Day 12

I posted an ad for new scouts on Day 1. Eight people responded. None are good, but I offered the two least-bad a job. John Milton refused to accept a £300 per week salary, but Ian Gardner took the deal after some attempted haggling. Now we have two scouts, which will make finding new players a bit easier.

I held a press conference to show off my big new signings, Rui Marques and Salomon Olembé. The journalists in attendance didn't make anywhere near as much fuss as I think these players deserve. And I'm beginning to dislike press conferences as a rule. The questions always seem to be rote and boring. They asked about my "relationship" with the players, whether we'll need to sell anyone, how they'll adapt, and whether or not I'm excited. I nearly fell asleep.

Use your bloody imaginations, people! Catch me off guard with a clever question. Make me say something contentious. I dare you.

New signing number three confirmed his arrival this evening. Matthew Barnes-Homer made a big impression on me during his trial, with a man of the match performance in a friendly against Bolton Reserves. And to my utter dismay, the fans are excited about him—a 25 year old who's spent most of his career playing in this division—but not international stars with top level club experience Marques and Olembé. I don't get it.

There's no appreciation for regular working hours in this business. Chris Adamson finalised his arrival as player/goalkeeping coach at 11pm. He'll be continuing a career-long trend of sitting on the bench in his kit and watching another goalkeeper play, but with the added bonus that he's on the coaching staff.