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READER'S LETTERS JANUARY 2008
We will publish your letters on this page regularly, complete with comments from Jeff.
So why not write in and let us know what you are thinking about the goings on at Boro, Darlington and Hartlepool. We'll get your letter on the site as soon as we can.
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Click here to read letters from previous months
From: Dale Imray, 29th January 2008
Jeff
I know you hate us but read this and ignore the hype.
This article is from (NUFC.com) and sums it all up beautifully. I could have written it meself.
Howay the Lads.
Dale
The Keegan appointment had taken me through the full range of emotions. Initial and genuine shock was soon followed by despair, denial and then indifference. And that was just the first thirty seconds.
The subsequent media hyperbole was genuinely nauseating with radio and TV mikes shoved in the faces of the usual suspects and members of the general public telling the world "it's what the Geordies wanted". I'm sure there were even folk claiming that it didn't matter if we lost every game 5-4, King Kev would win us summat...
Well, to be brutally honest, it wasn't what this Geordie wanted.
Supporting this club has turned me bitter and cynical. I don't think I was born that way, it's just been a natural consequence of years of disappointment and despair. The rest of my life has turned out pretty well so it has to be Newcastle United's fault.
My relationship with NUFC was in danger of turning stale after the Souness/Roeder/Allardyce years and recent fiascos threatened to have me turning to marriage guidance counsellors. We've said it many times before but indifference really is the biggest worry for football fans (and marriages).
But as the days wore on and the Bolton match approached something deep down in my core started to reignite. The return of Keegan had relit the pilot light and gradually the old boiler was starting to fire up again.
It was a plainly ridiculous appointment and once again left us open to national ridicule which seems to be our perpetual place in the football world and I thought I'd had enough of that. But as the outside media started to snipe and sneer it all started to make perfect sense.
We clearly have an owner who is as bonkers as we are and who seems to have got into our psyche incredibly quickly. The media gurus couldn't cope with Ashley wearing his shirt and sitting (standing) with the fans. Why not? It might not be what a Chairman should do but he's the owner.
People like Allardyce and Souness had no place here - they should never have been appointed. They weren't good enough to completely change the make-up of the club. Souness had found that out at Liverpool. But the appointment of Keegan - whether it works or not - was probably perfect. A crazy manager, for a crazy club with a crazy owner and crazy fans.
If we can't get Wenger or Mourinho to this club (both big enough and good enough to transform us) then the last thing we want is another Allardyce or Souness (e.g. Mark Hughes). What's the point in that?
The national phone-ins have loved it, loved it. People from all over the country, desperate to point out that it's ridiculous. Desperate to tell us we'll never win anything and that it'll all end in tears. We know! But we'll have some great memories along the way. And what if it did work? What if he just went and bloody won something? Can you imagine...? As KK said himself, it's not impossible.
Newcastle fans have huge expectations apparently. Do we? Do we really? I expect us to win bugger all in my lifetime but I want to get that anticipation, that raw emotion of going to see a side in black and white give their all and try and entertain. And in doing that I want us to have the same chance as Spurs, Everton, Man City, Villa or even 2004 Carling Cup winners, Boro, of winning a trophy. That's not being unrealistic.
The top four will take a little longer but they're not invincible. Fergie can't go on forever, Liverpool seem intent on imploding, Grant may hit tough times at Stamford Bridge and even Wenger has had transitional seasons.
What I don't want is a team that will bore the pants off us and struggle in the short term, with the promise of boring the pants off us and struggling a bit less in the long term. Why would any fan put up with that?
So, having gone through the full gamut of emotions in the days leading up to the Bolton match, I was right behind the appointment, striding to the game, genuinely expectant and full of hopes and dreams. Not quite as I'd been as a youngster on my way to Keegan's debut for Newcastle but not far off. The boiler was fired up and the hot water was pumping through the pipes...
I'm sure most of us felt like that but how many fans of the "big four" have gone to a televised match against Bolton feeling the same? None, I'd suggest. And that's what they resent. They can't cope with the love we have for our club because they simply don't understand it.
