I wonder where Cort & Cordone's 'favoured' positions are then ?!?

I must say I was extremely surprised by the team Bobby put out. On paper at least it has to rate as one of the more attacking-minded formations to step out at OT for some time. Shame it didn't pan out that way, especially 2nd half when the changed formation yielded a bit of possession. There was the unexpected 5 at the back, with out-of-favour (not?) Marcelino in the critical sweeper role and right-footed Aaron starting at LWB in place of Domi (not 100% yet still on the bench I think?? Please explain...).

I didn't believe we might actually strat off by playing 5-2-3 (as Andy Gray had us marked down for pre-match), but I tell you what he wasn't a million miles off the mark ! No surprise then that Speed and the General were running around like blue-arsed flies trying to stem the Heath tide. I reckon they did reasonably well too in very difficult circumstances, considering how little Cordone, Bartinho and Hughes were able to link with them. Wazza was way too busy having proverbial kittens every time Giggs weaved at him with pace. Did Aaron keep Beckham quiet, or was mini-Keane just being quiet ?

Second half saw some decent spells of possession which we did precious little with. Poor Kieron Dyer still appears to have few ideas what he should be doing or where. I'm sure that will change, but again he looked to struggle for ideas when not able to run onto a through ball at speed. Nobby at least provided a (little) bit of motion and tried to initiate a few one-twos in the inside right channel, but does anyone yet understand what his & Dyer's roles are when on the pitch at the same time ? I'd personally like to see us try YKD wide on the right, with Nobby given the chance to play creative central midfielder. Unless of course YBR signs someone who actually plays that position :o)

Not sure I can argue too much with the final score. Thankfully Heath were a touch average themselves, not that you would know from the media fawning all over them surprise surprise. Things could have been very, very different if we'd been playing anyone with the faintest idea how to unpick a defence. Unfortunately the most favoured option time and again was chipping it towards Shearer, who Stam yet again had in his back pocket I'm afraid to say.

If all that sounds unduly negative then it isn't supposed to. I was expecting nothing from the fixture so aren't unduly disappointed. I was actually sitting there towards the end thinking overall that we appear in much better shape than this time last year ... only for Andy Gray to come out with exactly the same comment a few minutes later. Aaaaaah !!!

-- Anonymous, August 20, 2000

Answers

Your comment on Barton had me laughing. So true. He worked hard, but every time Giggs took off, Barton looked desperate to just get out of his way rather than actually try to stop him.

According to Bobby, he was trying to play Cort wide right. Can't remember where he was trying to play Cordone. In the midst of the announcer's verbal floods, he noted towards the end of the game that we'd lost our shape. Funny, cause I hadn't noticed much up to that point anyway. ;-)

True, though, we did do well to not lose by a much larger score. And there is definitely hope for the future as far as our attacking options go. I think that will come good. It's the defense that really worries me. As for Dyer and Solano, there was a period last season where he was operating more forward and seemed to have a nice partnership going with Solano and Barton on the right. It got messed up when Solano got injured then started Peru duty.

-- Anonymous, August 20, 2000

Loony & Ciara - Agree!

We had no shape, Marcelino looked ordinary at sweeper was he in the shop window (scratch and dent sale?!)

As for midfield loony creative central midfielder I see Bassedas in that position with either Speed / Lee in the centre, Solano / Dyer on the right but god knows who on the left.

Poor old Cordone (what was with that hair?) looked like a lost sheep on the left side of attack. Better off having Shearer & Cort up front with two wingers providing the service, Cort is a big lad and should be reasonably dangerous with the head as we all know big Al is.

I think our best option in defence would be Domi at left, Dabizas and Hughes or Goma in the centre and Barton at right or perhaps Dyer as a right wing back.

