I know it's not politically correct but I was just on the Red Issue website and was interested in this posting:

Any new centre half needs to have played in the premiership, becuase we can't afford to give them time to settle in. The vast majority of foreign players, espically defenders take a long time to settle down to the pace and aggression of the english game. Someone like dabizas from newcastle or john terry from chelsea wouldn't take to long to settle down.

-- Anonymous, December 06, 2001

Answers

The funniest thing is, no one dismisses it out of hand...

-- Anonymous, December 06, 2001

His OPTA stats make it difficult for anyone to argue, he has been playing well!

-- Anonymous, December 06, 2001

Tony, I wouldn't give OPTA stats house room, and Dabs has positively minged in his last two games (IMHO) but he has had a good season generally...

-- Anonymous, December 06, 2001

So, how much would we acceptfor him then?

I'd turn down £4 million, but accept £6million.

-- Anonymous, December 06, 2001

Clarky, I agree with your finances but I think Dabs is pretty much unsellable just at present: whatever his shortcomings, he is the senior CH.

-- Anonymous, December 06, 2001

Any chance of taking the 6mil and sending 'em Marcelino? I'm sure if he shaves off the dodgy facial hair, they'll never be able to tell the difference. ;-)

-- Anonymous, December 06, 2001

definitely agree with clarky. Looking at our goals conceded record so far this season and it simply isn't good enough to sustain a serious European challenge....

-- Anonymous, December 06, 2001

That's true Min but as much down to our midfield as the defence. Dabizas isn't a world beater but he's pretty good and we'd be weakening the side if we sold him, unless of course Distin (or Marcelino!!) comes into their own. Suppose it would depend on what we would do with the money. Academic really as I can't see Man United coming in for him somehow - he hasn't exactly shone when we've played against them on a number of occasions.

-- Anonymous, December 06, 2001

Does anybody actually know where Marcy is? Was he sent to the nearest salt mine? (There used to be one in Middlesboro.)

-- Anonymous, December 06, 2001

They are currently trying to rebuild him...they have the technology

Dabs continues to make his career a frustrating one to follow (esp in b&w). 9/10 he does the right thing, but that 1/10 is usually a howler (how often has that point been made). Still, we'd be a lot weaker without him, although I would like to see the Caldwells bloodied (metaphorically speaking) in cup games and Distin given a longer run in the side. It does take a while for defenders to settle into a club.

-- Anonymous, December 07, 2001

Tremendous stuff on the Red Issue site today. Regarding Beck's possible departure: "Well the glory days are over for him. He's the most over-rated player in the World. He can cross and take a freekick but he can't pass, has no pace or vision and he'll be shown up for what he is in La Liga or Serie A."

-- Anonymous, December 07, 2001

And what do they make of Roy Keane wriggling for a new contract (having burst their wage structure a whole 2 years ago)?

-- Anonymous, December 07, 2001

Manure fans are so loyal to their players aren't they. How's about we arrange a swap of one (or even two) central defenders for their unwanted right sided midfielder.

-- Anonymous, December 07, 2001

I would take Silvestre as well if they don't want him.

-- Anonymous, December 07, 2001

How much would they pay for Shay? (This has been a Fab season so far!)

-- Anonymous, December 10, 2001

Paul, I like Silvestre, too: he started slowly and apparently got on the wrong side of Fergie for wondering why Dennis Irwin was still in the same city as Man Utd, but he's a canny player.

-- Anonymous, December 10, 2001