Benwell Lad

Maybe True Faith do support the team, but don't support the management and hierarchy at Newcastle? Problem with them and others (.com, The Mag etc) is they start off as well intended ordinary supporters, but always seem to get carried away with their own importance and get right up their own @rses, eventually feeling they've got to spout their politics to the rest of us like the editorial column of some right wing tabloid.

All the usual drivel we've come to expect from true sh*t dot com and as ever no suggestion of WHO they want instead of Ashley. I for one can't wait until the moaning b@stards just stop threatening to walk away and ACTUALLY do it. The club may be worse off but SJP will be a far better place when the moaners piss off and leave 40K real fans who support the club and team and not the owner. Enjoy your Saurday/Sundays at the Metro Centre/Kingston Park/Stadium of Light or wherever you decide to go next lads.

This time I think they have a point. Point is both clubs (like most others at present) fear a drop in crowds as the recession bites and felt the need to act. Despite Sunderland's empty seat problem being much worse than Newcastle's and one of the worst in the PL (Boro ?) it was reported as an act of charity while Newcastle's was reported as an act of desperation. Terrible reporting bias. Because Sunderland have a history of having deals for all pockets, where as we have always whacked the price up year on year. We all loved it pre-credit crunch paying twice+ what Mackems did for there season tickets but now they have the better team & the cheaper tickets atm, which is a bit f***ing annoying. I thought a patched up Newcastle team missing a lot of key players with several others playing out of position and no serious striker in the side, more than matched what was Sunderland's strongest possible team in the recent derby match. But everyone to their own.

This time I think they have a point. Point is both clubs (like most others at present) fear a drop in crowds as the recession bites and felt the need to act. Despite Sunderland's empty seat problem being much worse than Newcastle's and one of the worst in the PL (Boro ?) it was reported as an act of charity while Newcastle's was reported as an act of desperation. Terrible reporting bias.

But obviously if you disagree with the current protests then that's not your opinion... I don't get it. no, you don't get it. I would protest against Ashley because he is the wrong man for the club, clueless and showing it all the time. On the other hand, if we were showing ambition, backing our managers, and showing a clear intent to keep our best players and compete with the other top clubs seeking to qualify regularly for europe, I'd be supporting him all the way. Right, that's fine but it's only your opinion. What are you criticising OzzieMandias for then? If he doesn't think the same about the two boards then why should he be expected to protest? Well, he has been asked his opinion, with any factual information to back it up, but like many other instances, hasn't replied. If anyone wants to tell me Ashley is doing better than the previous regime - and therefore immune to protest - then back it up with league positions and anything in their current policy which suggests after 2 years that such improvement is in sight somewhere. I'd be interested to know what exactly you disagree with in my last paragraph in that post mind. That argument is a bit harsh and one dimensional. It's a bit like blaming someone for not pushing a boulder to the top of a hill when the boulder hit them on the way down with great momentum. First of all you have to slow it down, then stop it and then start pushing it back up. Granted Ashley and Co made mistakes, appointing Keegan and the outfall of the subsequent (and predictable) walkout has set things back considerably, but WHO do you think would be better placed right now to take over from Ashley and start pushing us up that hill again ? why is it harsh and one dimensional. You aren't happy and can't see it improving, and can only see it getting very much worse. What else is needed ? I don't agree with your analogy either, I think the Halls and Shepherd would have pushed the club forward again, because they backed their managers. Fine. But like it or not they're history. Ashley is the present (and future ?) so if not him WHO would you like in charge of the club to take it forward ?

You're taking the piss right? I committed to buying mine and the bairns season ticket for 3 years at a price that had I not committed to last year I could have got anyway. No discounts for the loyests fans of all, what a load of s****! Me too, and I guess thousands of others as well. They had to do something and we'd hope the loyalty of those who coughed up 3 years in advance will not go unnoticed. I would expect some free beer vouchers, cup tickets or something to be coming our way.

