Conference trucks::football;1

Well, it never was much of a struggle to get in here first! Not much news, but 
a few titbits picked up from a flying visit last weekend:

Most of preseason sems to have been spent in obscure parts of Sweden - 
apparently we beat someone 11-2 and IF-Rimbo 6-1. Quinn is said to have scored 
12 goals in 7 games. Seven games already, they'll be knackered!

Apparently Ossie can't decide between Srnicek and Wright for 'keeper, so 
they've both been playing (should keep the GAgainst  column low!). Burridge has 
gone to Hibs on a month's loan.

Franz Carr has also been a success so far.

Last weekend saw us win 4-1 at Morton, Quinn and Peacock getting 2 each.

The team appears to have got lots of youngsters in now, but I've no names.

A local bookie has us joint favourites with Sunderland for promotion! (Wonder 
if it's the same in Derby, Wolverhampton, Millwall etc etc?)

Can anyone enter the full fixture list? All I've got is the latest BlacknWhite 
which has all of the away games (only) complete with cryptic one-liners about 
each ground (do you know which is the only League pitch to be surrounded by 
potted plants?!)

Talk to you soon,

grahame

    
    
    	Re : -1
    
    	Swindon Towns ground ?
    
    Paul. 

Well done, Paul - so you DO listen to things I tell you!

More urgently, the first game of the season is this SUNDAY, 18 August, at 
Upton Park against Charlton. The Met have made their obligatory presence felt 
and insisted on a 1pm kickoff.

grahame

    GASH,
    
    Charlton vs Newcastle at Upton Park ?? I can just see the quiz
    question on "Question of Sport" in a few years:
    
    "Which London ground did Charlton NOT play a Home game at?"
    
    ... and of course West Ham is a bugger to get to anyway from Reading
    normally let alone at the mercy of BR Sunday service.
    
    Regards,
    
    Andrew.D.Wicks

Hi Andy,

Yes, it's a confusing season for all of those people who try to get to all of 
the League grounds - are they called the 92 Club or something? Now there's 93, 
and that's just counting Charlton once!

West Ham's no problem from Paddington. Much easier than Selhurst - and I don't 
even know where The Valley is! I feel a Sunday outing coming on ,. .

g

    
    The best way to the Valley via B.R is from Charing cross or London 
    Bridge. However even if they were still at Selhurst Park they would
    have been unable to play there as the ground has building work
    unfinished and the cops have declared it unsafe.
     By the way is Waddle staying where he is or is he still talking to
    British clubs NUFC included. Also why did we show no apparent interest
    in Beardsley who must be considered cheap at 1 million.
     Also has anyone seen Wonder kid Watson's throw in style, the boys
    going to go far.
     

Newcastle played their last (presumably) friendly last Saturday against Ujpest 
Dosza (of Hungary) and won 3-0. Now that brought back memories - but 
unfortunately, not all THAT clearly, so any corrections are expected and 
welcome!

Ujpest were, of course, the team we beat to win the European Inter-Cities Fairs 
(now UEFA) Cup way back in 1969, in our first season in Europe. The first leg, 
at home in front of the usual 60 000 crowd was won 3-0. We always did well at 
home, with all the advantages we had. For instance I remember a beating of the 
Portuguese side Vitoria Setubal 5-1 - in a February snowstorm! Not fair really.

Anyway, the second leg could have reversed this easily. Ujpest were 2-0 in no 
time at all, as the occasion had got to our lads. Then came one of the great 
half-time talks and they came out and played as if back at St James. Three 
goals went in, including a pitch-long dribble by Alan Foggon for the last one. 
Champions - 6-2 on aggregate. Now why can't we have European finals like that 
these days?!

The best feature of that cup in those days was the wonderful rule that only one 
club per city could enter. So with London, Manchester and Liverpool sides 
missing out, Newcastle qualified in 10th place! Even more bizarrely, the 
holders didn't automatically qualify, but we did get in again in 1969, this 
time by finishing 9th! That season we went out to Anderlecht (?) in the 
quarter-final who lost to Leeds (??) in the final. And Arsenal won the 
following year.

Team members? Well, probably, Iam (Willie in his later years!) McFaul, Wyn 
Davies, Pop Robson, Jim Iley, Alan Foggon, Dave Elliott (?) aarrgghh, can 
anyone help?!

grahame

    
    Anybody have the Mags result from Sunday ????
    

One o'clock on Sunday lunchtimes is traditionally Geordie's time for curing 
last night's hangover with more of what caused it. And for most of this game 
Newcastle played as if they'd rather have been in the pub! Charlton generally 
showed more will to win, and deserved their win after creating far more 
chances.

Having said that, I'm still optimistic. The new style is working well, though 
only in part of the team! The back four always play the ball around, typically 
using O'Brien to take it forward. Something then goes wrong further up, as the 
final pass to Quinn, Peacock or Carr never arrived. This could have been caused 
by the early injury to Brock, but he was never the most astute of passers 
anyway. Now if we made an offer for Neil Webb . . .!

Good signs were 3 out of the back four (Watson's distribution was appalling), 
and the workrate of Clark and Quinn. Bad signs were Srnicek, who held hardly 
anything - leading to the first goal, Carr's insistence on keepuing the 
ball,and the lack of the killer pass up front. We could struggle without it.

Team: Srnicek; Watson (Robinson), Scott, Bradshaw, Elliott; O'Brien, Clark, 
Brock (Roche); Carr, Quinn, Peacock.

Good to see Carr score, though the hard work was done by Roche, who was playing 
right-back by then. My MOM were Elliott, Bradshaw (though where was he for the 
second goal?) and Roche.

Next game is home to Watford on Saturday, and expectations will be high.

grahame

    
    Grahame,
    
    		Can you please reenter the fixture list if you still have
    it with you.... Unfortunately I forgot to print it...
    
    
    Keith.

17 Aug	    A	Charlton A		1-2	Carr
24 Aug	    H	Watford			2-2	Hunt Clark
27 Aug	    A	Middlesbrough		0-3
31 Aug	    A	Bristol Rovers		2-1	O'Brien Quinn

 4 Sep	    H	Plymouth		2-2	Carr Quinn
 7 Sep	    A	Tranmere		2-3	Clark O'Brien
14 Sep	    H 	Wolves
18 Sep	    H 	Ipswich
21 Sep	    A 	Millwall
25 Sep	RC2 A	Crewe Alexandra
28 Sep	    H 	Derby

 1 Oct	ZC2 A	Tranmere
 5 Oct	    A 	Portsmouth
 9 Oct	RC2 H 	Crewe Alexandra
12 Oct	    H	Leicester
19 Oct	    H 	Oxford
23 Oct	    H	Southend
26 Oct	    A	Bristol City

 2 Nov	    A	Swindon
 6 Nov	    H	Cambridge
 9 Nov	    H	Grimsby
17 Nov	    A	Sunderland
23 Nov	    H 	Blackburn
30 Nov	    A	Barnsley

 7 Dec	    H	Port Vale
14 Dec	    A	Brighton
21 Dec	    A	Plymouth
26 Dec	    H	Middlesbrough
28 Dec	    H 	Bristol Rovers

 1 Jan	    A	Southend
 4 Jan	FA3
11 Jan	    A	Watford
18 Jan	    H	Charlton
25 Jan	FA4

 1 Feb	    A	Oxford
 8 Feb	    H 	Bristol City
15 Feb	    A	Blackburn
22 Feb	    H	Barnsley
29 Feb	    A	Port Vale

 7 Mar	    H	Brighton
11 Mar	    A	Cambridge
14 Mar	    H	Swindon
21 Mar	    A	Grimsby
29 Mar	    H	Sunderland

 1 Apr	    A	Wolves
 4 Apr	    H 	Tranmere
11 Apr	    A	Ipswich
18 Apr	    H	Millwall
20 Apr	    A	Derby
25 Apr	    H 	Portsmouth

 2 May	    A	Leicester

    
    
    So another startling home defeat by all accounts........ S*%t...
    
    
    	Newcastle United 1  Wolves 2
    
    
    All I actually know is that there were two own goals (1-1) and Bull
    scored the second for Wolves. The only thing to console me when I saw
    the result was that the Mackems got stuffed 5-3.
    
    K.
    

United's 'goal' came just 7 mins from the end as well. Apparently, we played 
with Peacock at right back instead of Watson, so with about 6 forwards on the 
pitch we still couldn't score!

No substitutions either . . 

g

    
    The Millwall winner was scored in the 89th minute....... Stunning ehh!
    I read a report in one of the Sunday papers and it sounds pretty
    dismal. Six points from nine games and we are now 16 points behind the
    Boro who still lead the table after drawing. I read Friday nights
    Evening Chronicle and apparently the average attendance has to be 22k,
    or the other way of saving the club is to allow Sir John Hall (the
    metro centre bloke) to buy a majority share holding in the club. What a
    future to look forward to..... BTW Franz Carr won the Hennessy (sp)
    cognac Newcastle player of the month award for August.. Wow !! We've
    also got a new wonder striker (can't remember his name) on loan from
    the Celtic reserve team. Ossie was quoted as saying that he expects
    this new guy to team up with Quinn and lead Newcastle back into the 1st
    division. This guys got a proven track record of goal scoring... He
    scored a hat-trick in his last reserve team match against someone like
    Hamilton accies !!!
    
    Looking forward to reading the next stunning match report.
    
    K.

    
    Andy Walker is loan from Celtic. Mike Quinn is a tub of lard.
    
    Tim
    
    ps That wasn't Neilson's 1st game of the season, though I can't
    remember which game he played in. 

    
    Good result at Crewe last night, I see. 3-0 down after 30 mins, then
    Hunt scored. Peacock scored with a 35 yarder (I bet!!) just before the
    break to make it 3-2 at halft time. In the 2nd half, Peacock scored two
    more (from close range) to complete a memorable hatrick. Final Score
    Crewe 3 Newcastle (United on this occasion) 4.
    
    Tim

... I can't help saying that I was surprised how bad Quinn was against
Milwall. Maybee that just reflects how long it's been since I saw him
play last (last season's games in E London; W Ham, Milwall and Charleton).

The other thing that surprised me was how good Gavin Peacock was (beard 
or no beard!). 

ps Can someone fill me in why a John Hall buy-out would be a bad thing?

    re -1
    
    Yes, Quinn has been sh*** all season. He gets right on my nerves. So
    many attacks break down through off-side because he's such a sloth
    about getting back from the previous attack.
    
    Re A John Hall take over. Well, I wouldn't be too unhappy. I remember
    him saying that if he was to take over the club he'd want to protect
    his investment. ie make it very profitable. Bearing in mind that he's
    a faily successful business man. I think we could do worse (the current
    board for example).

Re: a John Hall takeover

Now that I think back, who was behind the proposal to sell St James'
to move to a Gateshead location?

    
    Well, Sir James did mention it (and a ground share with Blunderland)
    but I think he was just trying to be a sensationalist. Actually, a move
    to the Metrocentre would suit me down to the ground, as its only a mile
    from my parents' house in Whickham.
    
    Tim       

    
    I can see St James's becoming a big shopping centre... me self.
    Or what about a change of name to HALL LAND (like Metroland) thats
    where the amusements are !!! Mind you the Metrocentre wouldn't be too
    bad, my family live in Whickham aswell.
    
    K.

    
    Well,
    
    That's a co-incidence, where abouts in Whickham. My parents live in
    Oakfield Road, Grange Estate.
    
    Tim 

    
    Marlow Way, just off Oakfield Road opposite the FELLSIDER.
    
    Keith.

    
    Really, that's incredible. I would think that there's probably a very
    good chance that we've met already, if you frequent the Fellsider!!!
    
    Re a couple back, I of course meant John Hall not James Hall who is a
    friend and nothing at all to do with John. I need a break :-(
    
    Tim

    
    Another draw at home 2-2 against Derby. We were 2-0 down with 12 mins
    to go. Someone scored (moght have been HUNT) after 78 mins. Then Quinn
    scored his 200th league goal (about bl**dy time) after 79 mins.

    
    NEWCASTLE were playing at Tranmere last night, in the ZDS cup. The
    game went into extra time at 3-3 (Quinn (2),Peakcock).In extra time.
    Tranmere scored 2 quick goals to lead 5-3. Newcastle replied with
    3 goals (Quinn,Peakcock and Clarke) to lead 6-5 with 2 mins to go.
    Aldridge then scored a pen to take the tie into penalties. We missed 3,
    Tranmere scored 3 and so we go out.
    
    I've got the game on Video if anyone wants it (It was live on
    Satellite).
    
    Tim

    
    Tim,
        I may get in touch with you about the video if I can't find anyone
    here that taped the match. It would be nice to see TGA in a full length
    match for his new club.
    
    Cunno.

    
    As I was dying of boredom last night (I live in Newbury), I decided to 
    watch Newcastle's game with Tranmere again, to get some statistics.
    
    Well:
    
    Newcastle had 11 chances in the first half, 7 in the second, One in the
    1st period of extra time and 3 in the last period. This does NOT
    include the six goals Newcastle scored.
    
    Andy Hunt had 11 attempts at goal, scoring none. He did play well
    though.
    
    The ref played 4 mins 50 secs of injury time in extra time. I counted
    only maximum 1 min 20 secs of injury time (in extra time). John
    Aldridge scored a very dubious penalty 4 mins into injury time.
    
    Tim

    Re: -1
    
    Cue Cunno - beat that if you can !!!!!
    
    
    		Brian.
    

    re .26,
    
    I bet Grahame Ash would love a copy of the video wouldn't he?? (:==:).
    
    Regards,
    
    Andrew.D.Wicks

I'd rather see a video of us losing 6-0 that have to sit through yet another 
Liverpool - ManU game like yesterday's!

Well, it must be about time for the revival to start mustn't it? Bottom of the 
table after going down 3-1 to Jim Smith's Portsmouth (another goal for Quinn - 
sorry Tim!), and Middlesbrough conspiring to lose to Bristol R, the only team 
we've beaten!

FWIW, I see Ian St John said we played well last Wednesday . . .

grahame

    
    Yes,a revival is due, but we are playing well and getting nothing out
    of matches. But remeber, we've got a lot of quality people out injured at 
    the mo:
    
    Kristensen (one of the best Danish international centre halves in our
    squad),
    
    Ray Ranson (our best Ex-England B right back that used to play for Man C.),
    
    John Anderson (our best errr... our utility defender).
    
    Kevin Brock (he's got a head-ache!!!)
    
    Hmmm. Perhaps now is the time to PANIC.

    
    bit of news off CEEFAX - Micky Quinn's damaged a knee and could be out
    for the rest of the season.
    
    Still, he should be fit to kick off in the third division... :-)
    
    Paul

>>Yes,a revival is due, but we are playing well and getting nothing out
>>    of matches.

I can't help agreeing with that (as I also indicated in .19)

In the few matches I saw this and last season it's clear that it looks
like the team is playing much better this season compared to last.

Trouble is it only LOOKS better. I think it's that way 'cos this
season the team seem to be using an Italian style (build up from the
back, pass the ball skilfully around and play a through ball to a
well placed striker whose made a space) rather than a Wimbledon 
style (long ball to a goal-hanger).

I believe it's not working because Quinn's simply not up to it.
(He's just not the kind of player who'll make space for a through ball
aka Gary Lineker).

I'd like to see the Tranmere match to get an idea of how the team
was scoring but I think it'll confirm my match-day impressions.
(I only half saw it in a Spanish bar with my mates all of whom
are Palace supporters, hence my notes in topic 44.)

I can't help thinking that either Ossie needs to make some team 
changes or he needs to go. My preference obviously is that he make
some changes but it seems that that might be impossible. The
situation is not good and I feel embarrassed.

Anyone notice that Roy Aitken's been recalled to the Scotish side.

    
    That paints a picture (not sure wot though!!)

    Newcastle beat Crewe 1-0 at home last night to go through to the second
    round of the Rumbelows cup. An 87th minute goal by Sub Steve Howey was
    enough to give us our first (yes first) home win of the season. So, we
    win 5-3 on aggregate.
    
    I was just thinking, this is the worst NUFC team (according to position 
    in table) since I was born. Thinking back, they don't seem as quite as
    bad as the team in the pre Keegan era or the late seventies. 
    
    Does anybody have a worst team (players do not have to have played
    together)? Heres mine:
    
    1)Dave McKellar
    2)Malcom Brown
    3)Wesley Saunders
    4)Albert Craig
    5)Jeff Clarke (for his distribution)
    6)Kevin Scott (yes!)
    7)Kenny Wharton
    8)Steve Carney
    9)Rob McDonald
    10)Frank Pingel
    11) Ian Stewart
    
    Anybody think of a worse one? (apart from the current 11)
    
    Tim   

God, what a nightmare, having to watch that lot! Still, that's the way to take 
the mind off the current ills - yes, it really could get worse!

But surely we don't really believe we're as bad now as when that lot were 
around? The style this season (and style it definitely is!) is so completely 
different to anything these players have seen before. It's bound to take a 
while to iron out the problems (the holes in the defence, and a Czech keeper 
who has to adjust to English football). 

Luckily, with 46 games this season, we might just have time to do it!
And talking of Ossie going is just pointless. He should be given time (at 
least 2, probably 3 seasons - even if the unthinkable happens!) to show he can 
make it work.

I think we can still get something out of this season. The 2nd division is not 
as good as last year or the year before, and once the youngsters get the hang 
of the new style, start scoring a few and the confidence grows we'll soon see 
them rising again

(Wonder what was in the soup this dinnertime?!!)

grahame

>>>And talking of Ossie going is just pointless.

You're right, sorry.

PS Nice to see the Sunderland League Cup result, no?

    Re .34,
    
    With the season Liverpool and Wales (Rugby) are having it is small
    moments of pleasure like seeing a Guardian Weekly with a second
    division table that has Newcastle at the bottom that keep me going!!
    
    regards,
    
    Andrew.D.Wicks

    
    Who's at the bottom?!!!!

    
    Lee Clark plays for the under-21's tonight, at Elm Park Reading. He's
    only 18 and has been one of the few bright spots this season.
    Apparently, he scored an 18yrd volley on Saturday, during our 2-0 home
    win against Leicester (our first in the league). Andy Hunt (who is a
    good player, but normally can't hit a barn door from 2 yards) scored
    the other goal. 
    
    Gavin McGuire, who's on loan from Pompey (J H.C, he must be bad if he 
    can't get into Pompey's first team - sorry Dave) was playing at centre-half
    and by all accounts had a good game. Pavel played a blinder in goal, 
    stopping 2 certain goals in the 1st half.
                 
    Tim

Tim, don't worry about Andy - as he says he has problems enough supporting 
Liverpool and Wales. Mind you, he has become abit more aggressive in his 
tackling since he moved to 4000 miles away from me instead of 40 feet!

Yes, good win on Sat - what's happened to Leicester, didn't they start off 
really well? With no Manc/Mersey/Norflandan teams to cover last weekend the 
poor hacks had to slum it in the 'Football League' (though some poor bugger in
the Guardian even got to Wycombe v Telford!), so we got a good write-up. Good 
to see Pavel settling down - looks as if Ossie was right to persevere with 
him (though I see Tommy Wright is still in the NI squad).

Great shame I won't be able to join the Elm Park throng tonight to see Clark 
(and let's hope he doesn't play too well, or he'll be at Arsenal by the 
weekend!)

grahame

    
    I was going to see Lee Clarke play tonight, but as its now 19:15 and
    I'm STILL BL**DY here, I don't think I can make it to Elm Park for
    19:45. Customers always have crises at ill-opportune moments.
    
    Re Leicester:
    
    Before we kid ourselves that we are any good, by beating a team in the top
    five, we need to note that they have now lost 4 of their last 5 matches.
    
    I see that you're still reading the Guardian then Grahame. I bought
    several papaers at the weekend and only the Sunday Post had a review of
    the game. It also features a column from Dave Hilley each week. He
    talks at length about the Toon. It even has TTTV as the main ITV telly
    column. Shame the rest of it is so boring really.
    
    Tim

And according to said paper, Lee didn't make the team last night anyway! So no 
wasted journey, Tim.

Dave Hilley? Now there's a name from a LONG time ago. And remember who he 
played with - Alan Suddick, a real star who would have played for England if 
he'd played for a 'Big Five' team. Sigh . . .

g

    
    
    
    Is the Gavin Maguire the same one who played for Wales last night ?
    
    If so who's going to mark him on SAturday , SCOTT ???????
    
    
    Nice backpass ,  he should really bolster your defense
    
    Bill

    
    
    To be fair Bill, He's only on loan and a centre half at that.
    
    Tim

    
    A colleague of mine reckons we've signed someone on loan.
    Unfortunately, he can't remember who it is (the plonker). All he can
    tell me is that he's a stricker (reputably of good quality). Does
    anyone know who he is?
    
    Tim.

It's Justin Fashanu, who's played for everyone except us so far! Trouble is, I 
can't remember who has him at the moment. Not an Ardiles sort of player I'd 
have thought, but having a big striker does seem to be the way these days 
(Hughes, Smith, Chapman, Casc . . . well, maybe not!)

grahame

    
    	Nice boy, Justin..
    
    	..reckon there'll be a few pound coins stuck to the floor in
    	the showers at St.James' over the coming weeks...;-)
 
    	Andy.

    
    
    Oh Gawd, not THAT Fashanu. His life will be made an absolute misery.
    Its Franz Carr & Mickey Quinn that I feel sorry for though (they've got a 
    gammy leg each). Keep your backs to the wall lads.
    
    Tim

	Is that the same Justin Fashanu that turned out for
	Toronto Blizzard in the Canadian Soccer League final
	a couple of weeks ago?

	Tony

	P.S. Toronto lost to Vancouver

Hey, come on guys, stick to the football . . .

Re -1, surely there can't be more than one Justin Fashanu?!

btw, he's only here 'on trial' which implies to me that he's not with a club 
at the moment - anyone know?

g

    
    <<It's how he performs on the pitch which counts>>
    
    fnurr! snork!

We were due to be playing Southend tonight, but they were busy last night 
losing (just!) to the FEs in the ZDS - anyone know if there's a new date for 
it?

g

    
    
    Yes, it was mentioned in the programme on Saturday. Its due to take
    place on the date that a replay is planned (if necessary) against
    Peterborough in the Rumbelows. Unfortunately, I don't know when that
    is. I'll find out though.
    
    Tim..

Yet another late goal denied us 2 points on Saturday at Bristol C after Clark 
had given us the lead. Still, now we're back up to the dizzy heights of 20th . 
. . match report, Tim?

Away to Peterborough in the League Cup tonight - no easy game here, though 
none of them seem to be these days.

Carr and Neilson are crocked, Stimson, Peacock and Elliott (?) are doubtful.
Called up are Watson (due another try by now I'd have thought?), Bradshaw and
Archie Gourlay. If our home record was better I'd be happy with a draw!

grahame

    re -.1
    
    Sorry Grahame, I decided to watch the Rugger instead. A mate went
    though. He said: "We woz robbed Jim, I'm as sick as a parrot John. But
    to be fair the boy Roche played good.He done well. Football's a game of 
    90 minutes, we played for 87. " or words to that effect (I must
    rembember not to be seen in public with this guy).
    
