There was a reception for the Scottish footy team last night at the Consulate's residence and although there were no Laws, Baxters or Dalgleishs to swoon over there was a one Gary Caldwell. Had a longish chat with him and he seems a very decent level-headed lad. More to the point he is thrilled to belong to NUFC and says he wants to stay.. Whether this means forever regardless, or if he was in the first squad reckoning, I dunno but there was no doubting his sincerity and love of the club, fans and place. Actually shares a flat on the Quayside with Brian Kerr(?) and his father lives in Cramlington. We were talking about the various players and at the end of the coversation he left me with this "Derek...........but theres only one Shearer!!!". This was said in a manner not of hero-worship, but of deep respect which seemingly runs through the team. Makes one think. The media has desperately tried to find cool relationship within the team but recent shots of Shearer and Robert congratulating each other and Alan's praise of YKD show we have fine team spirit. Let Mr Distin go his loss n

-- Anonymous, May 20, 2002

Answers

Fantastic insight - thanks Derek. The reach of this bbs is indeed impressive.

So nice to hear from the horses mouth that this young man isn't the unreasonably impatient youth he has been branded in some quarters, but a talented product of our youth system who simply wants the opportunity to play for us. I only hope he gets it.

-- Anonymous, May 21, 2002

Excellent Derek I wouldn't have had the balls to speak to him myself, more likely to cower in a corner, let's hope that we can hold on to him, even if it means loaning him out for a year.

But if he does go back to Hibs for the year, who'll help Brian Kerr with his rent?

-- Anonymous, May 21, 2002

Gary Caldwell might be a nice guy, but he (and his brother) let his sister marry an Arsenal fan (brother of a neighbour), which is unforgivable.

I see Gary was replaced at half time last night - injury or tactical?

-- Anonymous, May 21, 2002

Thx Derek, this things are always the most interesting to read!

I think it was tacital, at least according to reports.

-- Anonymous, May 21, 2002

Good stuff Derek - I love hearing things like this. Really interesting.

-- Anonymous, May 21, 2002