See they're banging away at celebrating their golden 'era' 20 years ago when they tripped up before the winning line, in other words also rans. They have a talent for creating their own mythology.

To be fair its an easy stereotype for the media to keep going.

I feel really sorry for proper Geordies, they have got a lot of stupid perceptions to overcome. One of my mates down here is from Newcastle, and people expect him to continually be the life and soul, permanently pissed, ready to fight anybody at any time, crying every time Newcastle lose etc.

It's even worse when I get mistaken for one. At least when I put people right about the geography, most of them simply glaze over then shout 'ah, Jeff Stelling!' triumphantly, as if they've just come up with the correct answer to complete a Gold Run on Blockbusters.

not unlike the yanks