Gateshead International Stadium is a multi-purpose multi-use stadium and Thunder, as well as Gateshead FC are tennants. The stadium was booked (as I have said) or that time and date for a Championship game against Toulouse, Thunder have simply used a pre existing booking for that facility. Saints were consulted on and agreed to the fixture time.

I am sorry but as much as I realise it will affect our crowd I find it laughable that we should have taken a football final into account before organising the game. Perhaps Thunder have taken into account the fact that a lot of people in the NE will have amatuer games on the Saturday/Sunday and have catered for their own fans first. I have no problem with that, just as I have no problems with people that would choose to watch the FA Cup Final rather that travel to Gateshead (I myself have to choose between Thunder, Gateshead FC and Durham CCC at times - Thunder always wins tho!)

FWIW I hope Everton win the cup final

I understand what you're saying but I do think it may affect the crowd, but it does make sense to use an existing booking. I'm still working out the best way t odo it - are there pubs near the stadium likely to show the game? We're not exactly regulars at Wembley (Everton, not Saints!) so I wouldn't want to miss it.

The nearest pub to the Stadium is The Schooner, about 5 minutes walk. It is a smallish pub but is well known and highly regarded by the teams at Championship level. I am sure that Gordon and Debs could be conviced to show the game in return for a few people buying beer



There are also several pubs slightly further afield in Felling (1 stop away on the Metro) that I would imagine would show it.

Most pubs in Newcastle will also show it and Newcastle City Centre is only about 10 mins from the Stadium by Metro so there should be plenty of time to watch the game then travel over to the game.

Well said. There are some right whingers about this in the Saints group but not as many as may be suggested from these forums. There are plenty of Saints fans who don't give a damn about the soccer and will be jumping on a coach to visit your place come the end of May!

Surley Jammer picked this date, so he can go to Wembley to watch his beloved blues.... nice break for the big red one, go have a beer on me I say.

The schooner does excellent food aswell, I recommend it, I once had sunday dinner there before a game and it was superb. It also has a beer garden. I have no problem I telling you my 30th birthday bash last year involved going there before and after the game.

get a hotel and stay over!
1. get in a pub early to watch everton win
2. go to match and watch us win
3. go out after and get hammered
great weekend to be had

simples