Through no fault of mine, I was born in Germany as an army brat in ’63. Parents are fiercly proud to be Geordies having been born and bred in Newcastle and have made me the same way. The end of my Fatha’s army life sent us back to Low Fell, Gateshead and the life of Black and White again – a place to call home at last – and in God’s county.

A staunch Newcastle fan since receiving my first Toon strip for Xmas 1970 – the only time I have ever sat at the Xmas dinner table with a football strip on !! I can still remember Dad saying it would be the one and only time he would allow it!

Started going to games as soon as I could afford to – the ground was pretty crap in those days but that mattered nought when you heard the might roar of the fans. What I remember most other than the great names on the field was the fact that SJP had outside netties – and they stunk – figuratively and physically!!!

Joined the army in ’79 and have been in since – thank God for TV and Internet nowadays. Get to see as many games as is physically possible. My American wife had never seen a footy game until she came to Gateshead for Xmas 2000 – and her Xmas present from my Mum and Dad was a pair of tickets for Newcastle Vs Leeds on Boxing day. Of course you cant just go to the game can you – you have to experience Newcastle in all it’s glory which naturally meant a visit to The Strawberry to really feel what it’s like to be a Toon fan on match day. Having won 2-1, a tour of the Toon followed – an experience she will never forget.

I have been fortunate enough to have been sent to Arizona for 3 years. The weather poles apart from the Toon but the fervour for the Black and White is still there – again thanks to FSC and the internet !!

As a 43 year old guy I feel I have been cheated by the Toon – I haven’t seen them lift a trophy (the Fairs cup doesn’t count). However, as all mad Toon fans will testify – it will happen and I will be there to see it!

Don Walker (Major)
Fort Huachuca, AZ