THE Premier League title will be decided in the north-east – and I am afraid it will not be pretty for yours truly.

While everyone has turned their attention to Eastlands next Monday night as the Citizens of Manchester take on the scarlet hued Devils of the Salford neighbourhood, I have a sneaking feeling the final destination of the crown will actually be determined on the banks of the Tyne and the Wear.

Certainly should United of Salford win at what is sadly tagged ‘the Etihad’, then City fans will have to admit defeat in the title race – but seen as most had already done two weeks ago, so what!

But the more likely outcome on Monday (I hope!) is that the result will be a draw or a City win and on goes the race for another week.

This is why I argue the outcome will be decided in the north east.

And, despite wanting to be able to celebrate the first title success for City since 1968, I concur with Bobby Manc’s argument that the ball will remain in United’s court – even though Sir Alex Ferguson sees it differently – whatever Monday’s outcome.

While United are at home to Swansea – who have nothing to play for – on May 6, City travel to Newcastle United on the same day to take on a Magpies outfit in great form and needing points to ensure a place in the Champions League.

If City can take what they need from St James’ Park then we move on to May 13 and United will probably travel to Sunderland – another club who have nothing to play for – needing a win at the Stadium of Light, while Mancini’s boys are at home to QPR, who might still needs points for survival.

So City could well lose the title on the Tyne or United win it on the Wear.

However, that will not spoil the tension and excitement of next Monday night.

The previous two meetings this season have certainly not lacked for goals or drama.

The FA Cup game went United’s way courtesy of a referee missing a blatant handball, while the League game at Old Trafford was a close run thing – and then the match official blew the whistle for the kick-off.

Monday is going to be one of those games you have to watch through your fingers!

BEHIND every successful team there are always unsung heroes.

These are people who put in the hours to ensure that the machine is almost invisibly smooth.

Essentially these are the unseen folk who ensure that when the swan is swimming elegantly on the surface, no one notices what is paddling like crazy below the waterline to ensure that it all keeps going.

And my unknown hero (or heroine) for this week is in some way attached to the fate and fortune of ‘runaway’ Super League leaders Huddersfield Giants.

This weekend Nathan Brown’s men ensured they were clear ahead at the top of the table with a hard earned 20-6 win at Bradford Bulls’ water-logged Odsal ground and they were helped along the way by the person who helpfully reduced the huge wind resistance factor that used to be called Luke George’s afro.

So to whoever it was who turned Luke’s hairstyle into a sleek braided affair, and thus added at least another 5mph to his already prodigious pace, I salute you – it must have taken hours!

AS ONE season comes to an exciting finale, then another appetisingly begins.

At least that is the way it is supposed to work in the football and cricket crossover, so imagine my shock this week when the campaign that is starting has already ended before the one that is finishing has, indeed, finished.

Regular readers of this rubbish will know that I am afflicted by allegiances to Manchester City (see main story) and Lancashire County Cricket Club.

So while City are still in the running for the title, it is amazing to discover that before May is even upon us the Red Rose are pretty much out of the running to defend the County Championship title famously won for the first time in most people’s lifetimes last season.

Some of you may think it is a little tough to rule out Glenn Chapple’s boys chances after just two matches, but there is method to my madness.

As all northern county cricket fans know our favoured sides – be it Yorkshire, Lancashire or Durham – are at a disadvantage compared to the home counties and south coast sides due to the difference in climate.

Therefore grabbing maximum points from home games that can be played to a finish is vital.

Lancashire’s record this season is two played at home and the results were heavy defeats at the hands of Sussex and Warwickshire – therefore the solution to the equation is that winning the title is already out of the question.

In fact it could even be the prelude to a fight against the drop to the second division.

And after the Tykes’ start, which brought rain-affected home draws against Kent and Essex, I can almost already hear you Yorkshire fans whispering come and join us – as opposed to ‘we will pass you on the way up’.