Sorry for the lack of updates since Friday - I went up to Newcastle with Keith and Jimmy to watch Newcastle v West Ham at St. James' Park, stopping over naturally to sample the city nightlife. I did try to post here Saturday am before setting off but Blogger was playing up (as is its wont from time to time).

We could only get tickets in the Newcastle end, so I had to sit impassively amidst the Toon Army as the Hammers spurned several excellent chances either side of Jermain Defoe's opening goal before the team's defensive frailties were once more exposed away from home with Shearer, LuaLua and Robert claiming the goals that swept the Geordie boys to victory.

Given that we were sitting on the very top tier of a steep bank of seats right at the back of the new stand it wasn't just West Ham's defending that had me clinging to my seat for dear life. When you can look down at the airship as well as the action on the pitch you know you're pretty bloody high up. I should have guessed though it was getting fairly steep when on the penultimate flight of stairs we passed a visibly struggling Chris Bonington who gasped 'It's no good lads, I can't go any further, you carry on without me'. Memo to self: Take altitude training before your next visit. And pack crampons.

And if you think that lot was an exaggeration that's nothing compared to what some of the smugger elements of the Toon Army are doing to their chances of world domination next season...

Related link: webcam view of the Tyne Bridge. Camera gets turned around weekdays 11.00-12.00 GMT to give alternative views of the Newcastle skyline, including St. James' Park.