Just to pick up on a few points raised.
I don't think Newcastle will qualify for the Europa League.
No idea about Sunderland - the fixtures don't look kind on paper, but they have a habit of out performing better teams on the day.
It will go down to the wire either way.
Hartlepool have a chance of scraping the play offs on paper, but again, not sure how realistic that is in real life.
Saw them a few weeks back at home in a 'derby' versus York and although the attendance was reasonable for Hartlepool,the atmosphere was poor (even with what looked like an over capacity away end).
They have a small squad, full of promising youngsters, coupled with a few older heads - the majority of whom are on loans or short term contracts.
The two youngsters to stand out are Jack Barmby (on loan from Man U) and Luke James. Both are talented players, with an eye for goal, but will not make it, unless they bulk up.
I genuinely fancy Gatesheads chances of going up. Gary Mills has a track record at this level as a manager with York and played at the highest level with Forest.
Like Cooper at Hartlepool, he has brought in some experienced, older heads (John Oster and Jack Lester), who cna hopefully help Gateshead reach the league.
However, the similarities with Hartlepool don't end there, as there is a poor atmosphere (not helped by the stadium) and low numbers coming through the gates.
I am not sure if league football, will improve that - unless Northumbria Police stipulate home games need to alternate with Newcastle's AND prices are looked at.
RE: football
'Illegitimis non carborundum'