I should maybe have asked. How much cash would Champions League qualification mean to Newcastle?

We've made incredible steps this season and played some amazing football. But to stay with the big three we need more absolute top quality particularly in defense.

How much will Robson have then to spend in the summer?

-- Anonymous, March 31, 2002

Answers

Hmmmm - how short is a piece of string?

We HAVE to buy Distin surely. Beyond that it's hard to say. A top quality LB would be good. I could see us spending £10m max with no CL and possibly £15m or more with a guarantee of CL qualification. I think those numbers would be quite generous considering we spent £21m this season, and fortunately, that's all looking like money well spent.

-- Anonymous, March 31, 2002

the 1999 figures for English teams playing in the CL showed an average extra of £10m of income. Last year Robson spent ~£16m on Bellamy and Robert, assume he has the same again. Sales might bring in say £5m, so could be ~£30m kitty.

Two £10m players and two £5m players I'd be hoping, quality at the top, and very classy cover elsewhere

-- Anonymous, March 31, 2002

Shepherd said some weeks ago that they have prepared several team strengthening plans. Which one is progressed depends on whether we qualify for the CL, UEFA, Intertoto, or of course nowt.

If we were to qualify for the CL I'd expect us to spend ca £20m with 3-4 good players coming in. Personally, I believe as a minimum we need a CB, a LB a holding m/f player and another nippy forward.

Despite BR playing both CC and AS recently, I suspect the plan is for CC to gradually assume Shearers role, and for us to stick with the plan of playing one tall target man who can score goals, as well as holding up the ball to bring others into play, and one pacy striker playing off the big guy.

-- Anonymous, March 31, 2002

Agreed clarky, CB, LB, CM and CF are the priorities.

I think we should also be looking into a backup for Solano, as it seems as if Gavilan is probably going to stay in Mexico (at least we'll get the money back). I know Dyer could play there, but we shouldn't really be trying to play people out of position.

-- Anonymous, March 31, 2002

Just remembered, Lua Lua is a pretty nippy winger, so we don't really need backup for Nobby.

-- Anonymous, March 31, 2002

Paul - I expect us to sign Brett Emerton who can play on the right or in the middle. Think Rob Lee when he first came here.

-- Anonymous, March 31, 2002

A new central defender or full back dependent upon where Distin ends up, would be nice. OB is young enough to improve, Dabs is too wobbly.

-- Anonymous, March 31, 2002

I saw a bit in todays papers saying Dabs is off at the end of the season. Possibly to Charlton or Ipswich for 1.5M.

It may be b@llocks but maybe not.

-- Anonymous, March 31, 2002

I read a story that he was off to Manure for £5m after we beat them 4- 3

-- Anonymous, March 31, 2002