Alex Bell: 2002/2003 Champions League

I would like to tell you about my two son's first ever NUFC game. We all live in Cheshire, I moved there in 1986 after living in Newcastle till I was 21. I have two boys, Mike and Peter, and in 2002 when they were 12 & 9 respectively. I bought tickets for the Juve game in the Champions League, and the day before we drove up the M6 to stay at my Mother's house. On the morning of the match we made our way into town to visit the ground and to build up the excitement. On walking round the Gallowgate we spotted Sir Bobby Robson climbing out of his car and heading our way, he walked over to us and proceeded to spend the next ten minutes asking us who we were, where we were from and was impressed that it was the boys first match and that we had travelled so far to see the game. At the end of the conversation he put his arm around the boys and said he will make sure the team put on a good performance for them. I got his autograph on a work business card as it was all I had, which I still have, what I would have give for a camera. I don't know who was more awe struck, me or my boys.

As history shows we won the game and a fantastic night was had by all. Can it get any better than that for a Magpie debut?

It contrasts with my first non-match. My brother took me to NUFC v Blackpool in the early 70's, I remember getting on a clackerty old train at Longbenton in the rain, I was still buzzing though, but by the time we had made the Central station the game had been abandoned. Major disappointment. At least that prepared me for life as a NUFC fan.

Alex Bell