Things will get better, in Bobby I trust. Bring on the Sheep

-- Anonymous, August 21, 2000

Well I`m pleased that one is out of the way - OK we start the season with a defeat, but it might have been worse. I thought ManU looked as though they still had several gears they could have used. Best behaviour seemed to be the order of the day, and it was good to see no nastiness or major fouls by either team. Despite the two goals, I thought Shay had a good game. Other than that, no-one stood out. Not sure about the wisdom of fielding what looked like such an attacking team. Yes we did mount some attacks, but most of the time we were being pushed out of shape. Bit unfair to judge the new players yet - except to say that either Cordone will have to change hairdressers, or else he will have to be very, very good to get away with that stupid hairdo!(:o)

-- Anonymous, August 21, 2000

Sahy played well, Hughes seemed to get forward an amazing amount and must also have contributed to lack of appearance from SPice Boy. Centre-halves were hopeless. Standing off for the headed goal, then standing off even further for the Cole goal. Marcelino is appalling. Midfield tried to compete but wasn't up to it. Dyer did make a big difference. Shearer and Cort were completely anonymous. Cordone is the new long- haired Ketsbaia, without the hard shot.

-- Anonymous, August 21, 2000

All the positive expectancy gone out the window for another season. We have to admit it, in four years we have replaced first class players with also-rans in nearly every position.

-- Anonymous, August 21, 2000

The whole team was to put it mildly, overwhelmed. Thought Given had a great game. The defence was, well, our defence. Midfield was non-existing until Dyer and Solano came in to play "I thought you would run in to that space" and what is up with the off-side wanderings between Cort and Cordone. Both must be thinking they were playing hockey which got rid of off-side a few years back.

But on the up-side, there is 37 games for us to win and there were signs, little, little signs, that we can play good passing football in the very near future. So all's not lost and we will turn on the power come Wednesday.

-- Anonymous, August 21, 2000

Probably just as well the bbs was down last night and I couldn't post my initial reaction.

On reflection, I believe we were beaten before we left the dressing room, and found the entire experience utterly depressing. We lacked passion, organisation and inspiration, and the sum total of our ambition seemed to be to keep the score down.

Everyone, including BR, is now parroting that "the season starts here". Well I'm sorry gang, but for one zebra at least, the season started yesterday at OT and it was an uninspiring, in fact depressing experience.

New season: same joke defending in pre-season friendlies and now in the real thing. Our CB's are clowns, and just playing more of them is NOT the answer. This ferrago has been going on for so long now that is just isn't amusing anymore, and it's about bloody time it was sorted out - these players are simply not good enough.

Better stop now before I really get going. It can only get better from here, presumably?

-- Anonymous, August 21, 2000

Agree on the defence, Clarky. As I said to Rog yesterday, the last commanding centre-back we had was Glenn Roeder! Goma looked no great shakes, but I'd sooner have taken the Marcellino off at h-t. Bobby's said he sees Hughes as a centre-back. Fine - he may be a better option there, but he'll need a Stam/Hendry/Adams figure next to him - we basically need a captain in defence.

As for the debutants, I thought Cordone did ok in the circumstances, ditto Cort who seems at least to have half a brain. Unfortunately they were both brushed off the ball too easily.

Seamus was excellent, other than that it was the same old story of backs to goal attacking and no movement off the ball. Let's see how they gerron at new SuperStJames'...

-- Anonymous, August 21, 2000

The first half we were woeful. The back 3 lost every thing that was thrown at them and gave their players far too much time on the ball. I thought Speed had a shocker and the midfield in general was just not up to the task. Maybe when Cordone learns the offside rule and the team gets a good dose of controlled aggression we will be able to compete at that level. Last season at St James we didnt give them an inch and got at them. Last night even Keane wasnt whinging!!!

To Slack

To Soft

-- Anonymous, August 21, 2000

Better late than never.

Pre-match build-up

Sunday dawned with great anticipation - the waiting was almost over and the new season was going to begin for real. Saturday was just a warm-up for the resy of the Premiership. Nowt to get excited about. But today will be different. The sun was shining as I got into the usual pre-match rituals. Jeans pressed, B&W boxers ready, team shirt pressed and a hedge to cut, not to mention doing some grass. My lad has just started a new job in Manchester and I'd managed to procure a ticket for him too. It's a long time since he's been to a Toon match and hopefully this will be the start of many more to come. Of course, there's no substance in the rumour that the only reason I got him a ticket was to ensure I could have a lift to the match. That wouldn't be right!

