It definitely helps. Since discovering this I've crushed United 4-2 at Old Trafford (a hat trick from Benni no less) and not conceded since then. You should add Simon Feinduono to the list on the previous page. He plays for Lens (I think it's Lens but just type his name into the search bar) and is absolute dynamite-fast, skilful, good finishing (a rating of 20). He can play up front or on the wing. He's African but no work permit is required because he's French trained. Hossam Ghali is also good. He got released by Spurs mid-way through my first season and I snapped him up. His stats rocket if you're patient with him.

Speaking of Mel Gibson, I'm just back from Apocalypto. It's great. Go and see it.

It's based on a graphic novel. There are no pretentions of historical accuracy and it's hyper-stylised visuals are supposed to be over blown.

Gates Of Fire is on my book-shelf, waiting to be read.

Been there. Done that.

Deja Vu is a good film. Typical Tony Scott/Jerry Bruckheimer effort, it doesn't really make a lot of sense but it's superb anyway.

I just spat my coke all over the place. What a fool.

I'm into the close-season. Do you get another official attempt to get work permits or is the offer of a new contract the only way of doing it?

The Fantastic Four sucked but could this redeem it?

The Conversation is brilliant, the final nuanced twist is audacious to say the least.

Not to keep harping on about it but it truly is a masterpiece. The tension that Hitchcock evokes from a story in which a bored guy sits idly in his room is incredible. Without giving anything away, there is a supreme sense of security and ease at the beginning at of the film only for the whole atmosphere to change gradually as the plot unfolds. If you see no other film for the rest of your days make sure it's this one. I went to see Flags Of Our Fathers last night. It's a very different take on the genre. I would recommend it.

Kurosawa's Ran is great, as is Hitchcock's Rear Window. I really must recommend the latter, it is amazing.

To be honest can you see any other director apart from Michael Bay making a film based on a loud, multi-coloured cartoon about robots turning into trucks and blowing stuff up? Just thank God it wasn't Brett Ratner.

Robots in disguise.

The tip on renewing contracts isn't working. Srna's application keeps getting turned down. Has anyone made any progress?

He's right. Bentley's performing well, and we're ony a poxy regional selling club who won't be able to resist the advances of the media's various glamour clubs. And Spurs.

It's infuriating. Srna especially is a regular in the Croation national team. I've just forked out £6.2m for him and he's not able to play!

McCarthy was brought in to score goals surely? In my opinion he's doing what he's paid to do.

We did brillianly to recover from the obligatory goal handicap and take all the points from impressive opponents. You have to give McCarthy credit for his persistence-he kept plugging away though. His display of petulance was unacceptable though. As for Bentley's goal...

Bloody work permits! I've signed Koroman and Srna yet neither can play due to them not having permits. How often can you apply?

Clint Dempsey's good.

What a cracking winner. Let's hope we dish out the same to Reading.

They could get Iceland on board as the new sponsor too.

Hardly our place to judge is it?

Favourite albums (bought this year rather than released): -Fort Minor, The Rising Tied. -John Mayer, Continuum & (as John Mayer Trio) Try!. -Jurassic 5, Feedback. -Robert Plant, Mighty Rearranger. -Seth Lakeman, Freedom Fields and Kitty Jay. -Pearl Jam, Ten -Lupe Fiasco, Food & Liquor. Best gig (I've only been to one so far, though The Roots are on next Monday): -Jurassic 5 at the Ulster Hall.