THIS IS WOR YEAR.

This is not a typo predicting a resumption of hostilities in The Gulf but a thread you can all join in and boot Dougal's "depression" thread way down the list faster than the Mackems sank down the league when the great McMenemy was in charge.

This is a time for optimism, and anticipation. We are undefeated, haven't dropped a single point, and have a virgin season laid before us (steady there Gav) with all those games to be won. If you can't be optimistic at this stage then there is no hope. There must be no room for depression or "realism" before a ball has been kicked or a Shearer sent off for looking menacingly at an opponent.

We have a great squad, (6th best last season following YBR's arrival) which has been augmented by some astute YBR signings. We have a magnificent new stadium, and the finest fans in the World.

Bobby Robson walks on water and has succeeded everywhere he has gone in a distinguished managerial career. He has succeeded at huge clubs like Barca and at the other end of the scale with the limited resources of Ipswich and England. (-;

I confidently predict that the arrival of the Micro-Softie must also portend great things. Screacher's hedge clippers have a razor sharp edge (he's been practising on his hair), Gav has bought a year's supply of Viagra (not needed of course but it's good to have something in hand he tells me), and Softie is working hard on that huge erection of his in the dining room. (His gym equipment). Uriah Rennie has been banished from the Premier. Surely nothing can stop us.

THIS IS WOR YEAR.

This time I'm sure of it. (-;

(Actually I did toy with the idea of "This Is The Season" as the acronym could serve a dual purpose if we screw up yet again.)

-- Anonymous, August 18, 2000

Answers

Well that's this season well and truly b*gg*r*d then isn't it. Sadly, as the table stands at present, Arse are top and we are just above the drop zone. But at least we are ahead the Mackems whoh down there scrapping it out with Spurs and West Ham. Even Southampton are above them! I'm sure we'll end up nearer the Arse than the bottom.

-- Anonymous, August 18, 2000

Hey, I said it was gonna be wor millennium and look where that got us.

-- Anonymous, August 18, 2000

Haven't felt as pessimistic about a new season for 10 years - but hey, where has optimism ever got us?

Despite everything can't say I'm not excited. Good luck to everyone on this BB for the forthcoming Season. Even if we win nowt we're sure to have some fun along the way.

-- Anonymous, August 18, 2000

I'm not entirely sure we'll win anything this season, but I do think it's going to be better than the past few. At least we won't be worrying about relegation. A top 10 finish for sure and hopefully a spot in Europe. Now should we beat MoanU on Sunday, I will of course be shouting about us winning everything this season. ;-)

-- Anonymous, August 18, 2000

Spot on DSS. I'll still have my private celebration when we are mathematically safe from relegation.

Even if we win nowt? Even WHEN we win nowt it'll be fun along the way to meet with and suffer with the loyalest football supporters the world has ever seen.

THERE'S ONLY ONE UNITED!

-- Anonymous, August 18, 2000

'Jonno toys with TITS.'

Roll up, roll up, read all about it

-- Anonymous, August 18, 2000

Oh oh Jonno,

Haven't I seen TIWY before? If memory serves me correct about when we just bought the blonde bombsite Andrea Andersson?

Oh bloody hell.

-- Anonymous, August 19, 2000