    Apparently, enterprising approach play was converted into a string of
    chances which, in true Newcastle fashion, were missed. Roche and Clarke
    had good games. Newcastle dominated the first hour but then slipped
    slightly and handed the initiative to City. Tommy Wright pulled of some
    outstanding saves in the closing moments, but Bristol scored in the
    87th min to give them a scarcely deserved point.
    
    Re the Posh game: If I find out soon enough that the game is *not* all
    ticket for away fans I'll go, even if another 5 players are out
    injured.
    
    Tim 
                                                     

    
    I hear Ossie signed Fashanu on load to play "just behind" the front 2
    to make them run faster !!!!!!

Rumbelow's League Cup Round 3

Peterborough 1	Newcastle 0

Another goal just 6 minutes from the end ensures we don't enter the uncharted 
waters of the 4th Round. And Peterborough have now seen both Fashanus out of 
the Cup!

g

    
    Peterboro' haven't lost at home in that round of the cup for 30 years.
    We were never in it last night. Thankfully, I decided not to go.
    
    Tim

    
    Looks as though Carr is on his way to Palace in a swap deal for Bodin.
    I know our defence is bad but I would have thought that selling our
    best player this season (in the games he's played) would be a bit daft.
    Bodin is a left back and I think was at Swindon with Ossie. I can't
    understand it.

Well, it's taken me 3 days to get up the energy to write this one!

	Swindon 2	Newcastle 1

And if Swindon has had anyone who could shoot (didn't see Shearer the entire 
game) it could have been more. First half was fairly even, but we looked more 
ragged than of late - Scott just booted the ball everytime which at least was 
safe, but of course, it just came back again. 

Swindon took the lead just before HT from a corner when they won the corner and 
the rsulting header in the 6 yard box. The second half was mostly Swindon - 
they look a solid side, playing 3 at the back and the full backs used as 
wingers. As Newcastle pushed forward more desperately towards the end it was 
the No 2 who got away with half the pitch to himself. he had time to wait for 
someone to get inside the box to make it 2-0. And then Peacock got one back in 
the last minute.

New boys in the team:

Wright; Bradshaw, Scott, Appleby, Stimson;
Clark, O'Brien, Roche
Peacock, Howey, Hunt (Thompson 75)

Average age must be about 20! O'Brien looked like a fish out of water playing 
further forward. Every single decent Newcastle thing came from Lee Clark - here 
we go again . . . Hunt was anonymous and deserved to go off.

Home games tonight against Cambridge (not too optimistic about this!), and 
Grimsby on Saturday - we'll definitely beat them!!

grahame

    
    We almost have a *whole* team out injured (that are better than the
    current team). They are:
    
     1) Srnicek    (just about finding his form although Wright has done well
    		    since he came in).
     2) Ranson     (Superb with Brock down the right).
     3) Anderson   (A right back or centre half but better than Elliot/Stimson
    		    at left back or Bradshaw/Appleby at c/half)
     6) Kristensen (Class!)
     7) Brock	   (imho on his day,one of the best right sided midfielders in 
    		    the country).
     9) Quinn	   (I hate him, but he's better than Howey)
    10) Carr	   (the best winger in the 2nd div)
    11) Gallagher  (Better than Roche but a different kind of player).
    
    
    Well, there's 8 players who would get back straight in the team. No
    wonder we're having problems.
    
    Incidently, Ossie has disposed of Fashanu's services because, he wasn't
    match fit.
    
    Tim  

    
>    Well, there's 8 players who would get back straight in the team. No
>    wonder we're having problems.
    
Couldn't agree more, Tim. (Though we don't want to sound too much like the 
Liverpool note do we?!)

>    Incidently, Ossie has disposed of Fashanu's services because, he wasn't
>    match fit.

Did you see he played last night? For Leatherhead in the Diadora Second 
Division!

grahame

    
    We drew at home last night with Cambridge 1-1. Hunt scoring our goal
    in the 90th minute. Lucky?
    
    Tim

Well, 3 more precious points and don't worry too much about how we got them! 
Goals by Hunt and Howey. Yet another lineup:

Wright; Roche, Scott, Appleby, Stimson;
O'Brien, Brock, Thompson;
Peacock, Hunt, Howey

Interesting names on the bench: Watson came on for Brock near the end (let's 
hope he's not crocked again) and John Gallacher at last back in the squad. 

Next game - Joker Park next Sunday. Only 4 points behind them, and the first 
game since that awful night last year. Let's hope, at the very least, for no 
trouble . . .

grahame

Mick Quinn is reportedly hoping to be fit in the New Year (presumably that's 
HIS standard of fitness!), rather than being out for the rest of the season. 
I'd say that's good news, as we could do with a bit more oomph up front - and 
he's got plenty of that.

g

    
    Newcastle have 40k to play with after selling Scott Sloan (a friend's
    cousin) to Falkirk. 
    
    Alan Thompson played on Saturday after being told he'd never play again 
    after his (or a friend's) mini overturned on the A1. Sounds like he had 
    a good game. The reason that he played, was due to an injury to Lee
    Clark, who fell over on his ankle in the tunnel(!!!!) prior to the kick
    off. He has a stress fracture and will be out for some time. This is
    very grave news indeed.
    
    Tim

You're right - that's terrible news about Lee Clark. he's one of the few who 
looks as if he knows what he's doing these days (at least once he gets onto 
the pitch!).

And we hear of the death of Lord Westwood, ex-chairman of Newcastle and the 
Football League. And it can't be coincidence that they were, in his day, two 
of the most hidebound and blinkered organisations around! During his spell in 
charge at Newcastle we won the Fairs Cup and reached 2 Wembley Finals in 3 
years (glossing over the results). The apparent upshot was the building of the 
east Stand and the knocking-down of the Leazes End, so now ALL of the standing 
supporters could get soaked!

According to an obituary, he was known as Lord Bill. All I ever heard him 
called was 'Westwood Out!'.

grahame

    
    I used to call him Willy Patch. Can't remember why though. But to be
    fair to him least we actually won something under him. Stan Seymour
    (the younger, even though he was about 150 when he got the job), W.
    Gordon McKeag and George Forbes haven't evan done that.
    
    Tim 

    GASH,
    
    Little did you know that John Durnin is an ex-Liverpool player!!!
    
    The parallel between Durnin and TGA is too good an opportunity
    for TGC to miss as both played for both Oxford and Liverpool.
    
    I hear you signed a ex-Cardiff player up there also - are things
    that desperate??
    
    Regards,
    
    Andrew.D.Wicks

    
    Re: Stimpson.
    
    Put it like this: We opted to play a 17 year old with no previous
    league experience and was useless anyway in preference to Stimson.
    IMHO he's a bit of a girls blouse who thinks who thinks tackle is
    something to do with fishing (NO!! not even sex as well).
    Still he's got a nice hair cut.
    
    Tim

    
    Sounds like we should have stuffed the Mackems on Sunday. Davenport
    scored after 21 mins totally against the run of play. Sunderland then
    got a bit of a grip until half time. Newcastle dominated the second
    half with their crisp, short passing game. O'Brien equalised in the
    59th mion with a delightful lob from the edgle of the box. Hunt should
    have wrapped things up late on, but made a mess of his chance.
    
    Tim. 

    
    Just heard that Mirandinha is coming back in January. Great!!!!
    
    TIM

Shame about yesterday, but their luck can't run forever. Still, at least the 
kids couldn't have been overawed by the occasion - about as big as they get at 
Roker Park!

Weird news about Mira - any idea what he's been doing for the time he's been 
away? Seeing as how Ossie has got everyone obsessed with passing the ball 
these days, maybe he'll use Mira to add some variety?!

Two more home games this week: Southend on Wednesday (have we EVER played them 
before?) and mighty Blackburn on Saturday. Should be a great game - Dalglish 
seems to be getting results there already.

grahame

    
    He went back to Brazil to play for the club that he used to play for
    before us. (Fluminize??). He then went to play on the continent. Some
    Belgian 2nd division side I think. 
    I think he'll do well in the current team as they're a more skillful lot 
    than when he was last here. I can still remember him hitting the post, 
    with a drive from 45 yards against Liverpool. He should have no excuse
    for not passing now.
    
    He used to live in the same street as GAZZA's parents live in now.
    (useless piece of info).
    
    Tim
                        

    Mira has actually been playing on loan for another Brazilian team
    after not being able to get into his own teams first squad.
    He's only coming across for aholiday and has asked if hi can train with
    the town. Hopefully after that he will go back home as the players are
    now starting to play with greater confidence and can do without the
    unnerving effects, and if the passed is anything to go by double
    crossing and lying. 

    
    Could you refresh my memory about the double crossing and lying?
    
    Cheers,
    
    Tim

    
    Thank God that we've mananged to oust the Seymours. Small minded, no
    ambition. If Sir John is investing his own money, I feel sure that
    we'll see a turn-around. 
    
    Do you have any information on Shepherd and McVickers? Are they filthy
    rich?
    
    Tim

News of tonight's first ever League game v Southend is that Stimson (thought 
we'd sold him?!) and Watson both start. 

And Quinn is now hoping to make his comeback next month.

grahame

    
    We won 3-2.
    
    Peacock 2 and Hunt.
    
    Any more details?
    
    Tim

    Newcastle looked the strongest I've seen them this season (at least in
    the first half).
    They started the game with Ossies style of football with alot of
    passing and this style paid of with Peacock managing to get clear only
    to be brought down in the box for a penalty,Peacock by the way although
    deserving this was more deserving of an oscar for his dive and roll.
    Peacock scored easily and when several minutes later he managed to get
    a toe to the ball in the confusion in the box he got a deserving second
    and it looked like the flood gates were about to open.
    Southend then picked up on a chance given to them by Newcastles still
    far from perfect defense an brought the score to 2-1.
    Hunt however took us into the interval at 3-1 with a superb diving
    header from 8 yards out.
    The second half Newcastle lost their grip and started to play the long
    ball up the pitch .From then on it was Newcastle feeling the pressure
    and it looked like a totally different team had come out for the second
    half.Southend got their second goal to late on in the match however and 
    Newcastle managed to hold out till the end, just.
    One last point , super kid WAtson started to show his form of last
    season and was the inpiration behind most of our attacks in the second
    half. 

    
    Thanks for that Barry,
    
    Tim

    News in the Oxford press is that the Durnin/Stimson/cash deal has fallen
    through but is not entirely dead.  i get the feeling that thisisdue to
    the boardroom shake up at Newcastle.
    
    Any more details ??
    
    		Brian.

    
    At a guess, I would say that it's something to do with the FRANZ CARR for
    BODIN+cash (of Palace) swap that's been put on ice until Carr's knee injury
    clears up. Bodin is a left back and if we get him then we'll probably
    off-load Stimson.
    
    Well possibly anyway.
    
    Tim

Thanks for the report a few back - could you list the team please? was Watson 
playing in midfield? He's certainly not a good idea at fullback.

grahame

    Newcastle -v- Southend team line up,
                               Wright , Watson , Scott, O'Brian , Appleby ,
    Roach , Howey , Peacock , Hunt , Stimpson , Thompson.
    
    Subs-: Bradshaw for Stimpson
           Brock for Hunt
     
    Watson is still at full back, but seemed to be playing a very attacking
    game going on long runs up the wing, especially in the second half.
                   

    
    I was at home at the weekend but I didn't manage to get to the match as
    I was blocked in at the metro centre by a 2CV driver. Naturally, I was
    slighty upset. It was my birthday as well ;-( . I did feel a whole lot
    better after "talking" the thing through with the driver. What makes it
    worse was that my picture would have been in the Pink that evening in
    the "face in the crowd" competion as two of my mates were in it.
    
    But back to the football. Incredibly, Ossie apparently asked Super K to
    play for us on Saturday against Blackburn. Kev said that he'd had an
    accident in his house and wasn't upto it. Keegan was a fine player but
    I'd think it unlikely that he'd be able to cut it after 7 years out of the
    game and being 39 to boot. the game itself ended goalless with us
    having more chances but with Blackburn always slightly having the edge
    in midfield. I've got the PINK if anyone wants to borrow it.
    
    The new directors to join the board are all mutli-millionares, and they
    expect to raise 2m with a rights issue. If that happens, then they may
    buy Joe Allon from Chelsea (We are currently trying to get him on
    loan).
    
    Cheers,
    
    Tim

Take a look at today's telegraph (there's a special on NUFC)

 
    So you read the SUN now then Grahame?
    
    Anyway David Kelly is really crap. I can't remember ever seeing any
    other forward miss as many open goals as him. I saw him hit the post
    from 2 feet once.
    
    You're right when you say that we need tightening at the back. Paul
    Bodin would be a good but at left back. John Anderson is near to
    fitness as is Benny K so we are going to be too short at the back for
    much longer.
    
    Tim
    
    
    

 
>    So you read the SUN now then Grahame?

No, I think I said 'newspaper'.
    
>    Anyway David Kelly is really crap. I can't remember ever seeing any
>    other forward miss as many open goals as him. I saw him hit the post
>    from 2 feet once.

Oh, that's bad news, as apparently he signed on Friday. Do you think he'll be 
worse than Quinn? (I know you don't rate Quinn as a team man, but he's 
cetainly stuck the goals away).
    
>    You're right when you say that we need tightening at the back. Paul
>    Bodin would be a good but at left back. John Anderson is near to
>    fitness as is Benny K so we are going to be too short at the back for
>    much longer.

See Saturday's result!!!    Sob.
    
grahame    

    
    Barnsley 3-0 Nercastle
    
    saville,
    robinson,
    rammell,
    
    unbiased match report for an exiled Barnsley supporter???
    Ian.
    (not being sarcastic)
    

    
    
    Crack on Barnsley!!!!  
    
    We're now only 6th from bottom - a magnificient achievement considering
    we normally don't start playing 'til Christmas. I'd say we're well on
    course for the normal mid-table finish (last year almost being an
    exception).

    another Barnsley fan?
    amazing we shall have to start up a new note!!!
    Ian.
    

    
    I've been on a customer's site all week (and will be next week).
    
    Bodin on loan is a good idea. I've seen him play several times (for
    Wales) and he looked a fairly decnet player. I'm still not sure whether
    I'd like him in place of Franz Carr though. Carr needs surgery and
    would need to prove his fitness anyway before and deal would go
    through.
    
    About St. James' being a ground to host the 96 European championships,
    well it must be a sick joke really. The ground's an absolute tip. The
    Gallowgate and the Leazes ends are utter pig stys. However, if we
    built a stand behind the Leazes end (as promised circa early '70s) and 
    put a roof over the Gallowgate end (as promised since time began) then put
    seats in, it wouldn't be a bad ground. The Jackie Milburn (Peter
    Beardsley - yes I'm a cynic) stand is rather good and it evens houses
    a financial advise type centre. Unfortunatley, as we can't even afford to
    put urinals or bog roll in the toilets ,I can't see how we can afford the 
    necessary improvments required to host a championship.
    
    
    Tim

    I would have thought that St James Park was ideal for the European
    championship as the urinals were clearly designed and are surely now
    serviced by the French!
    
    BTW it was 2-2 vs Port Vale yesterday, but even BBC world service
    doesn't bother giving the scorers now.
    
    Peter.

Scorers were Makel and a Peacock pen - no details of the game, but Bodin made 
his debut.

g

Just idly watching the Cup draw for our name on Saturday night when I realised 
that neither Sunderland nor Boro had come out either, and there wasn't much 
clinking of balls going on! Still we escaped (no thanks to McKeag!) with an 
away draw at Bournemouth - could have been worse.

g

Well, looks like another couple of points slipped away yesterday, though the 
only details I have are:

Brighton 2	Newcastle 2
O'Reilly 25	
		Peacock 33
		Kelly 40
Farrington 75
Att: 7 658

Newcastle: Wright; Roche, Scott, Appleby, Bodin; O'Brien (Watson 64), Makel, 
Peacock, Brock; Hunt, Kelly. Bench: Howey

Any more anews, anyone?

This wek's game is at Plymouth on Friday night. Although they're second-bottom 
of that table their home record is pretty impressive. Add that to our away 
record and (no, I'm getting too pessimistic again!)

grahame

17 Aug	    A	Charlton A		1-2	Carr
24 Aug	    H	Watford			2-2	Hunt Clark
27 Aug	    A	Middlesbrough		0-3
31 Aug	    A	Bristol Rovers		2-1	O'Brien Quinn

 4 Sep	    H	Plymouth		2-2	Carr Quinn
 7 Sep	    A	Tranmere		2-3	Clark O'Brien
14 Sep	    H 	Wolves			1-2	Madden (og)
17 Sep	    H 	Ipswich			1-1	Quinn
21 Sep	    A 	Millwall		1-2	Neilson
25 Sep	RC2 A	Crewe Alexandra		4-3	Hunt, Peacock 3
28 Sep	    H 	Derby			2-2	Hunt, Quinn

 1 Oct	ZC2 A	Tranmere		6-6	Quinn 3, Peacock 2, Clark
 5 Oct	    A 	Portsmouth		1-3	Quinn
 9 Oct	RC2 H 	Crewe Alexandra		1-0	Howey
12 Oct	    H	Leicester		2-0	Hunt, Clark
19 Oct	    H 	Oxford			4-3	Hunt, Peacock 3
23 Oct	    H	Southend		 P
26 Oct	    A	Bristol City		1-1	Clark
30 Oct	RC3 A	Peterborough United	0-1

 2 Nov	    A	Swindon			1-2	Peacock
 6 Nov	    H	Cambridge		1-1	Hunt
 9 Nov	    H	Grimsby			2-0	Hunt, Howey
17 Nov	    A	Sunderland		1-1	O'Brien
20 Nov	    H	Southend		3-2	Peacock 2 (1 pen), Hunt
23 Nov	    H 	Blackburn		0-0
30 Nov	    A	Barnsley		0-3

 7 Dec	    H	Port Vale		2-2	Makel, Peacock (pen)
14 Dec	    A	Brighton		2-2	Peacock, Kelly
20 Dec	    A	Plymouth
26 Dec	    H	Middlesbrough
28 Dec	    H 	Bristol Rovers

 1 Jan	    A	Southend
 4 Jan	FA3
11 Jan	    A	Watford
18 Jan	    H	Charlton
25 Jan	FA4

 1 Feb	    A	Oxford
 8 Feb	    H 	Bristol City
15 Feb	    A	Blackburn
22 Feb	    H	Barnsley
29 Feb	    A	Port Vale

 7 Mar	    H	Brighton
11 Mar	    A	Cambridge
14 Mar	    H	Swindon
21 Mar	    A	Grimsby
29 Mar	    H	Sunderland

 1 Apr	    A	Wolves
 4 Apr	    H 	Tranmere
11 Apr	    A	Ipswich
18 Apr	    H	Millwall
20 Apr	    A	Derby
25 Apr	    H 	Portsmouth

 2 May	    A	Leicester

    
    re -.1 That's what I call dedication.
    
    Re the Brighton match, I listened to it on Metro FM (as I was up home
    at the weekend) so I can give you a brief match report.
    
    The game opened well for Newcastle with Hunt getting clean though after
    4 mins, but taking his shot too early on the edge of the box. He could
    have taken the ball on a further 3 yards. It went harmlesly out of
    play. Brighton then took a grip and it came as no surprise after 25
    mins when took a deserved lead with a header from a free kick. Brighton
    continued to dominate but after 30 odd mins the ball broke to Kelly in
    the box after some decnet work from Brock. But it was Peacock who
    nipped in and took the ball off Kelly's toes to score past Beaney with
    a low drive from 15 yards. Newcastle then almost immediately scored
    again with Makel putting in a long diagonal ball into the box for Kelly
    to glance it past the keeper from 12 yards. It was a really good goal
    from Kelly (who played well all game).
    
    Newcastle went in 2-1 ahead at the interval, slightly against the run
    of play. The second half was one way traffic with Peacock and Hunt
    having good chances. Until Obrien Limped off and was replaced by
    Watson. Watson moved to right back and Roche into midfield. Minutes
    later Brighton equalized when Watson was dispossed. The guy crossed
    into the middle for Farrington to slide in from a yard with Scott
    nowhere near enough to get in a tackle. Brighton then got well on top
    and finished the stronger.
    
    Tim 

    >continued to dominate but after 30 odd mins the ball broke to Kelly in
    >the box after some decnet work from Brock. But it was Peacock who
                       ^^^^^^
    
    What did the crowd make of that?
    
    Paul

    
    ncp>tell brghtn show known score
    
    ....maybe?

    
    I see Keegan is to rejoin Newcastle as a PR man for the club's
    centenary, next year. He's promised to raise a million to buy Waddle
    from Marseille (if Ossie wants him) at the end of the season. I'm
    begining to get that happy feeling again...

Great news if it comes off - Waddle said he wanted to come last summer didn't 
he? And then it says in today's paper that SIX clubs have contacted Marseille 
about him - including Sheff Wed, Leeds, Blackburn (surprise!) Should be no 
prob if we can raise the cash.

Fingers X'd.

grahame

    
    If the Gasgoigne to Lazio deal is already done, then we'll receive 300k
    immediately, which will go to the "Bring Waddle Back" campaign.
    Incedently, that's my slogan. Kinda catchy don't you think?
    
    ps Merry Christmas to all Mags and FOAD to all Mackems. ;-O 

Yes, Merry Christmas to all, and let's hope 92 gives us more to cheer about.

Liam O'Brien misses his first game of the season tonight at Plymouth - he'll 
be replaced by either Watson or Bradshaw (Bradshaw in midfield?!!)

grahame

	It's nice to know that Newcastle Brown Ale will not be going up
in price to pay for Keegan, like it did last time!

    
    <        It's nice to know that Newcastle Brown Ale will not be going up> 
    <  in price to pay for Keegan, like it did last time!                   >
    
    Sadly, its not the only thing thats not going up (this year).
    
    Tim

Isn't it a shame that the only time you see Sunderland 'supporters' in this 
conference all they can do is try and slag us off. I wonder why they don't 
want to talk about their own side?

grahame

	Apart from humour in the Christmas pressie topic, I have not seen
any Sunderland fans 'slagging off' the mags in the three weeks since I
returned to Dec.

    
    Perhaps its because you're the only one!!! (in and outside of DEC).

	Can't you make up your mind? First you agree with the accusation,
then you agree with the denial!

    I wasn't agreeing with the denial. It was just a poor attempt at sarcasm.
     
    Now get back to your vaux shandy (half), trainspotting, stamp
    collecting or whatever you lot do (lot in this case means few).
    
    PS Flairs,anoraks and platforms went out in the 70s.
    PPS I've just heard that they've just laid on another taxi for your next 
    away game, so that'll double your support.
    
    Tim

>          <<< Note 52.129 by NEWOA::MORON "IT Management Services" >>>

>    I wasn't agreeing with the denial.

	If you still agree with the accusation, could you tell me where the
	slagging off was?

