Opinion and Analysis

Opinionated, outspoken, and irreverent on all matters NUFC, True Faith writers represent fanzine scribbling as it should be. But that doesn’t stop us from subjecting the latest happenings on Barrack Road – on and off the pitch – to our analytical gaze. Occasionally, we even say something insightful…

Sliding doors – What might have been

Nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition. Monty Python lines get into lots of comedy, but rarely into rom-com films as chat up lines. Those of you who like me sat through late 90s classic Sliding Doors will remember the scenes. A life cut in two moments on to two...

Anchors Away! Why the Latest Financial Proposals Change Nothing

Just last week, Matthew Philpotts presented us with an analysis of the "squad cost" approach to financial fair play. This week it's "anchoring". Come on, keep up! Turns out that's not all it's cracked up to be either. *** Anchoring... Nope, not what David McCreery and...

Lewis Hall – Our Transfer Blueprint

While many have seen our transfer business last summer as something of a disaster, Ed Cole argues that signings like Lewis Hall point the way forward to success. The era of big money vanity signings should be consigned to history. *** It hasn’t been a great few weeks...

Previous Opinion

New Financial Rules – Same Crooked Game

New Financial Rules – Same Crooked Game

Another week, another set of obscure financial rules to try and get our heads round. Yes, just when we’d all managed to sound knowledgeable by remembering to refer to PSR not FFP, the Premier League passed a resolution to move away from their current system and adopt...

THRU BLACK & WHITE EYES – In The Hunt – 15/Apr/2024

THRU BLACK & WHITE EYES – In The Hunt – 15/Apr/2024

Since the FAC exit at Man City we have won three games from four and drawn the other, albeit that draw representing two points lost against a poor Everton with so many chances missed to make it a good win. But concentrating on the positives is back in vogue after a...

A season that just won’t end…

A season that just won’t end…

Sickly, retro, and apparently never-ending, 2023-24 is the black forest gateau of NUFC seasons. Scott Robson explains. *** The strangeness of Newcastle United, season 2023-2024 goes on. Most people secretly want it to end quickly but outwardly don’t. It’s like cutting...

The Revolution Will Be Televised!

The Revolution Will Be Televised!

A revolution is a struggle to the death between the future and the past. Fidel Castro How is it going for you? This 5/10 Newcastle. This impostor. This toothless Bruno and the ghost of Joelinton. A struggle it most certainly seems to be, but one as Castro suggests...

THRU BLACK & WHITE EYES – Wreckage – 18/Mar/2024.

THRU BLACK & WHITE EYES – Wreckage – 18/Mar/2024.

The season 2023/24 will be the same as the seventy that preceded it; Newcastle United will not win a domestic trophy. The hard truth is they look nowhere near winning one either. Obviously we were outclassed in every department at The Etihad and that isn’t a one-off...

PIF and NUFC – What now?

PIF and NUFC – What now?

Media reports suggest financial pressures at PIF and a need to reassess their investments in the not too distant future. What does that mean for us? TF delves deeper to try and understand their intentions. *** Bloody typical. You wait months for an obscure but...

Bye Bye, Mandy?

Bye Bye, Mandy?

For a few moments last week it was just like old times, watching obscure legal proceedings in the High Court and trying to work out what on earth it had to do with the future ownership of NUFC. Fortunately Andy Trobe is on hand to tell us what Mandy's bankruptcy case...

THRU BLACK & WHITE EYES – Recovery Position – 4/Mar/24

THRU BLACK & WHITE EYES – Recovery Position – 4/Mar/24

I don’t think many of us knew what to expect as we made our way into SJP for the Wolves game. The performances at Arsenal and Blackburn Rovers over the previous eight days were a reason to feel a bit anxious ahead of the fixture with a Wolves side who were in a run of...

Time for Eddie to become “The Gambler”?

Time for Eddie to become “The Gambler”?

After recent results (and performances), Eddie's tactical credentials are coming under more scrutiny than ever. Dai Rees argues that he needs to shed his conservatism and channel his inner Kenny Rogers - a case of knowing when to howe-ld 'em? *** I am far from a fan...

In Praise of… This Season

In Praise of… This Season

Apparently Jürgen Klopp’s leaving Anfield – not sure if you heard. After all, it’s barely been mentioned in the media. Ever humble, the shiny-toothed gurner is anxious that his departure shouldn’t overshadow on-field events. Business as usual apparently. That’ll be...

One out, Two in – So long Callum

One out, Two in – So long Callum

The idea for this article came shortly after the Forest game when, once again, news started to filter through that Wilson had sustained yet another injury. Déjà vu for more than one reason as, way back in March 2022, I already wrote an article asking “what do we do...

Rhapsody in Blue?

Rhapsody in Blue?

Our Northern League aficionado, Scott Robson, is better placed than most to judge the plans for blue cards announced this week. He's watched sin bins being trialled in Ashington's matches and gives us the lowdown. *** Sky’s latest bellwether of whether something is a...

TF Talking Point – The End of the Affair?

TF Talking Point – The End of the Affair?

Is the love-in over for Valentine's? There was a time on everyone’s least favourite social media platform, X, when it was the worst thing that anyone could do to question the intentions of anyone related to Newcastle United. That went from the players, to the coaching...

THRU BLACK & WHITE EYES – New Moves – 13/Feb/24

THRU BLACK & WHITE EYES – New Moves – 13/Feb/24

NUFC Fanzine TRUE FAITH returns with the weekly focus on all things Newcastle United as TF founder Michael Martin reflects on the changes at Forest that delivered the points and the critical nature of Bournemouth at St James’ Park this Saturday.

TF Talking Point – Time for Change?

TF Talking Point – Time for Change?

In the aftermath of seeing Dan Burn repeatedly, brutally, skinned by Chiedozie Ogbene on Saturday, the main talking point among Newcastle fans since the chaotic 4-4 draw with Luton has been the matter of whether BDB should be dropped. Chants of ‘Tino’ were heard from...

SOS – Save our Season!

SOS – Save our Season!

With the business end of the season hoving ever more prominently into view, Sam MacDougall takes a look at what needs to happen for us make land in the (not so) promised land of the Europa Conference League. *** We’ve been brought back down to earth this season....

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