Those of us so rudely cut off from teh party via webcast are eagerly awaiting every detail of eyewitness reports from those of you lucky enough to be at SJP today. Post 'em here!

-- Anonymous, April 27, 2002

Answers

Ah need to keep Partying. :-)

-- Anonymous, April 27, 2002

I saw a bit of it on TV. The atmosphere was incredible. Shearer out with his 2 girls and son, Bellamy and kid, Speed and kid. Huge banner being paraed around "We'll see you all next season" and "thank you for your support" on the 'B' side. Nice pic of Distin and O'Brien embracing each other. I await the eye witness reports with baited breath!

-- Anonymous, April 27, 2002

Here's a brief report as I haven't got long.

The first half was basically non-existent for us apart from a few minor spells.

Lua and Robert had some great link ups but that was it.

EXCEPT FOR a superb pass through the defence by Robert straight into Shearer's path. Almost a copy of the goal against Charlton with a similar finish.

Their goal was pretty good, but static defending didn't help. A ball over the top (how many times have we been caught by that one?) dropped once, bounced, and Defoe hit it on the half volley into the corner.

West Ham, in truth could and perhaps should have added to the lead, but we hung on.

The second half was completely different. We went straight at them from the off, with some of Robert's crossing superb and Bernard linking up well with him on the left. The second came for us after a quick break. Robert ended up with the ball and hit a stinging shot towards the goal which James could only parry. Lua had the easy task of hitting it in from 6 yards.

The third was again on the break, a ball knocked forward and Robert's first touch was to lift it high to the left (to the right from the keeper's perspective) which hit the post. Thankfully he followed up to net his tenth goal of the season - that's the same number of goals Kevin Phillips has scored for Sunderland this season.

Overall we were pretty good. Solano had some good moments as did Speed. Dyer ran less than usual and didn't seem in the game, despite making a couple of good runs forward. Bernard did really well at left back and I'll be interested to see how he does against Southampton if selected. Dabizas had some good moments as well, but still looked a bit lost when long balls came in. Distin was much better in that respect and did nowt wrong after coming on.

Hughes did ok, not as good as during his purple patch, but certainly not his worst game by any means. Lua tried his best but some things just didn't come off. His passing wasn't too clever, but he still got his goal. Shearer won his fair share of goal kicks (ie holding the ball up after one of them) and scored basically his only chance in the game. Can't argue with that. (actually he went narrowly wide after a free kick as well :) )

But the star of the show was Laurent Robert. Apart from a coupld of tackles where he seemed to pull out early to avoid injury (may be sensible with hindsight) he was superb. His close control and ability to beat his man with ease was simply unmatched, and performances like that win matches.

He basically created everything today. Even his goal had no right to be scored. Well done to him, more of that next season and we'll do pretty well.

-- Anonymous, April 27, 2002

Nice to see that Sunderland got one more mention than Newcastle eh Paul?????????????????????????????????

-- Anonymous, April 27, 2002

Paul's report provides a good summary of an enjoyable 45 minute finale to the season at SJP - the 1st half was turgid, uninspired cr@p from the Toon during which Dabz, after being at fault on their goal, did his level best to lay the game on a plate for WHU. He was truly awful, and we must see better defending than this next season.

Completely different picture in the 2nd half during which we played some lovely football, and where for some inexplicable reason Laurent Robert caught fire and destroyed a very decent WHU side who created a number of good chances and who kept going till the end.

Out of the blue, LR's entire demeanour changed: for once he seemed completely involved in the game, moved around looking for the ball, chased and tackled back, encouraged those around him, and ran at the heart of a West Ham defence that simply couldn't cope with him in full flight. In spells he was simply awseome, and yet again he produced the goods - scored one, assists on the other two. Hopefully, this was a taster for what we can expect from this hugely talented player next season.

O'brien had a good 1st half and his replacement Distin did well in a 2nd half during which Dabz also played much better. Solano again worked his socks off, but unusually for him his final ball was often lacking.

