Reasoning behind supporting Newcastle United.

[south_cheshire_toon 0]

After a bit of thought, and being a member of this forum for awhile, I'm interested to see peoples different perceptions of how the team has done, how it is doing and where it could go.

Also as well I ask myself, how did these people starts supporting the Toon, and what's a bit of their background, as I can imagine only about 75% of this board live in the North East, and as well, how often do they go to a game etc.

 

So, with that small intro, a bit about me and why the Toon.

 

How long a Toon Fan :

 

About 7 years

 

Why the Toon :

 

Felt as though no matter what the score as long as the team gave 100% the fans would be behind them.

Also I was a 'pool supporter and my local team Crewe played them and got their arses kicked, so I thought 'F*ck you scousers'.

 

Location :

 

South Cheshire

 

Toon Games been to :

 

One, Stoke away last year, lost 4-0. Impossible for me to get a ticket in the end of any away games, so have to pick local ones when I get the time off. But have got me ticket for this Monday (located this time near the away end - to get a feel of what it's like.)

 

I have several lined up for the rest of the season - but I have to wait and see if any are possible.

 

Where we have been / are going :

 

I know he is not liked much, but witht he reducing income of football teams from sponsorship and TV, I can see where he is trying to get to with the team and not spending vast sums of money. Hopefully long term ( the next 3 or 4 seasons ) this will be bought out, but only time will tell.

 

Anyway enough from me, anyone else with their two cents worth.

Edited October 26, 2011 by south_cheshire_toon

[KeithJ 0]

How long a Toon Fan :

 

27 years

 

Why the Toon :

 

Dad was a Geordie and thought he would not only bless me with going bald in later life but thought fuck it, he may as well be depressed at never winning a cup. Teaches me for being an impressionable child and getting bribed with the latest kit from the season.

 

Location :

 

Edinburgh

 

Toon Games been to :

 

Got too many to list as I love going down to the toon. Best one - Beating Sunderland 5-1, Worse one - Getting beat 4-1 from Portsmouth. The game where we lost 3 goals in 5 minutes. I remember keeping on looking at the ref thinking something has to be wrong with that.

 

Where we have been / are going :

 

Seen a lot in my time as a fan from players fighting on the pitch, superstar signings, dodgy managers to relegation. I think we have got a good team at the minute because we have bought players who are hungry and came here to prove themselves. The minute Alan Smith leaves then we will leave behind the era of high paid shit that done fuck all for us! Future - Who knows? A trophy win would be nice however I am just proud to go to SJP and sit in the Gallowgate end. I love roaring on my team and I love the excitement of match day. Admittedly I feel a fraud chanting "Geordies!!!"

Edited October 26, 2011 by KeithJ

[McFaul 35]

How long a Toon Fan :

 

26 years

 

Why the Toon :

 

It's my home town club and everyone, literally EVERY single person in my family close and distant support the toon, even my nephews are converted living in London, even though the fatha supports Leeds, the key reasons why anyone should support a club imo

 

Location :

 

Newcastle

 

Toon Games been to :

 

600 easily, easy 600. Probably split 500 homes 100 away - conservatively

 

Where we have been / are going :

 

We'll be alright this season think we'll come 7th or 8th, but we're just like a hen factory now, they've accepted we'll never be able to compete so will get the prices they can for our best players, probably starting next summer with the removal of Cabaye and Tiote. Probably destined to be relatively stable though while "Pards" pays off his casino debts, and can expect 7th-13th till we're bought out by someone with ambition.

[Howay 12496]

How long a Toon Fan :

22 years

 

Why the Toon :

My home town club, entire family (except one now exiled great uncle Man utd glory hunter) are Newcastle fans.

Location :

USA

Toon Games been to :

Season ticket holder from age 12 through to last season (knew I was moving here this season)

Where we have been / are going :

I'm in the same group as Stevie for my opinion on the guys ambition (or lack of), just hope we can keep steady and get some interest from possible owners that have ambition or that Ashley gets some ambition (not likely)

Edited October 26, 2011 by Barton7

[JonTheMag 4]

How long a Toon Fan :

Technically about 11 years, but have only been an active supporter for the last 6 years.