Sadly, the Unofficial NUFC BBS (http://www.greenspun.com/bboard/q-and-a-challenge.tcl?topic=Unofficia l%20Newcastle%20United%20Football%20Club%20BBS) was down on Saturday night and Sunday morning so I was unable to catch the latest gossip from my cyber-mates. However a quick trawl thru the rags found no substantial Newcastle stories or rumours so I'd have to wait for the banter in the pub. The hedge went well and hopefully bodes well for a good result. The grass was OK too if a bit wet. I wonder how the rest are doing with their pre-match superstitions?

The Pub

As is the norm for games at Old Trafford, I usually meet up with some mate in The Bridge Inn in Sale, a mere 2 stops on the metro from OT. This time it was only Josh & his mate Tony as well as #1 son and me. We'd also arranged to meet up with Lancaster Red and his mates. Last time we met LR was up the Strawberry after a very satisfying afternoon's entertainment - would it be the same this time?

We left the pub and made for Dane Road tram station to be met by quite a large number of prospective passengers. A tram came in but it was jam packed and nobody got on. Another 10 minutes or so and the story was repeated. Hmm - lees than 30 mins to kick off and we were stuck 3 or 4 miles away. LR needed to meet upi with Jools from the Red Issue (sounds like something Dr Bill should be treating) to collect a ticket for his mate. We tried calling all the local cab firms but there was nothing available so we just had to wait for another tram to come along. Strange isn't it - on a day when over 67,000 folks want to get to a single place within a very short period, the tram company don't see fit to lay on bigger 4-car trams at more frequent intervals. You'd almost think they weren't supposed to be providing a service.

Anyway, we finally got to OT, LR met up with Jools and we only missed the first 2 minutes so no great problem.

The match

Old Trafford has had a bit of work done since the last time we were there and it was looking pretty good in the August sunshine. We were in the away corner as usual and it was great to be back with the Toon Army and their Geordie roar. It's moments like this I treasure for the rest of my life. The Toon Army on tour are just fantastic!

We lined up with 5 at the back (Barton, Goma, Marcelino, Dabizas and Hughes). Understandable when you're playing away to ManU but we also had 3 up front (Shearer, Cort and Cordone). By my simple maths, that left 2 in the middle (Lee and Speed). Even if Cordone dropped back, we appeared to be light in the middle of the park and that worried me.

Not surprisingly, after a period of sussing out what was going on, ManU turned up the pressure and we started toget swamped in midfield. Not for the first time, a clearance from defence went to a red shirt and another attack was started. After 20 minutes, the ball ran out wide on the right and went out for a corner which Posh Spice's old man took. The corner was met by one of the Premiership's less asthetic players (OK, they've got quite a few - I'll give you a clue - he's Dutch) who powered his header goalwards only for Shay to make a great save, tipping the ball over.

However, relief was short lived. From the ensuing corner on the left, Beckham's cross this time was met by Ronnie Johnsen who rose unchallenged to head goalwards. Given again made a great effort but the header was too powerful and accurate and he only managed to push it into the top corner of the goal. We had three centre-backs, plus Hughes and we had let them have two headers on target in less than a minute. Bah! The only consolation being that if Steve Howey had still been with us it wouldn't have made any difference at all. Given might be a great shot-stopper but I wonder about his command of the area?

With no midfield to talk about, the play was all one way - at the end away from us. Another clearance fell straight to Scholes about 25 yds out in the middle of the park. Well, that was two - nil wasn't it. But no. Shay made yet another brilliant stop to thwart the Reds. But still more sustained pressure, and Giggs, probably MotM was thru in the inside left channel with only Given to beat but his shot rebounded off the post and to safety. Miraculously, we went in only 1 down, but it could have been 2 or 3 more.

Although playing 3 up front had stopped the Neville's marauding down the wings, 3 big central defenders against Cole and Sheri Teddingham had left us wanting in midfield and it was no surprise that YBR brought on Little Kevin Dyer for the second half instead of Goma. We were so far away from the first half action to say whether there had been much difference between Goma and Marcelino's performances, but with Goma having received the game's only yellow card, he was probably a better choice to be replaced.

