manorpark

Late fifties or early sixties - Russ Conway with Billy Cotton. My mother was madly in love with Russ Conway!! She kept saying what a great pianist he was, even though he only had three fingers and a thumb, on one hand. Also, less of this "old timers" stuff, Mr Embryo. You do realise (or don't you?) that by 'approximately' the week after next (it will seem to you, absolutely) you will be "grown up and well past it / half dead" in the eyes of the next generation of little kiddiewinkies on here!

Two questions: 1 - Who is at "the bottom" then? 2 - Who are "the big boys" then? Why do some people not know that the 'current' three most successful clubs (or "four", or "two" or whatever) have not always been that and will not always be that . . . It is all just temporary. Also, why do some people think mid-table is at the bottom, when talking about us? Both things appear to be borne out of having some kind of 'Inferiority Complex'.

Your population figures for Newcastle in 2001, are incorrect, by about 100,000 people. It depends which part of the 'census figures' you get your information from, but I recognise the 189,863 figure you quote, as I have come across it before. This figure comes from only a few of the Newcastle City postcodes, and excludes most of NE3 (for example) and many other Newcastle City postcodes. It specifically excludes any of the city's growth after 1974. It is a very misleading figure. I have written to them about it and they have acknowledged that it only includes about 60% of the postcodes within the city boundary. They say it relates to "a geographical area that existed pre-1974" and that it is quoted to "compare like with like" and to show population trends. Ridiculous!!! Anyway, Newcastle's population is somewhere around the 260,000 to 280,000 mark.

As far as I know he has not appointed a 'number 2' yet. Don't know if he even will. Certainly, it has not been stated to be either Cox, McDermott, or Pearson.

Not sure who he is. I think I can 'just' remember my grandfather's, sons other twin son, talking about him though. Vaguely.

Grammatically . . you are correct!! (but . . . at times !!!)

I can never remember a time in my life when I 'only' mixed with people of exactly my own age. Particularly in relation to supporting NUFC, I (and everyone else, young or old, that I knew) always knew all about the current situation at the club, and all previous situations at the club - and ALL our famous players and managers. I cannot understand why or how "when you were born" should have even the tiniest little influence on anyones level of knowledge about our club. If you are a supporter, that is. I know that it is sometimes regarded as 'cool' to act ignorant (amongst some people) but it camnnot be regarded as 'cool' (surely) to post on a NUFC forum, and act IGNORANT about NUFC? (whether you were 'only-born-yesterday' or not . . .) Do I expect my children to understand my ramblings about Souness, Bellamy and Robert? No. Dont think the original poster was trying to be cool, it was a genuine question. Football is much less about generations and history these days, and it therefore isn't suprising a younger person doesn't know who Cox is, especially as Cox's achievements almost 25 years ago, aren't up there with the league challenges, and domestic and european cup runs we have experienced in recent years. James - I don't think he was trying to be cool either! I do not agree with you, when you say that "football is much less about generations and history these days". I find that the genuine football fan these days (of any age) is "basically" exactly the same as they (of any age) always have been. There is, however, a larger-than-previously group of supporters who appear to glorify in "not knowing" what genuine supporters have always known. As we agree, it is not necessarily about 'appearing cool', it is more about trying to demonstrate that "what happened in the past" is not as important or at all relevant, as what is happening now. This does not apply only to football, of course. They seem unaware that 'now' is only what it is, because of what led up to it (ie, the past!). However, to put it simply - any REAL 'died in the wool' obsessive NUFC fan - like most of us are - (apart from really, really young children of course) will know a lot about this wonderful club, and not just what was in the Chronny or on Sky over the last few years, since he/she started going to the match!

I suspect he probably means exactly the opposite of what he said!

I can never remember a time in my life when I 'only' mixed with people of exactly my own age. Particularly in relation to supporting NUFC, I (and everyone else, young or old, that I knew) always knew all about the current situation at the club, and all previous situations at the club - and ALL our famous players and managers. I cannot understand why or how "when you were born" should have even the tiniest little influence on anyones level of knowledge about our club. If you are a supporter, that is. I know that it is sometimes regarded as 'cool' to act ignorant (amongst some people) but it cannot be regarded as 'cool' (surely) to post on a NUFC forum, and act IGNORANT about NUFC? (whether you were 'only-born-yesterday' or not . . .)

GOD help us, if this is the level of ignorance of our 'new generation' of NUFC supporters!!

Where does this "50 long years" come from?? It keeps being trawled up, usually (though) by the 'pig ignorant' London Media! It is 39 years since we won the European Fairs Cup (as the UEFA Cup used to be called) and in those days it was a MUCH bigger tournament than now (far harder to win) as only one team went into the European Cup (as the Champions League used to be called) so all those 'second, third, and fourth placed teams' went into the Fairs Cup from most countries.

