No this is not a wind up. There aren't any transfer rumours either suggesting he is either. It's just my considered opinion.

I keep looking at the current squad and this is what I see.

We have all positions relatively covered in defence. Griffin to take over Bartons' position when his legs run out or he retires to coaching. Hughes should continue his development and make a decent centre half. We have enough centre halfs, it's just a matter of finding the best pairing and them remaining injury free. I'd still sell Marcelino and bring in Helder. I'm not worried about Howey, if he comes good great, if not flog him or keep him as a back up. We do need some cover for Domi on the left, and I mean a real LEFT footed player. We also have three bairns to watch over the next two seasons.

I think we still need an out and out left winger. We could do with another experienced central midfield player (Guardiola), and a youngster to come through behind Lee and Speed (Mullins) who are both getting on.

And this comes to the big question, what to do with Dyer, Solano and Gavilan. Unless Bobby plans to stick with a 3-1 midfield with Dyer in the hole, how does Dyer get on the field regularly? And we still don't know his best position. Or whether the midfield could cope with him being in central midfield, as he lacks a physical presence that is a necessity in the EPL. Idealy I picture him as our right winger.

There for I think Nobby may very well be sold next summer, to help rasie some cash for further transfers.

The signing of Carl Cort will see the end of me banging on about all and sundry young local and overseas strikers. For me he was the lad I wanted, but at the time I started on about our need for local youth here I didn't think he'd be available.

However you haven't escaped from the woods yet. Now I'll just keep on about Richard Wright, Seth Johnson and Hayden Mullins untill we either get them or some one else does.

But now I can turm my attention to Rory Fallon (18) of Barnsley, and Marvin Brown (17) of Bristol City. Two top emerging strikers in the lower divisions who should really be coming into their own when Shearer is looking to hang the boots up in three years or so.

Oh and there's always Gareth Barry and David Pruton to watch as well.

-- Anonymous, July 08, 2000

Answers

Tre,
I have to say your insight into the English game, even the lower divisions, is truly impressive for somone who lives so far away. Where on earth do you get your information? I've never even heard of Rory Fallon or Marvin Brown.
Your posts are always well thought out, insightful and constructive, and make interesting, thought-provoking reading.
Keep it up cobber.
With regard to Nobby, I suspect you're absolutely correct - in the long term there only seems to be room for two out of Gavilan, Dyer and Nobs - especially with some youngsters coming through.
BTW, I certainly agree with your assessment of Gareth Barry and Seth Johnson, but feel both of them would be unapproachable right now. Seth Johnson was a top prospect, and U-21 international at Crewe, and should have been considered by the Toon when they were spending maga-bucks on Marcelino, Goma and The Pie-Man.

-- Anonymous, July 08, 2000

Been playing championship manager have you not?

Rory Fallon, Tonton mokuoko, Gareth Barry, Kevin Rapley, Mattias Asper, David Collins, Andri Sigpsrsson, Simon Davies, Steve Housham, Justin Walker, Alex Noteman, FLORETIN PETRE (class), Mads Jorgensen, Paul Robinson, Roy Carrol etc.

Class Players, get them early in the game and save money!

Or, you may be a secret scout, disguised as a mag?

-- Anonymous, July 08, 2000

Lurker 2356b67 - actually I don't play Championship manager. I could just imagine how little time I'd spend doing the important things in life (work, Uni etc) if I had to divide time between this BBS and a game.

Clarky - thanks. I find it pretty easy to 'scout' around the lower divisions, as there are plenty of internet sites to checkout, and we get a very good weekly EPL and Nationwide league newspaper down here that. The best internet site for 'scouting' is probably www.footballtransfers.co.uk . It has a couple of sections where fans can put in their own lists re: young players coming through their club, or top youth lists per country.

One thing people should have noticed is that becuase of Softie and the R-Team and sites like nufc.com by Niall and Biffa we can keep up with how bairns are performing in the reserves and youth teams.

I reckon most clubs probably have similiar fans who do similiar things, and the information finds its way onto the internet and club chat sites. So information about likely bairns gets around individual clubs. And eventually it finds its way to sites such www.footballtransfers.co.uk .

Also I know that they don't all 'make it', but following the junior, U.18 and U.21's will always throw up a few likely lads.

As for Seth Johnson and Gareth Barry. Well I put these two players as long term targets for the Toon. Over the next couple of seasons we can monitor how they develop and if they're good enough (i.e. crack the full England squad) hope the club makes a move for them. However I know Liverpool has a very keen interest in Seth and monitors him regularly.

-- Anonymous, July 10, 2000

eh??? Derby have signed Newton Heath youngsterHigginbotham, a 21 year old Left Full Back. ???

Have I missed something? What's going on with Seth Johnson. Is he all of a sudden crap, or is he being moved to the left wing spot. Would he now be available?

-- Anonymous, July 10, 2000

Tre,
Seth Johnson largely played wide m/f for Derby last season. He was one of their most consistent players, and it's extremely unlikely that Derby would wish to sell him - unless of the 'right' wedge was offered, say #6mm or so.

-- Anonymous, July 10, 2000