At least we now had more shape in midfield, playing 4 at the back and 3 or 4 in midfield (with Cordone acting as link). We enjoyed our best period of play early in the second half and only a great save from the mad Frenchman stopped Rob Lee levelling the scores. At least he got a powerful shot on target which is the first I can remember in a long time! We made more attackes, but saw Shearer, Cort or Cordone caught offside far too often. Whether this was bad running or delayed passing, I can't say, but professional footballers should be able to beat that trick more than we did.

YBR made a further change, replacing Rob Lee with Nobby Solano. I was surprised Solano was on the bench as I thought he'd have been too knackerd after turning out for Peru in midweek and I had expected young Gavilan to be there instead. However, this didn't help a lot although it did give us extra width. Looking from out vantage point at the "left back corner" it was obvious to me that Hughes was struggling as an outlet down the left. His inability or reluctance to play the ball with his left foot meant that any movement thru him had to be checked when he came in onto his right and I'd have brought on Domi in his place. Presumably YBR didn't feel Domi was fit enough to withstand the running of Beckham? ManU had no such problem,even with Phil "I don't give penalties away at Old Trafford" Neville at LB. His lack of a left foot is as marked as Hughes', but without any wide right player, we simply couldn't expose it as much as they did to us.

A slick interpassing move by ManU ended with Cole beating his marker to the ball and slotting in number 2 past Given. Soon afterwards, Cole and Sheringham were replaced by Yorke and Solskjaer - not a bad pairing to come off the bench. Certainly enough to keep Dabizas and Marcelino busy for the rest of the game. With a closer view in the second half, I thought Marcelino had a decent game. Individually, the players have skills, but there seems a lack of cohesion, no matter which pairing we have.

In the end, we were comfortably beaten, but not comprehensively like last year. IMHO, YBR got it wrong in therms of team selection and formation. However, I'm sure he'll still have more success in the game than I ever would. It's easy to say with hindsight, but having such a lightweight midfield cost us the game. I don't think 3 CBs were needed against a mobile attack and it would have been better to have had Solano on from the start - assuming he was fit enough after his travels.

When Bassedas, Griffen and Domi are fit, this could help. At present we appear to be a team of individuals rather than working as a unit. Compare this with other EPL sides of less able players but better cohesion and you can see what a job YBR has to do. Still, he's better able to do that than his predecessor was and it's still early days. Three points on Wednesday and again on Saturday will do us nicely and are not out of the question. By which time, we will be most watched team in the country - over 67,000 at OT followed by 2 full hooses at SJP will make it over 170,00 spectators in less than a week. Crikey - it takes me back to the good old days!

The Crowd

It was great to be in among such a large crowd. The atmosphere both inside the ground, outside and in the pub was very good and I saw no sign of trouble whatsoever. The stewards didn't get aggressive (unlike last year) and surprisingly, we were let out as soon as the final whistle had blown. Clearly, despite a defeat, we were in a better mood than last year when we were harsly done by and they felt it safe to allow us to mingle. We had some good company in the pub - both LR and his mates and some "real Mancunians" joined us in post-match banter.

However, the best point of the whole day for me was being able to sit next to my lad who has thus far only been an armchair member of the Toon Army. Despite this, being a Newcastle supporter is something which is clearly passed on in the genes. Given the fact that he was schooled in Manchester among City and United fans and Further Educated a stone's throw away from Villa Park, it was great to see and hear him getting into the full swing of things. We're already looking forward to the match at Maine Road and with the increased capacity at SJP, I'm hoping he'll make it to a few home games too. All I have to do now is wait for the latent genes to work their way thru in #2 son and him to become a fully-fledged member of the Toon Army. Howay me Bonnie Lads!

-- Anonymous, August 21, 2000

Defensively cack. Surely we can do better. Agree with Clarky that the answer is not having more poor players on the pitch. Marcelino is pathetic, but what worried me more was knowing that Charvet was on the bench. Thank god for Shay. Will be better on Wednesday, which is our second game of the season, not the first as some people think. Also thought Hughes played well but those two apart we looked toothless. No 'back wheels' in evidence. Wednesday must be better...

