BRIAN Halcrow, a comeback star on the national pool circuit, has revealed he is a Toon Army rebel.

The former world No 8 and UK No 3, who also played in America, pocketed over £250,000 in prize money before he retired seven years ago.

In 2004 Halcrow was competing in Blackpool when he achieved national recognition by making history in front of the Sky Sports TV cameras.

He became the first player to register a 9-0 whitewash in the televised stages of a world championship, hammering Frenchman Cedric Suberville in the quarter-final.

His recently re-opened Buzzers Sports Bar in South Shields has been picked to host a qualifying tournament on May 9 for the World Eight Ball Pool Championship finals in Blackpool.

Halcrow, 43, has already booked his own spot on the Golden Mile next month by finishing runner-up in the first tournament of his comeback - a UK Pool Tour challenge event in Northampton in February.

He used to be a season ticket holder at Newcastle United along with sons Jordan, 20, and Joel, 12.

They gave up their seats in the Sir John Hall Stand at the end of last season in protest at the Mike Ashley regime.

Halcrow said: “I’ve not done badly for a former insurance salesman turned old fashioned pool hall hustler. I have never lost a bet on pool with an amateur player and I never will.

“But as for Newcastle United’s lack of ambition, I’m not getting a season ticket again until Ashley goes.

“When he does I shall start playing the world championship finals in a Toon shirt instead of a shirt and tie.”

* Amateur pool players who would like details of world championship qualifying at Buzzers should ring 07474 806047 or email brianhalcrow8@gmail.com.

They can also phone Buzzers between noon and 11pm on 0191 456 1621.