Wednesday, January 31, 2007

News just in...

Andy Taylor Signed On Loan


...and that is it - No deal for Zoltan, no more signings before the window shuts - we need another midfielder when Worthy is fit, let alone now when he's not, and with Pav gone we had to get another forward in surely (If Beckett or Boothy get injured we'll have John McAliskey to fall back on..... ffs). I can't believe it. What a shambles........ And I know that some supporters will blame PJ, but not me (read below).

Well, it is now the final day of the "...Transfer Window..." - and thw word is around that Zoltan is NOT signing, but a left-back from Blackburn is (nothing official on that though, more later).

I just posted this on DATM

"...All this month, while waiting for Transfer activity, I was of the opinion that obviously the money wasn't right - I don't buy this notion of players not wanting to play for PJ, I'm not having any of that
.
If a player, regardless of who they are or what their aspirations are, is offered more money to play for an equivilant club then they are going to choose that option. Money talks.
Forget that we are on the way up (I am always optimistic), that our facilitites are excellent and our history, forget all that. If the money isn't there, they won't come simple as.
(If all we have to show for this month is a left back from Blackburn, I will be well disappointed, but I know whose door I lay the blame at - and it isn't Jackos).

DAVY OUT

TTID..."


And I stand by every single word.

Tuesday, January 30, 2007


Jon Worthingtons groin problem could be more serious than was initially thought.

Worthy To See Specialist


Ok so it hasn't happened (yet). But the way I was told last night about our imminent signing, it made me convinced it was going to happen. Now there is only one day to go to the end of the transfer window, and the most we could end up with is a Hungarian Trailist!!!!! I ask you.

Conspiracy theorists have made much of whether we can't attract players because of PJ. I don't believe that for one minute. Fact is, that we can't offer the wages of other clubs simple as that - we cannot comptete - it is all down to finances, like it or not. Jacko is working with one hand tied behind his back here (and we all know whose fault that is). If the only player we bring in is Zoltan then I will be absolutely gutted. But you won't find me laying the blame at Jackos door for that though (although many predictably will). Let us see what tomorrow brings first before any post-mortem.

Monday, January 29, 2007

TOWN WILL SIGN STRIKER TOMORROW

I'm not usually a purveyor of gossip, but I am EXTREMELY reliably informed that we are DEFINATELY signing a certain striker tomorrow. Just finished a very interesting web conversation with a Sheffield Wednesday supporter who tells me that Jacko was present at a Owls reserve match the other night (something I already knew about, my source was also present at the same game), and he is ADAMANT that DAVID GRAHAM is returning and signing for Town in the morning. Described by my correspondent as a "...done deal...". Now I am prepared to eat humble pie if this turns out to be a pig-in-a-bag, but he sure as hell convinced me I can tell you.

Watch this space.


I'm not sure who's doing the talking in the above Examiner story, but as the picture is of Matty Young it is probably him. Hope he's right by the way......

Sunday, January 28, 2007

Thought I would bring a bit of positivity to 606.

Huddersfield Town - It Can Still Happen

I really do think our season is far from over - honestly - the play offs may seem a light year away at the moment, but it is still achieveable I just know it - believe in the the faith, (and all that kind of thing)!!

Huddersfield Town 1-1 Chesterfield

Town and Chesterfield played out an uninspiring 1-1 draw in front of just short of 9,900 supporters on a blustery day at the Galpharm.

Even though the weather was not suited to such a tactic, Town seemed hell-bent on playing it in the air (not long ball necessary, just up in the air) - it was not a pretty sight. In fact, in the first half we were absolutely diabolical!!!! Three blokes sat behind me were determined to lay the blame with Chris Brandon and only Chris Brandon- unfairly in my opinion (naturally) - no-one (aside from David Mirfin) really covered themselves with glory (I spent most of the first half glaring disapprovingly over my shoulder at the culprits - one was heard to mutter "... whats with her, Chris Brandon fan-club ..."). If they had to have a go at anyone maybe it should have been Joe Skarz - he looked well out of his depth, was caught out of position time after time (someone was heard to say "...Danny Adams would have had that..." "...Danny Adams would have flattened him...").

Chesterfield had the first chance, when a mix-up involving Matty Glennon allowed Derek McNiven to shoot at at almost empty net - David Mirfin standing on the line calmly hacked it away.

