Another chance for the boo boys this evening

Tonight will see Newcastle play their second home game in the space of a few days in front of another packed house at St James' Park.

The usually loyal fans will be right behind the team from the word go and will back those eleven men on the pitch, apart from a minority of idiots who seem to be more focussed on berating the team, or an individual I should say, rather than supporting him.

Yes that's right. I'm talking about Gabriel Obertan who seems to be the latest scapegoat amongst a small section of fans who appear to have not taken to the former Manchester United and Bordeaux man and see fit to boo him and generally berate him whilst he is representing the black and white cause. This is not on in my view.

I know I'm going to be met with protestations of how fans pay their money and are entitled to an opinion. This is of course correct, but there comes a point where that opinion becomes detrimental to the team. Players can hear what is said, they get a feeling of what is going on in the crowd and whilst I understand that Obertan has been frustrating at times I certainly wouldn't publicly boo him, or give an ironic cheer when he went off, like some have chosen to do.

Look, I really really hate saying patronising stuff like "support the team" and things like that as to be honest most fans do, unreservedly. That is our job after all. Why not try encouraging the lad rather than expecting perfection from a player who in all fairness has only started a handful of games in the Premier League?

It's about patience and understanding. Fans need look no further than to see what a bit of patience can bring. Our very own curly-haired captain is proof of that. I seem to remember he didn't start off too well on Tyneside and look what a bit of confidence has done for him!

The only grief I ever give a player is when I think they don't give 100%. That is the bare minimum I expect from a professional footballer and as long as they give that than I'm happy enough. I think Obertan does give 100%, he chases back, helps out defensively and offers us an outlet. Yes he could do more, but so could a few other players who seem to be able to get away with doing nowt....

Try supporting him rather than berating him!