With former Leeds United midfielder Vinnie Jones making his national singing debut in the X-Factor Celebrity thing on Saturday evening, I thought I’d take a look at his Twitter feed and stumbled over a response Vinnie had sent Piers Morgan concerning a game he played for Wimbledon when they faced Newcastle United.
I nearly broke my cigar with one of those saves piers ???? I did enjoy seeing les Ferdinand laughing after one of the other saves thou , the Newcastle fans were brilliant that day I think they forgave me for grabbing GAZZAS bollox , just a little bit ???? https://t.co/gfwTFcYfSk
— Vinnie Jones (@VinnieJones65) October 21, 2019
I was naturally intrigued and I’m not saying my misspent youth involved lots of alcohol, but on seeing the short clip it linked to, I have absolutely no recollection of this game whatsoever given Vinnie’s exploits for Wimbledon – I remember the earlier Gazza moment and the iconic photo – but not that performance.
It’s 24 years to the day since Vinnie Jones played in goal at St James’ Park.
The original sweeper keeper.pic.twitter.com/Jvxt9LV63f
— Proper Football (@sid_lambert) October 21, 2019
On the off chance I’m not alone in not remembering that (and I might be), our next generation will probably love it as it clues them into why Vinnie is so well regarded by the older generation at the club despite his short association with us (and Sheffield United links) as it definitely sums up his ‘give everything’ approach to the game.
He was great with the fans behind the goal, and the Newcastle fans were great back. Great game. Les loved it, found it so funny. We gave Vinnie a few standing ovations during the game and cheered his saves. Finished 6-1.
— NUFC Gallowgate (@NUFCgallowgate) October 21, 2019
I was there that day, Supa Keepa we shouted every time you saved one.????
Condolences Vinnie, I’m currently nursing my wife through chemo after breast cancer surgery, ❤️ It’s a tough journey but prognosis is good.— Colin Thomas (@ColinThomas3) October 21, 2019
Vinnie as a Newcastle fan mate all I can say is top drawer !! We cheered because you deserved it . Respect for all that is going on in your private life .. thoughts are with you !! We never did forgive you for the bollox incident though .
— Geoff Bell (@enda66) October 21, 2019
Not many opposing GKs get chants from the gallowgate of 'Super keeper'!
— Jacko (@ActionNUFC) October 21, 2019
One of the most entertaining times in my 40 years in the Gallowgate , great fun and a decent performance…. especially you standing against the post pretending to have a cigar ????
— Paul (@pcods) October 21, 2019
I was at that match Vinnie. You turned from every NUFC fans’ ‘pantomime viliian’ into every NUFC fans’ secret ‘decent bloke’ and you still are. Well done and sorry for your loss mate ????????.
— M0nkeyface (@Peterconway413) October 21, 2019
I was there that day in away end. The geordies did give you an amazing reception. Then the fookers stole my flag from front of away end..????
— Stephen Adams (@StephenJAdams) October 21, 2019
Vinnie you where one of the most detested men on Tyneside…………Until this game you where fantastic and how you played the crowd was fantastic and yes the whole Gallowgate stood and applauded….Fantastic memory top bloke……..
— Andy Ferguson (@FergusonAndy) October 21, 2019
I remember it well- people actually started to like you (just a little bit) after that.
— Andy⚫️⚪️ (@El_Tibur0n) October 21, 2019
I was that that day Vinnie. You were brilliant in goal. You definitely won over us Toon fans that day. The atmosphere was cracking and you added to the atmosphere. A funny and memorable day.
— Nicola Cookson (@nicola_cookson) October 21, 2019
Absolute legend!! ????
— Christian Thomas (@erchin51) October 21, 2019
They don't make them like Vinnie anymore
— SamRussell ???????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? (@StuRussell5) October 21, 2019
Me and my brother were in the Wimbledon end that day. You played a blinder in goal after we had our keeper sent off. Was expecting it to be a lot worse but you pulled off some heroic saves????????????
— Tim Bolingoli (@timw88) October 21, 2019
Vinnie although Newcastle won that day, it was you who stole the show, I was at that game 42,000 sung your name stood and applauded you off the pitch final whistle, It is still talked about now !! It was one of my best football experiences in 35 years watching Newcastle !!
— Nick (@nick747757) October 22, 2019
I was at that game, he had great banter with the fans, the whole Gallowgate stood up final whistle singing there is only one Vinnie Jones he thanked every side of the ground
— Nick (@nick747757) October 21, 2019
They certainly don’t make them like that now.
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