 

Why the Toon :

I was born in SE England, but moved to the States when I was about 4 years old. Didn't like football that much growing up, as I was a massive baseball fan and wanted to be a baseball player. Went on one of my regular trips to England the summer of 2006 after the World Cup, and fell madly in love with football. Needed a team to support, and remembered the Newcastle jersey my Geordie Granddad had bought for me when I was 8. That, and the fact that Michael Owen was my favorite player at the time led me to being a Newcastle fan. That said, there wasn't much debate over what team I'd support: the top 4 we're right out, as I can't stand those bandwagon teams that everyone supports just because they're successful (the Yankees), and I had no local allegiance to any other club (the closest club to Canterbury is Gillingham I believe).

 

Location :

New York/Montreal

 

 

Toon Games been to :

Went to my first games ever this summer. The first was the infamous 2-0 victory of Darlington, where I may or may not have invaded the pitch. Got to pat Joey Barton on the back. Went over to tell Yohan Cabaye that it was my first Newcastle game too, but slipped on the wet grass and slide tackled another supporter. He said it was 'nee bother', which was a relief!

 

My second game was the opening day 0-0 draw with Arsenal.

 

Where we have been / are going :

Not a fan of Ashley, but I really like what Pardew has done with the side. As much as I hated the sacking of Hughton, and the selling of Nolan Barton Carroll and Enrique, I think we're a much more cohesive and varied side than we were this time last year. I think the selling of Nolan in particular was a shrewd move, and despite not agreeing with it at the time, I think the right decision was made. I think Europe is a distinct possibility, and I believe we could very well be an Everton/Villa type of side who is consistently finishing 5th-8th. Assuming Ashley doesn't flog our best players this winter/summer.

[ToonMarshy 2]

How long a Toon Fan :

 

19 years (rough estimate)

 

Why the Toon :

 

I was born abroad whilst me dad was stationed in cyprus, but all of my family were born in Newcastle, and as such i was brought up with my dads love of the toon, and the frequent visits over to see family and catch the occasional game while we were stationed in england.

 

Location :

 

Rutland

 

Toon Games been to :

 

Nowhere near as many as i'd like, as a youngun i probably made it to about a dozen when we would visit family every other year, but since i 'moved out' of my parents and started living on my own, me and other local newcastle fans have been arranging games to go to together home and away. Made it to a couple in the championship (lot of local teams from my area in that season) - most recent games were the away win to birmingham last season and the pre season friendly loss to dirty dirty leeds.

 

Where we have been / are going :

 

Right now it's probably been the greatest time to be supporting the team that i can remember (i was pretty young during our 'golden years' and was happy whenever we did well but had no real understanding of the gravity of what that squad achieved) and every match is approached with a mixed feeling of confidence that we are as strong as we ever have been for some time now - whether by fluke or form - and complete and utter horror that it's going to come crashing down at any moment.

 

Even with the good results so far, and the possibility that they could keep on going through to our 'group of death' games against the top flight., i kind of feel like we are going to be sucker punched in the transfer window by big money offers and departures (not gonna bring up the carroll bore story again but you get my point), a lot of teams are underperforming this season that feel they should be above us, and even if it just took the wind out of our sails and they had no intention of using them, losses of players like tiote, colo, or even S.taylor (cant imagine me ever saying that about taylor a year ago) would seriously put a dent in any momentum we have going come january.

 

All in all though it's hard to be pessimistic about the way we are so far, even when weve played bad and got lucky weve got results out of it, and that same mentality got man utd. a title last year. I'm not saying were gonna win the league or owt, but we are on the right track.

Even so far as the squad goes we seem to have found a starting 11 that will put in a hard shift and grind out results,even the under performers from the past couple of years seeming to find some kind of form whether through necessity to keep their place or some kind of desire for newcastle success is yet to be known. whilst having a patchy in places bench that does contain some game changers and exciting youngsters (easy now...)

 

I'd like to see us lift a trophy this year, or at least qualify for europe, and whilst it's typical 'delusional geordie' talk to rag on in such a way , it's hard not to dream.

