1. Threatening to drop Nobby and talking positively about Trevor Sinclair. 2. Saying that we will play 3-5-2 again and that the players need to understand their responsibilities and "that includes Solano and Robert". He then goes on to talk about Roma in the UEFA, saying that Solano crucified Candela and that we played 3-5-2 really well that day.

Bobby, do you have to slag off players in the press, particularly ones who have had their share of press coverage recently? Furthermore, that Roma game was a textbook example of what you can do in extremis. Most of our players injured, and Roma saying before the game that "Newcastle are awful". Firstly, their players turned up thinking they'd won the game, Aaron Hughes had probably the game of his career and we went out "rich in spirit and dripping defiance" (according to the Times). How often do these circumstances converge? And in any event, all we really did with the Roma tie was prevent them winning by a cricket score.

-- Anonymous, October 27, 2001

Answers

Robson sounds a little too self-defensive here. Must be aware of all the flack he's got after the Spurs fiasco.

-- Anonymous, October 27, 2001

.... perhaps someone should remind him what the overall result of the Roma tie was!

-- Anonymous, October 27, 2001

I have to say I disagree with Bobby completely on this one.

Surely as manager it is his job to get the best out of his players?

Playing 3-5-2 is not the way to get the best out of his players, especially those who played against Spurs.

Would he play Alan Shearer in goal and expect him to perform? Would he put Nikos Dabizas on right wing? Of course not, they aren't their positions. So why are Robert and Solano expected to play in a new role?

If we don't put in a good performance today, then questions need to be asked.

-- Anonymous, October 27, 2001

It's a bit strange how he slates Solano but not Robert?

With my eyes, which are above average according to the optician, Solano had the better game out of the two wing backs, at least he defended (or tried to). Although you can't realy blame either fully for not understanding how to defend, Robert didn't even look interested when Anderton walked past him to get the rebounded cross.

-- Anonymous, October 27, 2001

Paul, just because someone is a Winger doesn't mean they don't know how to defend??? Being crap at it is a different matter altogether, perhaps Bobby's French was a bit rusty?

-- Anonymous, October 27, 2001

There's always the danger that slating a player might produce the wrong response. I think we could all imagine a situation where if Robson slagged of Robert he might throw a tantrum which would be disastrous. Whatever else you say about Nobby, he doesn't seem to take offence at Robson's comments and on occassion has responded well to them. Good man management maybe? Worth saying as well, that Uncle Bobby didn't exactly lay into Nobby. He said he had a bad game against Spurs but that overall he'd been a superb player for him. Hardly the pasting portrayed in the press.

-- Anonymous, October 27, 2001

The solution to this problem is simple in my mind, it would make more sense at times to pick up the Jornal/Ronnie Gill and read, "It was stated today by Newcastles No 2 _?_________ in a interview that "Blah Blah, Blah Blah". In the past three weeks it has became apparent to myself that Bobby is under pressure in his everyday all demanding role, his decisions, his statements and opinions to the press are not the Bobby Robson of old, he needs a no 2,someone he can confide in, respected within the game, a good man on the training ground and a person who can handle the media on occassions,probably echoing their joint thoughts, the man needs a break. The person appointed does not need to be a candidate for the future no 1 job. As a starter for five and I am liable to be crucified on here could I forward the name of John Barnes, yes I am fully aware of his managerial failings at Celtic ,just a gut feeling they could work together.(for 2 seasons anyway) . and then Shearer/Barnes, out of here

-- Anonymous, October 27, 2001

I'd rather see Bill Callaghan doing it. Far more empathy with the owd sod in charge ;-))

-- Anonymous, October 28, 2001

The self-same thought went through my head Screacher.

-- Anonymous, October 28, 2001

Actually, I don't think Barnes a bad idea at all, Buff. He is knowledgable and articulate, and would indeed take a lot of the pressure off Bobby.
I have a feeling there is a lot of sh*t going on at SJP at the moment, and that BR needs some serious help.

-- Anonymous, October 28, 2001

Hmm, Barnes could work, but would he want to come back? I would have him here, but I'm certain a lot of fans still wouldn't want him.

-- Anonymous, October 28, 2001

Scottish press has front page headline screaming about Barnes being a footballing loser, now a proven wide beater. Oh dear.

-- Anonymous, October 28, 2001

Terry McDermott...

SOMONE must have his phone number....!

though i really like the idea of Buff doing it: "Now listen to me Gibson, i'll dictate it for you..." priceless!

-- Anonymous, October 28, 2001

Mac, you beat me to it, Clarky I am afraid the articulate Barnes is alledgedly a hard porn , wife beater according to his ex. There is no way you can make up a story that he gave her a beating on the way to a parents night at their daughters school . Alledgedly when shown a piccie of his new flame `Miss Jamaica` she said to Barnsey "What a fat arsenal she`s got" , he replied cruelly in my view "At least she is under 40 and has not had 4 kids". Sorry JB I withdraw my earlier proposal, Bobby does not need you, The Toon does not want you, Goodbye

* The problem is still there, I wonder, does Dessy Tutu ken football?

-- Anonymous, October 28, 2001

I doubt it Buff - but we have your e-mail address - even if it doesn't work :-(

-- Anonymous, October 28, 2001

bill_e_callaghan@email.mobil.com Test your cookies, Screach,

this cyber world is just too much :-)

-- Anonymous, October 28, 2001

Hmmm - an extra "dot". Makes a big difference in this cyberworld ;-)

-- Anonymous, October 28, 2001

Divvent tell ivverbody Screach , need to know basis ,Moneypenny more tea for the Powderburn Mole!

-- Anonymous, October 28, 2001

If my boss slagged me in public I'd be off.

-- Anonymous, October 28, 2001

Nick, A few years ago while attending an open forum ,(spit), in the chair was the then Shell chairman , Mark Moody-Stuart , it was pretty informal as long as one did not rock the boat. From being "Bullish" the previous year, this time the theme was CRINE (cost reductions in the new era) ie redundancies. I voiced my opinion , nothing to write home about and my plant manager came out with the pearler which in my view sealed my fate in public, "Bill he said we are all aware of your Marxist views". I lasted another year.

-- Anonymous, October 28, 2001