SEMI FINAL

Right that should grab your attention. We're going to Wembley in less than a week and ther'es not enough talk of it on here. This is the biggest game of the season and will hopefully lead us on to our firts Trophy in my lifetime. Come on everyone, let's have more Wembley banter.
I'm not going to Wembley, I'm not getting any of the build up on TV so they only place that can put me in the mood is here.
Come on all you UK based BBsers we need some build up,

-- Anonymous, April 03, 2000

Answers

The 'firts' trophy in your lifetime?

Sounds like your getting carried away enough for all of us.... :))

Personally I'm crapping myself but then again I always do!! I'm so scared that we might lose, it'll break my heart (again!)

I'm looking forward to seeing everyone on the day though, even though I'll be out of my tree after being in Amsterdam for Friday/Saturday!!Nothing new there then eh ;))

-- Anonymous, April 03, 2000

Kegsy, I`d like to say that I am really looking forward to the semi. I`d like to really, but I`m not, I feel totally knotted up, and it`s only Monday! It`s not excitement, it`s nerves. Excitement will come later if we....... when we......., see, I don`t even dare say it! I felt sick yesterday watching the other semi, just thinking that it will be us next week! Best advice I can give is to keep reading Ciara`s postings - she`s an inspiration to us all!!!!!! (:o)

-- Anonymous, April 03, 2000

I don't like the way that the semi's have been split this year. It used to be one good day of watching football. I enjoyed them both even wwhen we weren't involved. Your right, I think this way makes it more nervy, but we are capable of getting to the final and more thna capable of beating Villa.
Maybe my problem is that I'm not nervous enough although, as I'm typing now I'm starting to get a bit more nervous.

Gav, I'm not getting carried away, I just can't type!

-- Anonymous, April 03, 2000

It's only a game. It's not important in the over all scheme of things. If your happy in your private life. If you and your loved ones are fit and well. If you're working. These are some the important things.
In my life time at The Big W: Newcastle United P5 W0 L5 F1 A11.
I can't eat; I can't sleep; I can't work; I can't think; I can't splell; I can't concentrate; I can't read; I'm not interested in the other half's problems; I'm getting headaches & bellyaches; I can't punctuate.
Do any of you think Newcastle's under acheivement is your fault? If you do don't because it's mine.

-- Anonymous, April 03, 2000

Am I right in thinking that we played in some poxy tournament at Wembley about 12 years ago (the same time the little waster died)? and beat Liverpool? I have hazy memories of it the Mercantil trophy or something?
If we did then there is no Wembley jinx! I'm starting to get nervous now. Excellent.

-- Anonymous, April 03, 2000

There are some posts regarding BR's possible team selection for the Semi on the "No first hand match reports yet" thread in the aftermath of the Bradford match. We should switch that debate over to here now.

-- Anonymous, April 03, 2000

The best news is the whole squad are fit , but bugger me if Chewsee won at leeds , thats all we needed . Mind they have game this week and i hope theyre all knackered . I am more worried about this game only for the fact that i know we will do Villa in the final , however ive got a funny feeling that we'll do it . So whats the meet up plans again and when are other BBS'ers arriving in London . See yers in the post office hopefully . Of course we can bliddy win ;- )

-- Anonymous, April 03, 2000

Some good news.......... I got mesel' a ticket. In living memory (well, at least this century and the last 20 years of the previous one) Toon haven't lost an FA Cup tie when I have been present. I feel very guilty that I was unable to get to Wembley last year and the year before but I'm pleased (actually, I'm over the moon Brian) that I will be there this year. Aren't friends wonderful!

I've even started dreaming about it. Last night, I dreamed there was a.............

..........no, I'd better not say. Suffice to say, we all ended up walking along the cables of a suspension bridge. I think it was the Queen's thingy at Dartford. Nurse - more beer. And some of those new Smarties in team colours please. They make me hallucinate!

-- Anonymous, April 03, 2000

Here's hoping that Chelsea's foreign legion rank the FA Cup way below the glamour of the Champions League. Here's also hoping that they have a really tough game midweek, with Wise and Poyet picking up a few knocks.

We should also start a dream thread. There are bound to be ever increasing hallucinogenic experiences running up to the game.

-- Anonymous, April 03, 2000

I had a dream that I had a pet cow last night. And it was BLACK AND WHITE.

If that's not a good omen, I don't know what is.

