Toon Army North America e-News     Number 5: January 2003

Welcome to the e-newsletter of the NUFC North America Supporters Club - also known as Harry's Rant

Our aim is to:

We'd like to send a newsletter out at least every month. For current information there are far better sources such as the official NUFC website at their new address www.toonsms.co.uk ; your genial hosts, Biffa and Niall, at www.nufc.com, as well as BBC, ITN, Skysports and so on.

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


ALWAYS LOOK ON THE BRIGHT SIDE....

OK, we lost to Wolves in the FA Cup thanks to poor defending, but look on the bright side. Somewhere along the line we could have been drawn away at Arsenal, MU, or Chelsea. And a long run in the Cup would have further depleted the players' energy given the remaining Champions League matches to be played - especially since injuries are now beginning to appear. No, the Toon should concentrate on the Premiership where they're poised to repeat last year's excellent finish - and another Champions League appearance. As far as this year's Champions league is concerned, let's go for the experience and the money.

WOODGATE 1? KLEBERSON 0

Sir Bobby and NUFC are being close-lipped about negotiations for these two players. Freddy Shepherd has been in South America making an offer for Kleberson, the Brazilian World Cup midfielder. But negotiations seem to have broken down. Sir Bobby has said that Woodgate would fit into Newcastle's scheme but refuses to comment on any negotiations. Dyer is pushing very hard for this deal. Transfers have to be completed by 1 February.

NEXT TIME, KIERON, TRY A HUMMV

Kieron Dyer recently crashed his Ferrari on a bridge. He was unhurt. A breath test was negative and no charges were filed. Dyer is currently facing a £750 fine for speeding at 80 mph in his BMW on a restricted zone of the A1 near Lincoln.

SHEARER - WHAT THE PAPERS SAY

1. "Alan Shearer has admitted that he may turn his back on football management to pursue a career in the media when he hangs up the Premiership's most potent boots. Shearer had been strongly linked with taking over from Sir Bobby Robson as manager."
2. "With a crucial goal in the 57th minute stood that Wellington of the football field, Alan Shearer, mean, expedient scorer, and punisher of fleeting weakness."
3. Sir Bobby on the 10 second goal, "You couldn't run that far in 10 seconds, let alone score. You have to give him credit."
4. Blackburn boss, Graeme Souness, " He's the greatest English center-forward I've ever seen."

PAUL DALGLISH FOR D.C.UNITED?

DC United have renewed their interest in Kenny's lad. Presently playing for Blackpool, he has a clause in his contract that allows him to leave at any time. If he signs for United he will have to settle for a modest salary because the team has little room under its salary cap.

PENALTIES ARE A DANGER TO YOUR HEALTH

A report in the British Medical Journal says that heart attacks went up by 25% when England lost to Argentina in the 1998 World Cup. The report says that similar catastrophic events can trigger heart attacks (such as a Dabizas own goal).

WILKINSON NAMED INTERNATIONAL PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Rugby Union: Newcastle Falcons' and England fly-half Jonny Wilkinson has been named international player of the year. Injured in the autumn, he is sorely needed by the Falcons who are presently facing relegation.

SHEARER 17 - SUNDERLAND 16