Fast flowing football

Blackburn 3 Toon 1

Interesting day in the wilds of Lancashire - yes we got beat, again; yes we are slipping down the league table, again; and yes some of the numpties have been booing the team, again. But, to paraphrase a political party - the green shoots of a recovery where evident.

The passion and pride in playing for the shirt where evident across most of the team. The game could have just as easily finished 2-2 rather than another loss. Playing Smith and Martins up front gave us a nip and zip that had been lacking in recent weeks and restoring Milner to the team gives a sense of purpose. The defence is still a shambles at times, but the sooner that Faye gets back to fitness (went off after about 20 mins - must have been brought back too soon) and Beye, Taylor, Rozenhal, Cacapa (give him a 2nd chance?) Enrique (still not sure about him) and Carr (jury isn't so much out on him as already having him sent down) are sorted out then things will start to improve.

The highlights of the day where Martins goal and the ensuing bedlam, Stevie Harper warming up and suggesting that some of the fans had been drinking as we chanted "England's number one" at him and the blokes outside the pub chanting "dodgy perm" at a couple of septuagenarians who wandered past.

A personal highlight was the winning of a small side bet. Despite the pre-match doom and gloom I had a feeling that it would be a good game. It was (despite what the papers say) and fulfilled my prediction of the 3 Fs - Fast, flowing football. Most of all it was entertaining. Ok, we lost (see first sentence) but at least I had my half time pie paid for as a result of the change in attitude from the players - thanks lads.

Wednesday, Arsenal - hummm we'll see.

Mike Ashley - Media genius

I've been kicking this thought around for a few weeks now.... I think that Mike Ashley is playing a very clever PR game. It occurred to me at the mackem game and I've been mulling it over ever since. When he first arrived he was supposed to be this recluse (see Britain's answer to the late Howard Hughes. ) that would hardly be seen at the matches and wanted to stay out of the limelight. Well, he's not done that has he?

Firstly there was the wearing of the Toon top (with Alan Smith's name and number on - no pressure there then, Alan), followed up by stories about him going out on the lash and buying the whole of the pub a drink, and then the ultimate 'man of the people' move, joining the 'ordinary' Toon fans in the away end at the Stadium of Plight. I was so moved by this that I ventured that I'd happily marry him and bear his children after this (not likely for reasons far to numerous to mention...) And then I started thinking....

He's certainly a breath of fresh air after the attention seeking, self aggrandizing bucket of lard that was our previous chairman. He's endeared himself to the Toon army in the past few months in a way that Fat Fred and his sycophants never would have dreamed of - he's shown an understanding and tapped into the psyche of the Newcastle fan base beyond the comprehension of any of the previous owners of the club. So that's how... perhaps the most important question is why?

The cynic in me says its helps shift shirts... Shirts that are for sale in his sports shops up and down the country. After all we are the 3rd best supported club in England - and us barcodes like to buy a lot of shirts. However, I think its more than just that. Could it be that Mr Ashley is doing his market research? What better way to hear about your punters views than by listening to what is said in the pubs and on the terraces (well almost)?? Its a great way to do market research. Interesting when you think about it and also startlingly obvious.

But the thing that makes it work so well - is the lack of contact that he gives the media... What does he sound like? I've no idea, might be David Beckham or maybe Sean Connery. I'm happy not knowing. It all helps preserve his mystique - and long may it continue

Hello

Welcome to the musings of a 40+ female Newcastle United fan, who wishes that I didn't have to suffer this affliction.... Never blogged before, never thought that anyone would be even vaguely interested... But lets see...

A little about me - I'm a Toon exile. Born and bred in Newcastle (its still 'home') but now living in the shadow of Old Trafford. I went to my first game at the age of 7, stood in the Gallowate end and saw Supermac and John Tudor taken on the then mighty Leeds United. Apparently the score was 3-3... however my abiding memory was being really confused when Supermac was taken off with an injury. I wanted him to stay on the pitch and help us win. Needless to say I was hooked.

Now I get to go to away games only (much more fun anyway) and managed not to see us win for about 2 years. I had the misfortune to be at Coventry when we lost 4-0, Man U (lost 5-1, and the 1 was an o.g.) Wigan ( lost 1-0 against their 2nd team in the Coca Cola Cup) Derby (lost 1-0
to quite possibly the worst team in the Premiership ever) However, I was also at the win at Blackburn (3-0), Bolton (3-1), saw Shearer's 150th goal (against Bradford, I think) and his 200th (against Man U).... Anyway you get the idea.

The aim of this pointless wittering is :-

a) to help my ailing memory
b) to allow me to vent my frustration at being almost, but not quite, good enough as a football team
c) to encourage me to write

Feel free to read, comment and contradict - its just good to know that someone has taken the time to read (unless you are a mackem of course)