I agree with you about the pressure mate, it's a huge fan base and I can only imagine what that feeling is like when theyve been so close yet havent won anything for god knows how long. What do you mean about making it all about them though?
In fairness they dropped on Arsenal’s double winners in 98 & Man Utd’s treble winners in 99. Man Utd in 23 feels like a missed opportunity. Karius in goal didn’t help. No idea about pre-98 as I was too young but they had about 15 years where Ashley wanted them out of the cups ASAP so they could concentrate on staying in the league.
I really don't get all this "massive fan base" stuff people say about Newcastle, of course they have a massive fan base it's a huge city and the only competition they face is non-league Gateshead across the river and Sunderland 30 miles away, who the hell else are the football public going to support? I was there in 1977 when they were bottom of the first division and St James' Park regularly had crowds of about 10,000. They are just as fickle as any other set of supporters.
It defines them. Whenever they get to a final, it’s the sports journos dream innit? Cut and paste job really.
Lol I haven't disputed that they've got no other options but to support Newcastle, but does that really take away the fact they have a big fan base?
Ooh I see mate. I thought you meant Newcastle tried making it all about themselves, but I see what you mean now. Newcastle missing Anthony Gordon & Lewis hall down that left hand side is gutting mate, can only really see a Liverpool win now especially after getting dumped out from champions league!
Haven't seen it mate, don't usually listen to mainstream sports stuff really other than when in cars or whatever. Most of 'em do my head in.
That sounds like an issue with the media not Newcastle. Liverpool being in the league Cup final isn't hardly big news. Despite their financial clout Newcastle securing a trophy would be.
I’d say it’s because they’ve always been second best. I hope they beat Liverpool, but I doubt they will.
Does bug me a little when Newcastle fans act as though they haven't spent mind. Isak 70m, Tonali 60m, Gordon 45m, Barnes 40m, Joelinton 40m, Bruno almost 40m, Livramento 40m, Botman 35m, Lewis hall , Wood both 25 m. List goes on, they've spent plenty!
Remember when they/Newcy did us in that Fa Qtr final, in season '97. We saw the absolute worst of Shearer that day, and sadly the ref bought it every time, and kept dishing out cards. How can any team win when its against 11 men, and all of the officials as well ?.
I think Gordon’s a miss. Him up against Quansah would’ve been a good opportunity for them but I think Livramento playing against Salah might actually do a better job than Hall. He’s quicker & is the defensively better of the two. If I was Eddie Howe I’m playing Joelinton & Joe Willock as the left winger & left central midfielder & letting them alternate & then after an hour or so Barnes comes on against Quansah.
Joelinton's tranformation from when he first joined as a striker, to now as a central midfielder... Incredible difference. Brilliant player, especially at the side of Tonali & Bruno. Those 3 compliment each other superbly. Miley & Willock off the bench too as squad players