http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/simon-bird/ Simon Bird Trinity Mirror Trinity Mirror http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/simon-bird/Why-Sunderland-owner-Ellis-Short-is-shaping-up-to-be-the-Premier-League-s-best-foreign-investor-Simon-Bird-column-article356111.html Ellis Short turned to Niall Quinn at the end of last season as he watched Sunderland fans celebrate avoiding relegation and had the perfect quip. In his US drawl he joked: “Sunderland is one crazy son of a bitch club!” Chairman Quinn reckons that was the moment that Short appreciated the passion, fervour and potential for the club he bought for just £30million. Ten months later, Short is shaping up to be the perfect owner. Last week, Quinn and chief executive Steve Walton unveiled financial f... Ellis Short turned to Niall Quinn at the end of last season as he watched Sunderland fans celebrate avoiding relegation and had the perfect quip. In his US drawl he joked: “Sunderland is one crazy son of a bitch club!” Chairman Quinn reckons that was the moment that Short appreciated the passion, fervour and potential for the club he bought for just £30million. Ten months later, Short is shaping up to be the perfect owner. Last week, Quinn and chief executive Steve Walton unveiled financial f... Mon, 15 Mar 2010 13:32:53 GMT http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/simon-bird/Why-Sunderland-owner-Ellis-Short-is-shaping-up-to-be-the-Premier-League-s-best-foreign-investor-Simon-Bird-column-article356111.html 2010-03-15T13:32:53Z true http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/simon-bird/The-day-that-chippy-Strachan-was-brought-down-or-taken-up-a-peg-or-two-Simon-Bird-column-article356091.html Gordon Strachan likes journalists to challenge him with original questions, and quickly loses patience with anything that makes him bored. Last week he was lobbed a few gentle openers by radio reporters down at Boro’s Hurworth training ground, and quickly got fed up. So Gordon, what do you think of the job Chris Hughton has done at Newcastle? “Rubbish.” No seriously Gordon, he’s done a wonderful job turning around that crisis hasn’t he?“Och, no, rubbish?” Really? “No love, don’t take me so se... Gordon Strachan likes journalists to challenge him with original questions, and quickly loses patience with anything that makes him bored. Last week he was lobbed a few gentle openers by radio reporters down at Boro’s Hurworth training ground, and quickly got fed up. So Gordon, what do you think of the job Chris Hughton has done at Newcastle? “Rubbish.” No seriously Gordon, he’s done a wonderful job turning around that crisis hasn’t he?“Och, no, rubbish?” Really? “No love, don’t take me so se... Mon, 15 Mar 2010 13:31:48 GMT http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/simon-bird/The-day-that-chippy-Strachan-was-brought-down-or-taken-up-a-peg-or-two-Simon-Bird-column-article356091.html 2010-03-15T13:31:48Z true http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/simon-bird/Why-Newcastle-boss-Chris-Hughton-deserves-cheers-not-jeers-from-the-Toon-Army-Simon-Bird-column-article356087.html Chris Hughton can hardly have been happy to see his substitutions being jeered by the Toon Army during the second half at Boro on Saturday. Replacing Peter Lovenkrands with Nicky Butt earned boos and at the time, following a five minute attacking spell by United, seemed needlessly negative. Indeed, Boro soon took the lead. But I’d like to think that Hughton has achieved enough this season to be given a break when he decides to switch tactics and personnel. In actual fact, Hughton has managed ... Chris Hughton can hardly have been happy to see his substitutions being jeered by the Toon Army during the second half at Boro on Saturday. Replacing Peter Lovenkrands with Nicky Butt earned boos and at the time, following a five minute attacking spell by United, seemed needlessly negative. Indeed, Boro soon took the lead. But I’d like to think that Hughton has achieved enough this season to be given a break when he decides to switch tactics and personnel. In actual fact, Hughton has managed ... Mon, 15 Mar 2010 13:30:24 GMT http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/simon-bird/Why-Newcastle-boss-Chris-Hughton-deserves-cheers-not-jeers-from-the-Toon-Army-Simon-Bird-column-article356087.html 2010-03-15T13:30:24Z true