True! Sadly, I can't seem to find one desparate enough though!!

In fact, it seems the ideal place for her.

Even other LOCAL papers are joining in. There was an article in the local evening rag for London (called the 'London Evening Standard') about us, can't find the link now though. Now, there is one from a local rag in Peterborough! http://www.peterboroughtoday.co.uk/wos/King-Kev-ruler-of-Cloud.3694788.jp Why are other peoples local papers as obsessed with us as the national (they are just 'other London local papers', I suppose!) papers are??

It is a good sign that there are so many diverse views portrayed on here. I keep telling myself

A bit old? Will not contribute much on the field? Sometimes I cannot believe what I am reading!! Who helped Real Madrid win the league title a few months ago? Amazing thought processes (or lack of) revealed on here at times . . .

Let the parochial little wan**rs enjoy it . . . WHILE THEY CAN !!!!!!!!!!

Living in London, I learnt we are the Cockney-based ("national" !!!) press's (in sport particularly) favourite targets. They do not consider they ("national" media) are actually OUR media as well, at all. They are so parochially Cockney-based . . . If you compare this to how some 'people' behave in their normal day-to-day life, about other people who are bigger/better/whatever, than them? What do they do? They 'criticise' them and 'lie' about them, whenever they can. Sound familiar???

There is simply no downside to this at all. David Beckham and Newcastle United FC, a perfect fit (in SO VERY many ways). - One of England's best Captains for many years. - One of England's most famous (current) players. - One of England's most famous football clubs. - One of England's biggest clubs (5th richest in UK, 13th in world). A club with an inspirational owner (and billionaire!) and inspirational manager. - One of England's biggest grounds (52,000 people per game) and fantastic supporters (limitless in numbers, worldwide these days) - One of England's great Regional Capital Cities (Centre of everything, great shopping, Nightlife, Theatres, Art galleries, Restaurants, Architecture to-die-for, etc) No Downside in this for us. No Downside in this for him. I just wonder how many of the "amazing and brainwashed inferiority brigade" ("he won't come here") will comment on here?? What must it be like to be like them, I do wonder at times? THERE IS NO DOWNSIDE TO THIS. A PERFECT FIT ALL ROUND (The City of Newcastle / Newcastle United FC / Mike Ashley / Kevin Keegan / Michael Owen / 52,000+ fans / loadsa money). SO VERY 'NATURAL'. JUST FEELS RIGHT.

You are either a "big" club or you are not. We have always been a big club for over 100 years, that will not change. In these modern 'finance-oriented' days, we are an even bigger club than in the past. For 15 years we have been the 5th biggest in England (except when we were 4th biggest) and our financial status in Europe has altered between 9th and (the current) 13th. Now, with an English Multi-Billionaire as our owner, we have his wealth to add to our own - and the sky is the limit. Remember "our own wealth" (produced annually from our business activities) will be huge now, with no interest to pay on debt repayments. Ashley will not, probably, need to top us up "Abramovich style" by very much at all - he already did it by paying off the debt! I never know what people mean by a 'big' club, anyway? Some people do not mean the club at all, whether they know it or not, they are really talking about 'the team', rather than the club. Others are talking about success on the field. Currently there are four clubs in England doing better than any of us. That will, of course, change around, though there are a fair few people (mainly younger people) who think it is 'permanent' (for some reason)! Others are only referring to the very-transient CURRENT (whenever 'current' may be) situation. EG - "We are not a big club because CURRENTLY (right now) "we are not in Europe" / "we are not in the Champions League" / "we are not in the top six / top four / top 10" (or . . whatever!!) BIG CLUB STATUS IS SOMETHING THAT DOES NOT FLUCTUATE SO EASILY AS THAT!! Anyway, our status will be confirmed over the next few years (even to the "inferiority-obsessed" young-uns on here!!!) by the Ashley / Mort / Keegan / Shearer? "new era" that is about to unfold. SO exciting. So VERY exciting! In my opinion, all this is, of course.

You can tell Keegan is up for this, and also well up for signings. When he said he "isnt scared to bring in some of the names being bandied around, he'll do it" was quality. Any reason for Geremi's shirt hanging up there? odd. Hanging in alphabetical order? G - Geremi. H - I - J - K - Keegan. Mebbe!!!

