When Newcastle United run out to train in front of a packed crowd on Friday morning memories of the Kevin Keegan era are certain to spring to the minds of several members of the Toon Army.
A public training session could well be deemed a new thing for United’s younger fan base but it doesn’t seem that long ago that Keegan’s Entertainers trained in front of masses of fans on a frequent basis between 1993-97.
With St James’ Park bursting at the sides during the days of a 36,000 capacity some Toon fans only glimpse of their heroes was during training with Premiership matches an all-season ticket affair.
And it has to be said they were unique occasions too.
For while Keegan’s dream team - a side that contained the likes of Peter Beardsley, Andy Cole, Lee Clark, Scott Sellars, Steve Watson, Ruel Fox, John Beresford, Barry Venison, Robert Lee and Pavel Srnicek - rolled on to the training pitches at Durham’s Maiden Castle they first had to sign several hundred autographs before getting to the grips with the cones, bibs and balls.
Ah it was Entertaining all right!
In later years names like Phillippe Albert, Les Ferdinand, Keith Gillespie, David Ginola, Tino Asprilla and Alan Shearer all followed and so did the open-air training sessions.
Don’t forget that even the local hot dog sellers used to turn up as well – just like on match day!
Would you get that at any other club?
Can any other club claim to have hot dog sellers outside training to appease the crowds?
I doubt it very much - but that was the world United were living in during the Special K era.
And even in modern times, 20,000 people to welcome one of your summer signings isn’t bad – just ask Michael Owen!
The action on Friday starts at 9.30am
Turnstiles at the Sir John Hall stand will be open from 9.30am, with the team coming out to train at St. James' at 10.30am.
All juveniles must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
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