Swansea face warm Tyneside welcome - but must tackle the offensive side of Newcastle United's alter ego

By Lee Ryder on Nov 27, 09 07:53 AM

There will certainly be a warm Tyneside welcome on offer to the folk of Swansea when they make the long journey to Newcastle from South Wales.

But hopefully that's where the niceties will end - well for 90 minutes only.

Swans fans heading to the Toon will be allowed to roam the city in any way they please with Newcastle never having the "one horse town" mentality of other places by slapping up signs of "home fans only" on pub doors.

But once the pre-match entertainment is over on Tyneside and us hacks have scribbled down the team sheet, it's back down to business.

Newcastle United have developed an alter ego this season and I don't know about you but I find it a really refreshing change.

The home side is one that attacks and delivers good football and acknowledging the need for it from St James' Park fans.

The away side battles and scraps its way to three points - with the new added feature of clean sheets too!

Just like at Sheff United, our Monday night win in sleepy Preston resulted in post-game celebrations which reminded me of Chelsea back in the 04/05 season at Blackburn.

That day after a gritty, ugly and dirty 1-0 win at Ewood Park, José Mourinho and his players raced to the away fans and threw their shirts into the crowd.

It was significant win in their quest for glory.

Hopefully Newcastle can continue to build up these ugly 1-0 away wins but turn on the style at home.

I don't know about you, but grinding out wins on the road is growing on me.

Bring on the Swans!