A couple of weeks ago before the Villa game Bobby mentioned some thing about Aaron being knackered and in need of a rest. Now considering in 3 of the last 4 games ( Coventry, Villa and Chelsea ) he's looked a shadow of himself is now the time to take him out of the firing line for a little while? The lad has only missed a single game ( Bradford - League Cup ) so far this season and he's been so good we sometimes forget just how young he is. With the Spanish transfer window closing it looks like we've got Marcelino until the end of the season so we may as well use him.

Anyone agree?

-- Anonymous, February 02, 2001

Answers

Yep. Marcellino looked okay in the only full game he's played recently once he got over the initial jitters. It also means that a refreshed Hughes will be coming back when we have an experienced/pukka striker up front which should give the whole team a lift.

-- Anonymous, February 03, 2001

Now that the Spanish transfer window is closed , i can't see much point in using Marcelino. Hughes and the rest of the team have just had a 10 day break, thats long enough to recharge his batteries, I'd stick with him and Goma. giving Caldwell an odd game from now till te end of the season.

-- Anonymous, February 03, 2001

According to this morning's Journal Given, Hughes (ankle), Goma (calf problem - again!) are all a doubtful for tomorrow, and Caldwell and is definitely out with a thigh strain. Harper and Gallagher are not yet available, and Dyer is still experiencing problems with his shin cyst.

So, we could go out tomorrow with Karelse in goal, Marcelino and Barton at CB, and Ameobi up front on his own!

Regarding your question about Hughes BM - I think you're quite correct. The problem won't be a physical one; he is almost certainly mentally fatigued after playing so many consecutive games, and probably struggling to maintain his concentration for 90 minutes.

If everyone was fit I'd be tempted to leave Hughes out for a couple of games, or at least put him on the bench. However, it doesn't look as though we will have that luxury tomorrow!

-- Anonymous, February 03, 2001

Disagree - he was poor in some of those games but fine against Leeds and Chelsea. But having said that, I'd still rest him. He's played more than any other first teamer plus internationals.

-- Anonymous, February 04, 2001

That was me disagreeing BTW. Sorry, Allison.

-- Anonymous, February 04, 2001

seems like he's got his rest, anyway!

-- Anonymous, February 04, 2001

Talking of which, in an inebriated state, Screach claimed that Aaron was on Sky saying he wants to stay at the Toon forever because he loves us, the club, the city blah blah and is ready to pledge his career to us. Did anyone actually see this or was Screach just pissed and hallucinating ?

-- Anonymous, February 05, 2001

You tart. It wasn't me who was p1$$ed - well, I wasn't the only one. Anyway - you obviously didn't understand what I was saying. I'll say it again - slloooowwwly. It was on the "Ticker" at the bottom of the screen. He said he was very happy and would be happy to pledge the rest of his career to NUFC - likely the next 10 years or so. He also said he loves the city and the people, but wished folks would stop bothering him for autographed photos.

-- Anonymous, February 05, 2001

Well, in fairness/to be fair/at the end of the day (select preferred footballerism), you'd think someone would have commented on it somewhere. You must be able to understand my scepticism.

-- Anonymous, February 05, 2001

>>but wished folks would stop bothering him for autographed photos.

He should be honoured. He's about the first footballer whose autograph I've wanted since I was a bairn.

-- Anonymous, February 05, 2001

Apart from Alan Shearer, I guess??

-- Anonymous, February 05, 2001

Goma - Broken hand = Can't rest Hughes....nuff said!

-- Anonymous, February 05, 2001

Dougal, Aarondite has made noises about how much he loves the Toon in the past, so it wouldn't surprise me if he wants to stay forever. His fiance is a ST holder anyhow, so I'm sure she and her family will have an influence. ;-)

-- Anonymous, February 05, 2001

Oh aye, I know Aarondite has said this sort of thing in the past - it's just the intregrity of Screacher's specific tale yesterday I was doubting....

-- Anonymous, February 05, 2001

No, Screach - Al has never really captured my imagination to the extent that I'd be after his autograph..he's got a big enough heed without someone else asking for his paw print :))

-- Anonymous, February 05, 2001

hee hee..it does seem to get up his nose a bit when he's expecting attention and is ignored. >;-)

-- Anonymous, February 05, 2001

>>>>>..it does seem to get up his nose a bit when he's expecting attention and is ignored. <<<<<

Certainly not. Dougal has ignored me plenty of times - the offer of a lift to The Rivorside on Saturday being the latest. Or have I misunderstood?

-- Anonymous, February 05, 2001

Well, in fairness, Screach, you did wake me* up with the statement "Taxi for the Riverside" - causing more than a little confusion. Had I had a bit more time to come round, I would have joined you... * Screach phoned me: he wasn't like lying next to me or anything before any rumours start...

-- Anonymous, February 05, 2001

It's no good trying to back track and cover statements like that Dougal.....this lot never believe it when you say something inocuous, they always look to the worst possible side of the story.

Mind you, that bliddy ringing phone was half getting on my nerves on Saturday monring!

-- Anonymous, February 05, 2001

You do all realize that had the match gone ahead, and we won, you'd have to continue this three-in-a-bed romp before every match.

-- Anonymous, February 05, 2001

CWBAFT Ciara CWBAFT 80)

-- Anonymous, February 05, 2001