As Viv Nicholson once famously said, "it's spend, spend, spend", as a whole host of stars will apparently fight to come to Newcastle, and we'll battle with the cream of Europe in front of millions of adoring fans.

Precisely why the World's greatest players would beat a path to our door however, remains a moot point.

Our current senior squad use training facilities more suited to a youth club, while the Academy currently shares with various student hockey teams in their borrowed quarters.

Plans may be in place for both, but the old adage that "actions speak louder than words" remains. Let's avoid the statements until we achieve something.

Biffa