Now, whilst we await a sighting of chimera and anthropowhatsisname the thought occurs to me that there is a scintilla of a chance that we MAY, just may, be playing in Europe next year. (To boldy go where no Mackem has been before).

Mindful of this fact, and also mindful of the Scouts' motto "Be Prepared", I thought it might be useful for us to compile a Euro - Geordie phrasebook for the benefit of the lads and lassies who will be venturing forth to do battle with Johnny Foreigner. Many of you are already well pickled seasoned travellers and may be able to contribute some useful words and phrases for the Geordie who finds himself far from the comforting sight of Grey's Monument, and may need to converse with the locals, some of whom, to this day, stubbornly refuse to speak English in their own countries despite our victory in the war - oh yes - don't mention that of course. I'll start us off - perhaps you can chip in with your ideas.

creche a car accident in Surrey
chez nous get a move on Given
vin ordinaire Ford Transit
belle amie Lightning fast striker
bidet two days before D-Day

Sorry. Wanted to do more. Not well suddenly. Keep the faith. Good luck for the title. Love you all. A finer bunch of people would be hard to imagine.

Much Love - Jonno

-- Anonymous, February 14, 2002

Answers

Sidé the day before D-Day.

-- Anonymous, February 14, 2002

Metz - French team with home ground on the outskirts of Manhattan

-- Anonymous, February 14, 2002

apple strudel - fruit orchard on the site of Southampton's former home ground

-- Anonymous, February 15, 2002

Ajax - Dutch team with home ground on the outskirts of Toronto, overlooking Lake Ontario.

-- Anonymous, February 15, 2002

mais oui - likely to have a piss

-- Anonymous, February 15, 2002

Wiener sNIPzel - cicumcision.

-- Anonymous, February 15, 2002

There has been some mighty words and high falutin phraseolgy on here in the last two days so it may be that Buff is gettin confused but I am a wee bit concerned with Jonno`s last para on his initial post on here, someone Screach/Dougal?, reasure me that all is well with the esteemed one.

-- Anonymous, February 15, 2002

Aye, now you come to mention it, it is a bit worrying. Hope all is well.

-- Anonymous, February 15, 2002

Has anyone heard from Jonno today?

-- Anonymous, February 15, 2002