A happy new year to both my readers, kindly try and look interested at the back, and here we go again on another footballing year, what will it bring? Time for some predictions? OK, since you ask so nicely.
Well it looks like our friends on Tyneside are determined to maintain their self-appointed title as the entertainers, their 10 goal adventure at Arsenal certainly entertained the lads in the Ryhope bars the other night, so yes, I think we can rely on continuing mirthful activity from the wee club at Sid James Park, the gift that just keeps on giving. And enjoy the trip to Kharkiv by the way...
Will the somewhat dour Irishman get things right at the SOL? Yes, I think so, he seems to know what he is doing, a rare thing in that there Premier League if you ask me, slight blip at Liverpool excluded....Will the self same Premier League and the titans of the FA get a grip of that bolshy old man in Manchester? No, they won't. Will Tottenham make it into the Champions League this year? No, they won't. Will Mancini sign a centre half from Stoke? No, he won't. Should he? Yes, he should. Will 'Arry keep QPR up? No, but it won't be his fault...
Can Mr Woy do the business for England? Unlikely, despite in my humble opinion having the best bunch of players coming through for many a long year, and a sight better than the so called golden generation of Becks et al.
On a more important and local note, will the Colliery make it to the big time? Yes, I very much hope so, and I therefore confidently predict the first ever Ryhope NL derby some time this coming autumn, and what a day that will be! And maybe the old Red Star can sneak up as well, that would be good for football in these parts, so let's go for it as well, and an overdue change of fortune for Horden would be nice too, but it might take a miracle. Will the Northern League season be finished before Wimbledon? Just is my guess, just. Will the clubhouse run out of something or other every match? Yes. Will Mr Hixon find another couple of gems lurking in the Wearside League? Yes, he says he will...
Will Darlo make it out of the NL at the first time of asking? Well, polish my handles and call me cynical Sid, but yes, wherever they finish I sort of think so. Will the Secret ?&*%^$ Snoopers campaign be a success, maybe, maybe...
And will the winner of the X factor next year be a singer? Why, certainly not.