I've been searching through our archives and came accross a few reports and articles about us that the author probably wishes he'd never written. I thought I'd post them here so we can all feel smug! Any more contributions welcome.

First one:

Big spending doesn't always mean wise buys. Watch out for another Newcastle fuel another bout of wishful thinking Newcastle United 1 Lokeren 0 (Newcastle won 5-0 on aggregate)

Michael Walker at St James' Park Monday July 23, 2001 The Guardian

The notion that those who follow Newcastle United inhabit a parallel universe in which the reality of their club's situation is always confused with a new dawn was strengthened on Saturday night. The simple fact that nearly 30,000 people turned up for a second leg after the first had been won 4-0 in Belgium is in itself perverse evidence of the confusion. Clubs of the stature of Valencia and Juventus have appeared in the InterToto Cup in the past three seasons yet this was a record turnout for the tournament, in what was only was the third round of five.

This again reinforced the idea that Newcastle in 2001, perhaps more than any other club in England, are the sum of their fans' wishful thinking. "An absolutely fabulous crowd," said the manager Bobby Robson. "It's a unique area up here. I adore the crowd. That's what this club is all about."

All well and good. Except that there is not much more.

Take away Alan Shearer, and injury may do so until September, and take away Kieron Dyer, and Leeds United may do so by Christmas, and what is left is a playing staff without the capability to challenge for anything more than mid-table safety. Only the stone-hearted would not feel sympathy for Robson.

Anywhere else this would be the cause of profound agitation. But the hierarchy trampled quickly on reports last week that there had been a form of supporter backlash in the shape of abnormally slow season-ticket sales, and the crowd on Saturday suggested that a disproportionate amount of optimism was derived from the first-leg result. Maybe they are waiting until Manchester United and Liverpool arrive in September before crying "Sack the board".

Or maybe they will be doing so by midweek. On Wednesday night Newcastle play 1860 Munich in the Olympic stadium in the next round. Presumably the Germans will offer more questions than their Belgian counterparts, even if 1860 finished 11th in the Bundesliga, 19 points behind their neighbours Bayern.

Victory over two legs would leave Newcastle in one of the InterToto's three finals, but that cannot be guaranteed after this performance. Sluggish, somewhat understandably, against dismal opponents, a contest that petered in was won courtesy of the £6m Craig Bellamy's first goal in black and white, a close-range finish on the hour.

Still, the majority trooped off happy to have witnessed a win and a clean sheet. For the neutral the concern is that these people will soon have their faith, self-perpetuated by their sheer numbers, exposed as an illusion. This could be a long season at Newcastle. And not just because it started in July.

Originally posted by: Shagspeare (gthomas@blueyonder.co.uk), July 23, 2001

-- Anonymous, March 10, 2002

Answers

God I remember reading that article and fuming at the time!

Only a couple of weeks ago that same journalist wrote a piece about Shearer which was so far up his backside it was untrue. Walker has also been very complimentary of Robson of late.

They just write what takes their fancy I think. Anyway the Guardian has never been much of a friend to NUFC.

-- Anonymous, March 10, 2002

One for you Lynda!

I have been reading this message board for a few months now. I find the content alot more interesting than some other message boards although I only post occasionally. However, you are all a bit cliquey aren't you? Everyone seems to know each other, outside of the internet that is, and there are so many private jokes running on here, it is often difficult to understand what is being said.

It's not a criticism though but it makes me wonder if new 'posters' are exactly welcomed.

-- Lynda (lynda1892@aol.com), August 03, 2001

-- Anonymous, March 10, 2002

Current posting stats: columbus63@hotmail.com (844)

-- Anonymous, March 10, 2002

FOUND IT! THAT DAMN SPURS ARTICLE - READ AND ENJOY!!!!

Hoddle's signings bring a sheen to Spurs Matt Hughes Monday July 16, 2001

It's been a busy weekend for two former England managers, though for different reasons. While Glenn Hoddle spent the sabbath putting together an enticing package to lure German international Christian Ziege to White Hart Lane, Bobby Robson was locked in crisis talks to keep Kieron Dyer at St James' Park, following a reported £20m bid from Leeds.

Rumours of the 22-year-old England midfielder's desire to leave the north-east have been doing the rounds for months, though Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd said today: "For once and for all, Kieron Dyer is not for sale. I have had a long, frank and amicable discussion with both Kieron and his agent where I reiterated Kieron's future lies with Newcastle United."