-- Anonymous, April 03, 2000

Love it Shada! (:o)

-- Anonymous, April 03, 2000

Note to Chelsea:

Be very afraid of Duncan Ferguson!!!

I feel it in me bones, it's going to be Big Duncan's day. No predictions other than he will run rampant, he will score and we will win!

And I have to go to Seattle to watch the game on US TV as there is no live coverage here....

-- Anonymous, April 03, 2000

Oh, and he will end up chinning la poof as well!

-- Anonymous, April 03, 2000

Toon! Toon!

BLAcK and WHITE ARMY

This more like it Kegsy?

-- Anonymous, April 03, 2000

I'm already cringing in anticipation of the papers making a song and dance about sending a pensioner to beat the pensioners. Groan. Do they have to?

-- Anonymous, April 03, 2000

AAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!! I'm going to Wembley!!!! Not just going to but finally getting inside for the game!!! It's probably the crappest seat in the ground with a prime view of the biggest pillar in the ground, but so what, it's Toon end! I've been a nervous wreck since the whistle blew at the end of extra time yesterday. I'm still a nervous wreck. I'm terrified that we'll lose. I'm fit to explode with excitement because deep down I know we'll win. And go on to win the cup in May. And I want it to be Sunday now. I don't want to wait another 6 days. But I don't want it to be Sunday yet because then it will be over so soon. I've given up any ideas of sleeping between now and then. I can't wait to see you all!!! I plan on getting completely pissed on Saturday night. I plan on singing to where I've got no voice left by 5pm on Sunday. I don't want to be at work right now(no change there, then). Yesterday I told me ma, me ma there's no point in trying to ring me next weekend as I wouldn't be home to make my tea while talking to her. Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!
*bouncebouncebouncebouncebouncebounce* :-D

Otherwise, I'm not all that excited, really.

-- Anonymous, April 03, 2000

I've known some quite noisy moments inside Wembley Stadium. Guns & Roses weren't quiet, 80,000 stamping their feet in time to the Floyd's 'Run like Hell' send shudders through your entire body, but these were merely coughs in the library compared to the noise we made at the Final last year.

Thing is though, that was in itself like a summer breeze stirring a wind chime next to the bedlam for that last half hour at Old Trafford in the Semi. If 26,000 could make that sort of noise then the residents of North London had better pack up all their crockery and glassware because the shockwave we're going to cause when 34,000 of us finally get to see NUFC score a goal at Wembley will be beyond imagining.

It's going to be one of the most incredible public outpourings of emotion ever witnessed. I can feel it in my water. Let's shake the place to its foundations and send such a wall of noise accross that pitch that they have to delay the restart.

-- Anonymous, April 03, 2000

I'm afraid that in my lifetime its:

Played 3, won 0, lost 3, for 0 against 8.

I've been to all 3 Wembley games over the past 5/6 years and haven't even seen a goal yet!

Very much looking forward to the whole day next Saturday though...

-- Anonymous, April 03, 2000

I Love it, I Love it all. This is exactly waht I meant after this started I could feel the nerves building up inside of me, and now I feel like I've not felt for a while, I can't wait till Sunday now, I just have to try and find some way to go and see it. I think it's probably on delay in Tokyo, about an hour late, so it'll finish about 3 am and then a taxi home. But hey it's worth it.

-- Anonymous, April 03, 2000

You got a bet on the National then? ;-)

-- Anonymous, April 03, 2000

Whew. With that description, softie, it sounds as though they won't need a wrecking crew to knock the place down. Just 34,000 delirious Geordies!

-- Anonymous, April 03, 2000

I've been a toonie for 30 odd years - since I was a nipper. I've see Newcastle away from St. James' about, I don't know, about 30 odd times, mebbe 40. Honest to God I've never seen them win once away. I haven't got a ticket for the semi.

-- Anonymous, April 03, 2000

Softie how could we ever forget that semi at Old Trafford- the noise from the end of normal time on was probably the most amazing thing i have ever experienced!! Unbelievable......

No tickets for this semi sadly but ive GOT to find the noisiest+biggest geordie crowded pub in London next Sunday. Itll be great- all the non Chelsea londoners will be getting behind our lads!!

Chelsea havent a clue how to score goals!! I just hope YBR puts Solano on the right with Dyer on the left/free role then brings on Gallagher+Domi in the last 20 mins. The rest of the team is obvious apart from Helders partner. We will win.

