Alan Pardew was interviewed in the Shields Gazette before the game tonight against Wellington Phoenix, which Newcastle won 1-0 through a first half goal from Yoan Gouffran – and the somber Newcastle manager said that the memory of John Alder and Liam Sweeney must be kept alive.
Alan Pardew and Fab Coloccini with wreaths on Tuesday night
Certainly it was an emotional scene on Tuesday night when Alan and captain Fab Coloccini laid wreaths at the two fans’ seats before the game kicked off, and Newcastle will keep their memory alive with a special tribute to the two fans before our season opener against Manchester City at St. James’ Park, which takes place three weeks tomorrow.
This is what Alan Pardew said today:
“It was emotional.” “Don’t under-estimate the impact that’s had on us, because it brings home the commitment our fans show to see us.”
“John’s story – he had only missed one game since 1973 – is remarkable.” “For them to have been travelling out there, and lost their lives in that tragic event – we’ve had to do our very best, and do it in the right way.”
“Hopefully, we have, and we will continue to do that. It’s important that their memory stays alive.”
And in tonight’s game there was again applause from the Newcastle fans after 28 and 64 minutes in honor of Liam and John, and that will be repeated at our games this season, as the Newcastle fans will continue to honor their fallen comrades.
Newcastle United have handled this tragedy in a very humane way, to their credit, and it looks like the club has every intention of keeping John and Liam’s memory alive.
Most fans want to see a permanent memorial to the two fans at St. James’ Park – and that will keep their memory alive forever.
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23 comments so far
jesperfuglsang - captain of the lemon crew
Jul 26, 2014 at 9:09 AM
Comment #1So no one wants to comment on the injuries?
Ian Toon
Jul 26, 2014 at 9:12 AM
Comment #2As a football fan It’s always good to put matters into perspective and to refresh the memory.
I came across an old interview of SIr John Hall with Tyne Times.
TT
Why Mike Ashley?
SJH
I decided to sell my shares because of Abramovich. It took me just over two years. I was in negotiations with some Malaysians when I got a call from another group. They wanted to meet me in London prior to my meeting with the Malaysians. I agreed. I was met at Kings Cross and taken by Rolls Royce to Freshfields and into a packed meeting room where this unnamed parties financial representatives began to make me an offer. I told them that I would honour my meeting with the Malaysians so could not give them an answer. They tried their best to persuade me otherwise but I’m a man of my word. The meeting with the Malaysians went well but they wanted 6 weeks to do due diligence. The offer from the other party at Freshfields waived that right and was a better deal. I was told that the man behind the deal was Mike Ashley and I sat with his representatives over 3 days thrashing out a deal. I was keen to know why they wanted the club and they were quite honest. They wanted to market their sports goods in the Far East and would use the Club to help do this. To me it made sense to market the Club globally. It was a win win situation for Mike and the Club. We hadn’t done that. Over the 3 days I gave them a lot of advice. When they took over they put Chris Mort in to run things and went private. It was a good move. He’s not a fool and like Mike he came in with the best of intentions. His subsequent departure caused a few problems and Mike made a mistake listening to the likes of Paul Kelmsley at Spurs. I think he made another mistake bringing back Kevin Keegan. He was yesterdays man, like Dalglish at Liverpool now. It wasn’t a rational decision and he’s had to pay for it. The appointment of Dennis Wise upset Kevin and the inevitable fallout happened. I thought the local media handled the situation badly and the vilification with headlines such as ‘Get Out Of Toon’ were unjustified. I believe the damage has been done and I believe he will get out of the club when he can, but it will have to suit both the club and him. Mike has the wealth to challenge, but he’s been hurt. He needs to liaise with the fans. I think he made a huge mistake drinking with them in the early days, I think he took some bad advice.
expatmag
Jul 26, 2014 at 9:12 AM
Comment #3Jesper
Aarons and Abeid injuries looked quite serious but the withdrawal of De Jong and Colo looked precautionary
Slank
Jul 26, 2014 at 9:13 AM
Comment #4REPOST
If there are any more signings (possibly only two) then my choice would be a centre forward and a creative midfield player.
I can see Colback and Tiote as a hard working, tough tackling defensive partnership but don’t see the killer pass from them. I can see the killer pass from De Jong but am not sure that is his role. He looks like a Nolan replacement albeit thinner, younger, faster and more skillful. Perhaps Grenier is the answer alternating with Colback especially in home games where we need to be attacking more than defending ?
I’m not sure of Riviere as a centre forward. Yes, he is quick and strong but being the lone striker is tough. Perhaps the formation will be the key. In away games he should be good on the quick break.
expatmag
Jul 26, 2014 at 9:13 AM
Comment #5Slank
Fancy omitting Sissoko. Shame on you
….lol
Slank
Jul 26, 2014 at 9:14 AM
Comment #6expatmag
Yes, I agree that Colo and De Jong looked precautionary.
Geremi's Prosthetic Leg Fund
Jul 26, 2014 at 9:16 AM
Comment #7Sick of seeing Mbiwa at RB, just cancel his contract if he’s going to persist playing him there and do us all a fAvour.
