Roeder: "Our Defenders Never Learn!"

Last updated : 17 March 2007 By Footy Mad - Editor
Titus Bramble, Steven Taylor and Paul Huntington were exposed time and again.

Titus we know about. The most frustrating defender in Newcastle's recent history. Some days he is unbeatable, then he will have a five minute spell when he's like a 6-year old kicking about in the schoolyard. He is at the end of his contract, and it must be touch and go what Roeder decides. Will he stay ... will he go?

Taylor never looked comfortable all evening. He cost us the first goal and could have seen a red card for an elbow later in the match.

As for Huntington ... I still don't know why Roeder kept him on the pitch. I don't blame the kid, he was u against a livewire in Jenner, but I blame the manager for sitting there and watching it.

To say afterwards "it will not do the lad any harm" defies belief!

Roeder: "Shay Given is a top-drawer keeper but he does not get the protection he should get. He is exposed far too easily. Too many defenders make too many mistakes that cost us.

"They do well, you are happy with them and you think they have learned. Then 'bang!' - they go and make the same mistake again and let you down."