Premier League cartel holding Newcastle United back | OneFootball

Well, the international break was just as long, tedious and boring as all of the previous ones.

Although I accept Newcastle United have been below par so far this season, I’m beginning to think that these breaks are preventing us and others from building up any kind of momentum. Just look how tight it is in the top half of the Premier League.

I do enjoy taking in what’s going on in the EFL and wish that the Championship games could go ahead as normal to keep us entertained. There is nothing more I like than a Sunderland defeat, even if they have been winning more than they have lost so far this season.

I’m certainly not one of those people that thinks the Premier League is the be all and end all of everything. As we seemingly all have to keep reminding ourselves, football existed long before the advent of Sky and the EPL in 1992.

Back then, Newcastle United were embarking on our own magical journey under Kevin Keegan. When we won the opening 11 League games of the 1992/93 Division One campaign, I witnessed some of the greatest moments I have ever experienced as a supporter.

Beating Southend United 3-2 at St James’ Park on a rain soaked opening day in August. Literally thousands marching to London Road in the blazing hot sun a few weeks later. Then after knocking Premier League Boro out of the League Cup at Ayresome Park, dusting the mackems at Roker Park four days later.

Aye, there are some great memories of being in the second tier. The 2009/10 season was great as Chris Hughton’s side stormed to Championship success. It was Rafa Benitez’ turn to deliver another 1st place finish in 2016/17.

Of course the big difference between Keegan’s side and the other two mentioned, was that in 1992 Newcastle had just avoided relegation to the third tier.

The reason the Toon were in the Championship in 2009/10 and 2016/17 was because we had been relegated from the Premier League. This was down to the mean and spiteful Goon who owned our club at the time.

We all know that the Premier League is the best place to be, but we also all realise the dubious moves that are taking place, Richard Masters has become the most famous puppet since Pinnochio.

After what has went on regarding Newcastle United, both pre and post-takeover, you couldn’t blame any of our supporters for being the slightest bit disillusioned at continuing and repeated attempts of the Premier League Septic Six to hold our club back.

They have temporarily succeeded and our quest for ultimate glory now looks like taking more time than was originally planned.

Lets hope United can play entertaining football and deliver the goods against Brighton and Hove Albion at the weekend. It’s not too long ago the two clubs went neck and neck in an exciting Championship chase.

Brighton seem to be one of the clubs like ourselves who are capable of challenging near the top. Then again, they have recently sided with Richard Masters and the Septics in the aftermath of the Associated Party Transaction tribunal brought by Manchester City.

After coming up from the lower tier, maybe the Seagulls are now just happy to be where they are at.

It is good though to see Nottingham Forest going against the flow. After years in the doldrums Forest were promoted to the EPL in 2022. They have an ambitious owner and a savvy head coach.

Even the scouse mackems of Everton feel the same way as us regarding the APT rules but I was disappointed to see West Ham being swayed the other way. Sullivan and Brady shouldn’t be anywhere near a club like the Hammers.

I expect Leeds United to go up from the Championship this season. They too are trying to change their fortunes around, with a fresher outlook for the future. A new stadium is also in the offing.

We need these famous old clubs in the Premier League, apart from Sunderland that is, who are no friends of ours.

Forest and Leeds are our allies if you like. Sunderland’s bitter jealousy and hypocrisy since our takeover will not be forgotten. Their support is 100% with the cartel. Their mantra has always been ‘As long as Newcastle don’t win anything, everything’s okay.’