THE gaffer held a poker and Champions League night on Tuesday and it was great for the squad to get together and have some fun.

He is always a good host and it is these sort of nights that really get the team together. It doesn't have to be a late one or involve too much drink, it is just a bonding exercise really.

Talking about the Champions League, what a performance that was by Arsenal. I know Slavia Prague are not a top side but to beat anyone 7-0 in Europe is a cracking result.

Arsene Wenger has had a lot of stick about his team not being English but if they carry on like they are I doubt he will care.

Anyway probably the brightest part of the performance was Theo Walcott's display and of course he is English.

Theo has also had his fair share of stick since going to the World Cup but he has shown over the last couple of games what a great talent he is.

When clubs like Arsenal sign youngsters in the mould of Theo, it is always going to be more about their potential. Wenger was always going to bide his time with him.

People will say it was nice to see an Englishman do so well after a bad weekend of sport but as far as I am concerned, the rugby boys or Lewis Hamilton did not let us down.

They are both champions and deserve all the praise in the world for the way they have conducted themselves.

Going on to our win against Tranmere on Saturday. I think they came to us looking for the point and that is a mark of respect to how we have progressed this season.

It was brilliant seeing Barry Corr return from injury with the winner as well. I know how hard he has worked and how long he has worked and he deserved that.

When you are working with someone every day you do form a relationship. Myself, Barry and Andy Nicholas have all been together for christ knows how long and it was great seeing the two make their comeback on Saturday.

It will be hard seeing anyone leave this squad, if Paul Sturrock does have to ease his playing budget like he has been saying.

As a manager it is not something he will look forward to but the only way to do is to be as up front as he can and that is exactly what Paul Sturrock will do.

It is never nice as a footballer to be told you are perhaps surplus to requirements but we have all experienced it in our careers and fingers crossed anyone who does leave, will be sorted out with someone else.

On a personal level I am hopeful I will be back in training next week.

It has been a long road but the end is in sight.

10:38am Thursday 25th October 2007

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