With you entirely on Bruno. The likes of Krafth (nice lad n all that) leaves with an adulation like he’s captained us to consecutive EPL and ECLs (and he was canny shite and always injured) yet Bruno who was the teams heartbeat for almost 5yrs (and lifted a trophy) is despised by a seemingly large majority. Gutted he’s gone but move on. Legend.
Enjoy the Half Time or whatever it’s called in Takadanobaba. Went there when we played Yokohama F. Marinos in 2024. Crazy (football generally) bar half way up a building!! Enjoy Japan. Beautiful country and people.
Thanks Mark- good to know that my long trip (we’ll be staying in Kamakura) isn’t likely to be in vain. Hope we get something from the game too, but if football was all about results then we’d support someone else so I plan to enjoy it regardless
I know the bairns aren’t very old and maybe too young to appreciate it but the zoo in Taito is fantastic. Giant Pandas, even if in a (massive) enclosure, are worth the visit alone.
The zoo in Tokyo is really great, I wonder if those weird stalls outside selling antiques are still there........the aquarium is good too. Love Tokyo, it is like being on another planet.
Na. I did all the England World Cup games in 2002 for three or so weeks across the country. Then in 2018, Tokyo again and a cruise around the big islands with family for a few weeks. Great place. Long way away!
Sounds great. I’d love to do the cruise. I was talking to a couple of lads in the above bar and I thought one of them mentioned TF - asked just in case it might’ve been yourself.
He might be a legend, or at least a fondly remembered former player, in 10 years time when he's back as a special match day guest. For now all he is, is an Arsenal player.
Of the players who left this summer, it’s killing me seeing him in an Arsenal shirt. I’ve just seen the footage of him being introduced to the gooners last night. I don’t care about Flash in a Barca shirt, or Tonali in a Spurs one (because he’d rather it was a Milan one). And I’m pleased to see Tripps in a wolves one. But Bruno 🤬
Well done for divorcing the drivel and rumour from your life, I am trying that too, but it is very tough. Agree totally with: "In fact, I can no longer be arsed with Big Football at all, besides watching the sport itself, and taking an interest in what Newcastle United actually do on the pitch." It is good to keep steering it back to the actual footbal and players and not the bin-fire drama of wages, transfers and rolling news - or at least try to. Yes, new broom and let's see what happens.
Thank you for an interesting article. I agree with you entirely regarding Big Football; My sole interest is Newcastle United on the field and not the banal drivel that is dressed up as important news in order to attract readers.
Bruno had many good points had some great moments and I applaud his contribution overall but I agree, legend is to easily banded about. Many a game passed him by.
Man United in the cup final for one (like his teammates) he never turned up or more over what he is being lauded for, rousing them, dragging them over the line and leading by example. Oh and lets not mention Sunderland away eh !
That was the same in many many games, he was as culpable as anyone if you want to criticise about last season.
Thanks for that Yousef but basically you've wasted you're time putting pen to paper because all you've done is confirm what we already knew about the premier league, the Sky 6 and corruption.
As far as Bruno is concerned I have to disagree. As someone who grew up during the era of true legends, Milburn, Mitchell, White, Brennan etc Bruno doesn't come near qualifying for legend status. Very good player and I will always appreciate his time here but legend definitely not.
Talking of legends and the shouts for a statue of KK. The person who has done more for this club than anybody else during my lifetime is Joe Harvey. You young'uns should look at his record both as a player and manager and appreciate a true legend.
A thoroughly enjoyable article, Yousef. Most excellent!
The tip on how to pronounce Wor Matt's surname works very well. If I may add further clarification, the J should be pronounced like a Y, the AI like the geordie 'aye', and the E at the end is pronounced more like a very short 'uh'. So, 'Yaye-ssluh'.
I had no idea that the term, 'utter bollocks' was common legal parlance. I absolutely love watching courtroom dramas (think, The Lincoln Lawyer, etc.), but I have never heard that term used. Maybe it is particular to the English legal system?
Regarding Hoppy's verbal leakages, a third option is available: pissing.
But you know what. I enjoyed reading this so much, that I'm going to read it again, and again, and again...
Great article. And depressing because it confirms what we already know about the PL and the cartel of the “big” 6. I used to think my other half was being paranoid when he went on about it but I’ve come to realise he’s right.
With you entirely on Bruno. The likes of Krafth (nice lad n all that) leaves with an adulation like he’s captained us to consecutive EPL and ECLs (and he was canny shite and always injured) yet Bruno who was the teams heartbeat for almost 5yrs (and lifted a trophy) is despised by a seemingly large majority. Gutted he’s gone but move on. Legend.
Enjoy the Half Time or whatever it’s called in Takadanobaba. Went there when we played Yokohama F. Marinos in 2024. Crazy (football generally) bar half way up a building!! Enjoy Japan. Beautiful country and people.