Then the visitors took the lead, when a nice passing movement (helped by Joe Skarz being out of position again) led to a cross for Peter Holmes to easily head home, and Town remained 1-nil down at the break.

Jon Worthingtons suspect groin only allowed him 45 minutes action, and he was replaced by Matty Young during the interval.

Second half, and Town came out all guns blazing (probably had PJ giving them both barrells at half time), and an equaliser was soon in coming when Matty Young scored his first senior goal, slotting in from 10 yards out after some nice Town play involving Chris Brandon and GTF.

Town looked the more likely to win the game in all honesty, but a second goal didn't materialise. Chesterfield went down to 10 men in injury time when Mark Allott picked up a second yellow card.

As I said, an uninspiring performance - but at least we gained a point and are unbeaten in 3 games. Another home game next weekend, when Ronnie Jepsons Gillingham provide the opposition.

Jacko on Huddersfield v Chesterfield (written)
****

Friday, January 26, 2007


I am gratetful to the DATM member who has posted this video up on YouTube - it is absolutely brilliant. My heart is absolutely throbbing with delight!! Enjoy!!

Huddersfield Town - A Tribute

I have always been very, very proud to be a Terrier, and all that footage just shows why. As someone else on DATM said about it "...it must be crap supporting another team..."

Couldn't have put it better myself!!!

COME ON TOWN!!!!!

Tomorrow sees Town taking on Chesterfield, and I am looking forward to being there.

Jacko on Town v Chesterfield (pre match)

I agree with Jacko, in that if we play like have been playing lately we should win, but I'm not overly confident (you never know what Town side will decide to turn up). And at least we know he's starting with Boothy and Luke Beckett upfront. I hope we score a few goals, it's going to be cold day if I'm camped in my seat for 90 minutes!!!

Thursday, January 25, 2007

Latest news on the "...Buy A Player..." front - my contribution has risen to £1.50, courtesy of a bottle of Coke Zero this morning.


....look who's been transfer listed!!!

Mark Hudson For Sale

Hudson Transfer Listed

I don't really rate Mark Hudson, and if by some miracle we can persuade another club to part with a fee for him that would be an un-expected bonus. As with Danny Adams, I'm sure there is another club for him somewhere.


Bit unhappy that we can't seem to persuade anyone to join Town though - only a week left of the Transfer Window to go as well, it is a little worrying. If all we have to show for January is "..outs.." and no "..ins.." (if you will), then expect mass discontent, particularly among the "...Sack Jacko.." brigade, (who will undoubtably blame our beloved leader for no-one wanting to come here same as they blame him for most things - unfairly) and falling attendances will surely follow.

Wednesday, January 24, 2007

Well it seems Town are top of the Coca-Cola league after all - pity its just in the current "...Win A Player..." promotion. I don't usually drink the stuff actually, but I think I can manage a drop or two for the next month or so if I have to. See if I can con anyone else into doing the same!!!

Off to a flyer - my bottle of Coke Zero has just netted Town £1!!!

Win A Player With Coca-Cola


Town Top Coca Cola League In Drinks Promotion

Another triallist - this one from Hungary.


Town Take Zoltan Liptak On Trial

He's a central defender, but who's to say he'll last any longer than Ben Hunter did a week ago.

Tuesday, January 23, 2007


More news, though this is is of the "...not-very-surprising..." variety.

Danny Adams Has Contract Cancelled


My views on Adams have been made clear before, but I am sure he is well capable of doing a job for another team somewhere in the league. Best wishes to him.

Well, it looks like we may be getting a replacement for Pav sooner rather than later.

Town Table Bid for Striker

We just don't know who yet!!!!

Monday, January 22, 2007





I've had a few hours (stuck in work) thinking about what I should say about Pavs departure. I'm just filled with a deep disappointment, he was one of my favourite players and I have mentioned on a few occasions in the past that he had been unfairly treated. We all know what he is capable of goals wise, and for Town to let him go is mis-management of the highest order (sorry Peter, but there you go - I can't agree with you on this one).


Pawel Abbott Praises Time At Town

Very diplomatic of him, who knows, he may need us again one day. He will be warmly welcomed every time he returns to the Galpharm, make no mistake.

