That’s a difficult question because my connection to multi multi-millionaires is a little tenuous! | OneFootball

An ideal time in the heart of the festive season to get a snapshot of views from Newcastle United fans on how they think things are going.

So we sent out various questions to a small number of regular/irregular contributors to The Mag.

Asking these Newcastle United fans some of the important questions of the day.

As well as some with a seasonal twist.

Here we have Jinky Jim giving his answers:

Obviously it takes a ‘little’ bit of imagination but if there was a scenario where on the last day of a Premier League season… a Sunderland victory (against whoever) would mean Newcastle United qualified for the Champions League instead of Europa League BUT also meant the Mackems won the Premier League. What would you want to happen?

Would choose to miss out on Europe every time to be honest.

If it meant we were relegated, I think I would still take that as well.

Sunland champions? It just can’t happen.

In your lifetime, the five people associated with Newcastle United (anybody, on or of the pitch, inside or outside the club) who you would like to say thank you to and why?

Number one is Keegan. Our club was dead and he resurrected it. The early 90s were wonderfully times.

Number two is David Kelly for the Portsmouth goal. How do you explain that moment and do it justice?

Number three is Rob Lee for the Wembley goal. I know it didn’t matter in the end and I hope some one will come along soon to banish this, but it’s the only one I’ve ever seen, so it matters.

Number four would be Supermac, for basically being Supermac.

Finally, and just to be another huge workie ticket, kind Mike. This is for finally bailing out and not selling us to someone like the Venkys. Actually, that’s not true, no amount of Xmas goodwill would let me do this, so forget that.

My fifth can be the fella who took me to my first game because my dad wasn’t interested. Thank you George, for all the “enjoyment” from the last 60 years!

What would be a perfect Newcastle United Christmas present to unwrap?

A long term injury to Alex would leave us in a very dangerous position, so a Callum Wilson replacement would be nice.

In 2024, what have been your three best Newcastle United moments?

It seems a lot longer ago than a year ago but 2024 started with a 3-0 win at sunland. That’s got to be up there as number one for me. Isak’s 90th minute penalty was some moment.

I know it wasn’t a win but our performance in the 3-3 draw with Liverpool was brilliant. Fabian’s 90th minute equaliser was some moment.

And Harvey Barnes’ 90th minute comeback winner against West ham was some moment as well.

In 2024 what have been your three worst Newcastle United moments?

The performance, or should I say, the non-performances at Fulham and Palace are two of my three worst.

But the worst was that 90th minute winner by a bloke called Bobb, to let Man City take the points at St James’ Park in January.

Once we get Christmas out of the way, the Newcastle United hierarchy have promised an update early in the New Year, regarding what their plans are for delivering a significantly bigger/better stadium. What do you hope they say? (Not just whether staying at SJP or new site but also capacity, timescale, progress they might have made on the quiet regarding their plans, whatever)

I just want to see a decision being made and a relatively short timescale before bricks start to be laid.

Hopefully it’s a 70,000 stadium next door, but even if it’s a St James’ revamp, at least it will show their long term commitment to the project.

The 2025/26 season will be the tenth since Newcastle United last had a Premier League derby match. Have you any seasonal black and white goodwill for our Mackem friends finally making it back to the top tier, from what looks the most appalling quality second tier for many years. Or even just because the amusing FA Cup stroll on Wearside last season whetted your appetite for the return of the derbies?

I’m one of those who cant let go of the six in a row period.

So I’d be very happy for them to disappear into the Conference and never play us again.

If you could guarantee five NUFC players to be fit for the rest of the season (including all those currently unavailable), who would you choose and in what order?

It has to be a 20 goal striker, so Isak is first.

Sandro in his right position is a close second.

An in-form and fully engaged flash is third.

Bruno is my forth choice. And just to be a real workie ticket, Jacob Murphy. That’s unless we go out and purchase a upgraded right winger. Until then , round pegs for round holes.

If you could invite three current Newcastle United players to yours for a social gathering at Christmas, who would you invite and why?

That’s a difficult question because my connection to multi multi-millionaires is a little tenuous!

So I’d go for three who come across as good blokes. Dan Burn, Fabian and Jacob.

If you could invite three Newcastle United connected people, past or present, around to yours for a social gathering at Christmas, who would you invite and why? Thinking of fans (famous or not), past (not present) players, managers, owners, whoever.

When it comes to those from the past, there are loads to choose from.

Jinky Jim obviously, from the 70s.

Imre Varadi from the 80s.

David Kelly from the 90s.

For no other reason than I absolutely loved watching these lads in a black and white shirt.

A knock on your door on Christmas Day, your place beautifully Xmas decorated, roaring fire, table laden with more food and drink than anybody could eat and drink. You open the door and freezing cold, snow bleaching down, which three cold and starving Newcastle United connected characters (past or present) would you still turn away?

Can I choose Michael Owen, Michael Owen and Michael Owen ?

Not that I’m bitter about him in the slightest.

I will choose Fat Samuel from a long list of managers we have to choose from and of course how can anyone leave kind Mike off the list?

Assuming you don’t think that position has been reached already… what would it take for you to think Newcastle United needed to consider replacing Eddie Howe?

I’m in the stick with Eddie camp.

Until he has a chance to bring in a few more first teamers.

Should that happen, then he will be expected to deliver. If he doesn’t, then his time will be up, regardless of what some people on social media want.

Win the FA Cup or League Cup sometime in the next five years AND finish between 8th and 10th in each of these five seasons, or win nothing AND finish between 2nd and 4th in every one of these five seasons?

As a 65 year old with a dodgy heart, I will always take a trophy.