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20 august 2001
Season underway .

NO not Burnley, anyone but them.

Hi all- as you can guess I'm gutted for the lads on Saturday against my local rivals, I hoped we would turn them over up there and by all accounts we were the better team but unfortunately came away with nothing.

In training today the lads watched a video of the game, well just 20 mins anyway and I think that's going to be a common thing this year. The lads who played the full 90 minutes had a warm down getting ready for tomorrow night, and those who were sub or just in the squad had some light training.

A couple of knocks to report, Coops has got a dead leg and has been icing it all day but he's confident he'll be okay. Shipps has had a whack on his foot and also had ice on it this afternoon, but he trained as well so I think our top scorer will be fine for tomorrow. Kelvin is the main worry and I think he'll miss tomorrow nights game, he took a whack on his thumb and he looks in a bit of pain, hopefully he'll recover quickly and be back for the league soon but I have no worries about putting Paul Heald or Ian Feuer in the nets, they both have been as good as Kelvin in training and there's plenty of experience between them. Willo reports that his leg is better and he'll be okay for tomorrow. Par Karlsson injured his knee late on today in a clash with Paul Heald so he could be doubtful.

All the boys believe we deserved at least a point from Saturdays game and are ready to get back to winning ways tomorrow. Saturdays game is a slight blow for us but looking at Birmingham's result, 4-0 against Millwall, our first game at home looks really impressive and we know we can do that every week.

Myself Kenny and Damo are not too far off either and Dean Blackwell has been training for the last 5 days without any problems, so the squad is getting better all the time. Trond is out for 2 weeks at least which is a blow for the team but when he too gets back we will have an awesome squad.

Training for myself today consisted of Cross trainer, Bike and the dreaded Rower with Steve Allen and Daley Thompson, quite a tough day but still trying to keep away from twisting and turning on my ankle until next week. I can't give an exact date of my return but hopefully it'll be days rather than weeks.

Good to see the Premiership kick off on Saturday and some expected results with a couple of shocks too, namely Bolton. It'll be very interesting at the bottom of the table this year if Bolton can keep that form up. Man U looked strong as ever if not a little slow to get going and my own tip Liverpool looked organised and deadly as well. My beloved Blackburn got of to a terrible start but maybe that's the kick up the backside they needed for the game on Wednesday against Man U.

Looking at the papers today, young Des made his debut for Cambridge and by all accounts did okay, hopefully they'll start with him next game giving his confidence a boost, and experience for when he rejoins the Dons.

Our reserves take on Leicester tonight at Kingstonian and with the game against Brighton so close there could be quite an inexperienced side out, they could do with a win though and will be relying on Paul Robinson and Wayne Gray to get the goals.

On the motor racing front, Michael Schumacher won the world championship yesterday in Hungary, I was a bit gutted because there isn't much left to race for in the remaining four races but I take nothing away from Schumacher, he's one good driver.

Nothing else really to report on other than the piano is getting really tough!! I never knew what was involved but am determined to learn it (I have to now I went out and bought one). Loads of practice is the key apparently, but although my right hand seems okay my left hand has a mind of it's own I'm telling you! (sounds a bit like my left foot!). Anyway time to go and get half an hours practice in before the Tottenham Everton game. Second round of the Worthington and back to winning ways tomorrow.

Finally just a note to say my thoughts are with Les Sealey's family. I played against him a few time during my career and he's a great loss to the game.

Gareth.

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