I think this has probably been discussed on here before but how much good can being a football supporter do your health. On Saturday, by 4.45, I was shaking and sweating. By kick off, I was unable to breathe, and by half time, my mother was thinking of calling the paramedics. Jonno called to say we'd equalised and I let out such a shriek that my mother came running, thinking I'd burst a blood vessel or something. Does anyone else get like this during games?

-- Anonymous, April 23, 2001

Answers

I certainly had the shakes in a big way, and they were DEFINITELY football related....didn't really start to get a grip on how nervous I was until about half time...

-- Anonymous, April 23, 2001

I was uncomfortable all day, but once the game was on was a bit better. When Sunderland scored I could feel my heart beating inside me, not nice at all.

Our goal produced elation, although there is always a split second of frustration when I can't look across and check the linesman isn't flagging for something.

Alcohol doesn't seem to help at all, but I'll keep trying just in case

-- Anonymous, April 23, 2001

Watching on telly is infinitely worse than being there in terms of nerves. I mean, it's awful when we are 2-1 up at the end of the game: that normally brings on the shakes, but I can hide behind Jonno's coat or thump Screach to relive some tension, but at home, it's just unbearable. The radio is terrifying - every time the commentator's voice rises, I am sure the other side are going to score. And as for Sky...eeeeek!

-- Anonymous, April 23, 2001

I was round my girlfriend's relatives and their opening line when I walked into the house was "The telly's broken". To which I replied, "Well I've got three hours till kick off, I'm going back to Northampton!". Soon wiped the smiles of their Yocal faces!

They didn't have a clue about the match and although they watched it the Uncle was more interested in pissing about with the pointless player cam. Thankfully he gave up with that and left me in peace to watch it.

Really nervous throughout the game and I was trying to drink as much as I could without getting messy!

-- Anonymous, April 23, 2001

I think we were all tense and nervous. The nightmare scenario of a makem double caused me great consternation (although its cleared up now, thanks).

I was in a pub in Hexham for the game and there was definitely a quiet anxiety about events on the pitch. The equaliser was a relief and everyone in the bar jumped and shouted with delight when sooooper Andy did the biz!

-- Anonymous, April 23, 2001

Was feeling quite ill for about an hour prior to ko, abated somewhat by having to run downstairs to retrieve my laundry from the dryer and get it folded and put away. More hopping about and moaning when my computer crashed twice during the first half. Most of the 2nd half spend with my hands over my face cause I couldn't bear to look at the computer screen. Massive relief after the equalizer, then more face hiding til the whistle blew. Even watchingn on tv is far easier cause I can at least see something.

Funnily enough I still had mild nerves watching the tape delayed broadcast yesterday.

-- Anonymous, April 23, 2001

I was as nervous as a kitten before the game. The game was agony - every second of it. Their goal was gut-wrenching: our equaliser, sheer ecstasy: the rest of the game, torture.

At the end I was physically wrecked, no kidding. I couldn't have been more tired had I been playing - but my wife always reckons I kick every ball, make every tackle, appeal every decision. I only wish I could have got one tackle in on that whining Munchkin - just one!

-- Anonymous, April 23, 2001

There is a definite link between football & health; I knacked me back on the concrete at the SoL when I was leaping about like a nut (probably not the best analogy)

-- Anonymous, April 23, 2001

I was relaxed. I knew we woudn't lose. Honest. Ask Josh - he kept providing the beers ;-)

-- Anonymous, April 23, 2001

aye, i'm with Screacher.

No problem for me. Only a football match. Nothing to get too excited about.

;@)

-- Anonymous, April 23, 2001

Too nervous to watch or listen. So traipsed around N'bland looking at houses. Reckoned that if people were showing their hooses on the afternoon of the derby they knew nowt about football so I would be safe until 4.55. Anyway, it worked. Nearly bought a place in Bellingham, but ended up buying a hoose (with washaway netties even) in Hepple (near Rothbury). Same problem as Bobby of Wark - what to call it - the Gallowgate Paddock springs to mind.

-- Anonymous, April 24, 2001

Bu99er me True (in a figurative sense, you understand). I looked at a Hoose in Hepple recently. For rent - fabulous 3 bed detached lodge. And only 40 mins from wor N'cl orifice. Mind - one thing put me off (apart from the foot & mouth). I got stuck in two snow drifts trying to reach it one day. And to cap it all, there's no mobile phone reception. So it does have benefits. Great area - I could retire there. Mind, the way I'm feeling, I could retire anywhere right now ;-)

-- Anonymous, April 24, 2001

Hepple eh !, mm , careful True , Len Hepple comes to mind, remember him !, did he assist the Toon or S`Lun with their balance problems, way back, Pop Robson`s father in law of Prudhoe dancin fame, call the hoose FTSE

-- Anonymous, April 25, 2001

Saturday was definately a nervewracking time for me. It was made worse by the fact my husband would not go out to watch the match. It was the first Derby game we have watched together. I suppose it made it more like being at the game ;-) but it felt like hell to me ! Only consolation was he couldn't wear his strip since I've finally successfully ruined it in the wash. Kats

-- Anonymous, April 25, 2001

Screach - yes that's what attracted me - nee communication with the outside world - I'm working 2 days per week at N'cle Univ. and apart from getting to SJP that's the extent of my travelling. Fantastic views of the Coquet and the Simonside Hills - can't wait to get there- probably July.
Buff, FTSE - hey man the bliddy hoose has been up for some time, divvn't want it to gaan doon.
Pop Robson and ballet - rings a bell. Must have been the inspiration behind Billy Elliot.
Remember Pop in a English League v Scottish League game at SJP - head swathed in bandages galloping down the right wing - nowt balletic about that.

-- Anonymous, April 25, 2001

Hepple connection with table tennis as well as dancing ??

-- Anonymous, April 25, 2001

No to mention the Fandango Night Club in Hexham. Happy nights!

-- Anonymous, April 25, 2001

Fandango? Is that now the infamous Dontino's?

-- Anonymous, April 25, 2001