>    It was just a poor attempt at sarcasm.

	Almost as poor as the poor attempts to play football by the Mags.
     
>    Now get back to your vaux shandy (half),

	I drink Newcastle Brown Ale. One of two good things to come out of
	Newcastle. (The other being the A19 to Sunderland.)

>    whatever you lot do (lot in this case means few).

	Do you always say the opposite of what you mean?
    
>    PS Flairs,anoraks and platforms went out in the 70s.

	So why do you still wear them?

>    PPS I've just heard that they've just laid on another taxi for your next 
>    away game, so that'll double your support.
    
	I always knew the Mags couldn't count


PS	Merry Xmas

    
    	Bl**dy hell...who stirred you lot up? ;-)
    
    	...must be a "North-East Derby" coming up over Christmas...real
    	relegation struggle that'll be..
    
    	Andy.

Dear me, did I start all of that? Mind you, -.1 is right - we should forget 
about pointless local rivalries and concentrate on getting Newcastle into 
where they belong - the Premier League.

It won't be next season though. Pretty poor Christmas, losing at home to Boro, 
yet again. We haven't even scored against them. Then a 2-1 win over Bristol 
Rovers (Brock - back at last - and Kelly scoring). If we'd lost that one it 
really would have been time for the razor blades. Then a real New Year's Day
hangover at Southend, 0-4. Apparently Hunt was dropped for that one. Why Ossie 
fiddles around with the attack when it's obvious it's the defence which is the 
urgent problem is beyond me. Bodin hasn't been enough to work the miracle.

And apparently Man C are after Scott! Much as someone has to take the blame 
for our back 4, he does look like one of our better players - he'd do well in 
a good side, let's hope it's ours.

Tomorrow it's away to Bournemouth. usually, we'd be hearing cries of 'let's 
not mess around with the Cup, it's the League which is important. i.e.getting 
the excuses in first! There's no doubt that ANY sort of Cup run would bring 
some much-needed confidence back, so fingers crossed.

grahame

    
    Yes, have you seen who we've got (possibly, if all things go to plan)?
    Hartlepool away. I don't think we've ever played them before (apart
    from local competitions).
    
    Tim

I suppose if it did all come to pass, and we lost it at Harlepool, it's be 
called a huge shock - but they're only about 15 places below us in the League! 
What ARE Hartlepool doing in the top half of the Third?!!

Anyway, at least no goals conceded on Sat, but none scored either - for the 
fourth time in 5 games. Not a bad lineup either:

Wright; Watson, Scott, Appleby, Bradshaw;  O'Brien, Clark, Peacock, Brock;
Hunt and Kelly.
 I'd say we still need Quinn, Ranson and Christensen back before we can get 
confident.

grahame

    
    re: Hartlepool
    
    I can't figure what they are doing up there either !  :-)  
    However they are not in the 4th round yet, they do have the
    small matter of a replay with Ipswich next week.

Looks bad until you realise we were 2 down after 4 minutes! Actually, it still 
looks bad! Kelly and Hunt got the goals, but they weren't enough to prevent 
the drop back into the relegation band. Apart from marooned Oxford the rest of 
Div 2 is pretty tightly packed.

Cup replay v Bournemouth tonight . . .

g

    
    I went to the abandoned replay against Bournemouth on Tuesday. The ref
    should never of kicked the match off. From the Gallowgate, I could only
    see to the half way line. At times, Tommy Wright was the only person I
    could see on the pitch. I feel the the ref (Vic Callow) was pressurized
    into kicking the game off so that there would be no refund. It was no
    worse 17 mins into the match, when the game was abandoned, than it was 
    at the start. 
    
    I know NUFC are in real financial dire straits, but to rip the punters 
    (20000 of them) off stinks. After a demonstration by a few hundred fans 
    who felt the same way. Sir John Hall agreed to reduce the entrance fee by 
    half for the re-arranged match.
    
    More on the financial problems, Sir John WILL put together a 13.5M rescue
    package for NUFC (10M of his own money) if the council agree to
    planning permission for Benwell (for housing). That will raise around
    1-2M (I hope they have a buyer). The other condition of this package is
    for local businesses to come up with the other couple of million. Judging
    by the share issue flop, I don't think he'll have much luck.
    
    He also said that administrative receivership is a real possibility by
    tomorrow if the council knock back the Benwell development idea. Do we
    take him seriously?
    
    Tim

Thanks for the Tuesday report Tim. The thought crossed my mind as well when I 
saw it only lasted 17 mins.

We'll never get back to being a big club while it's being run by small men 
with small minds.

grahame

    
    Some more news that I forgot (lost interest?) during my month's break
    in Newcastle was:
    
    1) Waddle trained with Newcastle over the Christmas period.
    
    2) Sir John had financial type talks with Waddle regarding whether
       it was viable to bring him to St. James' in the Summer. I think
       I know what the 2M pounds that will be available for transfers
    	(if the rescue package goes ahead) will be used for.
    
    3) Ossie tried to get Waddle on load (during the French winter break)
       but the French FA vetoed it.
    
    4) Keegan will not now be joining NUFC. It was Forbes' idea to get him. 
       When he was dumped no-one else seemed to want to carry on with that
       particular idea.
    
    5) George Forbes was voted off the Chairmanship by a one vote majority.
       Peter Mallinger resigned as Vice Chairman in protest. Gordon McKeag
       was displaced from the main board and was elected to the subsiduary
       board. When asked if Douglas Hall would become VC, sir John said
    	"Not Bloody likely!!!", or words to that effect.
    
    6) John Anderson went to Cambridge to see a specialist about his ankle
       problem. It was expected that this would be a make or break visit.
       I don't know how it went. Bjorn Kristensen had a second knee
       operation (and is unlikely to play again this season- groan!!!).
       Better news on the injury front, is that Ray Ranson (right back)
       is almost fully fit as is Carr and Quinny.
    
    7) Paul Bodin has resigned for Swindon Town, for 200k leaving in dire
       straits at left back with Appleby and Stimson (who are crap anyway)
       out injured. Alan Thompson is exepected to play there for a while
       after a star 2nd half performance at Watford. He also started the
       Bournemouth game at left back.
    
    Tim

   < 7) Paul Bodin has resigned for Swindon Town, for 200k leaving in dire >
   <    straits at left back with Appleby and Stimson (who are crap anyway)>
   				  ^^^^^^^
    
    Of course I meant to write Elliot and not Appleby (Who's not too bad at
    centre half but has a bad dose of Gavin McGuire syndrome). 
                                      

    
    Saturday was a bit of a shocker. 3-0 up after 34 mins (Clark, Hunt &
    Brock) and we end up losing 4-3. What is worse, is that we were at
    home (against Charlton).
    
    I give up!
    
    Tim

And the winner was an og.

    Aah yes. Those brave men in red. We get some luck for once.
    
    F-reg.

    It seems a bit strange that Ardiles has still got such strong support.
    After all it's been almost a year and all that's happened is that we
    are now real relegation candidates. There just seems to be nonesense
    talk about bringing back the good old times of Waddle, Keagan, or
    maybe they'll bring on Jackie Milburn's statue from Northumberland
    Street (I saw it at Xmas and couldn't believe how bad it is).
    
    I can't really pin it all on injuries and most of the goals seem to
    come from basic mistakes. 
    
    Should some money be spent now on a couple of real hard basic defenders
    (maybe one of them for midfield). After all, most "footballing" teams
    have a least one thug in there just to move any kick-and-run opposition
    into kick-and-limp.
    
    Peter  
    

    Puff, pant, gibber. Grahame Ash has just come round and kicked the
    crap out of me. 8^)
    
    F-reg.
    

      < Puff, pant, gibber. Grahame Ash has just come round and kicked the>
      < crap out of me. 8^)                                               >
    
    Quick Ossie, sign 'im up!!
    

re: .149

You think that's bad, you should see him when he gets into his footy kit, he
makes Vinny look like an angel ;-)

Al

    Re .151,
    
    But doesn't his Zimmer Frame impede some of his play these days.
    
    Regards,
    
    Andrew.D.Wicks

>    Puff, pant, gibber. Grahame Ash has just come round and kicked the
>    crap out of me. 8^)
    
>    F-reg.
    
No, he's too kind - I tried but missed . . .

g

    
    Newcastle play Bournemouth tonight in the re-arranged 3rd round FA Cup
    replay. This is the one that I'd (or anyone else) be able to get in for 
    half price, due to the previous attempt at completing this fixture ending 
    in abandonment due to fog.
    
    Teams news is that David Kelly is out due to a hamstring injury,
    sustained during the 4-3 drubbing by Charlton. David Roche stands by.
    
    If Sportsnight is on BBC tonight, then the game will be shown on telly
    as the are only a couple of ties going on tonight. Chances are then,
    that we're due for national humiliation.
    
    Prediction:
    
    Game to be abandoned after 17 mins due to the "wrong kind" of fog.
    
    Tim

>    If Sportsnight is on BBC tonight, then the game will be shown on telly
>    as the are only a couple of ties going on tonight. Chances are then,
>    that we're due for national humiliation.
    
Dead right, Tim - in fact it's the only game. Let's hope there's lots of 
Boxing or something so it doesn't last too long! (Starts at 10.30 - in England 
anyway)

Nah, we'll win this time - won't we?

g

>    Nah, we'll win this time - won't we?
    
    I said that on Saturday after 34 mins.
    
    Tim

	I like to watch a good comedy on the box :-)

    
    Good. Watch Crocodile Dundee II, ITV tonight 8:00 PM then.

    Wasn't that on at Christmas?

	What? Crocodile Dundee II, or Bournemouth thrashing Newcastle?

    
    Actually, I've just heard that Crocodile Dundee II was shown in some
    ITV regions over Christmas.

    
>    Actually, I've just heard that Crocodile Dundee II was shown in some
>    ITV regions over Christmas.

    Was Newcastle one of them?
    Or Bournemouth?

    
    Bournemouth wasn't (as its on TVS tonight).
    
    I think it was on Tyne Tees though. I seem to have a vague recollection
    that it was.

NEWCASTLE 2 BOURNEMOUTH 2

BOURNMETH WIN ON PENALTIES

    Crocodile  2  Dundee  2
    
    (courtesy of Private Eye, actually)

	Who won the penalty shoot-out, crocodile or Dundee?

    Oh dear oh dear...I fear ossie may well be moving ....
    
    Game live on SKY last night ... Bournmouth certainly deserved to win
    for the there attractive passing game. Led by Jimmy Case they took
    control in midfield and made good use of the wide players to keep the
    pressure on Newcastle.  Newcastle twice going in front ( where have we
    heard that before this season!! ) letting Bournmouth equalise and then
    take them on the penalty shoot-out.... 
    
    Alan Thompson, newcastle's full back was sent off just before the
    90mins was up, for stamping on the Bournmouth winger - blatent attack
    for which the REF had no choice - hope he gets severley punished.  

    
    I didn't see the game live, but I saw the highlights. It looked as
    though we had a good first half, but Bournemouth looked deserving the
    win.
    I actually thought Thompson was slightly unlucky as it was more of a
    gesture than a stamp. I thought a booking would be more of a fair 
    punishment. I didn't have the benefit of multiple action replays
    though.
    Changing the subject, I've heard that Arthur Cox has been linked to
    Newcastle again.
    
    Tim.

    
    Too much for words I think..... Mind you I DON'T feel your team are
    doing much better Tony !!! I have the feeling the new board may well
    sign up the whole Whitley Bay squad if they continue their cup run.
    After almost 26 years supporting the mags.. I TOTALLY GIVE UP HOPE.
    
    Yours,
    
    Worse than disgusted of Munich.

    Well with all of the other old team comimg back, why not Arthur Cox as
    well. At least he'll bring some balance into the side ;-}
    
    What will really happen is that Hearts will loose their next 20 games.
    The board, (who only get their football "intelligence" from reading
    six-month old papers that their fish and chips come in), will sign Joe
    Jordan up as the man of the moment. He will bring John Robertson back
    (who will not have scored in six months) and we will be wondering if we
    can avoid the drop into Division 4, by taking our rightful place in the
    super-league.
    
    Heineken will have a nationwide search to find any of the old posters
    showing Jordan's teeth being restored saying that even they can't help
    him now.
    
    The toilets in the stands will still not work and there will be no
    seats in the Leazes. 
    
    So shall it be
    
    Peter    
    

    
    re -1
    
    I think it was unfair to inflict Hearts so badly in your prophecy.
    
    Well at least we can concentrate on the league now. We need to,
    desperately. 
    
    I won't give any mackems (coz they read this, you know) the
    satisfaction of knowing that we're ready to chuck in the towel. We've
    seen worse times and we'll probably see some that are are so bad that
    we'll end up remembering yesterday with affection. We still have some
    or our better players out injured, if they return quickly, its not
    beyond us to reach the play offs. 
    
    It has to be said though, that our current "team" lack stamina and heart. 
    They constantly flag after half time. Its not too surprising really as 
    they're very young. They've been put in the side far too young and
    their concentration and constitution (physical and mental) are not yet
    fully developed. However, I think this trauma will be beneficial to
    them in in the coming seasons. This may sound eternally optimistist,
    but we may have a championship winning side in 2-3 years (If we "the
    fans" can keep off the young players backs long enough). 
    
    Tim (padded cell #4, Broadmoor)

.172>    we'll end up remembering yesterday with affection. We still have some
.172>    or our better players out injured, if they return quickly, its not
.172>    beyond us to reach the play offs. 
    
	There aren't any relegation play-offs !

    
    Hey, you really crack me up.

    Mr Howe ... Wie Gehts!
    
    Tim, I think your right about the action-replays (and in a way shows 
    what a job refs have), on first sight the Thompson incident didnt look
    much than he was shaking off the defender. On the replay though, after
    he was tackled, he moved away kicking the guy, then preseeded to stamp
    on the guys leg....

According to this  morning's paper, Ossie has said he's not going to leave. 
It's not really up to him though is it? I can't see the Board sacking him 
anyway, as how could they attract a reasonable replacement when they can't 
offer him any money?

He deserves a full season, at least, at the job. And I'm with Tim - it IS 
depressing at the moment, but it's much too early to give up hope. Apart from 
what's missing in the squad, there is lots of talent - and that'll show 
through before the end of the season. Time for us to do a Luton!!

grahame (next cell to Tim)

    I didn't realise that .148 would hit the press so quickly. Who showed
    it to Ossie?
    
    He can fell quite safe for the moment. Most boards give managers a vote
    of confidence before they sack them. At Newcastle they raid the piggy
    bank for the next three years and then allow them to buy all of their
    old mates and give them nice juicy contracts. 
    
    As long as Ossie doesn't buy any players (especially Ricky Villa), he's
    safe.
    
    If the worst does come to the worst, we can always ask our friendly
    mackem for directions to the grounds!
    
    Peter. 

.177>    If the worst does come to the worst, we can always ask our friendly
.177>    mackem for directions to the grounds!
    
	It would be a pleasure :-)

    
    Even if we DON'T get relegated we can always ask our friendly mackem
    for directions to the grounds (in the 3rd div).
    
    Now that WOULD be a pleasure. :-)

    
    
    No north-east football league clubs played at the weekend. 
    Does anyone know whether this has happened before? 
    (Don't say most round 4 FA Cup weekends or during the war).
    
    Tim                                                       

    What about the big freeze of 1947, 1962/63, 1978/79 and 1986/87 ?
    
    jb.

    
    err I dunno. You asking or telling?
    
    Tim

    
    Apparently, we're after John Gittens (the 'highly rated' Southampton
    centre back) if we can raise 350K.
    
    Tim

    There seems a lot of despair in this note.  Don't worry there is light
    at the end of the tunnel......
    
    ...........Oxford Utd on Saturday.
    
    		Brian.

    
    .... who are 1 place below us, with 2 games in hand. Sob.

    Truly a sign of desparation if you're attempting to sign a defender from 
    a side that are only kept off the bottom of Div 1 by Luton.
    
    What's the Scummers goal difference -17 or something my no wonder
    he's 'highly rated'.
    
    What they really need is Paul Hogan up front.
    
    Regards,
    
    Andrew.D.Wicks

>   Truly a sign of desparation if you're attempting to sign a defender from
>   a side that are only kept off the bottom of Div 1 by Luton.
    
    He's not even getting in the first team (kept out by a 19yr old).
    Anyway, we've signed him.

    This is part of our new "do it like Liverpool" strategy. We sign a new
    player and put him in the reserves for a few months until he's used to
    the set up.
    
    Perhaps it's also the swan song for Ossie. That is sign players who
    aren't good enough and when the kitty is empty it's rightsizing time.
    
    Can someone post something about this guy. Is he any good (is he a
    stopper in all senses of the word ;-})?
    
    Peter.
    
    

    
    No, I meant he's not getting in Southampton's first team.

    Jon Gittens is very quick but he needs to be to make up for his lack of
    positional sense. He is not the best passer of a ball but certainly
    could not be faulted for a lack of effort. In summary he is a whole
    hearted player who probably makes the best use of limited ability.
    
    Stuart.

    
    You don't appear to be shedding any tears, Stuart.
    
    Tim

    Stuart,
    
    With a lack of positional sense he will probably end up falling over
    the rest of the defense. They all seem to think that marking consists
    of moving over to the wings and chatting to the spectators.
    
    Peter

    
    I've some grave news. John Gittens has decided that he'd rather play
    for Wimbledon and won't be coming to Newcastle. Are things that bad
    that he'd rather play for Wimbledon? They only get a couple of thousand
    crowd and most of the players are very poorly paid by 1st division
    standards.
    
    Tim

    
    
    ..... I see Hartlepool won again.

    
    Great result for Oxford.  Who is the joker you lot have got in goal ??
    
    3 points in it with a game in hand, only a matter of time before
    Newccastle hit rock bottom !!
    
    		Brian.

                      <<< Note 52.184 by CHEFS::HOUSEB >>>
                         -< Don't worry ... be happy >-

    There seems a lot of despair in this note.  Don't worry there is light
    at the end of the tunnel......
    
    ...........Oxford Utd on Saturday.
    
    		Brian.

Brian,

Your famous subtle sense of humour does it again!

grahame

    
> 					       Don't worry there is light
>        at the end of the tunnel......
    
    
    Apparently, quite a normal occurrance, when people are close to death.
    
    A bit more news on the Gittens saga. He agreed terms with us that
    Saturday before last. He was booked on about every flight to Newcastle
    for the following week, but was told by Ossie "Hang on, I haven't got
    the money yet". Hearing this on several occasions he assumed (not too
    unwisely) that there may be a bit of a problem on the finance side of 
    things. He then thought he would look at his alternatives (talking to
    Wimbledon). I don't think we can criticise him really. Newcastle had
    really jerked him around and he does have a family to support. The 
    rebuking he received in the local press was a bit harsh.
    
    Tim
    
    PS Fatty and Ester are almost fit (they've started full time training).  

    I read that the control of Newcastle is now fully in the hands of the
    chairman (what's his name again?), with 51% of the shares, and that hes 
    fully behind Ossie...He was interviewed before last Saturdays game though.

    
    John Hall

    
    An answer to our problems?
    
    Sign Spender!!!

    
    
    Any truth in the news, that Ardiles has left and Kevin Keegan
    is taking over ?.
    
                              Neil.......

    
    Last I heard was that Ossie will definitely stay. Apparently Ossie
    still has two years to run on his contract and they can't afford to get
    rid of him. Where/when did you hear this news about Keegan ???
    
    Keith.

    
    Is this a makem instigated wind up? Does anyone have more details?
    
    Presumably, his severance pay will rule out spending cash on more
    players. 

All, true, I'm afraid. Just checked on Ceefax, which has a 4-page write up.

Ardiles has been sacked by Hall and replaced by Keegan. His first managerial 
job. Keegan has quoted all the usual lines new Newcastle managers use 
including, incredibly, "THis is the only club I've wanted to manage".

I must admit this doesn't fill me too full of optimism. After the failure of 
the Ardiles experiment (though did it fail? Was it allowed enough time?), 
trying a new manager with the team's confidence at zero level might not be 
enough.

On the plus side, his enthusiasm will be enormous and that must get through to 
the team. But where are the new defenders coming from - surely the urgent 
priority?

grahame

    
    	Yet another example of stupid club management. How can you give a
    bloke half a season to build a team?

    
    Its all very sad for Ossie.A nice man who believed football should be
    played in attractive and sporting fashion. I honestly believe that
    he would have made Newcastle successful given time, even at the
    expense of relegation to the 3rd division. I wish him the best in any
    future ventures (I guess appearing in Spender was the final nail).
    
    As for appointing Keegan, what experience has he got as a manager.
    None. It may work though.
    
    Tim

    re -1)
    
    I support the decision to get rid of Ossie now.
    
    He has not delivered results and I have to admit that number 1 priority
    is results. As has been said many times "you don't get out of the
    second division by playing (quality) football".
    
    I don't think that we can wait until April to find out that things have
    got no better and it's too late to avoid the drop.
    
    Is there any talk of who will take over? I hope John Hall takes the
    view that you only make change for the better and hence has someone
    lined up. I wonder if the failure to find the money for gittens was
    related to the sacking? Normally we would sign players just before
    sacking a manager. maybe this time it's different.
    
    As to who should get the job, I'd be more interested in knowing who
    would want it. perhaps someone fairly recently retired with good
    connections to existing players might be the answer. The normal is to
    get someone who was successful last season and has been a disaster this
    year. Liverpool or Arsenal comes to mind. Oops, sorry don't want to
    bring loosers into this note!
    
    As for Keegan, I've never seen a better player. I've never seen anyone
    who could encourage others better or control a game better. I've never
    seen anyone who was in so much control on the field and who wasted so
    few chances. It couldn't be that good! 
    
    Peter.
    
    
    

    re last,
    
    I missed the notes saying that keegan has been appointed.
    
    For me it's the best thing we could have done. i have total support for
    him and evry confidence that he will bring success to the club.
    
    I have to admit to not being an Ardiles fan from the beginning, but of
    course hoped he would get it rigt. I'm sorry that he didn't, wish him
    well, but now look forward to a great new era.
    
    happy Peter.
    

	The board's vote of confidence works again!

	Two north east managers bite the dust after humiliation at Oxford.

	We'll get revenge there tonight though.

	Hope the dog doesn't go up to pay for Keegan.

    
    .....am I the only person from the North East who doesn't like Broon
         Ale?

    
>    .....am I the only person from the North East who doesn't like Broon
>         Ale?

	You're the first I've known!

    
    I think Keegan is a good choice.. Without a doubt. Perhaps Ardilles
    should have been given more time. His track record at Swindon wasn't
    too bad. Best of luck to Keegan !!! I just hope he gets given more of a
    chance than Ardilles. I wonder whether he will go if we take the drop?
    
    Keith.

    
.141>   4) Keegan will not now be joining NUFC. It was Forbes' idea to get him. 
.141>      When he was dumped no-one else seemed to want to carry on with that
.141>       particular idea.

    
	A month is a long time in football!!

