Funny isn't it...

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that we play some of our best football when the "stars" are missing from the side. I wonder whether it's because the lesser mortals work harder, whether they are p****d off at being considered lesser mortals and out to prove a point or whether there is a better team spirit....

-- Anonymous, July 26, 2001

Answers

I know where you are com ing from dougal , However id say that was far from our best footy last night, id go so far as to say we were poor. But id agree that at times when AS is available we dont get forward from midfield as much.

-- Anonymous, July 26, 2001

Which isn't to say that I'm not excited about Big Al, Carl Cort, Dyer and Rob Lee getting fit..

-- Anonymous, July 26, 2001

Although i may sound like im on a Major downer at the mo! (No !!!).

I am looking forward to the above coming back , I really think we can finish in the top 5 with these lads fit.

-- Anonymous, July 26, 2001


Agree, KB, but I was thinking of European games in YBR's first season where we were really up against it for injuries and also the Leeds games last season where Shearer, Dyer and Cort were out and no one gave us a prayer of winning.

-- Anonymous, July 26, 2001

Yep its funny that whilst we all attack the players for having no guts and determination (Bar Centre parting), when the AS KD's et al arnt playing we suddenly get some......

-- Anonymous, July 26, 2001


Do you not think the reason is that when the soooopah stars are playing, the team looks to them to carry the game forward and inspire. Without them, the also-rans try to make a name for themselves. Or it might even be that the Lads play better as a TEAM without prima donas such as Dyer and Shearer trying to steal the show. Ooh, controversial. Sell Dyer, sell Shearer and allow committed talent like Ameobi to have a long run in the side.

-- Anonymous, July 26, 2001

Both Shearer and Cort invite the long ball method. Both have had success at their previous clubs with the old hoof it and hope so the young lads play it the way the 'stars' want it.

-- Anonymous, July 26, 2001

TOP FIVE??!!!

Come on, you've done well in the Intertoto, but it is...the Intertoto. Your players are "not bad" in the skill dept, but they really don't have the guts and physical wearwithal to challenge in the Premiership.

I would be very surprised if you finished higher that 8 or 9.

-- Anonymous, July 26, 2001


I don't see it as a straight argument of Shearer/Cort of Ameobi/Bellamy. But together with Lua Lua we have more flexibility of approach. No question Shearer is a fantastic finisher, and Cort has shown he has the knack of scoring even when not looking 100%. Both add a physical presence. Ameobi is awkward and skillful, but without at the moment a killer touch. Bellamy has pace and a buzziness about him. Lua Lua again offers something different. Bobby needs to now chose who he plays when. I don't think any of them can necessarily claim a starting place ahead of the others, Shearer included.

-- Anonymous, July 26, 2001

It's a good point of Bobby's about over-reliance on the big names. When Solano gave the ball away, I got the impression that he tried to take on too much after his second goal and was too demanding asking for the ball, hoping for his hatrick. You obviously don't want people to hide, but you also need to utilise the whole team.

-- Anonymous, July 26, 2001


My theory to the improvement lies with Bobby. I'm assuming with Wadsworth gone Bobby is fully taking practice. Maybe his coaching is just more entertaining? Incidentally the Man City players are saying they are having a great time, all ball work with Keegan. Now, they want more physical stuff...

-- Anonymous, July 27, 2001

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