Clue: Bobby would love him to start for us against Chelsea on August 18th. Wouldn't you?.

He scored a number of headed goals during the campaign, a notable achievement for a player of his diminutive stature and a testament to his remarkable eye for goal, bravery in the box and ability to find space even in the most crowded areas. Remarkably two footed and possessing excellent close control, he is also very quick and has a superb footballing brain with his passing and movement off the ball being of the highest standard.

League Appearances 71 League Goals 32

Not Jackie Milburn, nor Gudjohnson, Zola or Izzet. The answer of course was Craig Bellamy (well done Softy!). The assessment above is from just one year ago. Admittedly it is extravagent in its praise, and based (merely?) on a career in Division 1. But if anyone gave me a reference like that I'd feel very proud.

I for one DO think a season at Coventry (played out of position, crap manager, sky-blue kit etc etc) proves very little.

I would love him to start for us against Chelsea on August 18th, and I'll back him all the way as long as he tries and plays to the ability he obviously has.

But will no one else on this bbs give him a bloody chance - or at least until he's shown he's the donkey you all say he is?

-- Anonymous, June 25, 2001

Answers

A Parody (of a mockery of a sham of a way to etc etc)

-- Anonymous, June 25, 2001

Some sense at last! I do not see this as a fantastic signing but the way the lad is getting slagged off before he's even kicked a ball for us is a disgrace. I thought NUFC fans were a fair lot, clearly you just wish to set him up to fail.

Remember he is being signed as one of 4 strikers, with Cort, Shearer and Ameobi. Noone said he's the answer to our prayers but he deserves a chance surely.

-- Anonymous, June 25, 2001

The last time there was such an agreement on how bad a signing was was David Batty. We knew exactly what he was like and were horrified Keegan was putting such a thug into the beautiful team.

-- Anonymous, June 25, 2001

Iagree at least it is a start,Bellamy is the type of player thatwill given the chance work his socks off for the team and has a bit of skill Well said Baybe

-- Anonymous, June 25, 2001

I don't recall everyone thinking Batty was a bad signing. There was mixed reaction. I personally don't think he was a good signing for KK's team but did better with Dalglish due to the style of football we played.

I just can't get over everyone's total negativity. I tell you what you set of moaners - don't turn up next season so we don't have to listen to your whingeing!

-- Anonymous, June 25, 2001

Well said WB, as I said on another thread, it seems everyone has written the lad off, even before he signed. Let's give him the benefit of at least playing a few games before we slag him off. personally I think Bobby has picked up a little gem albeit a fairly expensive one, but then again he is only 21. I seem to remember a kid called Peter Beardsley that had to go to Vancouver Whitecaps to get a game or two before anyone noticed him, or another even younger lad (Shearer)had to go to Southampton to get a game. Let's face it, even those two would have struggled at Coventry this past season.

-- Anonymous, June 25, 2001

Glad to hear more voices of reason! I honestly haven't know what to think about Bellamy, not knowing enough about him to form any real opinion. Though I have started to become a bit concerned when many bbsers who I consider fairly knowledgable are so vehemently against this guy.

Though this negativity toward anyone Bobby signs, or looks to sign, is also nothing new. It seemed to become all too common last season. Probably more down to the general frustration and helplessness we've all been feeling. It is a bit tiresome, as I think we should give these players a chance before slamming them. I'm sure I'm not entirely innocent in jumping to conclusions, but have now accepted that we simply are not going to get 'top class' players to come here, and am a bit more willing to accept lesser known grafters and kids in the hopes that some of them will turn out to be gems. And hope the rest of them at least show enough team spirit and fight to get NUFC back among the top teams....so that we can start attracting the top players we deserve.

I'm trying hard not to prejudge. :-)

-- Anonymous, June 25, 2001

Enter big bad wolf:
quote... FOOTBALL: STRACH STRESSED CRAIG BELLAMY last night said his move to Newcastle had "crushed" Coventry boss Gordon Strachan. Wales striker Bellamy turned his back on the relegated Sky Blues in a surprise pounds 6million switch. He revealed: "Gordon advised me not to go. He was clearly dismayed when I called him to give him my decision." (phone call) db- hey Gordon Bobby Robson wants to sign me gs- oh no never, i can't believe it (gordon punches the air) how can this ever happen to me db- i'm sorry gordon but my days at norwich where i was likened to the new robert fleck really excited bobby robson and ... gs- don't go and play premiership football craig, stay here and play with me, a crap manager (inwardly laughing) db- i know i alienated my teamates, slagged off the crowd and described myself as the new juninho, but i'm an excellent player as everyone really knows gs- oh yes, craig, you are, fantastic, the best, those 3 goals still stick in the memory db- yeah, gs- erm, how much are you signing for? db- 6 million gs- really? db- 6 big ones gs- ...i'm truly crushed db- yes, i fully expect every fan to be totally happy about me signing because i'm fantastic gs- see you the season after next...in the nationwide
I would never ever give any player anything other than 100% support at SJP (The other welsh 'superstar' included), but i can't lie and say this makes me happy. The bbs is a place to air feelings, would you rather i told a lie? If you are content to see our team pay extortionate fees to make itself even more average, then that is your perogative, i totally understand that.

-- Anonymous, June 26, 2001

Bellamy is a Newcastle player. Therefore, until proven otherwise, in my book, he is right up there with the very best in the land, (ie Shearer, Cort & Ameobi!)

-- Anonymous, June 26, 2001