Can someone other than Man U win the league and the Cup?

-- Anonymous, July 13, 2000

Answers

It is not going to be as easy as next year for them. It'll be one from Arsenal, NH, Chelsea or Leeds. No ground breaking news there then but nobody else with the possibility of Liverpool can expect to go all season with high class players.

We'll qualify for Europe and possibly win the Worthington Cup

-- Anonymous, July 13, 2000

Weirdly, I had a feeling that we'd win the Worthy last year. I'd hate our first trophy in millennia to be the Worthy.... I wouldn't be surprised to see West Ham challenging - they have 4 great strikers and a good midfield.

-- Anonymous, July 13, 2000

And a poor defence apart from Rio. No real squad to talk of, one of my mates is a Hammers fan and he is realistic enough to know their limitations. A cup run is the best they'll get. Other teams will overtake them, they haven't got the money, sad but true.

-- Anonymous, July 13, 2000

Well, they almost never pay for a player so they should be loaded in theory...

-- Anonymous, July 13, 2000

Loaded in assets in the team, maybe. They are trying to expand their stadium or move to a new ground and basically they can't afford it. They charge the earth to get into see matches and their replica kits are way overpriced.

They spend about 5 mill a year and the rest must go on other areas. If they had a real downturn in fortunes they would have to sell Ferdinand to pay for other areas.

-- Anonymous, July 13, 2000

You lot arn't too enthusiastic about our chances. When we beat the scum on the opening day, all talk will be of us WINNING the championship.

-- Anonymous, July 13, 2000

It's just that I don't think we've got the strength in depth that other teams have although we have the advantage of not being in Europe (and I think it is an advantage this year).

-- Anonymous, July 13, 2000

Dougal, do you have a weak spot for Burnley as well, by any chance? Just pursuing a little theory involving claret and blue..;-))

-- Anonymous, July 13, 2000

I hate West Ham and 99% of their whingeing fans. I do, however, share an office with one and have a secretary who supports them, too.

-- Anonymous, July 13, 2000

I think West Ham may struggle this season, Manchester United will no doubt be up there, but there is little point going into the start of the season not believing that can win the championship. Newcastle United have a huge squad with some outstanding talent, don't underestimate them this season.

-- Anonymous, July 13, 2000

Carl Cort ? Howway ! It hasn't taken you long to get yer plates under the table.

-- Anonymous, July 13, 2000