How good is he and what is his best position. I've descriptions such as "powerhouse" midfielder. Does Robson (if we sign him) plan to play him in the centre of the park?

-- Anonymous, February 25, 2002

Answers

Holding midfielder for Feyenoord. Tall, strong, good on the deck, good burst of pace, takes set pieces. Defensive nous a bit lacking, actually better going forward if you ask me. I'd value him at about 8- 10 mill.*

ML

*Opinion based on 3 or 4 games on late night Dutch footy.

-- Anonymous, February 25, 2002

I don't like the 'I'll only play for you if' brigade. Just reminds me of certain French players and the playing for my own glory rather thant the club mentality. Doesn't suit what the fans want.

-- Anonymous, February 25, 2002

Obviously a longer term replacement for Speed. If McClen can't cut the mustard then we will have to look elsewhere.

A lad said to me yesterday how much would we have wanted Rob Lee on the pitch to put his foot on the ball.

-- Anonymous, February 25, 2002

Talking of Rob Lee, I note that Barton is getting loads of plaudits at Derby while Lee is getting almost none...

-- Anonymous, February 25, 2002

They've obviously been short of clapping down their Dougal.

-- Anonymous, February 25, 2002

Barton was Man of the Match for Leicester vs Derby according to the report in The Mail this morning. "Reassuring presence in defence".

-- Anonymous, February 25, 2002

and he was playin as a central defender!

-- Anonymous, February 25, 2002

Emerton plays right back right now. Prefers right wing. Very overpriced. Very average. I'd pay 5 million tops.

-- Anonymous, February 25, 2002

Gordon bennett not this old chestnut again ! Listen to the Oz clique - we get loads of exposure to the Aussies playing abroad (albeit filtered by their desire to produce good footballers).

Bottom line is that Emerton appears to be as much a right back or RWB as Nobby is. A 'holding midfielder' he most definitely ain't. Add to that the fact he constantly states that he doesn't like playing in a defensive role and you have to conclude that it would be a straight choice if he were to sign - him or the trumpet player. Except neither would be happy as cover for the other I'd suggest. Also, in his most recent interview last Sunday, he dropped yet anpother huge hint that he wants Leeds.

Forget Emerton - not least on the assumption that YBR hopefully sees other areas as priorities to strengthen in the close season.

-- Anonymous, February 26, 2002

LT ... all the indications I see/read are that BR definitely wants to sign Emerton, and that if we qualify for the CL it looks a good possibility he will come here.

-- Anonymous, February 26, 2002

Well I can't see Leeds making the Champs League so he ain't gnna goo there.

-- Anonymous, February 26, 2002

Can't seem to type proply tday

-- Anonymous, February 26, 2002

Heard what you said there guys but I reckon that if he signs he'll go Central or there'll be a juggle with Nobster and LOLo packs his bags (thinks he knows it ain't happening)

-- Anonymous, February 26, 2002

The one thing about this Emerton saga that surprises me is YBR's apparent willingness to buy a player who plays internation football for a team on the other side of the world. Perhaps he thinks he'll be available when the Nobster returns to international duty and vice versa??

-- Anonymous, February 27, 2002

expensive job share screach??

-- Anonymous, February 27, 2002

How do we know that BR is interested?

I haven't really read any real quotes of any substance regarding NUFC and Brett Emerton.

For all we know BR's trip to Glasgow could have been to watch Berry Ferguson, not Emerton.

-- Anonymous, February 27, 2002

That should be Barry, not Berry :)

-- Anonymous, February 27, 2002

not impressed with emerton after watching Feynoord twice,good player, nowhere near a great player, 8-10mill nah nah, 3-5 mill, maybe.

-- Anonymous, March 02, 2002

Paul, if the reports are right Shepherd met up with his father in Australia some month ago.

-- Anonymous, March 02, 2002