Location – SJP, Kick Off – 20.00pm, Date – Thursday 19th October 2006, Tickets - On General Sale   Referee – Grzegorz Gilewski (POL)
Coverage – Channel 5, BBC Radio Newcastle 95.4FM,

I often find myself whole heartedly agreeing with our illustrious Editor but on this occasion I find the comparison that we are the “Phoenix Nights” representatives in the Premiership frankly is a massive slight on the hard work, determination, single mindedness and passion Brian Potter shows when it comes to the Phoenix Club. In comparison we need a new Potteresque figure to step forward and help steer the good ship Newcastle United back to the upper echelons of the Premiership and some level of success in cup competitions. Speaking of which it is my job to bring the tf faithful news of the up and coming fixtures and to pass on my hopes and fears for the coming match but I am finding it increasingly difficult to rouse excitement, passion and motivation to make the commitment of time, money and effort that I invest into NUFC and have done so for as long as I can remember. Is the proposed takeover just paper talk to increase the share price? Is it good news that Channel 5 is showing the game live? Is this a welcome break from a piss poor run of performances in the league? How long do we have to wait before the vast majority of the faithful B&W tribe find that by not showing your distain and loathing of the current board of directors gives them the excuse they need to remain in power? Howay Freddy pack your bags and take that fuckin mess with you.

Now that’s off my chest its back to the football. The first of our Group H matches sees us welcome Fenerbahçe Spor Kulübü (Sporting Club) one of the better Turkish teams to SJP. A few little known facts about FSK. They were recently invited to participate in the latest G-14 conference, their current manager is the world famous Brazilian world-cup star Zico, they are the biggest supported club in Turkey, 2007 is their centenary year and they finished last season as runners up to Galatasaray. If we are to remain in this competition we need to be getting maximum points from our home games especially when we have an unenviable trip to the cauldrons in Palermo, and Frankfurt awaiting us. I would love to say I am expecting a great night of European football but this is probably one of many battles this season that won’t be for the feint hearted. If we go into this game with the same thought process as the second half of Sunday’s game then we can expect to be well and truly hammered. Where can I look for inspiration? Why has my expectations of the 2006/7 season been lowered so dramatically? Why are we after only 14 games questioning why Roeder was naive enough to make Newcastle United is his last job in management? So many questions and nobody stepping forward with the answers!

Last UEFA Game

Newcastle United 3 – 1 Tallinn

Fenerbahçe 5 – 1 Randers

Likely Squads:

FSK - Rustu Recber, Umit Ozat, Diego Lugano, Luis Edu Dracena, Stephen Appiah, Marco Aurelio, De Alex, Mateja Kezman, Tuncay Sanli, Deivid, Kerim Zengin, Volkan Demirel, De Souza, Onder Turaci, Ugur Boral, Selcuk Sahin, Tumer Metin, Can Arat, Semih Senturk

Man to Watch – De Souza – Striker is on good form at the moment.

Fitness News – None released.

NUFC - Harper, Srnicek, Krul, Carr, Bramble, Moore, Taylor, Ramage, Parker, Butt, Duff, Emre, N'Zogbia, Solano, Milner, Pattison, Ameobi, Martins, Sibierski, Luque, Babayaro

Man to Watch – Emre - He will try to impress his mates

Fitness News – Given (Stomach) Rossi (Ineligible) Alan O'Brien (Groin) Owen (Leg) Dyer (soon, I promise) are all out.

"Reasons to be Cheerful" – The Beasts are next, Roeder admits we have defensive issues and the Reserves and the Kids aren’t doing too bad.

ES