Tyne Tees Television reported recently on Saint Niall Quinn once again being holier than Mother Theresa when he revealed plans to reduce prices and give incentives for fans to buy tickets for next season. He was doing something great for football and their supporters. (SOS -capacity 48,000 - on occasions about 70% full for league games). Tonight TTTV reports Newcastle United offering reduced prices and incentives for next season's tickets (SJP capacity 52,000 - at worst seldom less than 90% full ) reported cynically as a move which has been forced upon them by poor performances both on and off the field. Why is our local media so biased towards Sunderland ?

Tyne Tees Television reported recently on Saint Niall Quinn once again being holier than Mother Theresa when he revealed plans to reduce prices and give incentives for fans to buy tickets for next season. He was doing something great for football and their supporters. (SOS -capacity 48,000 - on occasions about 70% full for league games). Tonight TTTV reports Newcastle United offering reduced prices and incentives for next season's tickets (SJP capacity 52,000 - at worst seldom less than 90% full ) reported cynically as a move which has been forced upon them by poor performances both on and off the field. Why is our local media so biased towards Sunderland ?

But obviously if you disagree with the current protests then that's not your opinion... I don't get it. no, you don't get it. I would protest against Ashley because he is the wrong man for the club, clueless and showing it all the time. On the other hand, if we were showing ambition, backing our managers, and showing a clear intent to keep our best players and compete with the other top clubs seeking to qualify regularly for europe, I'd be supporting him all the way. Right, that's fine but it's only your opinion. What are you criticising OzzieMandias for then? If he doesn't think the same about the two boards then why should he be expected to protest? Well, he has been asked his opinion, with any factual information to back it up, but like many other instances, hasn't replied. If anyone wants to tell me Ashley is doing better than the previous regime - and therefore immune to protest - then back it up with league positions and anything in their current policy which suggests after 2 years that such improvement is in sight somewhere. I'd be interested to know what exactly you disagree with in my last paragraph in that post mind. That argument is a bit harsh and one dimensional. It's a bit like blaming someone for not pushing a boulder to the top of a hill when the boulder hit them on the way down with great momentum. First of all you have to slow it down, then stop it and then start pushing it back up. Granted Ashley and Co made mistakes, appointing Keegan and the outfall of the subsequent (and predictable) walkout has set things back considerably, but WHO do you think would be better placed right now to take over from Ashley and start pushing us up that hill again ?

They have got to be taking the piss. Can't believe I'm saying this but, after reading that pukey drivvel I think I preferred it when they just hurled insults and sang "sack the board" Are we going to have a "join hands for Keegan" moment ?

The younger generation of Tyneside are going soft. Theres no way mackem players would have larged it up in town years ago. You did see them occasionally but they kept very quiet. Celebrate your win over us then come up and drink in our city FFS !!

Join the club. how much ? Beat me to it !!

Doesn't surprise me in the slightest. It has been a case of the press and TV deciding what the popular story would be and then sticking with it. There has been no balance in the reporting, so it's no surprise that's what most people's think after watching TV and reading newspapers. Local TV reporting has been just as prejudiced. I have spoken to people outside the NE who also assume that we're all part of a baying mob looking for Ashley's head and cockney blood. When I tell them that many supporters are not of that opinion at all and have a very different view on Ashley's involvement and Keegan's part in the club's turmoil they are quite surprised. I'm not surprised, as you gave a false impression. Do they really think the "majority" of fans are behind a bloke who is going to relegate the club ? Are they the same people who booed the regime who gave us regular european football at Alan Shearers testimonial in front of a worldwise audience. The embarrassing thing is some of us are associated with by virtue of "supporting" the same clubs as these mongs. No wonder they "laugh at us". I'm not really sure what you mean or what you're saying. I think you're a decent bloke and undoubtedly a passionate Newcastle fan, but like some other NUSC supporters I think that your anti-Ashley obsession has become so irrational that you will be disappointed if we DON'T get relegated - as you think that will vindicate your opinion. That is really sad. now mate. NOBODY, NOBODY who supports the football club wants them to get relegated. Do you seriously think that having paid up front for 3 seasons I want to see the club get relegated again ? THAT is very, very sad indeed, from someone as old as yourself who has seen this club through some really s*** times and don't want them back again, and no the club isn't that bad - yet. I see you are now labelling anybody who wants Ashley out as "obsessed"............ Can I ask, and it's a serious question which you may have answered in some other post, I don't know i don't read all your posts, but will you continue to go if we do get relegated ? I don't think that was directed at me ?? but yes I will always go. Always have always will. A fair amount of my supporting life has been in the second division. Anyone who watched us in the regular promotion and relegation days will probably agree that support and feelings for your team are no different whatever level you play at. Maybe theres a new generation of fan who are more into "The Premiership" than Newcastle United and they will stop going, thats why when accolades are handed to "great supporters" it's those in the lower leagues we should be praising. I hope we're never there again but this season could be a nail biter. I support the black and white shirt but definitely PREFER doing it at the highest level.