-- Anonymous, August 21, 2000

A great story Screach., glad you enjoyed the day (apart from the result!), I assume you passed on Jonno's regards to 'you know who'? ;-)

I'm a little confused with this bit; "Given the fact that he was schooled in Manchester among City and United fans", which "United" are you referring to or, was your son at boarding school with some chaps from the Home Counties?

:-7

-- Anonymous, August 21, 2000

Screach....do U take notes?:-)

-- Anonymous, August 21, 2000

Spot on Clarky. Outclassed in nearly every department. That garbage down the road beating the arse didn't help, either.

-- Anonymous, August 21, 2000

Moaning Minnies! Manchester United are not Sheffield Wednesday. We didn't win the League at a canter last season. We were playing a side that murders you if you try to play an open game and yet, despite all these reports that we were completely outclassed and the suicidal ramblings on here today, held it tight enough that they only scored from a set-piece in the first half and looked second best for long stretches of the second half until they caught us on the break - the risk you run when you open things up.

Facing a highly mobile, perfectly integrated, settled team was our group of this week's fit players and some new faces. YBR sensibly opted for 3 at the back, 2 wingbacks to either cover their wingers (Beckham and Giggs, you may have heard of them) and had 2 midfield stoppers in Speed and Lee with Shearer up front as lone target man and Cort and Cordone alternately providing support or width.

Despite all the bleating, our 'useless' defence narrowed most approaches so that Given could cover the shot and restricted them to a bombardment of shots from distance against Given (who saves them all day) and only 3 corners (with an inevitable soft goal). Having leaked a goal we didn't roll over and die (as so many teams do) but brought on Dyer for an injection of pace and creativity. Immediate dividends with us getting plenty more possession and everyone bar the commentators reckoned we were good for an equalizer. The knackered Rob Lee was replaced by Solano who spurned a glorious opportunity to centre for Shearer and Cort who were unmarked in front of goal. This was one of many chances that went begging, usually because the 2 new lads were caught offside - something that can be worked on (at least they weren't hiding).

The price for pushing for the eaqualizer was that we ended up being caught on the break and Given had Cole through in a one-on-one. At this point you really miss Harper who is much better in these situations (as Shay's sendings off and missed blocks testify), but it's a chance which you back the striker to come off best in.

I don't see anything to be ashamed of. I didn't see us get "brushed aside" or "humiliated". They beat us 2-0 and everyone was wanking over their performance. So what? If we beat them again at SJP this season it'll be honours even. As for changing the centre backs, that hasn't done us any good whatsoever to date. Choose 2 of those 3 and give them an extended run. At least we've dispensed with viewing Howey as first choice when he was fit since that lent no stability at all. If Ferguson was horrified by Bruce and Pallister when they first started playing as a pair, and everyone thought Stam was a joke when he first arrived, perhaps we ought to cut our defenders some slack.

There was no capitulation until the second went in. Stam did a faultless job on Shearer and you ought to be a bit more upbeat that Cordone and Cort were giving us options despite our previous lone option being marked out of the game. Dyer was infinitely more focused than he was in far too many games last season, and worked really effectively in some slick passing manouevres that certainly cheered me up after some of the turgid shit we've had to watch.

Niall and Biffa summed it up perfectly when they said "we'll play worse than that and win this season". Sense of perspective badly needed by many and doubtlessly provided on Wednesday. Pull yourselves together. Pay no attention to the commentators and press who had decided before a ball had been kicked that this game was solely about showing whether or not Man Utd are going to win the League by 18 points again. Barthez hoofing the ball straight to Given is no longer a case of a moronic keeper giving the ball away, it's now a case of, "Oh my God! Did you see that? What an incredible player Barthez is, he launched that fully 80 yards!" Jesus! You take anything those twats say seriously and you're in serious trouble

-- Anonymous, August 21, 2000

LR - nah mate. Straight off the top of me heed - which is why it's a bit thin!

-- Anonymous, August 21, 2000

I am resigned to the fact that we must perm a decent defensive partnership from the players we have. Not one of our defendes could be accused of being over-confident at this stage.

Play 4-4-2 or 4-3-3 or whatever but we should pick a back four and stick with it, no matter what. Some positive press will ensue and some confidence will come.

