There was nowt better when a bairn than a canny game of happy families and Newcastle United have played it to perfection this pre-season.
Grandad Geoff is as chuffed as he can be and Dad David will be more than pleased with his family lot. I know both Geoff Allen and David Longstaff and they have every right to play the proud chief of the clan.
Why? Because Elliot Anderson and Sean Longstaff have boosted their standing at a time when it is difficult to make a telling impression. Pre-season friendlies are often written off as no more than a vehicle for attaining match fitness and that is true but two of United's outsiders still attempting to make a lasting impact upon a new manager have taken a difficult opportunity to polish their burgeoning reputations.