    
    Good to see Keegan back in the game, Newcastle and football 
    can only benefit...
    
    Re. a couple back..I probably wouldn't like Broom Ale either
    	cos to quote Gary lowe i'm "a southern shandy drinking Get"
    
    Chris

    Chris,
       Gary Lowe cannot be relied upon as a great source of info!
       Anyway, whats wrong with Shandy??!?
    Ian.
    
    

    
    Ian 
    
    	I drink i all the time ..me
    
    
    	I wonder now if Gary is going to grow his ossie ardiles haircut
    	into a bushy perm now Kev Keegans's in charge .. you know how
    	easily led he is !!
    
    
    Chris
    	

    
    I've just had my hair cut this morning.. But, its not exactly like
    Kevin Keegans, I might work on it though..
    The only thing Keegan will guarantee is a full house next home game.
    He has inherited a nightmare and the only thing we can hope for is that
    he encourages experienced players to finnish their careers at St
    James's and bring some stability to a poor demoralised side..
    
    Gary Lowe..
    
    PS. I don't like Brown Ale either, but I can verify that Chris Wilmott
        is a Soft Suvvern Shandy Drinker..

    GASH,
    
    You were allowed to drink all day during the blackout?
    
    Regards,
    
    Andrew.D.Wicks
         

    
    Ray Ranson play his first game for a year tomorrow (at right back).
    Steve Watson moves up to midfield. Get Bjorn K. back and we'll survive.
    
    Terry Mcdermott has been announced as Keegan's no. 2.

    My only (very small) worry about Keegan was that he is too much of a
    nice guy. With Terry Mac as number 2 there's no problem.
    
    btw, John Hall has said that the reason he got rid of Ossie was that he
    had run a computer simulation and found that Newcastle couldn't survive
    financially in Division 3. He said it was a business decision. It
    sounds like a bit of a cop-out to me.
    
    Next weeks game is away to Kenny Dalglish's Blackurn Rovers. That
    should be some match.
    
    peter. 
    
    
     

    
    30k Attendance !!! 3-0 !! Too much to comprehend. Does anybody have a
    match report on the first stunning victory of the Keegan/McDermott era.
    
    regards,
    
    Keith.

Stunning is right - talk about a fairy-tale beginning! Luckily it was only 
Bristol C . . . Blackburn away will be a real test. 

Another stroke of luck for KK which Ossie never had was the return of Ranson - 
for the first time this season we've had a proper right back. As Tim said, if 
we can get BK back as well that should really tighten things up.

Apparently they played brilliantly for the 10 mins when all the goals went in 
(Kelly, O'Brien, Kelly), but were understandably a bit overawed in the first 
half.

Only 7 points behind Sunderland!

g

    Been out of ere since my note last week, and wam-bam Ossie is out. Not
    surprised he went, but if the club does not spend, then I can't see the
    situation changing. Afterall Ossie did a **good** job at swindon, but 
    the stagnation had set in at Newcastle and lack of money killed his
    chances. Keegan, obviously has the team buzzing again, and best of luck
    to him. The extra 4000 people who brought season tickets last week (for
    the last 8 home games!!) will keep the bank manager at bay.
    
    Everything will be back in perspective come Saturday 4.45pm.

    
    It appears that Ossie went because NUFC's investor (S&N) wanted to
    bring in Keegan or they'd pull the plug on the "rescue package".
    It was out of John Hall's control. I wish journalists such as Mike
    Langley (voice of the people) would get their facts right before they
    start lacing into people.
    
    Tim

    
>> It appears that Ossie went because NUFC's investor (S&N) wanted to
>> bring in Keegan or they'd pull the plug on the "rescue package".
>> It was out of John Hall's control. I wish journalists such as Mike
>> Langley (voice of the people) would get their facts right before they
>> start lacing into people.
    
    Hmmmm, or it could be a useful way of covering himself after the 'Ossie
    has the board's full support' comments from last week.....
    
    Paul

    
    I suppose its possible, but Sir John always comes across as genuine and
    certainly looked upset about having to give Ardiles' the boot on S&G.
    Under the circumstances, I think Sir John acted in the right fashion.
    He was looking at the situation as a whole entity. Sacking Ossie meant
    purely and simply, that NUFC remained in business. Likely to be 6.5m quid 
    in debt at the end of the season, we couldn't afford to turn our back on 
    our investors and ignore their wishes. They had lost confidence in
    Ossie. Something needed to be done to restore their faith. It was in
    fact S&N's idea to bring Keegan to St. James'. Sir John had little
    choice in the matter. 
    
    NUFC is much bigger than any one man. For it not to exist, that would be
    unthinkable.I feel sorry for Ossie, but that's football.
    
    Tim 

>    NUFC is much bigger than any one man. 
    
Certainly is - it seems to include a brewery as well!! (Yet another reason it 
must survive!)

g

    
    To quote the advert:
    
    Ossies wouldn't give a Castlemaine XXXX for anything else!!

    
    
    ......well, I thought it was funny.

On the 'International' front, Tommy Wright is in the N Irish squad for next 
weeks' friendly (against Scotland?). Not bad for the keeper with the worst GA 
column in the League! And David Kelly has been called up for Ireland's B team 
- anyone know if he's got any caps? Ireland always seem to be a bit stuck for 
quality strikers . . .

grahame (ducking quickly)

    
    re: David Kelly
    Grahame, he's got quite a few full caps actually (around 10-15 I think).
    
    As for Tommy Wright, he's arguably been our most consistent player,
    since his return to the team. Well that's not quite true. Pavel was
    also very consistent.
    
    Consistently awful.
    
    Tim

    
    I see that Quinn and Carr played a reserve game yesterday. If they came
    though unscathed, I would expect both to make the squad for Saturday's
    crunch game at Blackburn. I fancy our chances (strangely). A little
    confidence can do wonders for any team. Especially those populated with
    youngsters.
    
    Tim

Great news on the injury front. But, who would you drop for Quinn and Carr? 
Quinn and Hunt have played together successfully, so Kelly wouyld be a more 
obvious choice, but surely not? Be interesting to see Keegan's first real team 
selection.

And Kelly scored for Ireland B last night. The reserves drew 1-1 - no injury 
news.

grahame

    
    I think Carr (for Neilson) will make the starting line up. Quinn may be
    on the bench. Hunt is already out of the team, Peacock taking his place up 
    front (moving up from midfield). He played well in that role against 
    Bristol C (although, technically, he was given a free role). Keegan was 
    purring about his performance, so I don't think we'll see a change there. 
    
    Steve Watson played well in midfield (the only position he should be 
    played at) moving up from right back. Of course, Ranson came in at right 
    back and looked solid. His presence also seemed to remotivate Kevin Brock 
    who has looked uninterested most of this season. If we cast our mind back 
    to the Jim Smith era, we will remember that those two had an almost
    telepathaic understanding, terrorising defences down the right flank.
    Indeed, it was rumoured at one stage, that they were more than just
    good friends (I think it was me who started that one).
    
    I feel that Keegan may play Terry Wilson (on loan from Forest) at
    centre half. Although he's probably a better midfielder, he's possibly
    more reliable at centre half than the inexperienced Matty Appleby.
    Which leaves left back as the only really weak area. Stimson will
    probably be playing there and I think I've quoted my views on him
    already in this note.

    
    Anyone know anymore about the news that Keegan is trying to get 
    David O'Leary from Arsenal ??
    
    
    
    Gary..

    
    Aren't you too busy to be in notes Gary? Get back to fixing networks.
    
    Anyway, I knew OA was turned down by Arsenal when he tried to get
    O'Leary. Don't see how Keegan can get a score there, two weeks later
    than Ossie.
    
    Tim (on an offical break)

    
    What! Mick Quinn are you sure? 500K would be a more realistic price.
    Personally, I wouldn't take advantage of someone so obviously mentally
    disadvantaged.
    
    Having said that, I'm sure Keegan would snap their hands off.
    
    Tim

    
    re 240
    
    Aye and Vinny Jones is to be the next King of Majorca..
    
    Gary..

.240>    Rumour has it that some weird Italian side has a bid of 5 million
.240>    pounds for Quinn.
    
	I heard it was 5 million lira.

    
    Re last few, I think it's Naill Quinn.
    
    Gary.

    
    	re .243..
    
    	5m Lira? What's that, then...about 30 quid? 8-)

    	Andy.

    
<   Re last few, I think it's Naill Quinn.
    
    What!!! He's a bigger donkey than our Quinn and I don't mean he's
    taller.
    
    Tim

News yesterday that Plymouth have also sacked their manager - and Ossie is top 
of their shopping list. That'd be all we need, considering we need to finish 
above them (and a couple of others!) this season. He'd certainly have the 
motivation to do us down.

No news yet of tomorrow's game at Blackburn. Should be a good crowd - 
Newcastle have been involved in almost all of the highest-attended Div 2 
matches this season. Not bad for a team of relegation favourites!

grahame

    
    I wonder if Keegan will let Ossie rent his house in Hampshire?
    (It seems pointless for a football manager to buy property just
    because they work there. Ask Willie McFaul, Colin Sugget, Jim Smith
    Ossie himself, Bruce Rioch, Colin Todd and Dennis Smith).

    
    Niall Quinn used to be a donkey at Arsenal but since going to Man City
    he (tv viewing only) has come on a lot and scored some waxer goals.
    Plus the balls he is winning in the air seem to be reaching his own
    team therefore making him both a target man and a goalscorer.
    
    I would have him at Newcastle for 5 million lire..or a swap for our
    Quinn... But I doubt that will come about.
    
    I haven't heard anything about the David O'Leary saga so it must have
    been a red herring...
    
    
    Any other news on new players ???
    Have you seen the international predictions ?? This 1st few gave
    victories to the lads, if we win they'll be danicing in the streets of
    the big market !!
    
    Gary..

    
    Yes, and I'll be there to see the danicing. What ever that is. 
    I'll be listening to the match on Metro, so I'll put in a totally
    unbiased report on Monday.
    
    Tim

    
    Tim danicing is taking over from raving, do you think it will catch
    on..
    
    I have just been told that the local paper has reported that Franz Carr
    is in the squad to travel to tommorrow's game..
    
    Gary..

    
    
    oh.... the IRISH Quinn. That narrows it down ;-)
    
    Tim

    Obituary please !!!

    
    Did you know ???
    
    That David Speedie (when playing for Darlington) was offered to
    Newcastle for just 20k..
    
    I wish Willy Mcfaul had accepted if only to tie his legs together so he
    couldn't come back to haunt us..
    
    Was anybody at the game.. If so fill us in on the atmosphere and the
    match..
    
    Gary..

    
    I did know that Gary. Apparently we thought he was too slow and would
    never make it.
    
    Re the Blackburn game: Well, all was going to plan until 2 mins to
    half time. We were leading due to a 12th min goal from Kelly and we
    were well worth our lead. However, after 43 mins, Tommy Wright
    collected a ball on the ground and was apparently fouled. The ref blew
    and we (well, Charles Harrison and Richard Dinnis- remember him?)
    thought it was a foul. The ref called the trainer on to administer
    some treatment to Tommy. Unbelievably, the ref ordered a drop ball in
    the area, from which Blackburn scored. End of story! Game over. From
    then Blackburn were in the ascendancy and Speedie scored two further
    goals in the second half.

    
    
    Isn't Speedie in trouble for 'celebrating' in front of the Newcastle
    supporters on Saturday ? - The little sh*t did the same thing at
    Anfield last season, when he scored for Liverpool against Everton.
    
    Paul

    
    Yes, it was on TV. I think he did the 5 finger shuffle. I only saw it
    from a distance though.

    
    I have seen him do that at St James's before, can't remember who he was
    playing for, most probably Chelsea.
    There is a lot of talk about that gesture up here in Newcastle and I
    think it will more than likely be brought to the attention of the
    officials eventually..
    I can imagine the Newcastle fans didn't take kindly to it.
    
    What was the referee thinking of giving a drop ball in the penalty box, 
    you can't do that can you ?? Doesn't it have to be dropped outside the
    area. Where's that copy of shoot with "You are the Ref" in it..
    
    Gary..
    
    PS. On Saturday a bus full of West Ham fans stopped at a pub near to
        where I live (pre match meal). As I passed in my car I beeped my
    	horn wound my window down and wished them luck in beating the 
        mackems, the looks on their faces was amazing, I think they were
    	expecting a torrent of abuse. They cheered and waved me off !!

<   What was the referee thinking of giving a drop ball in the penalty box, 
<   you can't do that can you ?? Doesn't it have to be dropped outside the
<   area. Where's that copy of shoot with "You are the Ref" in it..
    
    Well I was certainly surprised and angered. I would have thought the
    ref would say throw the ball out of play or something. He will be as
    popular as Trelford Mills.
    
    We play Barnsley, I believe on Saturday Gary.
    
    Tim.
    
    ps I went to the Bigg market on Saturday to watch this "danicing" and
    it never happened. I think you've been spreading porkies again Gazza.

    
    It was cancelled because of the snow !!
    
    Barnsley eh !  isn't that Mr Liberal opinion Hawley's 2nd team ??
    
    Gary..

    re. 261
    
    thats right!
    and we gubbed you 3-0 last time.
    however, i dont think we will do it this time, ill go for 1-1.
    Ian.
    

    
    We have got Brian Kilcline on loan and the news is he will make his
    debut on Saturday against Barnsley..
    
    We play New Zealand tonight at St James's (its hardly going to be an
    away game !!) and Mick Quinn is playing. Apparently at tonights match
    vouchers are being distributed which can be used to "jump the queue"
    for the Newcastle v Sunderland match..
    
    Gary..

    
    That means we've had 4 players on loan this season (Bodin, Walker,
    Wison and now Kilcline). I'm sure I read recently, that the maximum
    no. players allowed on loan per season is 3. Mind you I did read that
    in the Evening Chronicle.
    
    As an aside I think we'll "gub" Barnsley 4 nil.

    I see in the rag that Keegan has 2M to spend, and plans to buy three
    players.

    
    John Anderson has had to retire. A good servant to the club. This is
    his testimonial year. I hope that he can play in his testimonial. The
    United rag reckons that Waddle's Merseille will be the opposition.
    I had heard that Celtic were going to be the opposition and Saint and 
    Greavie reckoned the game against New Zealand tonight would be it. I think 
    its in April though. Whenever it is, I hope there is a bumper turn out.
    There aren't many players who commit ten years of their career's to one
    club. I woudn't mind seeing him in a coach's role at NUFC.
    
    Tim

I dunno, I think it was those capes and that high voice which spoiled 
it for me. And the lyrics to "Yours Is No Disgrace". Well, I mean 
what can you say?

Barry.

    
    Barry..
    
    Its obvious you've never met the John Anderson who played for
    Newcastle. You wouldn't be confusing him with the YES vocalist, or if
    you did you wouldn't say anything..
    
    Gary..
    

I remember seeing a picture of Rick Wakeman in a football kit once,
must have been one if his solo concept albums, "Journey to the centre
circle" or something or other. Was'nt wearing a cape mind you. Gave 
good cape did Rick. Apologies Newcastle.

      
    

    Re .266
    
    Hullo, Grahame!
    
    So you've got "Killer" on loan.  I think he'll probably do an OK job
    for you, if he's fit.  The first time I saw him play (on a freezing
    Boxing Day at Leicester, we lost 5-1) I thought he was possibly the
    worst first division player I'd ever seen.  In fact, I thought "I can
    do that!"
    
    To be fair he did improve, and I was quite sad to see him leave
    Highfield Road.  I *was* surprised that we got 450,000 for him.  They
    must have bitten Joe Royle's arm off when he made that kind of offer.
    
    To be fair to him he doesn't hoof it up the middle every time.  The
    last couple of times I saw him he even took people on.  And beat them
    from time to time.  He did get goals too, but a lot of them were
    penalties.
    
    That's what I know.
    Tom

.272>    for you, if he's fit.  The first time I saw him play (on a freezing
.272>    Boxing Day at Leicester, we lost 5-1) I thought he was possibly the
.272>    worst first division player I'd ever seen.  In fact, I thought "I can
.272>    do that!"
    
	Hopefully he'll have a similar debut for the mags!

>.272>   for you, if he's fit.  The first time I saw him play (on a freezing
>.272>   Boxing Day at Leicester, we lost 5-1) I thought he was possibly the
>.272>   worst first division player I'd ever seen.  In fact, I thought "I can
>.272>   do that!"
    
 .273>   Hopefully he'll have a similar debut for the mags!
    
    But I thought we were playing Barnsley?
    
    Tim

	OK, change the date, venue, opponents & division, but keep the
scoreline the same!

    
    
    Oh, not that similar at all then.

	He could make it a bit less similar. A 5-0 defeat would be better
than 5-1.

    
    I read in the paper this mornign that Keegan has ruled out a move to
    get Ray Wilkins up here as his no.2 . Wilkins wants to continue to
    play but also wants to manage, would have been a good opportunity
    for him, but its not to to be..
    
    Have you seen the asking price for Kilcline 400k. I can't see Keegan
    spending that much on him, I don't even think he has any intention of
    buying him. It looks as though the Keegan gamble is paying off as the
    old boy network is co operating with Keegan. I don't think Ardilles had
    the contacts that Keegan has so a no to Ardilles will possibly be a yes
    for "me old mate" Keegan.
    
    Gary..

Wilkins, mmmm. Never rated him, especially in his England days, but I wonder 
why he turned it down? Presumably he could play, we could do with an old head 
in midfield. Do I hear 'Bring back Roy Aitken'? 

According to the Grauniad, an 'astonishing 5000' people turned up last night to 
see us beat New Zealand 2-1. They didn't say who scored for us, but it was a 
Geordie who scored for them. It's the 'astonishing' I don't understand -
another Guardian mispirnt? 

g

    
    What happened regarding Terry McDermott ?? I thought he had/was to
    become Keegans no 2.
    
    Keith.

    
    Only to the end of the season. He says he'll go on after that if Kev
    wants him. He even said he'd camp out in the car park to remain
    involved with NUFC. He must be short of money.
    
    I've no news about last nights game, but did anyone hear that Alan
    Neilson will play for Wales A team tonight? He's only 18/19 and isn't
    exactly a regular for us, really. He's played most of his first team
    games at right back, but he prefers centre half (where hes played in
    the main for the youth/reserves). I don't know where he will be playing
    for Wales. He's an interesting case Neilson. Born in Germany (RAF
    father), and of Welsh and Scandanavian descent. He wrote to Newcastle
    for a trial and we took him on. I don't know whether he's a Geordie,
    but I suspect he is, as we don't often get youngsters from other parts of 
    the country (don't need to). 
    
    400k for Kilcline. What a joke. After all we've got an international
    centre half in Neilson now (or right back).
    
    Tim

    Re a few back.
    
    Ardiles offered Scott to Peter Reid for 1m. This was just before the
    messiah returned. Reid said SCott was overpriced and exceeded their
    evaluation.
    
    Can't understand what Reid is playing at; Hendry was a good centre-half
    and then he sold him; pays 2.5m for Curle and is STILL looking for a
    centre-half!

.281>   I don't know where he will be playing for Wales.

	In Cardiff perhaps?


.281>  Born in Germany (RAF father), and of Welsh and Scandinavian descent.
.281>  I don't know whether he's a Geordie, but I suspect he is,

	I always thought Geordies were born ( or dug up) in or around Newcastle.

    
    If you were born, whilst your parents were working on a fixed time 
    contract in another country, would you regard yourself as a national of 
    your parents country? I think so, unless you wanted to claim
    citizenship of the country of your birth for political/economic
    reasons. 
    
    You don't hear Cliff Richard saying that he's Indian.
    
    Tim

    re .282
    
    I agree with Peter Reid. I don't think hes worth a million. We've got
    the worst defensive record in the league and I don't think we'd be too
    much more worse off without him. For all that, I don't want to see him 
    go. He's not yet the finished article and he's currently more than adequate
    for the 2nd division. 
    
    Certainly no skipper though; He's too quiet and a bit soft.
    
    Tim
       

Tommy Wright plays for Northern Ireland tonight.

g

Re .284
    
    If you were born, whilst your parents were working on a fixed time 
    contract in another country, you would, under international law, be
    a citizen of the country of birth, unless the place you were born, was
    technically the territory of another country, ie. an embassy or military
    base.

    
    Thank you for that info. I'll be able to sleep tonight (in fact I nearly
    fell asleep at my desk whilst reading it).
    
    Can we stick to arguments about football in here? Its probably very
    boring for the other noters too. 
        
    Tim.

    
>    Can we stick to arguments about football in here? Its probably very

	Why? Is there a connection between Newcastle United & football?

>    .281>   I don't know where he will be playing for Wales.
>
>            In Cardiff perhaps?
    
    I think he must have turned up in Cardiff, as he didn't get a game for
    Wales yesterday. They were playing in Dublin.
    
    Tim

    
    Re -1, actually he did.  He replaced Saunders on 86 minutes.
    
    Gary.

    
    Oh that's good news. Unfortunately, ITV didn't announce that he got on.
    They must have used at least 4 subs (Blackmore, Hodges, Neilson and
    A.N. Other).
    
    Tim

Kevin Sheedy has agreed terms (I think he's on a free) and will sign if the 
medical's OK. This would be great news - he's a class player and appears to 
need a new challenge, so should be dead keen to impress. Things looking upper 
and upper!

g

    
    That's Bl**dy Brilliant. I'm dead chuffed, me. I knew he was on the
    list at Everton. Surprised no-one until now has taken him on.
    
    Tim 

    
    Re last couple
    
    Shouldn't you be asking yourselves - if he's been on the list that
    long, howcome nobody (except a novice to football management) was
    prepared to take him on ?
    
    Sheedy's been cr*p for Everton for the last few years - I hope for
    Newcastle's sake he is able to motivate himself again.
    
    Paul

    
    If we were offered Ratcliffe (for nowt), I'm sure Keegan would snap
    Kendal's hand off. Keegan's a great motivator, a vibrant personality
    (Messiah/God/Christ etc etc).
    
    I'm sure he could even re-motivate me into getting on with my job and
    not wasting my time in notes. Ooh err I didn't say that.
    
    Tim

    
    RE .296
    
    I doubt even the great Keegan could motivate you Tim, I gave up after
    a couple of tries !!
    
    Good news about Sheedy, I hope its right I've already spread it around
    the office, I don't want to be known as a rumour monger..
    
    Gary...

    
    Rumour Monger? You Gary? I can't believe that. I remeber the time I
    fell for your story about Boz's wife having a wooden leg. That still
    causes me terrible embarrasment.
    
    Tim                            

    Tim,
    
    Do you remember the rumour that Gary spread about him being a good
    footballer ?, I fell for that one and that caused me terrible
    embarrasment.
    
    Stuart.

    
    Did you ever get back in that team Stuart?
    
    Tim

    
    Yes he did when I moved back north they were without their superstar
    attacking midfielder, so they shuffled the side around to try and
    compensate for their crucial loss and Stuart was picked as 2nd
    substitute.. I believe he has been consistent in that position ever
    since, therefore making the no 14 shirt (and the tracksuit) his...
    
