sempuki

Thought it was. Will you be mentioning the horror of the Mackem ice cream man and gargoyle? - one of my worst ever experiences watching the Toon. I had my GCSEs the next day and all I could think about was how gutted I was.

What was the game when we won 5-4 and McGhee scored a brilliant individual goal in the last minute after being 4-2 down?

First home win since August - hallelujah!

West Sham winning.

Perhaps I'm being overly (and unusually) optimistic but if Roeder is looking at players at the top end of the market like Huntelaar does this mean we have money to spend?

Ex-Blade Billy in benefits swindle FORMER Blades striker Billy Whitehurst has narrowly escaped jail for fiddling £12,000 benefits. During his career Whitehurst played for several top clubs and was described by TV pundit Alan Hansen as the opponent he had feared the most. But, as a footballer whose career ended in 1993, Whitehurst never earned the big money associated with today's top players, Barnsley magistrates heard. And when the one-time Thurnscoe brickie's career ended, he turned to gambling and in just one day at the races, lost his year's income from investments. Whitehurst, aged 45, of School Street, Great Houghton, and whose other clubs included Newcastle, Sunderland and Doncaster Rovers, pleaded guilty to six charges of falsely obtaining money from the department of work and pensions and asked for other offences to be taken into consideration. Prosecutor Gerald Casey said Whitehurst had signed forms saying he was not in receipt of any other income when in fact he had an occupational pension of £322 a month and was paid £12,232 in benefits that he was not entitled to. Steve Smith, defending, said: "He was a top player at a time when footballers did not get the financial rewards they get these days." He said when Whitehurst retired he had a legacy of footballing injuries to his back, knees and ankles which made him incapable of doing most jobs. To make matters worse he enjoyed gambling and when he retired and found work difficult he turned more and more to gambling as a "solace". "His entire annuity went in one day, his wife of 20 years showed him the door, it broke down his marriage, many of his so called friends and hangers-on deserted him and he is now living in rented accommodation," he said But Mr Smith said since fully admitting his false benefit claims, Whitehurst had finally admitted his addiction to gambling and his wife has indicated she will have him back. "He admitted his guilt at the earliest opportunity and had admitted his gambling problems. He is at last facing his demons." Chairman of the bench David Dennis sentenced Whitehurst to an 18-month rehabilitation order and ordered him to pay £120 costs. He said: "It is always sad when somebody who has been respected and admired by lots of people goes off the rails, but the fact is that you have broken the law and these are serious offences. If you had not immediately pleaded guilty it is almost certain you would have been given a custodial sentence." Whitehurst declined to comment on gambling losses and described his soccer earnings as "a pittance". In 1991 he was fined £250 after admitting failing to take a breath test and obstructing a police officer. In 2000 he was cleared of assaulting a woman drinker and causing affray during a row at the pub he then ran, the Butcher's Arms in Thurnscoe. As police prepared to revoke his licence, Whitehurst surrendered it saying: "I've had enough of running a pub and it's become too much hassle."

