A Love Letter To Newcastle United And Its Fans

In a flash, the most remarkable season of my short time as a Newcastle United supporter is over. Unlike most of you, our readers, the three of us are not woven into the fabric of the club. We come from far away, with no ties to Tyneside, no reason to breathe black and white. But we do.

Newcastle was relegated in the second season I followed the club. That could so easily have been it. After all, it was total turmoil in the months before and after the drop. To think that I was cheering for a group of overpaid mercenaries managed by a madman - and that the future looked even worse! But like all of you, we stuck it out through the Championship. For the club, and for us, it was actually quite a relief. We looked forward to wins. We had a likable group of players and manager. And at year’s end, we were back where we belonged.

After last year provided its own healthy dose of drama, no one really knew what to expect come August. The myopic sports media predicted doom. The three of us thought otherwise, but there’s quite a chasm between a top-ten finish and the dizzying height we find ourselves at today, with the potential for even more magic to come. Just ask Liverpool.

Then at midseason, I was invited to join this site, and it honestly felt like coming home. While I almost always watch the matches by myself, in truth I’m never really alone. Our readers and podcast listeners, as well as the wider community of Newcastle United supporters, have turned every matchday into a global celebration. Last Sunday’s game against Manchester City cemented that feeling for me. The game was so tense, and I could feel that shared tension and nervous excitement as we watched a brave but ultimately fruitless effort.

All season, I’ve commented on Twitter about how incredible St. James’ Park has sounded on TV. Hearing the crowd last week intimidate the City players as they swarmed the goal, and salute the team during the lap of honor, has turned going to a match from a dream in the indeterminate future to a requirement next season. I know Bob has expressed similar thoughts, as have several of the other American fans we talk to. So look out Tyneside, the Yanks are coming!

To all of you who read the blog, listen to our podcasts, and converse with us on Twitter, thank you for fleshing out my experience with this amazing club. On the off chance anyone associated with Newcastle United reads this, thank you for all of the enjoyment your club has given me this season.

And I hope that just as Newcastle has raised its level over the past season, we will continue to raise our own, with sharper analysis and better writing to match. Over the summer break, we’ll continue to give you transfer information, follow Newcastle players and potential targets at Euro 2012, and the like. There may be a couple more surprises this summer as well, so stay tuned to the blog and Twitter feed.

Thanks again to everyone for having made this an absolutely incredible year. Howay the lads!

Comments

[Toon Fan in MN]

Well said. You gentleman have been a pleasure to read this season.

HWTL

[Magpie6699]

Well done, you guys - and if you come over you'll be sure to have a great welcome!

[John Doc]

As someone who was in the Royal Navy for 30 years and understands what it's like to 'support from afar' you gentlemen have my utmost respect. When (not if) you make it to the cathedral on the hill for your first live game, be sure to let us all know. I'm sure there will be a queue of Mags (with me at the front) lining up to buy you a drink and to welcome you to your home away from home. Then you will be a Geordie!

[nick]

Thanks guys.. I live in Newcastle and go to all the games home and away, but still read all your blogs and never get tired of them :) P.s if you do visit Newcastle .. Man City at home?... Man United at home?
Sunderland at St.James! love u guys thanks :)

[Lee]

And from all of us thinking Geordies far and wide, may I thank you lads for providing articulate and thought provoking discussion. It's been a pleasure!

Now, get the flights booked for your trip to SJP and let us know when you're coming. Drinks are on the house!

[MnToonArmy9]

A sincere thank you to all of your IWIWAG efforts. It's a great place for information, opinion, fun and, above all, a place where people from far flung corners fo the globe can join each other to enjoy a common passion.

Until I can make the pilgrimage to St. James Park, this will be as close as I can get.

Thank you all for a great season. Enjoy your spring/summer.

[Vipers_Kingy]

I've thoroughly enjoyed your blogs and podcasts and conversing with you guys via Twitter. You are all committed, passionate and intelligent supporters of our brilliant club and your site has really increased my enjoyment of following the Toon this year. Top stuff and hope to see you guys over here one day soon! There's nothing like the atmosphere both in the ground and out in town after a win, Newcastle is an incredible place to be and follow a footy team.

[MnToonArmy9]

Question: now that we have the schedule for Europa nailed down (we go straight to group stage if I am not mistaken) any chance that NUFC would come to the US for a tour again this year? Or will they stay home/local?

[Matt]

Well, the feedback I've gotten on this post alone is reason enough for me to want to go to Newcastle...with all the offers we've gotten, I think the three of us will be drinking for free the whole time! Seriously, though, it means so much to me, and I'm sure to Bob and Tom as well, to have so many people in the US, UK, and everywhere else who enjoy the site.

As far as Europa goes, there's actually one playoff round that NUFC have to win before the group stages. I talk about it in yesterday's podcast, but I'll put up a Europa FAQs post this week as well. We haven't heard anything recently about doing another US trip after the original plans fell through, so I'd imagine that's not in the cards this season. Hopefully they'll be back soon, and maybe to my part of the country this time!

[Belton]

I'll join the others in congratulating you on a fantastic blog, gentlemen -- great stuff. And you absolutely must make that trip to Newcastle ASAP. My friend & I did so this year (you kindly RT'd our trip blog back in April) and it was the most fun we've had in a very long time. If you feel connected to the team now, just wait 'til the Geordies have welcomed you in person -- it's a magical thing.

[Rob]

My first trek to Tyneside was against Scunthorpe in our promotion year on St. Patty's day 2010. Since then my support has grown even higher and there is no other place I would rather be on earth than at SJP on matchday. I will be coming back in August and cannot wait! I really do feel like a Geordie now after watching the Toon with the rest of my fellow supporters. In Shearer We Trust.

[Ryan]

A little late to the party, but thanks for the site guys. I enjoy conversing with you and reading each and every article. Keep up the awesome work, and hopefully we all get to see an NUFC match together again soon like we did last summer!

[Jackie]

When my husband and I were still long-distance dating I booked a surprise visit to see him in late October 2010. He asked me if I wanted to go to London and eat at Gordon Ramsey's restaurant or to Newcastle to watch a match....No brainer.

To sum up Newcastle in as little words as possible: It was everything my Geordie hubby told me about and more. The people, the city, everything. It was brilliant! Oh, and I will forever be so honoured to say my first match was when we spanked the mackems 5-1 on Halloween 2010. (I know, lucky gal :) But the people at the ground were the absolute best.

Seriously, I don't know why people rave about London. Yes, lots to do but so overrated. Newcastle is where it's at. It sounds like you have so many offers for drinks....and maybe a place to crash? Well, if that's the case book the ticket now! You won't regret it! :D

And if you do go, have a Geordie take you 'round to Cullercoats. There's a place that is literally right on the water and they have the best fish and chips I've ever had in my life. (Caught fresh daily from the sea)

Thanks for your great blog!