I would just like to say Come on the Town we're going all the way this season and bring on the Champions League next season. I used to play for Newry Youth Team but after getting rejected I turned to a life of crime because of constant criticism from that big usless Paul Troope string of p**s. I would also like to say to Paddy Philips in Liverpool that he doesn't stand a chance of playing even Carnbane league football either does twinkle toes Karol Hughes. S.M. Newry

What a wonderful win on New Years Day. I think that is 2 out of 2 at the Showgrounds for us against the blues. They must be really blue. I actually got a phone call on a mobile at approx 3.30am Oz time and I knew exactly what was going on, the atmosphere was fantastic, I think we had just scored the winner.They say that one man does not make a team, but how wrong we are, as it has been proven ,the new Mr Newry of football, JOE RICE has made a team. But let me tell you something, in order to remain as one of the best, the whole of the town has to support what Joe is trying to achieve, get behind the town vocally and financially. Newry as a commercial town is rapidly growing, so lets keep in line with this growth as far as football is concerned. Your web site is fantastic , keep the good work going, and by the way I dont see any sponsorship on this site, think big think money think EUROPE.......MON THE TOWN MAZA, Australia

Was at the Linfield game on New Years Day and thought it was excellent. Stadium was Top Class and the burgers delicious. Went away Happy after a great result. Newry Town will be mentioned alot around the bistros of Paris from now on. Allez Newry Town Allez ANTOIN - Paris

I think Newry are unfortunate in that their loyal supporters seem to 'scare' off those who would like to go to a game once in a while. I go to the Showgrounds about once every month but sometimes I find the atmosphere could be a lot better. Half of the fans are more concerned with sectarian slogans than the match. I think the Glens fan was right. When they last came to play us their fans really got behind the team. Ours were a lot quieter. We should encourage some sense of belonging with each other. Jonny

I feel compelled to air my views on a particular incident that occurred down at the Oval last Saturday (19.12.98). Newry were down 2-0 and playing horrifically and a few of us shouted at our second rate goalkeeper Mr. McKeown to sort his defence out. Much to my surprise he turned around and raised his middle finger and showed us it. Is this anyway for a player, of a team for whom we travelled forty miles to see, to behave. I think not. I hope Mr 'Non-Sectarian' Rice brings this little matter to Mr McKeowns attention and acts appropriately. Another matter was the stoning, by Glentoran fans, of the bus carrying the Newry fans. Three windows were smashed but luckily no-one was seriously injured in this blatant provocative and sectarian attack. Can I ask Mr Rice as to why there was no RUC presence escorting the bus to the safety of Broadway Roundabout. No wonder we find it hard to attract a large following away from home. Of course Newry, who bring a good few fa! ns to their away matches, never receive an escort. And why is it that anytime Linfield or Glentoran come to the Showgrounds the town is brought to a standstill with RUC landrovers with the occupants decked in full riot gear. In response to the Student asking wether or not he should bring down the tri-colour for the Linfield match. Of course bring it down - and should you refuse entry or be ejected from the ground then hey you won't be alone plus the grave-yard is only around the corner Hyly An tIuir

I was at the Portadown match last Saturday. A very disappointing game and an even more disappointing attendance. There was barely a whimper to be heard from the home support. The club needs to do something soon if it wants to stay at the top. They need the support more than anything. The team have also gone downhill in recent weeks. A lot of longballs where being played against the Ports, no good, that's relying on luck. We are in danger now of finishing mid table. The Town has suffered long enough, we need to be up there giving as good as we got throughout the years. GF Newry/Dublin.

