Well it looks like we will be offloading Howey and Ferguson, reaping in about 6-8 million in the process.

I've heard that Bobby is eyeing a left-back and another midfielder.

What worries me is the centre of defence. With Howey and Helder gone we look a bit bare in terms of experienced defenders. I'm sure YBR thinks that Hughes can provide cover, but after that we only really have the Caldwell bros and Beharall. Is this enough?

I'd prefer 5 mill of this money going on a player like Ehiogu, who would probablyu cost more I know, but that type of player. Somebody who has been in the Prem for a few years and knows the ins and outs of most attackers in the league.

Defensively we always seem to suffer. With the midfield and forwards we have/had we could always manage to score under YBR. Looking back at last season, a couple of the most disappointing games were against West ham and Bradford when we were a couple of goals up and threw the game away or drew. These are the games which wouod have seen us climb up the table and push for Europe.

Sure we were all glad to avoid relegation but the prmoise was there for all to see.

-- Anonymous, August 11, 2000

Answers

There was even some PROMISE as well!

-- Anonymous, August 11, 2000

Even if Howey stays I have real concerns about our defence.
I still believe that all our present CB's are reasonable support players who need to play alongside a commanding centre-half, eg Gary Pallister in his hey-day.

I have to admit that I really can't think of a suitable acquisition who could solve this problem.
Ugo Ehiogu is almost certainly the best available in the UK, but I just have a niggling concern about him - especially at the asking price of #8mm. I actually quite like Gareth Southgate as a defender, but again he's a support CB, IMO.

-- Anonymous, August 11, 2000

There's no English guy out there with the experience and the quality that WE can afford. As you say Clarky I think we need a Tony Adams/Colin Hendry type figure when they were about 28-29.

Other than that it would have to be a foreigner and I can't really see that working.

-- Anonymous, August 11, 2000

Ronnie touting Helder up for a return in place of Howey. One talented crock for another? This would give us Goma, Helder, Marcelino, Dabs and Hughes as centre halfs. There's only Dabs who's played enough in his position for us to make a proper judgement. What do folk *really* think of Goma or Marcelino?

-- Anonymous, August 11, 2000

Marcy will soon be away, leaving Dabs, Goma and Hughes. Helder and Goma would make a good paring IMHO with Dabs as back-up and for the more physical oppositions. I think Hughes will end up a fullback.

-- Anonymous, August 11, 2000

I thought Hughes would end up a decent right back for someone. If Griffin continues to steer clear of injury I can't see Hughes making it at NUFC, other than as a covering Centre Back.

Not sure about Helder, too injury prone. YBR must be selling Howey because of his injuries because when he is fit and has had a decent run in the first team he's more than good enough for the premiership.

Goma will make it this year I hope, he has all the right qualities, he just needs a good run in the side without injury. Marcellino will go back to Spain, a pity seeing as we paid so much money for him and soon enough the premiership will be crying out for defenders who can command, pass a ball and defend against movement into space and not just make tackles.

Goma and Dabs this year by the looks of it. Dabs is great for his attitude and physical play but still gives me the heebie jeebies whenever we really can't afford to concede a goal.

-- Anonymous, August 11, 2000

Still no Domi in the squad for the Spanish trip? This is where Hughes is so valuable, mind you so was Steve Watson

-- Anonymous, August 11, 2000

If YBR was that interested in Dacourt earlier this year he must feel he needs a defensive midfielder. I assume Bassedas is not this type of player. So unless YBR has changed his mind, will the money from the sales of Howey and Dunc go on a midfielder.

-- Anonymous, August 11, 2000

I agree about the pity of Marcelino, when ever I've watched him he is definitely a commanding figure and could be just what we are in need of. However, I think that bolt is shot as it would take too many games for him to get his confidence back. The money I reckon will go on Helder.

-- Anonymous, August 12, 2000

I'm probably out of step (again!) with many on here, but I wouldn't invest much in Helder - say no more than #1million - as he is clearly injury prone.

Having sold Howey for only #2mm, why would we go and pay the same, or more, for a player who is equally njury-prone?

It is probably more important in defence than anywhere else to establish a settled team - you simply cannnot do that with injury-prone players.

-- Anonymous, August 12, 2000

clarky, this new spreadsheet I've been working on informs me that Helder appeared in 12 out of a potential 30 games for us last season: he makes Dunc look like Mr Motivator...

-- Anonymous, August 12, 2000

I hope Bobby goes and surprises us all by signing Gareth Barry from Villa. I don't care how much it would cost.

Well actually I do. I'd seetle for * million for Barry.

That would give us Barry & Goma starting, and Dabizas and Hughes on the bench. If we succumb to the plague of injuries cuased, no doubt by Steph snapping the whole first team squad, then we still have Beherall, and the Caldwell brothers as cover.

The added Bonus would be that Barry could also cover Domi as Barry has a very good left foot.

-- Anonymous, August 13, 2000