To Hull and back: St James' Park is the best there is

I played there as a teenager on trial for York City long before the enormous stands appeared.

The famous Gallowgate was standing only — not that many were there to see me desperately trying to get a contract at yet another club only to fall at the final hurdle yet again.

Dean Windass missed out on a Boro debut alongside Alen Boksic at St James' Park after picking up a freak injury

My first return to St James’ was supposed to be my debut —alongside Alen Boksic — but it had to be aborted on match day thanks to the daftest injury of my career.

That morning, I was so excited that I must have vacuumed the room four times more than usual.

It’s one of my favourite pre-match rituals.

Arriving at the training ground, I reached into the car boot for the new kit in my new Boro bag, complete with my number 20 on the side.

It was the lightest sportsbag I have ever lifted but, as I pulled it out, my back went and so did my dream debut.

Physio Bob Ward tried to click everything back into place but it just wouldn’t go.

I couldn’t even get in the car and drive home. 

I was in tears by the time the team bus left without me.

Helen picked me up and I watched Boksic score two in a 2-1 win.

There is nothing quite like playing in front of 50,000 screaming Geordies in a sea of black and white.

It’s just a blur as you walk up the tunnel and the noise hits you like the heat when you first get off the plane on the Med.

Even though the Boro end was packed, it was so far removed from the pitch — up in the heavens in the corner behind the goal — that you could hardly see the travelling supporters, never mind hear them.

I know the Hull end is sold out today but they’ll have to sing their hearts out for us to be heard.

No one really knows how the fans will react.

We’ve heard all the talk of boycotts and protests but I know they’ll be there making a noise most of our side will be experiencing for the first time.

They’ll be there because, no matter who is running the club, they love Newcastle United.

They might have a go at the players, they might have some they’ll never rate, but true fans just want them to go out, play well and win.

It’s going to be one of our toughest games because the Newcastle players are aware of the fans’ feelings. They’re professionals who will want to go out and win for them.