Lx3 was back to his most infuriating, but his recent spell in the team and the goals he has scored will have done him wonders. Shearer was again excellent, putting away his one clear chance in style, and leading the team superbly. Of some concern, he had extensive treatment for a heavy knock on his 'bad' ankle, and was slightly limping during the lap of honour. Despite the rumours, he was not subbed to enable him to take the acclaim of the crowd - typical of the man, given the PL Golden Boot is still up for grabs.

I thought most of our difficulties today were in m/f, where Speed and Dyer were never really in full control. Nevertheleless, an enjoyable climax to a wonderful season, with genuine progress having been made, and a CL place secured. Well done the lads - overall, you've done us really proud.

-- Anonymous, April 27, 2002

Never a dull moment when YBR speaks! Last week it was the poetic "Lua Lua, hes a gymnastic sort of guy, very fantastic"- this week he has his own way of describing LR's lethargic play! :-)

"And Laurent was the same. Laurent, in my opinion, was poorish in the first-half, scintillating in the second half.

"He's been involved in everything, all the three goals. He actually got the ball and he ran at the defender - we told him to in French, in Latin, in everything, just to get involved, just to go at the full-back and get behind him, not just get the ball and pass it.

"He's different class when he's like that. There's nothing better in the country than him when he's like that. When he's not like that, he's like me."

-- Anonymous, April 27, 2002

Great day great (half) game.

The pattern of games at SJP is becoming so predictable recently that you wonder why the opposition manager doesn't send his team out with the words "Whatever you do don't bliddy score first" ringing in their ears.

I don't think I've known a time like this at SJP. I feel very confident we can beat anybody. We were playing some very lifeless stuff in the first half but when WHam went ahead I just smiled and thought "You've made a big mistake there!" And so it proved. Gradually we dragged ourselves back into it and Robert's ball to release Shearer was a work of genius. So was Shearer's finish. It looks so easy for him but you look at any other striker in a one on one - Al is still just about the most lethal there is.

I'll endorse just about all said above - Robert was superb - 1 goal, 2 assists and several other assists that were not converted - Man of the Match. Nobby had a very tidy game. Lua was off to a shaky start with some poor distribution but came good later with the goal and some excellent final passes which could have supplied goals. There were no poor performances and hopefully Bernard is about to make the left back slot his own. Shame for Elliot but at least his little boy brought the house down with some ace shooting from 5 yards out during the post match parade!

A wonderful little cameo from Robson in the second half. A long high ball sailed into touch and was heading towards the dug out where the Toon manager skillfully brought the ball under control with a single deft touch. A tremendous roar from the crowd was greeted by a delighted Robson raising both arms to the fans. How I bet he wishes his dad could see him now, this mighty crowd of which he and Robson senior were once a small part, now entirely in the palm of YBR. I'm sure Robson knows he is a very lucky man.

The Parade was a bit special. This is where the passion of the Toon Army is on show and you could tell the players felt it. Bellamy was even videoing the crowd at one point. These are wonderful moments for them to remember as well as us.

A great day to cap a momentous season, a season when United returned to the upper reaches of the Premier and contested the title until the closing weeks, following an absence from the top of some 5 years. Let's hope we are here to stay this time and it would be nice to win something as well - but I'll settle for at least being in contention if the great referee in the sky deems that we are indeed never to win anything - this feels good.

-- Anonymous, April 27, 2002

Thanks for the reports folks. Especially Jonno for capturing some of the flavour of the celebrations. Desperately wish I could have been there, but the next best thing is reading all the reports. :-)

Love Bobby's comments on how he got Robert performing in the second half. So that's the secret...tell Robert he's looking like a 69yr old man when he seems content to meander around the pitch. ;-)

-- Anonymous, April 27, 2002

Thanks very much indeed. Great to read it all.

-- Anonymous, April 27, 2002

Played it live here in NZ, so am bleary eyed and havent rewatched the tape yet.

However some rambling impressions rather than a match report...

