Vic Hopes, NCISA Sad to say Glenn Roeder is in trouble again with the FA having been despatched from the touchline at Derby earlier this week. Is it any surprise to say that the "cause of the spat" was a linesman.

Vic Hopes, NCISA

Sad to say Glenn Roeder is in trouble again with the FA having been despatched from the touchline at Derby earlier this week.

Is it any surprise to say that the "cause of the spat" was a linesman. No!

Linesmen, assistant referees, call them what you like drive me mad at Carrow Road.

Is it entirely their fault? I think not.

They are on mission impossible.

The game is so quick today that play can switch from the halfway line in a fraction of a second and, time and time again, you see linesmen stranded on the halfway line by a slick "Gerrard style" pass to a player who is clearly offside. If a goal results then there is embarrassment and criticism all round.

Perhaps then some linesmen take the easy way and get flag happy.

At the merest hint of offside the flag goes up and at least then its only a free kick which is better than allowing a dodgy goal to stand.

Far from satisfactory.

When a free kick is awarded, or indeed for any forward pass, the linesman has to watch when the ball is kicked at the same time as watching the defensive line!

The question is - "is it physically possible?"

I rather think not.

The problem is compounded by the big money that dominates our game and misjudgments can lead to relegation and someone losing their job.

What's the solution?

Answers should be sent to the Pinkun Letters Page. Over to you.

Perhaps the bottom line for Glenn is to concentrate on the things that he can have an effect on (e.g. substitutions) and not to worry so much about the things he cannot control. Easier said than done!

The AGM of the Football Club will be held on Tuesday 11th November at 8.00pm.

This years could be a more lively occasion than usual and one can only wonder (and hope) that the Board have got some positive news to give us more encouragement for the future.