Day 27

Woodhouse provided a list of potential striker loan signings. I haven't heard of any of them, except Matthias Fanimo—the West Ham youngster who refused to subject himself to Conference-level football despite an agreement between our clubs. I requested scout reports all round.

The Under 20 World Cup is underway. My boy Samba Kanouté played well in Mali's opening match, captaining the side to a comfortable victory.

Ian Gardner called in with a scouting update. Of the three "highly recommended players," veteran Spaniard David Fernández looks worthy of attention. I requested another scout report on the attacking midfielder, and offered him a four-week trial.

July is over. I survived my first calendar month as a football manager. It's not quite living up to my expectations of glory and fame, but then I never really expected it to. Pre-season is just about over. The real challenge starts in a few days.