50-something Dad. Semi-retired retail guru. Full-time suburbanite. Non League Paninaro. Rejuvenated running bore. Real Ale rambler. Often Osti. Always Adidas.
Leafy NE3...
- Tweets 57,336
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- Followers 2,351
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might as well give Eastbourne Town the 'Programme Cover of the Decade' award right now for tomorrow's work of art...
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always like to play 'what Adidas trainer is Michael Portillo paying homage to with his blazer/kecks combo' on his railway documentaries. Tonight, in Melbourne, he's definitely gone full Manchester...
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That sounds like an Ashington accent on first listen. Bobby Charlton may have lost his NE63 brogue but this guide will help you converse with the locals...
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Things that matter to ordinary families living real lives in 2017:
Schools
NHS
Social care
Jobs
Things that don't:
IRA
Trident
Falklands
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England World Cup T-shirts
1990: No alla violenza
2018: No alla vandalismo delle ambulanze
The NHS was 70 this week, kids. One day you'll need it.
Follow Southgate's lead and celebrate victory with a bit of grace instead of showing drunken contempt for our emergency services..
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stumbled across some old photos while clearing out the loft. One for Oasis fans. Liam Gallagher in #nufc colours, autumn 1997...
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Everybody Was Tofu Fighting... #MakeAsongMiddleClass
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It's with a heavy heart and tears flowing that I post this devastating news on behalf of my pal @KcarlingK and family.
Today we said farewell to our beautiful boy @HeatonStanHarry
He brought such joy and enriched our lives. We will miss him dearly.
Sleep tight, bonny lad x ๐
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This is James.
James has probably never been unemployed.
James has probably never sat in a dole office wondering where his next wage is coming from.
James has probably never had sleepless nights worrying about how to provide for his family.
Don't be like James.
Don't be a cunt...
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Ashington: Birthplace of world champions. They know a thing or two about producing winners in NE63...
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just saw #NUFC have drawn Brighton in the FA Cup and wondered if 'Trelford Mills' had started trending on here yet?
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29 years ago today:
Operation Undercover Magpie.
Behind enemy lines at Roker Park to defy the away fan ban and see NUFC win the last derby played there.
Went there. Did that.
Made the T-shirt.
A one-off 'Ollyver Original' โซ๏ธโช๏ธ
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Wyn Davies, RIP.
The Mighty Wyn.
Wyn the Leap.
The Welsh Air Force.
From Gallowgate to Budapest. Wembley to Milan. A towering presence for club and country.
Fond memories of celebrating Wyn's 80th birthday down in Lancashire, where he made his home, with the Fairs Club.
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will always remain indebted to the BBC for continuing its live coverage of the Boat Race every year. I mean, who needs live, televised football, cricket, horse racing, boxing etc eh? I still remember as council estate kids how we'd all go rowing in the streets on Boat Race Day...
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Brexit solution: Give all the angry Leave voters a free Jim Davidson DVD, Wetherspoons breakfast and a Royal Wedding commemorative mug. And let the rest of us who don't narrowly define our lives by a flag or border continue to be free-thinking citizens of the world...
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'Ode to an Idiot'
We did a VE conga.
Ignored the lockdown pleas.
Who cares about the NHS?
We got on your TVs!
Next week we'll clap for carers.
And pretend that we care.
But make sure it's on Facebook.
So you can like and share.
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started to get a horrible feeling that Lionel Messi is potentially pricing himself out of a summer move to NUFC after tonight's performance...
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would be interested to know what Gareth Southgate made of Jordan Pickford's erratic performance today. The kid has a big choice to make. Does he want to be a mature, focused England international goalkeeper? Or does he want to be Steven Taylor in gloves?
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NUFC and SAFC both out of the League Cup before August is over.
Fans of both clubs desperately clinging to the others' continued failings like comfort blankets.
New season, same old Twitter.
North East football in a nutshell...
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A bit of a tough ask for NUFC to take on the other 19 southern clubs single-handedly...
Imagine there was a North v South All-Star game at the end of the Premier League season.
You don't have to any more, we've invented it and come up with a load of teams. It would be great, wouldn't it?
mundialmag.com/blogs/gazzettโฆ
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29.10.83
Newcastle United 5
Manchester City 0
40 years ago today, it'll always be my favourite game at St James' Park.
Keegan. Beardsley. Waddle.
Tyneside's Holy Trinity...
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just read the very sad news that Alan Shoulder has passed away. A little gem of a player for #NUFC back in boyhood days stood on the Gallowgate End. RIP ๐ค๐ค
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might be cynical but I fully understand why Sky led the clamour for VAR. And now highlight its every decision. For they are desperate to engineer 'talking points' to help fill their 24/7 schedules. Football has truly reaped what it sowed in becoming so beholden to a broadcaster..
