IF (Kipling stuff) we were to beat Chelsea and take a point from Manure, I would be so so happy. That would make my season regardless. If we could indeed carry on our good work against the "big boys" and show we can also control any complacency against the lower clubs we could be in with a very good chance of "something" when you look at our remaining fixtures.

Have been in Thailand for Xmas but have followed from afar. Thrilled re the Arse game, knocked out by the Leeds fightback, and very chuffed by the performance against Boro. All good team efforts but my god hasnt Dyer come out of it well. I think he had a hand in all the goals against Leeds and looks in tremendous nick. We love to see him and Bellas against a rather slow-moving Manure defence. (Is Bellamy available for that?/)

Halcyon days lads and lasses halcyon

-- Anonymous, December 28, 2001

Answers

I'm pretty sure Bellamy will miss Old Trafford due to suspension Derek. Bummer, but that's what squads are all about eh?

-- Anonymous, December 28, 2001

Isn't Bellamy appealing (in a "dork" sort of way)? I thought YBR said that we would fight this one, despite Poll declining to review the video.

-- Anonymous, December 28, 2001

Do the FA work before the New Year to have it overturned or downgraded in time ??

-- Anonymous, December 28, 2001

Presumably they can't suspend him until the appeal is resolved either way, otherwise there would be not point in apealling - ie it's like saying 'of course you can appeal, but in the meantime we'll suspend you anyway'.

-- Anonymous, December 28, 2001

I sent an e-mail to Russell Cushing this morning to see if he could clear this up for us - then read in The Ronnie that he is part of a "high-powered" (!) delegation, including BR and CB, that has "jetted down" to Lancaster Gate today for the FA hearing.

The Ronnie reckons they are hoping to have the red reduced a yellow, and the suspension reduced from three games to one - unfortunately, that would still mean him missing the Man U game.

-- Anonymous, December 28, 2001

Bellamy's appeal has been successful!! Not sure yet whether reduced suspension or none at all.

-- Anonymous, December 28, 2001

I'm led to believe no suspension, although the red card will stay on his record.

-- Anonymous, December 28, 2001