[Washington]

Missed most of the second half but htis was always going to be difficult against a newly promoted team who see this game as more of an giant killer FA cup tie. Also, not helped by the make shift defence and injuries in the game .

Lees did get his foot stomped on at Norwich so its probably swollen and bruised and need rest before Saturday.

It's only game 3 and CC says you always learn more from the losses and that includes him as well as the players. Still a marathon and not a sprint.

I'm sure the club are aware of the recruitment needs to cover injuries and suspensions with no emergency loans this year but has they have shown the last few days they will not be mucked around by agaents, players or other clubs. The David Jones thing came well out of the blue so I'm sure they are diligently working for a CH and RB etc. I jsut think they like to take their time to get the right player and personality and probably learned from a couple of hasty recruitment mistakes last season. Still 2 more weeks to go on finding the right fits.

MS will have his normal measured view of the game and the new recruits still need to get fit and bed in a little. I'v e been a bit disappointed by Hooper in that he seems to have quickly got unfit over the break but also from the Sky games I saw we are not creating the chances for him and too spread out or slow on the counter.

With the FF thing as well its been a bit of a rollercoaster few days but once we have won on Saturday (4:30 am listening for me and SCO) everyone will be back to being in a good mood again.