THERE are two very good reasons for North-East football fans to celebrate this week - and that doesn't happen very often.

Steve McClaren's Middlesbrough make history by appearing in the UEFA Cup final against Sevilla in Eindhoven on Wednesday and have a spectacular homecoming parade planned for the following evening.

That will coincide with Alan Shearer's testimonial match at St James' Park, when Newcastle's record goal-scorer will be rightly feted for a career that will be remembered for generations.

We understand the difficulties facing Middlesbrough, with players and officials having to squeeze in their holidays before the beginning of their World Cup commitments.

But it is still a matter of regret that the two celebrations cannot be kept apart so that each occasion can be given the undivided attention of all true football fans in the region.

Shearer deserves to have centre stage after all he has done, and all Middlesbrough fans should have the opportunity to salute their team.

How many more?

THE deportation scandal which so badly damaged the Labour Party at last week's local elections gets steadily worse.

New Home Secretary John Reid revealed yesterday that the number of the most serious offenders not considered for deportation on release from jail was at least 150.

That new figure compares with the original estimate of 90 and Mr Reid admitted the final figure could end up being "several hundred" if armed robbers are included in the category.

We wonder if former Home Secretary Charles Clarke still thinks he didn't deserve to be sacked.