I wish! Double dutch blow for Roe Nov 21 2006 By Alan Oliver, The Evening Chronicle Newcastle United's plans to go Dutch in the January transfer widow have been thwarted because Ajax can pay their own way. Glenn Roeder has targeted Ajax's 26-year-old striker Klaas Jan Huntelaar and left-back Urby Emanuelson, but has already been told from Amsterdam to back off. Roeder is always reluctant to talk about any transfer targets, but he admitted today: "Like a lot of Premiership managers, Huntelaar and Emanuelson are two players I greatly admire, but Ajax are insisting they are not for sale." While a lot of the talk was about fellow Dutch striker Dirk Kuyt in the summer, Roeder would loved to have brought the man called The Hunter to St James' Park - but after paying e9m for him, Ajax see him as part of their future. Where United missed the boat was in February 2005 when Huntelaar played against them and scored for Heerenveen in a UEFA Cup match in the Dutch town. United have already spotted the potential of the 20-year-old Emanuelson, but so too have Ajax and Holland after he was capped for the first time against the Republic of Ireland in August. United know that their fans are expecting additions to their paper-thin and injury-hit squad, and Roeder insists: "We know what parts of our team needs strengthening and we will be acting accordingly." United are desperate for a couple of strikers, while another central defender and a left-back would come in more than handy in January. The whole football world - including the agents - know that United are desperate for new players, and fans can expect all sorts of weird and not-so-wonderful names to be thrown at them in the next couple of months. Even by United's standards the number of players they were linked with over the weekend was astonishing - but none of them will be finding a peg in the St James' Park dressing room. United love Alan Smith's aggression, but he is not a natural goalscorer so you can rule him out. Aston Villa midfielder Steve Davis was strongly linked with a move to United over the weekend, but Roeder is not interested. The Magpies are well off in midfield, but if they do find they want to strengthen here they have a player in mind with a Premiership club - and it's not Davis. As far as central defenders are concerned, Berne Young Boys' Ivory coast international Steve Gohouri, Leicester's Aussie Patrick Kisnorbo and Valencia's David Navarro were all said to be targets over the weekend - but none are. Navarro has already got up United's nose by saying that he is going to turn down a move to St James' Park because he fears Newcastle will be relegated. This prompted Roeder to say: "Before you can turn anybody down you have to be asked." Roeder has distanced himself from reports linking Newcastle with a bid for former striker Lomana LuaLua, who is believed to be unhappy at Portsmouth. United were also linked with Celtic striker Shaun Maloney over the weekend, and although they will have a high-powered delegation at Parkhead tonight - including Roeder and chairman Freddy Shepherd - for the Champions League game with Manchester United, I am told there is no specific player they are watching.

Christmas deadline as Belgravia mulls over move for Newcastle Michael Walker Tuesday November 21, 2006 The Guardian Belgravia, the company in talks with Newcastle United about a possible takeover at St James' Park, expects to have made either a formal offer, or to have walked away, by Christmas. Effectively that leaves five weeks for the parties to reach agreement and, with Belgravia into their period of due diligence, City sources said yesterday that a bid is "imminent", although that means weeks rather than days. January's transfer window is a key factor in the self-imposed deadline. Newcastle and Belgravia want to have a sense of certainty going into January, with a Belgravia spokesman saying yesterday that, regardless of speculation about the value of the land around St James' Park, the primary focus would be on improving the club's Premiership standing. Despite sceptical noises from within St James' about Belgravia's true intentions - there appears to be little belief, publicly at least, that the Jersey-based company will make a bid - Belgravia stressed yesterday that any takeover could not be classified as hostile. "We are in discussions which are ongoing," a spokesman said. That has been Belgravia's stance since August 21, when it was first revealed that discussions had begun and when they were entitled to begin inspecting the books under the due diligence period. Newcastle's position, reiterated by the chairman, Freddy Shepherd, at the weekend, is that there has been no official offer from Belgravia or any other party, and even if one or more is forthcoming it does not have to be accepted. However, discussions can be at an advanced stage before any formal bid is declared under Stock Exchange rules. Newcastle are facing injury problems for Thursday's Uefa Cup visit of Celta Vigo. Damien Duff and Craig Moore will have scans today on injuries picked up in the 1-1 draw at Arsenal. Duff hurt a knee and faces a fortnight out of action, and Moore is also likely to miss the match. This leaves Newcastle with only three fit defenders for the game.

Arguably our best defender but doesn't have the pace to compete with the faster forwards - without fouling them that is.

If we signed the goofy beanpole it's a banker he'd be on his Villa form not the form he's shown at Southampton and Liverpool.

Henry also said some supporters made him "ashamed for my sport" and there was further disgusting evidence of this when Roeder was abused as "tumour boy". When Newcastle scored, a junior member of the visitors' staff gestured in the general direction of the abuse. These suddenly sensitive Arsenal fans were so outraged they reported him to stewards. Pathetic. Roeder was dismissive. "All managers get abuse. If a supporter is critical of a brain tumour I had three and a half years ago I wouldn't respect him anyway." Pretty pathetic once again.