I FEEL NEWRY TOWN NEED TO WISE THEMSELVES UP AS, BEING A GLENTORAN SUPPORTER,NEWRY HAVE THE LEAST INTIMIDATING SUPPORT AND A MATCH AT THE SHOWGROUNDS FEELS LIKE A HOME MATCH FOR THE AWAY TEAM.WHATEVER HAPPENED TO THE SUPPORT YOU HAD AT THE START OF THE SEASON?WHERE EVER WE GO WE BRING OUR UNION JACKS AND I SEE NOTHING WRONG WITH NEWRY FANS (PREDOMINANTLY CATHOLICS)BRINGING THEIR TRICOLOURS,IT INCREASES THE RIVALRY.WELL,ANYWAY, WELL DONE NEWRY FOR DRIVING AWAY THE REAL FOOTIE FANS,HOPE THE OULD MEN ARE CHEERING YOU ON STILL. RELEGATION IS LOOKING MORE OF A POSSIBILITY THAN YOUR EUROPEAN DREAM? Clark - Belfast

In relation to PJ from Newcastle on the tricolour issue. My views are - that there is no reason why not. Other clubs supporters are allowed to show their flags and emblems, whether at home or away matches. The majority of the people of Newry recognise the tricolour as their flag, so Newry supporters should be allowed to show their identity if they want. But unfortunately there are a lot of people who seem ashamed of the tricolour and think it is dirty and letting the club down. If I seen a person being told to take down a flag of any colour or if they where ejected from the ground. I would not Support the club anymore. G.F. Newry/Dublin

Hi my name is Richard Fletcher and I play for Drugcashlone, sorry Drumcashlone FC. I Really feel I should be doing better than this and be playing in the Irish League, preferably for Newry Town. I am recognised as the 'Ronaldo' of the Carnbane League at the minute. I would quite happily make the move to Newry for something like £20,000, then perhaps £1000 a week there after. Of course I would be happy to negotiate these prices but I can guarantee if I come to Newry I'll take them to the top! Richard F. Craigmore

keep up the good work ,be satisfied with consolidating this year and maybe a few cup runs.A few midfield players eg R.Casey and a good target man up front,somebody who can hold up the ball and bring others into the game.Well done to Joe Rice he put his money where his mouth was and i just wish those players realised this and put in a bit more effort. Good luck for the rest of the season ,5th is probably the best we will do. Rufus, Bessbrook

During the University Christmas break my friends and I will be coming back to the Showgrounds for a couple of games and I would like to know peoples opinion on whether we should bring our tri-colour along with us for v Linfield etc ?. The reason we want to know is that we don't want situations like being ejected from the ground by the likes of Joe Rice or have some old guy telling us to take it down. Finally could anyone tell me does N.T.F.C sell official replica gear eg. Shirts , trackshirts and baseball caps anywere on matchday ? P.J. Newcastle

The Town have are on there way to the top as Scappitici is playing wonderful, and i know why that is with a name like that, he's got to be off his head. Go on the Town. Paddy Phillips, Studing in Liverpool P.P. Newry

Having been playing football for a few months now, I wonder is there any chance of getting a place on the Newry Town team.Perhaps someone out there could help me, and perhaps pull a few strings, if you know what I mean. I will be working with my da all next week, so don't worry I'll be able to sort anybody out who helps me out. M.M. Newry

Just found the site, great! Anyone know if there are Newry Town Jerseys for sale anywhere? Well done on saturday lads, Juventus at the Showgrounds next season?? Anthony - Brooklyn, New York

Sadly sectarian chants and songs are part of Northern Irish soccer and N.T.F.C have to accept this. I was part of group of 20 people chanting such songs( just for a laugh) during the Portadown game and it was better than standing in the rather quite stand( with the Grandads) in front of the clubhouse. When Dessie Gorman scored our equaliser where did he run ? Straight to us supporters who were making the noise behind the goal. Anyway what a great result on Saturday v Glentroran , this proves Newry are just as good and are in a position to go for the title. P.Johnston - Newcastle Co.Down/ Manchester