Football is not about winning trophies, it's about winning battles and you decide what the battles are.
I'd rather be Alan Shearer than Gary Neville. Who's got the most medals? Who's the legend...?
Niall McKenzie, NUFC.com
Jeff's reply
Hi Dale
I don't hate NUFC mate. Obviously as a Boro supporter I want us to be top dogs in the north-east but I would rather us be top in a battle for Europe than top in a three way relegation battle. I think the article you have sent me is excellent and I will include it on my web site.
I fear though for more humiliation for the supporters of NUFC. KK will not be messed about and it would not surprise me if he walks sooner rather than later.
It seems to be no secret that the owner is actively trying to sell the club and that perhaps the offer of a bottomless pit of cash may not materialize.
KK sounded really pissed off that Jonathan Woodgate would not be signing for the club. I understand that perhaps KK did not get the support he wanted there.
One thing is for sure, that whilst the plight of the club may cause amusement to the Mackems and even Boro fans, the loyal supporters of NUFC do deserve better.
Best Wishes
Jeff
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From: Johnny, 13th January 2008
Hiya Jeff
I don't know if you remember me but I've spoken to you on numerous occasions about Darlo.
The thing with Darlo supporters in this town is that they will all start coming to the ground when Darlo are guaranteed promotion. They are so fickle.
The excuses I hear from them is it's too expensive or the ground is too far away from the town centre.
I've been all over the country with my mates for years, even when we were at Feethams in the Conference.
I don't know what the club can do. I know that the 375 of us who travelled down to Lincoln are hardcore fans.
Up the Quakers forever!
Thanks Jeff mate.
Jeff's reply
The results over Christmas will have probably given those "fickle" fans the
excuse not to come back yet.
The next few games are vital as games in hand
need to be turned into points.
Keep the faith
Best Wishes
Jeff
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From: Colin Robinson, 9th January 2008
Dear Jeff
Thank you for your reply (in response to SMB Day Dream's correspondence, dated 18th December 2007).
Myself and several other members of the Sunderland Messageboard have enjoyed your humorous replies and good banter.
I wondered if you would fancy registering? I think that you would enjoy
it. It would also be interesting to see what you think of certain
refereeing decisions e.g. whether that dirty bastard Pizzaro should've been booked.
All the best
Cheers
Jeff's reply
Hi Colin
I am pleased that my efforts are appreciated by some. The downside of
doing these articles is that some respond in a personal and foul-mouthed way.
There are a lot of infantile people out there who are spineless and see
this as an opportunity just to be prats.
Via ComeOnBoro.com and my own website, I already write many articles. Some are specific to Boro, Darlington and Hartlepool whilst others are on other topical subjects. I also deal with hundreds of questions via the readers' letters page.
I also do an online Q and A session every Monday. Initially this was
Boro related but via the FansOnline network, we are looking to extend this.
With regard to Pizzaro, if the ref did not see his involvement then the
FA should have taken action post match.
Best wishes
Jeff
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From: M Wright, 8th January 2008
I am a Sunderland fan and in my office (in Newcastle), the Mags are having
a debate as to why you were not locked up for calling off the Boro v Newcastle
match in excess of twenty-four hours before kick off due to it being a bit
nippy.
Did it have anything to do with the fact that Boro had several key players
injured and the Mags were pressing for the title at the time?
Mark
Jeff's reply
Hi Mark
I wish I had a pound for every time I have been asked this question.
Yes
Boro were struggling injury wise, yet they did win when the game was
eventually played. Conspiracy? Maybe. But not my fault.
My job was simply to say if the pitch was playable. It was and I said
so!
The game was called off because the safety people said that the
approach roads etc were dangerous. So not my fault. But you know those Geordies, they
never let the truth get in the way of a good story.
The following Tuesday I was asked to inspect before the Boro Reserves
played Newcastle reserves. I was getting grief over the first team game so I
said again that the pitch was playable. When the match referee turned up, he put the
game off. The daft thing was that the weather had got better by then.
Still, the end result was that I did nowt wrong and the Boro beat the Geordies so it was a good result all round.
