Although we’ve been a bit concerned that Damien Duff is the only new signing so far, this hasn’t stopped the lads from doing well so far this season. In the InterToto Cup, a convincing win in our first round against Lillestrom, and a good away goal in the first leg of the next round against Latvia. But most important of all, a plucky win against Wigan at SJP on the opening day of the Premiership. In this game, Parker gave a good account of himself as the new leader, fittingly scoring the first goal. Ameobi and N’Zogbia combined beautifully to bang in the winning goal. The future therefore looks worthwhile. We’re hoping that Roeder has a few new signings in mind, especially since even he is doubtful that Owen will be much help this year. We’ve lost Bowyer (he certainly played with passion when he wasn’t bashing other people), Faye (not much of a loss), and Michael Chopra (who probably wouldn’t have filled the main goal scorer’s boots). Glenn has been on the scene since February and you’d think they would have given some thought to planning a replacement for Shearer. Of course he was only the caretaker manager last year. With only a couple of weeks until the transfer window closes, we don’t want to end up taking other clubs’ cast-offs. We need some depth in the squad – something that the top contenders in the Premiership have in spades.

Zidane and Beckham – goings and goings
We’ll never know what exactly was said between Zidane and Materazzi until The Book comes out – whoever writes it. And even then there’ll be a “he said/he said” about the incident. Terrible way for Zidane to end his international career, especially after he had virtually hauled France into the final by his own efforts. But everyone has sensitive spots and he showed his. That apart, it was one of the finest World Cup finals for a while – perhaps since Diego Maradonna’s Argentina battled Franz Beckenbauer’s West Germany in 1986.

Most of us weren’t surprised that Beckham was not called up on the England squad for this month’s friendly against Greece. As one of our Toon Army lads pointed out, what’s the point of continuing with Beckham when he will be too old for the next World Cup. The new manager wants to start planning his strategy for this contest now. Beckham was never an Alan Shearer as England skipper. Shearer led by sheer force of example, guts, and determination. Beckham was a superb dead-ball specialist, but he never showed the forceful character that other captains have had. As a result the team often seemed to be rudderless and played inconsistently.

New leagues in the suburbs.
An interesting story in the Washington Post the other day about the growing popularity of the more than 30 Latino soccer leagues in the DC area – a phenomenon that could well be reflected in other major cities. Key games draw 1000 paying spectators and are broadcast live on local Spanish-language radio. It’s no secret that that the top players in these leagues are paid, and the best teams are amateur in name only. Apparently there is a big market for soccer talent that is creating imaginative arrangements between freelance players (some coming from New York City) and the owner-coaches who pay them. Semi-professional players from countries in Central America are lured with offers of jobs, housing and money. Team owners spend large sums to compete for the $10,000 prizes at stake in the top leagues.