The Chronicle (South Tyneside and Durham)
Fans told to allow extra time for travel
a season from what was once a relegation battle in February, into a successful fight for Europe and land the Londoner the job on a permanent basis.
Roeder, who sadly died in 2021, told me in an interview with the Chronicle in 2012: “In the last few weeks you have to just go for it because the supporters love their trips to Europe. It is the very least those supporters deserve.”
The run into Europe saw Newcastle brush Lillestrom aside 3-0 away from home and advance into the UEFA Cup to set up some famous nights against Palermo, Fenerbahce and Celta Vigo.
A successful trip to Belgium to face Waregem followed before the fateful two-legged last-16 encounter with AZ Alkmaar effectively decided Roeder’s future.
On a high-energy night against the Dutch side at St James’ Park, Roeder’s team roared into a 4-1 lead with just 38 minutes on the clock thanks to a Gretar Rafn Steinsson own goal, two from Obafemi Martins and one from Kieron Dyer.
It was a tie that was begging to be put to bed but Danny Koevermans pulled one back and under the away goals rule, the game was still alive for the second leg.
And so on to the Dutch capital of cheese a fortnight later for the second leg. It was a night that promised so much but in the end, Alkmaar won 2-0 and after a 4-4 aggregate tie went through on away goals.
The European run was over for Newcastle
and Roeder as the Magpies bowed out in a sorry state. Despite being plagued by an injury crisis similar to the current modern-day version that Edde Howe is enduring now, Roeder would be handed just eight more games before leaving his post.
He left them in 12th position and in a respectable place but ultimately became a victim of his own success. Roeder though would leave a legacy for the next few managers at St James’ Park. As ever, the forward-thinking coach, Roeder saw the European nights as a chance to blood younger stars.
He told me once: “Europe is important for the youngsters as it is part of their education.
“If you’re not a starter and getting bits and pieces from the bench, it all adds to being a better player.
“That’s what we had with Tim Krul and Andy Carroll. It was a great start for them.
“To have a top squad you have bring a few through your Academy.”
Carroll would go on to be worth £35million and was sold to Liverpool while Krul would be between the posts between 2009 to 2015.
When Roeder died in 2021, Krul, who made his debut in that 1-0 win over Palermo and made save after save, said of him: “The man who believed in me.”
Roeder not only left his legacy with youth team players and glorious European memories, he’d also live a life as captain, leader, manager, player and Academy director. to
NEWCASTLE United fans heading to St James’ Park for Saturday’s Premier League game with West Ham United have been warned to allow extra time for travel.
The Magpies return to action after the international break when they meet West Ham on Saturday, with the game kicking off at the earlier time of 12.30pm
A crowd of around 52,000 is expected as usual this weekend, but supporters must contend with Metro disruption.
A statement from the club read: “Newcastle United fans are being advised to allow plenty of time for travel to due to pre-planned Metro line closures between South Gosforth and Heworth.
“A four-day closure will be in place from Friday, March 29 to Monday, April 1, with buses replacing Metro trains.
“Metro services from South Gosforth to St James will continue to run via Whitley Bay. However, Monument Metro station will be fully closed and trains will run non-stop between Manors and St James.
“Supporters attending the 12.30pm kick-off at St. James’ Park on Saturday are encouraged to plan ahead as road traffic is also expected to be impacted.”