I hope they enjoy Sam's entertaining Route One football!
Best wishes
Jeff
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From: Pat, 7th January 2008
The legacy of the impotent referee is thanks to Winter and Poll, not
because of Terry.
Jeff's reply
WHAT???????
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From: Cozzie, 7th January 2008
Hello Jeffrey Winter.
I would just like to know, why are they called stairs inside but steps
outside?
Cheers
Cozzie
Jeff's reply
Hi Cozzie
Great question mate. Do you know I don't know. It is one of the great mysteries in life.
Like why would a man need to tell the world he likes boobies (commenting on Cozzie's email address - Ed). Most of us do. To be honest mate the real ones are great - they're not as plasticy as those on blow-up dolls.
Now to be honest, when I have the chance to play with said appendages I don't give a damn whether I am going up steps or stairs as both lead to breast heaven!!
Best wishes
Jeff
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From: Matt, 6th January 2008
Hi Jeff
I just thought I would pop by to congratulate you on being the second most hated referee in England, second only to Poll.
Between you and me, did the FA really pay you to be so obviously biased towards Manchester United? Don't worry I won't tell anyone.
Also, is there a special school that you have to go to to learn how be so blind? I've heard of selective hearding but I have never heard of selective vision.
Believe me, the Premier League was a better place when you and Poll retired. Now we just have to wait until Crappenberg retires and then Manchester United and Liverpool will have to start playing by the rules.
On that note, I have just one more question before I leave and this is actually a serious one: As a ref did you look out for player like C. Ronaldo and D. Drogba diving and judge them because of their reputation or did you take every incident individually?
Matt
Jeff's reply
Hi Matt
You again!!
I have left your email as it was sent just to show to readers that I even reply to retards like yourself. Your lack of education and the inability to even write an email that actually makes sense probably puts your thoughts and opinions into context.
You insult me and pass comments disrespecting me, making it obvious that my website is crap and that I was a rubbish referee. Then you want my opinion. You really are a class act!!!!
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From: Matt, 5th January 2008
I've got to say that this is by far the worst website I have ever seen. What the hell made you create this rubbish? You were just a pathetic ref who nobody cares about, nor do we wish to hear you prattle on about crap!
Jeff's reply
Well I value your opinion Matt. Obviously you will not be checking out the website again and that's your choice. However judging by the thousands of hits the site gets and the amount of requests I get to do media work then not everybody agrees with you.
Best wishes
Jeff
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From: Jim, 4th January 2008
Please can you answer a question for me.
You are refereeing a cup game and during
normal play, for whatever reason, you book the keeper. The match then goes to a penalty shoot out and the keeper continually moves off his line before the kick is taken. You have no option but to give him a second caution. What happens next?
Can they sub an outfield player for a reserve keeper? And do the opposition have to remove one of their outfield players?
Thanks
Jim
Jeff's reply
Hi Jim
I have a sneaky suspicion that you may be a ref who is trying me out.
Down the years, I met numerous referees who were brilliant at the quiz questions
but whilst serving local football very well, they never really could put their
undoubted knowledge into practice. Let's hope I get this one right!!
Only players on the field at the end of play can take place in a penalty shoot out. If there is an imbalance of numbers due to sending offs or injuries, then the team with more players must deselect a player for the shoot out so both teams have the same number of players.
If any player is then sent off during the shoot out, he may not be replaced and the opponents do not have to deselect a player. Each team would take alternate penalties until a winner is decided.
If a goalkeeper becomes injured he may then be replaced by a named substitute (which could be the reserve goalkeeper), as long as his side have not used their permitted number of substitutes.
Best wishes
Jeff
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From: Jack Blue, 3rd January 2008
Jeff
I'd like to ask a top class referee about the interpretation of the off-side rule in the modern game.
Personally I think it's bollocks. In the old days a player would be flagged unless he wasn't interfering with play. To my knowledge that's always been
the rule.
These days, however, "interfering with play" seems to mean "did he touch the ball?".
For my money "interfering with play" is if a player is in close proximity to an attack whereby he is influencing the decisions and positioning of defenders.
