First we must bid a sad farewall to Kostas Chalkias who after six glorious games - and I'm honoured to say that I saw every one - looks set to move on to pastures new. He might actually be a good keeper but given the fact that he was thrown in at the deep end, panicked like no-one ever before and will probably never be taken seriously by the fans, perhaps it's for the best interests of all involved that he moves on. Personally I've got a soft spot for dodgy goalkeepers because I am one myself, so I'll remember him with a tear in the eye as I gaze into the sunset.
But don't fear, because already his potential replacement is on the horizon. Emanuele Belardi has arrived from Reggina on a week's trial (presumably he'll play at Havant on Tuesday night) and if he is deemed up to standard then he should sign for a year's loan. Robert Green is still a target but Norwich are believed to have set a high price tag which has put off ourselves and also Aston Villa, who were believed to be keen in securing his services.
The Paulo Wanchope deal is allegedly nearing a conclusion and he's set to sign on Monday. Having spoken to a couple of Manchester City fans they're of the conclusion he will do well for us, and what's more he does have a proven strike record in the Premier League. Even so there's much gnashing of teeth by many fans who claim that the club are going for the cheap option. Unless I'm mistaken but we've already spent £5m in 2005 and there's still a month until the start of the season and in recent years we have made our biggest signings towards the end of the summer, but why not have a whinge anyway. Get it out of the system whilst there's a quiet week when we're not signing Colombian or French internationals.
Finally, The Mail (enough said really) reckons Smertin is going on a season long loan to Charlton. Personally I couldn't really care less since we don't even know if Perrin rates him as a player and it's only the same old rags who keep the rumour ticking over, but I'm sure if he does go there it'll be as good an excuse as any for a moan.
Signed,
A fully paid up yes-man happy clapper