Bobby Robson eulogises on Alan Shearer's overall value to the Club after the Everton game in an article on Sporting Life:

..... He hailed Alan Shearer's leadership qualities, and admitted the former England skipper would have had to play centre-half if there had been any more injury problems.

Robson said: "We had so many people out, I didn't even have a defender on the bench. Shearer was going to play centre-half if there had been any more problems."

Shearer had been his talkative self on the pitch, getting himself booked for blocking a free-kick and continuing to argue about the placement of the ball before Unsworth's penalty. However, TV evidence showed it was nowhere near the spot.

But his all-round contribution delighted Robson, who had had to haul off an off-form, ill Shola Ameobi in the second half. "Shola did very well for England Under-21s in the week, but picked up a virus," said Robson. "He said he was okay, but clearly wasn't.

Afterwards we said to him that Shearer should be an example to him. "Alan is only just back in the side, and was outstanding. He's done very well for us. It was his second game in a week after being out for three months. He's slowly getting back to fitness. It takes time, but he's led the line today very, very well".

"I've said to them in the dressing room, including Shola, to take note of the tenacity that Shearer showed to make us our goal. He can learn from that."

-- Anonymous, March 04, 2001

Answers

People can knock him all they like.

But he cares and is still a force to be reckoned with IMHO

Shearer Cort Ameobi - with other priorities is Bridges still on the shopping list?

-- Anonymous, March 04, 2001

I would hope so - assuming he can demonstrate his fitness.
IMO, we need a different kind of striker to compliment AS, CC & Shola. Bridges has flair and vision, and can create goals as well as score them.

The possible argument against his signing is that this could now be seen as Dyer's future role in the squad - asuming, of course, that he stays.

-- Anonymous, March 04, 2001

In my opinion there can be no doubt that Dyer stays. If we sell him we may as well develop a contract with Leeds United to become their 'feed club'.

-- Anonymous, March 04, 2001

Sounder,

Given the certain demise of the present transfer system, it seems certain that the only reason Dyer will be allowed to leave is if he decides he wants to go.
There will certainly be a whole gaggle of unscrupulous Clubs attemtpting to destabilise him, and persuade him he can make "lerds o' money" and buckets full of medals by joining them.

What seems entirely certain is that unless the Board of NUFC can convince him they have real ambition, and will assemble a squad to justify him staying, then he will be gone.

-- Anonymous, March 04, 2001

I watched the Barca/Real game yesterday and I wish someone would get Rivaldo's playbook and hand it to Kieron. He scored two amazing goals playing at a deeper role. We definitely need someone who is willing to shoot from bhind Big Al.....

-- Anonymous, March 04, 2001