I saw a Blackpool player walk the ball into
the net in an offside position - but as he didnt' touch the ball he wasn't
adjudged to be offside.. It's a bit silly.
We have to really iron out what we mean by "interfering with play". That rule was put there to stop flag happy linesmen raising stopping the game every two seconds when a forward would be tying his shoes! Not so Thierry Henry can take the
piss.
Do you agree?
Oh and one more thing - goalkeepers. I'm not happy at all about them.
When they come out of their box and they foul somebody but have one covering
defender behind them, how come the keeper gets away with a yellow card yet if a defender
fouled someone with just the goalkeeper covering, they would get a red?
This is another rule that's a bit silly. Are we expected to believe that the covering defender is more influential than the covering goalkeeper at keeping the ball out the net?
How come if a striker farts on a goalkeeper he is judged to have fouled the
goalkeeper - yet Darren Moore at Derby wrestles forwards in the box (quite
literally) and nothing gets given.
Is it because refs generally want to make the easier decision? I've got to be
honest - I think a lot of referees are motivated by self preservation and do
what they think will be easier.
I know you guys have a tough job and it's good to see that you have a sense of humour. I just think that this is a tough job in practice which in theory should be a doddle. I just don't think we have the theory right.
If the powers that be didn't try and get clever every year with
"improvements" in the laws then maybe it would become a doddle.
Jeff's reply
Hi Jack
I bet you feel better for getting that off your chest don't you?
Hey don't shoot the messenger, I agree with you on some aspects, but we don't make the laws or the interpretations, we just have to enforce them.
The tweaks to the interpretation of the offside law were intended to encourage attacking play, to create more goal mouth incidents and therefore create more goals. It has, however, just caused confusion for everybody.
With the denial of an obvious goal scoring opportunity, the authorities deem that a player with a clear run on goal and only the keeper to beat has that OBVIOUS opportunity. They suggest that when other players are in the vicinity then the opportunity is not OBVIOUS.
I personally disagree with a 70mph speed limit on motorways but I am stuck with it because it's the law of the land. Football is no different. The law makers do not seem to consult players, managers and referees when making these laws.
Your last two paragraphs I agree with you 100%.
Best wishes
Jeff
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From: Jay, 2nd January 2008
Jeff
Your autobiography is fantastic. It gave me a real insight into the role referees play in the game.
Actually I lied. I haven't read it and I don't intend to. I think you're an obnoxious prick and a bit of a media whore. You've done fuck all and I can only imagine these "Guest Speaker" events that you do are a sort of "Peter Kay's Phoenix Nights" set up - a fucking joke.
Print this fucker out and take this down the pub you horrible smoggy c**t.
P.S. Rafa wants his goatee back.
P.P.S. Were you touched when you were a young 'un?
Much Love
Jay
Jeff's reply
I have replied to this, although I doubt you will receive it because spineless wankers like you use addresses that can't be replied to. It will go on my website though so hopefully others like you might be deterred from wasting your lives.
Your opinion of me is not a problem. I got to the very top of my refereeing profession and was asked to write an autobiography that to date has sold 25,000 copies.
I have won awards for my speaking and to be honest I seem to be quite good at that as well.
The morale of this story is: Get a life. Come out from behind your keyboard and try and achieve something in your life.
I may, in your opinion, be everything you childishly suggest but hey I have probably achieved more in my life than you could ever even dream of!!
Best wishes
Jeff
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From: Gavin Newsham, 1st January 2008
Dear Jeff
You're obviously known as one of the most forthright and respected referees in
the game but what's the best way to remove a red wine stain from my living room carpet?
All the best
Gavin
Jeff's reply
Hi Gavin
One of the benefits of having a big gob is that I usually swallow it all and don't drop any.
I don't know the way to remove it totally but why not get some red paint and
paint a Boro crest around and over it? It would look lovely either on the floor
or even on the wall.
Either that or in future put something on the floor to
cover precious items. A towel would do and if your lass is on the wine
as well it could help with wine stains and any other ones that may develop
over the evening!!
Best wishes
Jeff
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Click here to write to Jeff...
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