Newcastle manager Bobby Robson was particularly pleased with the display of 34-year-old striker Kevin Gallacher in the 0-0 draw with Arsenal. Even the crowd gave him a standing ovation when he was replaced by Shola Ameobi late in the game. "I adored the public for what they did to Kevin Gallacher, and that kid has deserved it," he said. "He was a snip of a buy. We didn't have any money when I came here. We got ourselves into trouble with injuries and the chairman found a little sum to buy Kevin Gallacher, and he's been terrific. "The acknowledgement that the public gave him was heart-warming really. It was emotional for me. I said to him: 'You've never had a reception like that in all the 34 years you've lived'." Gallacher was aided and abetted by the impressive Carl Cort, who seems to grow in stature with every game. "He lost some early balls in the first 20 minutes, but he did well in the second part of the first-half and he had a splendid second-half," said Robson. "It takes a little time to get your rhythm going and now he has the rhythm and we just hope at the start of next season, he's had a good summer break and I think next year we'll see a great Carl Cort."

-- Anonymous, May 16, 2001

Answers

If he will accept that he won't play in many games but his experience and enthusiasm must be an example to all. The fans respect him for the way he does not give up, ever.

I'd quite happily have him for one more season. I only wish he had been fitter this season. He doesn't get that many goals but the amount of work he gets through would have made up for that and more.

-- Anonymous, May 16, 2001

I think we need a Gallacher. If (a big IF) we ever get Shearer and Cort playing in the same side I worry that they are too similar. Who is going to do the running around and harrying? Not Shearer that's for sure and I'm not convinced it's Cort's strength.

-- Anonymous, May 16, 2001

Gallacher dosen't get into many goal scoring positions and dosen't worry the opposing defences very much. Give me Matt Jansen, Emile Mpenza or a host of younger, quicker players over him any day.

-- Anonymous, May 16, 2001

Absolutely should get another year. IF he's willing to accept a squad role. He might also have to accept a decrease in salary for a decreased role. No, he doesn't get many goals, but his experience and non-stop running creates enough problems for the opposition. A good example to the younger players and a man who can be counted on whenever called upon. Actually I think he should also be an example to some of our seniors who seem to feel 'being a senior player' is enough. *coughSpeedcough*

-- Anonymous, May 16, 2001

Gallacher is a trier, and in amongst a lot of tosspots he stands head and shoulders above most. However, he rarely threatens despite getting into goalscoring positions. See Leyton Orient away for the number of chances he fluffed. But I'd keep him on because he leads the players in terms of effort, and puts the more lazy to shame

-- Anonymous, May 16, 2001

Yes, definitely worth another year.

-- Anonymous, May 16, 2001

I understand Gallacher has already been told he will be made available on a free transfer. As yet, Stephen Glass has not been told the same.

As I've said previously, I'd give Gallacher another 12 month contract as an insurance policy against further fitness problems with AS. We could go and spend £4-5mm on another squad player and find he is not as good as Gallacher. However, I'm afraid he is history.

-- Anonymous, May 16, 2001

He's worth keeping, but if everyone was fit, he wouldn't make the bench normally.

Dyer does the same amount of running about and scores more goals, all from midfield (although he cost 12x more than Gallacher)

A 1 year contract would be fine by me though, and I'm sure he would accept one as well, but Bobby must be under pressure from the board to lower wages.

-- Anonymous, May 16, 2001

I doubt Bobby's under pressure to reduce the wages bill at this juncture Paul - he's already done a lot of that since he came.

To get the players we need the wage bill is going to have to increase, perhaps considerably. Fact of life.

I know he's not coming here, but just as an instance, Sep Guardiola wants £60k per week, NET of taxes!! As they would have pay all his taxes, that would cost the Club in excess of £100k per week - and he's not exactly Rivaldo.

-- Anonymous, May 16, 2001