Matt Johnston - Much has been made of the Diaby and Eduardo tackles and I have to voice my agreement that the two are indistinguishable except that Eduardo was unlucky to have had his foot planted. 

The FA and FIFA have cracked down on such hard challenges, ordering referees to show the red card in such situations, but in reality what else can be done to prevent such challenges? Also, any rumors or word on what the FA and the Referees Association is going to do about the disrespect being shown to referees of late?

Bobby – Getting referees to issue the cards is the first step but then it is up to the FA to impose harsher punishments for violent challenges. Years ago players would be suspended and from time to time fines as well. That was in the days when players did not make anything like the money they make today. But I wonder if a fine based on salary might not be a way to grab players and coaches attention.

Ringo - Any opinion on the Everton/Chelsea game being brought forward to a Thursday for TV?

Bobby – It looks as if someone at Premiership HQ has royally screwed this up. It seems very unfair on Chelsea.


CIAO - I didn't watch the Gunners game. Can you please tell us what you (if you watched the game) thought of RVP's performance in the game? Does he look like he could carry the team to a strong finish? If he doesn't, has anyone else in the team recently stepped up their performance?

Bobby – Apart from a well struck penalty RVP didn’t look like he could carry an empty backpack on Saturday. Having said that the only way he is going to get match fir and sharp is to play so I don’t think Wenger has had any option but to give him a run the last two games. I thought Hleb looked brighter and sharper than he had done in weeks but he still refuses to shot.



Foxcube - Related to the sports science piece, how are training sessions organized at the professional clubs of, e.g., the premier league? I read that Juande Ramos brought in 2-session a day scheme to the Spurs. I thought they'd be relatively tired if other teams merely hold a 2-3 hr session each day.

However, their performances showed the opposite effect. Could it be that his methods are more advanced than other managers? How different can their approaches be? What do the managers have their players do after the training? Thanks!

Bobby – I think that you would be shocked at the varying approaches that managers take to training and tactics. However, I think there is a move towards conditioning (as opposed to practice with the ball) being regarded as a specialty and not something that any old pro can think up. You see more conditioning instructors being hired by clubs.

I can’t remember the former UK athletes name but I heard him on Talksports about a year ago discussing the fitness of professional players in England. He was very critical and felt that many clubs were missing a key element in preparation by not having instructors who understood strength and conditioning rather than the game.

I think what the article is really getting at is that improvement in the overall conditioning of players will be the next frontier together with more sport psychology. Ramos mover to 2 a days but he was shocked at the state of the players when he arrived. Capello was the same in 2006 when he went to Real Madrid. Both managers were willing to risk poor performances in the short term in order to get the players in better shape. Both won trophies so I guess it was worth it.


CIAO – I once was told that for every week that a player does not play it takes 2 weeks to regain full fitness. What do you think about this theory? I suppose it is different in every case (i.e. are they playing for AC Milan vs Inter or is the player able to lightly train or has to sit around).

Bobby – This is probably a question for a professional conditioning coach but I suspect that the statement is bit to broad and doesn’t take into consideration the training/conditioning being done even though a player may not be starting. I was told by a personal trainer that for “weekend” athletes or folks who work out just to keep in decent shape that they will lose all their “fitness” after six weeks of inactivity.


Redfan4ever - Do you still see a twist coming in the long saga of this year's Premiership or do you now think that the pattern for the season is set, concerning top and bottom?

Bobby – I still think that there is a trick in the tail yet.


MasMaz - Finally someone at FSC listens. I have been calling for Bobby to do a Wednesday CL show for awhile.
These are huge games. I can't wait.

Bobby – This season it has actually been more about my schedule than FSC.

Ringo - (Tommy Smith) It says he intensely disliked Emlyn Hughes ,do you know why?

Bobby – I think I read in a book about Shanks that it had something to do with Hughes replacing Smith as captain.


Bairnsfan - After the Man Utd/Liverpool game last week, some guy wrote a comment on the BBC website. He said that Brown and Ronaldo were going to sing a duet together, "Reyna's drops keep falling on my head".

Bobby – That is very good and very clever.



Jahmikes - What are your views on Blatter and Platini.. I think they need to retire from their posts every month one of them comes up with some dumb idea to ruin why football is so entertaining, e.g nobody wants to see teams full of English players kicking the ball up front all the time, its all about diversity in the modern game.

Second: Your views on Christian Ronaldo..do you believe he can sustain his form for seasons to come, I rather your opinion on the matter than all those you know what riders such as Webster and those fools on Super Sunday. Another thing do you think that young French Midfielder Nasri would be a good signing for my Gunners..I think we should go after him and Yobo.

Bobby – I have a lot more time for Platini than I do for Blatter. But you also have to remember that if you get rid of Blatter who knows what might replace him. Believe me it could be worse.

Ronaldo – the thing that impresses me is that he has improved every season since he came to Manchester United. He was criticized for being a one trick pony the first season. Then he started to play with his head up and brought other players into the game.

He became very good in the air, then his free kicks and long range shooting improved and now this season the avalanche of goals. Based on that I don’t see nay reason why he cannot keep it up for seasons to come.

