Describing Barcelona as "a dump", the man who made his money from construction is a fierce critic of the Continent's so-called landmark stadia. I've travelled a lot watching football in the last few years and I'm still attending matches throughout Europe," he added. "I look out for young players who I can recommend to Bobby Robson and I also look at what other clubs have to offer.

"I have seen bigger stadiums than St James's Park but most of the time the facilities are rubbish - you can't even get a decent cup of tea. Many of these places leave me cold and the stadiums are stuck somewhere in the 1950s. Here at Newcastle everything is bang up to date and we are fully prepared for the European leagues of the future."

With Bobby Robson at the helm United are in pole position to tackle the European assignments of the future both on and off the pitch. Sir John agrees but in a wistful look back at days following Kevin Keegan's 1997 departure he smiled: "If Bobby had come to Newcastle when we first approached him all those years ago, who knows where we might have been? "We can only guess what might have happened at the club but he had a contract at Barcelona and he wouldn't break it. Bobby is a very honourable man and our loss was Barce's gain.

"However, he's here now and in a very short space of time he has made his own mark on the club. ''I'm convinced he will get it right but I'm not the sort of person who looks for instant results. ''It's taken 10 years for the club to reach its present level and it might take another 10 before we fully reap the rewards." According to Sir John the secret of success still lies in the development of local youth and he was quick to develop a familiar theme as he impressed on his successors the need to cater for the region's future professionals.

"The club has started to develop an academy but I'd still like to see us reach out to as many schools as possible across the North," he said. "It's a huge catchment area. I'd like to see a structure in place where we are guaranteed to pick up the best young players in the region. ''In spite of what might happen regarding the upcoming EC transfer ruling I firmly believe that the bulk of young players will still want to play for their local team. Even more so if that team is Newcastle United. Our young players have got to be good enough but Bobby has proved that he will give them a chance. ''That is a great incentive to teenagers like Michael Chopra who can see the day when they will wear a black-and-white shirt at St James's Park."

Talks a good game doesn't he? Is he right about the facilities? I'll see for myself before the year is out!

-- Anonymous, November 03, 2000

Turd time lucky?

-- Anonymous, November 03, 2000

So disappointed is SJH with foreign stadia, he's developed his own new stadium design. "It involves a elliptical roof - a shell, if you like - bolted into the stands at either side and protecting the area beneath. I call it my turtle support" ;@)

-- Anonymous, November 03, 2000

Barcelona? Would he be meaning that fabulous place called the . Facilities there were OK for me. Not only did I find a place for refreshment (not a soggy tea bag in sight) but I also fould a place to plug in my laptop. Mind you, I was with Manuel and his amigos, whereas I guess SJH was up in the "Gods" with the rest of you drenched buggers. Or mebbes not.

-- Anonymous, November 03, 2000