Last year at this time after a string of poor pre-season results I made a prediction that the guys at the heart of Gullits defence,the center backs would make or break the season for him and us, 12 months later ,nothing has changed other than delete Gullit, insert Robson, the common factor is still us, Love to be proved wrong, just love it

-- Anonymous, August 15, 2000

Answers

Buff, if I remember correctly, you also predicted that Stephen Glass would make a differnce. Sdaly, on tonight's performance, he has a long way yet to go. He shied away from tackles and didn't look impressive at all. Second half was ahrder to judge as he dropped back to LB when Domi departed (either that or to save getting an earful from the BBS crowd on the left wing).

-- Anonymous, August 15, 2000

True Screach, I saw him four times previous, 2 involving Rangers and Celtic and he was excellent in the left midfield role with a guy in front of him, that is why I find it difficult to see him as a winger. Not one to sit on the fence and maybe Macbeth will back me up, but the guys I rate up here at present, Russell Latapy and Didier Agathe (on loan) both of Hibs and the value of Albertz to Rangers is phenominal, the guys shooting is so accurate, float them , power them, I like him.

-- Anonymous, August 15, 2000

Screach - there was a time when we all had high hopes of wee Glassy. Whether he had his confidence shattered by that long injury or whether he was just going through a purple patch a while back and has levelled out at his natural capability, I don't know. However, he is getting almost no first team exposure and if we aren't going to use him, we should sell him so he can get his chance elsewhere. I do remember Craig Brown saying that Alan Shearer had phoned him to say that Glass was the best crosser of the ball he'd played with.

-- Anonymous, August 16, 2000

"I do remember Craig Brown saying that Alan Shearer had phoned him to say that Glass was the best crosser of the ball he'd played with."

Beckham would've loved that, nice one.

-- Anonymous, August 16, 2000

Screacher's correct - Glass looked a fairly forlorn figure to me last night. His touch was a little off, he didn't really look comfortable on the ball, and was often timid in the tackle - a feature of a number of the Toon players. SG also seemed to be huffing and puffing and a bit and short of fitness.
I really rate the lad, but something is just not right with him. As Screacher also mentioned, having to play LB for the 2nd half because we had only brought two substitutes will certainly not have helped his form or his confidence - presumably why he is playing in such games.
I'm being critical again, but it's simply beyond me why a professional club with a massive playing squad, and travelling only 10 miles for a fixture, can't bring a sensible playing compliment to ensure the fringe players aren't messed around like this.
In summary, SG looks along way from the first team on this display.
PS: liked the look of the new RB, 19 yr-old Ryan McGuffie. He looked calm and assured throughout and generally distributed the ball well.

-- Anonymous, August 16, 2000

How many goals has Coppy scored pre-season? He must be close to warranting a place on the bench ready for some Solksjear type antics on Sunday (Not hacking down Ryan Giggs when he's clean through!). Even though the goals have come against weak opposition, the confidence is there.

Caldwell brothers excelled again, surely they must be close to a first team place given the recent performances of the present incumbents, at least they know each other and talk the same language.

Griffin Cladwell Caldwell Domi. All under 22?!

-- Anonymous, August 16, 2000