Ash Is To Blame, Again

Yes once again Ash is to blame for unfortunate circumstances on Tyneside, but it's not perhaps the 'Ash' you would've thought.

This time it's well out of Big Mike's hands as the volcanic eruptions in Iceland have forced the Magpies to take the coach on what just happens to be their longest journey of the season.

The players embarked on the fourteen hour, 800 mile round trip to the south coast on Sunday afternoon, with the aim of securing the league title. A single point will be enough to put Newcastle clear of West Brom and secure a championship that has looked to be in the bag for some time.

Toon chief Chris Hughton is less than worried by the trip and has pointed to the team's spirit to keep them occupied for the journey.

Hughton told nufc.co.uk, "Yes, it's not ideal, but we will be doing everything we can to make sure it doesn't affect our preparations for the game.

"But it's just as well our lads get on well and have got a good team spirit because it is a very long journey."

Fabricio Coloccini will not be making the journey after being ruled out for the remainder of the season but could be replaced by the fit again Fitz Hall.