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always loved this picture of my late mum and her twin sister posing as 'scooter girls' in 1960s Jarrow. Mum would've been 75 today. We miss her dearly every day. Ring yours today, lads. Or visit if you can. For she's the best friend any boy ever has in life...
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can confirm that watching Sunderland v Coventry after watching Sandro Tonali is like watching Eldorado after watching Gomorrah...
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#NUFC No doubt he'll be conveniently overlooked by this wretched regime on 'anniversary day'. But some of us never forget his impact...
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saw Take That have announced they are going to be playing Middlesbrough in May. I know there's only three of them these days, but you'd still fancy them to get at least a draw...
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must say that if you are more upset about Greggs selling vegan sausage rolls than the fact they no longer make ham and pease pudding stotties, then you really have got your priorities in life all wrong...
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spotted on a vintage clothing market stall yesterday. Alas, no NCB on the back, but it evoked boyhood memories of hairy-arsed, hard-as-nails gadgies on the Gallowgate End. Could the donkey jacket be en vogue? ยฃ65 if you want to be at the vanguard of ironic retro terrace chic...
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A little gem of a footballer. Underrated by some but not by those of us who watched him home and away in both bad and good times. A real 100%er...
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had a wonderful 50th today. A day spent in the company of precious loved ones and the very best of friends. Even #nufc - playing on my birthday for the first time - followed the script for once. Predictably unpredictable since 1892. For all life's travails, I'm truly blessed...
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'Migrant crisis'. Gatwick drones.
Brexit. Fake News. Apple phones.
Fortnite. Alt-right.
Donald Trump, tweeting shite.
Corbyn's losing in the polls,
Greggs new vegan sausage rolls.
E-cigs. Ket wigs.
Spice Girls reunion gigs
We didn't start the fire...
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woke to the reassuring news that Newcastle remains a Tory-free zone. As it has since 1996. Fortiter Defendit Triumphans...
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An Ode To Sky Sports
Mondays are not 'red'
This rivalry isn't new
Football did exist
Before Nineteen Ninety Two
#LIVMUN
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just heard the deeply sad news of Bob Willis' passing. Remembering endless summers as a young lad copying your longest of long runs, trying to bowl fast. I'll never forget those 8-43 Ashes heroics at Headingley '81. Boy's Own stuff. RIP Bob...
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Robert Andrew Scarborough Ferris RIP.
Always more 'West Stand' to Terry's 'Leazes End Aggro'...
#WhateverHappenedToTheLikelyLads
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read the sad news of John Noakes' passing. Wonderfully eccentric, always intrepid. Another piece of my boyhood disappears...
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Last time NUFC played Forest at SJP, I was woken at 6.30am on a Sunday by a nervy GP telling me to get the bairn to the RVI, ASAP. A week of her being wired up on 24hr round-the-clock observation followed. Very scary. But tonight, post-match, I'll drink to the NHS! โซ๏ธโช๏ธโค๏ธ
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United in sorrow.
St James's Park.
April 1989.
36 years on, it's a damning indictment on those in authority in this country that the families of those who died on that harrowing day at Hillsborough are still having to fight for truth, justice and accountability.
#JFT97
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There was a riot at Ashington Aquarium the other day. Locals described the scenes as 'turtle mayhem'...
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25 years ago today: Berghaus jackets on the Roker End. Kelly ecstatic and Clarkie looking like a proper Walker radgie. Good times... #nufc
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#ENGBRA
Mira and Gazza. 1988.
Remember this game so well.
A seriously hungover New Year's Day away end by the Trent before the game, but everybody ready to get straight back on the drink after high-flying Nottingham Forest were chopped down at the City Ground.
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would be fair to say 2025 has been anything but a fairytale year for you, kidda. Hooked up to hospital machines, you were worried you'd miss your prom. But finally, you got to go to the ball. And, if you'd turned around, you might've caught yer auld man holding back a tear โค๏ธ
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thought now might be an opportune moment to remind everyone that @Heatonstan won more trophies than Manchester United and Arsenal combined this season...
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The Ballad of Steve McClaren:
Our season starts in August
Our season starts today
Our season starts tomorrow
Our season starts in May
#nufc
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always loved this picture of my late mum (centre) and her pals. Carefree northern lasses in their 60s heyday. No surprise where I got my lifetime love of bands like the Shirelles, Shangri-Las, Crystals and Ronettes from...
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ECB ode to Durham:
Many thanks for Wood & Stokes
And Collingwood, all super blokes
Onions & Harmy to name but a few
Now sod off to Division2
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Happy birthday, Waddler. One of the most naturally gifted footballers I ever had the privilege of watching. Always in my all-time NUFC XI. He lit up many a grey 80s afternoon on the Gallowgate End...
