From the Shield's Gazette

NEWCASTLE United's trip to La Manga has been defended - by a man who helped plot their downfall at the weekend.

Charlton assistant boss Keith Peacock believes Bobby Robson was right to take the Magpies to Spain, despite all the flak they received for Sunday's dismal 2-0 defeat at The Valley. And Peacock, who grew up in South Shields, believes United fans are over-reacting to the weekend woe - and that Charlton haven't been given enough credit for their performance. Peacock said: "Win or lose, Bobby was right to take his players to Spain. "It would only have made things worse if he had changed his plans. "Cancelling the trip would not have solved any of the problems, and the Newcastle players will benefit from the little break."

"We went into Sunday's game full of confidence and on a decent league run, and taking all of this into consideration, I think there has been an over-reaction to their defeat." Meanwhile, Newcastle officials have dismissed claims that the bill for the La Manga trip will amount to six figures as "grossly exaggerated" and insist that the exercise is an important part of their preparations for the resumption of their Premiership campaign on February 24.

-- Anonymous, February 16, 2001

Answers

Up you go......

-- Anonymous, February 16, 2001

I wish all that Charlton lot would mind their own business. Bad enough being beaten by them, never mind patronised...the sooner the Thames Flood Barrier fails the better.

-- Anonymous, February 16, 2001

Believe it or not, I once met an old lady who had a claim on being his mother at a bus stop when I was waiting(with my NUFC top on) for a lift to play in a football match about 10 year ago. She explained she was so proud of her grandson Gavin playing for Newcastle, which she claims was his dream as a youngster growing up in London. I scanned around myself 360degrees to see if their where any institutions around just incase, but Mr T.Smith seen nothing.

Has anyone seen this gentle kind old lady bragging proudly about Gavin at Bus stops near you???

-- Anonymous, February 16, 2001

>>>Has anyone seen this gentle kind old lady bragging proudly about Gavin at Bus stops near you??? <<<

Bragging about Gavin? More likely complaining - in Weshington, Lahndaan, Basle, Moscow, Dublin................ Nah, he's a luverly lad, really. He told me so ;-)

-- Anonymous, February 16, 2001

Screach, she could be an eccentric, proud and enthusiastic about her bus pass like;)

-- Anonymous, February 17, 2001