Optimism always followed by dismay
Aug 31 2010 The Journal
Paul Dixon has been following Newcastle United for more than 40 years, 17 of which have been as a season ticket holder in the Gallowgate End at St James’ Park. Each week in his column, he takes a wry look at all things football – from a black-and-white perspective.
THREE years ago this week I started barking at the SJP moon on here. Since then we have acquired a new owner. Frankly, I’m not sure how I feel about Mike Ashley.
Along with many of my vintage, I’ve suffered under some pretty appalling regimes.
It’s a continued exercise in masochism. One useless bunch leave, optimism raises its head with no precedent whatsoever, then the inevitable hidden boot hoofs you in the bull’s-eye, and the new lot set sail for Mediocrity Bay again.
Sir John Hall briefly shed a little light in the 90s.
An inspired appointment of Kevin Keegan, and football was again a joy, you could even watch us when sober. Sir John departed, the decline set in. Our fortunes dropped as quickly as the debt rose. Then, unbelievably, a billionaire saviour! A quiet one as well, who bought us drinks! So quiet, he forgot to look at the books! From a regime all over the media like car insurance adverts, to somebody who would write cheques and shut up!
Too good to be true. Ashley had a honeymoon period like no other.
Even lumbered with Sam Allardyce as manager, surely this was our time in the sun again?
Of course, he blew it. The big question now is: ‘Has he redeemed himself with our quick return to the land of milk and money and the gradual clear-out of high-earning wasters?’
Is the club’s 60th ‘five-year plan’ the way forward? The attendance against Villa (less than 44,000) suggests to me a certain lingering resentment and the visit of Blackpool this weekend is hardly a step up, attraction-wise.
What will it take for the stay-away supporters to return?
The team has made a promising start under the admirable Chris Hughton and the recent signings suggest a policy of sorts.
There isn’t one that I’d have baulked at. I still have reservations.
I accept the return to being as popular as in the 90s is a world away, but it isn’t a prospect you readily dismiss. Ashley to ashes or ashes to Ashley?
blackadderboy@yahoo.co.uk
