Day 38

Kanouté and Taylor were both disappointing performers on the losing side in their youth international matches. On the plus side, Mali are now out of the Under 20s World Cup. I hope this means Kanouté will be flying back shortly, ready at last to begin his Lincoln career.

We were offered a number of players for real money. I said no—I've been over this before, but we have no transfer budget and barely any room on the payroll.

Reports came in for the players I was recommended in yesterday's backroom meeting. I deemed Michael McCaffery the only one worthy of a second look.