NEWCASTLE UNITED

MONGO – new album from Heed Case

/ Alikivi

Follow up to debut album ‘All the Rage’, post punk three piece Heed Case release new album ‘Mongo’ on Friday 31st October 2025.

Heed Case are former Angelic Upstart guitarist on vocals Newts Newton, bass Si Cadelik and drums Mr Dusty. They squeeze between the bubbling volcanic crack where The Fall and Killing Joke lie.

And who doesn’t love a solid thunderous drum intro? Infectious album track ‘ADHD’ crunches and buzzes in yer ear…. ‘Impulsive can’t sit still, Destructive, too many pills, Can’t sit still for meditation, too much pressure and medication’.

The sheer anthemic guitar calls out…. ‘Cast adrift in a sea of challenges with a feeling of being left to drown. Frantically waving to be rescued. But all the lifeboats have run aground’.

Where did the album title come from?

‘The title ‘Mongo’ comes from a phrase the three of us use to describe our autism and adhd. Example, I have to everything in order. You open a cupboard in my kitchen and all the tins face forward and stacked alphabetically. Instead of saying “Oh that’s just a trait of autism, I’m neurodivergent don’t you know”. I’d simply say that’s just my mongo!’

‘However, it’s original source came from Si’s bass audition. I’d asked people to learn two tracks video themselves playing them and send it within 5 days. Si was the only one who followed the instructions to the letter – his mongo made sure of that.’

‘But when I watched the video he was concentrating so hard he was quite stiff and cumbersome. So much so that he reminded me of Mongo from the film ‘Blazing Saddles’. Hence Mongo became a word our traits and mannerisms associated with being neurodivergent.’

You are open about various medical conditions within the band….

’The broad theme of ‘All the Rage’ was about narcissism and entitlement in modern society. For ‘Mongo’ we chose to write about our experiences of living with autism and adhd whilst using different samples and FX to create soundscapes that reflected what the inside of our head often feels like – at times fecking scary!’

‘The song ‘Manic’ for example, is about how dealing with everyday tasks often feels like being hit with a tornado. A visual representation would be the swirl of colours you see when Henry the mild mannered janitors car, turns him into Hong Kong Phooey in the TV cartoon – and that’s what we tried to recreate with the audio.’

‘You may notice that the guitar isn’t as prominent through the tracks, its being used more as a texture rather than a traditional role in a guitar band. ‘All the Rage’ was a transitional album, ‘Mongo’ goes further down that road towards our aim of broadening our horizons beyond the punk genre.’

With the album in the bag are any live dates planned?

‘Yes, we’ve already played about 17 gigs thus far, including Rebellion Festival, Punk on the Peninsula, Punk & Disorderly Festivals and our last gig was at the Dublin Castle in Camden a few weeks ago. We’ve got a few more coming up and adding dates all the time as we want to keep busy’.

New 10 track album ‘Mongo’ release date Friday 31st October on all platforms, vinyl & CD format.

Contact the official website >>> www.heedcase.com

Link to previous interview >>>

HEED CASE release debut album ‘All the Rage’ | ALIKIVI : NORTH EAST UK CULTURE

Alikivi  October 2025

TOON CURSE? with paranormal investigator, author & broadcaster Dan Green

/ Alikivi

On the last day of a successful season for the Toon and qualification for more European football next season, paranormal investigator and lifelong Newcastle United fan Dan Green, got in touch with his take on Newcastle finally lifting a trophy and perhaps a curse?

‘Born in 1956 I became 69 years old this year. I noticed this rang a bell somewhere. Oh yes, Newcastle United last won a trophy – the Fairs Cup, defeating a Hungarian team without knowing they’d be left hungry for another trophy for 69 years – 56 years ago’.

‘Was this an omen sent me direct from the footy Gods? Were Newcastle actually going to win a trophy in 2025? And heaven knows they did. One of the top clubs in British soccer with the most loyal fans asking why had it taken so embarrassingly long? Were the whispers that the club had been cursed, actually true?’

‘It’s folklore that 1920’s club legend Hughie Gallagher who had fell out with the club said ‘Newcastle United, you’re doomed’ – allegedly his bad vibe last words before committing suicide. Ruud Gullit, coach of the club during seasons 1998/9 experienced his own difficulties in a short space of time declared ‘There must be some sort of curse on this club’. Even down to earth Kevin Keegan spoke of a ‘jinx’. In our modern day scientific world of technology, can curses be real?’

