Sackings could work against us

Dec 23 2008 by Kevin Dinsdale, The Journal

Paul Dixon has been following Newcastle United for more than 35 years, 16 of which have been as a season ticket holder in the Gallowgate End at St James’s Park. Each week in his column, he takes a wry look at all things football – from a black-and-white perspective.

YOU can tell it’s Christmas. Not by sports columnists compiling imaginary present lists for the sporting world or the first sighting of the summer holiday adverts in between the repeats on telly, but by the first round of managerial sackings in the Premier League.

As to the first point, you’re safe. I’ve got a long barge pole at the end of comments about “there’s only one Wise man at Newcastle”. Or that “the Messiah left well before Christmas”. Donkeys won’t get a mention, either – even I’m not that desperate. But sackings should concern Newcastle, because, as we’ve seen on many occasions, after players have got their manager fired , they tend to buck up for the new man.

It happened at Blackburn on Saturday, where Big Sam pitched up. It’s also happening at O’Sunderland, who have apparently appointed Al Pacino. Everybody from ninth down in the Premier is in a relegation battle. Two wins and you’re heading for Europe, two defeats and you’re heading for Doncaster.

We must be positive in January at the sales. Unfortunately, JFK’s pronouncements are becoming more and more schizophrenic,.

One minute Owen could possibly leave, the next, he’ll stay forever, the next, we aren’t sure what he’s doing! Just pick the team, Joe.

On Sunday at SJP there was a goal in the last minute and it was scored by us! To be fair, it was probably the greatest robbery perpetrated at the ground since the last bar prices were introduced.

We started well, got the goal, and apart from Shola playing in a completely different game, it all looked promising. The second half though followed the pattern of too many recent home games. We were pedestrian, predictable and frankly, second best.

The plus point was that defensively, having a settled back four is creating an understanding. Only a borderline offside decision stopped a clean sheet.

So we go into Christmas six points from either Barcelona or Bradford next season, fingers crossed.

As this is the last column before Christmas, let me wish you all the best. Whether you traverse the highlands and lochs with Berwick in the north, or to dodgy pubs with Big Peter and the Hartlepool lads in the south, may your blood pressure be the opposite to your points in the league.

Merry Christmas to all North East football supporters. My God, you deserve it.

blackadderboy@yahoo.co.uk