I have my doubts about Nasri in the Premiership – looks a bit lightweight to me and I don’t think Arsenal needs anymore players like that. I’m not sure David Moyes is going to surrender Yobo easily. He is one of the most understated but effective centre backs in the Premiership – a great signing.


Therealrico - So I was thinking and kinda curious on other peoples opinions. A lot of articles that we read about Liverpool seem to point out their over reliance on Gerrard and Torres, and this got me thinking about the other top 4 clubs, and do they overly rely on one player, and I would have to say yes.

No doubt Man United would miss Ronaldo if he were to get injured or suspended for some period time. I also recollect that they had a dismal record when Rooney was not in the line-up. I also think if Vidic were to be absent for an extended period of time you would notice that as well.
With Arsenal if Cesc was to be gone for any period of time I think it would hurt badly, as well as Adabayor.

Chelsea to be seems to be the only that you can pin point one player and the team would be see a drop off in performance. Prior to the African cup of nations you could have argued that losing Terry, or Cech, or Drogba would kill Chelsea.

But as Chelsea showed they continued to win without Drogba, and also did well without Terry. Last year you could say Chelsea lost the league because Cech was out, but I don't think you could say that this year, as he has not been nearly as good as years past.

Bobby – Good point and something that was relevant to the 39th game debate. There is no following of the Premiership around the world there is a huge following for Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United with perhaps three or four other sides that have good followings – more ex pats than real foreign fans.

Out of the top four there are probably around 15-18 big name players that provide the marquee talent. It is those 15-18 players that the Premiership brand relies upon.

Foxcube - Are there any statistics available to measure how lucky a team is? Such as the times woodwork hit against, sitters missed against, etc. Had this question watching Chelsea-Boro game.

Bobby – Not that I know of. However, I believe they publish weekly stats to show how #### poor some teams are at scoring. Apparently scoring goals has something to do with points and the points generate a table of some kind. (My point is that Boro were not unlucky - they could not score. It’s not the same thing.)

Ringo - And Berwick Rangers,the English team that plays in Scotland ,did a Derby ,or a Gretna.

Bobby – Since beating Rangers in the Scottish Cup in 1967 it has been pretty much downhill for the Berwick version.


Aldoray - Its often said that Rafa Benitez and other managers approach a European game differently than a Prem game. If possible could u explain what it is they do differently whether it be the mental approach that is different or is it formation etc. Also do u think he will take a European or domestic approach to the Arsenal tie?

Bobby – Thee are a few fundamental differences. The refereeing is different for a start. Then in the group stage the objective is to qualify in the top two out of four. It allows the better teams to be cautious and a point away from home is a point gained and two points the opposition didn’t get.

With six games and ten points usually enough to qualify two home wins, one away win, a draw and two away looses should be enough. In the Premiership an away draw is not considered to be that good a result for the top teams just because there are more teams around and in particular more bad teams.

When it comes down to the knock out stage caution is the watch word again because you are playing a 180 minute match not a 90 minute one.


Generally in the Premiership   the top teams will push forward more because there is less risk over all that they are going to be punished. In Europe it is more about being rock solid at the back and bending but not breaking , not getting caught in midfield if the ball is turned over and trying to coax the other team forward and try to hit them quickly and to take any chances that come their way. (I thought Manchester United played the consummate European away game today against Roma).

I you asked me to sum it up I would say that the primary difference is that you are punished more severely for mistakes in Europe because of the formats. Tomorrow Benitez will take a European approach.

Thierry Henry - 1. What is the reason why Arsene continue to refuse to buy a world class keeper? You and me know that Arsenal cannot win the title with Almunia in the goals. Apart from Barthez, I have not seen a team winning the title with a shaky goal keeper who cannot make saves when his team need him the most. I think Friedel could be a really good addition to the ARSENAL FC.

2. Do you think Theo Walcott is now ready to be in the Arsenal's first team? Everytime he comes on the pitch for Arsenal, things seem to change for the better... remember at Birmingham, AC Milan and on the weekend at Bolton.

Bobby – 1. I think Arsenal could improve their goalkeeping but to be fair I don’t see Almunia being the problem over the last few weeks. Overall I have been surprised at how well he has played this season.
2. His head still has to catch up with his legs so he has a long way to go yet. Substitute appearances are not always to be way to judge how a player will play if he starts.

Henry14 - How does Jeremy compare the loss of Totti to Saha and Nani on the show? it ridicoluos.

Bobby – How come you hear stuff that I don’t? He didn’t compare them other than to point out that all three were injured.


MeanSucka - I was watching Fulham the past few weeks and paying particular attention to Eddie Johnson's effect on the games. I understand Fulham don't have the best midfield in the world, but it was kind of frustrating seeing Johnson lazily run around the park, not have the ability to get past defenders using pace or skill, and then get outmuscled on balls in the air. I mean, if you have the temerity to wear orange boots it would be nice for you to work at pressuring defenders like Dempsey did/does instead of just standing around. Is Hodgson playing him to see if he develops and do you think he has a future at Fulham or at another Premier League team?