-- Anonymous, April 03, 2000

Right...pre match haircut is out of the way, I'm feeling a lot more optimistic!!

I couldn't decide what to get so I got it all shaved off!! it was starting to get a little thin on top anyway :))

No Beckham comments unless you're willing to take a slap! I had it done cos I didn't have a lot of options, not to look like that twat!

-- Anonymous, April 03, 2000

So - less than a week to go. I have only been to Wembley once before and my team won 3-0 (England vs Poland). I don't intend to break that nor to break my run of not having seen us lose an FAC match in recent memory.

This is going to be such an event. A few of us (not me) were lucky to get to Wembley for the last two finals, but we all know the final is full of Leicester City friends. This will be different. There will be 34,000 fanatical Toon Army supporters. Softie has already given an indication of what the noise will be like (I wasn't at OT last year but could almost hear it in The Gulf). I was there the year before and I have to say, it was the most deafening experience since I leaned against Richie Blackmore's PA at a Purple concert. This will be better!

With YBR at the helm, we have arguably the best manager in Britain - well, neebody on here's gonna argue unless those two red tossers chirp in. And what's more, YBR has far more experience of Wembley matches than anybody else currently managing in the country. He knows how to play at Wembley - he's been there, he's done that. I bet he's even got a T-shirt.

As for team selection, he obviously knows how he wants to play it. I think we had a preview at Everton and Liverpool. I don't think he'll go balls out from the start. He'll want to contain Chewsee and frustrate them. Let the Wise guy pick up and early yellow. But stop them scoring. Then, when the legs start to tire, bring on the runners.

For that reason, I think LKD will be on the bench. I also suspect Domi will be there too. Barton and Helder will play, and I believe Goma did enough on Saturday to get the nod over Howey and Dabs. I can just see Goma and Helder controling the centre of the defence. They're the right sort of players for a park like Wembley. It might not be a bad idea to have Dabs on the bench in case it it goes pear-shaped upfront and we need a bit of "enthusiasm" in the opponents penalty area. Hughes has probably done enough to keep his place and has the advantage of being able to man-mark if needed.

Solano has to play. He'll just love the wide open spaces. We need experience not bairns, so Lee and Speed will start. Gallacher gets my vote for starting but I expect him to be subbed. And because it could well go to ET, a fresh and fired up Domi will be an advantage to have on the bench.

The lack of cover up front worries me. It only takes a knock to Al or Yin and we'll see the baldy coot on. At least he'll have plenty of space to run in, but will he find the goal? As for keeper, I don't mind. I think Given will get it, but both are as good as each other. If it was done on sentimental reasons, Shay would get it because he missed oot last year. But YBR is not that sentimental and will make his own choice.

Ooh - I'm getting excited - and there's still 5 days to go! Mind you, I'm not so excited as to get me heed shaved like Gav. Bliddy Roy Keane look-alike!

-- Anonymous, April 03, 2000

I was being cool. Can't really afford it - that's Josh speak for I ain't got a ticket.

Now its starting to bite.

In my lifetime we've been there 1955 - won - only 2 so no chance of ticket 1974 - lost to KK with a half fit team - I was there 1976 - lost to a dangerous o/head kick from a makcem - I was there 19?? - Mercantile something or other beat Liverpool when they were good and then lost to Tranmere when they weren't - watched highlights 1998 - lost - I was in Hamsterjam 1999 - lost - can't even remember where I was - wonderfull thing memory 2000 - semi - we can win - I think - come on Jonno where's the rallying call. If somebody finds me a ticket I promise I'll sing so much I won't be able to speak for a week afterwards.

How many teams in history haven't lost an FA Cup match outside Wembley for 3 seasons ?

TTTESWAWA

-- Anonymous, April 03, 2000

Oh sh!te.

I just realised that the FA cup is Chelsea's primary goal this season as it is their best way of qualifying for Europe next season. At the moment 5th spot won't get you into Europe, and Chelsea must realise that they could very well end up 5th this season and therefore must beat us and Villa to make Europe.

I mean our primary goal is the FA cup, theirs is Europe.

