddlebags of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Newcastle</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">United's</span> cash and hightail it out of town. Like the mercenary that he is, he'll tip up somewhere new, do a job for a couple of years and quickly erase the memories of his time in the black and white shirt. When he arrived at the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Toon</span> he was damaged goods, and he'll leave us the same... only several million pounds richer. Brings a new definition to 'living on past glories'. Cheerio, Michael, shut the door on your way out - you won't be missed.<br /><br />With regards to the rest of the squad, no doubt the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">exodus</span> will start next week - rumours are legion, but I'm not paying too much attention. Far more pressing matters of managers/owners are taxing my thoughts...and depressing me. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Unfortunately</span>, I can see a fire sale of the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">talent</span> (such as it is) from the squad, and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">administration</span> is looming. A ten point deduction before we even start in the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Championship</span> - what joy.<br /><br />On a lighter note - I've mentioned in the past that I live fairly near Old <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">Trafford</span>. This week coming back from work a Audi R8 appeared in my rear view mirror... Immediate thought was "<span style="font-style: italic;">*tut* </span>footballer" I wasn't wrong, as he pulled next to me at the lights, I saw that the driver was <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">Fellaini</span> - him of the big hair fame. <br /><br />You heard it here first.<strong> </strong>Karen Toonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15167883548042160315noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2085573591531141907.post-71035757088086641182009-06-14T09:51:00.003+01:002009-06-14T10:20:06.908+01:00Doomed<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiImdnJ-7W0ELwiVm_g2UHGaQPDIkkvvccbRvndXHJZpiz0oLL3sjylQV2_xYh1nKd0BzSaHXSJgJ2ljT9705RYQ6gG285BDL_xjmuXP60gQyd96Qh581TsoQEHoRvxsorBxwPrHbfN-8/s1600-h/frazerDM1112_228x374.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 195px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiImdnJ-7W0ELwiVm_g2UHGaQPDIkkvvccbRvndXHJZpiz0oLL3sjylQV2_xYh1nKd0BzSaHXSJgJ2ljT9705RYQ6gG285BDL_xjmuXP60gQyd96Qh581TsoQEHoRvxsorBxwPrHbfN-8/s320/frazerDM1112_228x374.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347105957200480498" border="0" /></a><br />As the only thing that emanates from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">SJP</span> current is a deafening silence (<span style="font-style: italic;">maybe that's because Newcastle have </span><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/newcastle/article6390712.ece">sacked </a><span style="font-style: italic;">their head of media relations, oh no, I recall now Ashley has always been rubbish at communicating with his 'target audience'</span>) it is safe to assume that the club is rapidly disappearing around a metaphorical U-bend and if we aren't careful its looking likely that its <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">unlikely</span> ever to come back. <br /><br />No manager, playing staff who are pledging <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">allegiance</span> to their <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">lucrative</span> contracts with no <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">relegation</span> clauses in them (until a better offer comes along), an owner who invites bids for the club on email, a chairman who seems incapable of letting a word of truth escape from his lips - the list goes on and on. Even Shearer has given up on talking to the press.<br /><br />A triple whammy; years of poor team management, add in the recent financial <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">mismanagement</span>, and then a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">dollop</span> of relegation, mix them all together, leave to marinade for a season... Hey presto... I give you Leeds United. The final icing on this cake is the recent <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2009/feb/13/setanta-premier-league-television-deal"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Setanta</span> </a>woes, which is bound to have an effect on the TV money and therefore the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">shaky</span> financial <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">standing</span> of the club.<br /><br />The sun may be shining, but its very, very dark in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">SJP</span> at the moment.Karen Toonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15167883548042160315noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2085573591531141907.post-26884727237122989152009-05-25T09:24:00.009+01:002009-05-25T10:23:03.726+01:00New Adventures<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3ZnaOm5jWSQEAu6gLV3ZiYDJfGqyNUftshC59Lfi1K9iMNtz8nkXowR4miRCgVDdI92_AE8IwvoBnLToyDMHO_3mLh3f18EQF_OaXWg1T53c9Y959rsUWDTIKvb2jLyedHRHdLksM3b8/s1600-h/Villa+away.