Martyn Green

CM 89/90 Challenge: November ’89

Published on August 11, 2021November 9, 2021 by Martyn Green

November 1989. A pivotal month in global history. And pretty important in the North East too. Newcastle and their moronic, meddling manager didn’t have the greatest of starts to their season, but October saw an upturn, with just the one defeat and some comfortable fixtures. The fans are slowly coming around, there is near-constant talk of the Leazes End being rebuilt, and the squad despite that defeat to Leeds, is feeling confident. But, like the poverty-stricken Soviet Union, there are rumblings of discontent. It’s another 5-game month, and it starts with the visit of Bournemouth

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FA Cup Roundup: Extra-Preliminary Round

Published on August 10, 2021August 26, 2021 by Martyn Green

The FA Cup has started it’s 150th edition, and after the year we have all had, that alone is reason enough to celebrate. The glory of the FA Cup is that, theoretically, it is still possible for the smallest sides to make it all the way. There is no extra advantage conferred for wealth or status. On the day, each team goes against the other on their own merits. Upsets, tin-foil trophies, and a showpiece final in May. Try telling Leicester the cup has lost its glamour.

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Road to Wembley: Extra-Preliminary Round

Published on August 10, 2021August 26, 2021 by Martyn Green

It means something when your FA Cup debut, your first ever match, takes place in the 150^th anniversary of the competition. There are precious few debutants each season, and you have to make the most of the magic that the cup brings in its earliest rounds, before the big boys turn up with their football league grounds and attendances in the low thousands. That is why the Extra Preliminary Round is so much fun, and Lakenheath, Suffolk-based first-timers, were the perfect place to start the Road to Wembley for this special anniversary edition, especially as they are 45 minutes from home so I didn’t have to get up early.

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CM89/90 Challenge: October ’89

Published on August 9, 2021November 9, 2021 by Martyn Green1 Comment

We somehow came though September no worse than we went into it, which given my meddling was an absolute miracle. The fans still hate me, the squad still terrifies me, and a poor run of form could see my head intimately acquainted with some Leazes End rubble, but we’re in the hunt. And that’s all I can ask for at this stage. Old as bloody time Dave Mackay is the first manager to face the chop.

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CM89/90 Challenge: September ’89

Published on August 2, 2021August 9, 2021 by Martyn Green1 Comment

There are seven games in September, but we head into the month in high spirits. It might not be as solid or as comfortable as I would have liked, but we’re unbeaten so far with two wins and two draws, and against a couple of good teams too. We’ve conceded four goals in four games, which is too many for a Catenaccio acolyte like me, and we’ve scored six, which probably isn’t enough to be the entertainers Newcastle want, but it’s early days and It’s promising.

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CM89/90: August ’89

Published on July 27, 2021November 9, 2021 by Martyn Green2 Comments

We return from the continent buoyed by the final two results. The fans are in a slightly better mood and I am more confident in the 4141 that seemed to find its feet, although I do now need to have a frankly terrifying conversation with either Micky Quinn or Mark McGhee. There are bids flying now for the reserves I’ve placed on the transfer list, but the scouts aren’t forthcoming with answers to strengthen the squad. We’ll go with what we have for now and see what happens.

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The Forgotten Man: England’s Greatest Mistake?

Published on July 26, 2021November 9, 2021 by Martyn Green

When we look back at the great tactical innovators of the game, certain names crop up time and again. Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp are held up as heirs to a footballing genius laid down by Bill Shankly, Arrigo Sacchi, Rinus Michels and Johan Cruyff. For a certain type of football fan, Helenio Herrera and Karl Rappan are idols. But there are very few who have had the impact and legacy of and Englishman, mostly forgotten to history, by the name of James Hogan.

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The Young Ones: Europe

Published on July 20, 2021August 10, 2021 by Martyn Green

Despite what some would have you believe, English football isn’t the only football. And so to complement out little look at Premier League prospects, we might as well take a look at some European ones as well. We’ll try to shy away from Barcelona and PSG and Bayern – nobody needs another puff piece about Pedri’s potential. Some have made themselves known already, but this might just be their breakout season where the world takes notice.

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The Young Ones: UK

Published on July 20, 2021July 26, 2021 by Martyn Green

The excitement around the transfer window has become part and parcel of the pre-season schedule. Whether it’s that new defender to keep you in the division, or the one superstar who will turn a third placed finish into a title, fans scour the internet for the tiniest tidbit to suggest they might get their eyeballs on Camavinga, Haaland, or, um, Marc Albrighton in the upcoming season.

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CM 89/90 Challenge: Pre-Season 89

Published on July 19, 2021November 9, 2021 by Martyn Green2 Comments

Standing among the rubble at the Leazes End, looking at the new stand, is a good metaphor for the basketcase Newcastle are in 1989. The first XI look impressive. Strong, powerful, bags of talent. But behind them there isn’t very much. Especially at the sharp end of the pitch. We need a left winger, or a centre midfielder to free up Kevin Brock to play out there, and probably two new forwards as cover for McGhee and Quinn.

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