Keith Barker could be worth keeping an eye on. He played 4 or 5 games for the reserves late last season and scored a few goals.

Newcastle this morning linked with Nicolas Anelka. Souness and Anelka in the same dressing room. Now that could be quite a combustible mix.

Well I was on the Boulevard yesterday at noon and heard two loud bangs. It could have been the cathederal cannon ( ?), a car backfiring or I hate to say it fireworks. To be quite honest I don't know what it was, but it did happen.

And I seem to remember a certain Mr Shearer getting booed endlessly when he wore the blue and white. Now you lot all love him. Still, thats football. Strange isn't it?

The decision to evacuate Birmingham was "intelligence driven" and was given after a "very specific threat".

Its in the blood Don not on a piece of paper. Afterall, if you moved to Burnley you wouldn't support the Dingles. Or would you? As for the Ashes, I wouldn't be so quick to say no chance. Australia need to be aware that this England team is not a pushover anymore. Must admit to being worried about our openers as McGrath seems to have the measure of them and also the captain needs to find form quickly. But equally Harmison and Flintoff have bowled very well and a few of the Aussies don't seem to fancy facing Harmy at all! Still think its going to be mighty close.

It was good value and I would go again. I also enjoyed the few beers I had in Manchester later. Seem to remember being in a nice pub called The Chop House. The evening was then marred by some Dingles on the last train singing songs about Jack Walker.

Well I bit the bullet last night and attended my first Twenty20 game. I was critical of the format when when it started a couple of years ago, but after last night I am a convert. It was fantastic entertainment and Stuart Law was awesome. I still prefer the "longer" game, but seeing thousands of kids at Old Trafford last night has to be good for the game. As for today the Rock Breakers are off to a flyer after being inserted. 47 for 0 off 6 overs.

My first game was September 1970 at home to Swindon Town. We won 1-0, and I think Tony Parkes made his debut. As for a season ticket, this will be my 20th season.

The answer to the first question is yes, as for your other question I have no idea.

It hasnt stopped you over the last 6200 posts. I can't see England winning the series, as theres too many players who havent played the aussies yet, but i can see us improving on the last couple of tours and it will hopefully put us in good stead for the next ashes tour down under in 2006/7 321762[/snapback] The fact that England have a few players who haven't played against the Aussies before could be a bonus Ste. Think it will be a close and for once competative series. Just hope to God England shade it. By the way did anybody read the scandalous article by Peter Roebuck at the weekend? He voiced doubt about Flintoff's action and basically called him "a chucker". Still, Roebuck is now an honourary Aussie so we probably should not listen to his trecherous ranting.

Philip might be able to correct me but I seem to recall John Williams saying that the club budget for a 10th place finish. Which we could still achieve, and along with a good cup run MH should have a bit of cash to spend in the summer.

Back of the LET should make you happy. Shearer confirms he will play. In fact he is delaying a trip to Portugal in order to turn up. Good man!

Huh? Is he drunk?

This coming from the supporter of a club who managed a total of 3 shots against us in 180 minutes of football.

Well having scanned the morning press we seem to have few admirers. Still who cares about the over inflated opinions of people like McCarthy, Collins, Barclay etc etc. However, watch out for the double standards that will surely follow from these people who apparently have the “good image of the game” in mind. If Man U beat Newcastle today the same journalists who are criticising us today will soon be revelling in “Judgement Day” Part 108, Wegner v Fergie, (will they shake hands, will they have a drink together afterwards) Viera V Keane (“lets hope for fireworks there”) and all sorts of other sub plots that they will hype up in the build up to the final. All for the good of the game of course.

If you wish to sample this try the Cayo Arms, Cottage, Gatekeeper(Weatherspoons) or Westgate.

Sox I salute you. Wonderful.

They didn't have ill-fortune last season Philip. Seem to remember Emerton straight through on goal and Le Saux hacking him down. Should have been a penalty and a sending off. But the ref just waved play-on.

Neale Barry. No chance!

Rovers 1 Saints 0

IMO Stu , they should have refused - what would the FA have done? What difference does it make - if the tickets are available they should be available for purchase. I suspect TV have a say in the order the tickets are sold. Sky or the BBC don't want swathes of empty seats on view. Hence, they sell The BT Stand first which is opposite the television gantry. Doesn't make it right of course.

This week I have been listening to a couple of old classics, namely "The River" by Bruce Springsteen and "Give 'em enough Rope" by The Clash. Marvellous!

Got my ticket this morning. Just one other person being served at the time and nobody else around. Not exactly cup fever is it?

How many are there? Ryan Giggs for one.