Christmas Tree

My two penneth. Putting personalities (who I dont know) to one side, quite a bit of what he says echos what a lot of Newcastle fans have said this week. I would advise adding this to the learning curve and moving on.

When a respected observer of all things Newcastle United contacted me back in September to notify the Evening Chronicle of the formation of NUSC I was delighted to hear that finally Newcastle United fans would have a positive voice. Gone would be the days of the muppets in tracky bottoms at Gallowgate being whipped into a frenzy by the Sky TV cameras so that the rest of the nation could not tar the rest of us Geordies with the same brush. Instead it would be the group preparing statements that reflected the views of members and somebody who could reflect that to the right people. Sadly that hasn't turned out to be the case with many of the 50,000 fans who turn up at St James's Park not opting to sign up to the group. And the ones that are in the group prepared to spout out half formed thoughts on behalf of other members who may not agree with what they have to say. The idea of NUSC is fantastic and it's extremely healthy to have a voice for the fans who can challenge the powers that be at St James's Park for positive changes in the future. In my humble opinion as a fan who has several family members who hold season tickets and are deeply concerned about the club's future, NUSC is a fantastic idea that can work given the right leadership and representation. Am I a member? No. Could I persuaded like thousands of others who also aren't? Quite possibly. Sitting back and doing nothing is not a positive option but, speaking as a Toon fan, observer and in this case not a journalist, after a recent Supporters Panel Meeting all representatives of NUSC on that night have achieved is making the group look like unorganised chaos by arguing like children. Pressing Derek Llambias for answers was one thing but trying to talk over the guy when he wasn't spouting the answers we all want to hear was just pointless and didn't do anybody any favours - at the end of the day no matter what people ask Llambias or in the future Mike Ashley, they will defend their own actions on the whole. The main culprit being Michael Teasdale who has nominated himself as an unofficial spokesman of Toon fans under the banner of NUSC and made himself heard on the night. Teasdale is believed to have drafted a report of how a Supporters Panel Meeting supposedly unfolded at St James's Park, a report that has been ridiculed by fans on popular fan website www.newcastle-online.org. While some of the comments from Llambias were on the whole accurate, there was an incredible amount of spin on just how the meeting turned out. The questions posed did not take things on any further and only turned into a heated discussion because the tone from the floor wasn't diplomatic. For starters, Llambias certainly wasn't flanked by local journalists on the way into the meeting. Utter garbage and utter lies. I was too busy chatting to two more realistic Toon fans who later failed to get in their questions because Teasdale was more intent on letting the whole room hear his voice even though all that was coming out of his mouth was hot air. Certainly in my three decades of following the Toon, especially on away buses like Keith Barrett's Toon Travel and the Monkseaton Mags coach ran by Simon (aka Guru) I didn't see Teasdale cracking the beers open at 6am in the morning on the way to places like Tranmere, Grimsby and any other far flung outpost that have been clocked up by other supporters' groups and coach services down the years, before the days of the internet and mobile phones. An as far as invited journalists nodding in agreement with Llambias, I use this Blog as my right to reply. And I can state this is again another inaccurate statement that holds no substance simply malicious lies, which poses the question do NUSC know that one member is publishing libelous material that isn't getting them anywhere? And as far as NUSC is concerned, is a member arguing with journalists at a rare meeting with Llambias only eating into time that was wasted for others who failed to ask the questions they wanted to ask? The Chronicle and the Journal turned up to report the meeting and did so to the best of their ability within the contraints of media law - unlike Teasdale's inaccurate account of what happened on the night. Teasdale was later revelling in his new found "fame" and excitedly told the Journal: "His (Derek Llambias) explanations were fair enough." Here is a transcript of how the Chron reported the meeting. http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/north-east-...72703-23007850/ And the Journal went with... http://www.journallive.co.uk/north-east-ne...61634-23004127/ Surely using the local press as a vehicle to get the views of NUSC across to 250,000 readers per day has to be an positive option? The report about the meeting which 23 people attended, is available on www.newcastle-online.org/nufcforum/index.php/topic,60517.0.html and has sparked some interesting poinst discussed by its forum members. The NUSC group needs to stick together because with the team in grave danger of going down, fans are going to need a proper voice because even if the team stays up, there are tough days ahead.

is no one starting a match thread for teams etc

Have read some of the ego battles elsewhere and hope it is a bit more constructive over here. I also hope Peaspud takes a lot of this in the spirit it is meant and realises it is a good way for NUSC and its members / potential members to communicate whilst awaiting the relevant forum. Hopefully at least in this thread it can be constructive AND informative each way and from all sides.

