A voice from the other side (of the World) | OneFootball

Given the international break and a lack of action on the field, it got me thinking about my Newcastle United match day experience and how it differs from most.

I appreciate it is not unique, as there are Toon fans in all time zones, but it is certainly a little different.

Living in New Zealand, when Newcastle play in the afternoon it’s the early hours here.

When I wake up to watch the Toon, after adjusting my eyes to the light, the first thing I do is put on my Newcastle United shirt (Father’s Day gift) and get ready to watch the match on television.

I know many of you will be at St James’ Park already enjoying the atmosphere with your mates along with the weather, others will be in the pub with your mates discussing the team selection and how the lads will play today. Enjoying the build-up.

I have barely wiped the sleep out of my eyes and it’s time for kick-off. Sometimes you do think you are still dreaming like when Newcastle scored five in 21 minutes vs Tottenham in April 2023, happily it was real!

I only have the commentator and his pal to provide their opinions during the match, so I don’t have the immediate feedback from other fans close by, expressing their feelings over a dodgy decision against us or the reaction of a screamer like Joelinton’s goal vs Forest… except for me shouting from my couch ‘have a go Joe’ and then the euphoria of the ball hitting the back of the net!

When my wife wakes up later to make her first coffee of the morning, even though she asks out of politeness what the score is/was, her instincts are really to get her first fix of caffeine of the day and start her Wordle challenge!

My sons have left home so there is no other immediate debate/reaction in the house to how the Toon have played.

When I make breakfast, I see if there is any instant fan/writer reaction posted on The Mag, to see if others saw what I saw and maybe validate what I have just witnessed through bleary eyes. Sometimes I don’t agree, but that’s fine as we all want the Toon to be successful, wherever and whatever our match day experiences might be.