I understand that there are many different views on this. It is both the strength (and weakness) of all these internet forums and 24/7 Sky-Sports-News coverage, that so many different views (with their opportunity to influence your thinking) are imposed on us, causing confusion among what is probably an amazingly simple situation. ALAN SHEARER IS THE MAN TO LEAD NEWCASTLE UNITED FC FOR THE NEXT 20 YEARS. Who else could you EVER say that about? Seriously? Any other choice from amongst the available managers would not ever do that - would they? Whether they were "European Cup winning" top foreign managers, or the (so-called) "cream of English managers" they would only be here short term, would be mercenaries (obviously, that's the way it is) and (in all probability, despite their pedigree and great CV) they would probably FAIL. Alan Shearer is not just a "former great player" . . that is the reason so many people give when arguing against him. They say - "a great player does not necessarily make a great manager". VERY VERY TRUE!! A good painter and decorator does not necessarily make a good accountant. Yes, we all know that. That is obvious. However, with Shearer, that ignores the many things that make up Alan Shearer that do not fit with that (very) simple statement (no matter how many times it is repeated) that DO uniquely apply to the (VERY unique) combination of - "Alan Shearer and Newcastle United" . . . FIVE REASONS: (1) Alan Shearers Character. He is a strong character, just look at his on-pitch behaviours, attitude, leadership, during his time with us and England. Just remember (as one simple example) how he faced down the tough-nut Keane and made him look and behave like a weak-minded idiot. (2) Alan Shearers respect around the world, as a 'recent' top world player. How good that would be in attracting players of the TOP quality. (players that the likes of Allardyce and Redknapp and so many others, would never even get to speak to). (3) Alan Shearers love of Newcastle United FC. It seems to me, when listening to him, that his feelings for the club are just like mine. They are just like yours too!! He cares, just like we do - unconditionally and forever. Unlike you and me though - he is in a position to do something about it! (4) Alan Shearer lives here because he wants to. Even the parochial, automatically biased Southern English press (aided by the riduculous Oliver guy) would not even be tempted to say - "Alan, what about the weather and the shops, would your wife not prefer to live in Basingtoke or Bogner???" (5) Alan Shearer seems to have all the abilities needed to be very good at what the job requires (particulary, at THIS club) uniquely perhaps, amongst the many football players that have retired in recent times. Those are rare qualities in any walk of life, that make him different. FINALLY: It is so true that "a great player does not necessarily make a great manager". BUT, when it appears that there is one who would - and it is almost specifically ONLY at OUR club - then we should . . . . GO FOR IT !!!!!!!!!! In my opinion . . .

I wish the idiot fans would just have some patience and read this quote over and over. More likely they'll forget it by next week and spout on about how Mort and Ashley want Sam out and that patience is something they both don't possess...............its depressing but what can you do? the opposite is true, the stability comes from being succesful not the other way around. Oh Dear . . Stability (with the right people involved . . Ashley / Mort / Allardyce / Money on top players . . facilitates the opportunity for success. THEN (as you say) success should come, and that creates it's own form of additional stability. BUT, first you need . . . . . that has sod all to do with stability,more with (hopefully) the right people in the right jobs. if allardyce hasn't drastically improved on where we are now he will be gone by august 2009. the quest fro stability shouldn't mean keeping hold of possibly the wrong personnel That is where successful (Ashley) and intelligent (Mort) people come in. They make the judgement call about 'personnel'. They appear to have made it already . . we'll see. In truth, that is all we can do and all we should do - wait and see. This Mort/Ashley club is so different to what it has ever been (and I went through the SJH changes from Mckeag) and it just looks, sounds and smells (!) RIGHT! Have faith - this is different.

I wish the idiot fans would just have some patience and read this quote over and over. More likely they'll forget it by next week and spout on about how Mort and Ashley want Sam out and that patience is something they both don't possess...............its depressing but what can you do? the opposite is true, the stability comes from being succesful not the other way around. Oh Dear . . Stability (with the right people involved . . Ashley / Mort / Allardyce / Money on top players . . facilitates the opportunity for success. THEN (as you say) success should come, and that creates it's own form of additional stability. BUT, first you need . . . . . that has sod all to do with stability,more with (hopefully) the right people in the right jobs. if allardyce hasn't drastically improved on where we are now he will be gone by august 2009. the quest fro stability shouldn't mean keeping hold of possibly the wrong personnel That is where successful (Ashley) and intelligent (Mort) people come in. They make the judgement call about 'personnel'. They appear to have made it already . .

I wish the idiot fans would just have some patience and read this quote over and over. More likely they'll forget it by next week and spout on about how Mort and Ashley want Sam out and that patience is something they both don't possess...............its depressing but what can you do? the opposite is true, the stability comes from being succesful not the other way around. Oh Dear . . Stability (with the right people involved . . Ashley / Mort / Allardyce / Money on top players) . . facilitates the opportunity for success. THEN (as you say) success should come, and that creates it's own form of additional stability. BUT, first you need . . . . .