A NEWCASTLE United fan has joined the big league with his own Internet website.

Kevin Fletcher's fan site, www.TalkoftheTyne.com, has been chosen to appear on a European Internet sports network, Rivals.net

Rivals.net includes more than 300 independent fan sites, covering a number of sports. But only one site per team is invited to join the network.

Kevin's site was selected above other independent Newcastle United fan sites because of the quality and depth of its content.

He spends every spare minute working on the site and has the backing of a 20-strong team of Newcastle fans, who all contribute.

"We believe we provide an alternative view to Newcastle United than the official site," he said.

"They are on the inside looking out, while we are on the outside looking in."

As well as providing Newcastle fans with news about their team, Kevin could also see his passion turning into profit through the business opportunities offered by Rivals.net

Each site editor is provided with free marketing help and the support of a central Rivals.net sales team.

The resulting advertising revenues are far higher than the editor could achieve by himself, and might mean that one day the sites become more than just a hobby for their creators.