Toon talk is cheap
Another 'must win' has passed without three points but the Magpies must still insist that survival is possible. What is beginning to threaten more than relegation itself, is that Newcastle United will go down without even putting up a fight.
It is out of United's hands, yet, when looking at the fixtures of the other teams around the relegation zone, Middlesbrough, Hull City and Sunderland all have difficult run-ins. Theoretically, six points from the remaining four games could be enough. However, that means winning both your homes games, and that means having to win, which means having to score... So, Newcastle are still well and truly up against it.
Alan Shearer went with the three up front against Portsmouth, and Mark Viduka, Obafemi Martins and Michael Owen were all guilty of missing crucial chances. Owen is (again) telling the nation that if you give him 'the service, he will score,' and that one only has to take a 'look at his record' to see how much of a class act he is. Sounds impressive and his record certainly is, but on Monday night Owen looked distinctly average and like a striker who has failed to score in his last eight league appearances.
It is frustrating that Owen should be considered less susceptible to a lack of confidence than any other player. The striker is a top player and has proved so at the highest level, but rather than have another week of endless clichés about 'putting them away' and 'giving it a right good go,' Owen, and the rest of the team, really need to just get out there and do it. Conveniently, the cliché to 'do your talking where it matters most, on the pitch' has been avoided.
Another thing the fans don't need is patronising encouragement. The Geordie Opera singer, Graeme Danby, however well respected in his professional circle, did little other than embarrass Newcastle United on Monday night before kick off. A rendition of Blaydon Races is fine, but to follow up with 'there is only one Alan Shearer' and the apparent remarks made to the Portsmouth fans was totally unnecessary and cringe worthy.
Slogans of 'do it for Shearer' on the back of the cards handed out at St. James' Park are almost as bad. Shearer has came in to try and rescue his hometown club from the catastrophe of relegation and will be the first to reiterate that this is in no way about Alan Shearer, but all about Newcastle United. For the board to feel obliged to encourage the supporters to sing for 'their hero' is, again, patronising and absurd.
The self- acclaimed 'loudest football supporters in the world' have never needed prompting to get behind their team, nor to show their gratitude to a Newcastle legend. A big mistake the board seem to have made is confusing passion with stupidity.
And so to Anfield on Sunday. To suggest a point would be a bonus is an understatement - it would also come as the shock of the season. Here's hoping Newcastle do manage to at least give the supporters some 'twists and turns' before the season ends and don't merely go out like a damp squib.
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I think you're right Philip it was embarrassing and insulting, we were all cringing in our little section. Next thing they'll be playing music after a goal. No death with honour here, we are going down waving a white flag and pleading for mercy. Looks like we're going to lose everything including any remaining pride.
And no music at the end of the game?
..it's their home, and I'm welcome no more, and if a Double-Decker bus crashes into us....