But then I have always been easy pleased – Just ask Mandy from the club | OneFootball

I’ve been doing stuff for The Mag for a long time. A very long time.

It has been so long, back then Sam All(about me)ardyce was in charge at Newcastle United.

Eleven Managers later and I am still at it, although I have to admit this summer close season I am lacking a bit of inspiration for a subject to chat about.

It’s hardly because there isn’t anything to talk about is it?

As Newcastle United fans we have the Champions League, new signings, new ground etc etc to chat about. It’s hardly 1981.

I think the reason for my writer’s block is that I find myself in a very contented place. I have spent over 50 years watching this club, praying for some sort of miracle to happen.

And would you believe it, that miracle finally did happen.

We won a cup.

Now obviously it was a rubbish cup that no big team was remotely interested in winning. I believe that most teams put out their third team when playing against Newcastle United, so high was their apathy.

Well that’s what Arsenal and Villa fans were saying, So it must be true.

Nonetheless, we are now winners and this has removed a huge weight from my shoulders.

So much so, that if the coming season saw Newcastle United drop a place or two in the league and only make a cup semi-final, then I think I will be ok with that.

After all, no team wins something every season. Well some do, but you understand what I mean.

I guess that this makes me sound like a bloke who is far far far too easily pleased. You could have a point.

Back in 1978, I would be the lad who ended up with the last unattached girl in the nightclub.

At that time I was very happy to end up with whoever would have me, because I was a 5ft 6, big nosed and with a very dodgy haircut.

Actually, I still am.

In addition, my dress sense, which was meant to make me look like Joe Strummer from The Clash, actually made me look like the policeman out of the Village People.

I guess 1978 was not my finest period. Thank God mobile phones were not around.

So I’m guessing that the girl had probably turned to her mate and said; “If that short-arsed clown is all there is left, I guess he will have to do.”

We were made for each other.

Anyway I am digressing somewhat, so let’s get back to Newcastle.

What do I hope for? Top four, quarter-final of Champions League and the FA Cup .

What do I expect? Top six, a play-off defeat in Champions League and a semi-final of a cup.

What would I accept? A mid-table league season but we win a cup again.

I base that on the current make up of our first team squad. We are going to face eight Champions League games, plus hopefully at least two more in the play-offs.

Those 10 games will have a massive impact on our Premier League season. We are going to need quality reinforcements to get us through 50+ top level games.

So if we stand still a little bit this season, I’m determined not to start sounding like an Arsenal fan, because we haven’t won the league.

But then I have always been easy pleased.