Senior Newcastle United fans who can’t make the match these days but who want to hear front-line reports about their favourite team are invited to attend a new informal gathering when Toon Army journalist legend John Gibson will speak.
The event, provisionally called Newcastle United Auxiliaries, will be held at Tyneside Irish Cultural Centre in Stowell Street (China Town) on Monday, March 12, from 12.30pm until 2pm.
Organiser Les Robson from Cramlington, explained: “Newcastle United both on and off the field is always a passionate topic of conversation. Many older people want to talk about what’s going on but, unfortunately, are isolated at home.
“I know former season ticket holders who can’t make games now for a number of reasons such as their physical frailties, the cost, the weather and even their dislike of the current regime, although they still love their club.
“The initial event follows the crucial Southampton home match with only eight weeks and eight games left until the end of a torrid season, so there will be plenty to talk about.”
Les, 60,who has followed Newcastle United since 1965 but gave up his season ticket after last year’s Championship winning season, continued: “The Auxiliaries is a means to bring people together for an informal discussion once a week.
“It will be an ad hoc meeting aimed at senior fans of both sexes where they can have a chat and a cuppa.”
Les added: ” Obviously we’d love people of all ages to attend. If younger fans could bring along their parents or anyone interested that would be brilliant.
“The only thing we’d stipulate is people have respect for everyone’s opinions and we’ll not tolerate racism.
“Gibbo has agreed to do the first meeting. He’ll talk for ten minutes and then there will be questions and, hopefully, a lively discussion.”
John Gibson, a multi-award winning journalist who has covered Newcastle for the past 52 years, said: “It’s a fantastic idea. I can’t wait to hear the crack. Many of these supporters will have started attending matches in the 1930s and 40s and will have a wealth of folk knowledge about our club.”
Les hopes the inaugural event at the Irish Centre will attract people from Tyneside and beyond so that season ticket holders will host a weekly meeting in their local area next season.
For further details contact Les on 07805496518