I reckon the following is Big Dunc.....

United star has big secret alan Oliver's Stateside Diary NEWCASTLE United have been overwhelmed by the hospitality they are receiving here in America.

And fitness coach Paul Winsper has been amazed at the facilities put at United's disposal at the prestigious Georgetown University.

Certainly, Robson and Winsper have been able to vary United's training from day to day.

In fact, Sunday was a day off from training when the whole 22-man squad piled into their luxury coach and headed for the University swimming pool.

And it was soon evident that some of the United players are not only stars on the football pitch but also in the swimming pool.

I am told that Alan Shearer and Kieron Dyer were particularly impressive when they performed their tricks from the high-diving board.

But one player was left out of it - and he was left feeling a trifle embarrassed about it all.

For one member of the 22-man squad is unable to swim. But he need have no fears about me revealing his identify.

That is until the next time he refuses to give me an interview!

NEWCASTLE United have been made to feel at home at their five-star hotel in the heart of Washington especially as one drink on the menu is a certain Newcastle Brown Ale.

And yes it's the real thing.

But it's not exactly as cheap with the hotel selling it at $6 a bottle.

At today's exchange rate that works out at exactly #4.11p per bottle.

As far as I am concerned, I can get a bottle of Broon much cheaper at home any time and I am sticking to the Sam Adams Lager brewed up the road from here in Boston.

And it's only $3 a bottle.

-- Anonymous, July 27, 2000

Answers

Dunc has been swimming when the others train outdoors on several occasions. Try Rob Lee...he's the only one who doesn't talk to Anal Oliver isn't he?

-- Anonymous, July 27, 2000

The only way to tell is to recall who in the first team didn't appear for the Mackems home defeat last season...that was played in a swimming pool wasn't it?

Alternatively, somebody could contrive to bump the returning plane into the sea...then we'd find out those with their 50m Bronze badges.

-- Anonymous, July 27, 2000

Mrs Pilgrim remembers Alan Shearer letting it slip that Rob Lee can't swim when he was interviewed after they went on holiday together!

-- Anonymous, July 29, 2000