Day 22

Coach Jason Fowler stated the bleeding obvious today. He warned that the team "still has some work to do with the formations being trained," and suggested that the appropriate course of action is to continue with match preparation as a very high priority. I guess I should be glad that he's paying attention.

I checked in on Josh Gowling. He seems to have got over his petty outburst at being re-evaluated as an "Important first team player" rather than being "Indispensable to the club." That's good, since he's still important to our hopes this season. But if he acts up again I'll freeze him out—no game time whatsoever, transfer listed. While I pray it doesn't work out that way, I can't have players questioning my authority.

I also had another backroom meeting, where it was decided that several players would start new individual training regimes. My coaches recommended a staggering twelve players that I should consider signing—only one of whom I've heard or seen anything before (Chris Shuker, formerly of Man City and Tranmere but now at Port Vale). I decided to scout them all. (Why not?)

Grant Brown suggested I change Nutter's squad status from key player to "Important first team player." I wouldn't dare. He has a volatile media handling style, and his name is Nutter. It would just be asking for trouble.

I can't afford to lose him at this stage, anyway. Olembé may be the better player by a long shot, but I need the Cameroonian to play in the midfield to give us more attacking bite. That leaves Nutter as easily the best option at left back.

I did agree to change Nicky Nicolau's squad status from "Important first team player" to "Backup to the first team." He's second choice to Olembé on the left wing and third choice behind Nutter and Olembé at left back, so the label is definitely fitting.

I'm looking forward to our friendly match tomorrow. It'll give a good indication as to whether or not we stand a chance of scraping a win in the season opener (in eleven days).