Hello Tests (2/3)

Botallock Mines (Cornwall 2005) Well, that could not be simpler... 

Hello Tests (1/3)

Photo taken on a beach in Cornwall (April 2005). This has been uploaded to test the 'Hello' Picture sharing software. Brought to us by Google (The people behind Blogger) it has been designed to make adding photos to blogs easier.  

Business Enterprise Awards

Enhance Promotions were one of four companies to win awards at the annual Business Enterprise Awards, held at Newcastle Falcons Rugby Club.

EP won the Graduate Enterprise Award which acknowledged the Business Plan and overall viability of the company. They were also commended for the 'Hugely successful' GAP Year event that was organised and run at Northumbria University.

EP would like to recognise the contribution made by Mark Read, Graham Baty and Selena Self.

Out of Luque

This weeks reserve game saw Tommy Craig take note of AG and include Albert Luque in the reserves. Unfortunately Luque managed only 10 minutes before a hefty kick to the ankle forced him to limp out. To be fair to a lad who has seen his attitude knocked in the past few months reports suggest he was less than happy at being substituted.

There was confirmation today that he has sprained his ankle and will be unavailable for selection for some weeks. It would seem very unlikely given that the season is now winding down that we will see our 9 million capture in the first team this season.

Today also brought the news that Scott Parker is suffering from glandular fever and will not play again this season. The club have also announced that he may have been playing through this for the past month. Just the commitment any future captain needs.

Selective reporting

Regular readers will be aware that Ottomar Hitzfeld is my choice for manager. I should add I would be happy with Hiddink or O'Neill should Freddie knock on their door.

The local press has been running a long term poll for the next manager, each week the canadadate with the lowest votes was removed from the poll.

So, who won?

The Journal and Chronical keep referring to fans favourite O'Neill, was it he? - No he didn't make the final two but as there has been no article you may not know that the overwhelming winner of teh fans support was the afforementioned Ottomar Hitzfeld with over 80% of the final vote. What do this man have to do for some recognition?

Missing Links?

Okay so footballs subjective and all about opiniions but I have to say the last posting did make a couple of errors.

If we consider the current squad analysis provided below we can see a good first pass but I would like to offer a couple of amends,

ML: Charlie, O'brien - two young, eager, fast wingers who can cross a ball.

S: Owen, Luque - Sorry but I'd have that lad from the Carlsberg adverts (Carlsberg aren't football agents, but if we were...) than Shola. As for Luque, lets give the lad a chance, yes he hasn't had a kick recently (other than on the ancle) but he hasn't had the opportunity either. Lets stick him in the reserves for the rest of the season where he can learn the pace and passion of the english game before bringing him into the first team fold for next year.

Crude but effective

Ok, So where does the lucky chappy that takes the hotseat need to spend freddies music.

So decide that, lets see what we've got.

GK: Given, Harper, Krul

DR: Carr, Ramage

DL: Baba, ?

DC: Tayls, Boom, Bramble, Moore,


MR: Nobby, Milner

ML: Charlie, ?

MC: Emre, Dyer, Bowyer

DMC: Parker, ?


S: Owen, Shola, ?, ?

--------------------------

So where does that leave the following?

Elliot - Contract Expires

Clarkie - Contract up?

Butt - Onloan with brum but not doing much to keep himself there

Faye - Unable to get back into the 1st 16 recently and favourite of Harry's down in portsmouth

Luque - 9million and not required by the looks of things

Chops - Contract due to expire not hitting the 1st 16

----------------------------------------------------

By my guess to balance the squad were going to need

• a fullback or two,
• a commanding center back
• a left winger
• a holding player
• a couple of strikers

Okay, so some of the players on the unknown list might fill some of those and not all of them would be needed if we could keep the players fit but that aint goin to happen....

I have thoughts about who id like to bring in but speculation at this point is a waste of time with so much still to be decided.

Thoughts as always welcome

* Also its almost three in the morning so its likely that I've missed someone out....

Time to take stock...

Defeats to Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea have taken a bit of the gloss off Roeder's revival and left the lads without a pot to chase.

This shouldn't be blown out of context though, Yes we've had three defeats and some shocking play at times but this hasn't shown us anything we didn't know already. The team has fallen behind the top four. We need to accept it and move on.

So how do we assess the team? Looking at the first eleven there are a number of positives.

• In Shay Given we have a truly World Class keeper and Steve Harper would be No1 at most clubs.
• Steven Taylor and Peter Ramage are two young defenders that already look comfortable in the premiership and have a real chance of becoming very big players for the club.
• Scott Parker and Kieron Dyer are both special players that if fit should be with the England Squad.
• Emre seems to be adapting to the pace of the premiership well.
• Charlie N'zogbia is proving to be a very good talent, in a couple of seasons he will hopefully produce consistently
• Michael Owen is one of the most dangerous strikers in the premiership, a player who almost guarantees goals.
• Steven Carr and Nobby Solano are two experienced premiership players that can be relied upon

Despite this we look very light upfront, especially with Al due to swap his boots and armband for slippers and a cardigan. Our defensive frailties still exist, though GR has made a huge difference in this department, with a leader desperately needed.

So we have a good crop of players to build on but as we have seen this season it is no longer good enough to have a good first eleven. You need a strong, well balanced first twentytwo.

The eight games that are left may not offer any possibilities in terms of silverware but any new manager will be casting his eye over the players in the next couple of months and some have a lot of work to put in if they are to show they deserve the right to wear the stripes next season.

Still ticking over...

6 Games 5 Wins 1 Draw 0 Losses.

10 for 2 against.

13pts from a possible 15.

Next up a trip to manchester on Sunday.