south_tyne

We have tried various initiatives, including reduced entry prices for Newcastle and Sunderland season ticket holders and kids get in for just £3. However we cannot seem to generate better crowds. We seem to have a core of about 650 who come rain, hail or shine (mostly the former two!). When we had a fantastic couple of seasons a few years ago we managed to regularly top 1,000 for home Saturday games, but that has since dropped off. Yet we took 7,000 to the play-off final in 2014..... football tourists in Gateshead!?!? Being somewhat pessimistic, I think if you did a straw-poll in Gateshead town centre, I bet there would be a sinificant number of folks wouldn't even know there is a professional football club in the town The latest initiative is that season ticket holders also get a free under-16 season ticket which can be used for any accompanying child. It's an excuse for the early indoctrination of my Hampshire-born nephew...... he's only 11 months old mind but it's best to start them early!! I wonder whether I will be successful in my mission to make him forget Southampton and follow the Super Heed Army instead! I think even we can get back in the Football League will have some of the smallest crowds, along the lines of Accrington etc. We are not miraculously going to magic up 5,000 extra fans from somewhere, just because we are in League 2. In fact, I would say we are more likely to get better crowds this season, playing Spennymoor, Darlington, Blyth, York, Bradford PA etc, with all the local interest and intrigue it will spark, rather than teams like Stevenage, Cheltenham, Crawley and Wallsall. No offence intended to those clubs and I'm sure they would hate making the long trip up to Gateshead in this theoretical scenario!! Actually I always feel we have a lot in common with Accrington, struggling clubs, formerly in the league (obviously they managed to get back unlike us), sandwiched between Blackburn and Burnley, seemingly always battling against the tide. There are plenty of us small clubs out there in similar positions...

Just swap Forfar for Gateshead and Old Firm for Newcastle and Sunderland and you could be writing about our struggles...

Three at a push I would say. Leicester was a once in a lifetime event, a wonderful story but unlikely to occur again. It's still a monopoly, just a slightly wider one. It could be worse, look at France, Italy and Germany for one-club domination. Of course Scotland too as you say - it must be incredibly full being a Celtic fan. They're probably equivalent to mid- to top-end Championship team. If they were playing in the English system then they would undoubtedly improve rapidly, due to the increased finance and massive fanbase. They would be able to attract better players and pay much better wages. It probably wouldn't take long for them to get established in the Premier League, but at the moment they simply have too many games where they don't need to be at 100% to win comfortably. That lack of intensity would take a while to 'up'. That's not Celtic's fault at all, just a reflection of the league. By the way, I am in no way advocating that Celtic should come into the English league system, and my comments are not meant to be disparaging of the Scottish game, it's just my opinion..... I would love to a Wolves or Everton break the top six next year but I still cannot see it happening. I think the problem with the Premier League is thee clubs in the middle - what is there to play for of you're a Watford, a Bournemouth (dare I say) a Newcastle? Where's the excitement? Unlikely to win a cup, continual mid-table finishes and often comfortable for the last few months of the season. The lack of ambition is sad if all the goal is is to finish 17th and stay in the Premier League. It must be boring for fans. I suppose it is like Stoke were under Tony Pulis, mid-table, never going to go down, never having quite enough for a European finish. But then it's a case of be careful what you wish for, change the manager because of the style of football and you end up being relegated. If I was a fan of such a club I would be tempted to say I would like to be relegated to the Championship, just for a bit of drama and to enjoy seeing my team winning some games. Maybe that's a naive and ridiculous attitude to many but look at the excitement at Aston Villa in the last couple of seasons after a decade of stagnation - surely Villa fans have enjoyed this season? I'll stop rambling now...

Sorry maybe my post was misleading. It probably should have said changing bat design rather than heavier. Ah I had forgotten about DK's aluminium bat controversy at the WACA! The footage of when he hurls it away is rather entertaining! That's really interesting, thanks for the explanation. I suppose there have been improvements for the bowlers but nowhere near as significant as for batsmen. The game, especially shorter forms, have become heavily weighted towards batsmen. Totally agree with that. It is the same in football - there is no room for the characters, the mavericks and the personalities who could change a game through sheer raw talent. Sadly I think the George Bests and Robin Fridays (one for the kids!! ) of this world would not get a chance nowadays before being cast aside. Sport is poorer for it. Whilst a great professional and smashing bloke, the world would be a very boring place if all players were like James Milner (no offence to James and other 'steady eddy' footballers are available). I suppose the counter is that someone like Milburn would still have been spotted and brought through the system with his prodigious talent. Whilst he would still not have been a sculpted adonis, the benefits of modern fitness, diet and nutrition would have had an impact. Well maybe he would have just stuck to 4 pints a night! There have still been a few 'big lads' playing at the top level in recent times - Flintoff would be the obvious one but Robert Key also springs to mind.

