From ntlsports.com news... "Local Hero" returned to St James' park prior to the Arsenal game. The Mark Knofler composition, brought back fond memories of happier days in years gone by. THREE other "Local Heroes" could also be on there way back to St James' park in the next few months. Peter Beardsley looks set to become the youth coach. Paul Bracewell has been linked to the assistant managers job vacated by Steve Clarke and his Fulham signing Ex Newcastle and most famous SMB, Lee Clarke could well make a return to Newcastle. A #2.5 million deal for the 27 year old geordie midfielder was said to be "more than likely ", by a Fulham insider today. What do I think? The more geordies involved in the team and on the coaching staff the better d. And while I'm on the subject, why don't we try to get Hutchinson from Everton and bring back Watto and Thompson from Villa. Sir John's vision of a team full of geordies could take a giant step forward, with a minimum amount of money as all the mentioned players are within our budget

-- Anonymous, May 16, 2000

Answers

Lee Makel has been superb for Hearts since Xmas, but he's a SMB at heart

Wes Saunders is doing okay at Torquay, and what about Gazza, I'm sure he'd come.

I believe Terry Hibbitt's dead though

-- Anonymous, May 16, 2000

Have to agree with MacBeth. Nee point in getting shit Geordies in. Wait to see what our great kids do (I'm expecting great things of Gall, Chopra and Amoebi).

-- Anonymous, May 16, 2000

Nostalgic clap-trap over Clark, Watson and Thomson won't win us the PL I'm afraid - unfortunately, they simply aren't good enough.

Their signing would indicate financial expediency to me rather than high ambition.

-- Anonymous, May 16, 2000

Clarky,
Your rose coloured geps must be as worn out as mine, cos you're obviously seeing things in the same light I am. I don't want to see any of them back as players - not their fault, but things have moved on since they were here, and I think we need a real big signing not just for what he'll hopefully deliver on the pitch but also for the effect a big signing will have on us.

We need the club to show us they mean business, and signing two or three 1.5-to-3 million players ain't my idea of thinking big. I'd rather leave that to the makkems(ptuh). I know it's a big risk forking out 10 to 20 million on one player, but if he turns out be the right one, the effect, I think, will spill over to the rest of the players at the club.

Good as they might be I don't think the likes of Clark and Watson will give us anything we don't have in abundance already.

-- Anonymous, May 17, 2000

Pit Bill,

Could we just be a couple of jaundiced old f@rts, perhaps?

Having given it some more thought since last night, how about his scenario:

i) BR sings Luis Enrique & Guardiola from Barcelona (#12mm combined), and a striker - say Goodjohnson (#6mm)

ii) he also part exchanges Charvet, Maric, Hamilton, and Glass for Lee Clark and Alan Thomson - overall cost to us #2mm.

We get three top quality (hopefully) new players, plus two totally committed and good, proven quality squad players & Geordies to boot.

Would THAT do you?

-- Anonymous, May 17, 2000

Clarky, I think the Fantassy Football is on a different thread.

Canny scenario tho, but how much would/could really happen?

-- Anonymous, May 17, 2000

Screacher,

All I'm trying to say - upon careful reflection - is that the signing of Lee Clark need not necessarily mean we aren't also going after players of the very highest quality.

BR may have sensibly concluded that while he can't expect to part exchange Des Hamilton for Luis Enrique, he might well be able to do so for decent players like Lee Clark who would die to come back, has agreat attitude, and would give some useful depth to the squad. Obviously, I didn't explain it very well!

-- Anonymous, May 17, 2000

Clarky, My comment about Fantasy Footie was not meant to be critical of your answer - just my clumsy way of commenting on the collection of names (Luis Enrique, Guardiola, Gudjonson etc). The words "I" and "wish" come to mind. I also agree with your analysis about Clarkie. He may not be the answer to a maiden's prayer but under the right circumstances, would be a good acquisition. Those circumstances being to move Nationwide quality players to their rightful level.

Do you think if we got the PM to throw in a British Passport we might get away with it?? Tony.........!

-- Anonymous, May 17, 2000