His Royal Dryness, The Duke of Cork

It seems "Fortress" Bramall Lane is fast become " Forceless " Bramall Lane. Our once might defence clearly had one eye on the new big screen last night. There were very few bright points in the evening and I can't think of anyone who had a good game. You know you're struggling when Monty is chasing 20 yards behind his man and when Kyle Walker can't kick a ball. Still the fighting spirit came back, I only wish they would use it at 0-0 and 1-0. Little showed a glimpse of promise, although when he ran to the opposite wing to take a corner, I wondered if he would make it. They've put a big screen up in the corner between Bramall Lane and John Street. It's attached (it seems) to the Forsyth business centre. It was due to be unveiled on Saturday, but apparently it has been completed ahead of schedule. They didn't show any replays at all on it, that I saw, so maybe that treat will be left until Saturday. Kilgallon going off in the first

The League Cup is a dreadful competition. Most clubs (and fans) don't care about the early stages of the cup. The FA Cup has more appeal and magic and however hard the League Cup is promoted, I don't think it can be as popular. I think the league should change the cup to make it more interesting :- The premiership clubs and the top 16 clubs in the championship get seeded. A bit like tennis competitions, the top two teams in the country don't meet each other until the final. Also there's an incentive to finish higher up the league to get a better seeding. The interest is also improved because smaller clubs are guaranteed a bigger club in the earlir rounds - good for the smaller clubs' finances. You can also see (once the initial draw is made) who might meet each other later in the competition. If we beat these, we ge to play that team. This would make the media more interested and give them more to drone on about. Seed the League Cup, that's what I say!!

After the Manchester Derby there was a lot of grumbling about how long the allowed play after the whistle. Time-wasting and the moaning and frustration and inconsistency of treating time-wasters all annoy me. I reckon that there is a simple solution :- Play 30 minutes each way and stop the clock each time the ball goes dead. This will stop players going to the other end of the pitch to be substituted. It will mean there is no ambiguity about how much time to add on (1 minute for a goal, 30 seconds for subs - what's that about?). Goalkeepers messing about trying to take goal kicks no more! I also think an extra element of excitement would be created at the end of the game. With 15 seconds left, a team who are a goal behind can send every single player forward in one last-ditch attempt at an equaliser. They are my thoughts, I think football would be a better game for the change.

A trip to Kettering to do a course presented me with an "opportunity" to go and see Kettering Town versus Barrow at the Elgood's Brewery Arena. A little research on the internet before I departed told me that it would cost me an Ayrton (£10) and that the opposition would be Barrow in the Blue Square Premier League. A teatime stroll to the ground and I bought my ticket from the gift shop. I stumbled a little as I had no idea where I wanted a ticket in the ground. Covered, I thought, and with a seat. I also managed to explain that I wasn't an away fan in the strictest sense. Ticket purchased, I returned to my hotel and then a curry at the nearby curry house. Red Rose, Kettering. Yum. Afterwards the pre-match nerves built as I strolled once more to the ground, pushing through the throngs to try and find a way into the towering stadium. There was a decent queue at the ticket office by 7:35, so I was glad of my earlier recconoitre. Trick now was to find the right turnstile

...this was it. On the way to the game I said I'd settle for being three up at half time. Also, the general consensus was that we would need to score a couple in order to stay ahead. At half time, we were in heaven. Three poached goals and could have had a couple more, I was going to enjoy the second half, that was for sure. WRONG! Only the blades can build you up and then knock you right back down. Two minutes into the second half and our once legendary defence at "Fortress Bramall Lane" was flapping around and defending like the Keystone Cops. Goal. Oh no! Wednesday had the bit between their teeth. Second half was not enjoyable, especially after the second goal. We finally ground out the result, and I could go and enjoy my post match beer. Didn't think much to Davies, the new loan signing. I don't think he won a header until the second half. Ward getting stretchered off (looks like he's out for a month and a half) is bad news. He's the only p

Ok, first go at a brief footy post. Is Killgallon chest infection a bluff? Just needs to take some over-the-counter cough medicine surely. I can't see there being any harm coming from that. So, United's now frail defence may struggle. We used to be so strong at the back, now we just have to hope we out-score the opposition. United tried to get some cover on loan, but failed. Could be a bit scary every time Wendy get the ball. Henderson and Ward up front should cause them problems, though. Really looking forward to seeing Harper play. Prediction: never. Come on you Red and White Wizaaaards!!

Wow! Striker Webber joins Portsmouth (BBC Sport) Average Dan has gone to the Premiership. Can't believe Pompey are preparing for the Championship already! I like the quote that Paul Hart says "When I found out Danny was available I asked him to come down and train with us - and I was delighted with what I saw." He's been available since June and been training with Man U, apparently. News obviously travels slowly to Paul Hart. Can't wait for him to show up in fantasy football, so that I can put him in my side!!