 

I feel that once we hit january we'll have a much better understanding of our capabilities this season, for as much as i hate the 'haven't actually been tested yet' and 'got lucky with decisions' arguments, i do agree that after playing a few more heavy hitters, and seeing what the transfer window does to us, the true tenacity of this years squad is going to be shown for what it is, or isnt.

[RobH 0]

How long a toon fan?

18 years, conciously probably more like 12.

 

Why the toon?

Entirity of my Dad's side of the family are/were Newcastle fans.

 

Location

Lived in Newcastle until a few months ago when I moved to Nottingham for university.

 

Toon Games been to...

Not sure, had a season ticket for at least 4 years and was going a lot before I had my own.

 

Where are we going/hav been

I still think we have a long way to go to get back the level of the team I grew up with, Sir Bobby's team. Of course its harder to get there nowadays as there are so many clubs who are willing to spend to get there, something we won't do under this regime. I hope we can do it by the current method but still have my doubts.

[wykikitoon 20801]

How long a Toon Fan :

 

25 Years.

 

Why the Toon :

 

Mother was from Newcastle, Grandad took me to my first game when I was 6. Newcastle v Man City. We won 3-1. My dad was gutted when I got home because all I did was talk about how great it was, how the blokes looked after me (not like that ) and how it was nothing like Leeds centre on a match day, it was black and white. He took me to bell end road a few weeks after and I wanted to leave at HT:lol:

 

I still have family in the area and love visiting the area. Salt of the earth people and sitting on the Quayside looking along the bridges beats the majority of views in the world

 

Location :

 

Leeds

 

Toon Games been to :

 

Quite a few. My uncles and Grandad used to take me to loads, only went to a few away games though as it was mostly time for my Uncles to get pished! When I could drive I got up as much as possible. I have been to about 20 away games and home games, hmmm cant really say, 150ish?

 

Where we have been / are going :

Well, we all loved the trophy signings, the days of Bellers and Dyer tearing up the field (when fit) but those days are over of huge spending and massive outlays. The European football was great, CL, UEFA and we got to see some great footballers at SJP. I was at the home game PSV was a great atmospehere.

 

Without Ashley we would of done a Leeds without a doubt and I appreciate what he has done, however the way he has conducted certain elements of his business its basically slapped us all in the face.

 

Who can compete with Man City, Man Ure, Chelsea and even Liverpool and all their spending power? The Premier League IMO is fubar. However, so far so good this season. I think we can expect us to have decent cup runs and thats it, were not going to challenge for the league nor europe.

[Monroe Transfer 0]

Was forced to at gunpoint.

 

Stockholm syndrome is to blame for my continued support.

[DragonFilet 0]

How Long?

 

Just about 1 year! Better late than never, I suppose.

 

Why the Toon?

 

After last World Cup, which I followed quite avidly, I decided that I was to addicted to footy to stop watching for another 4 years. Problem was, I didn't have a team to support. There was no way in hell I was going to follow a top 4 team, because I'm not a sellout, but that left 16 teams to choose from. It just so happens that Jon (as in, the one who posted above) messaged me one day, and told me about this team called Newcastle. Followed them pretty steadily, and became a fan for life when a certain Cheik Tiote tied Arsenal.

 

Location?

 

Currently in St. Petersburg Russia (I like to think that I'm a one man fanclub here --- the toon red army), but I live in NY and study in Philly

 

Toon Games?

 

Someday! Next time i'm in the UK, i plan on making a point of it.

 

Where we've been/are going?

 

I became a fan post-relegation, so, as for where we have been, I missed a lot of that. Last season had it's fair share of disappointments, but I'm a lot more optimistic this season than last. Pardew has grown on me, but I still have a pretty strong grudge against MA. I'd have less of one if he made clear what his plans were earlier, instead of leaving the fans in the dark and selling our best players.

 

As for this season, I say i'd say a top 10 finish is definitely possible, and maybe Europe (not the CL) if we bring in some reinforcements this winter.

 

Oh, and Cabaye is hot.

[acrossthepond 878]

How long a Toon Fan :

 

Consciously, 25 or 26 years.

 

Why the Toon :

 

I was born into Newcastle United. My mother and her entire side of the family are Geordies and there was never any choice. I'm as doomed as the rest of you.

