Chris Hughton's Black 'n White Army

When you think about what he has been through in his relatively short spell with the club, he deserves nothing more than thanks and applause from us fans. I've lost count of the number of managers he's worked with, not to mention the ineptness and naivety of those in charge. He's not a manager, he'll admit that, I will and so will you. He's a coach and very highly regarded one at that. I think we should be grateful for what he has done. A lesser man would have walked away a long time ago, but he has taken this in his stride and just got on with it. I think a rendition of "Chris Hughton's Black and White Army" is due, it's no less than he deserves in my opinion.

Onto the match, this was nowhere near as convincing as Saturday. We made hard work of it at times, seemingly unable to get a grasp on the second half. Brian Laws has done a good job organising Wednesday and should be applauded for it, but for all of their possession they didn't really threaten on goal bar the returning mackem's free kick and Jeffers' effort at the death. Carroll was unlucky not to get a penalty in the first half too. Well done Shola again though, keep proving me wrong. I love it!

I'll say it again, we cannot afford to let anyone else go. Least of all Steven Taylor who had a fantastic game, and saved Sideshow Col's bacon on a couple of occasions. A decision by Ashley to sell him will, and should, be met with mass outcry and anger from fans. He has already tried his best to rip the heart of the club by treating Keegan and Shearer like something on the bottom of his shoe. To do the same to, apart from being an ever present player over the last 5 years or so, one of us and a fan, will be the final straw for some. A Taylor and Campbell partnership would be great if you ask me, making the foundations of a solid back four with Enrique and Simpson taking up the full back slots.

How about this for a cheeky bet with one of the more cynical members of my bunch? He has no hope for us, nor for Shola this season whereas I think differently.

£11 on Newcastle finishing in the top 8.
£11 on Shola to score 12 or more league goals.

Given that Shola is a third of the way there and the poor standard of a number of teams in this league, not a bad bet really is it?

Just hope I haven't put a jinx on it now though!