Big Geordie

The more he keeps his place in the side without scoring, lends credence to the rumour about him having to play if fit.

Smith in the side again - wonderful.

Yup - was gonna say Cowans and Rideout went to Bari. I can also remember Ray Wilkins and Mark Hateley at AC Milan, and Trevor Francis at Sampdoria.

Shaun Murray - now there is a name I haven't heard for a long time! He was tipped for greatness as a schoolkid (on Spurs' books), but I think he only got as far as playing for Bradford City old 2nd division.

There's not much the club can do. The best response is to start winning games. At the moment, we are a wounded animal which everyone is taking a bite at.

I'd say at the moment, that he's not done anything to justify getting an improved contract. He's been awful these last few games. He seems to be pushing the local lad angle to get what he wants. No one player is bigger than the club - if he feels he can get more elsewhere, then he can do one.

Well, I've got no reason to doubt why he would lie to be honest. If it's our former chairman who is spreading the bullshit, then that's something else altogether - and perhaps something that has been suspected for a while with the constant takeover rumours. Chris Mort suggested as much the other week. As for NE5 - you've lost me. I live in NE5 (Fenham) if that's what you mean.

Yup - was aware of that. Was there not plans afoot to build a new casino in town though? Either way, just regurgitating what I was told. The source is also no Walter Mitty - that's all I'll say. The man who he is connected to may well be, however and also has the motive for an agenda against the new owner.

Amended!

Heard some rumours tonight from a good source. I won't say who he is, but he is connected to a former major shareholder of the club. Anyhoo; * Mike Ashley has been trying to sell the club for the last 3-4 months but no-one wants to buy. The crux of the matter is said to be the casino deal falling through, which ties in with what was mentioned in the Chron, about the club having to pay back a £5million loan. * Keegan took the managers job because he is said (alledgedly) to have money problems, with Soccer Circus losing money. * Wise was brought in as a safety net if we do go down. Apparently KK doesn't want to manage in the Championship if we are relegated. Wise will take the reins. * Asset stripping is also said to be going on internally Again - this is just rumour and it's also from a man who happens to have an agenda against Mike Ashley for forcing him out of the club. This man also happened to be at the match today, when I thought he'd been barred. Or did he just lose his box? Not saying it is all true, but I thought these worth sharing non-the-less.

I agree. The playing side of the club is rotten to the core and has been for a long time. Perhaps relegation is what's needed to get the wasters out.

Why are people turning against the players? Because the players stopped playing for the club and the fans a long time ago. Coach HTT is right in another thread - the playing side of the club is rotten to the core.

I feel sick and it's a long time since this club made me feel like this.

Relegation beckons now lads. I can't see the players having the stomach to fight their way out of it. And why should they when many of them are on 50K a week plus ?

Think the players have to be held account here. Continual spouting off in the media about how they are going to do this and that for the fans and yet look at us. We are in free-fall and now in real danger of going down. I hope these clowns feel pleased with themselves. Useless w@nkers.

I feel totally gutted, but I'm not in the least it surprised. This side has no will or desire to win. Pass up chance after chance and then get done off a sucker punch. Make your own luck indeed.

Well - looks like I was right. Derbyshire scores to make it 1-0. Relegation here we come.

Charlie on for Duff. The awful Barton stays on the pitch.

This feels like the Portsmouth game back in May 92.

Charlie coming on in a mo.

The game is there for the winning. Makes you wonder if we are too frightened of winning the game.

Martins coming on for Butt.

1458 MW

Blackburn are going to pinch one here. Can see it coming a mile off.

Owen misses another 1 on 1. Friedel puts it behind for a corner.