Fans Comment
Stephen Burton

Doom & Gloom
24/01/05

Richard Wright: ring-rusty

What's with all the doom and gloom I'm hearing from Blues fans after a tricky few weeks?  Let's face it; we all knew we would eventually go through a difficult patch sometime in the season.  I mean, were Charlton really that much better than us or did they get a lucky goal and defend like their lives depended on it for the rest of the game?  They also happen to be one of the form teams in the league at this moment in time so I don’t feel quite as gutted as some of you out there obviously are.

Christ almighty, people don't panic.  Yes Gravesen going is a blow but I'm sure DM is working on a replacement as we speak.  I put faith in David and Bill to make the right decisions regarding signings and I trust they would absolutely refuse to pay some of the ridiculous figures quoted for some of our targets (£5 million for Davies – yeah right).  Fact is we simply cannot afford to throw money away on the chance that we may get that Champions League 4th place which itself is not automatic qualification to the lucrative group stages.  I know this is becoming a bit of a cliché but look at poor old Leeds United — they chased the dream too.  We are still £40 million in debt so I don’t think it would take much to push us over the edge too.

The question is: Do we want a quick fix? or Do we take our time, keep our heads and rely on the players who have got us this far?  The first option carries the risk of us being lumbered with players not much better than what we have already and all at a premium.  The second option may mean risking that hallowed 4th spot but getting DM’s first choice players in during the summer whilst at the same time replacing the half-dozen players out of contract.  So is it to be a short-term fix or a long-term solution?  It’s a very tough decision so I’m glad I’m not a manager.

I can’t finish without mentioning Richard Wright.  I think a lot of people have been very critical of him in the last few games and yes he has made some costly mistakes.  Remember this though, the guy was out all of last season when he had three operations on his knee and for a time it looked like his career might be over.  Anyone who can come through all of that at least deserves some respect and our unwavering support while he gets his match sharpness back.  The last thing the guy needs is 10,000 scousers on his back telling him how shit he is every time he touches the ball. Nigel Martyn is a great keeper but at his age he is one bad injury away from retirement.

C’mon Blueboys.  In Moyes We Trust!

Stephen  Burton

The one point I'll make here, Stephen, is that qualification for the Champions League is not just an "off-chance."  We have a seven-point lead over the three clubs chasing us which puts us in pole position to grab the fourth qualifying place.  And, yes, we will have to go through qualifying rounds to get the really lucrative stage of the competition, at least we have that chance — the UEFA Cup is steeped in history but it isn't all that lucrative.

The one option that no one seems to want to discuss is getting someone in on loan.  I cannot believe there isn't a midfielder somewhere in Europe who could do a short-term job for us and provide us with numbers, at least.
Lyndon Lloyd

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