He would have been a superstar in the one-day game of today. Imagine how far he would have hit the thing with modern bats!?! Obviously he played for Northamptonshire in the days when we weren't a first-class county but he's still 'one of our own'. There was a strong tradition of players from the North East playing for Northants, it was a well-trodden path before Durham stepped-up to play in the County Championship. Well he cannot have been any less mobile than Chris Gayle is nowadays!!

Thanks for the correction Dave. In the North East we are always regaled with tales of Colin Milburn, or 'The Burnopfield Basher'. A larger than life man, both on and off the pitch, who in is prime is said to have drunk 5 pints a night. Different times. His story ended up being very sad though, cut down at his peak when he lost an eye in a car crash, and never realising his potetial with England. Maverick player and a maverick man. Somehow I don't think he would be able to get away with it nowadays though!

Starting to look really good Marc. I've never even thought of using felt tips for this kind of work but it is a technique I think I will give a try.

Shows you just how much the game has changed doesn't it. That's mainly due to mindset and changing techniques, but it is also due to heavier bats, better batting tracks, different balls and I suppose even better diet and fitness. I know you shouldn't compare eras but it would be fascinating to see how some of the maverick players of the past would get on in the T20 game with all these advances and benefits.

No need to apologise Phil - Ill drop you a message. That sounds really interesting and, as you say, perfect for those with only a handful of locos. I'll check it out. Thanks Anders. I haven't come across this system before but I will have a look. Thanks Phil. That's really useul advice. As I said, I'm a complete novice on DCC, so I'm keen to learn from the experience of others. The Bachmann system seems to be about the cheapest, but if it suits my very basic needs then it would suffice. Thanks guys. I'll check that link out Phil.

Agreed. The ICC organised the preparation of the pitches so there is simply no truth in any argument of bias. Having said that, England got all the luck on Sunday - the Stokes extras, Guptil (I think it was him?) stepping on the boundary rope - but, then again do successful teams not create their own luck? New Zealand also got a bit of luck along the way too, that point from the India wash-out probably enabled them to make the semi-finals after some poor performances. I was gutted for NZ, they didn't deserve to lose and certainly not in that manner, but ultimately those are the rules and it is the nature of sport..... someone has to win and someone has to lose. Love all the chat about the Sunday League. Sadly before my time but my dad talks very nostagically about it!

Those last two posts are some of the most balanced, reasonable and sensible I have ever read on here. So often there seems to be anger, selfishness and unreasonable attitudes when it comes to new models, but we must put everything into context and remember that there are people, families and lives behind all these businesses. These matters are far more important than our toys. I don't really think there is any more to say now on the LLCo situation until Steve issues an update. We know this will come when he has some news and when he is ready to do so. Once again I just offer him my thoughts and hope his health is improving.

I saw a mate last night who is a Wednesday supporter. He is understandably really frustrated, not particularly at the loss of Bruce but because the saga has meant their pre-season has been on hold for weeks. He has signed some players but now a new manager will be in place, so will they want them? It also means they will be playing catch up when a new man does come in. I feel sorry for them. I see Sheff Wed have just released a statement saying there are outstanding legal issues. Ashley and co don't seem to be able to do anything right. Well judging from the comments of Toon fans this morning the fanbase isn't happy. Unfortunately though I think whoever came in was going to be on a hiding to nothing after Rafa. Any manager would be a step down unless it was Guardiola or Klopp! Evidently 12,000 season tickets remain unsold. Maybe the tide is turning and NUFC fans will be voting with their feet.* I like Steve Bruce, and it is not his fault, but it is like trading in a Fiesta for a Lamborghini..... * Any disgruntled Newcastle fans who want a change will certainly be welcome down the GIS to watch the Super Heed Army! Go on, give it a go, you might just enjoy it

Nice drop of Rivet Catcher last night. Formerly brewed within spitting distance of me by the Jarrow Brewery but now in the hands of Great North Eastern Brewing Co.