Really hoping Aarons is not seriously injured. Would be a massive setback.
Slank
Jul 26, 2014 at 9:17 AM
Comment #8Ian Toon
I believe we have all passed water under that particular bridge. It’s been done to death.
expatmag
Jul 26, 2014 at 9:17 AM
Comment #9Slank
I think it is certain the back 5 and central defensive midfield is already picked but to top it off, we need two players in
Vlaar from Villa
Kesselriing from Monchengladbach *
(I THINK)
Novocastrian66
Jul 26, 2014 at 9:20 AM
Comment #10I don’t think Abeib’s injury was serious. After the initial impact he got the thumbs up to continue and was withdrawn at half time. Probably precautionary.
Colo’s nowt to worry about. Near the end of the game.
DeJong’s
Slank
Jul 26, 2014 at 9:21 AM
Comment #11Expatmag
Vlaar looked really good in the World Cup and with so many Dutch players now at the club he would feel right at home.
Don’t know anything about Kesselriing except the Field Marshal who was highly regarded by Hitler. Any relation ?
Novocastrian66
Jul 26, 2014 at 9:22 AM
Comment #12DeJong’s more worrying as is Aaron’s.
expatmag
Jul 26, 2014 at 9:26 AM
Comment #13Slank
Scored 20 goals in the bundesligs last season. Great in the air
Ethiotoon
Jul 26, 2014 at 9:27 AM
Comment #14Hope siem is not seriously injured.he supposedly here to replace cabaye.if he is
seriously injured,our creative activity will be limited. That’s why we have to bring Grenier or the likes of shelvey or payet…
For me the most important part of a team is the midfield.
Glad to hear Ayoze impressed, good to see the competition b/n him and Armstrong.for me the awesome signing so far is jack colback, he should take the place of Anita..no doubt..
Ian Toon
Jul 26, 2014 at 9:30 AM
Comment #15Nothing new but I see us at a crossroads. This season the gulf between the haves and the have nots will be ever wider. Again no secret that there is a correlation between what you spend and where you finish. We could well punch above our weight with a proven goalscorer.
We have made an excellent start in the transfer market but we need to crack on with the signing/ or taking on loan, of a quality prolific goal scorer like Lukaku who could make a big difference. We also need an improvement defensively at CB as Saylor is just not good enough. 2-3 key signings and a squad with depth and we would be set for an excellent competitive season.
expatmag
Jul 26, 2014 at 9:31 AM
Comment #16Slank
Sorry mate. His name is Stefan Kiessling and plays for Bayer Leverkuesen. Scored 15 goals in the bundesliga last season
jesperfuglsang - captain of the lemon crew
Jul 26, 2014 at 9:33 AM
Comment #17expat…damn it 🙁
Novocastrian66
Jul 26, 2014 at 9:34 AM
Comment #18Newcastle kept the ball well at times today, but created very little. There was too many holes at the back, giving Wellington plenty opportunities to score. A combination of poor finishing and Elliot pulling off a couple of sharp saves preserved the clean sheet.
Mbiwa looks out his depth whether at full b
JDdubai
Jul 26, 2014 at 9:35 AM
Comment #19This is the frustration.
More than once under MA we have been in this position, just need 2 or 3 quality players and we would be serious contenders for top 4 but each time we dont strengthen and miss out, sell a few, then the cycle begins again.
Surely as a businessman he could see that extra investment right now would increase the odds of a greater return for him in the future…
Novocastrian66
Jul 26, 2014 at 9:38 AM
Comment #20Cont) fullback or center half. My phone is crap. The keyboard keeps disappearing and I hit the submit button hence the unfinished posts.
jesperfuglsang - captain of the lemon crew
Jul 26, 2014 at 9:40 AM
Comment #21I read this; it doesn’t look too good:
http://www.themag.co.uk/the-mag-articles/four-injuries-cloud-newcastle-win-wellington-phoenix/?
Is it true De Jong didn’t train up to the games because he was questionable? if so no a good call on Pards part seeing as he has enough players at his disposal and even need to see them in action.
Lilongwe Geordie
Jul 26, 2014 at 9:44 AM
Comment #22Novo,
Sounds like last season continued then! The players picking up injuries, whether they are minor or otherwise is a worry. Unless some moron puts in a bone crucnching tackle we shouldn’t be picking up muscle injuries or strains at this stage of pre season.
Ian,
I think if we got a Lukaku type striker and a big centre half then we realistically have a first 11 capable of pushing the top 6. If we could stay injury free that would be where I expect us to be. At the minute, I think the side as is will be mid table 10-12 as we are leaky at the back and won’t score lots.
I didn’t see the match, but it seems to be getting a mixed review from most. Don’t really care about score, we are still at the fitness and team building stage so as long as they get a good run out it is fine. As I said though, picking up injuries is worrying.
thepict
Jul 26, 2014 at 10:19 AM
Comment #23I just hope the club do erect a permanent memorial to John and Liam.