Three home league games on the trot without scoring may not be the best of returns on expensively-acquired seats, but recent history suggests that fourth position in the Premiership is way above what we may reasonably expect. Not so, according to those vocal critics who booed the team off last Saturday.

Indeed, we are currently in the rare position of having been more successful away from home than back on Tyneside thus far, all three of our away wins having been marked with support and encouragement from the travelling fans. Coincidence ?

There's nothing wrong with singing when you're winning, but starting when we're drawing may be a better policy than waiting until the final whistle. Boo by all means, if you've paid your money you're entitled, but don't forget to slip in the odd word of encouragement. It could do wonders.

Now we've got our cathedral, let's not turn into a silent congregation."