This time not about the players as such. I was talking with a few of you in the Strawberry after yet another nailbiting 2-1 and we wondered whether the players react to our panic or the other way around? Bit of both?

-- Anonymous, January 25, 2001

Answers

Dougal - they can't possibly be reacting to your [anic. If they could see you cowering below the seats, I'd be bliddy worried that they weren't concentrating on the game.

No, I think they are nervous about their own previous performances. Just look at how many times we have thrown away a lead. That has to play on the nerves (both players and fans). IMHO, the players should be concentrating on matters on the pitch and not in the stands.

-- Anonymous, January 25, 2001

[anic

it wasn't spelt like that when I lived up there.....it was Alnwick.....when did they change it?

80)

-- Anonymous, January 25, 2001

Not sure I agree, Screach....you can almost feel the tension at SJP sometimes. This is based on years of having a crap defence, of course. Actually, as long as the other side are crap finishers, a bad defence can add to the excitement :))

-- Anonymous, January 26, 2001

back in the early 1980s we had a period when we ALWAYS conceded a goal in the last ten minutes, it had got beyond a joke and was geniunely worrying. I was watching us at Luton and everyone in the crowd was watching their watches for ten minutes to go. There was a buzz around as we all started to dread the inevitable. Luton got a corner, at our end, and the whole set of Newcastle supporters were chattering at each other that this would be it, yet another goal conceded. On the pitch there was blind panic, all the players shouting at each other, furtively watching attackers, desperate to make sure this time was different. It was difficult to tell who was the most panicky teh players or the crowd.

I don't remember what happened next :0)

-- Anonymous, January 26, 2001

For the same reason that it would be difficult for the crowd to hide their fears, so to would it be for the players. Perhaps we should have mass therapy sessions at St James to try and create more positivity?

Although a good manager can make some difference, there's nothing like a winning streak for creating confidence. It's unbelievable how teams can play so differently when doubts start creeping into their game..bit like any sport. Perhaps alcohol should be introduced to the players at half time...it certainly improves my golf and stops me thinking 'oh shit I'm going to top this' in the middle of my back swing ;-)

-- Anonymous, January 26, 2001

To misquote Wellington, Dougal, I don't know if your panic affects the players but it scares the living daylights out of me. :-)

-- Anonymous, January 26, 2001

With the notable exception of the SMB game (where the bloke in front was offering to go and get me some of his missuses' valium), I have been quite calm this season. Oh, and Steph's John may have sprained his wrist looking at his watch for me in the dying seconds on the Man United game. That Liverpool game was quite stressful, too. Plus Derby County at home and Bradford City..

-- Anonymous, January 26, 2001

To name but a few then!

-- Anonymous, January 26, 2001