View from the Cemetery

It’s turning into a funny old season isn't it? A bad start, a big upturn in form, followed by a major injury crisis, and all to the backdrop of a non-stop run of cup ties. Including a jolly old Vase run. So do the cup ties help or hinder? I wouldn't swear to it, or anything else of course in this league, but on balance I think they are helping. Lots of games and no more points yet, but a good chance for the new management to get things sorted, and with plenty of games in reserve. Not the same as points I grant you, but let’s be positive. And the balance of league games has been strange, only 15 played, but we have already played West and Guisborough home and away, plus several of the other current top sides, and have a crucial run of winnable league games to come after today’s diversion on the road to Wembley. Not a bad thing the Vase though, should be a decent few in today. Just don't stand in my way please, our view is restricted enough, thank you very much...

I see the concern over the ludicrous decision to go to Quatar for a World Cup is still bubbling away, did FIFA really think they could get away with this one? Evidently yes, Mr Blatter did. And who is to say he is wrong? It's an interesting fact that very often the only talent you need to rise far through bureaucratic organisations is a limitless supply of what is in Yiddish called Chutzpah. Chutzpah is variously defined as "the quality of audacity, insolence or cheek" or my favourite, "unmitigated effrontery or impudence". Can't help thinking of old Sepp can you? Do you remember his speech when making the announcement? Lots of guff about sportsmanship and the importance of being good losers, all while looking intently at Bobby Charlton, Geoff Hurst and Prince William in the front stalls. Bet he walked backstage and said he thought that went well. Mind, if it happens, which I continue to doubt, it will at least be too hot and alcohol too expensive for there to be much in the way of bother. Unlike Russia. That will be fun. England supporters versus Russian fascists and the Spetsnaz. Could be a close run thing...

European football at Meadow Park! Or at least as close to European football as we are likely to come any time soon hereabouts. Sheffield is fairly cosmopolitan I reckon, and it's certainly been a decent ride out for those lads, so what's not to like? Personally I love these games, and from my point of view home is certainly best, although they reckon the trip to Bridlington was a good day out last season. Not for us cemetery lads I'm afraid...

I understand the BBC are under pressure to find ways of saving money, and are considering closing some of their operations. Can I put Radio Newcastle in the frame? Would it be missed? I think not. The name is ridiculous, most of its output is poor to awful, and one of the presenters is named after a budgie, which tells you a lot. But it is not our Joey I particularly resent, it’s the two characters who present the non league show of a Saturday evening who I really want to see the back of. Non league show? More the ’Tyneside football is wonderful’ show. We are all well aware that most Geordies are one-eyed in the extreme when it comes to football, but non league as well? That's taking it a bit far I reckon. These two seem to think the Northern League starts at Dunston and ends at Ashington, all others being some form of foreigner, and not to be trusted. They thought our quite excellent win over Newcastle Benfield, there's a clue to their opinion in the name for you, and achieved by us with one, semi fit, striker, was "very disappointing". Not in these parts it wasn't sunshine. And remember, as it’s the job creation programme known as the BBC, we all have to pay for this dross....