Pre-match kidology, plus some words of wisdom, from the Manager of tonights Belgian opponents:

“The result doesn’t really matter. The match is a bonus to our fans and sponsors.
Newcastle obviously sees things differently, they want to qualify for the UEFA Cup. They will be at their strongest tonight, with only Alan Shearer missing.
And I am quite realistic, Newcastle won’t even need to be in top form to win. We are missing key players on several positions: we would have been a lot stronger with Zéré, Bangoura and Kristinson. Let’s hope we won’t be put to shame tonight.
I know the lads will be motivated, but I don’t want them to overdo it. The Intertoto Cup simply isn’t worth that. The Belgian League is far more important to us. And I can already tell you that this is the last time we will have participated. The Intertoto Cup disturbs our entire preparation for the new season. There is too much pressure on the players far too soon."

-- Anonymous, July 14, 2001

Answers

Aye, but they wouldn't say that if they'd won the UEFA cup after qualifying thru the Intertoto ;-)

-- Anonymous, July 14, 2001

There is too much pressure on the players far too soon."

The little darlings '£x000 per week' I could handle that kind of pressure.

-- Anonymous, July 14, 2001

Presumably the Lokeren Manager is wise enough to know that the players earnings has no relevance whatsoever to professional athletes being expected to playing highly competitive football before their physical conditioning is adequately advanced.
I also suspect that if he were free to comment, Bobby Robson would be in 100% agreement.
One thing I can assure you Josh is that a top racehorse would never be subjected to such risks.

-- Anonymous, July 14, 2001

Of course, if you have a big enough and good enough squad..........

-- Anonymous, July 14, 2001

.....not much assistance if they aren't adequately physically prepared for competitive fixtures Screach.
Our lot have been back in training 10 days, have had no practice fixtures to get match fit, and are going into a highly competitive fixture with a team who I believe have already played 4 competitive games. They perhaps can't match us for skill, but you just know how they will try to neutralise that deficit!

-- Anonymous, July 14, 2001

Interview with Robbie Elliot prior to ko, said they'd played 2 90 min games this past week. And at halftime, it doesn't sound like we're doing too badly. ;-)

-- Anonymous, July 14, 2001

Its their bloody job - if they can't keep fit while they're off then they shouldn't be doing it. I don't mean razor sharp but basic physical condition isn't asking too much.

They're complaining they haven't had a long enough break and now its so long they lose all fitness.

-- Anonymous, July 14, 2001

The commentary on Metro was interesting last night. Apparently we seemed quite sluggish for the opening 10 minutes or so - a result possibly, of Lokeren having already played competitive games while we hadn't. It will be interesting to see if these games do have an effect on our season start - will we be that bit sharper on day 1 of the Premier?

I remember that KK tended to get us off to a flying start although there seemed nothing special about the preparation - the usual mix of pre season friendlies against opposition which would not test us much. Perhaps it was just KK's revered motivational skills which got the lads going.

It's too early to say what the effect of this Inter2bob will be, but the match in Lokeren must have had a positive effect in terms of sharpening up the players and boosting morale all round. Let's hope the positive effect continues and that the legitimate concerns that some have about this competition prove groundless.

In conclusion I can't help thinking that this revered competition has had a bad press. Personally I think it is growing in stature and is surely on a par with the "Champions" League - at least in terms of the validity of the method of entry. I think it is now achieving a status almost on a par with the greatest European competition of them all - The Inter Cities Fairs Cup (of 1969 vintage). :-)

-- Anonymous, July 15, 2001

Yes, I noticed those comments also Jonno. My reservations about entering this competition have been more about the disruption to pre- season preparations for the PL, that was exacerbated by the late invitation. I'm less concerned about the stamina issue - especially if the early workload can be spread around a bit.

The really interesting thing last nights great result throws up is that if we happen to be really successful in these games it could indeed build spirit and moral and possibly get us off to a flyer in the PL. In that were to happen I feel any stamina issues after Xmas could be readily managed.

The only sour note is YKD alleged public whinging about the Club's efforts in the transfer market. Surely he knows better than me the efforts that have been, and are being made in this direction? It would be terribly unfortunate if YKD's utterances were to rock the boat at this critical juncture.

-- Anonymous, July 15, 2001