Articles 
The NUSC roadshow bandwagon arrives in the small compact colliery village of Dudley. Newcastle was recently voted in a national survey to be the friendliest place in the country, and you can see why by the welcome the NUSC received from the staff and regulars at Dudley Social Club. We set up in the bar area next to the cigarette machine and the dartboard!!
To begin with we must thank our hosts Dudley Social Club and in particular the staff and the steward and his wife. Les Mutrie a former player of no little skill and a goal scorer at all levels he played at, from non league to football league. The small bar area quickly filled up and there was a nice sense of anticipation in the air. At this point the quiz was taken round the room with the attendees readily participating. A big up to Tom Lynch who handles all our quizzes for us, although we have to watch him as sometimes the questions can get too hard!!!
Steve Hastie an NUSC committee member recalled how the NUSC came to be, what it had been doing, and more importantly what the future holds. The message is important and was consistent with other road shows, the message that the NUSC, now the official Newcastle United Supporters Trust, can be ‘the’ collective voice the fans have needed. Steve recalled how people at NUFC, the press, both local and national, and potential NUFC investors, all now viewed the NUST through credible eyes.
Another committee member Paul Brown King then informed the audience about the Trust, how and why the trust had come about, its current status, and the direction it would be taking. All planned and thought out to put the trust in a position whereby eventually it can reach its long term objective of getting a stake in the club for its members – the fans of Newcastle United. Paul spoke eloquently and passionately about the trust and how his love for Newcastle United had compelled him to join the NUSC at the outset. Paul also, rather honestly, spoke about how he was mistaken for a girl at West Brom (well he did have lovely long hair!!!) quite a few years earlier and almost had three butch, alcohol fuelled Toon fans wanting to whisk him away!!
At this point we had a break and were treated to some fantastic pie, chips, and peas from Les and his staff behind the bar. This fine half time spread was enjoyed by all within the room.
The guest speaker for the night, respected and well travelled Chronicle journalist John Gibson (Gibbo) was introduced and Gibbo began with his thoughts on the current plight of NUFC and in particular the start we had made to the season. Gibbos love and knowledge of Newcastle United, forged over 40 years following and reporting on them, shone through. He talked with warmth about Sir Bobby, and Supermac, Shearer, and Gazza!
Gazza, what a character, Gibbo talked about him in glowing terms. And how bloody funny and potty he was and still is. Gibbo recalled how he spent time with Gazza in Rome when he played for Lazio. How Gazza had been ordered by Lazio not to ride his beloved Harley Davidson, but Gazza being Gazza he rode the Harley to training with his dad and Gibbo behind him in the car, then just before they reached the training ground Gazza jumped off the bike, hid it, and got in the back of the car. He did the same on the way back and proceeded to ride the Harley straight into the living room of his villa, park it on his front room rug, sit down and switch the telly on!!!!!!!!!!!
Gibbo also talked about his encounters with all the managers who had been in charge at Newcastle over the years, the good and the bad!
The night finished with a question and answer session with Gibbo and committee members taking questions from the floor. A great night was had by all and we gained several new members on the night, who joined at the membership table manned superbly by our membership guru Tony.
A big thank you to Les and everyone at Dudley Social Club.
