Dan Roper

From mid table to promotion in a dozen games.... Woods, Haylock, Downs, McGuire, Walford, Watson, Barham, O''Neill, Deehan, Bertschin, Bennett (or Mendham). sub Jack Unfortunately that was then but this is now

Shackell deserves his chance and I would put Charlton alongside him (who has been more impressive at centre half than Felming or Doherty). Right back ought to be Helveg cos he has a level of class which Eddy for all his good work doesn''t. Left back, still a feeling that Drury has struggled - maybe Brennan is finally worth a run in his natural position?? Have just realised I''m suggesting we change the entire back four!

McKenzie will be very good - he just needs more time. Unfortunately we ain''t got it but at the moment he is still out best bet upfront as long as Hucks is exiled to the wing.

Thought both Jonson and Helveg showed a bit of quality today. Helveg should be in the team whether at right back or in midfield. Mulryne was totally out of his depth, not just light in the tackle but gave the ball away cheaply too often. Brennan was an improvement

Ok Jonson and Helveg haven''t yet done the business but think of other players first seasons. Iwan - seemed slow, unfit and probably cost Mike Walker his job! Craig Fleming - was kept out of the team by Kevin Scott! and wasn''t a regular till Rioch arrived Mark Bowen - was really crap in 1987/8 Even Bryan Gunn - no one could understand why he was in the team to start with (the barclay wanted Graham Benstead!) maybe add McVeigh, Nedergaard and Malky in their first seasons. give the lads time, they are class - had just better show it soon! PS others started great and then ....(Libbra, Bradshaw, ........

While we are swapping best and worst XI''s heres a team of players City signed (for good money) but never picked (probably for good reason). It''s kind of inspired by Keith Briggs: Does anyone remember... 1. Scott Howie 2. Neil Moore 3. Paul Wilson (Ken Brown''s last signing) 4. Mike Flynn 5. Andy Brownrigg ("the new Dave Watson") 6. Keith Briggs 7. Steve Goble (in his 2nd spell) 8. David Hodgeson 9. Matthew Rush (got fit in time to score against us) 10.Simon Ratcliffe (not all Man U reserves are worth having) 11. Paul Cook sub: Dion Dublin, Danny Bloomfield

Any all time worst XI would have to have Chris Llewellyn coming on off the bench to play left back to make sure we defend a lead.Place your bets on Steve Walsh v Willie Young over 100 yards! Place your bets on Steve Walsh v Willie Young over two falls two submissions or a knockout!The terrible record signing trilogy, everyone remembers Muzinic and Beckford but in between was Paul Blades!, made Colin Woodthorpe look a real prospect.David Smith was worse than Carey - I know, its hard to imagine.Bertie Biggins was even more annoying than Sheron

It breaks my heart but I need some cash I''ve got 500 City programmes 1959-76 in good condition on offer for sale either individually or in bulk. Will listen to any sensible offers. About half are aways with many cup ties and some rarities (testimonials, friendlies & postponed games). For a full list on a Word document drop me an email to danroper@juledan.gioserve.com Also have 1980''s but they are still in the loft and I doubt if they are worth anything!

Dean Coney''s (in off his arse) goal and celebration v Villa in 1989.Programme v Stoke City in 1982 with black writing over the front cover "your club is in danger etc etc" about trouble at home games - some of it in the River End!

Uni memories, I remember wearing my shirt at Lancaster in fresher week in 1992 - that weekend the short trip to Blackburn to watch a 1-7 defeat in the top of the table clash. A lot of Blackburn lads went to Lancaster. But keep the faith - like me at the end of that season you will have the last laugh