Times Reporter Blast At Toon Fans

As the hacks came to a conclusion it would be a "bad move" for Michael Owen to join Newcastle, Lovejoy took it a step further saying the Geordies jump a sinking ship.

Lovejoy claims Manchester City fans are far more loyal: "Geordies are more vocal than other fans on match day and it is no surprise they are gunning for Shepherd and Souness after the poor start. But can you give a defeat by Manchester United as a good excuse to sack the manager?

"Shepherd would certainly lay down his manager to save his own skin. He's done it often enough in the past.

"But I don't go along with this Geordie loyalty. When Kevin Keegan took over and they were heading towards the old Third Division they were getting crowds of 14-15,000. Manchester City actually went down to that Third Division and they were getting 30,000 plus!

"The Geordies are very fair weather fans."

To which Jimmy Hill replied: "Well I wouldn't advise you to go to a Newcastle game, then. Because they may have something to say about that."