That's definitley what they're called. No, the new chairman did. He's long gone. And Llambias himself has said, once Mort left the MD and the owner made a conscious decision to keep away from the limelight. Why don't you put in the time and effort to set up the alternative then? I don't see how dissolving and then setting up an identical organisation under a different name will make any difference whatsoever. Professional? You think there's going to be enough paying members to employ a full time staff who do it for anything but their love of the club? Your anti-Ashley obsession is making you get carried away, you should read the post before replying. To answer your points. 1) They are indeed called the NUSC - however they hijacked the name and in no way represent the majority of "Newcastle supporters" so they should not call themselves a name which implies they do. 2) Mort was Ashley's direct appointment and chief executive when the ownership changed. He must therefore be considered part of the "new ownership" at that time. 3) Professional ? You obviously missed the inverted commas on "professional" which implied a professional approach rather than paid management. Just as the "amateurish" way they behave at present can imply something other than "not paid"

also in negotiations you need to have something to offer, a bargaining chip, and NUSC simply have nothing...they might if things go from bad to worse and they get a popular following but right now they are just stampy feet kids as you say The so called NUSC really have nothing to offer. When the club changed hands the new ownership activley tried to embrace organisations/publications/websites etc which they felt represented fans to try and achieve a broader forum of views. I'm sure if any organisation had sufficient credibility (and fan's backing) they'd talk to them still. NUSC was set up with a confrontational and insulting agenda against the owner and senior management. They then ask/demand that those they insulted open the doors and let them in for a chat. It wasn't the smartest of strategies if indeed it was a strategy at all. Were the powers at NUFC to grant their wish for a meeting it would give NUSC the credibility they lack and no doubt help the egos of their failing leadership, but it won't happen. They hijacked a name which they should NOT be using as they are anything but representative of fans. If there is a desire to have a fan's representative organisation with a broad agenda, who the club and fans will take seriously, then the joke NUSC needs to be dissolved and a properly organised and "professional" body capable of serious dialogue set up in their place.

And to keep up the "NUFC fans are mongs" sentiments in the papers/on the tv - wouldn't want to let those get away. Can you link me to the most recent example of that please? The Keegan protest? Thats pretty recent. Cockney Mafia Banner? Is that recent enough? NUSC had nothing to do with the Cockney Mafia Out banner. There was a banner which said something like that (can't remember) and had the NUSC logo on it which is a rip off of the one in the era of the old silver away strip circa Chris Waddle etc. Was that the "No more geordie cash for Ashley" one? Something like that - can't really remember - same sentiments different words.

Doesn't surprise me in the slightest. It has been a case of the press and TV deciding what the popular story would be and then sticking with it. There has been no balance in the reporting, so it's no surprise that's what most people's think after watching TV and reading newspapers. Local TV reporting has been just as prejudiced. I have spoken to people outside the NE who also assume that we're all part of a baying mob looking for Ashley's head and cockney blood. When I tell them that many supporters are not of that opinion at all and have a very different view on Ashley's involvement and Keegan's part in the club's turmoil they are quite surprised. I'm not surprised, as you gave a false impression. Do they really think the "majority" of fans are behind a bloke who is going to relegate the club ? Are they the same people who booed the regime who gave us regular european football at Alan Shearers testimonial in front of a worldwise audience. The embarrassing thing is some of us are associated with by virtue of "supporting" the same clubs as these mongs. No wonder they "laugh at us". I'm not really sure what you mean or what you're saying. I think you're a decent bloke and undoubtedly a passionate Newcastle fan, but like some other NUSC supporters I think that your anti-Ashley obsession has become so irrational that you will be disappointed if we DON'T get relegated - as you think that will vindicate your opinion. That is really sad.

