So Barton played left back on Saturday. Didn't we buy Griffin from Stoke as a left back or has he never been a left back?

-- Anonymous, May 15, 2000

Answers

Griffin used to play left back but is right footed. Bartinho played left back last season in tandem with Charvet across on the right, and currently plays superbly with both feet, walks on water, heals lepers at the weekends and generally makes that 4mil look like a bargain - especially when you look at the use Wimbledon put the money to.

-- Anonymous, May 15, 2000

This was just another example of YBR's management style in action. Griff can probably play on both sides of the defence, but is undoubtedly more comfortable on the right. To bring him back as l/b would have increased the pressure on him. Instead, he chose to play him on the right, knowing that WB could do a solid job on the left. Consequently, Griff rose to the challenge of his first senior game in over a year,capping it with a goal. Nodoubt WB was a tad p*ss*d off at that, having tried on many occasions himself to score this season.

I have no reason to doubt Softie about WB walking on water. But we all know YBR made the water in the first place!

-- Anonymous, May 15, 2000

Griffin played exclusively at LB for Stoke, but has never looked comfortable playing on his 'wrong' side for the Toon.

According to the Ronnie, Bartinho volunteered to play at LB on Sunday to make things easier for Griffin - obviously a 'canny bloke' in addition to all his other commendable attributes. BR was reported to not unaturally be well impressed with WB's approach to the situation.

Anyone feel that Griffin and Barton might just be our best FB pairing?

-- Anonymous, May 15, 2000

Didn't Griffin have a certain Beckham in his pocket against Manure a while back ?

-- Anonymous, May 15, 2000

He certainly did Josh, and his performance against Daveeeeeed in the FAC Semi last year was outstanding - before the frog tosser was taken off of course. Griffin's tackling in that game was tigerish.

If he can stay fit, he is a truly outstanding prospect and arguably the best tackler in the Club.

-- Anonymous, May 15, 2000

Havn't seen so many games this season so don't want to be seen knocking Barton but going back to the 4-3 away win at derby last season we had one of our best attacking games, no shearer, no hamman, maric and kets up front - and the full backs were Hughes and Griffin (left)and they were good.

-- Anonymous, May 15, 2000

It's funny, but my main problem with Griffin has been some lacklustre performances in the reserves (as YBR did - he said as much yesterday) and the fact that however well he has tackled, he's been pants at getting forward in support. He went on that amazing run in the Semi but went to pieces when Spurs parted like the Red Sea. I was utterly dumbfounded yesterday to see him slice inside and finish with such aplomb. I hope it's the start of a new chapter for him. Kieron Dyer was also saying how good Griffin has been to him since he arrived. Also lovely to hear YBR compliment Steve Clarke for keeping on about how good Griffin is despite his performances in the stiffs offering nothing to support it.

-- Anonymous, May 15, 2000