He was Newcastle United's star of the match so I think it is only right that we allow Tim Krul to sum up the Magpies's unexpected 1-0 win over Palermo. That's right, it was, over you to you Tim, "unbelievable."
An away victory against the joint leaders of Serie A, a wonderful defensive display, a highly efficient performance from Nicky Butt, a pinpoint cross from James Milner and, last but not least, a goal from Albert Luque. You see, I told you Glenn should give him a chance!
However, there is another point that needs addressing. It might have worked for the Newcastle Falcons, but I'm afraid Palermo have proven that pink shirts really don't have a place on the professional sports field.
But, what really caught my imagination, other than the shocking commentary from Channel Five, was Krul's post-match interview where he delivered the first recorded example of a Dutch-Geordie accent.
At 18, Krul had every reason to be excited. He had just produced one of the most remarkable goalkeeping debuts in English football and had helped his team to a victory which, providing it is followed up by three points against Sheffield United on Saturday evening, could be a turning point in Glenn Roeder's fortunes.
I wonder if Freddie Shepherd was at the game, or is he still on holiday in Spain muttering something about refusing to sell his shares?
Anyway, Krul could hardly believe his luck and, by my rough estimate, I counted at least 55 unbelievables in his post-match interview, accompanied by at least 10 mans and possibly even a couple of Toons and one champion.
As for Palermo, well I'm told, despite the best efforts of the Sicilian tourist board to promote a friendly image of the home of the Mafia, that there was a considerable amount of tension between the arrivals from Tyneside and the locals. Considering there were riots when West Ham played there last month and that a group of journalists had a knife pulled on them on Wednesday night, it seems they have there work cut out.
There are probably some of you out there who would also like to pull a knife on a few journalists, but you really can't do that sort of thing you know!
The thing that annoys me about all this is, had the same thing happened in the build up to a game in England we'd get hammered for it and threatened with all sorts because of a problem in English football which, by and large, existed a decade ago. The Italians, who also enjoy match-fixing, will probably hear nothing more about it!
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