I was made aware on this website a couple of months ago that there was now a Chicago Chapter of NUFC USA. So I looked them up and made my way to the Milwaukee preseason game and they were a very friendly lot. The Guy that runs it said he had been to a pub earlier and Biffa from NUFC.com was in there and was treated like a rock star. Him holding court and the whole bar hanging on his every word.
So to Sundays’s match. It was scheduled for 7.30 am and I went over thinking there would be a couple of people there. Well, there were about 20 all in Toon tops and all in their 20’s and early 30’s. They had had a 6-8 foot NUFC banner made up and hung it in the window. They even had a professional photographer taking pictures. I was the only Geordie, they were all Yanks and had adopted NUFC in the past few years when Pards and Carvs were managers. I thought the were crazy, but I suppose there would be an affinity with NUFC as the Chicago Cubs haven’t won anything since 1908.
Anyway, its 7.30 and I thought I would be the only one having a pint, but no. The organiser gets a round in for about 6 at our table. When Cisse scored they all went mad like they had been Toon fans all their lives, jumping up and down and knocked the table of beers over.
I got talking to these Lads and they are all Accountants, Estate Agents and Lawyers so God knows what attracted them to NUFC. One works for United Airlines and is flying into Bristol for a few days but specifically to go to the Swansea match. He asked me what the Welsh are like and I explained their love of song and sheep.
Well, the beers kept flowing and it was an entertaining match so we decided to stay and watch Liverpool. After about 4 hours of drinking starting that early, I must admit I needed a nap to recover. I am just so surprised how passionate this lot are about NUFC and that football seems to finally be taking off over here. NBC have just picked up the Premier League until 2021 showing every game and paying $1 Billion so it must be happening all over the country. This is a far cry from just a few years ago. There had always been a hard core of support for successful teams but not locals for NUFC. Maybe Schteve will have to get used to US tours!
would be nice to have him go along side our new cb
TOONARMYELITE(Quote)
Read about him earlier, he is what we need, and possible as it would make sense to keep someone like Colo for him, I am not joking, to find his feet alongside in training and then match days. Or Colo would be decent cover of hits the ground running!!
Lionel Speed(Quote)
Over the longer term, as you say, should be a great partnership with Mbemba.
Lionel Speed(Quote)
I was, only half in jest on the old thread, suggesting that he and Carroll would be great late additions. Serious penalty box threat and protection.
Lionel Speed(Quote)
LIONEL SPEED
cant stick collo meself hes surposed to be the defence organiser and our defence has been **** for years
TOONARMYELITE(Quote)
He ticks the character box too, Captain of the Danish U21s.
Lionel Speed(Quote)
I know, TAE, this is definitely one of those situations that Stu gets on at me about. I a really trying desperately to see some light in his re-newed contract!!! But, just watching his face and body language on Sunday just depressed me, he seemed to symbolize all the lack of leadership we have had over the last few years!!!!
But, if McClaren can at least wake him up and get his game head on again, I reckon we could get a semi-decent out of him, and phase him out next year.
Lionel Speed(Quote)
if i was fatboy i would of sacked the idiot who give him an extra year on his contract we should of let him go 😯
TOONARMYELITE(Quote)
Semi-decent season
Lionel Speed(Quote)
I think the logic is that we want to get in two youngish CBs that can, positively, grow into a decent partnership or, realistically/ cynically, grow into good investments. But, they don’t want them then learning from or being backed up by Taylor and Willo. So, if they got rid of Colo they would have needed 3 CBs this summer and that just was never going to happen. I reckon they have gone for commitment in the best of a bad batch. Colo can be alright, McClaren probably thinks he can do something with him alongside players with pace, and he may be right for a season or so. Though, after Sunday, he needs to apply his 40% measure to Colo quick smart!!
Lionel Speed(Quote)
LIONEL SPEED
thought collo was shocking against southampton,that colback yellow card he had to take him out or he was runing straight at collo
TOONARMYELITE(Quote)
Agreed. I don’t want to say he can’t get worse as we are up against Ayew and Gomis on Saturday, and don’t want to put the mockers on it.
Let’s just hope we get another CB and Colo wakes from his comatozed state very soon.