http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/simon-bird/Sorry-Mike-but-four-months-of-quiet-progress-at-Newcastle-does-not-mean-Geordies-are-ready-to-bow-down-and-hail-the-chief-Ashley-Simon-Bird-column-article348573.html Sit down, shut up and just be grateful you have been rescued by Big Mike, Newcastle fans.There is clearly an unruly proportion of you who are very naughty boys and girls for continuing to shout nasty chants in the direction of the posh seats. It has got to stop.So goes the opinion of United chief Derek Llambias, expressed with the usual trademark lack of humility and diplomacy.Ticking off supporters in his match programme column on Saturday, Llambias took the tone of an exasperated school tea... Sit down, shut up and just be grateful you have been rescued by Big Mike, Newcastle fans.There is clearly an unruly proportion of you who are very naughty boys and girls for continuing to shout nasty chants in the direction of the posh seats. It has got to stop.So goes the opinion of United chief Derek Llambias, expressed with the usual trademark lack of humility and diplomacy.Ticking off supporters in his match programme column on Saturday, Llambias took the tone of an exasperated school tea... Mon, 08 Mar 2010 15:01:57 GMT http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/simon-bird/Sorry-Mike-but-four-months-of-quiet-progress-at-Newcastle-does-not-mean-Geordies-are-ready-to-bow-down-and-hail-the-chief-Ashley-Simon-Bird-column-article348573.html 2010-03-08T15:01:57Z true http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/simon-bird/Steve-Bruce-says-he-is-not-a-long-ball-manager-now-he-needs-to-prove-it-Simon-Bird-column-article348555.html As Steve Bruce prepares to go on trial at the Stadium of Light on Tuesday night in front of Sunderland owner Ellis Short he was keen to banish one misconception.Last time out Sunderland repeatedly hammered the ball from defence into attack. Long ball after long ball “lumped”, his words, towards a forward line ill equipped to handle such strong arm tactics.Bruce says he is not a long ball manager. He has never ordered his sides to go as direct as their failed policy against Fulham. He says he’... As Steve Bruce prepares to go on trial at the Stadium of Light on Tuesday night in front of Sunderland owner Ellis Short he was keen to banish one misconception.Last time out Sunderland repeatedly hammered the ball from defence into attack. Long ball after long ball “lumped”, his words, towards a forward line ill equipped to handle such strong arm tactics.Bruce says he is not a long ball manager. He has never ordered his sides to go as direct as their failed policy against Fulham. He says he’... Mon, 08 Mar 2010 14:38:51 GMT http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/simon-bird/Steve-Bruce-says-he-is-not-a-long-ball-manager-now-he-needs-to-prove-it-Simon-Bird-column-article348555.html 2010-03-08T14:38:51Z true http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/simon-bird/Alan-Shearer-s-Wolves-warning-for-Newcastle-and-why-are-the-TV-bosses-trying-to-shaft-the-Toon-Army-with-a-Monday-night-kick-off-for-Plymouth-away-Simon-Bird-column-article348547.html In his astute, under the radar way, try not to be too controversial type of way, Alan Shearer made the most telling point of the weekend.No doubt he was well aware of the capacity to get carried away after Newcastle’s 6-1 victory.So during Match of the Day, analysing newly promoted Wolves’ struggles this season he made a point that should be pinned up around St James’ Park this summer.“Wolves scored for fun in the Championship last season, they got 80, but can’t seem to do it this season. It ... In his astute, under the radar way, try not to be too controversial type of way, Alan Shearer made the most telling point of the weekend.No doubt he was well aware of the capacity to get carried away after Newcastle’s 6-1 victory.So during Match of the Day, analysing newly promoted Wolves’ struggles this season he made a point that should be pinned up around St James’ Park this summer.