NSG

Local Hero still the fans’ home banker Oct 16 2007 by Chloe Griffiths, The Journal THE search for the definitive Newcastle United anthem gathered pace yesterday as The Journal was inundated with responses from fans. Scores of readers emailed, texted or went online to vote for the song the black-and-whites should run out to. And the overwhelming majority of fans who have voted so far want the Magpies once again to emerge on the pitch to Newcastle-born Mark Knopfler’s guitar classic Local Hero. Supporters believe it has become synonymous with the pride and passion of the fans and the club. But earlier this season, the 1983 classic was sidelined by club officials who said they wanted to introduce a new number to “improve the atmosphere” at the ground. They opted for If the Kids Are United, by London punk band Sham 69, because of its upbeat ending, a chant of “United, United”. But the switch received a mixed response from followers, many of whom were dismayed to lose the long-standing anthem. So now The Journal is giving all Magpie fans the chance to choose the song they believe will best galvanise the crowd. And the club have promised to listen, insisting they want to find the perfect Magpie anthem, whether it be one of those two or The Blaydon Races. We want all readers to write, text, or go online to chose their preference. By last night – just hours after our poll was launched – we had received almost 200 votes. Local Hero is already miles ahead with 165 votes, against 12 for The Blaydon Races and just four for If the Kids Are United. Seven people voted not to have an anthem at all. Season ticket holder Heather Wales, of Gateshead, was right behind Local Hero. She wrote: “The hairs on the back of my neck used to stand up every time the players ran out on to the pitch when Local Hero came on. “Why on earth they felt they had to change it is beyond me. I want to enter my vote to bring back Local Hero.” Streams of fans also logged on to our website journallive.co.uk to register their vote, with Local Hero also taking pole position. A Newcastle United spokesman said: “We hear a lot of different opinions from fans. People are quite divided – some like Local Hero, others would like to hear The Blaydon Races, while some say they don’t want any music at all so the crowd can build the atmosphere. “We are keen to hear from fans so we can get the best formula and ensure the atmosphere at St James’s is as good as it always is.”

As a member of coaching staff, I don't see why not. He quite clearly just can't cut it as a manager.

Apparently it's kicked off already. 5 taken to hospital.

Toon to offer Owen new deal .cock SAM Allardyce is keen to see Michael Owen get a regular run of games for Newcastle United under his belt as the boss looks ahead to the busy winter fixture list. The Magpies' record signing has suffered cruel luck with injuries during his time at St. James' Park, but his goals-to-games ratio remains highly impressive in a black and white shirt nonetheless. And making sure he is available for selection on a regular basis is certainly the priority for Big Sam. "I'd like to see him fit for the next 20 games on the trot or more and then enter into a new contract," said Big Sam "The most important thing is that he's available for selection every week and we can control it. "Whether that means we lose him at the end of the day or not is non-negotiable because if it happens it happens but we want to see him fit, playing and scoring on a regular basis.' "It's clear before I got here in the summer that the clause of £9m was made public, but it never happened and now it's about keeping Michael fit for what's going to be a really tough December for us. "If Michael is fit and scoring goals every week, all managers would want him in their side." Big Sam added: "He's had 11 years at the top level in a long and illustrious career. In between that are spasmodic phases of injuries he seemed to pick up from an early age. "The hamstring one persisted and now other problems have arisen. That's wear and tear of a top-grade footballer now who plays too much because of the demands on him. "If you demand that much money then people demand that many games, so it's a vicious circle. "Michael's been an England international since 17 and he's barely had a rest in any summer over the last 11 years. "However, we don't think, if we manage the situation right, he'll pick up as many injuries if we can get a prevention schedule into him."

Gudjohnsson and Edmilson would do nicely. A quality RW thrown in would be lovely as well. Like I said earlier, then concentrate on full back backups. Fuck me, a transfer window where I don't want us to sign a CB!

Spot on.

Good news - Sven can pay 15mill now

Jolly, what sort of team will you put out?

What an awful, awful rumour. Ashley is a lifelong toon fan we'll have you know.

This. He is quality. Remember Boumfluff and other have looked quality in the SPL.

Very overrated because he's got a powerful left foot. He also wouldn't want to come here as back up to a 21 year old.

Good player in the past. Did well for the club. Nice send off. Cheers for the memories. But now time to move on...

Don't see the point in risking Barton from the start.

ON THE RUN ... Toon stopper (Harper) shows a turn of foot TAKING IT EASY ... Whereas Celestine Babayaro, Nigel Pearson and kitman Geroge Ramshaw prefer a slower approach

WTF? One of the finest midfielders the Premiership has ever seen.

Fuck the international break - Let's have a week long pre match thread. Teams and predictions in here as usual lads. Personally i'd give Milner a rest, he's looked tired recently and desperately needs a break. Still undecided whether to play Harper or Given in nets, probably leaning towards Shay. Given Beye Cacapa Faye Enrique Geremi Butt Emre Zog Owen Viduka Harper Taylor Rozehnal Barton Martins Newcastle United 3-1 Spuds

The Club have promised return of Local Hero if the majority want it back: http://www.journallive.co.uk/north-east-news/todays-news/2007/10/15/choose-the-st-james-s-park-run-out-anthem-61634-19951756/

By the southern media: Taylor.

Out of sync-tastic

8

Not quite a stone waller, but cast iron enough to give?

Ben Harmison

FYP

His surname, pronounced "Krul", means "King" in Polish.

José Mourinho?? Big Sam to be sacked?? Who's lined up?..