This has been mentioned on other threads I think.... Still very concerned about the lack of strength here - feel its going to cost us Dabs/Howey/Goma seems to be a combination of two from here I'm not convinced What should/will YBR do? Ugo or Southgate from Villa? Will Sid the Sexist find a buyer?

-- Anonymous, July 29, 2000

Answers

Well my preference is for Goma + AN Other. He seemed the best of the 3 in the friendlies so far. Howey is doing better, certainly has lost weight and looking much fitter. Still not totally convinced by his performances. DAbs is Dabs. CAn be good, can be appalling. Agree...we still need another strong center half

-- Anonymous, July 29, 2000

If Goma can stay fit we'll be a lot tighter at the back. He's quick, strong, and good in the air. The only question, is who starts with him? I hope Howey can rediscover his old form!

-- Anonymous, July 29, 2000

Any news about the exchange deal for Helder with Marcelino? I think if we can somehow get Helder in and he and Goma stay healthy enough for the majority of the games, its gonna be a hard defence to go through.

-- Anonymous, July 29, 2000

It the end of the thge defence shoyuld be goma and Dabizas.

howey is useless, he has lost what ability he had when he has been injured for the last few years, and if someone offers #2m for him, take it.

I would like to see helder come in exchange for marcelino, at least we will have three class centre halves vying for the positions.

-- Anonymous, July 29, 2000

Sorry to disagree with everyone here, you obviously know a lot about football, I would however pair Goma with Hughes.

Why are we intent on turning him into another utility player like Watson? Good in a few positions, but not great anywhere.

Dabs and Howey can be the back up. Stop trying to pick people not playing with the club. You might as well pick Stam as Helder!!!

-- Anonymous, July 30, 2000

Good point, gus! I forgot about Hughes. Probably because he's not really been put into 1 role in the team. Has he ever played in the center? It would certainly be worth a look.

-- Anonymous, July 30, 2000

He either plays centre half or R full back for his country.

-- Anonymous, July 31, 2000

Totally agree Gus Hughesy and Goma , Aaron is a class act and has done all is asked of him by the club so far including man marking the slippery bugger Totti . The lad needs to be the key player at the back this season , he is young and good enough , definitely my starting pair .

-- Anonymous, July 31, 2000

According to one of the papers, if Celta Vigo beat Villa in the Inter Toto, they'll be able to afford Marcelino. My pref would be Goma/Helder and failing that, Goma/Hughes.

-- Anonymous, July 31, 2000