YBR certainly knew how to do this deal!

ROBSON HELPED ME - MARIC
by Alex Livie

SILVIO MARIC has stated that his move from Newcastle to Porto was completed in a dramatic 48 hour spell, with Magpies boss Bobby Robson advising him to make the move. Porto were on the brink of signing Brazilian Leandro from Portuguesa at the weekend, but they were beaten to his signature by Fiorentina  resulting in them switching their attentions to Maric.

The 25-year-old, who had a deeply unhappy stay on Tyneside, has stated that he is going to make his move a success.

Maric was initially sceptical about the transfer, but was convinced by Robson - who spoke of the benefits of playing in Portugal.

"He told me not to miss this chance," Maric said. "The club is fantastic, the fans are spectacular and the directors are always ready to help the players."

The former Croatia Zagreb midfielder spoke of his disappointing time at St James Park, claiming that Portos style of play will suit him better.

"It is obvious to me that the game here will suit me," he said. "Last season, at Newcastle, the game was always played in the air and it did not help me.

"In England they are better equipped to play the long, physical game, but Portugal is similar to Croatia."

-- Anonymous, July 21, 2000

Answers

Hmmm - for those of us working in a sales environment, it's quite normal to build up the positive side to things. In order to catch "unscrupulous" sales reps, we have a process to assure the order. I wonder how watertight NUGC's sales assurance process is? Daft question really, when you consider their past record on buying. If they don't have a quality assessment process for buying, how can we expect one for sales?

-- Anonymous, July 21, 2000

I bet YBR was shitting himself at the thought of Maric not agreeing to the deal, either that or he couldn't keep a straight face.

-- Anonymous, July 21, 2000