If you come across any interesting items you'd like to pass on to other Toon Army supporters, send them to Gary.

The home match against Southampton was the scene of the Toon's first Premiership win of the season. It was left to 'Old Faithful', Alan Shearer to score the only goal - his 250th career league goal. We might have hoped for more goals but Southampton are playing well this season, and it doesn't matter whether you win 8-0 or 1-0, it's still three points. With a game in hand, another win would take the lads to almost half way in the table.

The Toon had comfortable time in the second leg of the UEFA Cup against NAC Breda, easing into the next round via a late goal from Robert. With a 5-0 lead at home, it was going to be well nigh impossible for the Toon to lose. Sir Bobby rested a few players for the next Premiership match against Boro.

In the last Rant I mentioned teams being satisfied with a top 15 finish. I had been looking at too many Nationwide tables. I should have said a top 10 finish in the Premiership. For some teams that would be a major achievement. But not for the Toon, although it is at least an achievable goal for this season.

Football seems to be suffering an epidemic of hernia-itis. A double one for Woodgate. One for Speed. What's going on? You never seem to hear about them in rugby, or American football or basketball - all contact sports. Perhaps before they sign professionally, footballers should have to have pre-emptive surgery rather than taking four weeks off during the season.

Bellamy was fined only £750 for his altercation outside a Cardiff nightclub earlier this year. But the Club may fine him two weeks' wages if they're not satisfied with his explanation. That would be £60,000 down the tubes. Meanwhile Dyer denies any knowledge of the fracas that occurred at a London hotel after the Arsenal game, including the fact that other people were mistakenly also checked into his room.

The football trophies stolen from Sir Bobby Charlton's Cheshire home three months ago have been found dumped near Manchester Airport. His 1966 World Cup plaque, two Premier League trophies, and some Variety Club awards were recovered.

Hundreds of schools in England have been advised to cancel football and rugby because the playing fields are so hard after the hot summer. The Rugby Football Union is unimpressed by the warning saying there's nothing to suggest that the sport is any more dangerous because of the weather. A spokesman for the schools said that pupils were not used to playing on such hard conditions. (Try playing in a blinding snowstorm at 30* in Gateshead, lad, or playing on a concrete wicket in Byker).

A suspected burglar was arrested after spending the night wedged inside a chimney at a pub in Newcastle he had tried to climb into. His cries for help were heard by a drayman making a delivery the next morning. The man told police he had been trying to rescue a cat. (No evidence of any cat remained).

Harry S
Editor-in-Chief
Harry's Rant