Ramage still loves Magpies despite being shown door

Sep 30 2009 by Mark Douglas, The Journal

Few at St James’s Park tonight will match the passion that Peter Ramage retains for Newcastle United. Mark Douglas reports

If Ramage had cause to be glad to be as far away as possible from United’s implosion under Mike Ashley’s ownership, he would have to acknowledge that things have hardly been less chaotic at Loftus Road.

With the financial backing of steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal, the world’s fifth richest man, and Formula One kingpin Bernie Ecclestone, Rangers effectively have limitless funds to try to buy their way out of the division.

But, as United supporters will testify, big pockets don’t necessarily mean good governance – and the impatience of Rangers’ investors has caused untold turbulence.

They have had five permanent managers in three years – as many as Newcastle if Joe Kinnear’s infamous four-month spell counts.

“People think because we’ve got the money we’re going to be okay, but it’s not been like that,” Ramage said. “It does add a bit of a buzz around the club. I’ve seen Naomi Campbell in the directors’ box a few times and it’s a bit surreal to be honest.

“There is probably an additional pressure on us because we’ve got all that cash and it’s been difficult playing under so many managers. But Jim Magilton is here now, he’s established and he’s doing a great job. “

For now, the challenge is to get back into a team making ominous progress up the Championship.

Ramage was an unused substitute for the 5-2 thrashing of Barnsley on Saturday and has not played for four games. But if manager Magilton is looking for commitment and desire tonight he would not go far wrong by choosing the 25-year-old Northumbrian.

“I’m desperate to play in this one – it was the first game I looked for when the fixtures were published so it’s frustrating for me to be out,” he said.

“It’s come at a bad time but when the team is winning it’s difficult to have many complaints about it.

“The gaffer knows how much this means to me, though – I have been chirping away this week and I’d love to play.

“I think my team-mates have been staying away from me in training because they know how desperate I am to catch the manager’s eye!

“Whatever happens it’ll be a memorable occasion, but I just hope I get the chance to be involved.”