‘St James Park was built on the former site of Gallows Gate, part of the Town Moor. Hence the title of the famous Gallowgate end. It’s said that in 1650 alleged ‘witches’ – likely just innocent women – were hung there in one of the largest mass executions ever held in the country by lunatic ‘witch hunters’. Nearby St James Park is now clearly visible in the distance from the spot.’

‘Apparently modern day witches along with priests had taken the proposition serious enough to try and lift the curse. Obviously, it hadn’t worked. Local newspaper the Evening Chronicle even tried to end a 29 game losing streak of  matches in London. In a game at Arsenal renowned psychic Uri Geller was called in for the occasion. When the Magpies won Gunners coach Arsene Wenger said ‘There must be a sorcerer at work’.

‘Found in many religious faiths and ritualistic practices do emotional curses work? Many believe they do, so let us assume then that a curse was placed on the ground, the consequent stadium and therefore team.‘

‘In 2023 Newcastle made the Carabou cup final at Wembley and an estimated 50,000 fans invaded London, assembling at Trafalgar Square. The team lost the game. In 2025, making Wembley again, it wasn’t possible to recreate this wild scene as preparations for St Patrick meant that Trafalgar was going to be sealed off. Again, tens of thousands this time invaded the city, meeting up and assembling throughout the Covent Garden area. The following day, this time they won the cup’.

‘I couldn’t help the almost duplicate sounding of ‘Covent Garden’ with ‘Coven garden’, a coven being a group or gathering of witches, from Anglo-Norman ‘Convent’ and ’Cuvent’ from Old French ‘Covent’. By placing the fans at a re-arranged assembly point, was fate playing a part here in overdue fortune of the club?’

‘I looked into the history of Covent Garden, and yes, it does have something of both a religious and occult history especially with the star shaped junction of Seven Dials where seven streets converge at a Doric obelisk topped by six sundials, the column itself serving to cast the shadow of a 7th dial’.

‘Centuries ago, diviners, psychics, mystics, astrologers and the like would congregate there. The ancient fields were owned by Westminster Abbey and Convent – there’s that word again – and the neighbourhood was built on the site of an ancient settlement founded by Pagan Anglo-Saxons in the 7th century.’

‘Was the arrival of up to 50,000 positively charged Geordies somehow transforming a negative energy, a curse, tracing back to 1650? Was this spot the very area – possibly what pseudoscientists call a ley line or an ‘energy highway’ that can connect various historic structures – that needed the timely injection? Could such a ley line connect all the way back up North to Newcastle’s Town Moor?’

‘Initially, to celebrate the win, an open top bus tour was sidestepped and a celebration planned at the city’s Town Moor. However, the open top tour did go ahead leading the team to the Town Moor – to return the scene of the crime, the very place where centuries ago witches were hung and placed their curse’.

‘The Heavens appear to have played their part too. On March 14th the day before the Toon Army headed for London there was a total lunar eclipse and full moon, and on 29th the day of the Town Moor celebration – a partial solar eclipse!’

‘By lifting up a trophy it may well be that Newcastle United were also, after 375 years, finally lifting an ancient curse too’.

Words: Dan Green

Edit: Alikivi  May 2025

Link to previous Dan Green posts >>>

GLASTONBURY TOR – More than just a Hill by author, Dan Green | ALIKIVI : NORTH EAST UK CULTURE

FORGOTTEN WW1 FEMALE FOOTBALL STAR MARY LYONS TO GET A HEADSTONE

/ Alikivi

She died a forgotten hero in 1979, but WW1 women’s football superstar Mary Lyons is about to get the recognition she deserves when a headstone on her previously unmarked Jarrow grave is unveiled in April.

Mary was born in 1902 in Jarrow. In 1918 aged just 15 she became the youngest-ever England footballer and goal scorer when on her debut she scored in front of 20,000 people against Scotland at St James’ Park, Newcastle. It is a record that still stands today, and yet her achievements have been written out of history – until now!

Mary died in Primrose Hill hospital, Jarrow, in 1979, aged 76, and was laid to rest in an unmarked grave with three others. The Friends of Jarrow Cemetery have been at the forefront of getting recognition for the town’s forgotten football hero and, last year after discovering her final resting place, erected a 3ft wooden cross to mark the grave.

However, Mary features prominently in Wor Bella by South Tyneside-based playwright Ed Waugh (Dirty Dusting, Carrying David, Hadaway Harry). Bella Reay was played by North East actress Catherine Dryden.

