Forgive me for turning to football again but I would like opinion on the following.

Given Antwi's form to date and the fact that he is not here from Liverpool for a year to sit on the bench, I think it is fair to assume that barring injury he will fill one of the two central defensive slots. It is also fair to assume he will return to Scouseville come next May.

Despite the excellent form of the Nelson/Clark partnership last season and although Clark can play in midfield, I think it is also fair to say that one of them (probably Clark) will spend most of the season on the bench, again barring injuries.

My question is therefore this:

Will the use of an undeniable talent for one year move the club forward and ensure a season of success?

or

Will it cause us longer term problems in having broken up an excellent partnership and possibly one of that partnership being pizzed off and possibly looking for a move?

Respected opinion from esteemed bunkerites will be gratefully received.

Will we play with three centre halves?

Will either Nelson, Clark or Antwi play at full back?

Probably won't know answer til September.

Personally I'd keep Clark and Nelson together at the back barring injury or suspension if playing 4-4-2.

Maybe a bit of squad rotation? Nelsons got a suspect knee and centre backs do pick up yellow cards regularly so there's suspensions to think about.

There's also the question of Bolands susceptibility to injury as well, maybe Ben Clark can move up to fill the deep midfield role so Liddle doesn't get called upon to drop back either there or into central defence as he did last season??

No doubt about the Nelson/Clark pairing though, it's the strongest we've had for years, Westy included.

Centre back pairings tend to change every two or three years anyway. It's been a relatively smooth transition over the years. Lee/Westwood to Westwood/Nelson (ignore the numerous changes in 05/06 under Scott because THAT abortion of a season simply doesn't count) to Nelson/ Clark as our most recent successful pairing. If one or the other of those last two moves on, then hopefully the other will still be here to help any new player bed in. I don't think having Antwi will hurt, as we don't have enough cover in that position so it was essential we brought somebody in, whether as first choice or not. Personally, I think Clark is more versatile and will occupy a few different positions this season like he did under Neale Cooper, and if needed can slot back in at centre half when necessary without it causing too much disruption. A player like him is great to have for a club like ours.
I meant, for the likes of Hartlepool.

Is there only me reckons Chip is 'due on??'

Depends how much IOR offer him to manage Pools in the championship.

I know mate and I totally agree.

But you have been fishing for a bite for a couple of days!!

There's a bloke called Elliot, who wants to play centre back, as well

Also, Chip, can you enlighten us, as to why you think Mr. Wilson will not be withus after next season ?

More inside info, or just an educated guess ?

See? He is due on, they always get verbose when they're due on.

I would think the one ace up IOR's sleeve is their insistence on adherence to contracts. Problem is, if the Neale Cooper experience is anything to go on, DW may be on a six month rolling with a unilateral get out. If we look like having the success that Chip mentions then if I was Sir Ken I'd have a lucrative three year one under DW's nose before he could say 'Eifion, pack your boots.' It's also dependant on which jobs are going at any given time, naturally. The pecking order sorts itself into more rigid lines every year and there's only ever going to be four teams able to get out of the Championship to the Premiership and therefore only maybe six desirable jobs outside the top flight.

Prem clubs will just look abroad for their managers.

Good points Chip old chap!

Football is generally a short term game and therefore if we have a sucessful season next year at least partially on the back of Antwi then I would take it and sort out any "issues" once he returns to the other Pool.

On a separate note is this a record for the bunker, 13 posts in a row all on a football theme! (and only 4 containing smileys). There is hope for the old board yet!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Errmmm.... this one actually says 'fotball' so I'm afraid it's been disqualified.

Damn

I wondered why bunkerites were actually reading this thread!

Never mind I will try again at a later date.

Sterling fellow!!

PS - Kev

Is that last smiley of a sexual nature as you have me worried??????

Damn and double damn, now you've got me at it!

Mentioning smileys and no football references.

Does regular use of this board usually result in regression to a pre-teen, superficial state????

I am now deeply worried!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The last smiley on your original reply not the most recent. Its difficult to keep up.

No guv'nor, it's a comfort thing, as I knew you'd be crestfallen.

I must be doing it wrong then as it looks a little sexual to me!!!!!!!!!!

Written on behalf of Mr. Northumberland esquire.

I refer to the recent post from a certain Offshorepoolie comparing my client to a certain individual previously related to HUFC and allegedly living in a castle in Northumberland.

I would like to state catagorically that my client has no connections whatsoever with the individual in question, being clean shaven, at least 6 inches shorter and in no way being a dodgy dealer (allegedly).

Furthermore my client doesn't even live in a castle (only near a couple) and being of honest character could not raise the sort of funds needed to live in a castle by legal means.

Any further comparisons to the individual in question will be met with an appropriate response which may involve the full weight of the british legal system or as a minimum a serious tantrum.

You have been warned.