Barton and Domi must start as full backs if fit and Dabizas must start despite always giving me the heebies when he's defending, at least he gives his all. I'd prefer to see Goma make it, but given yesterday's performance Marcellino may well shade it. He played on with a broken finger when many would have expected him to seek his route out of a had game. Give him a run and if he is still crap play Goma but he must be allowed to prove himself if fit.

Let Goma play in the reserves and work on his game, he lost Johnsen for the goal but maybe Johnsen was Marcellino's man. His tackling as suspect and could have easily given a penalty away.

We need to beat Derby and I think we will with a totally more postive performance. Daniel Cordone, he of the dodgy barnet could prove to be an excellent left winger if we could mould him there.

-- Anonymous, August 21, 2000

Erm, what was that, Shearer didn't get in the game as he was on his own. Cordone looked like Tino, good in patches. Cort and Shearer should play together, we all know what Shearer can do with a big man (wait for the comments) next to him and the midfield was poor. I thought that was far too much of an attacking side for old Trafford. We'd have been better of playing 10 behind the ball at least we may have had a chance of getting a point.

I was very very dissapointed and I think that Bobby got it horrendously wrong with his line up. There I've said it now. Go ahead and shoot me! But I'm sure he won't do it again.

-- Anonymous, August 21, 2000

Well said Softie

I must admit that after reading the papers and the bbs this morning I came to the conclusion that I had gone to the wrong pub and watched a video of an entirely different game.

United played very well and threatened for long periods despite being the away team. We had 3 or 4 attempts on goal before the first of the 2 fatally defended corners, which resulted in Heath's first attempt on goal.

According to one report on here (from a most unreliable source mind) we were "ripped apart". Ripped apart 1-0! I think one can talk about ripped apart when it gets to 3-0 or (say)5-0 but at 0-1 we were still in the match and were the better side for long periods although you would not think so if you were listening to the commentary.

Lots of promise there. It was excellent to see us mounting some good attacks and getting people forward. Looking at Andy Gray's "expert" analysis at the outset his red crayon showed all our players running backwards but fortunately YBR had other ideas and we had some good chances which were enough to have saved the game or even better.

It was not to be and so the predictable result occured. We were not outclassed and there is every chance that this will be a very good season.

Only 3 points behind the leaders and they still have to come to SJP ... (-;

-- Anonymous, August 21, 2000

Despite not expecting anything I was always hopeful and today I am a little deflated (and hungover). I've never seen Giggs so effective, poor Barton was worried sick. Wednesday will be better.

-- Anonymous, August 21, 2000

Galaxy, can I take you up on something.... "it was good to see no nastiness or major fouls by either team" This is not good, from the off we allowed Keane to get on with things in acres of space, he should have been bounced around by Speed, Shearer, Cort & Lee for the first 20 mins, we know he's on the edge & we should have not just given him a nudge but kicked him over the precipice for good. All our lads should have been instructed to wind him up & we just stood off him.

-- Anonymous, August 21, 2000

The bloke next to me said..and I quote "It's a shame...I'd like to see Dyer in a better side...no, change that to decent side". Sums it up really. ANYONE who was there would have thought...SHIT...Newcastle are gonna get hammered. Your keeper did well, your captain tried and your manager showed his tactical awareness...Dyer DID go forward bless him...but just what was he gonna do?

Didn't Arsenal hammer Sunderland and still lost?

Face it Jonno....just HOW big is the gap between us?..And all that with half the team home bred....Giggs, Scholes, Beckham, Wallwork, Neville and Neville. Miles behind..and U know it.

-- Anonymous, August 21, 2000

That Matt Lorenzo on Goals on Sunday kept calling US United. Bless him. Robbie Earle wa very mealy-mouthed about Cort, LR, you've almost no bairns coming, through, though. You've sold the best of them to Derby County.

-- Anonymous, August 21, 2000

>>>>>Face it Jonno....just HOW big is the gap between us?..

Hahaha.

