I`m about to spend a few minutes catching up on all the postings I have missed on the bbs this week. I`ve been doing some pretty serious Christmas shopping this week, and thankfully I`m pretty much done with it now. Sadly, I haven`t been doing it in Newcastle - which had been my plan a few weeks ago. Which also, even more sadly means that I will not be at the Liverpool game today. Duty calls, and a visit to Cornwall to visit Pete`s parents has forced me to give up my trip to Newcastle.

One of these days I will get to meet some more of you lovely people, but it won`t be until next year now. I can`t believe how quickly this year has gone. I think it must be something to do with global warming - I`m sure it not a year since I was up to my neck in Yuletide preparations (and, incidentally, saying I will definately get up to a match next year!)

Right - I`m off to add my four pennyworth to the week`s postings. (:o)

-- Anonymous, November 26, 2000

Answers

Morning Gal - I wondered where you'd been. Some people are just so sickenly organised!

I hesitate to say it, but in true Victor Meldrew guise, I hate Xmas shopping - the entire thing has become an extended and sickening commercial extravaganza. Every year I try to get my family to agree to spending restrictions, but each year I'm written off as the miserable ghost of Xmas present.

Having lived in the US, I came to love the Thanksgiving holiday - a simple, remarkably non-commercial, family holiday representing what Xmas was intended to be - before it was hijacked by the retail and advertising industries.

Bah humbug!!

-- Anonymous, November 26, 2000

Right, the sun's trying to shine and I'm finally beginning to contemplate this afternoon's game. The pain of last Saturday is still there but dimming just a little around the edges now.

The Toon Army expects, and all that.... I want to see action, energy, total committment, bravery and skill - and if necessary blood 'n guts. Most of all I want no bloody excuses.

This 'Pool team are talented but beatable , but only if you get after them, don't let them settle - hit them hard and hit them often. If we have to take a few yellow cards then so be it - the Fair Play League doesn't figure too high on our list of priorities.

Right, I've said enough. Get your sleeves rolled up, take strength from the crowd and give 'em something special to scream about.

Get out there, make a fast start, hit your passes, and support the man on the ball. Stay focused on your particular job, but most importantly close 'em down - get into them, hard, early and often. Lets do it for the Toon Army - let's go!

-- Anonymous, November 26, 2000

HAWWAY THE LADS

After last week I needed that.

Gotta go out for a little while the after, but hoping to join the webcast at least at some point.

Speak to you later ;0)

-- Anonymous, November 26, 2000

Wear up for it like

-- Anonymous, November 26, 2000

LOL.... Classic. Made my day that did.

-- Anonymous, November 26, 2000

Brilliant!!!! (:o)))))))))))

-- Anonymous, November 26, 2000

Hey, Clarkie, You Bobby Robson like? Cos yus sounds like him like,

dus any one know where the best place to park mi Ford Capri is? Any kids on here wanna earn ten bob looking after it like?

-- Anonymous, November 26, 2000

Great speech, Clarky! You've got me motivated. :-)

-- Anonymous, November 26, 2000

5:30pm

Well done lads - you scrapped it out for 90 minutes against 11 Scousers plus the 3 officials (tossers!!). I couldn't have asked for any more from you.
You must all be well knackered - get yersels home, have a bite to eat, and early to bed.
Sleep soundly in the knowledge that you've cheered up a lot of very depressed footsoldiers of the Toon Army.
Next week we start our season all over again.....

-- Anonymous, November 26, 2000

I take it you didn't caal it the Straabeery for a post-match celebration then Clarky?

-- Anonymous, November 26, 2000

Baby-sitting tonight, Screach - but please keep it quiet!

-- Anonymous, November 26, 2000

Did we see you sneaking out???

-- Anonymous, November 26, 2000

I bet your a really great Grandad Clarky!! (:o)

-- Anonymous, November 26, 2000

Once upon a time, in a far off world ............(sit down and shut up!!)

Actually they are only 18 months and 6 months old, but goodness gracious can they make a noise!

I'm sorry to admit it, but I'm a much better Grandad when the Toon have won.

-- Anonymous, November 26, 2000

actually there were people still sneaking out with six or seven minutes to go. The game was on a knife edge and certainly wasn't won How can people leave early when the game is so close? Another thing I noticed today was a lot more of the £71 seats in the Milburn stand had been sold. Attendance 51,950ish. I wonder if they will all be back for the Bradford game in 3 weeks?

-- Anonymous, November 26, 2000

I find it totally unbelieveable that people could walk out before the end of that game!(:oO

-- Anonymous, November 26, 2000

I still say early leavers should have their season tickets confiscated at the exit and given to people who appreciate the full 90+ minutes.

-- Anonymous, November 26, 2000