Day 19

I had to submit squad numbers today, which was an exciting reminder that the season will actually start soon. I handed Olembé the number 11 shirt and Barnes-Homer number 9. I'm still looking for a player deserving of the number 10 jersey. Gowling and Anyon got their preferred numbers (6 and 1, respectively). The remaining first choice players filled out the rest of the lower numbers, while everyone else just got whatever.

Squad numbers don't really matter, but they have a symbolic value. Certain numbers are associated with particular roles—like number 9 for the centre forward, number 10 for the most creative attacking player, number 11 for the left winger, and number 4 for the leader of the defence.

I handed out numbers to 34 players, although a dozen of them are unlikely to make a first team appearance this season.

This also drew my attention to the fact that Robbie Williams (no, not that one) is on loan at the club. He's nowhere near good enough to make the team, and we're paying half his wage. "Screw that," I said, before terminating the deal. We're now £125 over the weekly wage budget. The five transfer listed players earn £1,950 a week between them, which is nearly 15 per cent of the total budget. I gotta get rid of them.

Eccentric young goalkeeper Pierre-Antoine Martini joined the club on trial. He's not as good as current number 1 Joe Anyon, but he's got a lot of potential. I'll sign him if he plays well in the next friendly and can spare the budget for his wages.

My loan offer for West Ham's 17 year old winger was accepted. And I got another scout report on the lad. Turns out he can already play on the right side. Brilliant! He could be the answer to our right flank injury crisis.