We should have had the points - 15/10/2002

Gazza - if only we could turn the clock back

Links:  Clubs:    Newcastle United

Once again there were quite a few goals at the International Stadium last night. We’ve played quite a few entertaining games here and the 3-3 draw against Bradford can be added to that list.

Michael Chopra hit a first half hat trick, and I enjoyed setting two of his three up! However, the game totally changed when the referee chose to send off Steven Taylor in only the 27th minute. After the game I spoke to some mates who had seen the game from the stand, I’d asked them what they thought about the sending off as personally, I didn’t think there was anything wrong with his challenge. They had a full view of the tackle and said he was at full stretch and took the ball away from the attacker, winning it fairly and squarely – this is just what we all thought! No one wants to get sent off, but when he gets punished for making a fine tackle it’s even harder to take. The thing is that he’s a 16 year old kid, we were only half way through the first half and it ruined the game for us. I can tell you that we had them all over the place and I’m sure we would have won the game comfortably!

Going back to last weeks game against Berwick, it was great to play against Gazza. After about ten seconds he absolutely clattered me and I hit the deck thinking 'here we go'. I gave him a bit back and then he turned round and said “That’s one each Jamie”. He knew my name! I know I play for the toon and it might surprise you, but I was amazed that he knew who I was. After the game Jimmy ‘five bellies’ shook my hand and we had a quick chat. Gazza’s still got the touch, I just wish we could turn back the clock and have him back at St. James.

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