With the signing of Wayne Quinn, are we going to revert to a 3-5-2 using wing backs? Or are we going to continue to play the 4-4-2 with Quinn as a left back?

The trouble is that we have Griffin in good form at right back and our current captain at left back, three does not go into two unless you're watching a dodgy German movie!

Obviously Quinn is only on loan and not a permanent fixture in the side but if we believe the reports Bobby and his team have been watching Quinn for some time now, so he must rate him.

-- Anonymous, January 10, 2001

Answers

Warren Barton is the worst left back I’ve ever seen in a black n white shirt. Canny on the right but not as good as young Griff. Sorry Warren it’s the bench for you today.

-- Anonymous, January 10, 2001

I'm not expecting too much from Quinn until I see him play and he can last more than a few games without getting injured (his injury record isn't great)

If he turns out to be a good left back and gets forward providing Guppy-like crosses into the box the left back spot should be his.

Seems a bit harsh to drop Barton he's a right back playing left back and I find it surprising that Griffin has taken the right back slot when I thought Griffin was the more adaptable.

-- Anonymous, January 10, 2001

>>>>>Warren Barton is the worst left back I’ve ever seen in a black n white shirt.

I'm pretty sure Carlos Bartinho was at LB against Palace when we came back from 0-1 down with 10 men to win 2-1. Barton played like 3 men and received a standing ovation for one of the most heroic performances seen at SJP.

You're only as good as your last match ...

-- Anonymous, January 10, 2001

I think we (me included) has been down the road of slagging Barton off. On this thread I'm more concerned with the signing of Quinn and how Bobby sees him fitting in at the club. I presume he is not buying him as a reserve player. We've got Bernard for that.

-- Anonymous, January 10, 2001

Although recent performances may have caused him to reassess things, I still feel Bobby would like to play AS & CC up front with YKD just behind them.

That formation would almost certainly dictate playing three at the back, and five in midfield. The alternative of 4-3-1-2 would almost certainly lack width and therefore any consistent supply of crosses for the two front men.

That view would also explain the projected permanent signing of Wayne Quinn, and BR's apparent interest in retaining DD even though he has rarely played him - and also to some extent Stephen Glass, who could also play LWB.

In that formation Barton could back up Griffin at RWB, or indeed play as sweeper in a back three.

-- Anonymous, January 10, 2001

I fairness, you would put Griffin or Hughes at left back rather than Barton as they can both play there.

-- Anonymous, January 10, 2001

Harper

Barton-Goma-Hughes

Griffin Quinn

Acuna-Dyer-Bassedas

Dyer

Shearer-Cort

But we have to play Solano, who doesn't convince me at RWB yet we can't afford to be too lightweight in midfield. I think we need Bassedas to orchestrate things. What about Speed? Whole new can of worms here, a selection headache for Robson!

-- Anonymous, January 10, 2001

Obviously Griffin and Quinn should be wider than indicated there!

-- Anonymous, January 10, 2001

2 Dyers in the side would certainly give us more options.

-- Anonymous, January 10, 2001

Good point, remove Dyer form the Central Midfield berth! Looks a bit lightweight now, back to Square one!

-- Anonymous, January 10, 2001

Talking of Dyer - did you see YBR saying that he wished we had another 10 Kieron Dyers as we'd be better than Man Utd.

-- Anonymous, January 10, 2001

>>>>did you see YBR saying that he wished we had another 10 Kieron Dyers as we'd be better than Man Utd.

Except in the goalkeeping department presumably.

That would have the added advantage of YBR not getting the names mixed up as well. :-)

-- Anonymous, January 10, 2001

Jonno, they'd all be "Kevin" ?

-- Anonymous, January 10, 2001

Or "Dabizas" if Dyer's column in the Ipswich "Pink" was to be believed.

-- Anonymous, January 10, 2001

Going back to Wayne Quin- remember he hasnt been able to hold down a place at left back for SHEFF UNITED. 2 other blokes including that bloke Ulathorne who was on trial here recently, have over taken him since November. Ive been checking about him and he seems to have an exceptional left foot so perhaps Uncle Bob can get the fairy dust out.

-- Anonymous, January 10, 2001

Got this from the Blades forum:- He came into the team under Spackman 3 seasons ago, played wing back and was a revelation. Got a couple of England U21 caps. Was the most used player under Bruce mainly at left back where he has mostly played ever since but has dipped in form after his first season. This may have something to do with him being a wing back rather than full back. He has had a few games on the wing where I think he should be playing but others don't. This season he has been highly criticised by fans for failing to get a tackle in and for booting it the opposition centre backs at every opportunity (this may have something to do with Warnock though, along with his aversion to crossing the half way line). He has been dropped the last half dozen games and replaced by a player who has so far played in central midifield and in the FA cup by a right back. Make of this what you will. Most fans seem to think Robson has gone senile on this one and think £1.5m is a ridiculous amount. A minority think we shouldn't sell him (although I don't thnk anyone would turn down £1.5m) and play him on the wing. He's a bit lightweight, no pace, can't take a man on but can occasionally put in a decent cross

-- Anonymous, January 10, 2001

If he has got half of Solano's ability to cross into the danger areas but from the left hand side I don't care what the blades think.

Look at what Gareth Barry created for Villa on Sunday, it only takes someone else to create the space for him and we're laughing.

-- Anonymous, January 10, 2001

>>>>>He's a bit lightweight, no pace, can't take a man on

You don't get much for £1.5m these days do you? I do hope this assessment is rubbish.

-- Anonymous, January 10, 2001

Guppy is no heavyweight and can't beat a man like Ginola (except Griffin!) but many would have wished he was till at the Toon especially 18 months ago.

As long as he has the footballing brain to counter these supposed deficiencies I have no worries. It seems he has not been as injury prone as I thought he was.

Things are looking up!

-- Anonymous, January 10, 2001

Jonno - it sounds like an assessment of Becks to me!!

-- Anonymous, January 10, 2001