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The full-time view: @Heatonstan 3 West Auckland 0. The greatest day at Grounsell Park as Newcastle's alternative black & white movement win promotion to the Northern Premier League. Sheffield, Grimsby, Hull, the Pie CF are on the way... @KcarlingK @esskayell67 @geoffwalker80
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The Sunday view:
"Terry Mac, welcome back.
"We still love old Supermac.
"But Keegan is King, gonna do his thing.
"Gonna take us up, gonna make us sing!"
A performance fitting of managers past and present.
For Kevin. For Eddie.
#NUFC - only one United since 1892
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The morning view: Took the big decision, heavily influenced by unforeseen family medical issues, to leave behind the rat race a few weeks back. 35 yrs was enough. And there are far more important, precious things in life than money. This is my new 'rush-hour' commute these days..
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wrote this about falling out of love with Prem Lge football, which appeared in Saturday's @Heatonstan programme...
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wrote this about falling out of love with #nufc and the Premier Lge and embracing non-lge football.. #WorldPoetryDay
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poured a drink, remembered a great man. The many hours and wise counsel he afforded me will never be forgotten. I'm sure we were talking about the Durham Miners Gala in this photo, but it'll forever be a treasured snap. And when he spoke, you listened. Happy birthday, Bobby...
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Saw Jeremy Corbyn at the Jarrow March anniversary.
Saw Jeremy Corbyn at the Durham Miners Gala.
Never saw any of the not-so-magnificent seven at either event.
Why?
Because, unlike Jeremy Corbyn, they couldn't give a toss about working class families like mine..
#LabourSplit
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He bought me my first pair of football boots and kicked every ball with me.
He still turns out to watch me play cricket well into middle age.
Today, he was at the finishing line of the Pier to Pier to cheer me on.
Thank you @nettydoor.
Not just a father. But a best friend too...
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was given this 30 years ago by a young couple outside the old San Mames after an unforgettable trip to Bilbao. I wonder if they are still together? And did they get tickets for the cup final? A little corner of the Leafy NE3 wardrobe will always be red & white... #AthleticClub
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when my mate died suddenly before Xmas, I promised his son that I'd do anything I could to support his promising rugby development in his Dad's absence. So here I am, stood on a muddy touchline, knowing very little about the game but ready to cheer him on. Get stuck in, kidda...
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saw NUFC fans are showing their love for a manager at Craven Cottage today. A man who once led his team to an unforgettable European triumph. I'll never forget the look of ecstasy on his face on that glorious evening all those years ago. One of football's most iconic images...
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walked past a charity shop in Whitley Bay earlier and spotted this lot for sale. Granted, I may be sleeping in the spare room for the rest of my life but my friend Kevin aka @KcarlingK said buy it. Then again, he always beats me at Subbuteo... @SubbuteoOnline @SubbuteoUK
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21 years ago this week @MadMickToonDJ opened @BackPageShop in Newcastle and we had a pint to celebrate his new venture. Tonight we're toasting my great pal, who now has four thriving stores. Our Favourite Shop(s). So proud of you, wor kid. Howay the 'Geordie Arkwright'...
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The full-time view:
@Heatonstan 3
#NUFC 0
Northumberland Senior Cup Semi-Final.
A date at SJP awaits Newcastle's alternative black & whites.
"Tell me Ma, me Ma,
I won't be home for tea.
We'll off to The Strawberry!
Tell me Ma, me Ma..."
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saw again tonight why paying to watch Premier Lge football is a mugs game. The same MUFC players who basically downed tools and shortchanged their own fans for weeks to serve their own agenda suddenly win and are feted as world beaters. Ever get the feeling you've been cheated?
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walked a lot past a favourite spot, Jesmond Cricket Ground, recently. It inspired me to fetch these from the loft. What memories! When the best in the world (past and present) would come to NE2. Pure 80s cricket nostalgia. If you went, you'll recall how good such days were...
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just had a great weekend in Germany watching football, enjoying life. Never once felt a need to sing about wars and empires. Why would you?
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RIP Glenn Roeder. Absolutely heartbreaking news. He brought style and grace to Newcastle's defence. The 'shuffle' forever remembered by those of us who saw him play. A damn fine coach too. So many fond memories. But, above all, a good man. Thoughts with his family tonight.. #nufc
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Durham CCC - pride of the north east
Never relegated from Div One by opponents
Demoted only by the acts of knaves and charlatans
Shameful
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2) Fast forward to 2022, and I'm seeing nurses, posties, rail workers being targeted and tainted in similar fashion. Solidarity. Resist the 'divide and conquer' propaganda. Do the right thing. Not the right-wing thing. Which side are you on boys? Which side are you on...
