I mean from the available players, not on the basis that in your dreams you'd buy the entire Italian international team's back four. I'd currently go for Griff, Hughes, Caldwell and Quinn.

-- Anonymous, February 02, 2001

Answers

Griffin, Hughes, Goma & Quinn. Anyone know why we sold Pistone? I thought he was Bobby's favourite left-back.

-- Anonymous, February 02, 2001

Griffin, Goma, Hughes, Quinn, but I do think we need another left back and I think Roberto Carlos would do.

-- Anonymous, February 02, 2001

Ideally I'd love to see:

Griffin-Caldwell-Hughes-Quinn. Trouble is it lacks experience but you have to walk before you can run and I'd hate to see the promise that Steve Caldwell has shown, be wasted like Upson at Arsenal. The Caldwell brothers if given the games could save us £10 million. Is it worth the gamble and amazing credit to the club for allowing youth it's chance???

-- Anonymous, February 02, 2001

Isn't Southgate available as he's still got a transfer requast in?

Yeah why the hell not Griff, Hughes, Caldwell and Quinn.

But can you imagine what it'd do to the team.

Bobby (to the bairns): 'Now lads, relax, don't worry. Just play the way you've played before when you've got the chance'. 'Except you Andy! try not and break (insert opposing left wingers name here) leg and pick up another booking.'

Lee (to Speed and Given): 'Right we keep the whole midfield just in front of them, giving them heaps of protection'.

Given (thinks to himself): "isn't that what your supposed to do anyway! sheesh."

Caldwell (to the other three): 'Right you lot anyone fucks up and I'm gonna break hees neck! I've been waiting patiently to get in this team and I don't want one of you lot fucking it up for me. You think big Dunc was mental, youse just watch out'

Hughes (thinks to himself): "oh feck"

Quinn (thinks to himself): "oh feck"

Griffin (thinks to himself): "like ta seeya try sheep shagga"

Dyer (thinks to himself): "me leg still f@#*in hurts, I want me mam"

Robson (post match interview): 'No I wasn't in the position to see Griffin and Caldwell simultaneously takle Kachloul. But I'm sure the red cards were warranted after seeing the Morrocan lad carried off the field with both his shin bones protruding.'

Interviewer : 'Will the club take any disciplinary action? and what's likely to happen to the two lads now?'

Robson : 'No I don't think so. Well, they should come off their suspensions just before the Mackem game, at which time they'll walk back into the starting lineup'

-- Anonymous, February 02, 2001

Sorry Warren... but it has to be:

Griffin Goma/Dabizas Hughes Quinn

I'd pick Goma until he gets transferred. We might slag off the French but Goma always gives us 100% and he's starting to look class. I'd still rate Dabs above Caldwell.

-- Anonymous, February 02, 2001

Robson is in the Journal this morning saying the team have been working on keeping clean sheets. The only way I can see them doing that is if the back four remains unchanged for a major length of time.

Positional sense is the key so Barton has to miss out for now.

-- Anonymous, February 02, 2001

Clean sheets! They can try keeping their hands above the waistline at night the dorty beggars!

-- Anonymous, February 02, 2001

This season : Griffin - Hughes - Goma/Dabizas - Quinn

When Goma goes it'll be between Caldwell and Dabs for the other centre back position. I hope Wayne Quinn looks at this bbs - it'd give him loads of encouragement. Are we all agreed he deserves a contract? What about taking Robbie Elliot back though - all clubs need 2 left backs (or is that Bernard?).

-- Anonymous, February 02, 2001

Well, if our priority is clean sheets, we'd better just be grateful that LKD isn't a centre back...

-- Anonymous, February 02, 2001

Goma Goma Goma Goma!!!!!!

-- Anonymous, February 02, 2001

>>>>>Anyone know why we sold Pistone? I thought he was Bobby's favourite left-back.

Let me give you a tip. Never play poker with Bobby Robson. :-)

-- Anonymous, February 02, 2001

Okay, ask you another: how many of you would have asked for Domi as first choice left back last season and this season with "occasional left wing substitute until he gets so pissed off he leaves" failing to get many votes?

-- Anonymous, February 02, 2001

When he first came to us, didn't Quinn say he would be happy to play in either defense or midfield, whichever position he was most needed? He's just so excited to get this opportunity that he might not have a problem being moved forward if Elliot came in at left back. Sign him!

-- Anonymous, February 02, 2001

I do like your back four Douggy, but they'd need a dozen games together at least. Problem is, during the dozen games they would no doubt make mistakes and be picked on by the crowd, media etc. Might just destroy their confidence. I like Elliott too, if we were to sign him back. A good stand in, or an alternative to Quinn (who, with the right attitude and coaching might just be the left sided midfielder we need)

-- Anonymous, February 02, 2001

Softie, it's a vicious circle thing: he wasn't trying hard enough so he didn't get picked that often or he didn't try because he wasn't getting picked enough? The other thing is, he coulnd't defend to save his life. The worst defensive error I've seen in yeras was him against Soton last season. In any event, he was always most effective as a sub.

-- Anonymous, February 02, 2001

Griffin, Marcellino, Goma, Hughes

-- Anonymous, February 03, 2001