THAT is the absolutely typical comment I have always come to expect from the Glory Hunters who follow Heath usually from the comfort of their armchairs. All my life I've been subjected to it, from schoolmates who would not go to SJP and support the local team and in every job I've had in all parts of the country. It is, of course, water off a duck's back. I'm a football fan and respect my opponents who usually have to go through much of the same misery I have to. I've travelled on the same train having hammered the opposition and commiserated with them and had a laugh. I have never resorted to the appalling in-your-face taunting which is so typical of the Heath fan. "We are better than you - nya-nya-nya" etc. Utterly childish.

Now to answer you question LR, on the basis of this year's results, the difference is one goal (3-2) - in our favour - but I'm not gloating. (-;

-- Anonymous, August 21, 2000

Great report Screacher.

Whilst watching the Sky coverage in a pub I got sandwiched between a smoggie, a mackem, a newton heath fan, and a bloke from wallsend, which was, ermm, interesting. For what its worth I thought we played well in patches but have defensive problems too serious too gloss over. Are Goma or Marcellino capable of playing at this level in England? I'm beginning to wonder. Perhaps Softie is right and one of them needs a run of games with Dabs but lets not pretend they're not struggling. Hughes as LB doesn't seem to be working either. We showed enough quality to go into Wednesday's game with confidence though. 3 points, a bit of belief, and whatever signings Wor'Bobby has up his sleave could work wonders.

PS Thanks to all the Toon Army present for the spirited rendition of 'You'll never walk alone', excellent.

-- Anonymous, August 21, 2000

Hey Jonno..THAT wasn't a gloat. Ask yer mates Screach or Josh if I gloated. It's U mate..U make it so easy for me.

-- Anonymous, August 21, 2000

"U're" in denial LR, that's all it is....

And for God's sake stop typing 'U', we already know you're stupid but you really don't have to broadcast your illiteracy....

min

-- Anonymous, August 21, 2000

To Dave le Freak.

I know what you are saying, we did give Keane too much space. I would have a preference for seeing us play them off the park though, rather than goading someone into getting themselves sent off. Just my humble opinion though! I do think it is good to see a game of football with no (or one I think it was) cards being shown for temper tantrums and OTT challenges.(:o)

-- Anonymous, August 21, 2000

Oh for loveley attacking football, I'm right with you but we weren't at the races. I don't mind losing if we play flowing pass & move stuff but we just weren't up to the job and in such a case we need to make up for our shortfalls with effort & guille. Knowing the temperement of Keane we should have been closing, shoving & being firm but fair with our challenges. Once Keane loses it, they fold.

-- Anonymous, August 21, 2000

Screach.

Did LR remember my book?

-- Anonymous, August 21, 2000

Pilgrim - yes.

-- Anonymous, August 21, 2000

Oi LR, what's all this stuff about half your team being home bred? The Nevilles come from Bury and that's at least 10 miles from Manchester! Beckham was nicked from some cockney club and Giggs (who shows his Manchester origins by his affinity with sheep(!)) was nicked from Man City. "Home bred" means born within spittin' distance of OT, not bloody miles beyond the M62. Come on lad, play the game.

-- Anonymous, August 21, 2000

Well, they're all from a lot closer than the fa.. - nah, better not say owt. Dunx might cut me off in my

-- Anonymous, August 21, 2000

Oooooh! Thin ice there Jonno mate given our own record! :o))

-- Anonymous, August 21, 2000

Sorry Jonno, that should of course have said Jacko (hope we don't get a Jillo on here or I've no chance)!

-- Anonymous, August 21, 2000

"Half our team being inbred" would appear more fitting, what with those Neville's, Scholes, Giggs (if he lived in certain countries, he'd need a 'special' pass book!)

:-7

-- Anonymous, August 21, 2000

Anybody read the report on the orificial s*ite? I can understand mixing up Speed with Lee (well, almost understand). But Barton and Goma? Alain Goma centre partin'. Nah, doesn't have the same sort of ring does it?

-- Anonymous, August 22, 2000

Jacko....I understand now...I really do. But let me just try ands get it over to yiou EXACTLY what home-grown means...oh boy!!!! It means that we get them raw...maybe local..maybe not..but THEY ALL came through the schoolboy books....geddit?..Now play the bleedin' game will ya.

-- Anonymous, August 22, 2000