Continuing the series of Q+A with Newcastle fans
Poster, The Owl, took the hotseat to be asked a variety of questions.
We all know you as The Owl on here but where’s the idea for the name from?
Being one of the older brigade and the assumption that you are then wiser, particularly where Newcastle United are concerned
Were you born up here, if not, where?
Born in Chiswick
Not gonna ask any age
related question but what are your earliest NUFC memories?
1955 F A Cup Final, I was glued and loved the fact Newcastle were a great Cup side.
Bearing in mind, you came from an era when going to a game was an experience in itself, what’s the thoughts on today’s state of the game?
Too much money around, governed by TV, no loyalty from players or Managers.
Do you think it would bring the game closer to it’s roots if safe standing was introduced?
Would like to think so but in todays climate there are too many idiots around.
I remember going to Chelsea, and Arsenal,standing in massive crowds with no trouble just a bit of lighthearted banter and you weren’t segregated then.
If you were in charge of Newcastle for a year, what sort of changes would you make?
I would bring in some quality coaching staff, ensure the squad was big enough to cope and be more active in the transfer market.
Have you any Newcastle United heroes over the years?
Bobby Mitchell, Malcolm Macdonald, Keegan, Shearer, Ferdinand, Eastham, Allchurch and of course Len White to name just a few.
If you wrote a novel on your experiences of being an NUFC fan, what would the title be?
Fifty Shady Years
What one word would sum up the history you have experienced of being a fan?
Frustration
What (in your eyes) can the club do to get onside with the supporters?
Not a lot under this ownership. Mort was a lot better at communicating but you are effectively asking bullsh*tters and recluses to open up.Wont happen until there is a change at the top.
What’s your favourite NUFC goal?
Ginola volley from a corner in Europe.
What’s the best match been to?
Chelsea 6 v Newcastle 5
Best era to be a Toon fan for you?
The Keegan era
Who would you say the best manager has been in your time?
Keegan
Most underrated player?
Len White
If you could re-sign one former player, which would you choose?
Assuming you are talking about those still playing then Demba Ba, if anyone who has played, Len White
Where do you see the current crop of players we have in relation to past first XI’s? Where do they stand overall?
Not impressed by the current squad not a patch on Keegan’s or Robsons but better than Mcgarry’s
Which realistic signing would you like us to make in the Summer?
More than one. A quality striker, Central Defender, Schemer and a good winger for starters.
How many players do you think we need and in what position?
1 or 2 defenders, two midfielders/wingers, 2 strikers
Do you think Alan Pardew can turn around our fortunes?
No, hemay improve on last year but that’s not difficult, he will never take us into a challenging position again.
If he did get the sack this season, who would you like to see take charge?
Difficult to say because you never know who might be available. May well need a Foreign coach to motivate them and sort them out, plus he would bring his own coaches.
(Asked by Keggy Keagal) What’s your funniest football related memory?
Seeing Malcolm Macdonald almost break Mervyn Day’s hand with a shot, so powerful you had to laugh.
How long have you visited our Talk of the Tyne?
It seems years
What’s the best/worst bits about it?
Best is the wide ranging open views, the worst the abuse , foul language and irrelevant postings.
Anyway in which we can improve it?
You do a pretty good job in my oinion. You’re never going to stop swearing and if you start banning one, you need to ban many. Best to not respond to idiotic threads or postings just ignore them.
What’s the best thread you’ve read?
There have been many when you get down to discussing where the club should go. Too difficult to choose one.
Most annoying poster/s?
There are many of them but their hearts are in the right place
Who speaks the most sense?
Many, Taff’s views are pretty much to the point.
Where do you see NUFC in 3 years time?
Depends entirely on the ownership. If it changes for the good then progress with a new Manager can be made. If not mediocrity beckons and no silverware.
Prediction for the forthcoming season?
mid table at best, no cup success.
(From Amac) Why do you think so many fans of Newcastle United fail to see what’s really happening at the club?
Many fans are just happy to go each week and one decent performance for them outweighs several poor ones, so they turn a blind eye to it.
They also think there is little they can do about it other than stay away and as there are many season ticket holders that will not happen.
Question From The Owl:
What in your opinion has been the best designed kit since you started following the team.