woo...or not

Well normally I'm dead excited to think the footy is back today. This year I'm strangely un-interested. Perhaps because of the injury to Michael Owen and a failure to sign Zlatan as replacement. Perhaps because it feels like no time at all since last season finished, which is hopefully because of the World Cup and not so much that I'm depressed about how fast my life is flying away from me! Anyway, I fear Wigan will be doing us no favours at the start of a campaign which is so more likely to be a 4-3 season... oh go on then, they are always the best matches really, I just prefer to come out on the right side of them! Mark Lawrenson predicts:

Last year's position: 7th

Lawro's verdict: Losing Alan Shearer and Michael Owen is an absolutely massive blow for Glenn Roeder and I'm sure Newcastle will spend before the deadline.

Roeder finished well last season, but it's a completely different job now. There was no great pressure when he was caretaker, but the expectations of the fans will be up again this season.

In terms of survival, Newcastle will obviously be fine - but the supporters will be looking for a top-six finish. There's an outside chance that they will manage it.

Ah well. The beauty of the beautiful game is the [oft painful] journey to 'we'll see,,,,, Here's a nostalgic treat for you.