Reassurance needed please. Domi says he wants to go back to France (do Newsnow search). WE look like losing out on this Dane to Rangers. Are we in a situatation where we have a great manager and won't be able to move on to the next stage co swe can't get the players? Sorry, gutted to see Domi wanting out. He's one of my very fave players.

-- Anonymous, June 06, 2000

Answers

Sorry Dougal. Domi is a mercenary. His heart lies where his wallet is. He came to the EPL for nothing but money - well, perhaps a bit of experience too. Certainly, his CV is better than it was when he came here, and with the prospect of playing wide left midfield, or slugging it oot with Pist One, Hyousie and the rest at LB, he's not going to get the exposure he needs to break into the Frog Squad (which BTW looked pretty useful tonight as they stuffed Morocco 4-1 away).

Under those circumstances, what would you do? Let both parties take the oney and run. If we can get #4M, I'd accept it.

As for Lovenkranz, I'd be really p*ss*d off if he goes to Rangers and turns out to be really useful. Questions would have to be asked - in the Strawbeery.

-- Anonymous, June 06, 2000

I think Screacher is partly right. Domi is a mercenary, in the sense that he'll do anything to further his career, and look after himself.

Obviuosly he can make more money in the premiership than he can back in France. There is nothing wrong with a talented footballer recieving what the market deems he is worth.

That said I don't think Domi is a cash mercenary following the money.

He said when he first came here that his ultimate goal was Itally and that he expected to see out his contract and probably be off.

There are two perspectives to this reasoning;

1) Domi's stated goal is that he wants to play LB for France, and that he has to do what is best for himself to achieve this.

The reality for Domi is that he's a wing back who needs to either improve his man marking and defensive abilities, or move up to left wing and improve upon his natural gifts as an out and out winger. I can see why Domi is hesitant do try the second option, he prefers the to take his man on and drift into midfield, rather than sitting on the wing and putting in crosses, which he realises he isn't good at. He also prefers to let the game come to him, instead of seaking out the ball and imposing his will on the game like Giggs or Kewell.

2) Many continental footballers still view Itally as the number one league and it is their desire to test themselves in such an areana. England is viewed as having five (it used to be 3 then 4 & no NUFC isn't one of them) dominant teams then a considerable gulf in talent to the next lot of teams. Where as Itally is viewed as having up twelve teams who can seriously compete.

My personal view is that Domi is better off at LB, but needs to mature more as a player. However I believe Robson stiffled his development somewhat this season, and Domi fears that this will continue under Robson. And I agree with Domi. So as a player he's looking out for himself as opposed to the club.

I just wish he'd have the patience to waite like Griffen for his chance. But imports often do not expect to waite once they are settled and have experienced a decent run in the side.

Personally I'd bugger Pistone off back to Itally for some cash, put Hughes back on the right behind Barton, or in the centre, and let Domi and Griffen fight for the LB spot.

-- Anonymous, June 07, 2000

Domi is great player, but we have Pistone, Griffin and the versatile Hughes. Cash in on DD and spend elsewhere.

-- Anonymous, June 07, 2000

Can't quite work out where this "Domi is a mercenary" comes from. Last quote I read of the talented young froggie was his criticism of the vast amounts of money thrown around football, including (paraphrasing here) [re Anelka]"how can anyone be worth #26m, it's obscene".

He comes from a relatively poor district outside Paris (I think) and by all accounts has kept his feet firmly on the ground.

If he goes, we'll be one talented player down, but I can't see any mercenary intent in anything he's said. Unlike Did-he Harmoan...

-- Anonymous, June 07, 2000

Bobster - I seem to remember a season or so ago that Domi had set his sights on "better things" in Italy or possibly Spain. He certainly indicated that NUFC was merely a stepping stone. Now, no problem in that as long as we know and can re-coup the money we spent. Better to let him go now than on a Bosman. Hmm - now who's acting like a mercenary.

-- Anonymous, June 07, 2000

That`s another player I wouldn`t want to see go! (:o(

-- Anonymous, June 07, 2000

Reassurance desperately needed today. We cannot get rid of the dross, the good guys want to leave and the people we want to buy would sooner play in a second rate league over the border I am totally pi$$ed off this morning. Where are we really going?

-- Anonymous, June 07, 2000

I think Screacher's being a little hard on the man. BR quite clearly doesn't rate his defensive abilities at LB. I feel Tre isn't far off the mark in his assessment of DD's ability as a wide player - and Domi clearly doesn't want to take a risk with his career in that position. Surely he can't be blamed for that? What is the kid supposed to do?
He has possibly concluded - and we don't really know the truth - that he needs to move on to protect and further his career. Fair does IMO.
The problem I have is in considering selling him on for what we paid for him. His value has surely increased with the exposure he's had at the Toon? I wouldn't consider taking a penny less than #6mm for him.
Unlike prats like Anelka, he seems like a thoughtful and decent lad who is simply struggling with a difficult career decision - good luck to him.

-- Anonymous, June 07, 2000