Good morning, it may be Saturday, but I’m writing this up on Thursday, which happens to be the 69th birthday of one of Newcastles most famous sons, Jimmy Nail.

From crocodile shoe wearing actors to Latino football stars, we’re back at St James’ Park for Season 6 of our South American experiment. Last season, vital signings like Ortgea and Ibagaza took us to the league and cup double, and runners up medals in the league cup and Champions League. It was quite the year.

Now however, expectations have risen, can we repeat last seasons heroics and maybe even go one better in Europe?

Well, firstly some reinforcements to help the cause.

Chili wouldn’t sign a new contract after I took him off penalties and benched him for Zetti, so I did the obvious thing, let him leave then signed him up on lower wages. Roberto’s your uncle and Frida’s your aunt.

Montero will be a good option at the back, while Espanyol will probably miss Esnaider’s eye for goal. Gerson is the Rai-ncarnation or, well, Rai.

We’re all set then for the season curtain raiser at Wembley and Esnaider gets a debut goal before Ortega gets the winner.

Yes, that is Peter Smith scoring for United….

It’s not a great start in the league against Palace, late lapses cost us all 3 points

I feel the need to add some steel to the midfield with Veron out injured

It’s more like it against City. Cummins thought he had us hunting for the tissues, but Jorge ‘Triangle’ Bermudez thought otherwise.

It’s shortlived delight when we collapse so soon against Liverpool. At least it wasn’t 7 I suppose.

This was as Dyer as it looked. Did all the games last season and then a World Cup leave my south american stars exhasted?

Goung by these results, I would say ‘Si’

It’s much better against Bristol Rovers when I threathen to ban the players from attending the newly formed Newcastle Carnival

It’s always pleaseing to beat local rivals on their own turf. Esnaider is keeping Lopez on the bench for now. Geordio isn’t even getting a look in.

4-2 after 20 minutes is crazy, but excellent value for the spectators. Rnolado starts to threaten a late comeback but Flavio thinks otherwise.

Lopez gets a chance from the bench against Ipswich and makes a case for his selection. It’s a nice problem to have.

Lopez can’t do much about this absolute dog pile. The Fons with four.

We can forget all our woes for a little while and take in the Norwegian scenery midweek. It seems to favour Claudio and Julio.

Wimbledon are always a tricky team to play, but no quarter given this time.

On the international break, I show limited favouritism and absolutely destroy France.

Unfortunately I can’t turn that tactical nous into a result against title rivals Man United. No Peter Smith this time.

When the chips are down, Europe is our solace, ain’t no doubt.

With results like these, we seem to be growing up in public.

Crocodile Shoes.

Away to Charlton, we’re big Spender’s in the goals column (not sure that really makes sense)

All that takes us to the one third point of the league and we’re stalling in 5th. The baord expect higher than this. Certainly not to be behind bristol Rovers. It’s six points to the top.

Squad rotation isn’t keep everyone happy either…

Lets’ finish up in the Nou Camp, where early signs are promising, until Ronaldo unleashes a can of Newcy Brown on our asses

Still, even if we finish second on 15 points, we should be ok. Big if.

Anyway, thats all for this week. Happy Birthday JImmy and see you next time.