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QUESTIONS FROM THE 'POOLS FANS 15-8-08
Question One:
Jeff, that penalty decision on Saturday was a joke. How and why can a
player be given handball when it's his own team mate's clearance blasted
towards him?
What's the justification in giving a penalty for this from a referee's
perspective?
Stu
Jeff's reply:
Unfortunately I was not at the game Stu and on ITV's The
Championship, they did not show the incident clearly.
The way it was described to me, it does seem a little harsh as it has been suggested that the ball was driven at Bolland as it was cleared away from goal.
That being said, if the player did move his arm towards the ball then it
was a deliberate act and should be penalised with a penalty. Thankfully, it
made no difference to the result.
Question Two:
Dear Jeff
As you are a betting man, James Brown is 100/1 to finish League One top
scorer (although most of these odds have been slashed, some are still
offering those odds) and 25/1 to finish within the top four top scorers.
Would you fancy those odds or am I being way too optimistic?
Also, how do you think Pools will fare without a proper right back, a right
winger now Brown is up front, and a keeper who is suspect at catching crosses
and another who is just suspect. Will this be detrimental to us?
And finally who do you think will be the star performers this season?
Jeff's reply
100/1 represents excellent value and if Pools are going to do well this
season, they are going to need goals from James Brown.
My problem with the
bet is that if James is flying early season and the goals are flowing, he
will undoubtedly become a transfer target for clubs at Championship level at
least.
By January he could be handily placed in the goal scoring charts then be
whisked away. It would be a bit like your horse falling when in the lead and that has
happened to me on numerous occasions!!
Your second question suggests to me that you don't think Pools will fare
very well this season.
I must admit that I am disappointed that more new faces
have not been added to the squad.
That is in no way being critical of the
manager. I am sure that he has worked hard to attract players but
economical and geographical problems seem to continue to affect clubs in our
region.
As we have seen in the Premier League, it is only mega money that
will encourage many players to come to the far north.
The quality that Danny
requires is more likely to go to the money clubs in the division. So
obviously the better players available are probably out of Pools' reach and
that has to affect the club's chances.
The bookies have Pools as joint second
favourites for relegation. Whilst I do not think that will happen, it does
tell a story.
Regarding star performers, as we said earlier, the club is dependent on
James Brown and I don't think he will let anyone down.
I also think Sam
Collins will show his class and experience this season and we could see the
emergence of another gem from the youth set up in Jonny Rowell.
Best wishes
Jeff
Question Three:
How do you think Pools will do in League One this season? I think
we're looking at a mid-table finish despite our good opening day win.
David
Jeff's reply:
The first two performances give great hope for a successful season.
When all is said and done, the two teams that Pools have well and truly
battered are both amongst the favourites for promotion.
The style of play and the goals are great for the home fans but, as we saw
last season, the away form let Pools down.
A win or even a draw at Tranmere on Saturday will increase confidence in
the camp.
Your assessment of the end of season finish is probably a fair one
though.
I think Pools could suffer because of the size of the squad when injuries
and suspensions kick in.
I am also concerned that a bid might come in for James Brown, even before
the end of this transfer window.
On the first two performances though, we all have to be confident and I
only hope that the fans start coming to the Vic in greater numbers as the
performances have certainly deserved far greater crowds than they actually
got.
On Saturday lunchtime, we will hear from the managers before the day's big games.
I am also hoping to have fans who don't go to the games any more on the Phone-In Show to find out why.
I will have tickets to give away for the Darlo v Gillingham and Pools v Stockport matches on the 23rd of August. There will also be a chance to win meals at the Arena's excellent Sunday carvery and also at Jo Rigatonis.
The questions will be:
For DARLO fans:
Which county is Gillingham in?
For POOLIES:
Who did Stockport beat in the play-off final at Wembley?
For Jeff's Meat And Two Veg to win a Carvery at the Darlington Arena:
Which referee was sensationally dropped as match official for the Community Shield?
a) Pete Walton
b) Mark Clattenburg
c) Uriah Rennie
Also on The Jeff Winter Football Phone-In, for your chance to win a main course meal for two at a Jo Rigatonis of your choice, tune in from 6-7 every Saturday on Alpha 103.2 and work out the music link to a footballing matter.
To enter either:
1) Ring 01325 25 55 55 during the show
2) Text 81800 and type "goal", leave a space then give your answer and name
3) Email Jeff at Alpha Radio.
Keep up to date with all of my columns on my website.
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