Now, I'm not saying his form has been that bad or that others don't deserve criticism but why is it that the local papers almost invariably make him a star man? He's a Three Star man in today's Journal. Seriously, did I accidentally fall asleep and miss something on Saturday?

-- Anonymous, January 07, 2002

Answers

A Potential sale opportunity?

-- Anonymous, January 07, 2002

IMVHO, Robbie Elliott has been our most consistent player this season. Consistently cr@p, that is. It staggers me how he has managed to keep his place. Must say a lot (or not) about cover at LB.

-- Anonymous, January 07, 2002

Actually, I didn't think he played too badly on Saturday. However, The Jornal's effusive praise this morning caused me a doubletake.

-- Anonymous, January 07, 2002

Well, as I said in the pub after the game, the only threat CP gave us was down the middle. Neither FB had anything to do. Even RE couldn't get that wrong.

-- Anonymous, January 07, 2002

I wouldn't say he's been crap, although he isn't exactly Roberto Carlos. In the last games i think he has been pretty decent.

-- Anonymous, January 07, 2002

It's the hyperbole that gets me: I don't think the Journal have given him a bad game since he joined.

-- Anonymous, January 07, 2002

BTW, I was talking to a friend of mine who has a connection with the club and he claims that YBR sees RB as the only defensive position that needs reinforcing. Now, I admit that Aaron is some way off the finished article and that Griff is always injured and that Bartinho isn't looking like he'll be here for long but it's worrying that he doesn't see LB as being in need of a bit of attention, too.

-- Anonymous, January 07, 2002

Dougal, Maybe YBR intends putting Hughes at LB, therefore needs RB cover? Just trying to be marginally optimistic. Personally I would put Bernard in at LB, although I know YBR, and others on this board, think he ain't a left back.

-- Anonymous, January 07, 2002

Possibly, Terry, but I'm not sure that Hughes is much better than adequate at LB either (although that's where he normally plays for NI). I'd like to see Bernard getting a run at LB just to see what he can do. Domi wasn't much cop defensively but we looked so much better with him in the side as he compensated for his deficiencies with his pace going forward. One of the best goals I've seen was Domi tackling a Leeds player just outside their penalty area and putting in a cross from which Al scored a thumping header. That's what I hope Bernard would be capable of.

-- Anonymous, January 07, 2002

Just watched my Arse video (thanks Gus) and in the 2nd half when Robert came on, Bernard dropped back in place of Elliott. I wasn't over impressed with OB at LB. Has played a lot better in MF. Would probably be better in a 3-5-2 formation with Robert coming more inside.......but I don't wanna go there :-(

-- Anonymous, January 07, 2002

Where did you get the video from Screacher? You obviously have not received mine as you have not said so on the "Video" thread!

-- Anonymous, January 07, 2002