First of all, I thought it was impossible for peter Beardsley to look any uglier. Fuck me quazzi. I think your post is excellent and there are a lot of supporters who feel the same. I also fear that the chance to create a great supporters club could be lost. I have read on other forums comments from many fans who detest the regime but cant seem to gel with NUSC. However.... I think the appointment of a very good PR man should improve this weeks own goal. Peaspud has advised that a new web site is being created that will include a section for members. The likes of you and me and others should really turn up to one of these meetings and at least try to get our views across. The truth may be that the original "Hardcore" are unable or unmotivated to change from the hard line protest into a genuine supporters club and only time will tell. Personally my first ever post on here was arguing with Peaspud about NUSC and while still always on the defensive, I think he's adjusted his stance somewhat. Anyway, again great post

Good stuff about the PR. Was the meeting a good un.

Not sure if there is somewhere to post stuff like this which amused me. Its from a liverpool fans website and is a guide to st james. Particularly liked this quote; "Very impressive ground, feels kind of like approaching a Continental European ground when you walk up to it (coupled with not being able to understand the locals" http://www.redandwhitekop.com/forum/index.php?topic=95682.0

PR PR PR PR PR PR and more PR So far all the PR about NUSC is with regard to the protests. Unfortunately this has split fans and some see NUSC as a one issue group. While this may have been the catalyst in its formation, there is also a desire that it will develop into a fantastic supporters club. An ongoing PR campaign needs to be started that focuses on the brand building of NUSC. How its helping Fans How its working with the club on issues Etc Papers love PR (Free journalism) and with the right contacts it is possible to run good stories regularly. NUSC has over 1000 members and there will be a wealth of Newcastle related stories that can be mixed in with NUSC to create good PR. There are also some very good PR agencies based in Newcastle that have owners that are Newcastle fans. I am sure some of these would be only too happy to help out. Premises As Ive mentioned elsewhere, I think having a base for the supporters club similar to the Arsenal "model" would be a big plus. I appreciate prices etc etc, but again a canny little PR story in the local rags about NUSC trying to find premises close to the ground might un-earth offers from wealthy benfactors. Maybe rent free for a couple of years, who knows. http://www.arsenalsupportersclub.co.uk/ima...rs_club_bar.jpg

While there are many forums and threads discussing NUSC, can we create this one to allow for positive suggestions and ideas that may help the Supporters Club develop over the coming months years. Forums have all sorts of people from all sorts of backgrounds and on this forum, we all have the interest of Newcastle united at heart. That should lead to a wealth off suggestions over the years that may or may not be taken onboard by the committee of NUSC. Some suggestions will be whacky, some too ambitious and some just unfeasable, however the odd gem of inspiration may come through that assists the current band of volunteers in moving things forward.

The Doc breaks the news that you have 4 weeks left --- What do you do; a. Sell everything, re-start smoking and high cholesterol products, Ferry to Amsredam followed by Drink, Drugs and Dirty women. b. Organise a family party "to say goodbye" and renew wedding vows / marry the love of your life. c. Track down those on your most hated list with a wry smile and AK47 d. Join NUSC and hope you still have enough time to persuade Ashley and Wise to go. Or......

So who has anyone met or had a connection too the rich and famous? I have several and will start with in my street. Apparrently Don Revie used to Live next door to us and the beatles once stayed over for a night in a house several doors from ours! Before my time. I have also met Keegan several times, including a trip to his house in John Halls estate, (name escapes me). Sir Bobby, Peter Beardsley, Gazza and Denise Welch on many occasions who is a hoot.

