Former Newcastle United player Mick Quinn has launched a staunch defence of his old club after a recent attack on the Magpies’ status.
BBC pundit Danny Murphy and Talk Sport broadcaster Ian Abrahams launched a fierce attack on United on Monday, with Murphy remarking on talkSPORT that “Newcastle are well-supported but they are not a big club.”
Quinn has said that the likes of Murphy and Abrahams are entitled to their opinions on the club, whatever they may be – but he has also claimed that United supporters should be “content” that the pair “recognise the importance” of the club.
“What I would say is that the Moose and Murphy and entitled to their opinions – even if we rightly disagree with them. In my opinion, Newcastle fans should be content in the knowledge that they recognise the size and importance of the football club, and also the diversity and excellence of the region,” he said in his column for the Chronicle.
“Those who don’t know the city and the club will air their views, but we can debate with them and try to present the truth. If fans are so offended by Moose’s views, then ring up and tell him what Newcastle’s really like. But Moose is entitled to his opinion – no matter how ignorant it may be.”
OPINION
It comes as no surprise that Quinn has defended his club from these comments. However he is right in saying that the fans should be aware that the pair have recognised the importance of the club. Murphy was saying that the number of fans coming through the gates does not warrant Newcastle to be in the big club category, but the fact that he has recognised this statistic should be taken as a positive. Like Quinn said, everyone is entitled to their opinion, even if they are “ignorant.” Yes, Newcastle have not won a major honour in a long time, but a club’s success should not just be defined by how many trophies are won. Newcastle have come a long way recently since Rafa Benitez took over, and they may still be playing in the Championship if it were not for his guidance.