Catherine Dryden (‘Wor Bella’) in Blyth football strip.

Due to the success of that play in the North East in 2022 and its hugely successful re-run in London and Newcastle Theatre Royal last year, the Friends of Jarrow Cemetery moved to get Mary a permanent headstone.

Jarrow amateur historian Stewart Hill, 73, and Tricia Vickers, 67, are members of the Friends and have led the way in getting recognition for Mary. Stewart explained “Mary was the youngest of eight siblings and she worked in Jarrow shipyard during WW1. She was a tremendous footballer by all accounts. She debuted for Jarrow Palmers when she was only 15 and quickly caught the eye. In May 1918, she was seconded to the mighty Blyth Spartans for the Munitionettes’ Cup final against Bolckow Vaughan of Middlesbrough”.

“Mary scored a goal in the 5-0 victory at Ayresome Park, in front of 22,000 spectators and was crowned ‘Player of the Match’. The following year Mary captained Jarrow Palmers to win the Munitionettes’ cup at St James’ Park, in front of 9,000 supporters.”

Stewart added “So by the age of 16, Mary had won two cup finals, scored in one, captained her team in the other and became the youngest-ever England player and goal scorer! What a brilliant achievement! Imagine what she would be like today, given the modern game and opportunities.”

Tricia, said “Our great friend George Le-Blond of Abbey Memorials in Jarrow has generously donated the beautiful marble headstone and genealogist Sam Nicol has been a great help trawling through hundreds of newspaper articles for information.”

She continued “Friends of Jarrow Cemetery work to keep the cemetery welcoming and clean, and make it safe for people and their loved ones. This is a tremendous development. Mary and the WW1 women footballers should be an inspiration to young women everywhere.”

Christine Knox (on the left) being presented in 2024 with her red England Legacy Cap by Lioness Lauren Hemp. The cap is numbered 36 to mark Christine’s legacy number – the 36th women to play for England. The presentation took place at St. George’s Park, the national football centre, in Staffordshire.

The unveiling will take place at Jarrow Cemetery on Sunday, April 27, at 11.30am, everyone is welcome to attend. A brass band will lead the procession to the grave and ex-England Lionesses Christine Knox and Aran Embleton will perform the unveiling ceremony.

Christine, who won ten England caps in the 1970s and 1980s, played for Wallsend Ladies, Whitley Bay Ladies and North Shields Ladies.

Aran, the first millennial Geordie Lioness, gained four England caps and played for Blyth Spartans, Sunderland Ladies and Doncaster Belles in her illustrious career.

Aran Embleton holding an England cap.

Aran said “I am proud to have been invited to recognise Mary who, like the incredible Bella Reay of Blyth Spartans and other women of their generation, played women’s football until it was criminally banned by the FA in 1921. Players like Christine and I, and the current Lionesses, stand on the shoulders of these brilliant working class women from more than 100 years ago.”

Following the unveiling at Jarrow Cemetery, there will be refreshments and a celebration of Mary’s footballing achievements at the Iona Club, Hebburn. Due to start at noon, speakers at the event will be Wor Bella co-producer Jane Harker, Aran and Christine and Wor Bella actress Catherine Dryden. The event is public and entry is free.

April 2025

FOOTBALL BLOODY FOOTBALL

/ Alikivi

part two of a conversation with author & former Newcastle United footballer, Paul Ferris.

My sister used to manage Rosie’s Bar next to Newcastle United’s ground and often talked about the time when Kevin Keegan became manager and the effect he had on not just the team, but the whole city.

She remembers fans singing ‘living in a Keegan wonderland’ and some players and staff popping into the pub for a sherbet or two.

When I went back to Newcastle as a physio in 1993, we used to have a drink in Rosie’s bar on a Wednesday night. It wasn’t the most glamourous pub but it had a great jukebox and we used to hoy in a fiver to hear great music.

I got to know Alan Shearer well after helping him through a bad injury. The work I did with him in winter ‘97 was the best I’d done for the club. Better than anything I’d ever accomplished as a player.

Paul running with Alan Shearer for the first time after he dislocated his ankle (pic Belfast Telegraph).

I used to go for a few drinks with Rob Lee and Gary Speed, we became good friends and I used to drag Alan Shearer and Gary Speed to U2 gigs. I’d be great in a music quiz cos I’m a music nut. I love listening to 10,000 Maniacs and Natalie Merchant but my all-time favourites are Van Morrison and U2.

