Goala Ameobi - I just can't say it

You can only beat what's in front of you, though, and credit to Shola for taking the chances. It still has to be said that we're still painfully slow all over the park, but it just emphasises my point from last week, it will only take a handful of signings to compete in this league. I remained behind for Steven Taylor's farewell tour of the pitch and, while it would be sad to see him go, if that's what he wants, then so be it. It may be argued that he's being forced out for financial reasons, but the bottom line is, he's under contract and doesn't have to go anywhere if he really doesn't want to.

Hopefully we can be rid of Stan and Ollie over the next few days, maybe he could be persuaded to help right some of last season's wrongs. The potential addition of Sol Campbell is a positive, an experienced pro who could instill a sense of discipline in the defence.

Surely now we've reduced the deficit and wage bill sufficiently to satisfy any buyers? The sales of Martins, Beye and Bassong have accrued about £20m - and they're also off the wage bill, as are Owen, Edgar, Caçapa, Løvenkrands and Viduka. So can we stop the fire sale and get on with the business of getting promoted?

Am I alone in being uncomfortable with the recent phenomenon of clapping to commemorate a sporting death? Surely celebrating the life, was done during the person's life?

One school of thought has it, that it negates the chances of some cretins spoiling the silence with chanting - surely this wouldn't have occurred with Sir Bob? If Sir Bob's family were happy with it, then that's fair enough.

I just think it's an unwelcome tradition we've inherited from mainland Europe, like rotten Spanish defenders. Wouldn't a minute's silence have been more respectful?