well done on your web site, it is very good but could be better.Im sure lack of funds is the reason why.Iwas very interested on the comments regarding. the chanting and singing of abusive songs towards the opposition.Well let me tell you something i think that all football fanatics throughout the would also tell you. Unless there is rivalry football would be a completely boring game like say croquet.To quote Rodney Marsh"football should not be a grey game played by grey faces on grey days watched by boriing people"Ask the hawk does he want 25 people and a dog watching the games every week or does he want 500 lunatics chanting his name and winding up the opposition.Also tell me where does he run after he scores a goal over to the tea lady and the old guy sucking his pipe,no, he runs over to the nutters the lunatic and the psychos who really create the atmosphere.To be successful you have to be hated , your team,your fans and your town.To all those football lunatics who are game enough to chant songs, dont stop ,if you do NEWRY are going to be also rans.MON THE TOWN. Haggar, Melbourne

So glad to see Newry have built on the success of last season, my Dad would have been proud. My brother and I coming to Ireland in November and we are really looking forward to our first taste of 'the showground', when Newry play Ballymena on the 21st. Keep up the good work. J.S. Stevenage

I WAS AT THE GAME ON SATURDAY AGAINST PORTADOWN AND I THOUGHT THE ANTICS OF RONNIE MC FAUL WERE DISPICABLE.HE WAS JUMPING OFF HIS SEAT EVERY TIME THERE WAS A FOUL,TRYING TO INTIMIDATE THE REFEREE. ALRIGHT THE SENDING OFF WAS JUSTIFIED,BUT MC FAUL'S ACTIONS WERE LIKE SOMETHING FROM AN ITALIAN FOOTBALL MATCH. P.S. WHAT ABOUT THE GAVIN TREANOR SITUATION.HE'S ALREADY SCORED 9 GOALS FOR BALLYCLARE THIS SEASON. THAT'S AN EXCELLENT RECORD, CONSIDERING THEY'RE DUMP! DOES ANY OTHER FANS AGREE WITH ME THAT HE SHOULD BE AT THE SHOWGROUNDS?I WAS TALKING TO "THE HAWK" AND HE BELIEVES TRAINOR SHOULD BE PERSUADED TO COME BACK. P.P.S. JAB, IF YOUR READING THIS GET YOURSELF BACK HERE AND GET THAT JERSEY ON! WE'RE GOING PLACES AND YOU MUST BE SICK OF "HOME AND AWAY" AND ALL THOSE SHITE AUSSIE SOAPS BY NOW! Bajaldo, Newry

Supporters of Newry Town have been asked to refrain from the signing of sectarian slogans and songs in a recent programme. So while the supporters are asked to remain impartial on the political front, are the RUC to remain impartial on the footballing front? At the Portadown match (31.10.98) the RUC had a noticeable presence at the Showgrounds and mostly at the away stand. After Portadown went one goal up I saw an RUC man step behind his RUC van and raise his arms in a triumphant manner. It would be good if this could be caught on camera so the officer in question could be reprimanded, but that is unlikely. Politics and football don't mix. J.M. (Newry)

Well I have to say Newry Town have been the best team in the Irish league this season so far. Being a Newry supporter through and through I have to say buy another striker. Dessie Gorman is on his own up front and we need a left sided midfielder. Paul "Evo" Evans has got skill but he lacks speed. On the other hand Jonny Kenny is absolutely brilliant for the Town. The defence is doing well but while Jonny Drake was out with injury we looked a bit shakey. I was at the home games against Omagh and Crusaders and we were crap. Althrough against Omagh I felt that their keeper should have been sent off for taking Dessie out of it it was a very poor performance. And the match against Crusaders was the worst match I have ever seen. Apart from those two games the Town have been consistent in all their games. The game in Winsor Park was brilliant but they got that jamey equaliser near the end. I thought Dessie was stupid to raise his hands to the other Gorman. I really do feel that in the next few seasons New ry can emerge as champions. I wish Dessie and co all the best for the future and lets hope the goals keep rolling in. Barry F. Newry

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