Nice little post-match (@rsepool) interview with Big Al. Asked about a possibility of making a return to the international scene, he did a very good job of avoiding the question. Well, at least not answering it directly. Sod being future manager - Tony Blair, watch out.

Al looked very relaxed - smiling and laughing. Not the ogre he's often portrayed as. And not an elbow in sight ;-)

-- Anonymous, January 13, 2002

Answers

Awesome Player. Actual Possibility? Any Perchance Alan Playing Again Perhaps?

-- Anonymous, January 13, 2002

Asopposedto Phillips?

;7)

-- Anonymous, January 13, 2002

I hope not. I'm possibly one of his greatest supporters, and even I have doubts he could grace the international stage again.

I would hate to see him try and fail, and provide his detractors with the ammunition to bury him.

Frankly, he's way too important to NUFC right now to take any unecessary risks.

-- Anonymous, January 14, 2002

If the choice was between Shearer and Phillips for England, Superkev can have it any day.

-- Anonymous, January 14, 2002

Jim Armfield on 5 live last saturday had a lot of good things to say about Al,surprised me cos of late he is very biased and shows this to Leeds. Talking about the pace and movement of members of the present team he also said, `Don`t forget Shearer , he is the guy taking the knocks and kicks for these guys , so they can play`. Fine compliment but a professional like Shearer will look into that remark and feel he is worth more than being a brick outhouse. As for England, deffo no no, must be tempting when he sees a balloon like Heskey getting a start though, SGE has got to take a long hard look at Michael Ricketts and make a decision.

-- Anonymous, January 14, 2002

Shearer came across to sign stuff as he was going off after the warm- up. Looked very relaxed. England don't need him - we do!

-- Anonymous, January 14, 2002

I've been saying precisely the same thing about Heskey, buff.

I also feel Ricketts would be a better all round proposition. He is about the same build, but the real difference is that he actually punches his full weight. He is also pacy, far better in the air, and more instinctive finisher. He's perhaps not the finished article yet, but imo he's a better long-term prospect and should be under active consideration.

-- Anonymous, January 14, 2002

And maybe not just for England ?

-- Anonymous, January 14, 2002

I think Carl Cort is better than either, should he remain injury- free.

-- Anonymous, January 14, 2002

agree nick

but don't you mean BECOME injury free

-- Anonymous, January 14, 2002

Nail on the head Bob!

-- Anonymous, January 15, 2002

Just out of interest, if Shearer was called up, who would be England captain?

-- Anonymous, January 15, 2002

......Becks.

-- Anonymous, January 15, 2002