Shearer hasn't had a full summer break since he was 21. He has played in most internationals, Europe, had extended Cup runs and played most PL games (except for when injured but getting back to fitness from a major injury is far harder than playing matches)for the past 6 years. Now, he's going to play in Euro 2000 which could go on for almost a month if England do well. I know he's giving England up, I know he's well-paid and I know, in the absence of the Yin, we don't have too many alternatives, but I really don't want to see him playing in too many pre-season friendlies. I'd give him until early August off.

-- Anonymous, April 17, 2000

Answers

Next season has me worried. If A1 has a good Euro he'll be, let's say, less than fresh for next year. If England are shite in the Euro it will all be A1's fault. The vultures are circling.
A1 is as hard as nails but he's rocking on a bit. God help us without him fit and focused .

-- Anonymous, April 17, 2000

At least these days, the medical facilities and techniques can cope with injuries that would have ended a player's career a few years ago, so I don't think it matters that much to have a lay off as a way of keeping clear of injuries, although a break to let the old batteries re-charge is a good idea.

-- Anonymous, April 17, 2000

Hi from a very wet & soggy Washington DC - it's just lyek being at hyem!
Have to agree with all these comments. It's interesting, given all the twaddle that was spoken about AS earlier in the season. The reality is that without him we'd have been relegated. In fact, it's possible that could also have been the case in the previous two seasons.
We've become so totally reliant on his goals that it's unhealthy. We've had this problem for three seasons now, and despite the need for signings in other parts of the team, if we don't find a legitimate alternative/back-up for Shearer, sooner or later it's going to bite us in the @rse, perhaps terminally.
The man is a bloody marvel, but he's only human.

-- Anonymous, April 17, 2000

That's what comes of spending 15 million pounds on one player. Glad we did, though, but.

-- Anonymous, April 17, 2000

Dougal,Could I respectfully suggest that its not the ukp15mm we spent on Shearer that is the basis for our problems, but the ukp30- 40mm we wasted on various "others"?

-- Anonymous, April 17, 2000

Oops! Did a "b" instead of a "br" - sorry.

-- Anonymous, April 17, 2000

I agree - it's the thousands we are paying for useless articles like Perez that's bringing us down. In fact, I'd argue that his goals have kept u sin the PL and the Cup for the past three years and he has therefore more than paid for himself. More alarmingly, his groin is playing up. Nowt to do with expecting bairns soon either. He has had 3 groin ops already so let's hope it's nowt too serious.

-- Anonymous, April 18, 2000