Looks like Moore's done his hamstring - what do you call "bare bones" that are even barer?

We were really lucky at times and they had over 20 shots. Still it was a gutsy performance and an away point at Arsenal is excellent for any team and especially us considering. Are we out of the bottom 3?

A question for O.N. I notice Roeder is down to 29% in your approval ratings. How low did the unmentionable one go?

At a talk-in in Hebburn last night.

Shamelessly taken from another site: Snippets from The Clark / Oliver Talk-In from last night -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Souness – Oliver said he was the man “who got him the sack” and that Souness refers to him as the “wanker form The Chronicle” – maybe we do have something in common with Souness after all! Oliver labelled Souness and his backroom staff as “fraudsters”. Luque – He took a hammering off both Oliver and Clark, surprisingly. Oliver says that Roeder has been extremely patient with him and has given him chances to prove his worth. When pointed out that Luque scored the winner at Palermola and was then subsequently dropped, Oliver came back with the remark that he was the worst player on the pitch that night! Oliver was also adamant that we paid £12 million for him, rather than the reported £9.5 million (so where did the £2.5 million go?). Bernard – Clark said he has been woeful for the reserves and on his form is nowhere near good enough for the 1st team squad. Terry Mac – According to Oliver, Terry Mac would be the 1st to admit that he is not a coach (Jesus!) and is there to simply "gee up the troops". He apparently proved his worth at Watford when he wound up Boothroyd on the touchline (Oliver then had a few stupid digs at Boothroyd's coaching ability). New signings – Oliver says we have deals virtually done for a left back and a 6 foot 4 Centre Half who currently plays in The Premiership – both will go through in Janaury. Clark blamed Chelsea for our failure to sign Bridge in August, stating that Kenyon called us at 11.10pm on Deadline Day to say the Cole deal had gone through and we could have Bridge. We had apparently agreed personal terms but could net get him up here in time for the medical (great planning as ever!). Nobby – Oliver reckons that he refused to travel to Boro when Roeder told him he was a Sub. Clarky – He is Officially reserve team manager but sometimes allowed to work with 1st team players due to having such a small squad. He said that Liverpool agreed a fee with us in 1997 but he was never told about and then went to the mackems. He also reckons that we agreed a fee of £3.5 million to bring him back in 2000 but Sir Bobby changed his mind and instead opted for Bassedas. Clark also had a dig at the young’uns coming through, saying most lacked hunger due to the money they earned. Not forgetting Oliver's quote of the night - "You don't want foreigners in charge of our club man", in response to me telling him that my managerial preference in the summer was Hitzfeld.

Another reason to sign a left back in January. He's injured suspiciously often.

The Belgravia Group has revealed discussions are continuing with Newcastle United about a possible takeover of the Premiership club. The club confirmed they had been in talks with the Jersey-based firm but as yet had not received a formal proposal. "Talks are continuing with Newcastle United and we are keen to do a deal," a spokesman for Belgravia told BBC Sport. Reports at the weekend suggested that Magpies chairman Freddy Shepherd wants to assume sole control of the club. Shepherd already owns 28% of the club, while former chairman Sir John Hall has a 29% share and his son Douglas owns a 12% stake. The Newcastle chief has been under pressure to leave his post with fans blaming him for the club's current predicament. The Magpies, led by manager Glenn Roeder, lie third from bottom in the Premiership having won just two league games this season.

Certainly did.

Owen may not be the same player - we don't know yet and is very injury-prone as everyone knows. When he's out like he is now we don't score goals so I think we need another potent option. Shola has a lot to do to convince me he's the answer and we don't know how Martins will fare. In January I'm hoping for 5 new players but I doubt it's going to happen. I'd like to see: RB: Volz - only 22 and in the final year of his contract. Vastly superior to the fat Irishman. LB: Bridge - contract running out, guaranteed a start with us. CB: Distin - contract running out. Not great but would be better than we've already got and with a minimal fee. CF: John - Fulham have got some good players if you think about it and his contract also doesn't have that long left. CF: Bent - costly but it may be necessary as if we don't score goals we go down. If Bayern want Emre for 8/9m they can have him and we'll have no option but to cut our losses on Luque. The first 4 shouldn't be all that expensive but good goalscorers usually are. Does anyone agree?

