November 2008 Archives
TO all of the perfect people in the world Oba Martins storming off down the tunnel at Middlesbrough probably caused a bit of a stir in the Tyne-Tees derby.
In the heat of derby day Martins took his time to leave the arena and made his feelings known before a reluctant hand shake with Mark Viduka and stomp to the tunnel without acknowledging Joe Kinnear or the bench.
But as far as Newcastle United fans are concerned, it could be a good thing.
We all remember when Lee Clark caused uproar down at Southampton during the Entertainers era when he not only refused to take his place on the bench after being subbed at the Dell, but also had the audacity to kick over a bucket of water!
HE stood basking in the glow of adulation, his subjects exploding into applause as he rose to his feet to acknowledge them.
Alan Shearer was receiving his Legends award before a packed black tie audience at Newcastle's Civic Centre just a corner kick away from St James's Park where he reigned supreme.
Former manager Sir Bobby Robson, team- mates Shay Given and Steve Harper, and Steven Taylor from the next generation of Magpies sat before him, as did a galaxy of sporting stars.
IT WAS a simple statement, and hardly a surprise, but it struck fear into my heart.
Joe Kinnear will have to sell to be able to raise the money to buy in the January transfer window.
The message from Mike Ashley this week was hardly shattering, but the consequences of it could be.
Because the one player who can't get into a poor United side and who would bring money is Charles N'Zogbia.
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OK so it's not like the Tyne-Wear derby but the match against Boro is a good chance to get another three points on the board and move up the table.
There's been a few classic moments - who'll ever forget that night when Ginola destroyed Middlesbrough right-back Neil Cox and crossed for Les Ferdinand to nod in that picture goal?
IT'S the battle of the unpredictables, a derby to decide who has got it off to a T twixt Tees and Tyne.
It would appear the only predictable thing about United and Middlesbrough, combatants tomorrow, is their unpredictability.
Take the Mags - shocking against 10- man Wigan at St James's Park, they made the long trek to London on a good hiding but instead achieved a mighty draw at Chelsea.
On the same day Boro, unbeaten in their last five matches and a heady eighth- top of the Premier League, were expected to coast to a home victory over Bolton but instead capitulated 3-1.
ALAN Smith will not return to first-team action until the end of January, but Joe Kinnear believes that when he does make his comeback the forward can make a big contribution to Newcastle's battle for Premier League survival.
With Mark Viduka in contention to come off the bench against former club Middlesbrough tomorrow, Kinnear has one more of his long-term absentees to call on as Newcastle look to put distance between themselves and the bottom three.
The good news on the Australian striker leaves Smith as the sole pre-season injury victim yet to play a part for United in this campaign - and Kinnear can only report steady progress in his battle to recover from a foot injury.
THESE two high-rollers were snapped at a casino in Las Vegas and it's clear they're putting all their money on Brown!
John Lewis and J. Chris Gradillas might hail from the sunny climes of California, but they like nothing better than a bottle of Broon Ale after a punt at the tables.
Newcastle Banter spotted them living it up at the Mandalay Bay hotel on The Strip after they ditched the champagne in favour of a night on the ace tipple.
But this was no one-off taster - these guys have taken it to their heart for what it represents.
STEVEN TAYLOR bounced back into training today - but is unlikely to bounce back into the Newcastle United side for Saturday's Tyne-Tees derby.
For Joe Kinnear insists that he is ready to give a huge vote of confidence to the back four which did so well in the goalless draw at Chelsea when they go in against Gareth Southgate's unpredictable side.
And if this turns out to be the case, Taylor could join Mark Viduka on the United bench at the Riverside.
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