 

Location :

 

NYC.

 

Toon Games been to :

 

I haven't been back to England in decades, but when I do return, I will be sure to catch at least two home games.

 

Where we have been / are going :

 

See my sig. But I live in hope. We've had a great start to the season and Europe is not beyond us, especially if we strengthen well in January...which, let's face it, seems unlikely.

[Dr Gloom 22185]

 

How Long

 

About 24 years. My dad's an Evertonian and forced me to support them until I was about 8 and started going to the match.

 

Why the Toon?

 

They were my local club. Everton when I was 8 were far more successful but you can't compare watching the odd game on telly to going to watch your home town club live.

 

Location

Havent lived in newcastle since 1997. Currently based in London

Toon Games?

 

Fuck knows. Stopped counting a while back. Went regularly between the ages of 10-17 but these days make about 5-6 games a season, mostly away fixtures in London with the odd home game over summer or Christmas.

 

Where we've been/are going?

 

We're currently doing as well as I can imagine us ever doing under this owner

[Guest CabayeAye]

How long a Toon Fan :

 

19 Years.

 

Why the Toon :

 

Am from Easington, Dad was born in Newcastle. When I was a bit younger I looked at all the s*nderland fans and just thought they were a bunch of mutant charvers. Also it was when we were in Div 1 and Keegan had just taken over from Ardilles.

 

Location :

 

In the Midlands.

 

 

Toon Games been to :

 

Having left home over a decade ago and am living all over the UK, tend to go to more away games than home. Have been to Anfield, JJB, stadium of shite, Eastlands etc. Last game I was at was the 1-1 derby at the SoS. Last home game was the 2-2 with Ipswich when we lifted the trophy.

 

Where we have been / are going :

 

Hopefully top 6/7 this season. Long term I think we can compete with Arsenal, Spurs and Liverpool for 4th place.

Edited October 26, 2011 by CabayeAye

[Brock Manson 0]

How long a Toon Fan :

 

18 Years.

 

Why the Toon :

 

First saw a toon game on telly when I was four and decided that I wanted the black & white striped team to win. Asked my dad who it was and he said Newcastle.

From there I was always Newcastle when I played Subbuteo or the match of the day game with my grandad, and started to follow them in the league. My first full season following the results was KK's entertainers and have been a fan ever since.

 

Location :

 

Reading

 

Toon Games been to :

 

Been to five:

 

Reading - Newcastle (friendly)

 

Ruud Gullit came on as a sub and got booed by both sets of fans. No idea what the score was, think it was a draw.

 

NUFC 2-2 Norwich

Sir Bob's last game in charge. Hughes & Bellamy for us. Brilliant atmosphere and saw some of my favorite players in the flesh for the first time.

 

NUFC 1 -1 Sampdoria

Friendly and sat in the Gallowgate end. Saw Smith's only goal for the club when he headed in a corner. Also enjoyed seeing Salvatore Foti because he was a legend in my FM game at the time.

 

Both Premiership games where we played Reading. Meenz very kindly sorted me out with tickets in the away end for each game, and then plied me with alcohol.

Shame to have lost both and only saw Martins score an offside goal, but was great to stand for the whole game and not stop singing. Absolutely brilliant away following. Was also funny when Reading wouldn't serve us drinks in the stadium the second game as punishment for standing in the first game!

 

Where we have been / are going :

 

I've seen many highs and lows during my time following the club.

 

We're in a transitional phase where we could become a top half team again or we could be another West Brom. This season could be so frustrating if we don't build on the success its already been. For the first time in YEARS we have a team that looks competitive and have players who seem to want to play for the club. We could genuinely mount a challenge for Europe if the squad is strengthened and definitely a chance to win some silverware with a good cup run.

[peasepud 59]

How long a Toon Fan :

 

35 of my 42 years

 

Why the Toon :

 

It had to be, why would I even contemplate anything else?

 

Location :

 

Toon

 

Toon Games been to :

 

Season ticket holder on and off for last 28 years, numerous away games earlier on in life, not so many these days

 

Where we have been / are going :

Im the eternal pessimist where this lot are concerned however things so far appear to be looking up, my logic is that they'll invariably fuck it up come transfer window.