A good question but being the greedy so-in-so that I am I would hope for someone more longer term. Darren Bent would be fantastic although I doubt we have the cash unless we flog someone.

I won't pack my bags yetNov 12 2006 By Neil Farrington, The Sunday Sun Freddy Shepherd has vowed the fans calling for his head will not deter him from his mission as Newcastle United chairman... To step down only when the Magpies finally win a major trophy. With United languishing in the league, supporters have vented their fury on the man at the top at St James's Park. And with the Jersey-based Belgravia Group linked with a takeover bid for the club, many question why Shepherd would want to stand his corner for much longer. But the man himself insists his motivation for staying put is the desire to deliver on an ageing promise to bring silverware to Tyneside. He remains confident that Glenn Roeder - the manager he is backing to the hilt - can yet fulfil that dream this season. And he has fired a broadside at the Belgravia Group and others who have made noises about buying United without putting an offer on the table. "I took over as chairman with a mission to win a trophy - and I'm not going to be knocked off that," Shepherd told the Sunday Sun. "It's more than 50 years since we won a major domestic trophy and 37 years since we won our only European honour, and if I can end that dreadful run then that will be the time for me to walk away. "And we are still involved in three cup competitions, so I would like to think that we could win something this season. Shepherd admitted: "It has proved a more difficult, elusive task to win a trophy than I thought it would be when I first joined the board 14 years ago. "But you have to remember that when I joined the board, nothing had been won for 23 years and nothing had been done to the ground or the training facilities. "I've invested a lot of my time working for the club over the last nine years, and I am satisfied with what I have achieved off the pitch. If nothing else I have helped create one of the finest stadiums in Europe and a top-class training ground. That is my legacy." And on the pitch, Shepherd claims he retains all faith in Roeder to steer Newcastle out of relegation trouble - and will prove it by financing a January swoop for a top new striker and defender. "We have got to give Glenn time to turn it around, of course we have, and I think he can," he said. "I am not giving him a timeframe to do so, because I see the quality in Glenn to turn the situation around. "The players admit that they didn't play well against Sheffield United last week, but generally the performances haven't been bad. "We have good players here. Look at our team sheet. Christ, these are good players, and they have to sort it out. "But I would rather the fans have a go at me rather than the team or the manager." Shepherd added: "Stock Exchange rules mean we cannot say exactly what we are going to do in the January transfer window - but look at our past record. "And I know a forward and a defender are a priority." Meanwhile, while Shepherd admits that he and United's Plc board have a duty to all shareholders to listen to any reasonable offer that is made for the club, he is not holding his breath. "Anyone can make an offer for the company," he said. "As chairman I then have to do what is best for the Plc and for the shareholders. "But while there are lots of good talkers and people saying they are going to do this, that and the other, I don't see anyone coming here and saying: `Right, we'll buy the club and do this and that'. "So I am going to see this job through, and I believe I will turn this situation around. "My bags aren't packed."

If it happened, he wouldn't, would he? Newcastle's Owen linked with cut-price Liverpool return Liverpool are being linked with Newcastle United striker Michael Owen. The News of the World says Owen is still fighting to overcome a knee injury that required two ops and is unlikely to play a competitive game this term. With the Geordies stuck in a survival battle near the foot of the Premiership, the prospect of them losing their ?16m striker, 26, is looming. That could open the way for the England star to make an emotional return to his old club Liverpool. If relegated, Newcastle would be unable to keep Owen because of the player's £120,000-a-week wages. They might be forced to accept a knockdown price of around £6m - which will alert the Kop and other clubs. Of course he would.

There are loads of empty seats - although we can't say much. Boro should be winning really.

As I type the results are going for us - now Charlton 2-0 down at Wigan.