And to keep up the "NUFC fans are mongs" sentiments in the papers/on the tv - wouldn't want to let those get away. Can you link me to the most recent example of that please? The Keegan protest? Thats pretty recent. Cockney Mafia Banner? Is that recent enough? NUSC had nothing to do with the Cockney Mafia Out banner. There was a banner which said something like that (can't remember) and had the NUSC logo on it which is a rip off of the one in the era of the old silver away strip circa Chris Waddle etc.

Clever thinking !

A lot of good stuff, but I liked this bit best and it says a lot about him. One accusation that rankles? The ambition thing. “Ask any of the managers who have been here in my time — and there’s been about 100 — and they’ll all tell you that I’ve always knocked on the door and asked to play,” Harper said. “But I haven’t done it publicly, I haven’t slagged anybody off or started fights in training.”

If we stay up it looks like it's going to be by a handful of points, or even goal difference. I'd hardly say that was good judgement, especially considering a blind person could tell you we needed investment. Same question to you btw; do you think (should we stay up) that significant investment in the first team will be made this summer? Not on the scale of previous owners, no. But at the same time I wouldn't be surprised to see 4-5 players come in, of the quality/price of Jonas/Colo/Bassong etc. To me one of the things Ashley shouldn't be criticised for is his transfer policy. This January wasn't great but I think that may have been a combination of market conditions, economic situation, the fact it's January, injuries, and panic. I know it sounds like an excuse, but everyone knows Jan is a hard time to make real squad improvements... no matter how badly they are needed. That is spot on. January is a very difficult time to do good business in the tranfer market or make the deals you need/want to do. However, despite the fact that we'd all like to see more big signings, most fans would probably think a squad that has gained Taylor, Nolan and Lovenkrands is better placed for the fight ahead than one that included Given and Zogbia. So despite the £ figures we've arguably strengthened the squad and made a shrewd profit to boot. (Something Newcastle United have never been noted for) Money NEEDS to be spent, but like you I want to see it invested in players like Jonas/Colo,Bassong/Guthrie etc - i.e. those with a positive attitude, rather than be a soft touch for overpriced crocks like we were in the past.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/newcastle/article5740488.ece

Would be interesting to see if they'd have done that had 96 fans died in a German terraced stadium. What? I don't think there's owt wrong with what I've said there? It was easy for the German authorities to listen to the fans because nothing had happened in Germany. Had something like the Hillsborough Disaster happened there, chances are, they'd have went all-seater too. FC St.Pauli have been mentioned (affectionately) earlier in this thread. They play to sell out crowds almost every game and anyone who has been in the main stand will confirm it's looks like a temporary wooden construction with a terraced area in front of it full of singing, flag waving, beer drinking, tab smoking punks and hippies. It seems to work and not so long ago they were in the top Bundesliga. Good story I heard was when they played Bayern Munich the Bayern players refused to get changed there so they went back to their hotel, got changed and returned on the bus and straight on to the pitch ! Across town the AOL arena (Hamburger SV) is state of the art and also plays to always full houses in a terrific atmosphere, so I guess they can have a great atmosphere and safe environment whatever the design and facilities of the stadium.

So do I. I reckon it's one of the best football experiences in the world. I saw some of the DFB Pokal games a couple of years ago - the 4-3 against Hertha was amazing. Loved the old Clubheim which was attached to the stadium before the new stand was built and seeing the players and management mixing with the fans after the match was a bit special. There was a Newcastle United stained glass (some other clubs too) in one of the windows for some reason ? A great city and a great club. A couple of Wbeers down the Schanze viertel - aaah !

Doesn't surprise me in the slightest. It has been a case of the press and TV deciding what the popular story would be and then sticking with it. There has been no balance in the reporting, so it's no surprise that's what most people's think after watching TV and reading newspapers. Local TV reporting has been just as prejudiced. I have spoken to people outside the NE who also assume that we're all part of a baying mob looking for Ashley's head and cockney blood. When I tell them that many supporters are not of that opinion at all and have a very different view on Ashley's involvement and Keegan's part in the club's turmoil they are quite surprised.