There was a buzz on FFF about the US win over Poland and the ineptitude of the England squad and some suggestion that the US may even get a result against England in Wembley in May. Do you think that's possible and do you think that Fabio will institute a youth movement if he continues to see no improvement in the team?


Bobby – I don’t think Eddie Johnson’s style is overly suited to the Premiership. I don’t think Roy Hodgson is focusing on development projects at the moment when his team is on the cusp of dropping out of the Premiership.

In terms of the US getting a result at Wembley – yes it is possible. Will Capello institute a youth movement if he sees no improvement ? – not very likely.

There is nothing in Capello’s DNA to suggest a sudden conversion to a team full of youngsters. Capello will find a system and players that will work. There might be some young players but he has already named a number to his two squads.  

Ringo - "Big news expected about the Emirates stadium this afternoon.
A report is due out by the Institution of Structural Engineers which claims that the steel reinforced concrete which was used in the building of the stadium was not up to UK building safety standards.
It’s not sure what will have to happen next ,whether or not Arsenal will be allowed to finish the season at the Emirates ,or whether they will have to move out immediately while extensive repair work is carried out. More details are expected at a news conference at 3pm today".

Bobby – There was another story late yesterday that was sensational. Apparently Roman Abramovich has actually been drawing social security for the last four years and lives in a cardboard box. The oligarch thing was just an elaborate ruse.


Henry14 - You insisted Arsenal persist with rvp on the show. Do you think Arsenal can afford that, because he clearly looks like a man who has been on vacation for six months.

Bobby – No, I “insisted” that Arsenal persist with him on the park not on the show. I don’t think he would be able to make the flights every Monday and Friday to Winnipeg for a start and to be honest it is difficult enough to get all the stuff into the show without RVP interrupting.


Neophyte - You mentioned a couple of weeks ago that Barcelona was not a hungry team. After watching them go up 2-0 then to lose 2-3 was probably the straw that broke Frank R.'s tenure with Barca. (Your thoughts on that?)

The Yellow Submarine are in the hunt and pushing Real Madrid. Do you think they end up with a Champions League spot at the end of the season? Did you catch Ronaldo's (you know, that player that is so overrated in some circles...mainly the envious Red Fans on the blog)flick behind his planted leg from a corner kick? Is there anyone more in form than Cristiano R. right now?

Bobby – I think it is just the end of the cycle for Rijkaard. I would be surprised if Villarreal fall out of the top four. However, they do have a habit of tailing off at inopportune moments. Ronaldo is playing as well just now as I can remember anyone playing.


Aldoray - What do u think the chances are of Arteta playing for England. Do u think he would be the ideal candidate to replace Beckham. do u even think he is on Capello's radar

Bobby – Bsed on my understanding he has no chance. I may have this wrong but I don’t believe that Arteta qualifies for England. He may not have a full international cap for Spain but I thought he had played for the under-21s and was to hold to “switch.”


Craigy_f - What is the longest a team in the English top flight has gone without being awarded a penalty kick?

Bobby – Give in – what’s the answer.

ThierryHenry - Please confirm FSC ratings are down and so you have to work overtime... are you really on WEDNESDAYS? if so, is it just this week, or something regular?

Bobby – I will be on tomorrow and next Wednesday after the second legs. We will see after that.


Frenchking2012 - ROBERT is coming to Toronto fc? that is sick. The guy was one of the most underrated player at PSG and then Newcastle, I really hope he finds his form again, because if he does (remember those magic free kicks?) Toronto will gain a great player and possibly a leader

Bobby – Are we talking about the same Laurent Robert? The same one that has hardly played for the last year and could not make it at Derby County or Levante – both heading for relegation.


Flashman - Do Irish commentators get paid by the word? After hearing the 'Silence-Is-The-Enemy' style of the two Irishmen who do Italian commentary, and now the breathless nattering of blatherskite Tammy Smyth, I can only conclude they're on some sort of per-word stipend.

Is Diaby eligible for Champions League despite his 5-game suspension for that brutal tackle on Saturday?

Bobby – Let’s just say that I use the mute button a lot. I did have the sound up this afternoon and my wife turned to me and said “ does he never shut up.”
Mascherano is available so Diaby will be likewise.


RonW - Tongue in cheek SAF said "It was a centre forward's header - it reminded me of myself." about Ronaldo's goal. Trying to figure out the time line when SAF played for Rangers ... Was SAF with Rangers when they played in the Cup Winners Cup Final in '67? I always remember that game because Rangers had to play with a center half at center forward ... Roger Hynd(sp?)

Also, Mark Hughes for Celtic? Interesting, I would think Moyes would be the favorite (ex-player etc.) If Everton don't come up with more money for players I can see him splitting for Celtic in the summer (assuming Strachan moves on).

Bobby – Based on my memory Fergie signed for Rangers from Dunfermline the summer (1967) after the Berwick Rangers defeat and the loss in the European Cup Winners Cup Final. If I remember correctly Rangers shipped out their centre forward George McLean in exchange for Andy Penman (Dundee) who was an inside right.

Centre  Jim Forrest was another Berwick Rangers casualty  and it left them short on strikers hence big Roger Hynd in attack against Bayern Munich. He had played there before but he was not much of a scoring threat.