That was Bobby's verdict, and the verdict of most of us there tonight. We outplayed Columbus. But as usual, get a goal, lose all concentration and allow the other team down the other end of the pitch to score. Will we ever learn?? *sigh*

Brilliant day. Not much to do in this town and the hotel isn't really near anything so we hung out in the lobby and lounge all day with 2 other supporters down from Canada. A father and son. Great people. It was strange cause the players were just wandering around all day and since JC knew they wanted certain autogrpahs, was letting us know their schedule etc. So he got his stuff signed, we got our pictures, and had a nice chat with Bobby. No earth shattering news, just shooting the breeze. He did list out the crocks and we thought Cort wasn't playing tonight, so it was a surprise to see him start and Al and Dunc not even on the bench.

Prematch festivities took place in a supposedly private area overlooking the pitch. Kind of outdoors. Great fun with all Toon fans invited. We got a bit of sing song and banners flying when the lads came out for warm ups. Alot of folks stayed up there throughout the game singing and shouting. Our seats were very close to that area and first level off the pitch so no heads in the way. Sounds like you all got a good impression of things from the webcast. Cardone was outstanding...he's going to be great for us! Cort was looking alot better. Actually they all were. Such a vast improvement from Saturday! Barton, as usual, was everywhere. He was true to his word of wanting a win! McClen was a bit anonymous and seemed a weak link in midfield.

I'm fading quickly and will be off back to Boston in a few hours(boohoo!) so will wrap up for now. Things will come back to me in dribs and drabs over the weekend, so I'll post whatever I remember.

Such as...just remembered this...we met Freddie Shepherd. He came up to our little party to say hi. A couple of guys talked to him at the post match party and asked if they'd come back here again. He said they would...but who knows if it's a bit of hot air. It would be great if they do come back. I think they were really surprised at how many supporters turned out. I am certainly surprised! Great week. Now back to reality *sob* What time is the webcast of the next game? :-)

-- Anonymous, July 27, 2000

Answers

weird that shearer didn't play. mut be injured cos you'd think he'd play for a bit otherwise cos presumably it is him who is drawing in the crowds etc

-- Anonymous, July 27, 2000

Yeah - I was surprised to hear that AS wasn't even on the bench. Not so much of a surprise about Big Yin tho. This really is a big worry. WTF is gonna buy him if he can't even get fit enough to take part in a friendly after 4 months off? Scary.

Unless of course, he's already on his way somewhere and they don't want him to play???

-- Anonymous, July 27, 2000

I would rank it more important for Cordone and Cort to get some games under their belt. Let Dunc get fit and play a couple of matches later on. We all know what AS and DF can do and so do the rest of the team.

What would you think if we buy Cort for 7 mill and he doesn't play in America? I reckon I'll probably get pilloried for defending Dunc but I see a different agenda here.

Good to see Cort getting two last night and Cordone has impressed our BBS watchers. For the first time in many years we seem to have four strikers who can cut it easily in the Premiership....at long last.

-- Anonymous, July 27, 2000

Nice if Cordone is the business but I'm not going to get carried away on pre-season performances. The memory of JDT is still too strong for me!!

-- Anonymous, July 27, 2000

I'm not too surprised by AS's non appearance - he needs to be treat with kid gloves, and presumably is more match fit than the rest anyway after his England exertions. In addition, he may well still not be free from the knee tendon problems he experienced with England.
Question for ciara - has AS been training flat out?
DF's total lack of participation seems more significant to me. I can't escape concluding that either he still isn't fit enough to play(!), or we are still 'in discussions' regarding his exit - in which case they definitely wouldn't want him playing.
Same question - why would a senior striker who is in regular training not play any part in either match on a US trip? To get a good look at CC & Cordone in competitive action could be another plausible answer, I suppose.
What happens over the next couple of practice matches will probably answer a lot of these questions, but frankly, I'm still worried about Big Al's knee.

Another important question for ciara - The Journal this morning reckons YKD went off injured after a bad foul in the first minute! Did he look badly injured, or do you think it was just precautionary?

-- Anonymous, July 27, 2000

Wor Bob was surprised at the standard of play form the Americans; report from the Crew here

-- Anonymous, July 27, 2000

"The standard of American football is better than I thought," said Robson. "I'm quite impressed with it. You guys are doing OK here ... it's going to take time, but you're doing OK." Mmmm Slightly patronising Bobby?!

"It's lose-lose for them. if they win, they're supposed to win," he said. "If they lose, it's 'What the hell's wrong with Newcastle Soccer?'." Haven't you been watching the last couple of years dude!?

-- Anonymous, July 27, 2000

Couldn't really tell with Dyer. I think it was precautionary. It was a hard tackle though, so better to protect him. At least Speed got a little back for us. ;-) I think I just read of nufc.com that Shearer wasn't played because the pitch at Crew stadium is pretty hard so they didn't want to risk him. Bobby did say he had a little touch of tendonitis. And Dunc's latest is a calf strain. Of course, did I even think to ask when I saw him in the hotel...or about whether he was staying at Newcastle?? Nooooo. argh! And based on last night, I think we can rest a bit easier when Shearer isn't available. He was a miss because of who he is, but we did fine without him. It's so nice to actually have more than 2 good strikers!! :-)

-- Anonymous, July 28, 2000