-- Anonymous, April 04, 2000

Hark at this, from the 'water carrier':
Chelsea midfielder Didier Deschamps, who won the European Cup with Olympique Marseille and Juventus, said the four English teams left in European cup competitions were the ones who played like continental sides. "Manchester United, Leeds, Arsenal and Chelsea are not only the best teams in the Premier League, they are also the only ones, with Liverpool, who play football," he said. "In European competitions, technical and tactical qualities are indispensable, which was not the case 20 or 30 years ago when English teams could win purely thanks to their physical and mental strength," he told l'Equipe. For related news, double click on one of the following codes: [SPO][RNP][DNP][PTD][PGS][EMK] [WEU][EUROPE][FR][SOCC][GB][LEN][RTRS] Tuesday, 04 April 2000 09:17:22 GMT RTRS [nL04290026]

-- Anonymous, April 04, 2000

Yet another frog croaking, eh? We just HAVE to beat these arrogant b@st@rds! I'm coming to the conclusion they're worse than manure - at least manure have some reason to yap.

Haway the Lads!!!

-- Anonymous, April 04, 2000

Maric hopes for Wembley call-up!

According to the Ronnie Silvio Maric has not given up hope of a Wembley call-up after hitting a hat-trick for Newcastle United Reserves knock Bedlington out of the Northumberland Senior Cup, a game watched by BR. Maric said "It was good to score those goals......I was happy because I was getting good balls in the box. I have to be ready if Bobby gives me the call for Sunday, so I was pleased to score with him watching. You never know what might happen".

Laudable, professional aproach - but dream on bonny lad!!

''I am a professional and want to play well in every game so I was pleased to help us reach the final.''

But it was former United junior and

-- Anonymous, April 04, 2000

Apologies for my "unprofessional" cutting & pasting (damn)!!!

-- Anonymous, April 04, 2000

Right, time to get this thread back to the top! The weekend is officially here and about the time the UK is waking up, I'll be on my way to the airport. Can't believe it's finally here and I'll be seeing so many of you soon. And of course that small matter of winning at Wembley on Sunday. Excitementpanicterrorwildoptimism 8-)

BTW....what's the song when we're winning since we'll already be at Wembley? "Tell me ma, me ma....we're coming back to WEmberlee..."??? Answers on the side of a Broon and submitted to me at Evergreens.

HOWAY THE LADS!!! :-D

-- Anonymous, April 06, 2000

Ciara!?!!!

It's only a quarter to 5 in England at the moment. AM. So no-one is waking up unless they're a nutter.

And the weekend does'nt start untill a quarter to 5 in the PM.

-- Anonymous, April 06, 2000

O god I'm feeling so sick. I haven't felt this spaced out since some kind soul slipped me a tab of acid when I wasn't looking. I can't believe it's STILL Friday. I swear it's been Friday all week - pretending I have no work to do, at least nothing that can't wait till next week; trawling every web site with the slightest reference to round balls; an insatiable urge to yell "f*#k it", boot the photocopier and sprint for the nearest boozer. I'm no fun to be around when I'm like this. I know so, because last night wor lass told me "You're no fun to be around when you're like this." It was at that point I looked up and realised I was with her and in some Italian restaurant. I have no idea how I got there. I could've sworn I was at SJP running over last-minute instructions with young Aaron about marking Taxicab Wise out of the game. My breathing is shallow and too rapid. I appear to be permanently covered in a thin layer of perspiration. Earlier this morning I looked with pity at the state of this pale, gaunt-looking person in front of me, only to realise it was a mirror. Still, there'll be time to eat something once it's all over won't there ? It's 2 o'clock Friday afternoon. When I last looked at my watch it was almost 2 o'clock Friday afternoon. Still 58 hours to go until kick-off. I'll be an old man by then. I need help. Does anyone know where fellow sufferers hang out ? Maybe we could form a self-help group ?

-- Anonymous, April 07, 2000

LT - normally Easts Leagues Clurb or chateau le muzz ..... call ya sunda

-- Anonymous, April 07, 2000

LT

Well I'm just glad your not in Wor Bobby's shoes, as he should instructing young Aaron on how the mark Poyet and brake his ankles while only getting a warning.

-- Anonymous, April 07, 2000

Muzza: Righty-ho mate. Enjoy the triathlon. I'll try and inspire the mighty Zetland to a win in your absence. I've bought myself some new boots and they've got the word 'scoring' written all over them ..... ;-))

Tre: I think many underestimate the influence that the bedwarfed one tends to have on matches. Most of the damage I see Poyet doing is more likely be in central positions. I'd be worried if Bobby gives Speed the job of picking up the Uruguyan, given his piss-poor record of marking runners into the box, especially them that can head the ball (like Poyet unquestionably can). But I don't reckon he will be young Aaron's principal worry come Sunday.

