There is a list of rumoured pre-season friendlies on the NUFC.com web-site.

Not many teams of note to play apart from Athletico Bilbao for Rob Lee's testimonial and perhaps Sheff Wed. The rest are small teams, with all respect and I was wondering what people's opinions are on the strength of opponents?

Play a strong team and see how the team fare against decent opposition or play poor teams in the hope that we'll get a good confidence building win?

-- Anonymous, May 21, 2001

Answers

Don't play any teams with something to prove that will make stupid tackles and injure our players(ala Columbus!). At least for this summer. ;-)

Seriously though, I wonder if maybe it's better to have a slightly 'easier' preseason this time around. Maybe give us more of a chance to work on tactics and get players' confidence up after the season we've all had to endure.

-- Anonymous, May 21, 2001

I would imagine Bobby wants as much time on the training pitch as possible and less time travelling.

-- Anonymous, May 21, 2001

F'king China. I've never booked a summer holiday hoping I could surrepticiously sneak in a friendly, coincidently of course, but what chance have I now.

Is it sunny in Sheffield?

-- Anonymous, May 25, 2001

It's been announced that we are sending a Toon XI to play Carlisle at Brunton Park on July 31.

-- Anonymous, May 27, 2001

Isn't that pretty much the day the 1st team squad get back from HK & China ? In which case you'll only get to see the usual collection of bairns & hopefuls at Brunton Park. BTW I'm referring to the NUFC players when I say that - not any from this bbs that choose to show up !!

PS. boy do I miss Carlisle - not

-- Anonymous, May 28, 2001