Dour first half, we were pedestrian in the center of the midfield, Speed and Dyer were just bypassed at will. Lua-Lua had a dose of Cort syndrome for a while - due mainly to tight pressure from the WHAM boys as soon as he got the ball - they have noticed that he needs a second touch to get it under control. Having said that he still had enough tricks in his bag to upset them more than most would, a few neat through balls nearly put us in a couple of times. Al didnt get a sniff for the first 40. WHAM should have had at least 4 or 5, Kanoute caused us all sorts of problems in the air and Dabz just isnt good enough for long enough to close the door. Will worry if Bobby doesnt get a CB and LB for the CL. Bernard was generally good and his distribution and speed are well above Elliots. Reminds me more of Bez, and for somme reason we were more comfortable in that area with Distin on - another left-footer, to cover when he went on sorties. In fact early second half we were piling down the left channel more than I have ever seen this season. Robert was on fire, I really think he waits until all three frogs are on the pitch to turn it on and prove the 'gallic' superiority. Then again I could be a paranoid anglo and should just recognise that 3 natural left footers balance the team up much better than 1. As I was saying, impressions of the second half was that we had a different team, most of the play was down the left channel, Speed came into it a bit more but Dyer was still a shadow of the player we have seen - despite Bobby telling him to get out and fight for his ingerland place. The best I have seen him imho, has been in tandem with Jenas, with each taking in turns to drop back and pulling then oppo all over. Back to the game - Roberts ball to Shearer was perfect, splitting WHAM all over and leaving them doing the Arse salute like puddings whilst Al thumped the ball past our old pal Mr James. Woke the crowd up a little - but not for long. The second was again a Robert thumper that spilled out and LLL was on hand to hit the net - cue a single flip. Robert got the third, a lovely flick over and round the goalie that hit the post, everyone else stopped (I think they thought it was in anyway) but Robert sprinted after it and pounced on it as though his life depended on it. After that there was no way back for WHAM, Cole and Kanoute had a couple of nice moves and half chances but their hearts really werent in it. Speed and Dyer hashed a couple of chances and eventually Bobby subbed LLL and Dyer (who looked well p!$$@d off) for Jenas and Cort. Cue a match which drifted to a conclusion satisfying to around 51,750 people in the stadium all of whom seemed to be wearing B&W. Other nice bits? Bobby trapping a wayward cross-field pass from Al with more aplomb than Hughes did all afternoon, Hughes new haircut - standard shave please, Al nearly rounding James and grinning from ear to ear even though it was taken off his toe-end, Robert seemed thrilled with his second half performance, Als & LLLs Goal as well as his own. All in all a satifyng last game at SJP for the season - we have another gear and used it in the second half. I will bet that teams will be actually quaking in their boots next season if tehy score first - however I dont expect they will as Bobby will cure our first half ineptness. We have scored nearly twice as many goals in the second half as thw first and have come from behind at least 12 times. The only reason we didnt actually win the championship this season was down to two things - the 4 or 5 games where we never hit that higher gear and our inability to keep a clean sheet - look at our goals against column - too high!

One more to go, then I dig out the tapes for a months, watch the world cup, listen to the rumour mill on here, wait for the fixture list, the CL draw and check out the Sky schedule. (luckily the SKY sports controller in NZ seems to be a Mag - we have had a quarter of the toon games beamed out either live or as a full game a few hours later)

Been peeing down so I have just rewatched the home games against Leeds and Man U. Jeez I had forgotten how ugly the Leeds game was and how funny Keane was. Also forgotten how good a RB Griffen was - need to get him back in the frame for the CL andnext season - who else have we got at RB?

Adios Ladies and Gents.

-- Anonymous, April 28, 2002

Thanks for the great reports folks! Jonno`s description of the postmatch celebrations were a particular pleasure to read. Like Ciara, I would have sold my soul to be there to see it. The little bit I saw on motd was wonderful and left me with a great big lump in my throat. Well done lads, well done Bobby - you`ve done us proud! (:o)

-- Anonymous, April 28, 2002

Unfortunately Sky footy coverage covers the match. Thats it. No pre- match build-up, no half-time analysis, no end of match summary - so we got to see NOTHING of the celebrations. Have a few down the Quayside for me, be back for a visit in 2003 - bloody close season though...

