Newcastle United Supporters Trust

That was the year that was... 2011

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all!

Another year's flown by and we'd like to say thanks again to all our members - that's you by the way. We can only exist as a legitimate, campaigning, representative organisation if new fans continue to join so spread the word to your mates and we'll be back in 2012.

• Click here for a look back on the highlights (and lowlights) of a year’s worth of FSF news....

Safe Standing receives boost from the SPL

The FSF's Safe Standing Campaign received a welcome boost from north of the border with the news that the Scottish Premier League will consider requests for pilot safe standing schemes after a general meeting of the league’s 12 clubs. If the pilot proves a success it could have a major impact south of the border too. After all, if it's fine for Scotland, why not the rest of the UK?

• Read more here...

Do you back our Safe Standing Campaign? Then sign the FSF's petition here and pass it on to your pals.

BlueSq: Boxing Day bedlam

Bet now at BLUESQ.COM
Boxing Day is just one of those days in the calendar that every fan looks forward to, and if you're of a West London persuasion then this year's is a belter, with Chelsea playing host to Fulham in their local derby (kick-off 1pm). The Blues are 2/7 to bring Andre Villas Boas some festive cheer, while you can get 9/1 on there being a smile on Martin Jol's face come full time. The draw is 4/1.

• Find out all the odds and kick-off with £80 in free bets at Blue Square Bet, here...

What is a Supporter Liaison Officer?

UEFA's new club licensing requirements, to be implemented from 2012/13, have been big news lately. Clubs are coming to terms with the fact that they’ll have to start doing magical things like balance the books. But another element of the new rules has gone by pretty much unnoticed – from next season clubs wishing to compete in Europe must employ so-called Supporter Liaison Officers. The FSF caught up with Antonia Hagemann of Supporters Direct who was instrumental in working with UEFA on their introduction.

• Swat up on Supporter Liaison Officers and the role Antonia thinks they should play here…

And finally... the best of 2011

Remember, if you spot anything good in 2012 chuck it our way via newsletters@fsf.org.uk. We'll give you a well deserved namecheck and, more importantly, it'll save us some work. The best of the year...

1.    A truly jaw-dropping fans' flag in Penarol. Unreal...

2.    Joonas Jokinen's flipping fantastic penalty...

3.    Mario Balotelli's ongoing struggle with a vest...

4.    Five sitters missed in five seconds. Really...

5.    The goal of 2011? You decide...

Thanks for reading, have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, and we'll be back in 2012. Cheers!