Not just that but dodgy decisions and home bias throughout, both on and off the pitch, helped England to triumph. There was also quite a bit of propaganda reporting in the media which swayed opinions on famous mattere when matters were not really so black and white. But it all meant that Stanley Rous got his day in the sun......... Anyway, we won't get into that...... back to the cricket!! There's a wonderful article in The Guardian today written by Moeen Ali about the unity and multi-culturalism and multi-ethnicity of the squad. Worth a read. https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2019/jul/15/diversity-strength-england-win-cricket-world-cup

Rant away...... My turn...... I agree with this. The balance is good at the moment with T20, 50-over and the 4-/5-day game. I cannot see how anyone who isn't already interested in cricket will suddenly be so through this competition. Those who think it is too long, boring, complicated are not going to change their minds with this gimmick. As an example, what's hard with counting to 6 for the number of balls in an over? T20 has done wonders for the game around the world, how 20 less balls in an innings will be beneficial I just haven't a clue. Is it meant to be a stepping stone to T20? Then one-day etc? The ONLY good thing I reckon there is about it is that it is going to be shown on terrestrial TV. That is a real positive (see the weekend for the evidence). I am also not adverse to a stand-alone 'franchise' model for a one-off competition. However it could have been done as a separate T20 tournament away from the counties. We (Durham) don't have a team. But, as I understand, we evidently have a share in the Leeds one though - at least financially? The announcement of the whole idea was a shambles by the ECB and there seems to be very little information out there about what the games will entail. I am definitely not a fuddy-duddy and can see the massive benefit that limited overs cricket - the music, colours, numbers, style of play and over 'show' - have brought to the game, but I just don't think it was necessary to be honest. I will happily be proved wrong if it brings huge numbers of new fans to the sport and massive amounts of investment but somehow I doubt it. PS - just a thought but is it worth renaming this thread as a general cricket one? Like the 'football focus' one it would allow discussion of all aspects of the sport and will keep the interest going, particularly with the Ashes coming up.

Consett: 9 months of bad weather and 3 months of snow!!

Personally I don't think there is anything wrong with any form of cricket and that test, 50-over and T20 all have a role to play. Some of the posts above smack of a "everything was better in the past" mindset. It wasn't but neither are all the changes to the game good. It's just different now. I love test cricket. I would rather watch that than any other form of the game. However there is no doubt that T20 has been unbelievably successful around the world. T20 games over here regularly sell-out and the games have fantastic atmosphere. Importantly they are packed with a really diverse crowd of families and youngsters. The music, colours, drama and interactive atmosphere are what attracts people and gets them watching cricket. The fact that it is over in a few hours also helps, particularly for the attention and concentration spans of kids. If cricket wants to grow new markets, say the USA, then T20 is the only way to do it. Compare that to the County Championship, where there are crowds in just hundreds and it is the domain of the white, middle-class, old, grey-haired, Daily Telegraph, jacket and tie brigade (that's somewhat tongue in cheek but only a little). There is still a place for the traditional aspects of the game. Test match cricket is the pinnacle of the game and the traditions are a wonderful part of the game. But there is opportunity and space for all three forms of the game. T20 in particular has revolutionised the way players approach the game, both in technique and mindset. Innovation, power and speed has transferred to every form of the game. However, the best players can still do it in ALL types of cricket. There is still room for a Joe Root or a Kane Williamson in 50-over cricket, alongside the Jos Butlers of this world. The hope is that kids and new fans will be hooked in and attracted by the World Cup win and/or T20 cricket, but then that interest and love will spread to longer formats. Some might not like the showiness of the one-day game but ultimately 7.5m people watched the final on Sunday..... 7.5 million!! That's publicity that the ICC and ECB could only dream of. Hopefully local cricket clubs will see that knock-on impact too, with increased interest and attendance. This is the time to grasp the momentum and ensure a legacy (whilst I dislike that phrase and concept but it is probably appropriate here). Kerry Packer was criticised for what he did, and rightly so for some reasons, but what he did do is shake up a somewhat staid game and the very conservative minsets that dominates. Whilst ultimately his 'revolution' was not lasting, it made folk think about how to change cricket and lead to a lot of the innovations we see today. So the legacy and impact have been lasting. I'll stop waffling but, to summarise my drivel, there is room for all formats and styles of cricket. We need to attract new fans, particularly kids, otherwise the game will wither. Stand still and you die...... PS - actually that last point is something that could equally be applied to the model railway hobby!

Yes. Let's hope the feel good factor spills over into the Ashes. I can't wait for the test series to begin now. Proper cricket!!!

This has been a massive positive. I would love it if this weekend caused a rethink in government policy which meant that more sporting events were shown on terrestrial telly, but somehow I doubt it. There were 7.5m viewers on C4. I wouldn't be surprised if that surpasses the whole audience for a 5-day test on Sky. I know that satellite channels have put a lot of investment into the game, which is fantastic, but it has been to the detriment of wider national exposure. The well publicised generation of kids who have grown up without seeing live cricket have missed out and so does the sport ultimately, no matter the relative riches provides by the investment. I cannot afford Sky and wouldn't get it can if I could justify it. So I haven't seen any live cricket since 2005. Is it not time for a bit of a change? I am not naive enough to think that every test match should be on mainstream TV, but surely the Ashes and some other important ones could be? The consensus seems to be that the only positive thing about the ECBs new fangled 100-over competition is that some games will be shown on terrestrial TV. The ICC and ECB need to jump on the wave of positivity generated by this World Cup and ensure it isn't a lost opportunity. Having said all that, I absolutely love TMS, so would always listen to that with the telly on mute even if a game is available. I could never abandon Aggers and Co!

