Without wishing to ignore all those who witnessed the debacle yesterday and have the opportunity to watch NUFC more regularly than me, I feel way more optimistic than at any other time in the last three years As I mentioned to Clarky and other bbsers in the Strawberry before Spurs that I was worried and we would get turned over. For me, if we got into double figures after the first 6 games, bearing in mind the injuries YBR is having to carry I would be delighted.

1.We have a squad without the services of YBRs major summer signings in Cort and Bassesdas, as well as Glass, Lee, Barton and Dabizas. ALL of these six would be challenging for a starting place and will ad some quality and depth when fit. Few sides, let alone ours would cope with this number out. Remove the same numbers and personel from Boro or the Mackems and both would go down. Clarkys point about consistency is a fair one  but consistency with selection has been impossible due to the inability of the Toon to go through a week without picking up a knock or two. 2. YBR is on record as saying he needs more depth  and despite the confusion over the transfer market, he may go add sooner rather than later. Ancuna, Lua-Lua and Dailly the latest links. In this area I have total faith as he will not waste money as our previous incumbents have. If Dailly is seen as a good defensive addition then in YBR I trust. He would not waste #3mil in a panic buy.We need a scrapper in the middle. Unsure if Bassedas fits this  but I doubt it  and more results like Saturdays will happen unless we get one . Is Ancuna the answer? Certainly Rob Lees inability over the last 12 months to shake off knocks is a constant reminder we need extra in this area and fast 3. Bobbys ability to offload has been as important as anything and the fact that he has got rid of much of the deadwood has been crucial. Des Hamilton on the bench on Saturday was scary. Is he the last of the bunch? 4. I spent the weekend at my in-laws golden wedding amongst Arsenal, Spurs, West Ham and Coventry fans. The Toons reputation has been restored. We are regarded highly again and no-one seems to relish playing us. Their was a genuine respect for the side- one which surprised even me. Many more plusses than minuses.

-- Anonymous, September 17, 2000

Answers

When all our players are fit, we can compete will all except one team in the league. Hopefully in a year or two our youngsters will be shinning and we can again challange the top team in the land. in the meantime, best to stick with who we have untill the transfer situation is resolved.

I hear that Newcastle are one of three clubs looking at Inter Milans, Seedorf and West, waddya all reckon to either of those guys?

-- Anonymous, September 17, 2000

Taribo West is major trouble on and off the pitch. Wouldn't touch him with a proverbial. Seedorf's no angel either, but he is such a beautiful footballer I'd have to say if there is any remote chance he'd come here, then we should go for him.

-- Anonymous, September 18, 2000

Seedorf.....yes please. A great footballe who could perform the holding role superbly but he also has agreat shot and could get the odd goal. We'll have to see how the Acuna situation goes.

Where did the Seedorf link come from.

-- Anonymous, September 18, 2000

Seedorf? Dream on lads

-- Anonymous, September 18, 2000

Seedorf was supposed to come here during the Gullit era. It didn't happen then and it won't happen now, brilliant though it would be to have him here.

-- Anonymous, September 18, 2000