Unfortunatley, I get the feeling the balance is tipping towards YBR What the hell will the club do? I feel physically sick

-- Anonymous, October 10, 2000

Answers

As they used to say on Dad's Army, Don't Panic, Don't Panic.

The FA will not offer the job to Robson because he's too old. He's arguably the best coach in Britain, has the most experience but the simple fact is he's too old. Venables is the popular choice, Robson isn't even in the running. Divven't fret. Newcastle will survive cos we'll have wor Bobby at the helm. The FA are not going to rush into the decision.

-- Anonymous, October 10, 2000

Just caught the tail end of an interview on Radio 4 News with Mike `somebody` who is travelling with the England Team. The gist of it was that the team were still kind of `in shock` after KK`s resignation. Keown has been named as captain for the Finland game. Worryingly, the only two name mentioned in that interview as suitable candidates for the vacancy were Terry Venables and Bobby Robson. Arsen Wenger was also mentioned, but has apparently already made it clear that he doesn`t want the job.

Did anyone hear the full interview - I`d like to think that I have taken what I hear out of context?(:o(

-- Anonymous, October 10, 2000

Galaxy, according to today's Times, Wenger says he won't comment until after England have played tomorrow... Also, that FA geezer says that they are looking for a longterm appointment - six to ten years. Unless the other coaches are too unappealing for words or just won't take it, this surely can't include YBR.

-- Anonymous, October 10, 2000

look, the FA is not going to look at the short term they're going to look at the long. We've said on here about YBR's health and should he take an extended leave of absence what would we do. Well imagine that scenario for England, they'd have to use 3 or 4 managers in one world cup qualifying campaign. They wouldn't dare risk it. I'm sure it's not wishful thinking on my behalf, but there's more chance of Bryan RObson being the next English manager than Bobby.

And anyway, the FA haven't ruled out going abroad, and there are some good foriegn coaches available.

-- Anonymous, October 10, 2000

Hmmm - strange that AV says he won't comment until after the Finnish (finish??) match. What do your tea-leaves say on that one Dougal? Being a professional and not rocking the boat (any further) prior to the game, or waiting to hoy his beret into the ring??

-- Anonymous, October 10, 2000

Screach, he means that if England don't win he won't take the job! He wouldn't want to manage a failing side. If England win it's at least some sort of platform to start on.

-- Anonymous, October 10, 2000

Actually, Marcello Lippi has also said that he'd like the job. Crozier said that they might cast the net wider than these shores. Dunno re Wenger - mebbes he's just being mischievous. Anyway, can you see him leaving Arsenal? Incidentally, Arsenal went for YBR before getting Wenger.

-- Anonymous, October 10, 2000

The dirty duo's main man has categorically stated that we will not release him under any circumstances.

Hope that doesn't turn out to be the equivalent of a manager being endorsed by the board half an hour before he gets the old heave ho.

-- Anonymous, October 10, 2000

Geordie, it might be the opposite. If england lose to finland then no-one can blame AV if they fail to qualify for the world cup as he was given a dreadful start and if they do qualify he'll be a hero. No lose situation ?

-- Anonymous, October 10, 2000

Unless YBR knows that we are going to go into liquidation next Monday :-)) That was almost worthy of the great Pit Bill himself.

-- Anonymous, October 10, 2000

Tom,

, of course he'll still get blamed for England not qualifying.

He's French

-- Anonymous, October 10, 2000

Johan Cruyff - has the pedigree, he's rested and available. There is no credible English candidate.

-- Anonymous, October 10, 2000

Darling Doug
Your sediments bring tears to my legs :-))

-- Anonymous, October 10, 2000

Please appoint a foreigner, it'll upset the xenophobic fanbase and Bobby Charlton will have a heart attack; he's already said it would be a disgrace to look beyong these shores and I can't think of a better reason for doing so.

-- Anonymous, October 10, 2000

yes, but YBR has said much the same thing.

I'd like to see Wengerbus get it cos i think he'd do a great job but also for the reason you mentioned - scupper the xenophobic and racist low-life that infect the England fan-base. Appointing Venables would play into their hands. He did okay at Euro 96 but then, he didn't have to qualify ...

-- Anonymous, October 10, 2000