Sums up pretty well, particularly regarding the expansive array of creative talent, Dabs and Carl Cort.

This season has got to be a better one for Newcastle United. After all the last one, at least the first half of it, couldn't have been any worse. Rob Lee without a squad number, Sunderland stealing victory in a sodden St James' Park, the cold war between Shearer and Gullit - it doesn't bear thinking about. But now that Bobby Robson's in charge, the team have a new spirit and, it seems, an understanding of how to play to a tactical design. And with the newly expanded St James' set to open it's all looking rosy for the Mags. Isn't it? Well, pretty much. There's certainly no disputing Bobby Robson's coaching credentials (although Simon Kuper made a valiant attempt in Football Against the Enemy) and Newcastle undoubtedly had a better squad of players than last season's final league position of 11th suggested.

The squad has also been improved by Robson's summer signings. Christian Bassedas and Daniel Cordone look likely to improve a midfield already crammed with the creative talents of Kieron Dyer, Nolberto Solano, Diego Gavilan and Stephen Glass (how many other Premiership clubs have can boast such a collection?). And Carl Cort should also prove to be a more consistent, if less fearsome, partner for Alan Shearer than Duncan Ferguson.

However for all the excitement elsewhere on the pitch, Newcastle's defence remains a worry. They shipped goals in pre-season and still seem to lack a first choice back five. Will it be Given or Harper in goal? Hughes or Domi at left-back? Will the talented Andy Griffin get a game? And can Robson really persist with the big-hearted, but error prone, Nikos Dabizas much longer?

There is no reason to think that Newcastle will be flirting with relegation again this season, but unless they start displaying the sort of defensive consistency that has been alien to the club since before Keegan's time, they are unlikely to gain a place in Europe. Through the league at least.

In: Christian Bassedas (Velez), Daniel Cordone (Racing Club) Carl Cort (Wimbledon).

Out: Alessandro Pistone (Everton), Carl Serrant (Sheffield Utd), Stuart Elliott (Darlington), David Cunningham (Livingston), Silvio Maric (Porto), Lionel Perez (Cambridge), Temur Ketsbaia (Wolves), Steve Howey (Man City), Duncan Ferguson (Everton).

Odds: 50-1

Football Unlimited writers' prediction: 7th

-- Anonymous, August 25, 2000