“Wolves scored for fun in the Championship last season, they got 80, but can’t seem to do it this season. It ... Mon, 08 Mar 2010 14:38:46 GMT http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/simon-bird/Alan-Shearer-s-Wolves-warning-for-Newcastle-and-why-are-the-TV-bosses-trying-to-shaft-the-Toon-Army-with-a-Monday-night-kick-off-for-Plymouth-away-Simon-Bird-column-article348547.html 2010-03-08T14:38:46Z true http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/simon-bird/Why-Sunderland-boss-Steve-Bruce-might-want-to-try-a-bucket-of-Play-Doh-to-provide-the-answers-to-his-side-s-problems-Simon-Bird-column-article340663.html What have a flock of geese and a bucket load of modelling clay got to do with lifting a football team out of a slump?You may well ask. But both have been used at Sunderland in years gone by to inspire the minds of ailing players whose talents become crippled by playing in front of 40,000 fans at the Stadium of Light.As Steve Bruce grapples with the psychology of how to lift his Sunderland players out of a malaise that has sapped confidence during a downwards spiral of two wins in 21 games, th... What have a flock of geese and a bucket load of modelling clay got to do with lifting a football team out of a slump?You may well ask. But both have been used at Sunderland in years gone by to inspire the minds of ailing players whose talents become crippled by playing in front of 40,000 fans at the Stadium of Light.As Steve Bruce grapples with the psychology of how to lift his Sunderland players out of a malaise that has sapped confidence during a downwards spiral of two wins in 21 games, th... Mon, 01 Mar 2010 13:52:13 GMT http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/simon-bird/Why-Sunderland-boss-Steve-Bruce-might-want-to-try-a-bucket-of-Play-Doh-to-provide-the-answers-to-his-side-s-problems-Simon-Bird-column-article340663.html 2010-03-01T13:52:13Z true http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/simon-bird/Why-Manchester-United-s-Michael-Owen-s-latest-injury-woe-will-surprise-no-one-at-Newcastle-although-it-might-shock-Michael-Owen-and-his-brochure-publishers-Simon-Bird-column-article340655.html Journalists: Idiots, Part 2.Michael Owen limps off injured. No surprise to fans of Newcastle United.However, the latest hamstring problem will be a shock to anyone who read that glossy brochure Owen’s advisors published in the summer advertising his services, complete with updated fitness assessment from Dr John Green.He wrote: “The following are my thoughts on Michael Owen’s so-called “injury prone" status - a statement I consider to be nonsensical. His medical issues have more to do with qu... Journalists: Idiots, Part 2.Michael Owen limps off injured. No surprise to fans of Newcastle United.However, the latest hamstring problem will be a shock to anyone who read that glossy brochure Owen’s advisors published in the summer advertising his services, complete with updated fitness assessment from Dr John Green.He wrote: “The following are my thoughts on Michael Owen’s so-called “injury prone" status - a statement I consider to be nonsensical. His medical issues have more to do with qu... Mon, 01 Mar 2010 13:44:32 GMT http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/simon-bird/Why-Manchester-United-s-Michael-Owen-s-latest-injury-woe-will-surprise-no-one-at-Newcastle-although-it-might-shock-Michael-Owen-and-his-brochure-publishers-Simon-Bird-column-article340655.html 2010-03-01T13:44:32Z true http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/simon-bird/Farewell-to-Charlie-Crowe-a-Newcastle-legend-Simon-Bird-column-article340647.html And then there was one...The sad death of Newcastle United legend Charlie Crowe aged 85 at the weekend means there is just one surviving member, Vic Keeble, of the club’s 1951, 1952 and 1955 FA Cup winning teams.Crowe played in the 1951 final against Blackpool and famously got into trouble for borrowing the Cup for a couple of weeks to celebrate!But Crowe will not just be remembered for being among the last squad to bring domestic success to Tyneside. He leaves a lasting legacy that has not g... And then there was one...The sad death of Newcastle United legend Charlie Crowe aged 85 at the weekend means there is just one surviving member, Vic Keeble, of the club’s 1951, 1952 and 1955 FA Cup winning teams.Crowe played in the 1951 final against Blackpool and famously got into trouble for borrowing the Cup for a couple of weeks to celebrate!But Crowe will not just be remembered for being among the last squad to bring domestic success to Tyneside. He leaves a lasting legacy that has not g... Mon, 01 Mar 2010 13:38:15 GMT http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/simon-bird/Farewell-to-Charlie-Crowe-a-Newcastle-legend-Simon-Bird-column-article340647.html 2010-03-01T13:38:15Z true