What a start to the season !!

Ok, lets not get this out of perspective, we haven't had a good start, but we have had worse. Remember McLarens first season in charge, lets hope we don't have the same thing obviously but lets give Gareth some time.

Being in Egypt I am getting some interesting feedback from the locals, Mido could be a good signing if we can get him fit. The Egyptians don't think he has an attitude problem and they rate him highly (check out my post on Egypt to get that into context though).

I have also heard that we are supposed to be in for another player "the best midfielder in Africa" was the description, plays or played for Al Ahly, (Sometimes the translation can be difficult), now this means a few things, Ahly are indeed the best team in Africa at the moment, but having seen a couple of their games on telly (a bit like Sven eh!!) they aren't quite European standard, however if he is that good, I hope we get him. Whoever he is?

It seems like we have kept our Jeckyl and Hyde standards from last year, but without the cutting edge of the big Aussie. I hope the press speculation dies down soon for Yakubu, or we sell him and bring in a huge name, because its clear all of the talk is getting to him.

What we need if we sell the Yak is a real quality strike and not one of these Beattie types. Although I don't know where we would pull that one out of the hat, so i would prefer to see the Yak get his nose back to the grindstone.



I am really worried about Gareths strategic thinking.

The last two games we have ended up depleting our strike force toward the end of the game when we desperately needed goals. I admire young Wheater, I think he will go a long way in the game, but pushing him forward as a battering ram at the end of the game i snot what he is there for. It was one thing for Brucey to push Mogga forward all those years ago, or even everyones favourite spud, Big Al Kernaghan*. But come on GS sort it out man, you need to plan every avenue before the start of the game, not make it up as you go along.

Don't get me wrong Ilike GS and I think he will be a good manager, but right now I think strategically, the team of him and Super Cooper are abit lacking in that department. Maybe we need a little help in the backroom form a man with the experience to make a few subtle changes in the pre match planning. I don't mean El Tel, but someone with that level of experience might be a useful addition to the team.

*I have recoded a few thoughts on the good old days on a post entitled "Ayresome Days".