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

Sir Bobby is probably regretting his comment last August when he said he would turn somersaults if the Toon repeated their fourth place finish this year. At the moment, third place looks a distinct probability and if MU continue their on-again off-again form, Newcastle could easily end up second. Meanwhile Sir Bobby is probably stockpiling Mars Bars to bribe Lua Lua into doing the somersaults.

With nine games to go it's worth looking at the remaining fixtures for the three contending championship teams. The Toon may just have the edge on the least difficult schedule. The next month will be the hardest, culminating with Everton and MU in succeeding weeks. After that it's bottom half of the table teams with Sunderland, Birmingham, and West Brom the last three games. Of course you don't know how frantic a team will play in order to avoid relegation.
    Arsenal have mostly top half teams over the next month, with Everton and Blackburn both vying for a Champions League place. Arsenal also have MU at home, but their last few matches are against the bottom teams. For every match that the Toon loses from now on, Arsenal will have to lose two.
    MU probably has the hardest schedule, with Liverpool, the Toon, and Arsenal in succeeding weeks. Their last three games are Tottenham, Charlton and Everton - no pushovers.

"I told him when he signed for us there was no pressure on him, but if we do go down the table, he'll be getting the blame."

BBC Sport on Five presented a fine tribute to Sir Bobby, "A Life's Passion," in February. During the programme, Alan Shearer admits that he was close to leaving during Ruud Gullit's reign. But Robson arrived just in time to save his career. He said that Robson's steely determination masked by a fatherly nature was the key to his recovery. "He'll give you a chance and he'll help you as much as he can, but he wants things in return."

Sir Bobby has been awarded a Doctorate in Civil Laws by the University of Newcastle - the highest honour the University can give. At least we know what he'll do when he hangs up his boots. He can hang out his attorney's shingle.

This book was published by Bloomsbury Press in 1993. The main character has elements of Gazza, Beckham, Bowyer, and Georgie Best. If you can get hold of a copy, it's a good read. Gives some interesting insights on English players in European clubs. (If any one knows of any other good footie books, let us know).

The heir to the Duke of Roxburghe's estate, valued at over £70 million, was nabbed on the Metro at the Haymarket, Newcastle, for not paying his £1 fare from Jesmond. If he doesn't pay the £10 fine within three weeks, his name goes on a 'Loser's List' which is displayed on posters in the Tyne and Wear area.

Shearer 21. Sunderland 19