Lionel Speed(Quote)
LIONEL SPEED
hes to long in the tooth to improve any in my opinion so its just ganna get worse
TOONARMYELITE(Quote)
I don’t think it is a case of improving. I genuinely think that Colo is not a terrible defender, he can be very composed, play the ball nicely and read the game well. He is weak in awarenes around the box from corners/ crosses etc. Overall, including the latter point, it is more mental. I was surprised on Sunday, not for how, let’s say, averagely he played but how mentally shot to pieces he still looked. I think if ye man Blackey is going to earn his money, it is with Colo. You get him straight in the head, get his confidence back, he can definitely do a job this season, once the back 4 play more together.
I
Lionel Speed(Quote)
There was a couple of times when he has the ball at the back, not under pressure and he just passed it to one of their players. I think most will agree one of Colo’s strengths is that he is more of a ball playing defender, doing that is nothing more than confidence and concentration and both are linked. It is that which needs improving.
Lionel Speed(Quote)
Lionel I agree McClaren does need to wake Colocini up a bit. TAE I also agree about sacking the man who gave him a new contract. Colocini staying to me is like offering Williamson a three year deal. I know are players are more than capable of scoring goals and thats a very good thing. However our midfielders and strikers must be pretty pissed off with Colocini lack of leadership in defence.
Stem(Quote)
LIONEL SPEED
when i look at a defender i have 3 boxs 1st what they like in the air collo dont tick the box,what they like in the tackle collo dont tick that box either and there pace and collo dont tick that box either
TOONARMYELITE(Quote)
its also part of his job to talk to the fans in my opinion what dos he do writes a letter
TOONARMYELITE(Quote)
<<<<<<<<<<<<<< never saw kevin nolan writeing a letter to the fans now thats a proper captain in my opinion 😆
TOONARMYELITE(Quote)
win lose or draw he came out and talked to the fan base 😉
TOONARMYELITE(Quote)
Totally agree about the captaincy. I am just trying to work out the method of their madness, with regards to Colo. I reckon Gini will be the longer term captain and so I guess, for the points above about keeping Colo and not getting 3 CBs this summer, they see it as the best option in the short-term and not dent Colo’s confidence any further. Before Sunday, I thought Colo was actually going to rise to the occasion this season, maybe not as a Captain we would like but as a player and the players, as it was only 1 game and he isn’t match fit, I will stick by that ‘belief’.
It’s gonna be ok Stem and TAE, we going to be proud of him come the end of the season, I can ‘feel’ it. 😆
Lionel Speed(Quote)
But, he ain’t ever going to be the captain we want. Gini probably will be, though.
Lionel Speed(Quote)
I’d go for Janmaat as captain.
Back to what I said yesterday about Krul, I read this – “McClaren will have a notebook full of concerns that he and his staff will need to address (including Simon Smith working with Tim Krul to overcome a reticence to come off his line that may stem from previous shoulder problems)”. Could be right.
Nice article Eric – when I lived over there (land of the A’s and 49ers) only the mexicans knew what a football was.
georgio(Quote)
West Ham talking about going for 2 strikers, including Hernandez for 12 million. They have had an injury to Valencia but he is only out for 3 months and Carroll back in September, that would be about 5-6 strikers come November!!! They have at least Zarate, Sakho, Valencia, Carroll and would be Hernandez, plus talk of Borino.
Cheeky Carroll bid close to D-day.
Lionel Speed(Quote)
Lionel, I’ve come to the conclusion you think too much!
Stuart79(Quote)
Why would anybody want Carroll with his injury record and why would Carroll move for a pay-for-play given that he is on a guaranteed contract and knows his own injury history intimately? This is a non-starter/never was. He can stay at home and be super-nanny for his new kid on 100k a week.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
For any of you gamblers out there take a look at this. Not the transfer speculation, but the %s at the bottom of the page. They have Swans as most likely of any team to win this weekend:
http://www.kickoff.co.uk/51269/deal-close-newcastle-united-close-in-on-9m-signing-ahead-of-psg/?
Eric Sykes(Quote)
We’re glad you could join us for the opener! We’ll be at AJ Hudson’s all season long, and you’re always welcome to join us.