    Gary (Gazza)

    
    Kevin Sheedy passed his medical and signed yesterday, his registration
    was faxed to the FA just in time to beat the deadline. So Kevin Sheedy
    makes his debut for Newcastle against Barnsley on saturday !!!
    
    Good luck Kevin !!!
    
    And good luck the lads..
    
    Gary..

    
    Is Kilcline also on the team sheet for tomorrow ???
    
    Keith.

    
    Yes. Kevin Scott is still suspended. Last match though.
    
    Tim

    
    I was thinking last night, couldn't get to sleep (didn't have any Brian
    Dagless notes to read ;-O ) and it occurred to me that I've probably
    met enough former NUFC players to make a full team. Obviously some of the
    players played in different eras. Anyway here is my team of ex-NUFC
    players that I've met.
    
     1) Kevin Carr
     2) Neil McDonald
     3) Wesley Saunders
     4) Mick Martin
     5) Peter Jackson
     6) Glenn Roeder
     7) Lee Clark
     8) Gazza (real nickname GASSA)
     9) George Reilly
    10) Peter Beardsley
    11) Chris Waddle 
    
    subs: Nigel Walker, Rocky Hudson & Mr.? Rutherford (reserve from the
    Edwardian era).
    
    Can anyone else admit to being such a name-dropper?
    
    Tim

    
    Also cross-posted in the LIES conference). Well not really that *was*
    a lie. 

    You didnt meet Gazza in a night club a while ago by any Chance?
    
    Tony

    Yes, I did. (God's honest truth). The Studio, in Newcastle.

    So you were the one that duffed im up then!

    
    Unfortunately no. It could have been any one of the other several
    hundred people there though. I did one have a "set-to" with his younger 
    brother once.
    

Fairly miserable result on Sat with the famous Currie (looking forward to Next 
Unseening his Note when I get to it!) equalising with only 6 mins to go. Kelly 
got our goal - 3rd game in a row he's scored. Wonder how Quinny feels about 
that?!

Ropey-looking defence with Ranson re-injured and Scott still out:

Wright, Watson, Stimson, O'Brien, Kilcline, Neilson, Sheedy (Roche 81),
Peacock, Kelly, Clark (Carr 63), Brock.

Anyone know why the subs were used? Crowd of 27 670, the 3rd highest of the 
day.

grahame

    Subs were used because:
    
    Clark was below par and Sheedy got injured. He's 50-50 to be playing
    against Port Vale. Quinn will start a game for the 1st time in 5 mths.
    
    Benny K. came though a reserve match unscathed (as did Quinn) in
    midweek; although doesn't expect to be in the first team for a couple
    of games yet.
    
    Tim
       

    
    Good result on Sat. First goal for Watson ever (super half volley). Now
    6th bottom. 4 more wins to safety.
    
    Did you hear the one about the football club chairman who told his
    manager that he could sign Waddle and Beardsley (Throw in Gazza if the
    Lazio deal falls though) even though the club is 6M in debt and was
    about to call in the receivers 3 weeks ago? Well I did. Have a read of
    the Sunday People. More realistically, Beardsley is prepared to come
    back next season if we stay in the 2nd. To buy all 3, we'd need about
    6M.
    
    Tim

Well, all good news for a change! Injuries easing and points accumulating. 
Mind you, if we lose to Brighton on Sat we could be bottom again!

No, I resolve to be more optimistic from now on . . . and why not? And we're 
still only 7 points behind Sunderland.

g

    
    I hear that Tim Moran has been added to the injury list !!!
    
    Perhaps Tim would like to post a note of how his career threatening
    injury occurred !!!!
    
    
    Gary..

    
    I was playing pool and managed to break my leg and ankle. I must be
    stupid, I thought pool was a non-contact sport. I was surveying a shot
    and got my foot caught in a coffee table and fell over. I'll be off
    work for another 7 weeks (including this one). 
    
    I'm in Newcastle, so I'll be able to keep a close eye on things at
    NUFC. Looks like it was a good time to have a break, as that reknowned
    makem Richard Connor has been seconded to my office for a month. So,
    thankfully, I'll not have to hear about FA cup exploits etc.
    
    
    Tim
    

    
    
    Hot off the press....
    
    Marseille.... Newcastle United..... and   Chris Waddle have agreed
    terms...
    
    Local radio reports possible signing before Saturday..
    The fee is rumoured to be 1.2 million pound..
    
    Judas returns !!!!!
    
    Gary..

    
    I can see the headlines:
    
    Judas forgiven by Saviour. etc etc

You can safely come back now Tim. They couldn't afford the price for my
services, so I'm back at Reading!

Rich

    
    I heard you are fairly pricey.....
    
    
    I suppose your not "Rich" for nothing !!!!
    
    
    guffaw guffaw...
    
    Gary..

    Gary,
    
    Waddle won't be joining. Tapie (Marseille chairman) has vetoed the move
    until, at least, the end of the season.
    
    Tim

    
    Looks likely that Keegan will be signing that reknowned Rick Parfitt
    impersonator, Barry Venison of Liverpool (if you believe the Evening
    Chronicle). Apparently, he won't be signed in time to play against
    Brighton as he's been in italy with the Liverpool squad. Keegan has
    mentioned several times this week that he was after a utility player of
    good quality. Bearing that in mind, it seems strange that he's going
    for Venison.
    
    Tim

Venison? Oh no, can we have the Waddle rumour back again instead please?

grahame

    
    If we buy Venison I'll beat my wife up...
    
    
    Please please please Mr Keegan don't buy Rick Parfitt...
    
    
    Gary..
    

    
    Call yourself a Northerner Gary!!! You shouldn't need an excuse before
    beating your wife up.
    
    Tim

    
    That reminds me of a song. I think it was Bolton I heard it at.
    
    I go down pub,
    I drink 10 pints,
    And I get really plastered,
    And i go back home,
    And beat the wife,
    Like a northern B@#$%^&.
    
    Cheers
    Nige (A proud southerner).

                 

	The South London version varies slightly and at the time was possibly
more topical; 


       You come down here and drink our beer
       And end up ******* plastered,
       Then you go back home
       To **** your kids
       You dirty northern b******s.


       ( not that I ever sung it ).

    
    Now come on, we'd never drink your beer!!!

Yuppy Panes. He's a Palace supporter no?

          <<< Note 52.330 by VOGON::HARKER "ISE/TPAG (ISVG-Europe)" >>>
                               -< Yuppy Panes? >-


>Yuppy Panes. He's a Palace supporter no?


Correct. Yuppy only by node name though.

Stuart

    
    Disaster on Saturday, losing 1-0 to bottom (then) club Brighton. They
    scored after 79 mins. We had 6 first half chances, but were very poor
    throughout. Keegan is threatening a mass clear out. Sooner rather than
    later I hope.
    
    If we don't get anything at high flying (league position and style)
    Cambridge on Tuesday, then we're in absolutely dire straits. Currently
    4th bottom (on goal diff) and played more games, we can't afford to drop
    many more points.
    
    Tim
       

    Tim,
    
    the position at the bottom ain't that bad - if you look the points in
    the bottom half are very tight and a run of two or three wins can you
    lift you clear of the relegation zone.  The worrying part for Newcastle
    (and Oxford) is that all the teams at the bottom seem to be picking up
    points.
    
    		Brian 

    
    re -.1
    
    Newcastle haven't won 2 games on the trot since October. Coupled with 
    the fact that we've played 35 games and both Bristol C. and Plymouth
    have only played 33 and are max. 1 point behind us, we look to have a
    bit of a battle on. Nevertheless, I think we'll just survive, as will
    Oxford, judging by their recent form.
    
    Port Vale, Brighton and Plymouth to go down.
    
    Tim
       

    Don't lose faith. I should know I'm a Luton fan.
    
    The year we beat Derby to stay up we had not won thre games on the trot
    for about three years. Loo what happened we won the last three. Teams
    at the bottom always start picking up points towards the end. Though I
    must admit it does look abit bad for both Newcastle and Luton this
    year.
    
    Looks like the Keegan magic may have worn off already.
    
    Regs,
    
    
    Barry.

    
>    Looks like the Keegan magic may have worn off already.
    
	What Keegan magic?

    
    Could it be the Keegan magic, that inspired a 2-0 victory at 3rd placed
    Cambridge last night?
    
    Goals from Gavin Peacock (38 mins) and David Kelly (44 mins) sealed a
    fabulous victory at Cambridge, who are 3rd in the division and thrashed
    Bristol Rovers 6-1 in their last home game. We were well worth the win
    and even had an 80th min "goal" disallowed for offside. I don't think
    Tommy Wright had a save to make all night (couple of catches max.)
    We're up to 19th position and on 39 points. We've won our last 2 away
    games now. If our home form improves soon, we should be safe.
    
    
    Tim

Lose to the bottom club at home - and then three days later win at a Top 3 
club. It could only be Newcastle. Ceefax gave a lot of credit to Quinn's 
return (presumably Hunt was dropped?), making the first one for Peacock. The 
mighty David lacey was drooling over the performance in the Guardian today,s 
aying we looked more like First thsan Third Div candidates (I should hope so, 
too!), outplaying Cambridge throughtout the game.

Yet another light in the tunnel . . .

grahame

    
    Grahame,
    
    David Lacey was co-commentator for the match on Metro radio. He seemed
    quite impressed. He said Peacock and Kelly caught his eye. I must take
    back the derogatory remarks I've made about Kelly in the past. Since
    Keegan's arrival he's got 5 goals in 5 games. It seems that all he
    needed was a bit of confidence and encouragement.
    
    Tim 

    I'm not surprised that Newcastle beat Cambridge last night.  I saw
    Cambridge at Oxford 3 weeks ago and they were appalling - a poor
    version of Wimbledon of the late eighties.
    
    All the bottom teams won last night didn't they - apart from Bris.C.
    who were beaten by Plymouth A. ??  Oxford are at home tonight and they
    need a win to keep their run going and to make up for last nights
    results.
    
    Personally I'd like to see Newcastle to stay - as long as it is not at
    the expense of Oxford.  I'd rather see Plymouth, Port Vale and one
    other go.  The second division needs the potentially bigger clubs like
    Newcastle and Bristol City now that we have the "Super League"
    
    		Brian 

    
    True, the 2nd division does need teams like Newcastle, but to be honest, 
    Newcastle doesn't need the 2nd division. What we really need is premier
    league football.
    
    Tim

    
    What Newcastle need is a board with some money and some guts - look
    what Leeds have achieved in the last couple of years. It's not that
    long since Newcastle stuffed Leeds 5-2 on the opening day of the
    season - but who finished up getting promoted ?
                                                   
    Paul

    If we stay up, we will receive all the money we need to buy players.
    There's a 13M resue package riding on it.
    
    Gazza's agent, Mel Stein, was told only recently that Newcastle would
    take Gazza back if the Lazio deal fell through (at the asking price).
    
    Keegan has been told he can buy both Waddle and Beardsley and one other
    now. Also, do you not think that taking Keegan on as manager showed
    guts? It certainly is a gamble.
    
    re who ended up getting promotion: Sunderland!

Brian's raised the point that almost all of the Div 2 strugglers are winning 
at the moment. Not long ago Oxford looked buried, then Brighton had a go - now 
look where they are. You can almost perm 3 from 24 in this really average 
Second Division this seaason - let's hope it's not us when the music stops!

Luckily with the Premier League adopting promotion-relegation for the next 3 
years it won't be a disaster to not get promoted this year. Whoever does will 
struggle - after all they've struggled against Div 2 for most of a season. We 
should survive this one, and go for winning it next year - in front of Boro, 
West Ham, Swindon,  Southampton, Luton, Cambridge and Sunderland - in that 
order!

grahame

    
    That's quite a prediction, Grahame.

    
    re. the Waddle situation - the latest rumour I've heard down here is
    that he might be going to Monaco. Chances are it'll be his last move,
    and chances are he'll make more dosh out of it too.
    
    Having been to both places, I know where I'd rather be !
    
    Ads.

    
    Keegan is expecting to sign David Kerslake of Swindon before 5 pm
    today. I've seen him play a few times and he's always looked fair.
    I wonder if this is the quality utility player Keegan's been going on
    about. 
    
    Rumour has it that Clayton Blackmore of Manchester United may be
    joining us for 750K. Is Keegan mad? How on earth are we going to be
    able to field a full team when we qualify for Europe ;-0
    
    Tim

    
    ive seen david Kerslake recently and he looked a good little player,
    i reckon Keegans done very well for himself there.
    
    Ian.

    
    I've just heard: Keegan's bid for Kerslake has "ran into trouble".
    The deal isn't on at the mo. Keegan remains interested "as he's a good
    player and I would still like him". I think we can read from that, that
    Swindon have upped the asking price.
    
    Tim

    
    Keegan has just announced that he's got no money to spend on deals.
    He said that he had 4 deals lined up but was told that by John Hall
    that there's no money in the kitty. Looks like Mr Watterson was right.
    
    Tim

Seeing as the Reserves won 5-0 last night, at Bradford City no less, I now 
feel brave enough to ask Tim what the chances are of them surviving in Div 1 
this season? They don't seem to win that many. And any news on last night's 
game?

grahame

    
    Grahame, 
    
    I haven't seen the central league table for a while. We were bottom the
    last time I looked though. About the game - Lee Clark scored 2 as did
    Bjorn Kristensen (great news to see him back) and Stev Howey scored
    with a header from a corner.
    
    Team:
    
    Srnicek, Ranson, Appleby (Hunt 79), Roche, Howey, Neilson, Carr
    (Gallagher 60), Kristensen, Robinson, Clark and Makel.
    
    A very strong team there. Hopefully Carr, Ranson, Kristensen etc will
    be ready for 1st team duty shortly.
    
    Tim
    

I opened this topic tonite (Sunday) hoping to find the 'truth' about the Kee
Kee-gone scandal filling today's papers. Tim, are you in Newcastle?
What's the line in the Sunday Sun ? 

If it's true what the papers say (that Hall promised
1m for transfer but now says there's nout) then all the talk in the
recent notes about Waddle, Gazza and Beardo would seem a bit like
wishful thinking. 

Nice result against Swindon. One point behind Sunderland.

    
    Keegan hasn't gone. He will be staying on until (at least) the end of
    the season. IMO Keegan was playing brinkmanship. He said to Quinn that
    "something big" would happen after the match but "not to worry about
    it". I think keegan knew exactly what he was doing. He was bringing
    national exposure to his plight at Newcastle. He was promised money to 
    buy new players, but was told last Thursday that there wasn't any.
    He told the media at this stage "Its not like it said in the
    brochures".
    
    As a consequence of all this 500k is sitting on Keegan's desk (a
    personal cheque from Sir John and Lady Hall) for him to buy his most
    urgent target. In the "brochures" he was promised another 500k, this is
    yet to arrive, but I wouldn't bank against Keegan getting it. It seems,
    at last, that we've got a manager who will stand up to the Chairman. 
    
    Tim
    
    ps There was some football also at the weekend. We beat Swindon 3-1
    with goals from Kelly, Peacock and Quinn scoring for us and Dave
    Mitchell (once on loan with us) scoring for Swindon.

  Keegan has had a change of heart and realises that in order to be a true
  "messiah" he has to spend at least 40 days in the wilderness,

  Stuart

    I think he's got a cheek. Why can't he make a better job of it than
    Ossie Ardiles, unless he gets a load of dosh to spend. He an unproven
    manager what a gamble. Let him put some of his money where his mouth
    is. 
    
    That is if the club really does mean as much to him as he says.
    
    Regs,
    
    Barry.

    Re last.
    
    I personally think your comments are unfair on Keegan. The guy is a
    motivator. Just look at how much better Newcastles results have been
    since Keegan arrived. He seems to create confidence for the younger
    guys. He also gives me the impression that he's not so inexperienced
    when it comes to management skills. Standing up to the board, sounds ok
    to me. Keegan obviously feels that the current sqaud is not strong
    enough to be moulded into a premier league club. I agree !!! The sooner
    the board shell out some money on decent players the sooner Newcastle
    will become a successfull force again. A club like Newcastle shouldn't
    have to sell a player just because the board want the money. Newcastles
    track record of selling good players is a bit excessive.
    McDonald,Waddle,Beardsley and Gascoigne !! I think that's enough
    bitching !!! Invest the money and reap the benefits. Keegans right !!
    
    Keith.

    
    Keegan played in a friendly last night at West Auckland (wern't they
    the first team to win the world cup?). He played in midfield, scoring 1
    and making another. We won 5-0.
    
    Tim

    As a neutral, I find the Keegan situation a little odd. He knew the
    restrictions imposed on Ardiles and that any money forthcming would be
    form personal deals negotiated from the board. If he is so pro-Newcatle, 
    considering his healthy financial position, why didn't he claim a place on
    the board and offer to put some of his own money into the club?
    
    

    
    Because:
    
    1) He's not that stupid.
    
    2) He's not that stupid.
    
    Tim

    
    I see Coventry and Spurs are trailing Peacock and guess what, he
    becomes a free agent at the end of the season. I hope Keegan ties him
    down to a long contract before he, himself, goes (again).
    
    Tim

    
    I thoughy I would give a run down on the remaining fixtures for the
    bottom 7 in the 2nd.
    
    Team     	Points 		Home		Away
    ----	------		----		----
    Grimsby	42		Bristol R	Newcastle
    				Derby		Southend
    				Sunderland	Plymouth,Portsmouth,Ipswich
    				Watford		Port Vale, Boro
    
    Newcastle	42		Sunderland	Grimsby
    				Tranmere	Wolves
    				Millwall	Ipswich
    				Pompey		Derby, Leicester
    
    Bristol C	39		Oxford		Sunderland
    				Leicester	Tranmere
    				Boro		Millwall
    				Ipswich		Pompey
    				Derby		Watford
    
    Brighton	39		Cambridge*	Boro
    				Derby		Watford
    				Sunderland	Port Vale
    				Pompey		Bristol R, Ipswich
    
    Plymouth	38		Tranmere	Derby
    				Grimsby		Port Vale
    				Southend	Charlton
    				Oxford		Boro
    				Blackburn	Swindon, Sunderland
    
    Oxford	37		Pompey		Bristol C
    				Wolves		Millwall
    				Bristol R	Derby, Boro
    				Ipswich		Plymouth, Tranmere
    
    Port Vale	34		Plymouth	Millwall
    				Grimsby		Cambridge
    				Blackburn	Swindon
    				Brighton	Southend
    				Charlton
    
    * Think its been played. Home loss not sure though.
    
    Looks like its gonna be very close.
    
    Tim

    
    Darren McDonough is a bit of a "utility" man, if I remember correctly,
    who can play in the back four or midfield. He had his fair share of bad
    luck with injuries, though, and I think he nearly had to quit the game
    very early in his career. Apparently he had to have his knees
    virtually rebuilt at the time. Maybe he's not the most talented of
    players, but he's got guts, and gives his all.
    
    Mr Walker could probably tell you more... if he can be bothered ...
    
    Ads.

    
    	Didn't McDonough recently get pulled for some sort of drug-related
    	offence?
    
    	Can't exactly remember the details, but it rings a bell....
    
    	Andy.

    What was Saturdays result ??
    
    K.

    
    Q: Name 2 players that play for a club but are not clubs assets.
    
    
    A: Darron Mcdonough and Brian Kilcline. Both are "owned" by Newcastle
       chairman, Sir John Hall and if sold, he'll receive the transfer fee.
    
    On to Saturday's game. We were at Grimsby hoping to extend our unbeaten
    away run to 3 games. The game kicked off 12 mins late due to our fans 
    "bursting" though gates on the edge of the pitch. It was due to the 4000
    Geordies being crammed in a small terrace section. People from the back
    surged, and the gates at the front broke open under the weight. The
    overspill was quickly dealt with and people needing to be replaced
    elsewhere were done so.
    The hold seemed to do Grimsby no harm at all and after 52 seconds Shaun
    Cunnington scored with a powerful drive from 15 yards. Newcastle, with
    a very strong wind at their back, dominated and had forced 6 corner by
    the 20th min. Grimsby didn't touch the ball for long periods of time.
    Despite their pressure, Newcastle carved out few chances. But after 41
    mins it came as no surprise (to me anyway) when Newcastle equalised.
    Reece, Grimsby keeper, appeared to take too many steps after losing
    control of the ball (due to the v. strong wind) when he was about to
    kick it out. Newcastle were awarded an in-direct free kick, inside the
    box. Grimsby had everyone on their goal line (about 1 yard out). Brock
    squared the ball to Sheedy who lashed at it with his world reknowned
    left foot and found a gap in the wall. It was 1-1 at half time.
    
    The second started with Newcastle expecting a fierce wind in their
    face, but miraculously, the wind had died. Had the "Messiah" calmed the
    wind? Probably not, but it was lucky that it died down anyway. Without
    the wind, both teams struggled to find any rythym strangely. Newcastle
    had the best chances though and a seemingly perfect goal from Quinn was
    disallowed when he was adjudged to have fouled the keeper. The keeper
    had no Newcastle player near him, when he dropped the ball. Quinn
    reacted quickest to knock the ball in with his head. Shortly after
    Grimsby had a strong penalty appeal turned down when Kilcline got in a
    tackle. Towards the end, it became apparent that no-one was going to
    score, but Newcastle had another chance. Watson made a surging run down
    the right and crossed into the box. Kelly, was a yard away from sealing
    a 3 consecutive away victory. It ended 1-1. 
    
    Darron McD played (in for O'brien -injured) and had a quiet debut. He
    was subbed after 60 mins. Looked short of match fitness.
    
    Teams.
    
    GRIMSBY Reece,McDermott, R Futcher, Lever, Jobling, Ford, Dobbin,
    Cunnington, Smith (Jones), Mendonca, Woods
    
    NEWCASTLE Wright, Watson, Kilcline, Scott, Stimson, Peacock, McD(Ranson)
    Brock, Sheedy, Quinn, Kelly
    
   Tim

Great report, Tim.

Looks as if it's going to be a nervous end to the season. We're picking up 
enough points to survive in a normal situation, but everyone else is as well! 
Usually by this stage someone is buried and another team looks doomed. Port 
Vale seem to have lost it now, but it's anyone's guess who the other two will 
be. Still, with the signings and cleared-up injuries I feel a lot more 
confident than I did a hundred or so notes ago!

We're now equal on points with Sunderland, who've been busy with their 
'heroic' Cup run - and we've got them at St James on Sunday. Now winning that 
one (for the first time since when?) really will be sweet.

grahame

    
    We've got an international sweeper on trial with us. Keegan is hoping for
    international clearance (Brest, France hold his registration) before
    this afternoon, so he can play in tonight's reserve match against 
    Man U tonight. He's 23 and has 30 caps. 
    
    His name:                
    
    Diaby Sekana
    
    His country:
    
    Ivory Coast.
    
    I've never heard of him, but I know that he scored one of the penalties
    during the 11-10 shoot out victory against Ghana (the favourites) in
    the African Nations Cup.

