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Saturday, September 30, 2006

Who are ya?


"Despite representing England frequently at Under-21 level, he has yet to make the transition to the full team due to frequent unexplainable lapses in concentration whilst playing"

"Often in incredibly bad positions that simply cannot be explained"

"He was at the heart of everything Everton did well in the 1-1 draw with Newcastle. The Magpies defender let his man go on multiple occasions, failed to make key tackles, could have concede a penalty, stood and watched as Tim Cahill headed Everton's goal at the back post and then got sent-off......this is Team Of The Weak isn't it?"

"He always manages to make a crucial mistake at a time when any other team would beable to deal with the attack"

"His absence is a blessing in one regard in that he's always likely to make a mistake that costs a goal."

And who might those quotes be referring to? The malarchy that is Titus Malachi Bramble.

What has Titus got? The answer: Everything. He can tackle, he has pace, he has height, he is strong and is a menace in the opposition penalty area. Unfortunately he is a menace in his own penalty area too. Whenever Newcastle concede a goal the question is always "Where was Titus Bramble?"

His positioning is appalling at least half the time and judging by his body language and facial expressions, at 26, Titus Bramble is never going to be a dominant centre-half. Craig Moore must dread playing with the guy, he always, without fail, makes some sort of awful error which that I hold my breath and pray whenever he is on the ball or the ball is travelling towards him.

I know it isn't good that I'm taking this attitude about our own player and believe me I'd be delighted for the lad if he got his concentration sorted out. But right now he is not good enough and should be in the team never. He is coming to the end of his contract and although I'd wish him all the best and follow his progress, I would be pleased if he left.

It seems that his lack of concentration is an unrepairable fault. When I play football, albeit at a much, much, much, much lesser level, no matter what is going on outside of the game, all I am thinking about for the whole game is football. I might make some mistakes, but concentration is not a problem for me. In such a high pressure environment, getting it right can be the only thing on your mind.

Based on ability, he could be the first name of the team-sheet, but based on personality and concentration he shouldn't even look at the team-sheet.

Something must be done.