-- Anonymous, April 28, 2002

Robbie Elliott's little lad was an absolute star at half-time. Kicking a ball round the pitch completely unfazed by 50,000 cheering Geordies. Kicked it into the goal and ran to the Gallowgate with both arms raised. Wonderful.

-- Anonymous, April 28, 2002

I felt really sad for Robbie Elliott yesterday, and his young son's instant stardom made it all the more poignant.

I'm sure he came back to SJP full of hope and anticipation. After what must have been a disappointing season for him personally, he wasn't even in a track- suit for the final home game, and accordingly, I'm sure he didn't really feel part of the celebrations.

He seems a smashing blerk, a terrific professional, and a dyed in the wool Geordie, and yet his 2nd stint at SJP looks like proving to be a let down. Despite his problems this season, I'd like to see him get at least another season - even though it seems likely to be strictly as a squad player.

Whoever said it was easy being a Geordie?

-- Anonymous, April 28, 2002

Couldn't agree more Clarky. Not good enough I'm afraid and it hurts to say it. I'm pleased he is at least not being subjected to abuse from any quarter, simply being constructively criticised. It's a shame that Barton was not accorded the same dignity when he played his heart and soul out for us for so long.

Of course, there is no place for sentiment in the team pick and we have to continue to seek improvement in every place on the park, whilst continuing to hold the squad together as a team - which is probably YBR's greatest advantage over his two predecessors.

-- Anonymous, April 28, 2002

Despite that, Elliott played his part in possibly our most important victory - Leeds away.

Had we not done the double over Leeds, they would be above us right now (probably) and Chelsea as well would probably be above.

He hasn't exactly set the world on fire with his performances, but he has played his part in our success this season

-- Anonymous, April 28, 2002

He has indeed played his part, paul - but somehow I doubt it felt that way for him yesterday.

Unless BR and him have fallen out it would have been nice for him to at least have been on the bench yesterday - we had both JJ and Brian Kerr on the bench as m/f subs. I suppose it shows that BR is not quite the sentimentalist that people think he is.

-- Anonymous, April 28, 2002

Party time!

So, another season is almost over, and who in their right mind would have predicted that we'd finish in the top four when it all started? Not me (but many would say I'm not in my right mind). The day had started off badly. The Stealth Astra © was parked up in good tim ein its usual home-match resting place when I realised I'd left me bliddy ticket at home - all 40 miles away in Rural Northumberland. Sorry Ma, no time for me dinner - have to dash. Well, suffice to say, I made it, despite being stopped by GNER's best at Stannington for the third time that day and I managed to catch the bus to Toon in tie to meet Steph with a speare ticket for a mat eof mine. But it was touch and go.

Inside the ground, you had the feeling of general contentedness. The crowd started off in good voice but this was soon to disappear as the team didn't respond in kind. I short, the first half was woeful and we couldn't have complained had we gone in at HT 2 or three in arrears. As it was, Shearer's 203rd Premiership strike after a super through ball from Robert had brought us level after Jemain Defoe had lost his marker and shot Wham into an early lead. Profligacy in front of goal and a good save by Shay kept us in it.

What must now be the customary half-time rollicking from YBR certainly did the trick and it seemed that the roles were reversed with Toon being well on top after the break. Our 2nd came in bizzare circumstances. A through ball looked like a comfortable catch for David James - England's Number One if the Wham fans were to be believed :) but instead, he chose to dive and head the ball clear, straight to Laurent Robert. Give James (slight) credit for the subsequent save from Robert's shot but the ball fell kindly to our own circus act who calmly slotted the ball intot he empty net. A rather subdues celebration follwed, perhaps due to YBR's concern for him picking up a groin strain after his exuberant celebration last week!