 

One, Stoke away last year, lost 4-0. Impossible for me to get a ticket in the end of any away games, so have to pick local ones when I get the time off. But have got me ticket for this Monday (located this time near the away end - to get a feel of what it's like.)

 

Good luck with that like, hard to find a bigger bunch of inbred fans this side of Mongolia, last time I was there (Allardyces last game) they basically stood in that corner and baited us entire game, small town/club mentality.

[Happy Face 29]

How long a Toon Fan :

 

20 year.

 

Why the Toon :

 

South Shields born, where it's one of two. Never liked the mackems or anyone who supported them.

 

Location :

 

NE30

 

Toon Games been to :

 

A few hundred. Every home game for 10 year (league & cup and most friendlies). Selected home games the 10 year before that. Away games peppered throughout.

 

Where we have been / are going :

 

We've been in the champions league, we are going to the UEFA cup at best.

Edited October 26, 2011 by Happy Face

[NJS 4411]

How long a Toon Fan :

 

As long as I can remember - I'm 47.

 

Why the Toon :

 

Dad/Brother - sadly my brother later became a traitorous glory-hunting scouse loving cunt.

 

Location :

 

CM1

 

Toon Games been to :

 

A few hundred - sporadic pre 79 but from 79 to 96 I missed at the most 3 or 4 games a year, 96-09 I missed 8 or 9.

 

Where we have been / are going :

 

Went to almost all the European games but can't see any more anytime sadly - it's good to see some half decent players and a bit of team spirit but without big money we're limited.

[Happy Face 29]

How long a Toon Fan :

 

As long as I can remember - I'm 47.

 

Wines!!!

 

Thought you were mid to late 30s tops. You're up there with Rob W (anyone checking on him this winter?) and Leazes.

[Hoon 0]

How long a Toon Fan :

 

Since football began (in 1992) and I was 6/7 onwards

 

Why the Toon :

 

All my family are Toon daft, local club, etc etc.

 

Location :

 

NE3

 

Toon Games been to :

 

About 300 I reckon.

 

Where we have been / are going :

 

Unless something seriously changes in football/Mike Ashleys brain we'll never scale the heights we did in the 90s. Playing to get into the UEFA Cup via the league and domestic competitions is the best we can hope for in the short to medium term future. On the flipside, a few daft decisions could easily see us back down in the CCC.

 

---

 

Kudos to CabayeAye for remembering the Keegan appointment despite being fresh out his ma.

Edited October 27, 2011 by Hoon

[JoCo85 0]

How long a Toon Fan :

My whole life (actively 12 years-ish)

 

Why the Toon :

My pops was born in The Toon, and my older brothers in Gateshead. I was, unfortunately born in Essex. Lived most of my life in the States, playing basketball and baseball didn't get into football til I was 14 when I visited my family in Newcastle. Since then I've religiously followed this great club.

 

 

Location :

Kent

 

Toon Games been to :

2, both away. West Ham 2-2 Geremi and Oba scoring; and 0-0 with Chelsea believe both were during our relegation season (West Ham one may have been the season before).

Saw an England game at St James' and cannot wait to see the mighty Toonarmy in action (hopefully this year)

 

Where we have been / are going :

I know people aren't a fan of him, and I can see why, but I think Ashley is alright, apart from the first major mistakes he made he seems to be making right ones now. I absolutely despise Dekka though. I think things are on there way to make this club competitve at the right end of the table as the structures seem to be in place. However, this being Newcastle United something is bound to rip it apart.

[bobbyshinton 59]

How long a Toon Fan :

 

About 42 years

 

Why the Toon :

 

went to see man u v newcastle as I wanted to bethe next george best was memorised by the crowd, the banter and the buzz. Also local team.

 

Location :

 

Waaaaaaaaaaaaaallsend

 

Toon Games been to :

 

Absolute loads including the shit ones ie Brighton, Wallsall, Hereford. Used to travelin back of transits, hitch, knock on trains, couple of TWOC's. Loved the 70 - 80 hooligan era.

