Articles 
Given Mike Ashley’s recent pronouncement that he was taking the club ‘’off the market’’ ,appointing Chris Hughton as manager, and selling off the ‘naming rights’ at St James’ Park it was no surprise to find an enthusiastic audience awaiting the NUST Roadshow at the Pioneer Club, Annitsford, on the evening of Thursday 28th October 2009.
Host Bill Corcoran kicked the night off by introducing committee member Colin Whittle who outlined the history of the Supporters Trust movement, how fan ownership/involvement had developed at clubs throughout Europe and how the Trust at Newcastle United was formed. The idea of fan involvement at NUFC was something the audience seemed keen on hearing more about.
Next stepped up Chronicle reporter and lifelong Newcastle United fan, John Gibson who began by outlining his thoughts on the current events both on and off the field at Newcastle United, including his views on the current owner and also the playing staff. Never one to shy away from expressing his views - check out his columns in the Evening Chronicle - Gibbo is always worth listening to .The audience were looking forward to more in the second session.
There followed a short break to allow the audience to refill their pints, get stuck into the buffet kindly put on the by the club, and try their hand at the Newcastle picture quiz, which tested everyone to the limit. A word at this point to the NUST member who won the football card and promptly donated his winnings into the NUST funds!
The second half of the evening began with Trust committee member Steve Hastie talking to the audience about the recently launched ‘More than a Trust’ document which sets out a number of short term activities undertaken by the Trust in relation to community activities.In particular, the ‘Local Achievers’ awards which had seen three young lads aged between11-13 attend their first ever game at home against Doncaster, courtesy of the Trust. Remember if you feel there is a deserving cause out their please do not hesitate to recommend them to the Trust.
Moving to the star of the evening,John Gibson then finished the night with tales of his years following Newcastle United . Stories about Sir Bobby, Gazza, Jack Charlton,the Fairs Cup winning side-Gibbo has them all. I’ll not spoil it for anyone going to listen to Gibbo at a future Trust Roadshow.
Story of the night had to be of the couple in their 70’s from South Tyneside who joined on the night because they had heard about the Trust from their son and wanted to join up and ‘do something to help’….what can you say!
Look out for further Trust Roadshows down your way!
