As with ‘Touching Distance’, this is another outstanding read. This book covers 1996 to 2009, capturing in-depth accounts of some wonderful moments which left me teary eyed then and especially now. From the five –nil against Man United to the awful ‘that’s all folks’ moment at Villa Park, via Lee Clark’s t-shirt, the Bowyer/Dyer slapping match, Craig Bellamy fronting up to Alan Shearer (by text) and a hilarious transcript of Joe Kinnear’s opening press conference. It also provides an insight into the how and why of questionable decisions made: despite criticism of the obvious targets, it shows that blame could also be levelled at those generally seen as less culpable. In particular, sections of our support which behaved extremely poorly during the final stages of Bobby Robson’s tenure and quite probably hastened his exit. Disappointed by finishing fifth and only qualifying for the UEFA Cup? I’d bite your hand off for that now.
It’s even possible to feel some sympathy for Mike Ashley here. Despite coming across as changeable, and by his own admission, extremely naïve in the early part of his ownership, I can now understand why he appears to have finally thrown in the towel and allowed the club to drift. Football is NOT just a business and never has been. There is a deeply personal and emotional attachment to your club - at every level. If it were ‘just a business’ then we’d all be supporting Greggs of Gosforth wouldn’t we?
I’m hoping that the author has plans for another volume, picking up where ‘Tunnel of Love’ dropped us off and ending with his similarly distinguished ‘Rafa’s Way’. For those of us of a certain age, it would be interesting to read an account of the seventies and eighties. Losing cup finals, boardroom shenanigans, players’ strikes, an endless procession of managers, stadium ‘redesigns’, qualification for Europe followed by relegations, promotions and utter humiliations. Sound familiar? Believe me, this has been going on for a lot longer than the moment the ‘Cockney Mafia’ arrived. The printed rumour of seventh choice David Hay turning down the opportunity to become our manager in favour of a Norwegian first division club still floors me. Former players, managers, respected journalists and club officials are still out there – I’m sure they’d all relish the opportunity to expand on this period.
I wouldn’t expect Due Diligence to include researching Amazon book reviews, but on the off chance, and if you’re thinking of making a realistic offer for Newcastle United – for God’s sake read this book first! It’ll give you an idea of what you’re letting yourselves in for. On the other hand, get it right and the chances are we’ll deify you.
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AndyinTokyo
Opportunities Lost (by Newcastle, not the writer)
Reviewed in the United States on 3 May 2017
