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NE1 MAG's avatar

Great tribute. My lasting memory of him is not on the pitch but of walking behind him at Newcastle Airport after we must have been on the same flight. When we got to that staircase just inside the terminal, there was a lady just about to try and get tackle it with her kid in tow and a bag or two too many and he didn't even break stride to grab her bags and let her focus on getting the kid. No airs, no graces, no gratitude sought. My Captain 🫡🖤🤍

Mark Lucas's avatar

Loved that, Matthew. Smashing tribute.

I don’t think my 2 lads get my admiration of Lascelles. His leadership and determination in those relentlessly dark MA years were the cornerstone of becoming a premier league club again. They’re celebrating the team we are now, in part, because of his efforts.

Thanks and best of luck, Big Jam.

Mik Vee's avatar

Nice one Matthew. A fitting tribute to the lad.

As regards memories, I have one that springs to mind, although it is very vague. I believe there was one match in which he had the misfortune of scoring the opening goal for the opposition (sorry, no idea which opposition), one of those wicked crosses that luckilly hits a defender and goes in... or something like that. Unpeturbed, he goes up the other end and scores for us... wish I could remember which game.

Oh, and I will never forget him lifting the Carabao Cup with Bruno and Tripps. What a moment that was.

Question: Are there any plans to hold a testimonial match for him? He bloody well deserves one.

Mark Lucas's avatar

Everton, Mik? Own goal and then smashed one off their bar which went in off one of their players? I think!

David Russell's avatar

Great tribute and absolutely deserved. He just had a top class professional attitude when lots of others didn't. Wish him well in whatever he does now.

Neil's avatar

Very well done Matthew. Got a bit wistful reading that. Proper tribute to a proper player. 👏

David B's avatar

I have some contacts, and can state without fear of contradiction, that the season we finished 10th under Rafa was largely down to what the Captain did behind the scenes to gel a group of largely ordinary players. That included having to fill in Ritchie and Mo Diame to bring them back in line.

Mark Lucas's avatar

TF article, incoming?

David B's avatar

Ha ha. Can't ever reveal sources Mark. I presume you know that Lascelles and Carroll also had a scrap?

Mark Lucas's avatar

Yeah, course, David. What were the details again……

58 Photography's avatar

Very good article Matthew. Every club needs players like that as foundations and they deserve the sort of tribute you’ve written for Lascelles.

FREEMAN MAG's avatar

MP, great piece again by you, fair brought a tear to my eye. Yes, let's give him 'Cult Hero' status here and now. Nowt amazing, but always gave his all and never hid. Did he ever even get a song?

Oonagh Summerbell's avatar

Absolutely loved Big Jam, loved the Whitman reference and this very thoughtful piece on this great Captain.