Source: Northern_Echo
Magpies fans could boycott first half
NEWCASTLE United fans are planning to show their anger at the sacking of Chris Hughton by boycotting at least half of the match against Liverpool today.[LNB] The appointment of Alan Pardew has provoked fury among some fans, who were happy with Hughton.[LNB] Newcastle fan Chris Mc- Quillan suggested some fans would boycott the first half of the game.[LNB] He said: It its difficult for a lot of people to boycott the full game because they have already paid for their seat.[LNB] But a lot of people are saying that they won't be renewing their season tickets next year.[LNB] Mark Jensen, editor of the Mag fanzine, said: Fans are very angry and disappointed because Chris Hughton was doing a very decent job. We've had it all before. We've had a list of managers you did not have any great faith in. You hope for the best but fear the worst. This is the acid test as the team is the most important part of the club.[LNB] When Chris Hughton was dispensed with we were 11th.[LNB] If Alan Pardew takes us as high as that at the end of the season then we have to say it has been the right decision. If we go the other way we have every right to say it was the wrong thing to do at the wrong time.[LNB] Some fans are planning a peaceful protest before today's home match.[LNB] Jensen added: What I know for sure is the Newcastle people are the last people in the world who like to be told what to do.You cannot control the crowd and you should not patronise the fans. They will do what they do.[LNB] Pardew takes charge for the first time today.[LNB] Forklift truck driver John Fawcos, 32, said: It is absolutely horrific. I have got a season ticket but it is stopping on the mantlepiece from now on. I do not understand Mike Ashley but I keep on giving him £600 a year. The man is out to have a laugh and we look silly. He is making mistake after mistake. God knows how he made billions.[LNB] Steve Wraith, editor of the Toon Talk fanzine, has a degree of sympathy for Pardew after admitting the club's new boss faces the prospect of a hostile welcome.[LNB] He said: When you look at his CV, it doesn't make pleasant reading. It's not his fault he has been put in this position, anyone who gets the chance to manage a club with this fan base would snap their hand off if the deal is right. It's his chance to get back into football.[LNB] I feel sorry for the guy as the atmosphere which will greet him is not going to be a welcome one. He could be the first manager who steps on to the pitch at St James' Park prior to a game and does not get a welcome. It's not his fault but he has accepted the job and if he lasts five and a half years I will eat my hat.[LNB]