We'll see. Dyer is said to be unhappy at Robson's failure to attract big-name signings, and with Craig Bellamy and Robbie Elliot the only close-season arrivals, who can blame him? Dyer wants to join a club whose ambition matches his own lofty aspirations, and with Newcastle still paying back the sizeable cost of the new stand at St James', it's by no means guaranteed that they can withstand the temptation of cashing in on their prize asset.

The developments over the last couple of days are a microcosm of both clubs' current fortunes. While Hoddle is quietly assembling Spurs' strongest squad in years, Robson is floundering, barely able to keep the players he has, let alone purchase new ones.

When Hoddle joined Spurs from Southampton in March, he announched his intention to supplement his young, talanted squad with experienced players of requisite quality and so far he has been true to his word. This approach proved successful at Chelsea, where players such as Roberto Di Matteo, Dan Petrescu and Mark Hughes turned mid-table strugglers into cup, if not championship, challengers.

His signings for Spurs, Teddy Sheringham, Gustavo Poyet, Goran Bunjevcevic and now Christian Ziege, fit this pattern of quality players seeking a final challenge. The comparsion between Mark Hughes and Teddy Sheringham in particular - both are deep-lying, ball- playing centre-forward's signed from Manchester United - is irresistible and if Sheringham makes half the impact at Tottenham that Hughes did at Chelsea, then Hoddle will be a happy man.

How Bobby Robson must wish for a Teddy Sheringham or Mark Hughes to play alongside Alan Shearer. For that matter, he'd probably settle for a fully-fit Shearer.

In attempting to remedy Newcastle's woeful lack of firepower Robson has plundered the opposite end of the transfer market to Hoddle, and in Craig Bellamy has signed an unproven, and at £6m, an expensive, youngster. Sound familiar? Robson's solution to his striking dilemma last season was Carl Cort and Lomano Lua-Lua, who with seven goals between them made little impact, though injuries didn't help. By signing Bellamy it looks as if Robson is in danger of repeating past mistakes.

The attitudes of fans are perhaps the best barometer of a football club's atmosphere and here again the differences are striking. Whereas Spurs fans, despite the loss of Sol are clamouring with anticipation for Saint Glenn's first full season and have snapped up all available season tickets, the indications are that St James Park won't be packed to its increasingly lofty rafters.

The Newcastle ticket office are refusing to say how many season tickets they have sold, claiming they are "still processing" applications, but the prevailing mood of supporters is decidedly sombre.

For the moment at least, the stereotype of the enthusiastic, expectant Magpies and the miserable, long-suffering Lillywhites has been turned on its head.

• You've read the piece, now have your say. Send your comments, as sharp or as stupid as you like, to football.editor@guardianunlimited.co.uk

-- swift (oliverfowler@excite.co.uk), July 18, 2001

-- Anonymous, March 10, 2002

Maybe somebody with lots of time on their hands could sent the d**m acticles back to their respective writers to make them look real stupid for writing such Pulitzer winning stories.

-- Anonymous, March 10, 2002

End of season Gene. :o))

-- Anonymous, March 11, 2002

Was going to add another one but I can't find it online:

Anyway, todays Telegraph report unusually for them is a fucking disgrace. The gist is that Robert fluked a reprieve in a game that was inexorably going Arsewards.

However, I liked the conclusion of an article in yesterday's Sunday Torygraph:

A final point on the question of Henry's ban and Wenger's ludicrous claim that it had been forced by the insistence of beastly television people on showing clips of the incident with Poll. If Wenger has such a problem with television, it would be logical if he were to (a) advocate censorship or (b) repatriate Pires, Sylvain Wiltord, Lauren and all the other fine objects he has purchased with television's tainted money. Truly, when you listen to what football can do to the thought processes of intelligent men, you are tempted to despair.

-- Anonymous, March 11, 2002

The Spurs article is a classic - where was it Pilgrim?

I've looked for it myself and found some wonderful comments from last close season. There must be an awful lot of egg on a few faces.

-- Anonymous, March 11, 2002

It was in Uncategorised. Title - Asking for a Response. It took me about 3 hours to find it!

To save you searching here are the responses.

Answers answers please

-- swift (oliverfowler@excite.co.uk), July 18, 2001.

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what part of London is this guy from?

-- swift (oliverfowler@excite.co.uk), July 18, 2001.

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What a tosser! He's not worth a response. The trouble with football 'jounalist's is that they can never leave their loyalties behind even though they are supposed to be objective. This bloke is proably a Spurs fan. Why even compare the 2 clubs? What's the link? You see it all the time - the affinity some writers have with certain clubs is often clear in the words they write. Look at the Tabloids for instance, all Man U, Arsenal and West Ham.

