Been reading his book. Got to the chapter on his time in Toon last night. Some interesting comments, nothing we haven't been saying on here for ages about our defensive problems. He says our biggest problem is having no one to put in the tackles and intimidate the other team.

Also mentions the cold, businesslike ways of the PLC being a bit of adownside, but accepts that it's becoming more common in football these days.

As someone who can't handle corporate nonsense at all well myself, I can't help wondering if the corporatization of football clubs is having a negative psychological impact on players. You kind of start feeling like the people running the show don't have the slightest clue what goes on in the workplace and don't care as long as they see their precious dollars. It can't help their morale when they see their manager can't even get the resources everyone knows he needs. On the other hand, footballers are getting very well paid to do somehting they supposedly love, so should be easier to ignore the corporate bullpucky. I dunno. Just thinking aloud and rambling as usual. Is it 5 o'clock yet? :-)

-- Anonymous, February 16, 2001

Answers

I think he's right that no-one is intimidating in our defence. Goma has all the physical attibutes to throw his weight around but just doesn't do it.

Aaron Hughes wouldn't intimidate me never mind some 6'4" forward.

-- Anonymous, February 16, 2001

Barton's 'Barnet' intimidates me...

I don't think you necessarily have to have a big tackler (oo-er) in defence, but definitely in midfield. A ball winner. Acuna and Bad-ass occasionally do this. Basically we need another Batty / Kilcline.

-- Anonymous, February 16, 2001

I hope psycho is in a intimidating mood to-morrow ... UP THE HAMMERS...

-- Anonymous, February 16, 2001

Oh Ciara, you've gone and spoilt it......

I've just started reading it....finished the first chapter......(not bad considering I've had it six months)where he is talking about the penalty miss etc and the bit about his criminal record......and now you've gone and told me what happens in the end.......tch....not worth reading it now is it!

Joking,.......honestly 80)

-- Anonymous, February 17, 2001

LOL. Just gave away the middle of the book. Haven't finished it yet myself. At least I didn't tell you about his alien abduction in chapter 4....oooops! ;-)

-- Anonymous, February 17, 2001

Watching Psycho on MOTD last night and hearing him interviewed made me gnash my teeth. One of the best things we ever did was to bring him into our defence, and one of the worst - to send him on his way again. Committed, totally focused on the pitch, modest and mild mannered when interviewed - he so obviously still loves playing. He`s still one of my all time favourite players.(:o)

BTW I thought the Wimbeldon tie was a cracker - looking forward to the replay!(:o)

-- Anonymous, February 18, 2001

You should read his book, Galaxy. Such a genuine man. It's gotten me to wondering if maybe NUFC should be sounding him out about a possible coaching position when he eventually hangs up his boots.

After reading his take on the Gullit regime, it's got me really curious to know if it was just coincidence, or a subtle dig at RG, that Pearce's kit was the one laid out in the dressing room during the SJP tours at the time.

-- Anonymous, February 18, 2001

I believe you`ve mentioned the book before Ciara - I must get round to reading it. I think he`s one of the soundest blokes in the game. (:o)

-- Anonymous, February 18, 2001