by TJR » Thu Sep 12, 2013 12:25 pm
Got to say that was the most enjoyable experience I've had at SJP for a long time. I loved every minute of it from start to finish. Some players were at very different levels of fitness to others but it still made for a decent game. It was a great opportunity to get to see the likes of Shearer again but also a chance to see players like Baresi and Maldidni play.
Credit to Di Canio as well. He took the banter from the fans very well. Every time he touched the ball 50,000 boos rang round SJP for the full 90 minutes. He took it all in good nature though and was blowing kisses to the fans. Also he passed up an opportunity to score in the first half when he was 1 on 1 in the box but instead chose to pass to a player who was never getting there when anyone else would have shot. He was probably man of the match as well, his passing and runs were a different level. He could still be playing for Sunderland and i he did he'd be their best player. He even took it well when Barton came on and took him out, which got one of the biggest cheers of the night and Barton himself was given a heroes reception.
Mind you can tell how unfit all the players were by Kevin Nolans appearance. Nolan isn't really known for his pace to say the least but he was running circles around everyone on the pitch when he came on. Olivier Bernard was probably in the worst shape, he's massive now.
I thought it was a nice touch to let Gary Speeds kids come on and play as well. It was a lovely gesture.
The penalty shoot out was probably just about the only thing that didn't go to plan but even that was a laugh. Tino missing his and then getting to take it again and still missing was brilliant. Also Harpers was great, he still managed to smash it off the keeper despite the keeping trying to let it in. Ultimately though the result was the least important aspect of the night.
Harper got the turn out and the reception he deserved. He's been an incredibly loyal servant to the club over the 20 years. We all got one more chance to see the Newcastle legends at SJP one more time and we got to see some of the greatest players ever to play come to SJP, its not every day you get to see the likes of Baresi and Maldini. Most importantly though some great charities will have benefited greatly.
Got to say that was the most enjoyable experience I've had at SJP for a long time. I loved every minute of it from start to finish. Some players were at very different levels of fitness to others but it still made for a decent game. It was a great opportunity to get to see the likes of Shearer again but also a chance to see players like Baresi and Maldidni play.
Credit to Di Canio as well. He took the banter from the fans very well. Every time he touched the ball 50,000 boos rang round SJP for the full 90 minutes. He took it all in good nature though and was blowing kisses to the fans. Also he passed up an opportunity to score in the first half when he was 1 on 1 in the box but instead chose to pass to a player who was never getting there when anyone else would have shot. He was probably man of the match as well, his passing and runs were a different level. He could still be playing for Sunderland and i he did he'd be their best player. He even took it well when Barton came on and took him out, which got one of the biggest cheers of the night and Barton himself was given a heroes reception.
Mind you can tell how unfit all the players were by Kevin Nolans appearance. Nolan isn't really known for his pace to say the least but he was running circles around everyone on the pitch when he came on. Olivier Bernard was probably in the worst shape, he's massive now.
I thought it was a nice touch to let Gary Speeds kids come on and play as well. It was a lovely gesture.
The penalty shoot out was probably just about the only thing that didn't go to plan but even that was a laugh. Tino missing his and then getting to take it again and still missing was brilliant. Also Harpers was great, he still managed to smash it off the keeper despite the keeping trying to let it in. Ultimately though the result was the least important aspect of the night.
Harper got the turn out and the reception he deserved. He's been an incredibly loyal servant to the club over the 20 years. We all got one more chance to see the Newcastle legends at SJP one more time and we got to see some of the greatest players ever to play come to SJP, its not every day you get to see the likes of Baresi and Maldini. Most importantly though some great charities will have benefited greatly.
