May 12 2009
Newcastle United have my nerves a mess!
I have never thought of myself as the biggest fan of Newcastle United and would never say I know everything about them. But I have followed them since I was a child. My first match in the late 80’s I watched Micky Quinn play and have followed them ever since. I’ve owned a season ticket for many years, been to away games in England and in Europe. In all that time I have never known the worry for the club as I did last night.
Last night we played Middlesborough - as much as commentators call it a derby, its not there’s another river dividing us - it was probably the most important match of the season. Of all the teams we played this game was vital. I think many of the Toon Army had resigned themselves that we’d be playing in the championship next season.
Newcastle have never done things the easy way. We always seem to have to recover from going a goal down. Our defence, as long as I can remember, has never been very good. Don’t get me wrong, we’ve had some great defenders but not all playing at the same time.
Anyway, last night. As per Newcastle style, within two minutes we go a goal down. My heart instantly starts going like the clappers! We can’t lose this game, if we do, we 99 percent likely to go down. So I nervously wait as the game increases in importance.
Six minutes in and local boy Steven Taylor equalizes. Get in!!!! Woo hoo!!! My heart is racing again. The game is far from over.
The game continues. Viduka playing well. Nolan strong. Steven Taylor is domineering. Harper consistent but he needs to come off his line more and take charge. We’ve got a good team I know we can win this.
I’m a bag of nerves as we go to the break still at a draw. Time for a pint I think, might calm me down a bit!
As I shout and scream and chant and sing, my blood pressure reaches an epic rate. We can’t go down to the championship, we can’t leave Sunderland in the Premiership, its just not right.
As time goes on, new blood is needed. Obefami Martins is introduced. Within a minute he scores. GOOOOAAAAALLLLLLL. Wow, we have a real chance of staying up! Please let us hold this score. We need to keep our cool as we start to make silly little mistakes. I’m so nervous!
Another change for us as Lovenkrands comes on. He plays well and ultimatley scores a third for us. Wow, I feel like we’ve won the cup at wembley. The atmosphere is electric, the fans singing with glee!!! We’re out of the relegation zone!
I myself was convinced that our time - for now - in the Premiership had come to and end. But we have given ourselves a lifeline. Top football is still a possibility. We haven’t done this the easy way, its just not our style! Just two games to go… can my heart manage???
Whatever may happen, changes are needed! I think Mike Ashley could be a good thing for us, I said it from the start. Past chairmen have done worse (Hall and Shepherd) and stayed. Personally, I like his style. I like the fact the bloke is actively enjoying his football. He’s trying to blend with “the lads” and get in the spirit of it. I would like to see Shearer stay in charge. He was a fantastic player and could be a great manager, as long as the fans don’t expect miracles. The players are a different matter….. Michael Owen, where do I start? I wish I got paid his wages to have all his injury time off and to not score goals. I don’t rate him, never have as a toon player. Sell him and use the money to bring in someone who isn’t prone to injury and doesn’t prefer his horse racing. Joey Barton….. pure thug. Get rid before he brings anymore bad headlines to Tyneside. I like the local boys. Taylor and Carroll, they know the passion of the club - you can see the determination in their faces. You can depend on them - especially Taylors headers.
But hey, I’m far from a manager/scout/coach. I just have an opinion. But I love the club and would love to see some silverware, god knows the fans deserve it!
I wonder how many fans agree?