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3ZnaOm5jWSQEAu6gLV3ZiYDJfGqyNUftshC59Lfi1K9iMNtz8nkXowR4miRCgVDdI92_AE8IwvoBnLToyDMHO_3mLh3f18EQF_OaXWg1T53c9Y959rsUWDTIKvb2jLyedHRHdLksM3b8/s320/Villa+away.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339677298276146018" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153); font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Aston Villa 1 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Toon</span></span> 0</span><br /><br />Well, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">that's</span></span> it then, goodbye to the Premiership, goodbye to the hype, the overpaid and the under-performing. In the picture opposite is myself and my band of fellow <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Toon</span></span> suffers. The five of us who have been to a large number of the debacles that have been loosely termed as entertainment this season (spotted on Sky Sports by a colleague). All of us reached the end of this game and after a few rousing choruses of support for the team, slowly shuffled off and dispersed for the summer. No tears, no anger and no recriminations; just a quiet resignation.<br /><br />Before the game it felt like old times, thousands of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Geordies</span></span> grouped around pubs in Aston, singing, drinking and generally having a good time. The sun was shining, beer was flowing and everyone was determined to have a good time. It continued when we got into the ground. No fancy dress from the Newcastle fans this time, but just a steely determination to "<span style="font-style: italic;">Sing our hearts out for the lads</span>" And we did.<br /><br />Then the game kicked off. Typically, the players appeared anxious and nervy. About half way through the first half, news came through that Manure had scored against Hull, there was a ripple of excitement, but nothing too ecstatic - we could see what was happening on the pitch in front of us. Then the inevitable <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">happened</span>, a Barry punt from outside the penalty area, a huge deflection, one nil down... You just know its going to be one of those pub quiz questions in years to come "<span style="font-style: italic;">Who was the last player to score for Newcastle United in the Premiership?</span>" Only if it had been for us, rather than against us, eh Duff?<br /><br />This was a game that needed a hero on the pitch - the shame was that the 14 that appeared in the Black and White shirts were incapable or unmotivated to be that hero. The second half was pitiful - and expected. At the end of the game there was a raucous explosion of support for the team, no violence (despite what the police and stewards were expecting) no tears (despite what the Sky cameras <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSUj_4Foiv3fUwwk3yPaH_4SQ7p7gBe7nATs6ztwWgfK-SD6hg_nru62HdJ2yr7Ll90YiVr6JWjlB9TDKfCpiO3kllTvihTy7lTppi394O8aFX6KqLvZNdeuk_tEuCid1f81kVH3IcfK8/s1600-h/DSC01170.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSUj_4Foiv3fUwwk3yPaH_4SQ7p7gBe7nATs6ztwWgfK-SD6hg_nru62HdJ2yr7Ll90YiVr6JWjlB9TDKfCpiO3kllTvihTy7lTppi394O8aFX6KqLvZNdeuk_tEuCid1f81kVH3IcfK8/s320/DSC01170.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339684926419726386" border="0" /></a>were expecting) just a (semi) dignified out pouring of support for the team. It felt like a desperate attempt by a City to show the rest of the country that our club may make a mockery of the town, but the fans still have the pride. The players haven't been good enough, the management has been achingly poor, but there was a feeling that we'll be there long after the current wearers of the shirt and current incumbents of the directors box will have scuttled off from whence they came.<br /><br />I took this picture just after the final whistle, and for me this is why I'll be going back next season and the season after. Blind faith? quite possibly, but the sense of belonging is hugely powerful and alluring.<br /><br />So, the trip back up the M6 brought plans of trips to Preston, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Barnsley</span></span>, Blackpool and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Scunthorpe</span></span>, with an odd sort of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">optimism</span>. It may be a case of the morning-after-the-night- before, but its all quite exciting. New grounds to visit, new players to look forward to, quite <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">possibly</span> a new manager to look forward to (we all felt that at least Alan Shearer understood how the fans reacted). It was a case of looking forwards and not backwards - the Premiership is dead, long live the Championship.Karen Toonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15167883548042160315noreply@blogger.com1