    
    The reserves beat Man U. 2-0 last night (2 from Hunt). Diaby Sekana had
    an encouraging debut. He won't be able to play in the 1st team until
    next season though as the French FA didn't get their fingers out quick
    enough to meet the league's transfer deadline. The reserves have now
    conceded only 2 goals in the last 9 games. They beat Blackburn 5-0 last
    week. After conceding 50 goals in the first half of the season they've
    had an astonishing purple patch. They are now 6th bottom.
    
    Tim

David Robinson, who hasn't played in the first team for a while, has joined 
Reading on a free - he's playing against Chester tomorrow. Looks as if the 
all-conquering reserve side is breaking up already!

grahame

    
    
    Newcastle 1 v 0  Blunderland
    
    
    YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeessssssssssssssssssssss
    
    
    Plus it should have been 2 v 0 if it wasn't for the officials missing
    an obvious goal that crossed the line before being cleared. How on
    earth did they miss it ???
    
    Gary..

    
    The ref wasn't up with play (having a chat with John Byrne about
    swapping crochet patterns) and the linesman was gesticulating to the 
    crowd, missing the goal. It must have been a yard over the line.
    I'm amazed the Sunderland players didn't own up to the ref; Fine
    sporting gents that they are. Paul Hardyman is so sporting that he
    allowed a weak header from Kelly to creep between him and the post,
    because he thought Kelly had done well getting his head anywhere near
    the cross from Sheedy.
    
    First win against the Makems since 1985. How very sweet.
    
    
    Tim

    
    What happened last night ???? Sob,sob,sob !!!
    
    Keith.

    You have to say that Wolves were to Mutch for us. We were a right load of 
    Bull. Ourgoose got Cook'd.
    
    Just some of the play on words, which have probably been done to death
    in this morning's rags. Being as unbiased as I can, Wolves were not 4
    goals better than us. Our early season defensive frailty reappeared
    yesterday and has placed us firmly back in the sh**. Wolves last goal
    was 3 yards offside. We hit the post and had a shot cleared off the
    line. Quinn also shot weakly when clean through just before half time
    when the score was at 3-1. I only hope that Kilcline (who was subbed)
    was carrying an injury from the start as we were mauled in the air at
    the back. We really need to hammer Tranmere on Saturday.
    Scoring :
    
    5 mins.  Mutch turns in a low left wing cross from Cook.
    10 mins. Tom Bennet flicked on a corner to Mutch who headed in.
    12 mins. Quinn outpaced (???) the Wolves defence to get on the end of a
    		Brock through ball and lobbed the keeper.
    25 mins. From a corner scramble, Tom Bennett forced the ball over the
    		line.
    48 mins. Cook fired in from a low Birch drive.
    72 mins. Gavin Peacock took a ball in his stride, turned and scored
    		from 15 yards.
    84 mins. Mutch scored on the break to complete his hattrick.
    87 mins. Bull, looking 3 yards offside ran into box and scored.
    
    Tim 
    

Just 6 games left to to play and we're still nowhere near being out of trouble. 
This seems to be because all of the form teams in the Division (Ipswich 
excepted) are at the bottom - even Port Vale beat Blackburn this week (so 
they're not as doomed as I suggested a couple of weeks ago). So, perm any 3 
from this lot:

Division 2 (Nether Region)

		P  Pts
16 Tranmere	37  49
17 Grimsby	38  46
18 NEWCASTLE	40  46
19 Bristol City	39  44
20 Sunderland	36  43
21 Brighton	41  43
22 Oxford	38  41
23 Plymouth	39  41
24 Port Vale	40  40

i'm not printing the GD - it's too embarrassing.

grahame

    
    Graham.
    
    Don't worry about Neuky. They'll still be there next season.
    
    
    JN.

    
    Where? At the bottom?
    
    Bad news. Kilcline is out for at least 2 weeks with a groin injury.
    Benny K. has aggravated his knee injury (can you believe that?). Matt
    Appleby is out as well with a not too disimilar injury to myself. That
    leaves Neilson (who's been out of the picture since Keegan arrived) and
    Steve Howey (a converted centre forward) vying with Darron McDonough to
    fill the other centre back role and to mark John Aldridge. Imo Kevin
    Scott is a very immature player and can't cope at centre half without a 
    more experienced partner, so I think we'll really suffer without
    Kilcline.
    
    Tim.

    
    Another defeat. This time by Tranmere 3-2 at home. Guess who scored 2
    goals for Tranmere? (one was a handball and the other was offside!!).
    Kevin Brock got our 2 (doubling his tally for the season).
    Two defeats in a row now. That's as bad as its been this season.
    However, we've got to go to Ipswich in midweek, so that run can be
    extended. We need 7 points out of our last 5 games to be safe.
    Normally, that wouldn't be too difficult, but have you seen woho we've
    got left to play?
    

    Re Darren McDonough. 
    
    At last I've found out what has happened to this conference and have
    made it back in.
    
    Well to be quite honest. Daren McDonough has been known at Luton the
    last couple of seasons as the Donkey of the team. Having said that he
    may not be the most elegant of players but as said earlier in these
    notes he gives his all and when he scores which is not often it is
    usually a cracker of a goal. He has unfortunatly suffered badly with
    injuries at Luton. Indeed he damaged his knee ligaments on the eve of
    Luton Littlewoods Cup Final with the Arse, and was very unfortunate to
    miss out on the final. At that time he was playing his best footy for
    Luton and never seemed to reach that form since. Who knows what might
    have happened to his career had it not been for that injury.
    
    As for his drugs bust. I don't know. Supposedly the night club
    concerned have banned a lot of Luton players for larking around whilst
    there. Darren denies all accusations, I believe him. How the hell can
    he afford cocaine on the wages Luton must have been paying him, Aspirin
    yes but not cocaine.
    
    
    Wish him well.
    
    Regards,
    
    
    Barry. 

    
    Barry,
    
    Your description seems most accurate from what I've seen of McDonough
    so far. I only hope he's lacking match fitness. In his games so far,
    he's been the most ineffective player on view (even worse than Quinn).
    
    Tim

    
    Benny K. is expecting to play a part in our game at Ipswich. Probably
    starting on the bench. He wants to play in front of the centre backs
    (a la Davie McCreery) and thinks this is his best position. Killer has
    made a good recovery and has an outside chance of making the squad.
    Lee Clark is expecting to start for the 2nd time under Keegan. 
    
    The makems got beat (3-2 at Leicester) and have only 4 games in hand of
    us now. We've got 3 points on them. Local bookies are offering 7-1 on
    us going down (better odds than the bottom 3 and Oxford for beating the
    drop). Sunderland are 9-1 with Grimsby at 8-1.
    
    Tim
    
    Tim

>    Benny K. is expecting to play a part in our game at Ipswich. Probably
>    starting on the bench. He wants to play in front of the centre backs
>    (a la Davie McCreery) and thinks this is his best position. Killer has
>    made a good recovery and has an outside chance of making the squad.

Good news - but what happens to O'Brien - isn't that where he likes to play?

>    Lee Clark is expecting to start for the 2nd time under Keegan. 

Strange this - probably our best player - what's Kev got against him?

>    The makems got beat (3-2 at Leicester) and have only 4 games in hand of
>    us now. We've got 3 points on them. Local bookies are offering 7-1 on
>    us going down (better odds than the bottom 3 and Oxford for beating the
>    drop). Sunderland are 9-1 with Grimsby at 8-1.
    
I should go back and find the note that mentions what the 'local bookies' were 
offering on us getting promoted this season!! I reckon we'll both surivive, 
but it'll be entertaining watching to see if Sunderland can do the Cup Final
Losers and Relegation double again!! 

grahame

    
    Good point about O'Brien/Benny, Grahame. We'll have to wait and see where
    Keegan plays them. My preference would be to play Benny at centre half
    or sweeper. He's international class there.
    
    Oh, its not a case of keegan not liking Clark. He says that we need our
    most experienced line up in these desperate times and that youngsters often
    lose their heads when things start going against them. However, Keegan 
    realizes now that we need someone of Clark's ability regardless of age.
    You've all heard the saying "If you're good enough, you're old enough". 
    Having said that, I'm expecting Steve Watson to make way for Ranson at
    right back.
    
    Tim

I agree with the Ranson switch. Watson's a great talent, but not in the back 
four - we need real defenders there.

About time Ipswich's run came to an end. Wonder when it'll happen?!

grahame

                    -< Rugby (Union and League) Conference >-
================================================================================
Note 190.0                     NSWRL results 1992                     No replies
GIDDAY::GREAVES                                      88 lines  13-APR-1992 03:11
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    League table after round #4
  
    Team	P	W	D	L	F	A	Pts
    ---------------------------------------------------------------
    Easts	4	4	0	0	86	30	8
**  Newcastle	4	3	1	0	66	33	7
    St.George	4	3	0	1	88	56	6
    Brisbane	4	3	0	1	88	60	6
    Illawarra	4	2	1	1	64	46	5
-------------------------------------------------------------------
    Norths	4	2	0	2	84	65	4
    Manly	4	2	0	2	79	72	4
    Penrith	4	2	0	2	54	48	4
    Wests	4	2	0	2	60	65	4
    Souths	4	2	0	2	84	90	4
    Canberra	4	1	0	3	56	91	2
    Canterbury	4	1	0	3	54	92	2
    Balmain	4	1	0	3	67	72	2
    Parramatta	4	1	0	3	62	115	2 
    Gold Coast	4	1	0	3	58	80	2
    Cronulla	4	1	0	3	30	64	2
    
    Looks like we're doing ok in this one !!!!
    Must have crushed Ipswich on Saturday.... The're not even in the
    running.....
    
    K.
        
    

    Unfortunately Vogon news has just brought me back to earth ... 8-)
    
    3-2 loss. Looks like we're falling even deeper into the sh*t.
    Any match reports ?? NOT that I'm really that interested in knowing..
    
    Keith.

Both the paper reports I saw gave the result as about right. WE were ahead at 
half time 2-1 after Peacock scored a couple of gems, but Ipswich went up a 
gear and turned on the style in the second - they'll be a credit to the 
Premier next season (and I wonder how their manager John Lyall and Hammers 
fans will feel about them replacing West Ham?).

Keegan said afterwards he was pleased with the performance and we'll be OK iof 
we continue to play like that. Surely he must know that the whole problem with 
the team is that they NEVER 'continue' to do anything!

Next game Millwall at home on Saturday, and before that Sunderland play both 
Plymouth and Grimsby, so the picture'll be clearer.

Contenders:

Grimsby		41  46
Newcastle	42  46
Oxford		41  45
Sunderland	38  43
----------------------
Port Vale	42  43
Brighton	41  43
Plymouth	41  42

grahame

    I listened to the match on Metro and read the Pink/Sunday Sun and the
    general consensus was that a draw would have been a fair result. John
    Lyall stated that we played like "Championship contenders rather than
    relegation strugglers".
    
    Kilcline should be back next game. That'll make a big difference. We've
    leaked 12 goals in the last 3 games.
    
    Tim

Slight mispirnt in my last note - Sunderland play Plymouth and Ipswich before 
Sat, and Grimsby on Sat. Ideally, they'll all be draws!

grahame

    
    I wouldn't worry Grahame, I don't think anyone else reads this note.
    
    Tim

    
    All draws except for the Ipswich game. Where we will be quite happy
    with a victory to Ipswich...
    
    
    Gary..

    I think it is all going to go to the final match.  Normally at this
    stage somebody, maybe two teams are condemned but not this year.
    
    Oxford play Middlesbro. tomorrow - it is boro's 3rd match in 6 days so
    is a great opportunity for Oxford to pick up three precious points. 
    Oxford seem to play better against the better clubs so I think Oxford
    will pull clear with the present bottom three making the drop.
    
    		Brian.
    

                      <<< Note 52.399 by CHEFS::HOUSEB >>>
                              -< I read as well >-

OK, Brian, how about if we rename this topic the 'Second Division Relegation 
Cliffhanger' topic - for the rest of this season, and the 'Second Division 
Championship' topic for next year?!

(Actually, it'll be 'First' Division next season won't it? Assuming Port Vale, 
Plymouth and Brighton do the decent thing for us!)

grahame

Come on Ipswich . . .

Well, after Ipswich letting us down badly on Tuesday, at least last night's 
results all went our way (sorry, Brian!). Even the Reserves won again.

		P  Pts  GD
Sunderland	39  46  -2
Grimsby		41  46  -15
Newcastle 	42  46  -16
Oxford		42  45  -6
---------------------------
Port Vale	43  44  -14
Brighton	42  43  -17
Plymouth	41  42  -21

Gulp! 

Sunderland v Plymouth tonight.

After all the talk about having the worst defence in the League, we should 
note that only Ipswich (65) and Swindon (66) have scored more than us this 
season (62).

grahame

    
    I would of preferred it, if Port Vale had lost at Southend. Now they're
    2 points (1 win behind us). This may very well go to goal difference.
    
    I don't believe that I'm going to say this, but I hope Sunderland stuff
    Plymouth tonight.
    
    Tim

    Yeah, I hope Plymouth get stuffed tonight.  Oxford could have done with
    a point last night and it was especially disappointing as they were one
    up with twenty minutes to go.
    
    Still 4 games to go - I think 7 points would guarantee safety at this
    stage but it could all change over Easter.  Oxford travel to Plymouth
    on Monday - could be a decisive game.
    
    		Brian. 

    Re a few of the previous.
    
    Grahame can rest assured that I am still following this topic
    having been the first person to predict Newcastle in Div 3 next season
    (norwich in Div 2 would be a bonus)
    
    Of course I also predicted that Liverpool would do the treble (:==:)
    
    Regards,
    
    Andrew.D.wicks 
                

    
    re -< I'm still wstching >-
    
    I'd see a doctor about that.
    
    Well the picture's a lot clearer now. After 2 tremendous results (for
    Millwall and Derby) our future looks assured. We'll be playing 2nd
    division football next season (assuming the 2nd becomes the 1st and the
    1st the premier.
    
    I went to the Millwall match and although the 1st half was close
    (Millwall having a strong wind at their backs), the 2nd was one way
    traffic for Newcastle. Millwall had one shot on target and Malcolm
    Allen (looking 5 yards offside knocked the ball in from 15 yards).
    We lost heart after that and I knew we were not going to score. Our
    effort was diabolical to be honest. I and 23,000 others were disgusted
    at the lack of heart shown by the players.
    
    Keegan must have had strong words, as come Monday, I think we showed
    too much heart in a game that we had 3 players (and Terry Mac) sent off.
    Curiously, we lost that one 4-1.
    
    
    Tim

    what's the table looking like now ??
    
    Keith.

Tim, I think you're being far too generous on yesterday's .'performance'. The 
first sending-off was for handball to stop a goal - understandable. The second 
(Scott) was for a second bookable offence - after only 25 minutes! At 
half-time it was 2-0, we were down to 9 men and a deluge looked on. Then a 
miracle - Peacock (inevitably) pulls one back - obviiusly the right sort of 
heart being shown now. But then what happens - O'Brien gets a red card for 
dissent!!! That is inexcusable. Just when we need all concentartion on getting 
a goal O'Brien decides to make it even harder, by leaving us with only 8 men.

Derby score 2 more, the GD takes another hammering - and it could still make a 
difference.

Keith, you don't really want to see the table do you?!! Thanks also to Brian's 
mob losing to Plymouth, we're now back in the bottom 3:

Sunderland	42 49
Grimsby		42 49
Plymouth	44 48
Oxford		44 46
Newcastle	44 46
Port Vale	43 44
Brighton	43 43

Tonight's nail-biters are Ipswich - Grimsby and Port Vale - Charlton.

g

    
    
    No-one in the ground but the ref saw the handball on the line by Brock.
    It was going across the face of the goal anyway. Scott was deservedly
    booked for his 1st offence, a crewd tackle outside the area, but his
    second offence was nothing more than a late nudge, a free kick maybe,
    but not a bookable offence. The ref is in his first year on the list
    and it showed. He completely lost control of a game that had no more
    foul play than an average 2nd division game. In the second half, in an
    attempt to placate the seething Newcastle fans, he awarded a series of
    free kicks to Newcastle, when it was obvious the decision should have
    went the other way. 
    
    O'Brien should have bitten his lip, as on the evidence of previous 
    incidents, he was sure to go off, even for asking the time of day.
    
    We looked and played like the better team, but for a series of
    disgraceful refereeing decisions, we'd have come away with at least a
    point. Looking back at the Millwall game, the ref booked 4 Millwall
    players for not much at all. Referees don't seem to be able to cope
    with the big occasion anymore.  
    
    Tim
       

    re -1
    
    See note 201
    
    jb.

    
    Well Brian, at least that's another local away game for me to watch,
    (along with Reading) although the last time I was at the Manor, I was 
    treated like a piece of dog poo and we lost (no surprise there).
    
    Tim

    
    I heard that the chants at St James on Monday were for Keegans head to
    role... Funny how the alliances of us fanatical Geordies changes so
    quickly. Sounds like the fans are becoming somewhat like fans from the 
    top clubs in Europe. I.e. the team doesn't perform over three months so
    the manager goes. I for one hope he doesn't !! Any comments.. Were the
    rumours I heard even true !!!
    
    Keith.

    
    No. They're not true. Newcastle were AT Derby on Monday. The team
    received a standing ovation from the fans for the way they coped against
    12 men. Kelly was so moved that he threw his shirt into the crowd. I
    hope that didn't mean he's had enough.
    
    re: 
     I.e. the team doesn't perform over three months so.......
    
    We haven't performed over 30 years and the fans are still there. I'm 
    really sick about the way things have turned out, but I'm not about to
    call for Keegan's head. The majority of the players may lack heart but 
    fans don't and will never walk away.
    
    Tim

Well the Sunday Times said "Newcastle dominated" (against Milwall).

    
    We did in the second half, until they scored.
    
    Tim

    
    	So was there a second division game last night? Someone at St James
    Park want's shooting. What on earth has happened to them?

    
    Grimsby drew at Ipswich (0-0) and Port Vale drew at home with Charlton.
    (1-1) I think. Were still 3rd bottom on gd. If we win our last 2 games
    by a sizeable amount we'll definately be safe if Oxford and Brighton
    don't win all their remaining games.
    
    

After last night's results:

Grimsby		43 50
Sunderland	42 49
Plymouth	44 48
Oxford		44 46
Newcastle	44 46
Port Vale	44 45
Brighton	43 43

It just gets tighter. Thanks to Charlton for equalising against PV with only 2 
mins left! One piece of silver lining - Leicester could well have secured 
promotion before we play them on 2 May.

No relevant games tonight.

g 

    
    Grahame, are Pompey definates for the playoffs? or do they need a win
    against us?
    
    Tim

Playoffs? What are they?!

Sorry, Tim, haven't got my Div 2 Ready-Reckoner on me today. I'd almost 
forgotten about Pompey - they haven't done us many favours since "I can't 
stand the strain of fighting for promotion" Bald Eagle left us.

g

    
    Did you know that Smith was actually sacked from Newcastle? He was
    asked to leave.
    
    Also, for John Anderson's testimonial on the 28th, Jean-Pierre Papin 
    (plus a fella called Waddle or something) will be travelling over from
    France. Other attendees are Gazza (in his first match back since his
    injury), Bryan Robson and several other famous Geordies that don't play
    for us. Keegan and Terry Mac will play as well.
    
    I hope he gets a good turn-out, but I think we're a bit too preoccupied
    with other things at the mo.
    

    Pompey must win remaining games to reach play-offs

No, I didn't know Smith was sacked - have you got time to fill in the wholoe 
story? All (I thought) I heard was that he'd decided he couldn't cope any more 
and wanted out. Next thing he was on the staff at Boro!

The testimonial sounds worth seeing - I'm sure there'll be a big crowd to see 
that lot. Pity, in a way, the Club can't have the money - to build next year's 
promotion-winning side! It'd be nice to see other faces we shouldn't have let 
go as well - how about McCreery, Burridge, and er. there must be loads of 
others! All the best to big John, anyway

g

    
    I don't have the full story. I only knew that he'd been sacked due to 
    Chronicle reports stating so, long after the event. It was mentioned on
    more than 1 occasion, so I don't think it was a typo.
    
    Tim

    
    El Tel has banned Gazza from playing in John Anderson's testimonial,
    due to fears that it may cause a set-back. Gazza's still expected to take 
    some part in the events though - I think he's going to do a stand up
    routine.
    
    Tim

    
    Well, its the real crunch game tomorrow against Pompey. We must win it
    to have a chance of staying up (mathematically we only need a point if
    everyone else loses). I'm tempted to drive up there to see the game.
    It could well be the last home match in the 2nd div or even ever if you
    believe certain tabloids. Pompey only drew at home in midweek when they
    needed a win to get into the play-offs. They still can and it will be a
    tense game tomorrow. I predict a 2-1 win for Newcastle, with us taking
    a 2 goal lead and having to hold on desperately.
    
    Tim

             <<< Note 52.425 by NEWOA::MORAN "Wey not likely!!" >>>

    
    >	Gazza's still expected to take some part in the events though - 
    >	I think he's going to do a stand up routine.
                                   ^^^^^^^^
    
    Obviously the events will not be taking place in a night club this time
    ;-)

    
    Yes I have no doubt that we will beat Pompey tommorrow !!
    
    
    
    Gary..

    
    Gazz or indeed anyone else, you don't fancy turning out in a Newcastle 
    select side (see note 203)?
    
    Tim

Magic! 

I have to admit to spending some time working out the 'what ifs' for the 
remaining games. 

So, correct me if I'm wrong but, providing Brighton don't win on 
Wednesday (agianst Portsmouth), Newcastle will stay up (whatever the 
result against Leicester)
unless Oxford win (away to Tranmere) and Plymouth don't loose (at home 
to Blackburn). Since I don't fancy Plymouth's chances, things don't look
too bad. The Brighton and Port Vale games will be irrelevant.

Even if Brighton win mid-week (which is unlikely), Newcastle will stay up 
unless both Brighton and Oxford win (or one of those teams wins and Plymouth 
don't loose). Brighton have Ipswich away so that doesn't look too likely
either.

Note that in either scenario a draw against Leicester doesn't help
protect against the unthinkable.
(A win against Leicester would make life less complicated of course.)

I was planning to be in Newcastle this weekend (but I just looked
in my atlas to see where Leicester was). That looks 'on the way' to
me. (I'd go just to hear the half-time and full-time tannoy announcements.)

    What happened then ???
    
    Keith.

    
    To put you out of your misery ...
    
    Newcastle   1   Portsmouth    0
    Swindon     1   Plymouth      0
    Cambridge   4   Port Vale     2
    Oxford      1   Ipswich       1
    
    Bottom  5
    
                 P   Pts   GD
    Newcastle    45   49  -19
    Plymouth     45   48  -20
    Oxford       45   47  - 8
    Port Vale    45   45  -16
    Brighton     44   44  -20
    
    I guess it won't be Hartlepool vs Newcastle in the leaague next 
    season !

