Day 8

I was invited to the English Trial Day. I said sure, 'cause why not? I mean, it's not like I'm happy with my current squad. Maybe I'll find a gem in this lot.

Lee Peacock arrived on trial just in time to sit on the bench for today's friendly match.

We were off to a flyer against Bolton Reserves. Koroma had a goal disallowed early on, before trialist Barnes-Homer scored on the break in the 18th minute. We went close again twice before half time, with Bolton Reserves restricted to long-range efforts. The thought crept into my mind that I should sign all four of the trialists in the starting eleven.

We scored again on 51 minutes, in a carbon copy of the first goal. Then Bolton Reserves pulled one back from a corner at the 63-minute mark. They had a goal disallowed for offside ten minutes later, as we looked increasingly vulnerable to an equaliser.

But we held on, and even came close to scoring another—first from Olembé's excellent wing play, then from a Barnes-Homer strike on the edge of the area.

After a performance like that, I was convinced that Barnes-Homer is a worthwhile signing. I offered him a contract.

My scout maintains that Frank Sinclair would be a good signing, although he cautions that Sinclair is "a fairly inconsistent performer." I already knew that. And I've seen nothing to allay my fear that he'll be as much a hindrance as he is a gain to our hopes of success.

The next match isn't scheduled for another five days. I guess I can look forward to a week of wheeling and dealing...and afternoon naps, and attending that Trial Day.