Newcastle will kick off in about an hour and play their first game down under in New Zealand, when we take on Sydney FC at the Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin, New Zealand
John Alder and Liam Sweeney
But as we all know, two of Newcastle’s most ardent fans – John Alder and Liam Sweeney – on their way to support the team – were tragically killed and among the 298 people on board who have lost their lives, when a Malaysian passenger plane was shot down by rebels on Thursday over eastern Ukraine.
The north-east has come together in dramatic style in support of our two fallen fans, and a short impromptu service was held yesterday and around 200 people gathered at St James’ Park where flowers, football shirts and scarves were left in memory of John Alder, 63, and Liam Sweeney 28 – shown above.
It’s heart warming to see this all happening, and we just hope that some permanent memorial can be built in honor of John and Liam at St. James’ Park – and it will honor their complete dedication to Newcastle United – an can serve to honor our fans in general, who literally dedicate their lives in support of the club.
Alan Pardew has said there will be a minute’s silence before the game, and the players will wear black arm bands tonight, and it’s likely to be an emotional time before the game kicks off.
This is what Alan Pardew has said:
“For us it is important that we represent ourselves in the right manner.” “Especially in the light of losing John and Liam.”
“They were supporters that were travelling out here. We need to get them strong results. That’s what John and Liam wanted.”
“We will all wear black armbands.” “There will be a minute’s silence.” “The most important thing for us is that we honor our support.”
“And do it in the right manner and do it in a manner that really means something.” “It does mean a lot to us. It has hurt the group.”
Maybe we can all learn something from this complete and utter tragedy – and we need to dedicate this whole season to John and Liam, who literally have lost their lives in support of the Magpies.
6 comments so far
Lilongwe Geordie
Jul 22, 2014 at 7:45 AM
Comment #1Repost
Ethio,
It was good. We won 4-1. To be fair, we shouldn’t and don’t lose many games. I am really pleased as I have been working with a young central defender lots over the last few weeks on his positioning and reading of the game, on Saturday evening he was called up to a Malawi national U18 squad. Things like that make the more challenging aspects of football development here worthwhile.
On Anita I think he is a far better player than he is given credit for by some. The problem for him is that he isn’t best suited to the style of football we play. He is a neat, tidy and uncomplicated player who reads the game well. He also does a lot off the ball in terms of covering. He is comfortable dropping in for both full backs and knows when he needs to do so.
I like Colback as well, but they are very different styles of players so it is harsh to compare them like for like. It will depend a lot on how Pardew sets the team up and what style of play we decide to use as to which would work better.
AmeriToon
Jul 22, 2014 at 7:50 AM
Comment #2anyone know what time the game starts? its very hard to tell since i’m in the usa and the game itself is in nz yet all the fans are in the uk
nut meg
Jul 22, 2014 at 7:56 AM
Comment #3Lilo
Well done with the academy,must be very heartening for you,keep it going.
On Anita,I think they’ll be a place for him this season.I can see Pardew wanting a Dutch link up down the right hand side with Janmaart,Anita & SDJ. I also think because Anita moves the ball very quickly to feet that it will give SDJ a wee bit more room to work in.If Janmaart moves forward on the overlap Anita can cover for him as he normally does.
baro9
Jul 22, 2014 at 7:59 AM
Comment #4AmeriToon
I’m in the US too!
Game starts at I believe 3:30 AM Eastern time and 2:30 AM central time
cyprus
Jul 22, 2014 at 8:51 AM
Comment #5Hey, the game’s on my TV! 10 min played. Possession about 90%… to them! Fun times.
thepict
Jul 22, 2014 at 4:56 PM
Comment #6Nice touch by Pards and Colo in laying 2 wreaths.