damien duff

Same Old Magpies

Always keeping you hoping to the end. Thankfully we managed to beat Fenerbahce (whose travelling support was great – and also deafening) by a goal by Antoine Sibierski in the 80th minute. We didn’t play too badly, but our wingers were rather weak. Charles N’Zogbia and James Milner were largely disappointing, but Taylor and Ramage as a centre back pairing really staked their claim for a Premiership starting partnership. Damien Duff – who played at left back – got Man Of The Match by the match sponsors. I suspect he might have to become familiar with this role unless a fit, worthy left back comes by in January (hint hint Wayne Bridge).

Ok, so a new gripe about car adverts. And yes, again, it is Vauxhall. Watching some socks shout “come on” is not going to even warrant me raising my eyes to the screen. You are not advertising cars here: you are advertising the TV stand, the fact that some of the numbers have rubbed off the remote buttons, and the mark on the wall that you hadn’t noticed before. Suddenly they become so much more interesting…

...with no replies just yet.

Who Are You

Well, I went to see the Newcastle United v PSV Eindhoven. We didn’t start playing until about 70th minute – by which time we were 3-0 down. Then I imagine the away team were rather dumbstruck by the upping of the pace. It was quite enlightening really. We started playing! Milner, Luque and Butt came on for Solano, Emre and Duff, and we pegged it back to 3-2. Ok, we didn’t get a result, but it is clear that Milner is probably one of our best players. When he’s on the wing, get the ball to him and he’s bloody dangerous!

So the football was good, despite losing. I did get a headache though. Shame. But it isn’t the first time, and God knows it won’t be the last, so I just try to sleep it off.

Ha, and a funny thing. I was reading through the programme for the match, and I saw an article on Ronald Koeman, the PSV coach. He used to play for Barcelona and was a well-respected player. Ok, so he has put on a bit of weight, but I guess we all do as get older. But I noticed that while the programme documented his history to some detail, it did not mention his international playing career. He played for the Netherlands a fair few times. And, without thinking, I turned and said to Mum, “It doesn’t mention his Dutch caps.” Boom boom.

And we won the cricket! Go Monty! Go Harmy! Go England!

...with 3 replies.

Missing You

Before I went to Spain, I had never used Messenger. I thought it was just something that geeks and house-bound people did. To some extent, possibly the degree to which people fit into those categories determine how much time they devote to using the program.

I use Messenger for almost all the time I am awake. Why? Because I hate to think I might have missed someone who rarely comes online. That’s the top and bottom of it. The thing is, these people never come online and so I pester other people. What makes me more determined is that because I live so far away from those friends I want to spend time with, I try to emulate this on Messenger. This isn’t much fun for me, or for those unsuspecting friends upon coming online.

So I miss a few people. I want them to come online now! But they won’t. Perhaps now is the time you are expecting me to write I have a problem. Maybe… ah sod it. I’m going to see Duff’s debut tomorrow!

...with one reply so far.

Dolly Mixtures

So a bit of a mixed bag today. Some good stuff. Newcastle United beat Lillestrom 3-0 and so that means we qualify to take part in the UEFA Cup competition this season. We have also signed Damien Duff.

And the bad stuff. Nick’s had problems with his family’s computer – couldn’t fix it. Chris didn’t get everything done today he should have done – couldn’t persuade him. I tried to be of positive contribution to the project with Weiran – I was of little help there, too.

...with 2 replies.

The Chelsea Raid Continues

We have netted Damien Duff! Subject to a medical of course… We were going to get him last year, and the year before, and the year before that…

Of course, last year we got Scott Parker, and we have been repeatedly linked with Shaun Wright-Phillips too. Fingers crossed Salomon Kalou will come our way!

...with one reply so far.