I suppose if I was a journalist, I would be tempted to do the same.

-- Lynda (lynda1892@aol.com), July 18, 2001.

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Furthermore ( I'm annoyed now) does he really think we would have been overjoyed at Sheringham coming to NUFC? I don't think so. As for 'woeful lack of fire power' he fails to mention both our first team strikers were out of action for much of the season and I think our goals scored tally was at least average.

Can't even get his facts straight.

-- Lynda (lynda1892@aol.com), July 18, 2001.

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Is that rubbish on their site today? If so we should swamp him with mails pointing out how stupid and ill informed his article is...

-- Gav (gavin_herron@hotmail.com), July 18, 2001.

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I liked the part where he said that Cort failed to make an impact last season. Yeah, that's what I would call a goal every other game. Rebrov 28 games 9 goals But he had a HUGE impact

-- Kegsy (kegsy@thegallowgate.com), July 18, 2001.

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yep gav, thers a mail ad. at the end of my first post, go lyndy go!

-- swift (oliverfowler@excite.co.uk), July 18, 2001.

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Agree this article is written by a Spurs fan for Spurs fans. "While Hoddle is quietly assembling Spurs' strongest squad in years, Robson is floundering, barely able to keep the players he has, let alone purchase new ones." - Sorry - I thought it was Campbell who left Spurs - Remind me again who's left Newcastle!

Take the blinkers of and see the picture - Spurs buying cheap has- beens, Newcastle chasing the best around. Time to fire up email. :o))

I saw something on text last night (I think Sky Text) saying that we'd ONLY sold 94% of season tickets and could expect average gates of around 40,000 this season. Even the maths is total bollocks! Is this open season on NUFC or what?

-- Pilgrim (pilgrim@enterprise.net), July 18, 2001.

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Also on Guardianunlimited: Tottenham Hotspur striker Sergei Rebrov has given a clear hint that he will soon be seeking a transfer from the north London club.

I rest my case!

-- Pilgrim (pilgrim@enterprise.net), July 18, 2001.

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The only thing the article shows is how fans are capable of massive self delusion to keep themselves optimistic. After a period of mediocrity longer than Newcastle's recent flirtations with success, your average Spurs fan is desperate. What did Hoddle achieve at Chelsea? An FA Cup and mid-table mediocrity I seem to remember, but I may be wrong. He hasn't stayed in any managerial position long enough to really assess his qualities - Chelsea, England, Southampton...he's started a job and moved on, in each case. As said above, do they really think the rest of the premiership is drooling over Sheringham, Ziege, Poyet and Bunjyjumper or whatever his name is? Ageing mercenaries after their last pay packet, they'll no doubt be reliable enough to ensure they aren't relegated, but don't really show long term ambition do they? 1 year stop gaps at most. I won't even start on the inaccuracies about Newcastle. Oh go on then...paying off the stadium expansion? Selling Dyer wouldn't contribute to that, as transfer income is ring-fenced from the stadium financing. It would all be profit to be used for the footballing side. Ambition of the club? Rich coming from Spurs. We might have problems realising our ambition, but it's self evident that over the last 10 years it's been greater than Spurs. As for season ticket sales..hahaha...we might whinge and be demanding, but at least we don't stay away in droves like your average Spurs fan when things aren't quite going to plan. Fine, I wouldn't want to quash their new-found optimism (based on absolutely nothing tangible), but by trying to do so by belittling Newcastle shows how wafer thin their optimism must be. It's a long season and will seem even longer when all Hoddle's clever signings are packing out the injury room.

-- Pete Miller (peter.s.miller@ukgateway.net), July 18, 2001.

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Peter Miller has said it all really, and it achieves little to rise to the bait. I can kind of understand the need for Lahdnan-based Journos to dream up optimistic articles pandering to the capitals ever-fickle fans, especially when The Prodigal Son is now plying his trade at WHL. However, when they embellish their gutter-crap with totally ill- informed nonsense about a major Club 300 miles away, without having the gumption or the good sense to check one single fact, then their "art" should simply be put to the use for which it was pre- destined, @rse-wipes!

-- clarky (al_k_traz@yahoo.com), July 18, 2001.

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Hoddle is quietly assembling Spurs' strongest squad in years Well that shouldn't require a great deal of effort ...

:-)))

-- jonno (jonno@bigfoot.com), July 18, 2001.