One day Alan came in with a couple of tickets for U2 who were due to play Earls Court in London. We were playing Chelsea on the Saturday so a Friday night gig would be great.

He kindly paid to get the train down, booked a hotel and VIP lounge tickets on the Elevation tour. When we got there, he went to the bar to get some drinks but I heard U2 come on stage so shouted ‘Alan, Alan, they’re on’ I couldn’t wait so just left him and raced in to see the start of the concert.

Ten minutes later Alan walked in with two pints shouting ‘I paid for your train, I paid for your hotel, I bought your tickets and you just left us standing there!’ I did feel a little guilty but I didn’t want to miss the start, this is what we came for!

It was around 2003 I was on holiday with my family and had six missed calls on my phone, a few from Alan Shearer and some from Gary Speed. Alan shouted ‘pick the f***ing phone up’.  Loud music was blaring in the background. In another message Gary shouted ‘we’re with Bono!’

When I saw Alan later in a Health & Fitness Club, he said that night they were in a club with Bono and he wanted to talk to me. Then he got out a pair of dark wrap-around sunglasses the type Bono wears on stage, and he and The Edge had signed them on each lens.

Alan gave them to me saying ‘go on take them man I know you really like the band’. ‘No, they were for you’ I said. He pushed them into my hands and I have to say I took them under duress as they were signed to Alan.

As I was driving out of the Club car park, I got a call from Alan who was in the car in front of me ‘take those f***ing glasses off I can see you in the mirror!’ Honestly, I wanted to try them on for just a wee look.

Paul and I met a few days after Newcastle reached their first cup final since 1999, inevitably our talk turns to Football today.

Coaches used to be experienced former players but now some of them only played in lower leagues. But they all have their badges. Mourinho worked for Bobby Robson and is steeped in football, Arsene Wenger revolutionized the game.

At Arsenal he had giant athletes in the middle of the park – Vieira and Petit. At the back Keown and Adams, if you ask Alan Shearer his toughest games were probably against those two. Then up front was Thierry Henri, another giant.

Newcastle back four with the exception of Trippier, are giants. Eddie Howe is doing a great job with the club, he’s reaching a higher level sooner than expected. They are great to watch with little triangles of Trippier, Almiron and Guimaraes.

Plus, a Geordie in the team, Sean Longstaff, scoring two the other day. For Dan Burn, another Geordie, the feeling of scoring his first goal in the Carabao cup semi-final against Southampton must have been immense. The feeling must be amazing, it was for me when I first scored, and I’m an Irishman!

But the pressures on Newcastle managers are enormous. I was there when it was a pre-season friendly and Jack Charlton was in the dug-out. Around 5,000 fans in the Gallowgate end shouting ‘Charlton out’.

Bobby Robson loved being Newcastle manager it was just part of who he was. He was like a wise friend really, after training when all the players had gone, he would pop into the medical room and say ‘do ya fancy a cup of tea’ and talk about anything.

I loved the stories he’d tell about Barcelona, his family and coming back to the North East. He was so proud of coming back he bought a house near where he was born. You could see why players loved him.

In 2016 Paul turned to writing his memories from on and off the pitch and growing up during Ireland’s darkest days. Packed with real warts an’ all stories, his book is much more than just another sporting memoir.

Both my books out now The Boy on the Shed and The Magic in the Tin have been non-fiction memoirs and done well. I’ve also written a fictional manuscript called An Ugly Game about abuse in football, that has heavier themes in it. I’m starting to refer to it as An Ugly Manuscript because it is yet to be picked up by a publisher.

Now I’m writing a fictional book called The Man in One Nineteen which is a line from a song by Natalie Merchant. The book is teaming with musical references from songs I’ve loved.

The main story is the guy is dying and looking back on his life. He had a girlfriend who he referred to as having hair like Suzi Quatro and a face like Noddy Holder. But when they meet again in his 20’s she has turned into the gorgeous Stevie Nicks.

It’s a very intimate journey even though you never get to know his name or where he’s from. Is it Newcastle, New York or Sydney? I just hope it gets released, my agent has sent it to publishers Bloomsbury who have first option on it.

When writing I’m very conscious of grabbing you from the start with the first sentence and finishing strongly. If I can get some emotion from you, some laughter and engage with you, I think you will remember the book.

Alikivi   February 2023

Links to books:

The Boy on the Shed
The Magic in the Tin