In the Roeder thread, Gav rightly points out that double standards are dangerous etc. The question is, if we were Fulham fans, how would we feel about Clarkie's behaviour this summer (ie. putting off signing a contract until he's found out what we are doing)? I know, we are delighted that he wants to come back etc, but are we being arch-hypocrites since we would do our nuts in about similar behaviour. Incidentally, I think I've come round to thinking that he would be a good signing for purely football reasons - he wasn't good enough for a Championship-chasing side but we are nowhere near that stage now.

-- Anonymous, July 19, 2001

Answers

There's no double standard with regard to Lee Clark. Every manager and fan in the game knows that he bleeds black and white and would jump at the chance of signing for Newcastle if we were in for him.

If we were to sign a similar player - ie one who wanted to play for his home town club, I can't see the fans getting too upset. Batty is a case in point.

-- Anonymous, July 19, 2001

Agree with both of you....but Jonno more ;))

-- Anonymous, July 19, 2001

But Batty was part of the Gullit revolution so we didn't mcuh mind what5 happened to him and he has been viewed as a Gullit martyr in many quarters since then.

-- Anonymous, July 19, 2001