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the football editor of the guardian is actually a sunderland fan not a spurs fan... tee hee

bit like the match of the day editor (BBC so ex motd editor) being a filthy mag....

-- roly gregoire (rolygregoire@hotmail.com), July 18, 2001.

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Strongest squad for years? Would that be before or after lsoing Sol Campbell on a free.

-- dougal (dougal09@hotmail.com), July 18, 2001.

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Er, haven't we sold more season tickets than Spurs have got seats?

-- dougal (dougal09@hotmail.com), July 18, 2001.

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It's been a busy weekend for two former England managers, though for different reasons. While Glenn Hoddle spent the Sabbath putting one last pay packet together to attract ageing pros to White Hart Lane along with possibly the worst German international in recent history, Christian Ziege. Bobby Robson was chewing the fat with the current England Manager whilst watching the first of his sides European adventure. Robson of course has a wealth of international talent at St James' Park but the jewel in the crown, Kieron Dyer, is valued in excess of £20m, a bid from Leeds has already been turned down. Indeed, Dyer is in talks to extend his contract , a club of the stature of Newcastle United will not be losing a valuable player to their rivals without receiving a penny. Rumours of the 22-year-old England midfielder's desire to leave the north-east have been made up & exaggerated for months despite Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd said today: "For once and for all, Kieron Dyer is not for sale. I have had a long, frank and amicable discussion with both Kieron and his agent where I reiterated Kieron's future lies with Newcastle United."

Robson has been linked with a number of big-name signings, and with Craig Bellamy and Robbie Elliot they already are attracting potential quality. Dyer wants to join a club whose ambition matches his own lofty aspirations and with Newcastle having the most advanced stadium in the country at St James', he must know there aren’t many clubs in Britain that are bigger. While Hoddle has lost his best player for nothing, he knows he must assemble Spurs' strongest squad in years if he can avoid relegation. Robson though has been able to choose the players HE wants to keep for the coming premiership & UEFA campaign.

When Hoddle joined Spurs from Southampton in March, he announced his intention to supplement his inexperienced squad with mercenaries looking for one last fat signing on fee before opening a pub. This approach did keep Chelsea from relegation despite having the club’s longest losing streak in their history, ironically this run was halted by a 1-0 win against the future England manager Kevin Keegan’s entertainers. He bought players such as Mark Hughes in to avoid relegation and even a cup run, it wasn’t pretty to watch but typical of a Hoddle team, they played with determination that was reminiscent of his Swindon side. His signings for Spurs, Teddy Sheringham, Gustavo Poyet, Goran Bunjevcevic and now Christian Ziege, fit this pattern of mercenaries seeking a final pile of cash. How Bobby Robson must be relieved that he has avoided amassing a squad of 30 something’s on big long contracts that will become an albatross around the club’s neck. Whilst some players such as Alan Shearer are closing in on 30, he knows that there would be a queue from Gallowgate to Kings Cross all vying for his signature if he were placed on the transfer list.

In attempting add to Newcastle's firepower Robson has plundered the opposite end of the transfer market to Hoddle, attempting to poach world champion, Robert from PSG. In Craig Bellamy he has signed an unproven youngster. Sound familiar? Indeed, the comparison with Dyer is irresistible, both learned their trade in East Anglia and who’s to say Robson will not be fending off £20m bids in a year or two. Added to the young Carl Cort who despite an injury ravaged season averaged more than a goal every other game, £2m Lomano Lua-Lua has already opened his European account with a spectacular overhead kick reminiscent of Dennis Truart. The attitudes of fans are perhaps the best barometer of a football club's atmosphere and here again the differences are striking. Whereas Spurs fans are as fickle as they come, coupled with the loss of Sol Campbell they have sold less than 25000 season tickets which could leave the tiny WHL a little soulless. Stories ran by ill- informed tabloids concerning tickets sales at St James Park suggested Newcastle had only sold a few thousand more. However, the true figure is closer to a magnificent 45000 season ticket sales with only the most expensive corporate packages remaining despite a disappointing season by Newcastle’s increasing expectations. . The Newcastle ticket office are refusing to say how many season tickets they have sold, However, despite they are "still processing" applications, it’s likely some Geordies will miss out. Amazingly, they expect in excess of 20000 for an inter-toto tie which after a 4- 0 first leg advantage is already over. • You've read the piece, now have your say. Send your comments, as sharp or as stupid as you like, to football.editor@guardianunlimited.co.uk

-- Dave le Freak (davietelford@i12.com), July 19, 2001.

