Articles 
Newcastle United Supporters Club were back out on the road again, this time at the invitation of Alan Foggon, Fairs cup winner and legend. Alan runs the Simonside Arms In South Shields and we were delighted to take up his offer and hold one of our roadshows for members in such a great setting.
Once again we were joined by Chief Sports Writer for the EvenIng Chronicle Mr John Gibson.
MC for the evening Bill Corcoran got us started with the introductions as we followed our usual format of informative news on all things NUSC; including the latest on our development into a Supporters Trust, coupled with quiz and Talk In. Bill then kicked of the proceedings by introducing NUSC committee member Steve Hastie and inviting him to give all a brief outline of developments on the club front; including the latest news filtering through on the takeover position at NE1 that had filtered through from some of NUSC's press contacts.
Next up was John Gibson, who commenced by providing us with his take on what was happening with regard to the takeover talks, his opinion on how this was developing and what the future held for NUFC with or without Alan shearer at the helm as Manager. John was on top form and was very constructive in his appraisal of the past 10 months and where he thought the club was heading.
With a brief interlude for topping up of drinks and completion of quiz sheets we recommenced with a rousing talk from Colin Whittle on How and Why NUSC had ventured into obtaining Trust status through Supporters Direct, what it meant for supporters and where NUSC hoped this would lead us with regard to developing strong, positive and constructive links with any potential new owners of the club. Colin ended with a rallying call to all supporters to get behind NUSC and what it building for and in the long term interests of NUFC.
John Gibson then returned and regaled us through a question and answer session with tales on such players as Paul Gascoigne and the friendship that he has built up with Paul over many years. John received rapturous applause when talking of his hope that Paul can return stronger for his past experiences fighting the demons of alcohol and drug abuse in which he has been consumed of late. We all wish Paul well in his battle.
John answered question after question and I think that everyone there was appreciative of his honesty as well as his passion for NUFC.
MC Bill then invited Steve back to answer questions specifically on NUSC, including whether members of NUSC automatically became members of the Trust (the answer being a resounding yes) and what its plans were for the future and what help it was looking for in taking those plans forward. While Steve explained that NUSC could, "never say never" the NUSC committee felt that protest marches and civil disruption was not something that would benefit the situation while talks with prospective new owners were ongoing. NUSC are planning to try and make contact with prospective owners through sale appointees Seymour Pierce to put forward the fact that we supporters are the biggest asset in any purchase and that we want to be part of any dialogue that will assist the club in its target of returning to the Premiership at the end of the 2009/10 season.
Bill reminded the audience about NUSC's online petition and the need to spread the word and get as many fans as possible to sign up.
Steve ended by re iterating the need for fans to stay collectively together during this difficult and uncertain time and that the best way to keep pressure on Mike Ashley and his executives was to stay together, be united in our calls for a quick sale and the installation of a period of stability at the club; during which time new owners and fans could together commence the period of rebuilding trust and positive constructive dialogue.
