Newcastle's section in the Times today said that BR is looking to bring Marcelino back into the first team picture (probably without the word "back" would be more truthful)

BR said he had been doing well in the reserves and could be useful for us.

I honestly think that, if given the chance, he would put 110% in on the pitch. He knows he is disliked at the club and wouldn't dare put a foot wrong as he knows the abuse would only intensify.

I know I wouldn't boo him if he played, although many would. However, if it came to it and our injuries in defence were bad, there could be worse options than Marcelino.

-- Anonymous, January 29, 2002

Answers

I think it's BR's ploy to get a bit more money for him from some Spanish club that might be interested.

What's the bet that he becomes a defensive rock and we keep 10 clean sheets in a row with him, only for him to be sold on for a couple of million? (Actually that question is stupid, ignore it)

-- Anonymous, January 29, 2002

I watched him him the last reserve game Paul and he had a canny game. He got a great round of applause when subbed a couple of minutes from time and no boos. I think if he got another game the crowd would be willing him to do well.

-- Anonymous, January 29, 2002

I'm sure we'd all give him a chance. And beggars can't be choosers. It's not like we've got loads of options on this one.

-- Anonymous, January 29, 2002

"He got a great round of applause", as in "they gave him a big HAND"?

;7)

-- Anonymous, January 29, 2002

Well he injured his hand so someone from the crowd kindly donated one.

-- Anonymous, January 29, 2002

...then that would be just like the "HAND OUT" he's been on for the last 18 months!

:-)

-- Anonymous, January 29, 2002

Bobby shouldn't be revealing his April 1 plans so early.

I wouldn't boo him (if I were there), but I'd remain pretty sceptical. Anyway I suppose he'll have to play if we're to have any chance of getting money for him.

Has he ever played in midfield??? Think he'd give it a go??? Tomorrow night maybe?? ;-)

-- Anonymous, January 29, 2002

I remember him playing a blinder against Leeds last season, even got forward and tested their goalie with a shot at one point. Why couldn't he do this on a regular basis?

-- Anonymous, January 29, 2002

Cause he's always bliddy injured!! ;-)

-- Anonymous, January 29, 2002

".....there could be worse options than Marcelino!"

Like what ffs?

-- Anonymous, January 29, 2002

me!!

-- Anonymous, January 29, 2002

Maybe he can play central midfield? Eh? =)

-- Anonymous, January 29, 2002

I know he's had more than his fair share of chances, but if the lad buckles down and works (ie finally starts to earn his massive pay packet) it would be good if everyone could let bygones be bygones. We're talking about an awful lot of money that could potentially be recouped if he gets a run in the side - the last thing we need is for BR to play him, everyone boo, and any confidence he has go out of the window. And there is always the possibility that he ahs genuinely been injured..... after all, a knock on the finger can be painful......

-- Anonymous, January 29, 2002

Mind you, if he had the committment of a certain AFL (Aussie Rules) player who was recently in the news down here, then the finger wouldn't have been a problem. Apparently this guy had a troublesome finger amputated so that he didn't have to miss too many games this year.....

-- Anonymous, January 29, 2002

I recal you saying Marca was a pile of poo.

-- Anonymous, January 29, 2002

what number does he have on his shirt ?

-- Anonymous, January 29, 2002

Nick, he has undoubtedly been a pile of poo every time I've seen him play, but if there's a way to get some money for him then I'd rather that wasn't jeopardised just so people can get a bit of frustration off their chests. I'm certainly prepared to accept that in the dim and distant past he must have had something to offer, but I've yet to see it. Anyway, if memory serves my saying he was a pile of poo was in response to your extraordinary contention that he is the best defender at the club.... to be fair I think you'd been drinking and since you've now given up for life that won't happen again!!

-- Anonymous, January 29, 2002

Drink is for fools.

-- Anonymous, January 29, 2002

Sounds like you were looking pretty foolish at Jon's barbie on Sunday....

-- Anonymous, January 29, 2002

He needs to pull his finger out.

He also needs to be in the proverbial shop window, and not many big bucks shoppers look in the bargain basement bins of the reserves...or the treatment table

-- Anonymous, January 30, 2002

Wasn't it pulling his finger out that started all this?

White shoes, tourniquet, guerney, etc.... ;-)

-- Anonymous, January 30, 2002

If nobody will buy him whole I wonder if we can sell his organs?

-- Anonymous, January 30, 2002

There's an idea. could probably make a fair bit via eBay.

-- Anonymous, January 30, 2002