July 2008 Archives

THERE haven't been many times in recent years that Newcastle United fans have had reason to look on enviously at the events unfolding at the Stadium of Light but is now one such occasion?

As the Magpies labour ineffectively in the transfer market and Kevin Keegan attempts to put a brave face on whenever talking about the lack of depth to his squad, Roy Keane has done a pretty good job of strengthening his options with players who, if not world beaters, have proven themselves in the Premier League over a number of years.

The Magpies may be trying to sign a better class of player, but it is still annoying when your bitter rivals are welcoming a steady stream of new arrivals and you're stuck in limbo waiting for an Argentinean defender with a curly mullet to sign from Deportivo La Coruna.

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THANK heavens the column wasn't published last week. I got roaring drunk celebrating our Hartlepool
victory and challenged you all to a fight.

It wasn't very adult of me, but in my defence, a normal sign of sophistication in Stakeford is
remembering not to ask for a head on your red wine.

I'm a victim of geographical circumstances.

KEVIN KEEGAN ran away to join the circus.

Having had enough of football management the wee fella took to his toes scurrying over the border in search of peace and tranquillity.

Only Newcastle United could have lured him back into the big bad world of Premier League pressure.

However, what's the betting that right now, battered by the ravages of fortune, KK wonders deep inside if his third coming has inadvertently seen him merely change one circus for another?

STEVEN TAYLOR believes that the battling qualities of Argentinian international Jonas Gutierrez will instantly win over the Toon Army.

The Geordie defender is renowned for showing his willingness to sweat blood for the cause in a black-and-white shirt.

And as the Academy product goes into his biggest season yet, he is delighted to be joined by a player who arrives with a reputation as hard- worker.