-- Anonymous, April 07, 2000

LT

I actual thought Bobby would let Lee pick on the poisoned dwarf, as that's one match up in midfield that Lee would relish.

-- Anonymous, April 07, 2000

Does anyone here think that we have built up this years semi final more than last years semi with Tottenham?

I think we have, and the reason is that Chelsea are going to be blidy hard to beat.

-- Anonymous, April 07, 2000

Don`t ask me why, but suddenly I feel really positive about the whole thing! No nerves at the minute, just excitement, and anticipation! I think we can! I think we can! I know we can! HOWAY THE LADS!!!!!!

-- Anonymous, April 07, 2000

Tre?!! It's now 455am in Boston, and I've been awake for 1 1/2 hrs! Am I a nutter? Wait, don't answer that. ;-)

Just had a look at the pic of Al and YBR in the onliine Journal. Just the image I need in my mind as I now head off to Logan. Next stop Lahn-dahn!!!!

TOON! TOON!

-- Anonymous, April 07, 2000

Ciara,

No, becuase your going to Wenmbly.

You lucky, lucky, b*******

-- Anonymous, April 07, 2000

Just to put you in the mood......
1998
1-0
1999
0-0, but.... 1-0
2-0

-- Anonymous, April 07, 2000

Safe journey Ciara! And to anyone else leaving early and making a weekend of it - have a great time, careful what you`re doing, and report back with all the wonderful details. (I am talking about the semi - anything else would be just too much information!) (:o)

TOON ARMY - TOON ARMY - TOON ARMY !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

-- Anonymous, April 07, 2000

I'm going to get to see it on the telly 11pm JT, 25 quid taxi home but whoi cares, WEMBELRLEY< WEMBERLEY......

-- Anonymous, April 07, 2000

Simply the best!

They're playing Simply the Best by Tina Tuna on the Johnny Walker show on Radio 2 right now. Reminds me of the KK glory days at SJP.

For the first time this week it's got the hairs standing up on the back of my neck; I'm primed and ready to slip on the B&W strip, rub on the liniment (MUST remember to wash my hands!), and begin the long trek to Wemberlee.

I needed something like this to shake my out of my Galatasary-induced depression - I feel so desperately sorry for the families of the two dead Leeds fans, especially those two young fatherless kids.

Sod it all, I'm ready to hit the road -

Hawaaaaaaaaaaaay the Lads!!!

-- Anonymous, April 07, 2000

I was dropping someone off at Heathrow this afternoon and drove past a minvan with Newcastle Breweries emblazoned across the side. How many of those do you see around Slough?
Off the Magpie sanctaury now to build up the luck fund.

-- Anonymous, April 07, 2000

Am I excited....no, Am I nervous....no Am I complacent....no

Why Buff? Why Buff? Why Buff?

Because no one in their right mind could have expected this after the shambles at the end/prior/start of the season, folks this is a bonus, lets grab a slice of it, we are the PEOPLE!!!!. Will leave the tactics, team selection , game plan to Bobby, he`s aulder than me and likes deein that kind of thing, good at it anall

-- Anonymous, April 07, 2000

You certainly seem a little excited to me Buff!

As you suggest, this is all a wonderful bonus for us after such a horrific start to the season, and we should just drink it all in. I remember sitting in my seat after the 1-2 v the makems thinking "bliddy hell, were gannin doon!". Well the rest, as they say is history - thanks to our Geordie Pensioner.

I really believe Bobby will have the team better prepared than they have been for the previous two Finals, with a very specific game-plan, and I expect us to put up a good show. Indeed I think we can win it, against very good quality opposition.

I'm fortunate enough to have a ticket, and am really looking forward to the day out. Keep your fingers crossed Buff.

-- Anonymous, April 07, 2000

Clarky - where are you drinking pre match? Gizzaring on 0403 598159 if you wanna meet up with the rest of us.

-- Anonymous, April 07, 2000

I'm travelling down from Newcastle,NSW to watch the match at Easts Leagues club, usually a good turn out there. See you all there. This time lads, this time!

-- Anonymous, April 08, 2000