(I've already posted this somewhere so excuse me if it comes up twice. It just disappeared1)

Some of you may know that I am a member of a dispirate (desperate?) group of NUFC supporters in the north west. There aren't loads of us but we keep in touch, meet for a drink once a month and organise travel, tickets etc. We decided last year to have a player of the season award. Shay won last year and Bellamy won this year.

These fan awards are fairly common and NUFC arrange for the player to be presented with the trophy, usually at the last game of the season. Like last year, we contacted the club who arranged for us to do the presentation at 2.30 before the last game. So 3 of us plus a very excited child arrived at SJP in good time on Saturday. (Of course I really didn't want to do it, had to be dragged there......)

We had to wait by the dug out for CB. He was also due to receive a trophy from the official young supporters club. One of their members had won a prize in order to have the 'honour' of making the presentation.

Well time dragged on and while it was very exciting being down by the pitch on match day, Craig failed to turn up. No reason given. Cue 3 disappointed adults and 2 gutted children.

Now there may be a perfectly reasonable explanation for this. Craig doesn't strike me as someone who would deliberately snub a fans award. However you'd have thought in this day of mobile phones etc, somone might have known where he was. Apparently he was aware of it. (According to the club rep anyway).

Of course we will be in contact with the club again over this and will wait to hear what they say. But it did leave a bit of a sour taste to proceedings, especially for the young uns.

(I was heard to mutter, 'well if he doesn't want it - lets give it to Shearer.' - any excuse to meet the great man!)

-- Anonymous, April 28, 2002

Answers

That's a real shame Lynda. I hope there's a good excuse. At least you have one for not joining the clique inthe Straabeery!

-- Anonymous, April 28, 2002

One day I WILL make it to the Strawberry - next season now of course.

-- Anonymous, April 28, 2002

You may be too late Lynda - the hot rumour is that the Strawberry Clique may be about to move next season! I wonder if it's just you pet? Stood up by Craig as well eh? Disappointing that. Can't imagine any player would deliberately snub such an occasion so there must be a good explanation but it's a shame for your party.

Never mind if the venue does change full details will be published here (ad infinitum).

As the founding father of The Strawberry Clique Aa can remember when the place was aaall strawberries - nearly.

-- Anonymous, April 28, 2002

Well if it's moving I nominate the Leazes on Barrack Road. I've been there before quite a few matches and you can always find room (even seats), get served easily, big screen TV and you can even park there. 10 minutes healthy walk to the ground.

-- Anonymous, April 28, 2002

Clarky and Pit Bill fancied Fitzgeralds on Grey Street..............or was it the fireman and his "crew"?

-- Anonymous, April 28, 2002

Lynda - that's a very disturbing story. Perhaps the guy is a bigger @rsehole than we thought.

Fitzgeralds was just a thought - based on i) being able to get in and ii) actually being able to get a seat. I'm not wedded to the idea and would happily give Pilgrim's suggestion a try - especially if you can park there as well.

Somehow I suspect we'll be back at The Strawberry next season as it's the spiritual home of this bbs where casual visitors and ex-pats always know where to find us.

-- Anonymous, April 28, 2002

I think I could still be going to the Straabeery for afters, but could fancy a change of venue for aperitifs.

-- Anonymous, April 28, 2002

.... in fact the very opposite of Jonno's suggestion on another "transfer" thread!! I'm glad us young 'uns aren't so bloody contrary! ;o{)

-- Anonymous, April 28, 2002

That's too bad, Lynda. I was wondering how you'd gotten on. Perhaps Bellers was stuck in line at Tesco due to some crazed woman jumping the queue. ;-) Seriously, I hope the club, and Bellamy(!), make it up to you all next season.

-- Anonymous, April 28, 2002

Sorry to hear of that, Lynda. But I expect with the news that Bellend is taking an early break this season he was 'tired and emotional' from watching the game on Saturday.

Address any complaints to YBR for fullest effect I reckon.

-- Anonymous, April 29, 2002