Stakes high ahead of Tyne-Tees derby

Another disappointing defeat, this time away at Cardiff City, saw our faint hopes of making the play-offs recede further. Only a spectacular late run of form and a sudden avalanche of goals can save our season now.

After a dreadful first half in the Welsh capital and a string of missed opportunities in the second, most Boro fans are already beginning to look to next season.

Saturday’s visit of our friends from up the road in Newcastle comes as a welcome respite from this tough and disappointing season. The chance to get revenge for that awful defeat at the end of last season (3-1 on Tyneside in May) is most welcome.

Deluded

Thinking back to that May evening does now bring a smile to my face. It was typical of the deluded Geordies and their Messiah, Alan Shearer, to indulge in wild scenes of celebration at the final whistle.

Shearer punched the air and saluted the fans who celebrated as if they had won a trophy (something they don’t know much about on Tyneside). How ironic then that just a few weeks later the mighty ‘Toon’ were relegated and Mike Cashley had sacked their balding Messiah! You have to laugh.

Newcastle’s Fanzoner, Darren Williams, is all excited about their impending promotion and seems to think Saturday’s game is a foregone conclusion. He has suggested a little wager – the losing fanzoner being photographed wearing the opponents’ shirt.

Suspicion

The thought of pulling a skunks shirt over my head is about as appealing as eating my own hand but I have a sneaking suspicion that we might get something from this game. So, as Darren seems so confident and Newcastle are clearly the bookies favourites, I will agree to the bet – as long as I get the draw.

I would love to send the army of deluded Geordies back up the A19 with the smug smiles wiped off their faces. To then see Darren featured on the Skysports website waring a Boro shirt would almost make this dreadful season worthwhile!