Upon arrival to Newcastle, I contacted Phil LeMarquand about an unofficial ground tour he offered to me. Phil said 3 PM so, my girlfriend Betsy (the one with the Toon Army fingernails), my friend Virag (who works in London), and myself headed to SJP to raid the club shop before meeting Phil. I remembered how large the ground appeared before redevelopment, but now it is just massive. The new sections of the ground are almost like skyscrapers and tower over everything in the area. It even makes the brewery look small.

After spending a small sum at the shop, we went next door to the southwest reception entrance. Phil greeted the group (about 15) and we headed to an elevator that took us to the Level 6 boxes. Once at Level 6 we went up a flight of stairs to enter the seating area at its highest point. It was a spectacular sight. You can see clear over the opposite roof and into town. The roof is also a surreal sight as it wraps around half of the ground.

Phil then took us to the pitch. We had to wait a few minutes to go onto the pitch because a couple were getting their wedding photos taken! We walked over to the dugout area and marveled at the vastness of the ground. I was surprised that the pitch was in such poor condition considering that it had a month since a match was played on it. From the pitch, Phil pointed out where everyone would be sitting- in a balcony under the southwest corner roof. The tour was concluded after that. We received our tickets and was told that the Member's box opens at 1 pm.

The 3 of us arrived at around 1:15. Supporters who sit in the Member's Box take an elevator from the southwest reception entrance directly to the box. The box covers the back corner of the stand. It appears to accomodate 200 people. There are lots of tables and TVs which had Sky Sports 1. There were 2 cash bars. Lunch was a meat pie, chips, and peas and everyone receives a free program and Ladbrokes form sheet. The rear of the box offered a nice view of the city facing Quayside. In the front, there about 3 or 4 entrances to the balcony, the balcony contains 3 rows of wide cushioned seats. The view of the pitch was very good.

The match itself was painful at times. The crowd (almost 52,000) was into it in the beginning. During the middle half of the game the crowd was quiet except for the Gallowgate end which got loud whenever the Mags attacked.

Man. City played liked they were in a relegation dogfight and were hungry for the 3 points. It was nice to see Uncle Alan back and he tried his best to make something happen. The absence of Lee and Speed were apparent. Dyer appeared hobbled and Solano lacked invention. Quinn played well and was inches from scoring on a free kick, Acuna missed a sitter, and Lua Lua passed up a shot on goal for a cross that floated harmlessly out of play. The Toon Army showed their frustration at the final whistle and to compond everything, it snowed 2 inches right after the match.

The overall experience was a positive one. The price for a ticket may seem a bit high, but at least you get free meal, cozy seats, a great view, and most importantly for Club United members, a guaranteed seat. Just e-mail Phil and he does the rest.

Erik Farinas
Dagsboro, DE