"We haven't put out our best team yet this season because Bassedas hasn't played."

Quite a glowing endorsement from Bobby. I for one can't wait to see what kind of impact he has on our play.

-- Anonymous, September 13, 2000

Answers

De Builder - where did you get this quote from?

I have to agree that the squad looks a little light in the centre of midfield at the moment. Lots of energy and skill but little vision and composure.

-- Anonymous, September 13, 2000

Ermmmm well I got it from Teamtalk but it is documented as a quote from Bobby so I suppose he must have said it at some time.

He also says how well Bassedas is settling into life in the Golden City.

-- Anonymous, September 13, 2000

I think Christian Bassedas will be the goods, I have seen him a few times in action for Argentina, not sure if it was under 23's or not, but anyway he looked awesome, excellent distribution and not scared to run with the ball either.

I'm so impressed I've got my new away shirt adorned with 10. Bassedas.

But then again last time I had a name on a shirt it was 18. Gillespie!! No, this will end up different I'm sure.

-- Anonymous, September 13, 2000

Bassedas has started light jogging and will have a scan to determine whether he can step up training. At least we can alternate him and Lee whilst both get fully fit.

-- Anonymous, September 13, 2000

re Bassedas

I think that Bassedas has been YBR's major signing to date,and Bobby must have been devastated by his pre season injury---Reason?????' Everyone knows that the main ingredient missing in the team for quite a few seasons,has been a 'playmaker'and you can be sure that this has been in his mind before he made any other major signings.The nickname for Bassedas is "The STEERING WHEEL"---that is, he is the one to give direction to the teams play,spraying passes,changing the direction of play etc Personally I can't wait to see him fully fit and running the show. Alan (aka Fifties Fan)

-- Anonymous, September 13, 2000

And not a mention of the fact that Cort is injured, YBR's other "major signing". Bad luck or what?

The choices facing Bobby when everyone is fit seem very attractive. For midfield we have Speed, Lee, Bassedas, Solano, Dyer, Gavilan plus Cordone and Gallagher who can do a job behind a lone striker when the occasion demands. I feel confident in all of these names, and that's not to mention the likes of McClenn & Kerr who are attempting to break through into the first team.

Up front there's Shearer, Cort, Cordone & Gallagher with Ameobi and Coppinger also threatening the established names (and a certain Mr Chopra registered to play and now on the fringe of reserve games).

Since TSM gave us that huge squad with weakness in depth, we have not been so blessed with such strong contenders for places. It's a great squad and a tribute to YBR's skill in moulding what we already had as well as a few (hopefully) well judged additions. A big shame we have not yet seen the TWO biggest signings get a run in the team due to injury, but we are averaging 2 points per game (title form) with this depleted squad so it bodes quite well for a half-decent season.

Bobby Robson Walks on Water.

-- Anonymous, September 13, 2000