Maybe I should have added this on to Tony`s posting as their are obvious simalaraties in our thoughts, but I got to thinking of the debates that I, Jonno and others entered into into re the quality of what was left to Dagleish by Keegan ,prior to the Gullitt fiasco, Time flies when you get older but the gist of the debate and Jonno would back this up with transfer value for and against, plus the quality of the player at hand. I felt that the ones left were not as good as we thought, had there chance and blew it. Whether he has been put in a corner by the board or future developments it is my opinion that YBR mandate initially was, (a) Keep us up (b)If we win anything in that period, it will be a bonus, (c) Prepare for the future, in 2-3 years, we have the stadium, we have the fans, we need the team, in other words leave your successor whoever that may be a legacy, a team that has come thro the ranks together, not having to panic buy at the start of each season. Apart from Bobby`s signings which I feel were meant to keep us ticking over, its the other less reported ones I am interested in, the latest Pedro Dinez who was I am informed attracting a great deal of attention abroad. With signings such as these and 5 year contracts, Kingston Park will be a usefull place to attend this season and Tommy Craig`s role becomes more important. There are others I can mention, but I have a feeling that results being okay in their qualifying group, Steve Caldwell will din the dark blue before the black n white. Got to go off the match reports but purchases like Carl Cort are/should be a thing of the past,he is a Wimbledon type player of the Vinnie era, any part of the body as long as it goes into the net, can he play football, in my opinion no. The seed is being sown, I have waited longer than most on here, who follows Bobby is going to be a very lucky man indeed, trust me, no more heros, individuals , simply a team.

-- Anonymous, September 27, 2000

Answers

I hope you're right Buff. It was just so tantalisingly (sp) close under KK. It would be nice to see some of it starting to rub off on the first team. Little sign this season tho we're still in with a chance of a UEFA place.

-- Anonymous, September 27, 2000

Oh, Buff - thanks your that. What would we do without you?

-- Anonymous, September 27, 2000

Interesting analysis, young Buffy. However, I would say that YBR has 2 agendas. Firstly, the Board will definitely look for a European place for the reasons of revenue alone(as would we all) and I'm sure Robson wants to show something for having an entire season to play with. Secondly, I can't see Robson coming to the last club he'll manage, one that he has such passion for, without wanting to win something.

That said, I'd be happy with steady progress if that's not marred somewhat by the chance that Shearer, the best Newcastle player of his generation, retires with nothing but a solitary PL winners medal from Blackburn Rovers.

-- Anonymous, September 27, 2000

100% agreement Bobby.
BR is approaching the job in the only way he knows - professionally. He has clearly recognised the folly of the recent past, and is attempting to sow the seeds of a successful future by grooming the best of the limited young talent we already have and buying young talent to fill the gaps. However, he is also trying to build the first team squad and finally eliminate the accumulated dross and treatment room residents. There is no doubt whatsoever that he would ideally wish to win 'something' before he finally hangs up his track suit - for the club, the fans - and also for the man who is far and away the best local player of his generation, who is sadly in danger of ending his career without the glory and true appreciation he deserves having devoted a giant piece of his otherwise glittering career to his home-town Club.

-- Anonymous, September 27, 2000