Everything is still in our own hands this season, if we are prepared to grasp it | OneFootball

Once the dust had settled, I wanted to gather some of the opinions of my fellow Newcastle United fans, on what their thoughts were after Newcastle’s home defeat against West Ham.

I nipped out on Tuesday to do the rounds at my two favourite working men’s clubs, first up was North Shields Terminus Club.

I shared my bus journey into town with my neighbour Paul, who was very melancholy. He said he was disappointed with United, having looked forward to the match so much..

We had to jump off the coastal bus on Albion Road, because whilst United were in action on Monday, a massive fire had decimated properties on Nile Street leading to the town centre.

The smell of smoke was quite overpowering and on entering the Terminus, I was very thirsty and couldn’t wait for Big Mick the steward to pull my first pint.

Jimmy, Bri, Lol and Thoma were already at the bar and Thoma was talking about next June’s Sam Fender concerts at St James’ Park.

His son Dean is Sam’s guitarist and I share a mutual interest in the band, because Joe the keyboard player, is Wor Susan Hunter’s boy.

Thoma and Bri had just come off nightshift and talk quickly got around to what had been happening at St James’ Park.

The lads seemed jaded and I got the impression that what we had all experienced was a proper reality check.

It was more or less agreed that we aren’t as good as we would all like to think we are.

This all made for quick drinking and Auld Ellas and Beaver soon joined the company.

As noon approached I’d had a few pints and a couple of Jamesons, so was beginning to feel a bit better about things.

Me and Ellas then headed for Tynemouth Club. The patter from the regulars was more or less the same as that in the Terminus.

I have to say that not once did I hear anybody express any doubts about Eddie Howe’s capability to manage the Toon.

What I did pick up though is that the lads now accept that changes are going to have to be made regarding the playing personnel.

They are now getting used to the idea that at least one of our star players is going to have to be sacrificed this coming summer.

Everyone is now familiar with the impact of these PSR and restrictions. As it was introduced specifically to hinder Newcastle United, I would even go as far to say that some Newcastle United fans are even bloody experts on the subject.

The main thing that stood out yesterday was the yearning to win that elusive piece of silverware.

Most of my mates’ ages are mid to late 50s, through those in their 60s and 70s.

Doing well in the Premier League is great when it can be achieved, but to us older blokes, it wouldn’t or couldn’t compare to winning the League/Carabao Cup or FA Cup this season.

The common consensus was that Eddie Howe and his team have got to quickly learn from the West Ham setback.

This will give us the best opportunity to kick on in the League and prepare us nicely for the visit of Thomas Frank’s Brentford in the Carabao Cup quarter-final before Christmas.

If we can then send the Bees packing, we’ll secure a two-legged semi-final, and dare I say it, another trip to Wembley may well be on the cards.