Both YBR and Shearer have made statements that a top 6 spot is what they think we can achieve. These have been made when we have gone third or were top (for those delicous moments) and they come under the category of "managing expectations". Young team, learning to play together, ... yadda yadda yadda.

We have 19 points for 12 games. That puts us on target for 60 points (well, 60.166666666 actually) with just under a third of the season played. Last year the relevant end of season placings were: 5 Chelsea 65pts 6 Aston Villa 58 7 Makems 58 8 Leicester 55

So that seems as though we are on target. But the trouble is the cluster effect around the 60 point level. Unless we get to be another 10% better, and so end up with 66 points I don't think there can be confidence that we will be in the top six. Where could you honestly say we actually deserved 2 more points than we have - without also realizing we could have lost a couple somewhere (like yesterday). Perhaps only the Chelsea game? When we get cuffed (Southampton, Everton, Charlton, West Ham) it doesn't seem as though we were "unlucky". The comments I hear on the webcast and on the BBS after the game are of the type that we wouldn't have scored if the match continued for another 2 hours.

So, do we just bank on an improvement in form? People say that they are more confident that there are reasonable players on the bench - but that won't get us more wins.

-- Anonymous, November 05, 2000

Answers

Just to get it on the list.

-- Anonymous, November 05, 2000

The Club must have targets. Winning the PL isn't realistic, nor is a CL place. So, the logical target must be a top six placing and a UEFA Cup spot.
Can we do it? Well, to be honest there aren't too many good sides in the league, and there are five or six like the Toon who can be good on occasion, but lack consistency.
I think it's a reasonable target for us, and we could just about do it - but only if we can play at a higher level more consistently than we have to date, and have a little luck with injuries.

-- Anonymous, November 05, 2000

Clarky and I spoke of this earlier on - prior to the Spurs game in the Strawberry. YBR has had ltd funds. He spent his money on Cort and Bassedas - neither of which we have seen. To lie fifth is beyond my expectations with his big money guys out.Assuming Cort and Bassedas work out, (in YBR we trust) we have every chance of a top 6th placing. I have genuine hopes that Europe is a realistic aim. I'm assuming that Bassedas will fill the niche of creator and that Acuna is the ball winner. Taking Clarky's judgement on board about Acuna - but also the fact that Bobby spoke of him as ' a Rob Lee of six or seven years ago. A David Batty with more invention.' Still feel we need a defender. Given up - rightly or wrongly - on Marcelino. A hell of a lot or our money has gone into this lad and if there is a player in him, me thinks we aint going to see it. Goma seems to give his all and an injury free spell should allow us to see what he can do. For some reason, I think we may just have a real crack at a top 6 placing. My god if Villa can challenge after todays showing....

-- Anonymous, November 05, 2000

The trouble is, we've only played one "potential top 6" team so far this season (possibly 2 if you include Chewsee). I don't want to get carried away. Mebbes if we'd beaten Charlton and Everton as we should, and perhaps not lost at Wham and Soton, but there's still a few decent teams to play twice yet.

-- Anonymous, November 05, 2000

It's not all that good an indicator to refer to good or bad sides: Last year we beat Man United at home and lost to Leicester.

-- Anonymous, November 06, 2000