 

Where we have been / are going :

 

We have been spoilt and are now payin for it. If only we had one the league that year. I think the fat man is doing the sensible thing just maybe going about it the wrong way.

[CleeToonFan 1]

How long a Toon Fan :

As long as I remember, presumably whole life sorta situation.

 

Why the Toon :

My stepdad at the time from Newcastle got my brother into them and made sure he was mad on them, I was only like 2/3 at the time when my brother went to his first game, but it's come down onto me and I have the Brown Ale shirt on in my earliest nursery picture. Also "Follow" Grimsby due to growing up going to Blundell, but I wouldn't class that as a support compared to Newcastle.

 

Location :

From Grimsby, live in London.

 

Toon Games been to :

5/6ish, first was against Tottenham when I was 10ish, been to two away games (Blackburn last season and Grimsby in the League Cup when Shearer scored the only goal and got elbowed by the big wanker Justin Whittle). Gonna go to every away game in London now I live here (even if that means home end) and come up around once a season now.

 

Where we have been / are going :

Not Europe, but that's okay. As long as it's around the top 10 with a great home record i'm happy. I can see a minor cup win like the League Cup soon, but not for a few years yet. It's easy to expect great things, but I'd rather consolidate our position for a few years before putting a major attack on the Europa League places, meaning we have more chances to win it when it does happen.

[Oh Coloccini 0]

How long a Toon Fan :

 

18 years

 

Why the Toon :

 

Dad supports them

 

Location :

 

Durham

 

Toon Games been to :

 

Loads, haven't been for a few years though

 

Where we have been / are going :

 

I'm not sure, I thought we'd struggle again this season, our start have proved is wrong like. Still along way to go though. Need to strengthen our squad as we have nee depth.

[Howmanheyman 33916]

How long a Toon Fan :

About 30 years

 

 

Why the Toon :

Was going to say because it's my local club, but it's a little bit more than that. There's something about this City which is great and unique which our club manages to magnify. I defy any true Geordie to have stood on the terraces as a kid and not have your breath taken away by not just the beer smells and the farts, but by the brillant humour and patter that came from the older lads and blokes, in fact the atmosphere as a whole. Once sampled, you could never contemplate following another club.

 

Location :

NE6

 

 

Toon Games been to :

Have had the odd self imposed exile but it has to well into the hundreds including many aways. 1st game was Shrewsbury at SJP in the 2nd Div and we got beat. Wouldn't know where to begin with favourite games but random ones that stand out for different reasons;

Boro away 3-1, Derby away 4-1 loss, Portsmouth home 1-0, mackems 5-1, any mackem game at Roker, Everton 4-0 loss away. Tons more to be honest, this off the top of my head.

 

 

Where we have been / are going :

Seen the lows, seen the highs, then back to mediocre. Fuck knows where we're going but I have no trust in our owner. I sincerely hope he proves me wrong.

[McFaul 35]

How long a Toon Fan :

About 30 years

 

 

Why the Toon :

Was going to say because it's my local club, but it's a little bit more than that. There's something about this City which is great and unique which our club manages to magnify. I defy any true Geordie to have stood on the terraces as a kid and not have your breath taken away by not just the beer smells and the farts, but by the brillant humour and patter that came from the older lads and blokes, in fact the atmosphere as a whole. Once sampled, you could never contemplate following another club.

 

Location :

NE6

 

 

Toon Games been to :

Have had the odd self imposed exile but it has to well into the hundreds including many aways. 1st game was Shrewsbury at SJP in the 2nd Div and we got beat. Wouldn't know where to begin with favourite games but random ones that stand out for different reasons;

Boro away 3-1, Derby away 4-1 loss, Portsmouth home 1-0, mackems 5-1, any mackem game at Roker, Everton 4-0 loss away. Tons more to be honest, this off the top of my head.

 

 

Where we have been / are going :

Seen the lows, seen the highs, then back to mediocre. Fuck knows where we're going but I have no trust in our owner. I sincerely hope he proves me wrong.

Definitely my favourite away game, and my proudest moment as a toon fan. You could talk about the best Man Utd have ever been, Boca Juniors, Galatasaray, Dortmund, Marseille or Napoli, there's not one support on earth could touch us that day.