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A very thoughtful, balanced and objective piece DLF!

-- jonno (jonno@bigfoot.com), July 19, 2001.

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Nice one DLF ;)

-- Gav (gavin_herron@hotmail.com), July 20, 2001.

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Hope you sent that to the Guardian, DLF. :-)

-- Ciara (ciara@thegallowgate.com), July 20, 2001.

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Dave, I hope you sent this!

-- Pilgrim (pilgrim@enterprise.net), July 20, 2001.

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DLF - been on the cucumber sandwiches again, mate? ;7)

-- Bud Wiser (budwiser@thegallowgate.com), July 20, 2001.

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Yep, I've got too much time on my hands, it went to football.editor@guardianunlimited.co.uk Matt.Hughes@guardianunlimited.co.uk

-- Dave le Freak (davietelford@i12.com), July 21, 2001.

-- Anonymous, March 11, 2002

Pilgrim - what are you trying to say????????? That I have overcome my doubts about this forum and post quite alot? If so - you're dead right.

I hope you weren't having a dig btw. You know I am a sensitive soul.

-- Anonymous, March 11, 2002

Got it in one Lynda! I'm certainly not having a go - just admiring how the shy bairn came out of her shell. I was just wondering if you still think it's a clique (I can see why it might look like that to lurkers but we always welcome new posters with open arms) and what it looks like from the inside? :o))

-- Anonymous, March 11, 2002

I knew you weren't having a go - I am of course sensitive, remember my virtual row with MUFC person - LR? :)

Of course I do not think it's cliquey now but at first sight it looks like everyone knows each other, which in a way they do. There must be alot of people who have to pluck up the courage to post.

I'm glad I took the plunge, in fact I don't know where else I'd put my meanderings in all honesty! Everyone on here is obsessed with all things Toon related so it's a forum for like minded people.

Plus it's a better class of post on here - none of this 'youre sh*t- we're great' nonsense.

-- Anonymous, March 11, 2002

That was a sh!te comment Lynda - especially after Pilgrim's great one :)

-- Anonymous, March 11, 2002

You B@stard Screach! My coffee's just gone up my nose.

-- Anonymous, March 11, 2002

Jonno, I see you contributed quite a bit to the Spurs debate. I wonder - Did Dave le Freak ever get a reply to his email?

-- Anonymous, March 11, 2002

Why did I approach this thread with such trepidation? Can't imagine! ;o{)

-- Anonymous, March 11, 2002

Screacher - I have no idea what you're on about! You continue to baffle me!

-- Anonymous, March 11, 2002

So screacher managed to slip by the guards at the airport did ya? Will you be able to swing by Chicago for a pint on your way oot?

-- Anonymous, March 11, 2002

Seriously Lynda?

You posted "Plus it's a better class of post on here - none of this 'youre sh*t- we're great' nonsense.", hence Screacher's post!

-- Anonymous, March 11, 2002

Not very quick off the mark today Pilgrim. I posted then realised what the hell he was on about! Still get baffled by many of Screachers posts however.

-- Anonymous, March 11, 2002

By the way "That Damn Spurs Article" is still on the Guardianunlimited website (I found it by searching for Matt Hughes).

I'm amazed they haven't "lost" it.

-- Anonymous, March 11, 2002

Shh! Just humour him Lynda. Nodding and smiling may also be necessary if in the Strawberry....

-- Anonymous, March 11, 2002

Just bumping this to the top for Gav's benefit.

-- Anonymous, March 21, 2002

That's another pretty sh!te posting Jonno. Not up to Lynda's level mind ;-)

-- Anonymous, March 21, 2002

Minnesoda - Giddarf yr hrse an drink yr milk. So far you 'n' me - we bin good pals - budda man's godda do wadda man's godda do. Aah theynk this here BBS just ain't big enuf fer the both erv us. Aaah theynk yu could be teykin a lil trip to Boot Hill buster, if yu ain't oudda here by sundown.

-- Anonymous, March 21, 2002

Hell man, you talkin t' me? Pretty big stuff you talkin bout boot hill an awl that when the only hill you've sent any man is Seghill. So just you watch your lip, buddy or me an my mate Tex will just have to put yoo in yor place. An if that dun work, aal have a word with that lawman over there, Quiet Twerp.

-- Anonymous, March 21, 2002

It's about time this was brought back to the top, ready to send those emails off to Matt Hughes and Michael Walker!

-- Anonymous, May 02, 2002