Toon were well on top by now and the crowd responded well (we only sing when we're..............), and the change around on the park was no more noticeable than in Robert. To say he was fired up (compared with first half and much of the rest of the season) is an understatement and he ran on to a fantastic long ball from Solano to lob the advancing James. However, the ball bounced back from the post but the Frenchman was aware and follwed up to slip the ball into the net. One goal and two assists from the enigmatic Frenchman. Why oh why can't he play like this more regularly??

Anyway - the final whistle arrived and the party atmosphere really took over. Banners thanking us for our support (and please come back next season) along with waved flags by the players were as numerous as their offspring, with Dabs, Shearer, Speed and Bellamy (?) displaying their proud parental pleasures. Buut make no mistake - there was one hero who stood out above all others. Arms outstretched, blowing kisses to the crowd and drinking in the well-deserved adulation, the white haired owd bu99er led his heroes on their lap of honour.

And so to the Straabeery to celebrate. What's this? Full of glory-drinkers and the queue outside was enough to put off a number of the regulars (including Pit Bill and Clarky) who decided not to bother. However, ever in search of a drink, I tried the side door where there were no bouncers on guard. A bit of a struggle thry the masses and I managed to get a drink, tho there were none of the Clique in sight. Eventually Softie and Steph appeared, followed shortly by Jonno and miraculously the masses of glory-drinkers seemed to evapourate into thin air. A combination of a stomach bug and end-of-season appathy, and we soon joined them, but not before a call from Pit Bill announced that he and Clarky were larging it up in the trendy Fitzgeralds on Grey Street. I tell you - I have never seen either of them with such wide grins on their chops. It must be something to do with the "youthful" clientelle. Anyway - a splendid couple of hours followed, drinking "Workie Ticket" and just reminiscing about the season. The only moment of worry was when a fireman walked in and we thought our evening would be cut short. However, normal service was resumed when he proceded to get his kit off (well, it was pretty warm in there but you'd expect a fireman to be used to that!). I only hope Clarky and Pit Bill didn't get any ideas.

So that was it. Only the Southampton jinx to lay to rest (tickets permitting) and money to save for next year's ST. Thank you NUFC - it's been a great season - far better than expected. And thank you Sir Bobby. If only you'd not had such strong principles when The Messiah left.

-- Anonymous, April 28, 2002

On leaving the Strawberry early with a case of Delhi Belly I tottered to the Metro and unfortunately entered the deadzone when trains to the coast only come along every 40 minutes. Ended up on Benton station waiting for one going all the way and was aware of my nose colouring down to a shade of green, which couldn't be good news. Managed to stay on a train as far as Shiremoor and decided to cut across country rather than risk walking along the main road from West Monkseaton due to some truly alarming gurgling from my rapidly expanding gut. Half a mile from my house I ended up doubled over under a hedge giving praise to Bobby Robson and wandering where the bliddy carrots came from. Honestly, the one day you'd really appreciate a good brew or two and you end up wishing you were dead in some foliage. Felt a bit less grim when I realised that my discomfort was suffered some 100 yards from where that student was killed so worse things happen at sea.

-- Anonymous, April 28, 2002

Softie - I'm gutted for you. Still, it could have been worse - there might have been sweetcorn as well. Sorry you suffered - hope you fee better now. Got your message - I presume you got your answer from my report above.

BTW - I agree about worse things. The police seem to be no further on in finding the killer of that lass.

-- Anonymous, April 28, 2002

there might have been sweetcorn as well.

And Tamata skins!

-- Anonymous, April 28, 2002

Okay, maybe I didn't really mean I wanted to hear every detail.... ;-)

-- Anonymous, April 28, 2002

Sorry can't resist this one.

Remember the Billy Commolly joke, Glasgow drunk throws up in the street all over a small poodle which happens to be passing at the time. The drunk looks down at the unfortunate animal attempting to wriggle out of the diced carrots etc, and with a puzzled look says "A dinna remember eatin' THAT"

-- Anonymous, April 28, 2002