Of course we are all entitled to put opinion but I find your post sad on a number of levels. As a starting point, I was born in Gateshead. I don't feel English. I feel no empathy for 'England' and have no desire to support the national teams in any sport. I do feel British and, as a North Easterner, I feel we have a strong a cultural identity as Scotland or Wales and feel I have more in common with the 'Celts' that folk in the south of England. I make no apologies for this. More so, I feel European, and am proud to be part of something bigger. To the cricket... the England team has always been multi-cultural and now thankfully multi-ethnic too, recognising the make up of the country. I see the 'England' team as representing the British Isles and am proud that the country has moved on enough to have a captain born in Dublin. I think that's a marvellous thing!! We have players of Asian origin and of Muslim faith now too - again a marvellous thing. There is a long history of South African-born folk playing for England, something that continues to this day. There has been a Scots captain for England decades ago and a number of Welshmen have been capped. Ultimately, I don't care where someone is from, or what they look like, if they are eligible to play then that is all that matters. In cricket, and in football, many young players are eligible for a number of national teams. Again this reflects our global world. I also don't this it anyone's business who folk support, whether they were born, raised or live in the UK and elsewhere. It's nice that some British Asians feel a culural link back to the land of their descendents and would rather support another team. On the otherhand, many choose to follow England. It's all down to personal choice. I'm a massive football fan. I don't support England. I like to follow the Republic of Ireland due to family links but I am not particularly partisan. I would have hoped that by 2019 we have moved beyond nationalism, reflecting a more integrated population with closer cultural ties. I just enjoyed fabulous game of cricket yesterday. One I will remember for the rest of my life. Hopefully, in the long run it will be the sport itself that is the winner and beneficiary of this wonderful tournament. Again I fully respect your opinion but I just wanted to put mine across too. Ultimately it would be a boring world if we all thought the same. The most important thing though is that you, and particularly your grandson, enjoyed the game.

Well Newcastle still haven't got their man. Evidently the conversation is currently going..... NUFC: "we want Steve Bruce as our manager" Sheff Wed: "OK, we want £5m compensation" NUFC: "we'll give you £1m" Sheff Wed: "errr no...." Mr Ashley's masterstoke transfer tactics excel again! Anyway, we had our second pre-season friendly on Saturday but got mullered by Consett. There was a canny crowd too which is good. It's difficult for any team going up there mind, we had to content with the altitude and it was probably snowing in the wild west! On a serious note, to be honest I am not worried, I am just pleased that I still have a team to support and we will get stronger once we bring in some more players. Just playing catch up at the moment.

Thanks for the explanation Bill. I think it is a fantastic idea. I have always been intrigued by multi-era and/or multi-location layouts, where the setting can be altered by changing buildings and vehicles etc, but your proposal takes this one step further. I cannot wait to see what you do. Nothing wrong with a bit of experimentation, it is the only way we learn and develop our skills. As I said, particularly with baseboard construction, I really think we tend to over-engineer things. It's good to see someone having a different approach to the traditional methods.

Oh it is! You will have to get yourself down to the Spanish City when you are there. It's dead snazzy now that it has been refurbished!

Just an absolutely incredible game. It was one of those occasions when I feel sorry for people who don't like or understand sport. I was gutted for New Zealand though. Neither side deserved to lose, especially like that, but for drama and excitement you couldn't ask for more!! The luck was with England on the day but Stokes was magnificent in dragging them to victory. On a hugely positive point, England's World Cup win is a triumph for multi-cultural Britain, and shows the wonderful diversity of our country. Coached by an Aussie, captained by an Irishman, with the batting and bowling stars being born in New Zealand and Barbados respectively. Oh, and the icing on the cake, all done with a few lads from the North East!! You would think the ECB would be grateful to Durham rather than punishing us..... (not that I'm still bitter! )

Can only agree with what had been written in the last few posts. There is nothing to be ashamed of in seeking help, it is actually the bravest thing to. I resisted medication for a long long time and suffered in silence. However, when struck down by a severe physical illness at the end of last year I was out on pills for anxiety and depression. I must say it has taken a little while to get the right dosage but now I feel like things have levelled out. I would say I feel somewhat numb, but if that is helping me deal with all of the issues I am grappling with at the moment then I don't see it as a bad thing. Mental illness is the result of chemical imbalance and medication can help for some folk. I would rather not be on the pills in the long-term but at the moment it is what I need. Anyone reading this who is suffering, please talk and seek help. It really does help and can be the start of recovery.