Great Finish for Roeder's Newcastle

Congratulations to Glenn Roeder’s Newcastle United, who clinched an Intertoto Cup place and with it the chance of UEFA Cup football next season after a battling 1-0 victory over Premiership Champions Chelsea at St James’ Park.

Titus Bramble’s winning goal brought a triumphant conclusion to a run of 32 points from the last 15 league fixtures which reflects great credit both on the players and the caretaker manager who seems to have transformed their fortunes.

Now it is likely that Newcastle will pull out all the stops in their efforts to persuade the authorities to consider the spirit rather than the letter of the law, and allow them to appoint Roeder on a permanent basis, despite the fact that a serious illness during his time at West Ham prevented him from obtaining the European Pro Licence.