    
    ... forgot one :
    
    Brighton   2  Sunderland   2
    

    
    Great result, but it must have been agony.
    
    Gary, can you look in the Chronicle to see if the Leicester game is
    all-ticket for aways fans? If its not, I'll go along. 
    
    Tim

    The Sunday Express said the Leicester v. Newcastle is all-ticket.
    
    Steve

    
    Yes its all ticket for away fans and we have only been allocated 1800 
    tickets...
    However the grounds capacity is supposed to be 31'000 and its not all
    ticket for home fans, so I daresay you can expect approx 10'000 people
    there supporting the lads..
    The police have warned Newcastle fans without tickets not to travel
    as they will be turned back on the motorway, I don't know how they are
    going to deploy that tactic though. 
    
    Gary...

    re. a few back
    
    Grimsby, 6 from bottom, still aren't safe so maybe should have been
    included in the table.
    
    Oxford got what would have been at any other time a good result on
    Saturday - a draw with the champions.  Alas it was not enough and it
    looks as if we are going down.  I think Oxford will draw next Saturday
    and Plymouth will avoid defeat to send us down.  
    
    We attack well at times but give away such crap goals.  We have now led
    in something like 6 of the last 9 games but have contrived to give away
    2/3 points each time.
    
    Still, congrats to Newcastle, it looks as if you are safe (kiss of
    death).
    
    		Brian. 

    
    Well' we can't finish bottom at least. The Leicester game is going to
    be tight. They are not sure of promotion and need something out of
    our game with them (depending on how Derby and Boro do). We need to do as 
    well as either Oxford or Plymouth and hope Brighton don't win their last 
    2 games, to be sure of safety.
    
    Can anyone do a who-plays-who table?
    
    Cheers,
    
    Tim
    
            

Any chance of us getting a 5-a-side team out? I'm game. We should be able to 
co-opt Rob Anderson as well, he says he's a Magpies supporter!

Failing that, I'll play for anyone who doesn't play in red!

grahame

This week's fixtures:

Grimsby:	50 pts	Boro A 		28 April
			Port Vale A	2 May

Sunderland	50 pts	Swindon H	tonight
			Blackburn A	29 April
			Cambridge H	2 May

Newcastle	49 pts 	Leicester A	2 May

Plymouth	48 pts	Blackburn H	2 May

Oxford		47 pts	Tranmere A	2 May

Port Vale	45 pts	Grimsby H	2 May

Brighton	44 pts	Portsmouth H	29 April
			Ipswich A	2 May

Looks to me that the vital game is at Plymouth on Saturday. We should be OK if 
Blackburn win that (but if they draw and we lose by more than 1, we'll drop 
below them!). It looks as if it SHOULD be Brighton, Port Vale and Plymouth . . 
. but when did anything predictable happen to us?!

grahame

    
    ......when we lost at home to Millwall???
    
    Thanks for the fixtures Grahame. 
    
    I'm game for the footy if its not going to be for a while. I can't run yet,
    but my colleauges will tell you that there's not too much difference in my 
    speed prior to and after the accident. ;-(
    
    I think keeper is looking like the only option. Shame, as I've been
    likened to Mick Quinn:
    
    CRAP!!!
    
    Tim

    
    oo-err notes collision. Not like you Grahame to put 2 notes in a row.
    
    re .441
    
    Anyway, yes the rescue package is dependant on us staying up. In the
    3rd division, we'd not be high profile enough for our benefactors
    liking. We wouldn't be able to generate enough revenue for it to be a 
    viable investment for them. I think they expect to see a return!!
    
    Tim
       

    
    Brian, I think Oxford will draw and Plymouth will lose to Blackburn
    (they need the points just as much as plymouth and on the day are a far
    better team). I hope Oxford stays up if only to fulfill my prediction in 
    52.334:
    
    >Port Vale, Brighton and Plymouth to go down.
    
    Looks as though I should have put some money on it.
    
    Tim

So Sunderland have escaped, but Grimsby lost last night so still aren't safe.
Unfortunately, they lost to Boro which is going to make Leicester even madder 
on Saturday as they're back down to 3rd. Tonight's important match is Brighton 
v Portsmouth. If Brighton lose, they're down.


                 P   Pts   GD
    Grimsby	 45   50
    Newcastle    45   49  -19
    Plymouth     45   48  -20
    Oxford       45   47  - 8
    Port Vale    45   45  -16
    Brighton     44   44  -20
    
grahame

    Keegan and Tezza have been charged with "bringing the Game into
    disrepute", due to alleged remarks made to referee and linesman
    repectively during the game at Derby. 
    If I were either, I would sue Oracle for libel, as in their report about 
    the incident, they left out the all important "alleged to".
    
    Tim

    
    Newcastle 3 v 2 John Andersons All Stars
    
    Bit of a lackluster display with turnouts from Keegan, Kenny Wharton,
    Jeff Clarke, Darren Jackson, Peter Jackson, ???? Thorne ( I always
    forget his first name ) Paul Stephenson, Basille Poli (I think), Chris
    Waddle, John Burridge, Roy Aitken, Paul Goddard..
    
    A good natured game which even saw the physio play centre forward for
    Newcastle in the second half..
    
    Mick Quinn was the worst player I have ever seen in my life !!
    Keegan looked overweight and rusty but soon settled down to his game
    until his legs ran out (subbed at half time), he even sky'd a shot over
    in the six yard box (so did Quinn, but he's crap).. He played to the
    crowd and they booooed him (good natured) and Terry Mac (didn't play)
    tried to sub him several times in the 1st half..
    Lee Clark scored 2 goals one was a cracking hooked volley.
    Basille whatever looked good on the ball..
    But the star of the night for me was the prodigal son, Chris Waddle who
    was absolutely brilliant and deserved the applause of the crowd on
    several occasions..
    Kenny Wharton recieved a standing ovation/applause when he was subbed
    as did John Anderson at the end of the game, but last off the field was
    Chris Waddle who basked in the cheers of the 14,000 spectators and well
    deserved it was..
    The game and atmosphere made me think of football in the pre 1960's
    when applause was given all around the ground for outstanding play on
    the field by the players during the game and none of this we hate you
    and you hate us here we go sing songs..
    
    Good luck John Anderson you certainly deserve it for your 10 years at
    Newcastle...
    
    Gary..

    
    RE: the physio playing. Derek Wright used to be on Arsenal's books but
    had to retire due to chronic knee problems. He's only about 29 now but
    looks 40.
    
    Its Basille Bolli (I think). What happened to Papin and Gazza?
    
    Tim

    
    Gazza was probably knackered after playing in a 60 minute
    friendly yesterday. He even scored a goal in his usual
    "goal out of nothing" way.
    
    He said he felt great and the general comment was that he
    played well. Apparently he is supposed to be playing in 
    another two forthcoming testimonials.
    
    JN.

    Re the Derby game.
    
    Is this a fist at this stage of the season.
    
    A team to collect more disciplinary points in one game than they have
    league points.
    
    He he.
    
    Regards,
    
    Barry.

So, Brighton won last night to ensure that 6 sets of fans will be chewing up to 
their elbows on Saturday:

The position is:

                 P   Pts   GD
    Grimsby	 45   50
    Newcastle    45   49  -19
    Plymouth     45   48  -20
    Oxford       45   47  - 8
    Brighton     45   47  -19
    Port Vale    45   45  -16

and the games are:
    
Grimsby:	Port Vale A
Newcastle	Leicester A
Plymouth	Blackburn H
Oxford		Tranmere A
Brighton	Ipswich A
Port Vale	Grimsby H

It now looks as if we 're loking for both Blackburn and Ipswich to help us out 
now. Must confess I'm not too confident about us staying up just on the 
strength of the result at Leicester.

And I'm going to be well away from the excitememt unable to even find out the 
good news until Monday! So, all the best, and talk to you again when we're in 
Division 1.

grahame (the original 'ye of little faith'!)

    
    There's no way Brighton are going to win at Ipswich. Oxford will draw
    at Tranmere and Plymouth will lose at Blackburn (they are coming back
    to form now, although could only draw with the Makems). 
    
    I hope!!
    
    Tim

    
    Do Leicester need a victory ? What's happening at the top ?
    
    Adam.

    
    Boro are second now. Level on points, I think, but with a better gd. Then
    again I could be totally wrong.
    
    Tim

    
    	Minor point, but Blackburn are away at Plymouth on Saturday. Don't
    	expect Blackburn to win that one to save you...
    
    	Andy.

    
    Why not? They're back in a play off spot and will want to stay there.
    Plymouth are a very poor side indeed. Even with Blackburn's recent
    form, I would expect at least a draw for them at Home park.
    
    Or am I being too optimistic?
    
    Tim

Leicester need a victory (sadly)

Top of table is:

Ipswich		81
Boro		77
------------------
Leicester	77
Derby		75
Cambridge	73
Blackburn	71
------------------
Charlton	71
Swindon		69

Brighton winning was bad luck. Here are the probabilities:

p = Plymouth win or draw (at home to Blackburn)
b = Brighton win (away at Ipswich)
o = Oxford win (away at Tranmere)
n = Newcastle win (away at Leicester)

I'd say:

p = 0.1 (Blackburn need a win to reach the play-offs, plus are on form)
b = 0.5 (Ipwich are good but have already won the title)
o = 0.4 (Oxford and Tranmere are well matched but Tranmere has nothing 
         to play for)
n = 0.2 (Leicester must win to ensure automatic promotion, but have
         lost some key games to crap sides)

Newcastle go down if Plymouth don't loose and either Brighton or Oxford 
win or both Brighton and Oxford win and Newcaslte don't win.

The probability of Plymouth not loosing and either Brighton or Oxford 
winning is:

A = p(b + o - ob) = 0.07

The probability of both Brighton and Oxford winning is:

B = bo = 0.2

The probability of either of those thing happenning is:

C = A + B - AB = 0.256

So the probability of relegation is:

R = C(1 - n) = 0.2

or 20%.

Before last nite's Brighton win the probability of relegation was:

R = op(1 - n) = 0.032 

or 3%	

Last nite was unlucky.

Graeme

    re 452 
    
    The worrying thing about the Brighton - Ipswich game is that Brighton
    need to win and Ipswich don't.
    
    The Leicester - Newcastle game will be most interesting with both teams
    needing to win.  
    
    The above also applies for the Plymouth - Blackburn.
    
    I hope Newcastle survive cos a team that big doesn't belong in the
    lower division.
    
    Cheers 
    Gary

    
    But Graeme, if we lose 1-0 at Leicester and Plymouth draw, not scoring
    more than say 10 goals in the process and one of Brighton or Oxford win,
    then we'll stay up on goals scored, with Plymouth going down along with
    Port Vale and one of Brighton or Oxford, depending on which of these 2
    don't win.
    
    Tim

    Lets have some predictions then on the games...

    
    I don't want to put a "Greavsie" on my team, so I'll pass.
    
    Tim

    
    Graeme, noticed in .43n that you'd planned to be in Newcastle for the
    w/e. etc. Why don't you listen to the match on Metro (97.1 & 103 FM).
    It will be carrying full live comentary.
    
    Tim 

    
    
    Port Vale 2 v 1 Grimsby
    Leicester 1 v 1 Newcastle
    Plymouth  1 v 2 Blackburn
    Tranmere  2 v 2 Oxford    (although I really think 0 v 2 to Oxford)
    Ipswich   2 v 0 Brighton  (on form, but Ipswich don't need to win which
                               is Brighton's best bet to turn them over)..
    
    I haven't got time to work out what that would mean in the league but
    realistically Newcastle have the hardest struggle as I think its going
    to be Port Vale, Plymouth and one out of Brighton, Oxford and us..
    
    God its tense..

    Port Vale  0 0  Grimsby
    Leicester  2 0  Newcastle
    Plymouth   1 2  Blackburn
    Tranmere   3 0  Oxford 
    Ipswich    1 2  BRighton
    
    If this happened would Newcastle still stay up.

    
    So, is there no-one interested (other than Grahame A.) in playing in
    this 5-aside tournement. Its on Saturday, June 13. I think my leg will
    be up to it by June. 
    
    Gary, you can kip at mine if you want to play.
    
    I can get a Southampton player (Stuart Canty) to play with us, if we're
    really short.
    
    Tim

    
    I see Kev's fined our scouse gutbucket two weeks wages for "slandering"
    him and the team in the press. He also suspended him from the 1st team 
    squad. Quinn told reporters that the team were a "Shambles". I agree with 
    him on that scoret. I only hope Kev doesn't fine *me* two weeks wages for 
    saying so.
    
    Tim

    
    Quinn has a bl**dy cheek if I was half as crap as he is I would stick
    to watching repeats of Tiswas, he should keep his stupid mouth shut &
    go sign for Aldershot..
    
    Time can't play 13 June as I am going on my Hols then, plus I take it
    the tournament is going to be held somewhere down there (surprise
    surprise !!!)..
    
    Gary..

    
    So Gary, we're round at your's this weekend, watching Tiswas repeats
    again then.
    
    Looks like we're really struggling for numbers. What about YOU Graeme
    Harker. Working still in Reading (at least part time)? Can you make it?
    I don't want to have to resort to asking makems!!!
    
    Tim.
    
    Ps Gary, congrats on your trial for Aldershot.

    
    Sorry Timothy !!
    
    
    I have just had a premonition that we draw 2 v 2 with Leicester
    tommorrow. So we stay up because the others lose and draw..
    Also that Mick Quinn is kicked off the bus at high speed on the A1 near
    Wetherby on the way to Leicester..
    
    Gary..

    
    Sadly Gary, Mick won't be on the bus. He'll be sulking with a capital W
    in Hexham. I hope the rest of your premonition is right though.
    
    Can you tell me who the scorers are and I'll nip down to Ladbrokes and
    throw away a tenner on it?
    
    Cheers,
    
    Tim

    
    Kelly and Sheedy !!
    
    I've just read the Journal's back page and it confirms that Quinn won't
    even be on the bus..... GOOD !!
    
    Well this time tommorrow everybody will be thinking I'm a phsychic and
    Newcastle will stay up !!
    
    Gary...

    
    Well we're safe thank God.
    A 2-1 win at Leicester (Peacock and an og by Steve Walsh for us and
    Steve Walsh for Leic.) was enough to keep us up. As it turns out,
    we could have lost the match and still stayed up as Plymouth lost at
    home 3-1 to Blackburn and Brighton lost 3-1 at Ipswich. Oxford won at
    Tranmere 2-1 and stay up also. So the teams I predicted to get
    relegated did so (commiserations), although I thought a point was a much 
    as we could hope for at Leicester.
    
    Well I'm going out on the p*ss to celebrate and will look forward to
    seeing Waddle back at St. James' Park next season.
    
    Tim 

Tim, I'm ok for June 13. - Graeme

    
    Graeme, sorry I've no chance of playing. I was a bit too optimistic
    about my recovery rate, according to my physio.
    
    Cheers,
    
    Tim                    

Sorry to hear that Tim - I imagine that's us knackered. So, do we go for a 
Tyne-Wear-Tees team? (Or are Boro fans too 'grand' these days?!). Anyone?

grahame

    Grahame, I'll turn up if there's beer involved. IF you're really short,
    and don't mind losing, I suppose I could "stand" in the goal area.
    
    Incidently, whilst at home at the weekend, I saw a NUFC pickup truck,
    with a horse box attached to the back drive past my house. An astute 
    friend of mine remarked "Aye aye looks like we've signed another
    donkey". It would've been funny if it wasn't too close to the truth.
    Anyway, on closer inspection, it appeared to be Mick Quinn in the 
    front passenger seat. I wonder if he's trying to sell his horse, due to
    financial reasons. He's just been fined 2 grand for remarks in the
    local press. He denies the allegations and is sueing (either the press
    or NUFC).
    
    Tim

    Well congrats to Newcastle, although they and Plymouth gave me heart
    attacks last Saturday until Oxford pulled through.  Great night on the
    p**s though - well worth the chewed finger nails etc.
    
    Thanks for letting me lodge in your note for a month or two, I'll be
    off now - hopefully meet you next season in the Div 2 Promotion note.
    
    		Brian.

17 Aug	    A	Charlton A		1-2	Carr
24 Aug	    H	Watford			2-2	Hunt Clark
27 Aug	    A	Middlesbrough		0-3
31 Aug	    A	Bristol Rovers		2-1	O'Brien Quinn

 4 Sep	    H	Plymouth		2-2	Carr Quinn
 7 Sep	    A	Tranmere		2-3	Clark O'Brien
14 Sep	    H 	Wolves			1-2	Madden (OG)
17 Sep	    H 	Ipswich			1-1	Quinn
21 Sep	    A 	Millwall		1-2	Neilson
25 Sep	RC2 A	Crewe Alexandra		4-3	Hunt, Peacock 3
28 Sep	    H 	Derby			2-2	Hunt, Quinn

 1 Oct	ZC2 A	Tranmere		6-6	Quinn 3, Peacock 2, Clark
 5 Oct	    A 	Portsmouth		1-3	Quinn
 9 Oct	RC2 H 	Crewe Alexandra		1-0	Howey
12 Oct	    H	Leicester		2-0	Hunt, Clark
19 Oct	    H 	Oxford			4-3	Hunt, Peacock 3
23 Oct	    H	Southend		 P
26 Oct	    A	Bristol City		1-1	Clark
30 Oct	RC3 A	Peterborough United	0-1

 2 Nov	    A	Swindon			1-2	Peacock
 6 Nov	    H	Cambridge		1-1	Hunt
 9 Nov	    H	Grimsby			2-0	Hunt, Howey
17 Nov	    A	Sunderland		1-1	O'Brien
20 Nov	    H	Southend		3-2	Peacock 2 (1 pen), Hunt
23 Nov	    H 	Blackburn		0-0
30 Nov	    A	Barnsley		0-3

 7 Dec	    H	Port Vale		2-2	Makel, Peacock (pen)
14 Dec	    A	Brighton		2-2	Peacock, Kelly
20 Dec	    A	Plymouth		0-2
26 Dec	    H	Middlesbrough		0-1
28 Dec	    H 	Bristol Rovers		2-1	Brock, Kelly

 1 Jan	    A	Southend		0-4
 4 Jan	FA3 A	Bournemouth		0-0
11 Jan	    A	Watford			2-2	Kelly, Hunt
14 Jan	FA3 H	Bournemouth		0A0	Abandoned, 17 min., fog
18 Jan	    H	Charlton		3-4	Clark, Hunt, Brock
22 Jan	FA3 H	Bournemouth		2-2	Peacock, Hunt

 1 Feb	    A	Oxford			2-5	Scott, Peacock (pen)

 5 Feb	Kevin Keegan replaces Ossie Ardiles as Manager

 8 Feb	    H 	Bristol City		3-0	Kelly 2, O'Brien
15 Feb	    A	Blackburn		1-3	Kelly
22 Feb	    H	Barnsley		1-1	Kelly
29 Feb	    A	Port Vale		1-0	Watson

 7 Mar	    H	Brighton		0-1
11 Mar	    A	Cambridge		2-0	Peacock, Kelly
14 Mar	    H	Swindon			3-1	Kelly, Peacock, Quinn
21 Mar	    A	Grimsby			1-1	Sheedy
29 Mar	    H	Sunderland		1-0	Kelly
31 Mar	    A	Wolves			2-6	Quinn, Peacock

 4 Apr	    H 	Tranmere		2-3	Brock 2
11 Apr	    A	Ipswich			2-3	Peacock 2
18 Apr	    H	Millwall		0-1
20 Apr	    A	Derby			1-4	Peacock
25 Apr	    H 	Portsmouth		1-0	Kelly

 2 May	    A	Leicester		2-1	Peacock, Walsh (OG)

    
    So Gavin Peacock scored 21 goals from midfield (mostly). That's
    interesting. No wonder Keegan rates him highly. 
    
    Sir John now has a 51% stake in the club.
    
    Tim

    
    Keegan has given frees' to 7 players including Darren Bradshaw and John
    Gallager. Surprised about Gall; although he hasn't reached the heights
    he achieved during our play off year where he looked a real prospect.
    The bad injury at that time meant he missed nearly 2 years play.
    
    The other 5 are *real*, *real* nobodies.
    
    Tim

Yeah, I was surprised by Gallagher. I'd have tried playing him next season, 
just to make sure he's had it. If he hasn't we either keep him, or at least 
get some money. Looks like another contender to come back and bite us.

g

The Board is now down to 3 after John hall bought out 3 more directors 
(including George Forbes, who was Chairman at the beginning of the season). 
Hall and his son Douglas now own 64% of the Club; the other director is 
Freddie Shepherd.

But whassit all mean??!!!

g

    
    .... It means that the person who was (percieved to be) purporting to
    democratise the club, has succeeded in creating a totalitarian, facist 
    dicatatorship. 
    
    Looks like we've all been taken in, by Sir John "I'm only the catalyst for 
    change" Hall. Lets hope that Sir John has some money left to put into
    the club. He already had overall control. Why bother wasting nnnn quid
    on shares, when he could have pumped money into the transfer kitty.
    
    Tim  

    
    I heard on the radio this morning about Justin or John Fashanu's show
    on TV tonight being about the debt football clubs have ran up. Its
    reported to be over 130 million and guess who has the biggest debt..
    
    
    Correct its us.. How the hell can Newcastle be in such a position, I
    think the police etc should be called in to check out possible fraud.
    
    Gary..

    
    BBC2 @20:00 and its John Fashanu.

    
    Keep your hair on Gary, which incidently makes me wonder whether 
    Kevin Keegans hairdresser has anything to do with this debt ??
    
    Yours
    
    	chris 
    
    
    ps the weedings next year   8^)   and would you like my autograph ?

    
    
    read this morning that Keegan is staying and has signed a 3 year deal..
    
    is this true and if it is will he get his promised money????
    
    mac

    
    Its true. He must be getting the money because there's no way he'd have
    backed down.
    
    Tim

   Re last,
    ' There's no way he'd have backed down.'
    
    Or for that matter put his own money where his mouth is.
    
    Regards,
    
    Barry.

     Would you put your money up ?? For Keegan it's only a job. Why should
    he gamble his own money....
    
    Keith.

    
    According to the papers Chris Waddle is favourite to go to Sheff Wed as
    he had aspirations of getting the managers job at Newcastle which have
    been scotched by virtue of the fact Kevin Keegan is staying. I don't
    think Chris Waddle would have been offered the managers job anyway but
    we were desperate to get him to come and play for us..
    
    Gary..
    PS. Chris are you really getting Weeded ??
    

    No I would not. But if Keegan really thinks he is the great manager
    why does he need the dosh. After all ossie Ardiles could no doubt have
    performed the same miracles at Newcastle had he been given the dosh. 
    
    I could do the job given 2 million etc.
    
    Regards, 
    
    Barry.
    

    
    If you had watched such cr*ppie teams as Newcastle have produced (Excuse
    me, You Have. I forgot that you were a Luton supporter 8-))))) over the 
    last fifteen years perhaps you would tend to agree that an influx of
    cash is perhaps whats needed. I personally am quite pleased that Keegan
    had the b*lls to stand up and fight for it. Perhaps it will work and
    then again perhaps it won't. Newcastle are so deep in debt that they
    must start doing something, to recouperate (sp) some of their losses.
    Perhaps entrance into the Premier division for season 93/94 would help.
    Food for thought !!!
    
