YBR has never taken kindly to criticism, yesterday's post match comments being a case in point and then there was his stoic defence of Wadsworth towards the end of last season. I can't help feeling any prolonged attack on his management style will lead to a "Stuff this, I'm off" response. He's nothing left to prove to anyone, he's done the lot and had success wherever he's been (apart from with us of course) and in light of what's recently happened to Houllier he's probably thinking do I really need this at my age? Starting with Arsenal on December 18th we've the toughest sequence of 6 games I can ever recall us having since competing in the Premiership. A poor return points wise over this Christmas period and I can see us looking for a new boss come mid-January. The question is; would we be too bothered?

-- Anonymous, October 22, 2001

Answers

I would say that we should be concerned with this. But we should have been for the last few years. It's been said many times that we should have started to groom YBR's successor from the day he joined us. The only chance of this is that it will be Shearer as nobody else in the club appears to be in the frame.

As for YBR doing a Houllier, it was reported in the Sundays that YBR's younger brother died a couple of years ago at the age of 59 of the same complaint that GH suffered. YBR said that he didn't suffer any stress and this kind of thing can happen to anybody, no matter what job. The article also went on to say that YBR has an anual checkup and is doing fine.

BTW - I'd say the difficult game start on Saturday with Everton away (who are playing well) and Villa at home the next w/e (tho as Everton showed, they are probably as inconsistent as us!).

-- Anonymous, October 22, 2001

Perhaps more well informed viewers will contradict me, but Robson hasn't a history of quiting clubs. I reckon he'll stick with us until an obvious replacement becomes clear.

Besides, although I fear another mid-table mediocre end to this season (so soon!) I more fear another season of 'rebuilding' under yet another manager aiming to stamp his mark on the club. Had enough of that over recent years.

But, if he does go at least we'll not suffer Gordon Strachan in his stead.

-- Anonymous, October 22, 2001

Bobby hates criticism. In his autobiography, he doesn't blame a single defeat on himself, it's always inexplicable refereeing decisions or player fatigue. Also, remember him calling the bloke who said that the blue chip brigade needed re-evaluated a "jerk"?

-- Anonymous, October 22, 2001