The October Debate

By: Richard Hubbert
Date: 07/10/2001

This month, Fred and Bert have met up in Cleethorpes in the "Mariners Kitchen" and are discussing the Rotherham debacle and other topical issues.

FRED:
Now then Bert, how are you doing?

BERT:
Aah, not so bad, and yourself?

FRED:
Well, you know, pottering around doing this and that. Just been to Tescos, and you'll never guess what?

BERT:
What now?

FRED:
The price of bread has gone up 21p! Would you believe it! The stuff that goes on nowadays.

BERT:
Well, that's right, it cost me 15 quid to get into Blundell Park on Friday night!

FRED:
Oh no! You weren't there too were you?

BERT:
Afraid so.

FRED:
It's not looking good is it?

BERT:
Certainly not. I mean where do we start? Everyone was absolute tripe!
(Sips his coffee)
And so's this drink!

FRED:
I agree with you there Bert. It was a totally gutless performance, they never seemed to even try did they?

BERT:
That's true, but what's this silly 4-3-3 formation we're starting with all about? We should play 4-4-2, and if we need a goal, shove another player on and go three up front, but not from the start!

FRED:
I think that's what Lennie's going to do, but on Friday night, he had no other choice in midfield did he?

BERT:
Yes he did! How about playing Coldicott there? Or young Chris Bolder or even that Robbie Busscher?

FRED:
Well, Stace had only played 45 minutes of reserve football, and the other two were a bit inexperienced really.

BERT:
Well it was only Rotherham! We should have given them a go. We're far too narrow playing 4-3-3. Besides, what's the point in having three up front when they all clump together and don't spread out down the wings. A big team like Rotherham will only be broken down if you get round the back of them!

FRED:
That's true Bert, but if you defend like we did then you're always going to loose. I mean, that Butterfield, what was he doing for the second goal?

BERT:
Huh! He just gave it to them didn't he? Mind you though, he is a good player, but he didn't look settled at right back, he was torn apart.

FRED:
I think his confidence is low, we could do with a right back really along with a winger and a centre half. There just aren't enough bodies around. Raven's out until November and Livvo is out until the end of this month.

BERT:
Well, Lennie needs to get some players in doesn't he?

FRED:
Too right. We've got too many central midfield players but not enough wingers. A few more experienced guys around will make all the difference, it'll make more competition for places and raise the confidence.

BERT:
Yeah, everyone's confidence is low at the minute. Pass me a scone will you Fred?

FRED:
Here you go. I'll get a bourbon biscuit.

BERT:
Mmmm (eats scone) Another guy who had a poor game was Burnett.

FRED:
True. There was just no-one in that midfield to put their foot on the ball, that's why we let that guy waltz through for the first goal.

BERT:
That's another problem with playing 4-3-3 from the off. It means there aren't so many bodies around.

FRED:
Oh well, Lennie's said we'll go back to 4-4-2 as from Tuesday.

BERT:
Oh yeah, are you going Fred?

FRED:
I've got my ticket

BERT:
Me too, let's hope we play better then, otherwise it'll be a cricket score!

FRED:
4-4-2 will make it better Bert, but it won't make a huge difference will it?

BERT:
Have some faith Fred

FRED:
Well! We need to sort things out fast otherwise we'll end up like last season! There's too much dead wood about the place.

BERT:
You've got a point

FRED:
I mean, what's Raven doing? We're paying his wages for nothing! He's always blooming injured. As for Jeffrey, it seems Lennie doesn't want him around, so why don't we sell him? The same goes for David Smith!

BERT:
But who's going to buy them though?

FRED:
I suppose Buckley could get them at Lincoln!

BERT:
I doubt it. Thank goodness all their contracts expire at the end of the year.

FRED:
Talking of contracts expiring, haven't we extended that Broomes' loan?

BERT:
Yeah, so I hear. I prefer that young Beharall personally, although it sounds like we might still get him for the season on Monday, but can we afford to keep both of them for the season, that's the question!

FRED:
Who knows?

BERT:
Oh well, that's life

FRED:
Too right. Anyways, better be off Bert. I'll see you at Liverpool on Tuesday night

BERT:
Yeah, see you Fred

FRED:
Bye!

Now for the vote...

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