Loyalty bonus for Toon's super fan May 7 2002

By The Evening Chronicle Superfan Pete Osborne today had 15,000 reasons to carry on his love affair with Newcastle United.

For loyal Pete has pocketed £15,000 in prize money after being named football supporter of the year.

The dedicated Magpie makes a 700-mile round trip from his home in Margate to be at every match at St James's Park.

He leaves his house in Kent before 8am to make sure he can make the six-hour journey in time for kick-off in Newcastle.

Season-ticket holder Pete has spent thousands of pounds on making sure he can cheer on his heroes from the terraces.

But his amazing loyalty to United was rewarded when he scooped the coveted title Fan of the Year.

He said: "I love Newcastle United and haven't missed a home match for years.

"It's cost a lot of money and time but nothing beats following the Toon.

"I couldn't believe it when I was named supporter of the year but I don't think there are many people who travel 750 miles for every home game."

The announcement was made during a VIP weekend in Cardiff where Pete and the other seven finalists were treated to slap-up hospitality at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.

Pete watched Arsenal celebrate a 2-0 win over Chelsea before he landed a trophy of his own.

He beat off competition from Peterborough supporter Cicely Winterton and Carlisle fanatic Paul Graves.

Pete was presented with the winning cheque by former Liverpool and England captain Emlyn Hughes.

Pete's win also means that Newcastle will receive a £1,000 donation to its Football in the Community scheme.

The Toon Army already boasts some of the most loyal fans in the world.

Last year the Chronicle told how a group of Magpie-mad Americans who travelled thousands of miles to see their heroes completed an unwanted hat-trick.

Newcastle fans Jimmy Whited, Manohar Venkataraman and Mark Resnik had tickets for the abandoned Southampton game and had to go home before the Liverpool clash after it was put back a day for Sky television. After travelling over 12,000 miles their attempt to see their first match at St James's Park Arsenal's game against United was also put back.

-- Anonymous, May 08, 2002

Answers

ardent performer

-- Anonymous, May 08, 2002

Not exactly in the same vein, but I watched a Ray Mears programme on Monday in which he was millions of miles away in the middle of Oz, picking up survival tips from abos.

This one abo, looked about 150 years old, was wearing this hacky black and white(?) wooly hat that looked nearly as old as he did, and right across the front was the awe inspiring word MAGPIES.

I could hardly believe my eyes, I mean, when could he ever have found time to get to a club shop ?

-- Anonymous, May 08, 2002

He might be an Aussie rules Collingwood (iirc) supporter.

-- Anonymous, May 08, 2002

Thanks Softie. That's another illusion shattered :-{E}

-- Anonymous, May 08, 2002

Or it maybe a relic from the Western Suburbs Magpies (ARL) rugby league team....

-- Anonymous, May 08, 2002

Nah - it was Gus.

-- Anonymous, May 08, 2002

Thought he would have followed the West Coast Eagles what with them having an aboriginee in the side.....about 12 years ago when it was on the telly over here.

-- Anonymous, May 08, 2002

I wondered where that beanie had got to Screacher.

Softie, why would I support the West Coast Eagles even if they had an Aboriginal in the side? (They have several by the way) oh (and they are not too keen on the term "abo" either)

-- Anonymous, May 08, 2002