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heard MUFC fans singing about Alan Shearer yet again tonight. Christ, even Adele doesn't warble on about lost loves and rejection as much as those lot... #NEWMUN
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shut all the house windows on a pleasant summer evening in leafy NE3. St James's Park may be nearly four miles away, but with an Ed Sheeran concert taking place, you cannot be too careful can you?
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#NonLeagueDay
Come support the grassroots game,
Where they play for love, not fortune or fame.
Get yourself to Grounsell Park,
And be sure not to tarry.
Cheer along the Black & Whites!
And come and see Wor Harry..
@Heatonstan
@HeatonStanHarry
@nonleaguedayuk
@nonleaguedogs
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don't often find myself lost for words, but it's hard to do justice to the outstanding GCSE results achieved by l'enfant terrible.
In a year when tests and examinations have been as much about hospital as school, her resolve and resilience leave me awestruck.
My little hero โฅ๏ธ
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SPZL memories: Driving from Newcastle in the early hours to queue outside Manchester's Oi Polloi for the very first Spezial issues back in 2014. Worth it for those Topanga and Touring. Rarely topped since...
@adiFamily_
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saw this is the apparent drinks list at the darts tonight. Yet it could just as easily be boxing, football or racing. Overpriced, fizzy piss in plastic glasses to a backdrop of 'Sweet Caroline'. Are there a bigger set of mugs on the planet than the average British sports punter?
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watched depressing footage of moronic Ingerlund fans in Amsterdam and realised that, no matter what happens post-Brexit, single market or not, this country will still be exporting to Europe in large numbers. Large numbers of jingoistic, ignorant, socially inadequate cretins...
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will never know if there's an afterlife, but if there is, then I take comfort in the hope the Kenny twins are reunited tonight. Said farewell to a wonderful woman of indomitable spirit today. Go be with Mum again tonight, my dear aunt. Go be these girls again...
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saw Antonio Conte has now won both of English football's greatest prizes during his two seasons at Chelsea. If his reward for such an impressive feat is the sack it'll only confirm how the game has become unrecognisable from the one I loved as a boy..
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just saw Rangers celebrating being 'Champions'. That's like a dad celebrating scoring past his 5yo son from six yards, isn't it?
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Baby, life's what you make it
Celebrate it
Anticipate it
Yesterday's faded
Nothing can change it
Life's what you make it...
Mark Hollis RIP
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saw it's Supermac's birthday today. Oh, it was tough being a young #nufc fan back in 1974 living by the Mersey. That bloody Keegan...
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can remember a time when it was deemed 'hip' to like German football. Now it appears to be the opposite. It's hard to keep up with the Twitter Trendies, isn't it? A radical suggestion would be just to like what you like in life and don't give a toss what others may think...
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shouldn't really be surprised by some of yesterday's scenes. Sadly, we live in a society where narcissism and shallow, egotistical exhibitionism prevail over common sense and respect. An age where social media likes matter more than having a social conscience...
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Well, we've watched the Toon all over for decades, but these days our hearts are with @Heatonstan Newcastle's alternative black & white movement. And today was beyond our wildest dreams! @KcarlingK @esskayell67 Thank you @Nichol24060Dean @andymcbride1989 ๐ค๐ค
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read the sad reports of Gudrun Ure's passing. Have another kickabout up there with Georgie Best tonight. Always loved this pic of them taken at North Shields' grand old Appleby Park ground. "She's got more bottle than United Dairies." RIP Supergran...
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Seaborne Freight, got no boats.
Hard borders. Second votes.
China landing on the moon,
Ashley's gonna sell the Toon.
Blue Passports,
Pro-EU.
There's a female Doctor Who!
Matt Goss playing conkers,
Whole world's going bonkers.
We didn't start the fire...
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saw England are looking at an #Ashes recall for Mark Wood. ECB desperately hoping for a bail out from Durham? Oh, the irony...
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often thought during this World Cup that Gareth Southgate has personified the better England many of us long for. Ambitious but gracious, Aspirational but respectful. His is a personable patriotism that should be an example for many to follow...
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did a few walking laps of the Haymarket this last week on breaks from RVI visiting. Stopped here a few times to reminisce. Looking quite forlorn these days but used to be a key part of the matchday ritual for many on their way to St James's Park...
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The evening view:
Heaton Stan 0
Newton Aycliffe 0
A night about absent friends.
A night to remember one of the gang.
Lovely words from @Heatonstan about the loss of a favourite son of the Club, much missed by many. ๐ค๐ค
@KcarlingK
@HeatonStanHarry
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started the walk to watch @Heatonstan on what will be an emotional night. Won't be the same without my little mate @HeatonStanHarry but he'll always be with us in spirit. Proud to wear this and honoured @KcarlingK gave it to me. I'll treasure it and the memories. Love you, H ๐ค๐ค
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