Toon to follow Leeds' footsteps?

04/05 can be one of the worst seasons for Newcastle, but what make me even worried is they may decompose and struggle in the coming season, just like Leeds in 03/04 Premiership.

Newcastle is set to miss all European match in the coming season. Woodgates was sold. Bellamy headed to Birmingham. Shearer retired. Kluviet is never in good form. I wonder if Robert will leave the club as well. Now, they are with Shearer, Bellamy and Robert, they can't even get into the top 10, how can we expect them to play well in the coming season.

If they are not in the European pool, they may find difficult to support a good team with good players. It may take at least one year for them to suffer the financial difficulties, if they can perform well next season. But with the departure of several key players, such expectation can hardly be met.

What's wrong with them? Souness? Partially.

It was the decision to fire Sir Bobby Robson. He is the one who can really lead the squad. Though he can't make Toon the champion in Premiership, but Toon play well and score themselves to European matches. Now? European hope fades as time goes.

Souness is not a good choice for manager position. He cannot use his squad well. I can hardly find a reason why he replace Robert with N'Zogbia in Highbury. Ridicious! Robert play a very influential and leading role in the game.

It's really sad to see Toon, the once-sexy team, to play like this. Luckily, Giggsy didn't make the switch.

Rio, the best replacement for Roy

While Fergie is finding a player to succeed Roy Keane's captaincy and leadership, I'd suggest Rio Ferdinand.

While Rio was absent for 8 months, Man United's defense is so fragile that everyone in England seems can get a goal from them. On the contrary, with his leadership, Man United's defense is one the best in Premiership this season. I think he is already a great figure person in the team.

Apart from leadership, he has good skill and ball control. So, fergie, no need to find a replacement for Roy anymore. Push Rio up to midfield and find a central defender for Rio's place, but not Wes or Gary.