Hi All,

The wife and I have decided to go to Europe for the first time this year! My holidays have just been approved by work (5 weeks) and we will be arriving in Landahn on the 1st of Sep this year.

Now the obvious questions. I will without doubt be visiting Newcastle and I was wondering the following:

When do the lads train at Chester le Street as I would love to see them train? Does the club do tours of the mecca, SJP? How on earth will I be able to get a ticket to a home match? September will be the new season, does anyone have any idea when the draw will be out? As I will organise when we are coming to Toon around when there is a home match at SJP. I also notice that SJP may play host to England v Albania World Cup qualifier on 5 Sep '01. I will also get to away game(s) if possble. Where is the best (reasonably cheapish as the Aussie rouble is an absolute joke $1 Aus = 37p) place to stay in Toon. Lastly who's up for a pint of Broon in the Strawberry? My Shout! I'd love to meet all you lads & lasses on here.

Look forward to hearing from you soon (A very excited) Nige.

-- Anonymous, January 13, 2001

Answers

Training depends on which day we're playing and whether or not we're travelling. Should be no problems getting tickets through either bbsers or letting us know which games you are up for ahead of time so that we can pick some up when they go on general sale. Bottom line is that we can't have you coming all this way and not see the match, can we? Look forward to putting a face to the name in the Strawberry.

-- Anonymous, January 13, 2001

Hi Softie,

Thanks for replying, I too look forward to actually meeting all of you. As soon as the 2001/02 PL draw comes out I will be able to let you know which game(s) I will be in Toon for. See you in the Strawberry.

Nige

-- Anonymous, January 14, 2001

I have been to SJP last November. Being the member of Club United may allow you to reserve the home tickets before your trip, but under the condition that you have paid 10 pounds as the membership fee. You just ring them and tell which match you want to reserve may guaratee your seats and you are going to get your tickets at SJP tickets office. For the training, you may ask the officer of Club United whether the team may have training on the day you are going. Actually, their coordination work is doing not bad.

-- Anonymous, January 14, 2001

Glad to hear you'll be visiting the promised land, Nige! For home tickets, it's probably far easier to work it out with bbsers. In my experience, trying to do anything through Club United is hit and miss (more miss), as they're rather disorganized(surprise). Still that is an option if you're a member. Gotta try everything.

I think regularly scheduled ground tours of SJP are to be back in operation next season. Right now it's only by special arrangement. If it's still the case next season, then definitely try to go through Club United, or even just turn up at reception(or ring) and let them know how far you've come, first visit, blah blah. They'd likely arrange something for you. Things do go smoother when you manage to speak to someone face to face...or at least someone who's not too high up the ladder to have lost sight of the earth. ;-))

For accomodation, if you want cheap and convenient, I'd recommend the Eldon Hotel in Jesmond. It's on Akenside Terrace. Don't have the number with me right now, but I'll try to pick up a brochure and can post it to you at some point. I've been staying there the last couple of weeks. Definitely not the Ritz, but it's clean, 5min walk to the Jesmond metro, electric kettle and tv(terrestrial channels only) in the rooms, staff quite friendly. I've been paying £22/night for a single room. I think doubles are probably in the £30-40 range, breakfast included. It's also about 20min walk to the ground...easy to find as the beautiful sight of SJP looms over Jesmond Rd as you walk out Akenside Terrace. :-D

-- Anonymous, January 14, 2001

Ciara,

You are a treasure thanks for all your info from a foreigners view! If you could please e-mail me details of where you are staying, sounds perfect.

I cannot wait to get there, just 7 and a half months to go :-P

As for tickets if the kind bbsers here help me out I will be most appreciative. Sounds as though Freddie has been trying to get the club on a good footing with the fans, so I'm hopeful of a tour of the mecca!

Speak to you all soon.

HAWAY THE LADS

-- Anonymous, January 14, 2001

Nige, will email you details at the end of the week or weekend....when I'm back home and have everything to hand. :-)

-- Anonymous, January 15, 2001

Nige seeing as im moving to Aussie in march theres every chance me season ticket will be free next year for that game , keep me e mail and ill mebbes bump into you down under : - )

-- Anonymous, January 15, 2001