Couldnt see a thread already for these. Naturally more Kudos to home made ones. Two for starters. A lady who lived on a hill Used dynamite sticks for a thrill They found her vagina In North Carolina And bits of her tits in Brazil There was a young vampire called Mabel With periods exceedingly stable By the light of the moon She sat down with a spoon And drank herself under the table There was a compendium of lies From Ashley and Mini Me Wise The supporters kept tally And joined in a rally And promised to buy no more pies.

Dont know if anyone else has done this. Think its now about £12 a head. Did it during the Derby last year and have to say it was brilliant. Best bit was walking down and then out of the tunnel seeing the ground loom large ahead. I would reccomend anyone to do it and if possible make sure its a match day as theres a real buzz going on behind the scenes and more real stuff to see.

Just read the latest statement on their website: NUSC Rally - Sunday 22nd February 2pm The Rally arranged by NUSC on Sunday is planned to raise NUSC's desire for Newcastle United Supporters to unite together in support of Newcastle United and where it stands in our hearts. NUSC believes that this is a critical point in our season and that unity is strength when it comes to shaping the future direction of the Club both on and off the field. The timetable is as follows +2pm - entertainment by the Newcastle Drum Band 2.30pm speaking opportunity 2.50pm - musical interlude 3.00pm - second speaking opportunity 3.10pm - live music from "Oh Lads" 3.20pm - third speaking opportunity 3.30pm - musical finale and orderly disperse to St James' Park for what hopefully will be 3 well earned points come 6pm. (these times are flexible and may be liable to change) the "staging" area will be at the south side of the monument facing down towards Grey St. The whole emphasis will be on generating a fun, carnival atmosphere. We hope to have flags and banners on display and we welcome supporters to bring along and display their own flags. There will be an opportunity for those who wish to, to take up membership of NUSC. Some members have requested that NUSC petition the executives of Newcastle United therefore members will be seeking support for the petition during the course of the rally. There will be stewards on hand, wearing hi visibility jackets who will be there to assist anyone who requires help and a low key but nonetheless obvious police presence will be in the vicinity; as there would be on any normal match day. NUSC politely request that those attending the rally pay respect to those who wish to go about their normal sunday shopping experience and allow them to do so with the minimum of distraction. We would also like to emphasise that this is not a protest and no march is planned or sanctioned nor permission requested by NUSC.

Mobile Broadband - The thingy that makes your laptop work when out and about Apologies if there is already a dedicated topic for this. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Been looking all morning at all the mind boggling deals fake free laptops etc. My conclusion is that its far cheaper to buy the lap top and mibile broadband seperately. o2 charge about 14.50 a month on a 24 month contract 3gb allowance where as vodaphone, if you go via the cash back website quidco.com you can get £90 cashback effectively making your mobile broadband £7.50 a month Found this through the moneysavingexpert.com website which is very useful for deals. Not signing up for a day or two so if anyone knows any better deals, please advise.

Sky News Friday 13th 2009 "A widow who lost her husband in the September 11 attacks is reportedly among the 50 people who died when a plane crashed near Buffalo". Planes eh!

I know this has been discussed in other topics this man really needs a topic of his own to thrash it out. He is the most powerful person in our club that knows anything about football. Before and since he arrived he has been slagged to oblivion, mainly for been one of those irritating players that you love to hate. However he is out there trying to recruit the cream of the world football talent for our club. More over, in the position we are now in, he could be just the person to take over the reins and get us to safety. Ex England Pro Succesful Chelsea Manager Managed a lower league team to the cup final Has an average success ration of 47% with leeds Realistically whoever we can drag in for the next 13 games will be reporting to him anyway, so why not just let him get on with it. I would rather have someone like him with balls and a fierce desire to succeed on the sideline than Hughton or B Robson or Venables. Come on Dennis, Save our season (And yes Alex I know, smb or wum )

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/115666-...vide-the-answer