Newcastle United Supporters Trust

The NUSC Roadshow made an appearance at Winlaton West End Club on the evening of Thursday 30th July 2009, accompanied by North East Sportswriter of the year and regular roadshow guest John Gibson.  As always an evening of entertainment, which was due to finish at 10.15pm, had to brought to an end so the club could eventually close.

Beginning with MC Bill Corcoran making a passionate speech about the support to Newcastle United by one particular fan from birth until death, the evening kicked off with committee member Steve Hastie recounting the recent activities of the Supporters Club and it's conversion to Trust status outlining the principles of the Trust and the activities which lay ahead. By coincidence Steve finished his spot with a Sir Bobby Robson story. Talking about a recent cheque presentation Steve outlined how he together with fellow member Lisa Bullivant presented SBR with a cheque for his foundation. After giving Steve a knowing look during the event he called him over and told him he looked the spitting double of one of his old players, Eric Gates. Not a compliment, eh!

Colin Whittle then took the mic and explained his involvement with national fans organisation Supporters Direct and how this lead to the restructuring of NUSC to that of Trust Status. The floor was then opened to the audience who showed a real understanding of all of the fans issues which arose and an undoubted passion for Newcastle United.

There then followed a break for NUSC quiz....name the team, including subs, that beat Barcelona?....interesting and produced a number of different variation of answers. Have a think about that one.

The second half of the Roadshow was taken up by the Chron's Gibbo with stories all connected with Newcastle United - from managers, to players from a number of eras, with special reference to the Fairs Cup winning team on their 40th Anniversary and Benny Arentoft ringing in the result and scorers to his local paper in Denmark.....in full strip shortly from a public phone booth! Appropriately, and entirely co-incidentally, Gibbo ended with Sir Bobby Robson stories and speaking very highly of him both as a man and manager.

After a Q and A session which promised to go on well into the night the audience were allowed to go home so the club could shut up shop. Another entertaining night!

In the aftermath of the event it now appears somewhat strange that both Gibbo and Steve ended on Sir Bobby Robson stories. The following day Sir Bobby passed away. He will not be forgotten.