It has been a frustrating season for the Toon. Even before the season had begun we had lost our star striker, Owen. We appeared to be scrambling in the transfer hustings during the summer, although two of the buys – Sibierski and Martins - have developed into keepers since September. Parker was a good choice for captain, and Nicky Butt has played some stalwart games recently. But we were in the Premiership cellar for many months before we finally started making some progress up the table. There were some encouraging performances before Christmas, and we have made great progress in the UEFA Cup, ending up top of our table. (Along the way, we were awarded the Intertoto Cup, being the only team left from those early season matches). We have given Chelski a run for their money and deserved to win one of the two games. The Christmas results were disappointing although in January we had a couple of gritty results against Moan U. and Spurs. It was disappointing not to win the first Third Round tie away at Birmingham – they were helped by a very late goal. There are no excuses for the drubbing in the replay at St James’ Park. The lads were unquestionably simply knackered. They deserve credit for bouncing back the next weekend against a rejuvenated West Ham, especially since they were 2-0 down after 25 minutes.

Early on in the season, the R-word began as a comment, then became a threat as the losses piled up. The concern was fueled by the injury list. At times we had more players injured than were available for the game. Glenn Roeder is right that the team has shown immense resilience and character to fight back from all these adversities, and salvage a win or a draw. It’s almost amazing to see Dyer playing so many games on the trot, and we hope they won’t think again about selling Milner. With 14 games to go, the fans are busily doing the arithmetic. It’s generally accepted that 40 points will ensure we stay in the league we belong. For us that means three wins and a draw from the remaining games. The feeling is “let’s just get through this season and then we can regroup.” We’re at least helped by the scramble that’s going on below us in the table. Looks like Watford are assured of going down, with two of Charlton, West Ham, Wigan, and Sheffield United to accompany them. It’s a strange-looking table. Moan U look like pulling away at the top. Chelski are unlikely to catch them, and may well be pipped by Liverpool and Arsenal. Then there are a host of teams in the middle of the table. Even at our position of twelfth, we are only seven points behind sixth place.

It’s a funny old game. But we’ll keep the faith.