Long time ago now, but I met Neil Custis a few times. He went to school up in the Toon with one of my best mates. He was at the start of his career and was working for a local rag up in Alnwick. He was a good lad. Very funny. Knowing where he's come from, he's done well for himself. Not sure about his brother. Reckon there might have been a bit of nepotism there.
I don't give a shit what any football writer says about City. Water off a duck's back to me. Every football writer has an angle or an agenda, and the "writing" (I hesitate to call it journalism) is all part of the entertainment of and about the game. Take it with a pinch of salt and don't let it wind you up. Although that's all part of the pantomime too, tbf.
As to the title of the thread, never bought it, never will, although I'm quite happy to look over the back pages for free and laugh at the ludicrousness of it all.