Big Geordie, mate, I know you're always on there, do they know you by name now? Like ah, our friend _____ is back... etc?
My cousin is Mathew Raisbeck, who works on the show and commentates on the Gateshead games and sometimes ours, when Lowes is off. I'm allowed to have my say - they don't shut me down. Ando recognizes my voice and who I am.
How does he feel about Pardew? I was watching the Swansea v Newcastle game with Razor etc. and every time we misplaced a pass he'd say: "I bet that was Pardew's fault too. Get him out of there."
I won't say what he says to me in private. He has to tow the BBC line as part of his job, but suffice to say he's a good lad and a proper black and white. As for Ando - I know he gets some stick sometimes and may well deserve it, but he was a hero of mine when I was a kid and having met him through the show - he's a very decent bloke. Got to remember that he can't be too critical of the regime otherwise they will take his press pass away.
Must be frustrating being so neutral on-air.