Thanks Mark- good to know that my long trip (we’ll be staying in Kamakura) isn’t likely to be in vain. Hope we get something from the game too, but if football was all about results then we’d support someone else so I plan to enjoy it regardless
I know the bairns aren’t very old and maybe too young to appreciate it but the zoo in Taito is fantastic. Giant Pandas, even if in a (massive) enclosure, are worth the visit alone.
The zoo in Tokyo is really great, I wonder if those weird stalls outside selling antiques are still there........the aquarium is good too. Love Tokyo, it is like being on another planet.
Did you go in 2024, Freeman?
Na. I did all the England World Cup games in 2002 for three or so weeks across the country. Then in 2018, Tokyo again and a cruise around the big islands with family for a few weeks. Great place. Long way away!
Sounds great. I’d love to do the cruise. I was talking to a couple of lads in the above bar and I thought one of them mentioned TF - asked just in case it might’ve been yourself.
Had a decent look at the new players on Saturday. Some good prospects there. Hopefully they'll develop to their potential.
Sorry but Bruno doesn't qualify as a legend, legends don't employ super agents to leave the club.
He might be a legend, or at least a fondly remembered former player, in 10 years time when he's back as a special match day guest. For now all he is, is an Arsenal player.
Of the players who left this summer, it’s killing me seeing him in an Arsenal shirt. I’ve just seen the footage of him being introduced to the gooners last night. I don’t care about Flash in a Barca shirt, or Tonali in a Spurs one (because he’d rather it was a Milan one). And I’m pleased to see Tripps in a wolves one. But Bruno 🤬
Well done for divorcing the drivel and rumour from your life, I am trying that too, but it is very tough. Agree totally with: "In fact, I can no longer be arsed with Big Football at all, besides watching the sport itself, and taking an interest in what Newcastle United actually do on the pitch." It is good to keep steering it back to the actual footbal and players and not the bin-fire drama of wages, transfers and rolling news - or at least try to. Yes, new broom and let's see what happens.
Thank you for an interesting article. I agree with you entirely regarding Big Football; My sole interest is Newcastle United on the field and not the banal drivel that is dressed up as important news in order to attract readers.
Def.
The word legend is used too often these days. Bruno is a good player and gave us 💯 % in the time he was here. But not even close to legend status.
Very few players ( not into double figures ) have attained legendary status since the late 60s
Bruno had many good points had some great moments and I applaud his contribution overall but I agree, legend is to easily banded about. Many a game passed him by.
Man United in the cup final for one (like his teammates) he never turned up or more over what he is being lauded for, rousing them, dragging them over the line and leading by example. Oh and lets not mention Sunderland away eh !
That was the same in many many games, he was as culpable as anyone if you want to criticise about last season.
Thanks for that Yousef but basically you've wasted you're time putting pen to paper because all you've done is confirm what we already knew about the premier league, the Sky 6 and corruption.
As far as Bruno is concerned I have to disagree. As someone who grew up during the era of true legends, Milburn, Mitchell, White, Brennan etc Bruno doesn't come near qualifying for legend status. Very good player and I will always appreciate his time here but legend definitely not.
Talking of legends and the shouts for a statue of KK. The person who has done more for this club than anybody else during my lifetime is Joe Harvey. You young'uns should look at his record both as a player and manager and appreciate a true legend.
I'm of the opinion KK, Harvey and David Kelly should have statue's before Sir Bobby.
And he should have a statue not a little plaque on the wall
A thoroughly enjoyable article, Yousef. Most excellent!
The tip on how to pronounce Wor Matt's surname works very well. If I may add further clarification, the J should be pronounced like a Y, the AI like the geordie 'aye', and the E at the end is pronounced more like a very short 'uh'. So, 'Yaye-ssluh'.
I had no idea that the term, 'utter bollocks' was common legal parlance. I absolutely love watching courtroom dramas (think, The Lincoln Lawyer, etc.), but I have never heard that term used. Maybe it is particular to the English legal system?
Regarding Hoppy's verbal leakages, a third option is available: pissing.
But you know what. I enjoyed reading this so much, that I'm going to read it again, and again, and again...
Cheers
Love it Yousef! Thanks for reminding me of the days when we just loved football… And Bamber Boozler was king!
A few young uns might have to Google Ceefax and Bamboozle, could ever get to the last question no matter how many times I tried,!
Incredible game, Bamboozle
It sure was, if a little clunky.
Bruno for me, was often a liability as much as a talisman.
Not sour grapes just my honest opinion from times he lost possession in key areas, he was not alone of course but not as good as he thinks he is.
We move on and I look forward to this new Newcastle United.
Great article. And depressing because it confirms what we already know about the PL and the cartel of the “big” 6. I used to think my other half was being paranoid when he went on about it but I’ve come to realise he’s right.
Yo has a point(s)