It seems increasingly likely to me that Nobby may be on his way. there's the mutterings in the press, but to me the issue is really what happens when (if?) Dyer comes back. The only two ways they can play in the same XI, as far as I can see, are: a) Dyer in the hole, which means the dreaded three-man-and-no-width midfield - 4-3-1-2, or b) Nobby as wing-back, Dyer in similar three-man midfield, 5-3-2. Neither is too appetising. If - and I'm still to be convinced - LLL is truly showing enough ability now to act as right wing deputy to Dyer, I'd be content to cash in on Nobby and spend the money on the CM we're craving. Sinclair, as far as I can see, is not that man, and I don't really understand BR's interest.

-- Anonymous, October 28, 2001

Answers

Auxilliary Peruvian.

-- Anonymous, October 28, 2001

Ya, I think I agree with you there.

-- Anonymous, October 28, 2001

Dan - this has been discussed already today on the "This season compared to last" thread.

-- Anonymous, October 28, 2001

1) The stories about Bob n Nob not getting on are just not going away
2) Nob has been unacceptable hitty-missy this season
3) The rumours of Spaniards sniffing are true - I think anyway
4) The Spanish & Italian transfer windows open soon
5) Lots of spending clubs are either out/in the second stage of the Champs League
4) The crap performce as wing back against Spurs by Nob pissed off Bob no end (IMO Nob just isn't suited to this job)
5) Dyer coming back from out of the cold will result in a very small midfield
6) Our midfield is too weak for the PL, we need one if not two very expensive tip top quality players to turn our team into European contenders, this Bob Lee situation needs to be rectified right now
7) The only money ( I'm quessing here) to strenghen our midfield has to be generated from selling

Can anyone quess what I'm thinking?

-- Anonymous, October 29, 2001

Why do we always assume we need to play every decent player who we have available at the same time? Perhaps the way to get the best out of Nobby is a bit of competition for his place?

Our problem at the moment, is that we don't have enough defensive options in midfield - I know it's been pointed out ad nauseum, but it's the obvious difference between us and the press-nominated top 4 teams. Hamann/Gerrard, Keane, Dacourt, Viera, errr..Speed? I actually think we could afford the luxury of Dyer in central midfield if we had a player with enough energy, commitment and physical presence to dominate midfield, win the ball, distribute with accuracy and intelligence, pressurise when not in possession...ohh if only.

Ohh and another thing since I won't have time to post again today..it struck me that saturday's game was a classic case of getting the goal first and then being able to hit Everton on the break. Now remind me, haven't we been on the receiving side of that turn of events already this season? We patently gave them far too many chances to claim the tactic was totally successful, but nicking that first goal was vital, and makes us a much more dangerous side to have to play against. Travelling fans will have the best season for ages...perhaps even a win in London before too long? ;-)

-- Anonymous, October 29, 2001

Pete - It would be nice to think we've acheived a status as a club at which good players are prepared to be left out, but it's not really the case. Interesting to see what happens up front when Cort is fit (ie 2005).

-- Anonymous, October 29, 2001

But are the two not inextricably linked? ie If we have good, in-form players left on the bench, the implication is that the team on the pitch is doing well. Bobby Robson is currently tackling the issue of complacency and the comfortable feeling some players have been in of knowing they'll always be picked. They can winge all they like for all I care.

-- Anonymous, October 29, 2001

.... so who is whinging Pete?

-- Anonymous, October 29, 2001

I dont know clarky, who is "Whinging Pete"?

-- Anonymous, October 29, 2001

No point asking me something if I've already said I won't be posting again today. Who's whingeing? Most people by the looks of it ;-)

-- Anonymous, October 29, 2001

.....well, excuse me.

-- Anonymous, October 29, 2001

Clarky, that's exactly what I was going to post when you posted:

Dan - this has been discussed already today on the "This season compared to last" thread.
Heh. Well, I find that warmly amusing for some reason.

-- Anonymous, October 29, 2001

Actually, I was trying to be helpful to you Dan. You were clearly interested in an issue that had just been extensively discussed on another thread - meaning your new thread might well be skipped over.
However, if I unintentionally offended you then I apologise.

-- Anonymous, October 30, 2001

...well excuse me!

-- Anonymous, October 30, 2001

No offence taken, clarky, I was just in the mood for disproportionate haughtiness and that little town in Wiltshire, Fake Umbrage. :@)

-- Anonymous, October 30, 2001