Newcastle really is a very vibrant City. Occasionally you see the not so bright side of this. Last night as I went back to my hotel at 2am the scenes resembled one of those Police Camera Action programmes on ITV..car chases through the City and a variety of pissed up people in various states of undress. Coincidentally why is it that as I get older the ladies seem to wear less? Still, I wasn't complaining as the eighth taxi driver this week launched into permutations for Sunday afternoon's relegation battle.
Anyway refreshed after a sleep this morning dawned bright and I ventured out again. Onto the Tyne Bridge, which is spectacular in itself, I was able to see towering in the distance the two large stands at St James' Park. Being at the top of one of those must be an experience. Enormous structures they are. On the streets were still the detritus of last night's extravagances. I gather Newcastle is now a "go-to" destination of stag/hen parties the country over. Also though, emerging slightly sheepish onto the street, were people wearing the Newcastle United home Strip. For now laughing and joking, but who knows what will be the mood at 6pm tonight?
So a big day in Newcastle. Also a big day at the slightly wrong end of town at the Grosvenor where a high powered final 11 are in contention to lift the latest GUKPT Prize
There's EPT and GUKPT winner
Andreas Hoivold, who binked for fun when it counted yesterday and has a hugely consistent record in these.
Fellow Scandie
Henning Granstad. Look at his results. Top ten finishes in EPTs and WPTs amongst nearly 50 cashes in the last three years
Brit
Steve Jelinek, EPT Grand Final Finalist, GUKPT Finalist.
Chip leader
Tony Phillips, worse half of littlemissc. Aggressive, in a commanding position. Doesn't look like
Neil Channing though. I have been racking my brains to think who he does remind me of. A cross between Tintin and Chris Evans perhaps.
There's "rivermanl", online prodigy
Laurence Houghton, still in the hunt
From the old Guard Colchester's
Dave Clark. Very different style to the kidz, but not one to give it away easily
Youngster Finn Stewart. Doesn't look old enough to shave. Which doesn't expalin his luxuriant beard though.
Adopted Scotsman
Colin WuLocal players Syed Zaffa Zaidi, and
Peter SmithsonLuton semi-maniac
Mo Muse. Fearsome when on his game.
A good line up I think.
Right I am off to plunder the bar menu, watch the Monaco Grand Prix and will be back with you at 2pm for the fun and games.
Geremi has so far not returned my call about going through my "Greatest Man City goals" DVD with him sometime