Toon Army Chicago(Quote)
I am not ready to anoint Swansea the new Barcelona after one good game against Chelsea (draw). True Montero skinned Ivanovic, but that happens from time to time. He scored 1 goal last year and Gomis scored 8. Swans are the same odds to beat us as Liverpool are to beat Bournemouth.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Toon Army Chicago: I hope I represented you all in a good light as that was my intention. I am just happy that there is a meeting place for NUFC fans and that you are all so passionate about NUFC. I even ordered a new top (no Wonga, NUFC crest) seeing as I plan to watch more matches at AJ Hudsons this season.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I just bought three shirts from the club store myself….nothing with Wonga on it.
MDS(Quote)
I just bought three shirts from the club store myself….nothing with Wonga on it. Need to represent down at the pub amongst the Arsenal, ManU, Spurs and LPool supporters
MDS(Quote)
MDS good on yer
icedog(Quote)
I don’t think I like those funny blue speckles on the front and the blue **** flap, never mind the Wonga logo. I could never see myself buying that, it is too much of a departure from tradition.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I see toon top was voted the best top in the Pl in 1997 like
icedog(Quote)
Brighton have bought a new c/h,is Dunk on the move like ??
icedog(Quote)
Ice, this ones slipping away too
Virgil van Dijk has been heavily linked with a move away from Celtic this summer, with Southampton said to be chasing his signature. According to a newspaper report, the Saints have pushed on with a deal and are now close to signing the Dutchman for £9m.
kimtoon(Quote)
Good read Eric. Keep up the good work mate.
GeordieTwo(Quote)
Support is growing a little bit in western Canada as well. There are a few Geordies and ethno Geordies oot here as well mate……
GeordieTwo(Quote)
http://sporteology.com/top-10-tallest-soccer-players-world/11/
TOONARMYELITE(Quote)
KIM @112 aye mate,we are are going to have get our fingers out and get something sorted out,surely to god they are working on sumit
icedog(Quote)
MDS: I found this one on sale. Broon Ale logo and only 30 bucks (20 quid). I was on the site and the new Man U shirts cost $120 🙂 🙂 🙂 Fat Man would be proud of that mark up !!!
http://www.kitbag.com/stores/kitbag/en/product/newcastle-united-1998-shirt/120189
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Yeah Eric give me the brown ale or the home kit from 1980 with no sponsor
http://www.nufcdirect.com/retro-shirts
MDS(Quote)
got a shirt from every season from the last 40 years til they stuck wonga on the sponser
TOONARMYELITE(Quote)
stoped buying them when i sussed fatboy wernt puting the same effort into the club as i was 😆
TOONARMYELITE(Quote)
Interestingly, Man U has nothing to do with the price of their kits. They also don’t get a a piece of kit sales. Under they’re new deal with Adidas they get £75M a year regardless of how much revenue Adidas generates
MDS(Quote)
94/95 top is my favourite one – Asics blue star. The away one that year was nice as well – blue with a bit of a funky pattern to it with McEwans Lager across the front.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Sharpy@122, yep mine too mate followed by the 96 one, loved the collar on that one. We just don’t do good shirts now and that Wonga logo spoils everyone we do. Forget the firm it’s the actual logo, it’s minging.
kimtoon(Quote)
Eric well done on you’re first article I hope you’re second article is about John Carver and how he saved us from relegation with two of the worst CB’s in PL history. How he made Ashley see the light and spend some money on players which is why he didn’t get the job permanently.
Terry(Quote)
He didn’t have a striker either Eric. Cisse got band for spitting and Willo getting sent off on purpose.
Terry(Quote)
Sorry Eric I couldn’t resist mentioning John Carver 🙂
Terry(Quote)
I’m just waiting for McClaren to go on a bad run so I can say bring back John Carver.
Terry(Quote)
I am obviously joking by the way.
Terry(Quote)
@Stu 100 It has been said!
@Eric 101 I agree, really, just Carroll is a Geordie, bring him home. Take a chance, as I reckon his presence is what we need, plus a local lad, no matter the shenanigans of recent years. But, yeah, money and risk will I am sure make it a non-starter. But, as that is what he is facing at West Ham: “Come home, lad!”, I say.
Perfect timing from Colo, on BBC Radio: “I expect to be fit and play every game.”
Lionel Speed(Quote)
Krul:
“I had a great relationship with Woody.” “He has been a close pal for the last five years and made me into the goalie I am today…”
Thank God, he has gone, then! Now, start working on your weaknesses, Tim!!!
