Sorry but hate to sound the eternal optimis,but the thought of Dyer being fit, and playing for us, Shearer being fit and playing for us, Cort, Solano, this new lad Robert all in the same line-up sounds to me, in my naive way, rather exciting. Saw an old Coventry game recently and as the sound was rather indistinct wasnt sure who was who, but was very impressed with the guy who scored the first goal, made a possible three others, was non-stop working, could take on his defender and seemingly beat him with ease, made me sit up and take note. It ws Craig Bellamy who has been derided by most of you. Why this constant pessimism??? Please lets give it a go we have the basis of a very exciting team and compare this with what we had b4???

Any rejoinders???

-- Anonymous, July 31, 2001

Answers

I think the our offense looks good on paper, our defence looks better than of old, I too feel optimistic, which presumably means we'll lose to the Germans.

We have depth if not necessarily quality in defence, more quality and depth up front, the only lack of either would seem to be in tackling midfielders, but maybe Robson sees Speed/Acuna/Lee as fitting this.

A bit of sunshine (even up here) a couple of good results, a nice new, pretty, signing and everything seems wonderful again. We're pathetic !!

-- Anonymous, July 31, 2001

I agree Derek, always said to give the lad a chance. In fairness though, everyone was looking forward to a couple of "major signings", according to YBR, and I guess young Mr. Bellamy didn't fit the fans profile of a "major signing". I think the lad will be good for the team over the long haul and I do wish him well.

-- Anonymous, July 31, 2001

I'm very happy Robert coming our way and I refuse to worry over the fact he might want to leave us in two years. Why should he want to leave PL champions? =)

-- Anonymous, July 31, 2001

Derek, yep agree with your soundings, it does look good on paper, the thing is to compare us with the clubs that finished above us last year, we tend to look inward , mark my words other clubs will improve

-- Anonymous, July 31, 2001

Plenty reason for optimism. £16m spent - more than most other Premier clubs. Hope that Bassedas, in particular can start to deliver this season and Cort has better luck with fitness. Very promising youngsters now a little older and starting to knock at the door. Shearer and Dyer back soon hopefully.

It's easy to dream up reasons why it could go wrong (injuries, new players don't adapt etc) but hell, it's more fun to imagine it going right. Enjoy the pre-season hopes - negativity is no good to anybody.

-- Anonymous, July 31, 2001