Much like Gullit, Bobby Robson has hinted that this club might be cursed with injuries. Not so daft considering our recent record and the record of players that leave this club.

This must need looking into a bit further. Is the ground they train on condusive to injuries or even the surface of St James'. Are the training methods flawed in some way?

-- Anonymous, August 25, 2000

Answers

DB i raised this point in the Strawbeery after the match . Dabizas and Cort both got non-impact injuries when having to take that extra step of pace . In my mind this means the lads arent fully fit and are therefore the coaching methods must be incorrect , its the only way to explain it .. although the curse of St James on Cordone after 9 years of no serious injuries make me wonder if there is a jinx on us .

-- Anonymous, August 25, 2000

I remember you mentioning it now. I assume you mean Dabizas when referring to years without injuries. As you point out so many of the injuries are non-impact. How many times do we see players limping off the pitch and we don't have a clue why they are coming off?

This must be worth some extensive research into the methods of training, something I'm sure Bobby is working on, but he's been here almost a year now and any changes he has made haven't helped.

So it must be something that hasn't changed at NUFC for some years!

-- Anonymous, August 25, 2000

Bassedas - re the length of time since injuries methinks.

I know it always seems to effect us worst, but I have a hunch it's just a general trend rather than Newcastle specific. Derby had more injury problems than us for example.

-- Anonymous, August 25, 2000

Only comfort is that Big Dunc is injured again, so at least he wasnt jinxed by the toon, hes just injury prone!!!

-- Anonymous, August 25, 2000

I see Pistone's 'doubtful' too. I assume they're referring to whether he'll play on the weekend or not.

-- Anonymous, August 25, 2000

Aye i meant Bassedas , i cant get Cordone out of me mind at the mo , cos hes the only buggre i can see troubling Spurs tomorra .

-- Anonymous, August 25, 2000