Lionel Speed(Quote)
Nice article Eric. As I now live in Florida I certainly have appreciated NBC Sports showing every premier league game with my Direct TV package. Just think it’s crazy in this day and age that every game is not available to see all around the world. I really appreciated the USA friendlies being shown online. Plus I love that this blog is ‘woman friendly’ and I have always felt welcome, so thanks for that guys 🙂
Jill(Quote)
So Williamson for a Dunk?
Stuart79(Quote)
Jill just what someone from Wngland thinks of the quality of NBC’s coverage. I personally have nothing to compare it to since Fox’s was nothing much (with the exception of Warren Barton bringing us up in every conversation). Personally I rather like the NBC studio show and pundits.
Incidentally where are you in Florida?
MDS(Quote)
Jill, I meant “just curious” what you think of the coverage
MDS(Quote)
MDS: can I chip in. I like the NBC coverage with the possible exception of Arlo White. He seems to think it is his mission to cram in every fact he knows about the 2 teams in the first 20 minutes, but then he settles down. He actually knows a lot of background if he could just curb himself to start with. The Robbies are a bit one-note but their analysis of the game is usually spot on.
I wish Warren Barton would move to NBC.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Williamson played for NUFC 169 times 😕 🙁
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Thanks Eric. Like I said not much for me to compare it to but quite happy they had their deal extended. So is every other Prem fan I know over here.
MDS(Quote)
That is 168 too many, Eric, frightening!
Hopefully, atleast, his departure, if he does depart, can come to be seen as symbolic of the end of a very nasty era in NUFC history. 😉
Lionel Speed(Quote)
Sunderland signing Januzaj on loan I see. I wouldn’t mind him
Stuart79(Quote)
Very good loan signing, though, I can’t say I like loans much – unless they are a precursor to buying the player.
Lionel Speed(Quote)
How good is this Dunk and how good is he going to be? Living here I don’t see much of the Championship. Just a decent potential back up, or potential longer term 1st choice?
Lionel Speed(Quote)
For whoever is doing the pre-game write-up the bookies have Swansea, f-in Swansea beating us before a ball is kicked. I posted something yesterday that the odds are 64% for a Swansea win, the same as Liverpool to beat Bournemouth and what they see as the most likely result in the whole PL. They don’t have a proven goalscorer (Gomis scored 1 in 3 games) and Montero blows hot and cold. After 1 good game against Chelsea, Montero is now Ryan Giggs when he was 25.
Hopefully this post wont come back to bite me 🙂
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Lee Ryder @lee_ryder · 1 hr1 hour ago
Understand there is no truth in #nufc being in for Lewis Dunk. But as reported today Mike Williamson could leave
kimtoon(Quote)
If it’s any consolation, Eric, Michael Owen thinks we are going to surprise a few people this season!! 😉 😀
Cheers, Kim, I was beginning to think the Dunk deal was the real thing. Hey ho!
Lionel Speed(Quote)
Kim – could leave? Must leave sounds better.
How’s things in the SW? Red hot up here today but as usual won’t last.
georgio(Quote)
Well I’m bound to be in the minority but good luck to Williamson wherever he ends up, He more than paid back the £1m odd we spent on him by helping the club get up, stay up & get back into Europe
He should have been moved at that point on like Best, Lovenkrands, Guthrie, Perch etc. but for whatever reason the club have retained him way too long
CC(Quote)
@CC I would agree, and I definitely wish him good luck. Unlike others he has always seemed motivated and tried his best, seems a good bloke and has also seemed to have genuinely felt lucky to have played for us and in the Prem. It is certainly not his fault, he just isn’t Premiership quality.
Lionel Speed(Quote)
Aye, he’s done a job but he ain’t the answer no more and probably put stayed his welcome by a couple of years.
Stuart79(Quote)
Done a job? Pulled on the shirt you mean? He’s outstayed his welcome by 5 years!
georgio(Quote)
Shame the club couldn’t bring at least one of these through: Mehdi Abeid, Gaël Bigirimana and Haris Vuckic
Hope we are going to do better with young players in the future, I guess we probably will, as there is probably going to be a linked up football philosophy through out the club. Something else to be a bit optimistic about, though, not sure Beardsley will be around to see it. A few local lads getting settled in the first team would be nice.
Lionel(Quote)