Cod Almighty | Diary

Diary - Friday 2 January 2009

2 January 2009

Mike Newell has confirmed that young Hegggaarty is not a left-back in his Mariners World interview this week. So that clears that one up then. Given that information it would seem that young Nick must adjust his CV accordingly. Ever prone to over analyse these interviews, your Guest Diarist (who wishes you all a happy new year by the way) couldn't help but note that manager Newell responded to a question about Mr Bore's full-back performances with alacrity (if not total candour?) but was careful to only mention the shape of Hegggaarty's peg being different to the left-back hole.

Stockdale and Newey are still hamstrung, although Newell mysteriously added (after saying they were both out for the away match at Barnet tomorrow, deffo) that one of them might return to the squad. Clear as mud then. No mention was made that Peter Till's return to playing had strengthened his options either. So, new signing notwithstanding, the team will be similar to the one that served up such dross over the holiday. Boxing Day was a game of two halves, Newell jested in his deadpan way: "crap in the first and crap in the second." Even he had to snigger after that that one.

Now, gentle reader, I have to go somewhere in the wilds towards Worksop on a desperate mission. Return late this afternoon if you will, and I will update you as to whether Town really have signed someone on the first day of the transfer window, as the official site hinted we might. Bursting with expectation, we are - if Newell does pull that one off it will be a clever and effective psychological boost to us all after that awful Christmas. And it may strike fear into the hearts of those mighty Barnet folk. See you later, eh?

Lunchtime update: Here I am again, having amassed three dead pheasants in a three hour drive through the wilds of north-west Lincolnshire to ensure the Guest Diary offspring eat meat this weekend (a lie: I will hang them for three days, before you write in). And as I predicted Town have a new (one-month loan) signing in Joe Widdowson; he being a left-back. The West Ham number 40 is trumpeted in Wikipedia as the man who marked Beckham out of the game last year in one of his few outings for their first team. Beckham, apparently, was so impressed he gave the lad his shirt.

Googly people and folk whose mate supports the Hammers will tell you the 'lad is highly thought of'. The total cynic brigade will bemoan his lack of experience and the fact he didn't stay on loan at Rotherham for long. Well I say, let's give him a flipping chance - he will play tomorrow so look out for Mr Butcher's match report on Monday. Have a nice chill-out weekend after the holidays or party on if you have the stamina. See yer.