I'm not sure if Cort is our new Duncan Fergusson, an expensive signing for the treatment room. I will assume not. What I do not understand is what role YBR has for him. It seems to me that when we play well its because Dyer and Cordone are both on song (possibly because of the support they are receiving - but nevertheless it ends up being a "skill" team. Now, I'm not saying Cort isn't skillfull, but from all I hear, and the little I've seen, he seems a different type of player. What are the options when he comes back? I've seen it suggested on another thread that AS should be "rested" but that seems unlikely when he scored both goals yesterday and his drought seems over. I suppose I am really asking what type of team YBR is aiming for. Sorry if this seems a bit out of touch from 6,000 miles away - but I'd appreciate any opinions.

-- Anonymous, November 05, 2000

Answers

Just to get it on the list.

-- Anonymous, November 05, 2000

I feel sure BR intends to play both AS & CC up front when CC is fit, although there may be occasions, particularly away from home, when he will play with only one up front and five in midfield.
We also need CC fit in case AS picks up an injury, and to avoid him having to continue playing despite injuries like the knee tendonitis he has suffered from in recent months, which meant he needed to keep playing simply because we had no one else to come in.
I certainly don't feel AS needs a rest at this stage, in fact I thought he looked fresher and fitter yesterday than for some considerable time. However, it is unreasonable and not sensible to expect him to continue playing every minute of every game as he gets older.

-- Anonymous, November 05, 2000

I definitely see the need for someone who can play in place of AS. No question at all. But you also think that YBR will play both AS and Cort, at least some times. But what would the attcking plan be then? Would Cort simply be an exchange for Cordone? He seems a different type of player?

-- Anonymous, November 05, 2000

You're quite right sounder, they are totally different. To be totally honest I'm not convinced as yet that either are the perfect partner for AS.
The rationale for CC is the same as for DF - a big target man that can share the physical battle, and create time and space for AS. Rightly or wrongly, BR feels this is the way to get the best out of AS, but my concern, as with DF, is that the front two are simply not mobile enough which can leave us short-handed in midfield.
Cordone is a more nimble and skilful player, but has not looked good since the first two games when he did well. While it's too early to be writing him off, he lacks a little pace, and seems to lack the physical presence to be a real success in the PL.

-- Anonymous, November 05, 2000