    Keith.

    I'm sure that Keegan got all the money he asked for - in his wage
    packet.
    
    Why is Hall buying out the other directors with money that could surely
    be directed elsewhere.
    
    How much did Ossie get for his pay-off?
    
    If Newcastle owe so much, isn't it somewhat naive to think they can
    spend anything more on players given the present situation.
    
    Conclusion - Hall has something big to pull out of his hat.  If it's
    only a rabbit then I don't think Keegan will stay three months.
    
    Clive.

    
    Looks like Peacock has turned Judas. I listened to an a interview with
    him at the weekend and he was saying things like: "it's BEEN great" and 
    "I DID enjoy myself" etc. etc. He was talking about his experience with
    Newcastle in the past tense. The interviewer said that the fans would
    understand if he left. I could have knocked his brains out!!!! Of
    course we wouldn't understand. I, for one, would be livid if we let our
    best asset go. Its happened 3 time in the last 8 years. It must not
    happen again.
    
    Tim

That's bad news if it happens. Time for John Hall to live up to his promises.

grahame

    
    Yeah but who would you rather play for ?
    
    Newcastle ( 1st division ) or a team like Boro ( Premier league ).
    
    Looks like Lenny Lawrence might be taking him off your hands !!!!

    
    If I were Peacock, I'd prefer to go to Villa, rather than the Boro.
    
    Tim

	I would rather go to Berwick Rangers than Boro !!!

	Gary..

    
    I see that we're holding an international tournement on the 8/9 August.
    Sporting Lisbon and Real Socieadad will be playing; as will two other, not
    so fashionable, European clubs.
    
    Newcastle United and Middlesbrough.
    
    Tim

    
    I believe the draw for the tournament has bee made and that Newcastle
    play Middlesbrough and that Sporting Lisbon play Real Socieadad and the
    winners meet in the final. So it looks like Boro won't get to play an
    European team..
    
    Latest on Keegans attempts to sign players is that he has approached
    Beardsley.. The papers up here must have mentioned every over 30
    international there is..
    
    So far..   Mark Hughes
               Chris Waddle 
    	       Ian Rush
    	       Bruce Grobelaar
    	       Peter Beardsley
    
    I wonder who is tommorrow's target..

    
    
    
    Mickey Mouse the superhero
    

    
    I doubt he will sign for us as everybody knows Sunderland is Micky
    Mouse's Club...
    
    
    Gary..

    
    Newcastle have just signed Paul Bracewell from the makems..
    
    No news about the fee yet...
    
    Gary..

    
    Its going to a tribunal. 
    
    This is a big blow for Sunderland. Bracewell was Sunderland's most
    influential player last year. He would have stayed with them, had they
    offered him a 2 year contract (as has Keegan) instead they offered him
    a 1 year deal. Being 29 he (understandably) is looking for finanical
    security.
    
    Anyway, our team is starting to look like the Everton team c '85 (when
    they were quite good). I wonder what price to see the likes of Kevin
    Ratcliffe, Nev, Sharp playing at St. James next season.
    
    Tim
       

    
    Peacock's on his way. He rejected KK's final offer. So, another
    talented player doesn't wish to stay at Newcastle. Next up Kevin Scott
    (Not Sure about the talent) ? I believe he still hasn't agreed new
    terms.
    
    Looks like we're about to sign Kerslake (again) A 400k offer has been
    accepted by Hoddle. The player is on holiday and the deal will be tied
    up on his return (fingers xed).
    
    Keegan has put a 1.1M bid for Waddle (+ Srnicek). Word is though that
    he still wants to go to Sheff Wed.
    
    Tim

Thanks, Tim - I'm getting all depressed again and it's still 2 months away 
from the start of the season!!

Any background on the Peacock story? Has anyone come in for him? Was it more 
money or a longer contract (or a shorter one?!!) he was after? A great shame - 
there aren't too many people who score that many goals from his position. 
Still, maybe now we'll see more of Lee Clark?

This Waddle thing looks like a desperate 'see, we tried' sort of thing to try 
and keep the complaints down when he goes to Sheff Wed (apparently he has said 
he'll go there)

grahame

    Grahame,
    
    Chelsea, Villa, Coventry and the Boro are but a few that have come in
    for Gav. The reason he wants to leave is that he wants premier league
    football. Keegan made him "an offer he couldn't refuse". However, to
    our cost he did refuse it. Gavin was our best player last year. He's
    the kind of player that you build a team around. Its a real
    disappointment to lose him. I wish he would have stayed for a year to see
    if we could give him the premier league football he wants. Still I
    suppose he's a realist!!!!
    
    More bad news: Quinn seems to about to seal the rift between himself
    and Keegan. He's sueing a local paper (re the NUFC/ Keegan are crap
    comments). Keegan says that if he wins his case, everything will be
    back to normal.
    
    Tim

    
    Peacock on his way to West Ham?
    Grobellar on his way to Newcastle?
    
    Any truth in the above?
    
    Tim

    
>>>    Grobellar on his way to Newcastle?
    
    According to the local radio in Liverpool this morning, Keegan is set
    to announce his first 'major' signing today - sources close to
    Liverpool FC denied it would be Grobelaar.
    
    Paul

    
    Well, it wasn't Grobelaar then, as Beresford was signed from Pompey
    yesterday. Fee to be decided by tribunal. Wasn't this the chap who kept
    stalling Sourpuss about a move to Liverpool (hoping that Shef Wed would
    come in for him)- Then Sourpuss pulled out anyway due to a dodgy knee?
    
    Tim 

    It is encouraging to see that the North-East of England is continuing
    its fine tradition of providing a footballing retirement home to ex-Pompey
    players tired by the non-stop success at Fratton Park (:==:)
    
    How many do you have now? Quinn, Dillon (no he's gone) and then there's
    Ball and Hardyman at Sunderland and isn't/wasn't Kennedy up there too?
    
    Regards,
    
    Andrew.D.Wicks

    
    re -1 Which Kennedy? If its Alan then yes he was.

Yes, Andy, Dillon (much loved at St James for his ability to fail to score 
from almost any position) moved on to find fame fortune and Division 3 at
mighty Reading. 

So what is it about Portsmouth that makes people leave to go almost anywhere - 
I mean, just think of all those Portsmouth Poly students who had to settle for 
Reading!!

First fixture is away to Southend. Doubtless the usual high expectations will 
be there, let's hope they're better rewarded than last year.

Anyone likely to be able to publish the fixtures?

grahame

    
    Grahame, I think we're at home to Southend.
    
    Tim

    Graeme,
    
    I think the reason you are in the first round of the Rumbelows cup is
    that you finished in the bottom 8 of last years Div 2.  The Rumbelows
    Cup is staying the same size as always with "Premier" clubs competing as
    usual.
    
    I think....
    
    		Brian.

    GASH,
    
    Are Rumbelows still sponsoring it? there was article in WSC that said
    that GEC who owned Rumbelows were closing all the stores down and so
    the League were looking a new sponsor.
    
    P.S when's the draw for the European competitions?
    
    Regards,
    
    Andrew.D.Wicks

>    I think the reason you are in the first round of the Rumbelows cup is
>    that you finished in the bottom 8 of last years Div 2.  The Rumbelows

No, NO, I'LL NEVER ACCEPT IT!!!

g

    
    re bottom 8:
    
    Its happened before (and will again).
    
    Looks like Peacock is on his way to Boro (according to Lennie
    Lawrence). I've got one question regarding that:
    
    WHY???????
    
    
    His proposed move to West Ham fell though because the wanted to part ex
    one (or two) of their players + cash. Keegan didn't fancy the likes of
    Morley etc so the deal's off.
    
    We've taken a Belgium keeper on trail. Strange name, can't remember it.
    
    I'll post the fixtures if I get time (this week).
    
    Tim

Apparently Peacock's turned down the move to Boro

g

    
    There is a press conference going on at St James park this very minute
    I will let everybody know what its for when I hear..
    It might be in light of the new Peacock revelations that he could
    possibly sign a years contract with Newcastle..
    
    Or could it be a major signing... Who knows the mystery of the Black
    (and White) Magic..
    
    Gary..

    
    
    Newcastle United have just secured the services of million pound rated
    goalscorer.....
    
    
    
    
    GAVIN PEACOCK on a 2 year contract...
    
    Gary...

    
    Looks like the clubs he thought he could go to (ie Spurs,Arsenal,
    Liverpool etc) weren't interested in him, so he's signed a new deal
    with us. No doubt he has escape clauses if a big team comes in for him.
    
    Tim

    
    I was hoping Liverpool would swap Grobelaar Molby and Rush for him..
    
    Now there's a thought..
    
    I read that Southampton aren't selling Shearer unless a club offers 4
    million quid. Apparently they don't need money and Shearer signed a 4
    year contract last year.. So it looks as though he is going to have to
    suffer playing in a strip similar to the makems for a while yet, after
    all that is the reason he wanted to leave the dell isn't it ???
    
    
    Gary..

Great news about Peacock - let's hope any escape clause isn't too much in his 
favour. If he does go we'll want enough money to replace him.

g (beginning to get quite optimistic again!)

    
    Rumour has it that we are trying to sign Tommy Wright from Leicester at
    the moment...
    
    Gary..
    
    PS. On local tv last night it showed Peacock signing etc but at the end
        of the report it gave some disturbingly bad news, in that donkey 
        Quinn has definately patched up his differnces with Keegan and will
    	be playing for Newcastle next season, hopefully in the reserves....
    
    

    
    Wright signed for the BORO yesterday for 600,000 pounds

    
    I take it he didn't want to go to a big club then !!!!
    
    
    Gary...

    
    re .530
    
    I think you'll find that most of the Newcastle fans who note here are
    based down south (no jobs in Newcastle). So we rarely even get to real
    games.
    
    Tim

    Aye its canny lang drive from Munich ta Sint Jamesz !!! 8-)
    
    Keith.

    
    It had to happen. Keegan's signed Rick Parfitt for a fee of 250K. He
    reckons that we've got the best 2 fullbacks in the 1st division. He's
    having a laugh!!
    
    Tim

    
    I've always said the Barry Venison is an excellent full back...
    
    
    But then I'm a lying get.. Is keegan trying to whip up the existing
    bad feelings between Newcastle and Blunderland to a frenzy or what..
    
    Gary..
    
    PS. I hope Colin West isn't for sale !!!!

Good to see those big name signings pouring in to St James . . . .

Tim, any chance of entering the fixtures? ta,

g

    
    Rumours on tyneside this morning stemming from a radio report on Metro
    radio is that Peter Beardsley is about to sign today for 800,000.
    I am keeping an open mind on this as well as my fingers crossed, if it 
    is true we still need an out and out striker unless we have been
    playing a possible striker in midfield last year due to player
    shortage..
    Tim do you know any existing player that could be moved to attack form
    midfield, probably one of the young'ens..
    
    Gary..

    
    re -1
    
    Clark, Peacock are 2 who play up front almost regularly. Peacock in
    particular looks good there. Clark is a little slow perhaps. Steve
    Watson (who with Alan Thompson acored for the  England Youth team yesterday)
    might be worth a try.
    
    Re Beardsley:
    
    He's signed for Blackburn for 7 Million.
    
    NOT!

    
    Rumour quoshed....
    
    11 O'Clock news on the local radio quotes Howard Kendall as saying that
    Newcastle have a better chance of signing Gascoigne than Beardsley..
    
    Anybody want to take Mick Quinn of our hands, I reckon we would be able
    to have a whip around to make up a Quinn and money for nothing in
    return deal !!!!
    
    Gary...

    
    So this means the latest rumour to go round Newcastle will be.....
    
    
    
    Gascoigne and Beardsley to return   :-)

Andy Hunt must still be available? From the little I've seen of him, he always 
impressed me as someone who could play a bit. Maybe after spending the end of 
last season in the reserves he'll have got a bit of confidence . . . or did we 
sell him when I wasn't looking?!

grahame

    
    We've still got him, Grahame. I agree that he's quite a good player,
    but he's not much of a goal scorer.
    
    Tim

    
    re -the fixtures, 
    
    Grahame my dog has ate them (that one didn't even work at school), but
    I'll get them this weekend or can Gary enter them? 
    
    Looking forward to the new season, I see that we're 3rd fav. to go up
    (12-1). We scored 66 goals in the league last season, but conceded much
    more. Now that we're strengthened at the back, I think that it must be
    worth a tenner. Derby (4-1) and Leicester (10-1) are ahead of us.
    
    My team for the season:
    
    		1) Wright
    
    		4) Sekana (or Christensen)
    
    2) Venison			3) Beresford
    
           5) Kilcline  6) Scott
    
    7) Watson   8) Bracewell   11) Clark
    
          10) Kelly    9) Peacock 
    
    12) Brock, 14) Anyone else out of Carr/Ranson/Quinn
    		   (?)/Neilson/Thompson
    
    I would like to see Peacock play more of a forward role (after all he
    contributes nothing to the midfield other than scoring) but I suspect
    Keegan will give him a free role. I don't think Kelly will be able to
    maintain his scoring form, so it may be necessary to add a foil (maybe
    Hunt/Quinn) at some stage. Clark isn't really going to be playing wide
    on the left (despite my diag) as I expect Beresford to do this (a la
    Pearce). 
    
    I really think this team is good enough for automatic promotion. I
    think we'll finish 2nd (behind Derby).
    
    Any thoughts or improvements?
    
    
    
    Tim

So we're only 3rd favourite this season, instead of 1st last year. What 
pessimism!!

Team looks good, Tim - or have I just got a short memory?! As it shows, at 
least Keegan can't play Watson at full back again, so maybe we'll see him in  
better-suited position. Midfield looks a bit light on ball-winning skills, and 
I suspect KK will use that as a reason for not picking Clark (again). But I 
can't think who we have got to do that job anyway.

g

    
    Oh yes, I forgot about O'Brien he wins the ball. But who to replace? If 
    we take Clark or Watson out we'll lose creativity and power. Bracewell 
    looks like the only canditate for the drop and we've just signed him. We 
    could opt for a 4-4-2 - Getting rid of Sekana/Christensen - but isn't that 
    a little passe (can't do the accent) nowadays?
    
    Tim

    
    
    Tim..
    
    Who's  this SEKANA that you keep going on about..
    
    Gary.. 

    
    Diaby Sekana - signed (on trial) towards the end of last season. African 
    (unknown country) International - played in the final of the Africation 
    nations tournement and scored a pen. Signed from some french club that 
    folded. He's played a few reseve games and looked very impressive. I
    don't know if he's actually still at the club, but I hope he is.
    
    Tim

    
    
    NEWCASTLE SET TO SIGN SPEEDIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    

    
    
    And we all know how popular he is a St James..
    
    
    Past his sell buy date for sure, so I hope it doesn't come off..
    
    Other rumours were Pat Nevin and Roy Wegerle.. Good ball players but
    what about their battleing qualities ??
    
    Gary..

    
    Gary, are you having a laugh or what?
    
    Tim

    
    Looks like you were spot on with the Speedie rumour, Gary.
    
    Tim

    
    Looks like Sekana has left. No further details.
    
    Looks like Scott is about to. He won't sign a 1 year contract.
    Southampton have tabled a 500K bid. I've never rated him anyway.
    
    Tim

    Hearts 1  Newcastle 0
    
    
    SQF Jambo

    Oh well.... Starting off in the way we will probably continue 8-(
    Anyone have a match report ?? Did Barry 'RICK' Venison play ?? Is there
    hope or were Hearts having an off night ?
    
    Keith.

    
    It was only a testimonial: Not reknowned for producing combative
    football. I remember we even drew with Liverpool in Keegan's
    testimonial. I'm not reading anything from the result and it was
    obvious Robertson was gonna score.
    
    Hell, I sound like a scouser.
    
    Tim

    re-1...
    
    Tim,
         It wasnt Robbo who scored it was Ian Baird.....
    
    
    SQF Jambo.........
    
    a report will follow shortly...when I get a spare moment  ;-)

    GATESHEAD UTD 0 NEWCASTLE UTD 3
                    CARR 2
                    WATSON 1
    
    UNITED UNSTOPABLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    
    Newcastle 3 v 1 York
    Peacock
    Sheedy
    Carr
    
    Only heard this by word of mouth from Chris Waddle so its probably 
    correct.. Apparently we cruised it and it could of been 9 v 1..
    
    By we aren't half playing some testing pre season games !!
    
    Its the European tournament this weekend but I won't be going as golf
    is taking a precedent on the weekends at the moment..
    
    Gary..

Did anyone else see this story on Saturday, or did I dream it? A member of the 
Magpie Group (sorry, can't remember the name) has bought Maidstone United, and 
is to apply to the League to move the team to St James', rename them Newcastle 
Browns (what?!) and run them as a 'nursery club' to United!! Apparentky the 
Club has agreed to this madness, but the League is likely to stomp on it as 
they don't want us to go the American way whereby owners can move their clubs 
round the country, according to who pays the most.

Talk about Silly Season . . .

g

Newcastle open their defence of the Anglo-Italian Cup (holders since 1973!) 
against Grimsby (away) and Leicester. Could have been easier . . .

grahame

btw, the incentive to get through is games against 2 of Bari, Cremonese, 
Cesena, Ascoli, Cosenza, Pisa, Reggiana, Lucchese.

              <<< Note 52.561 by FORTY2::ASH "Grahame Ash @REO" >>>
                     -< Maybe we'd do better in the NFL?! >-

>Did anyone else see this story on Saturday, or did I dream it? A member of the 
>Magpie Group (sorry, can't remember the name) has bought Maidstone United, and 
>is to apply to the League to move the team to St James', rename them Newcastle 
>Browns (what?!) and run them as a 'nursery club' to United!! Apparentky the 
>Club has agreed to this madness, but the League is likely to stomp on it as 
>they don't want us to go the American way whereby owners can move their clubs 
>round the country, according to who pays the most.

>Talk about Silly Season . . .

>g


Grahame,

I saw it. I thought one Newcastle team was bad enough.


Stuart

    Their speaks a Palace fan.

    "Their speaks a Palace fan".
     


     Anyway Gary, for your further delight, I give you the following;







           <<< TRUCKS::DISK$USER72:[NOTES$LIBRARY]FOOTBALL.NOTE;1 >>>
                                 -< FOOTBALL >-
================================================================================
Note 44.143                     Crystal Palace FC                     143 of 204
SUBURB::WAITEG "GARY WAITE"                           6 lines  18-FEB-1992 15:53
                                -< MUFC V CPFC >-
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    The Man U game is all sold out for Palace fans.  How many tickets did
    they give us.
    
    
    Cheers
    Gary


           <<< TRUCKS::DISK$USER72:[NOTES$LIBRARY]FOOTBALL.NOTE;1 >>>
                                 -< FOOTBALL >-
================================================================================
Note 44.144                     Crystal Palace FC                     144 of 204
OPG::TONY                                             2 lines  18-FEB-1992 18:17
                        -< As many as you wanted...!! >-
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Officially ....."3"
So book the taxi...and dont forget the baloons!!!




           <<< TRUCKS::DISK$USER72:[NOTES$LIBRARY]FOOTBALL.NOTE;1 >>>
                                 -< FOOTBALL >-
================================================================================
Note 44.145                     Crystal Palace FC                     145 of 204
SUBURB::WAITEG "GARY WAITE"                           6 lines  19-FEB-1992 12:12
                                 -< Well Ard >-
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    A United fan with a sense of humour.  I wonder if it'll be there on
    Saturday at 4.45pm.
    
    
    
    

    
    I make no secret that i went to the United V Palace game with my uncle. 
    His a Palace fan and I went in their end and i cheered for them and
    they played well.  My Uncle paid for me and I had a good day out.  

    re .560
    
    Grahame, I think this name was Waugh (or I might have dreamt it too).
    
    Newcastle did indeed beat York at the weekend and Sheedy's goal was
    (apparently) quite special, chesting it down and catching it on the
    volley from 20 yards.
    
    I think we play someone else tonight, but I can't remember who.
                                                                
    Tim
    
    ps I've been given a transfer (no, not a free one I'm afraid) and will
    be working from Newcastle as of October. So, there's a chance I may be
    more accurate in my reports from then on.

We're at Doncaster tonight (pre-season tour organised by BR?) who finished 
below everyone last season - even Maidstone.

Congrats on the transfer Tim - do you get 5%?! Mind you, I never fancied 
working on Team Valley . . . .

grahame

    
    Do I get 5% what, Grahame? Is this a joke about a signing-on fee or
    something?                
    
    I used to work on the Team Valley before I joined DEC, so I know
    exactly what to expect. It is close to my home though.
    
    Tim

Yes, that was the 'joke' Tim - must have been the tears of laughter which 
obscured it for you!

So you're from close to TV? Yet another 'Geordie' from south of the river?!!

g

    erm, yes but: (interesting fact time)
    
    Contrary to popular belief, there are quite few real Geordies. Coming
    from Newcastle itself does not neccessarily(sp?) make you a Geordie.
    Hailing from upto 1 mile from the Tyne (either side) between Blaydon and
    Hebburn does -- according to my copy of "Country rambles in the North
    East". So, as I originated from Dunston-on-Tyne (Gazza country) that makes 
    me a fat prat, err I mean proper Geordie.
    
    Tim              

    Coming from Wallsend (but having lived most of my life in Whickham), I
    always thought that a true Geordie was born in a town/area on the banks
    of the Tyne. Atleast that's what the history books used to say at
    school. What about North Shields ? Are they classed as Geordies ??
    
    Keith.
    
    P.s. I heard that Boro got thrashed 5-1 by a third rate team at the
    w/e. Does anyone have any details.
    
    p.p.s. Who do we still have to play before the season starts ??

    
    	re last....
    
    	Third-rate (?) team was Lincoln City.
    
    	Score was indeed 5-1. 
    
    	Andy.

    
    We've still got to play Boro and Sporting Lisbon or Real Socieadad
    depending on who beats who. These games will be played on 8/9 August -
    this weekend.
    
    We drew 1-1 with Doncaster last night. O'Brien (on as sub for Brock)
    scored with a looping belter, with 15 mins remaining. Someone else
    scored for Doncaster.
    
    I see we've rejected the Maidstone ground share idea. Maidstone are
    close to agreeing a share with another NE club. However, I can't see 
    Sunderland fans liking not being the top dogs on their own ground ;-0
    
    Tim

>    I see we've rejected the Maidstone ground share idea. Maidstone are
>    close to agreeing a share with another NE club. However, I can't see 
>    Sunderland fans liking not being the top dogs on their own ground ;-0
    
Rumour is that Maidstone rejected Sunderland (OK, so I'm making this bit up), 
and the other club is Gateshead.

Meanwhile we've signed Peter Cormack (18, son of the ex-Liverpool player) from 
Meadowbank for a few pee. He's a central defender.

g