.....but why are Man Utd refered to as Newton Heath? I am sure it is quite a story, but for the life of me I can't figure it out. Is it because that was their name before Man utd. Like Newcastle east end. Did anyone see the finest hour on PBS last night (stateside only)

-- Anonymous, July 11, 2000

Answers

Syme.....yes, it was their name before the current one. I first of all started refering to them as TFKANH but that looked too much like an Arse players name, so followed Softie and now refer to them as Newton Heath or NH.

B@str@rd Tw@ts would be better and infinitely more accurate, but it takes some rememebring where to put the @

-- Anonymous, July 11, 2000

It's nothing like our previous incarnation as Newcastle East and West End! Newcastle West had previously amalgamated with Newcastle Rangers and kept Rangers' Gallowgate football ground. When the 2 remaining Newcastle sides, which comprised all 3 of the old Newcastle sides, united as a single football club, they chose to name this new Club Newcastle United and base themselves at Gallowgate. A fine and honourable situation with a choice of new name that encapsulated exactly what had happened to the football club.

Newton Heath, on the other hand, were some dodgy outfit who were bought by a butcher. He didn't think Newton Heath sounded cosmopolitan enough as nobody knew where to find them. He therefore ran a vote for a new name with such choices as 'Manchester Celtic' and they decided to call themselves Manchester United instead. Manchester was chosen over Salford as it was a rail hub. Stated plainly, Newton Heath changed their name to sell pies.

We are a different class. Different class then, different class now. The fact that these muckrakers are referred to as 'United' by the ignorant whilst having no claim on the name makes me puke; that's why I prefer Newton Heath. 'United' isn't some honorific or marketing ploy, it's supposed to mean something.

-- Anonymous, July 11, 2000

Whatever Next?

Ah, the World's Greatest Football Club. Apparently, some people don't like them, and have observed that the 'theatre of dreams' lacks matchday atmosphere. Unbelievably, some have even gone as far as to attribute said lack of atmosphere to the fanbase, whom they perceive as being johnny-come-latelies, as glory hunters queuing up to be milked by the corporate machine.

This extract from the official United website will disprove that ridiculous notion for once and for all: "Much has been said about the lack of atmosphere here at Old Trafford, and there have been calls for a 'singing section'. The club are considering designating the whole of the West Stand second tier (almost 6400) as a singing area. First priority will be given to those in the East Stand who will need to be relocated but all other season ticket holders who wish to be part of this section will be welcome to apply at the time of renewal."

Once again, the best team in England is at the cutting edge of new ways to enjoy football.

Singing! Whatever next? Having a pint before the game?

They'll have a section for abusing the referee about his time keeping next...oh they've got one already called the dug-out.

-- Anonymous, July 11, 2000

So what did Sunderland used to be called? And what should WE call them? They seem to have warmed to the Makems, which used to piss them off a bit.

-- Anonymous, July 11, 2000

>>>>>So what did Sunderland used to be called?<<<<<

They were and still are called Makem Tw@ts

-- Anonymous, July 11, 2000

Yeah, I saw 'Finest Hour' last night. Excellent. I'm assuming there will be a part two, as it was a bit depressing watching the Huns have their way for two hours. It was done in much the same style as a 9 part show PBS did a few years ago on the American Civil War - pictures, interviews, and modern day visits to the actual cites. Except that luckily there are still participants alive that could offer their personal stories. Nice job of putting things into context.

-- Anonymous, July 11, 2000

Weren't the Mackems called the Sunderland and District Teachers Association or something like that? Anyway they aren't warming to the idea of being called Mackems as far as I'm aware. That's why I was desperate for them not to coose it as their official nickname. It would have stolen our insult from us.

-- Anonymous, July 12, 2000