Great to see more Geordies on pitch

NO football fan could fail to agree it was wonderful to watch Matty Longstaff, a 19-year-old Geordie, captivated the crowd against Manchester United at St. James’ Park, together with his 21-year-old brother Sean.

The Toon Army have yearned for years to have a Geordie on the Park and were over the moon to have two, plus the reincarnated Andy Carroll, and just for good measure, Steve Bruce as a Geordie manager.

I remember the prophetic words of the North East’s favourite entrepreneur, and NUFC Life President, Sir John Hall saying how he’d love to field a team full of Geordies.

It may only be a dream, but the former chairman, a lifelong supporter, must have felt an inner warmth witnessing such a day as last Sunday.

The icing on the Geordie cake was Toon legend Alan Shearer casting admiring glances at the Longstaffs’

intricate moves, and understandably was ecstatic with their 90 magical minutes.

In the stand were David and Michelle, Matty and Sean’s proud parents, who were overcome with tears of joy, but petrified and excited all in one.

After 23 years Steve Bruce finally beat the Red Devils, and it was a long Tyne coming!

I’m told St. James’ celebrations were so special with Sean and Matty emerging as Toon heroes, and who’d put a smile on so many fans faces as they streamed away from the ground.

They’d witnessed the teenagers’ joy after Matty’s classic strike and running away up the pitch with outstretched arms like the Angel of the North. He was hugged by Bruce as if HE was his father!

The boys will meet bumps along the road to a successful career, but if carefully managed, and without too aggressive agents, should make a big statement. I simply say: “Howay the lads.”

CHRIS ROBINSON, Gosforth