Back to Basics - - The official of John Beresford

Back to Basics - 04/10/2002

Bruce down, Megson to go?

It’s back to St. James and back to the task of picking up three points in the Premiership. Back to back win’s against Steve Bruce's Birmingham and Sunderland – both kept with clean sheets, mean that whatever the result in Europe, we’ll start this game in a confident manner.

The away win at St.Andrew’s was no mean achievement. Just look at their home record and you’ll see why! Now it’s the turn of their near neighbours to come up to play in front of 50,000 plus spectators. The key to this game is the first goal. If they manage to nick one, then psychologically it’ll give them a hell of a boost. There’ll be an extra spring in their step and they'll run and chase everything. On the other hand, an early Newcastle goal should see us go on and win the game comfortably.

Gary Megson went public in criticising his team after their mid-week Worthington Cup performance, and although there will be changes in personnel for tomorrow’s game, it’ll be wise to prepare for a backlash. I think that they’ll come out of the blocks and they’ll be into everyone. It’ll be a time for focus, determination, and playing simple football. If it’s scoreless after 25 to 30 mins, then I’ll be happy and confident that our class will see us through.

Whatever happens, I’ll be missing the game as I’m forty miles down the road covering Boro v Bolton. I think Boro can go second if they Bolton and Tyne Tees want me to see it. I can’t complain too much though, they do pay my wages these days!