So he thinks we got a fair price for him - not having this either - with better management we could have added another nought to his transfer fee. PJ - you have failed him. (How it grieves me to say these things). Be prepared for the fans chanting "...der der der der..." on Saturday!!!!!
******
I'll take away a few good memories of Pav's time here - his hat-trick against Port Vale, that goal against Lincoln, his winners against Bristol City and Swansea this season (I would never have dreamt that that would be the last time I would see Pav in the stripes, and that his last game for Town would end in a sending off).
******
So what now - we are going to need another striker surely - do we spend the money, or do we offset it against that £600,000 recently introduced by Mr Davy. Who knows - I am hoping that Jacko has got the perfect replacement (whoever that may be) waiting in the wings. I did say it would be a busy week.....

Medical passed - signing a formality - I am gutted!! Nice work Swansea, sell Rory Fallon for £300k and get a better player (Pav) at half the price.

Pawel Abbott Passes Medical At Liberty Stadium


PAV LEAVES


...for Swansea, subject to a medical. More later.


Sunday, January 21, 2007


AFC Bournemouth 1-2 Huddersfield Town


Town secured 3 points away from home for the first time since October 21st with an excellent display against Bournemouth. Jacko made only one change, with Michael Collins returning after suspension, and so we stuck with a 4-4-2 formation, Boothy and Luke Beckett leading the line again.


We took the lead in the 12th minute, when a breakaway from defence led to captain Jon Worthington firing in a shot from 25 yards, hitting the inside of the post before going in. Town had lots of possession and richly deserved their lead.


As usual though, Town couldn't capitalise on this, and Bournemouth were back on terms just before half time - Stephen Purches beat Joe Skarz and shot past Matt Glennon.


Second half, and both teams were pushing for a winner. Worthy went off injured, and was replaced by Danny Schofield - and five minutes from the end it was Scoffer who sent the small travelling band of Town fans delirious when latching onto a Luke Beckett pass to score what could be a vital winning goal. (I was trying not to get too carried away at work, a discreet clenched fist and "...get in...", don't want to scare the customers).


Well, it would have been a long way home if we had come away with nothing, and I am delighted for the faithful who made the trip. A couple wins on the bounce - I am absolutely thrilled - and with 2 (winnable as well) home matches coming up, this could be the start of a season-turning run. Town are now in 11th (above both Bradford and Crewe - yay)!


****


This week promises to be a busy one for Jacko and Town, when the "...ins and outs..." should finally materialise. I haven't heard Oggy's post-match interview with Jacko yet (will post it on here as soon as), but I gather he was doing his very best to dig out vital information (nice work Paul, keep it up)!! Something about Swansea tabling a bid of our players (Pav I'm assuming, seeing as what he did to them the other week of course) - roumermongers are suggesting that Leon Knight could well be returning in a swap deal - who knows. To be honest I think Town should just take the money and find someone else as a replacement, but we will soon find out.


I trust PJ to get it right, but I fully realise I might be the only one saying this......

Friday, January 19, 2007

Tomorrow Town play away at Bournemouth.

Jacko on Bournemouth v Town (pre-match)

Fingers crossed we can come all the way back from there with 3 points. As Jacko says the up-coming games (2 home after tomorrow) could change our season (for the better I hope he means).

I had rather hoped there would be a signing or two to show for the past week - still no-one. Well maybe it will be worth the wait for the one perfect player, than a rush-job any old soul will do.

Thursday, January 18, 2007

Someone on DATM found this article, take a look.......

Town - Exposure in Korea

Is it too much to expect some sympathetic Korean multi-millionaire to read the above, and decide to throw some of his money our way...... yeah, probably!!

(Incidentally, if D Beckham is short of somewhere to play his footy before his American contract kicks him, he may consider dropping a division or two - he doesn't need the money, but he might need to keep fit...... maybe)!

Wednesday, January 17, 2007

70 minutes, 1 goal - some people are never happy..........

Jacko - No Deal For Hunter


Ah well, we must assume someone else is lined up then. Wonder who.

More news.......

Adnan Ahmed Training at Lincoln

If they want him, they can have him for me (thats if they like players with a penchant for injury and badly timed tackles).

Tuesday, January 16, 2007

Town finally bring a new player in, (well sort of as it's only on trial).

Town Give Trial to Hunter

US Hotshot Trialled By Town

No, I've never heard of him either, but this is his career record (I hope it makes more sense to you than it does to me anyway).

Ben Hunter - Career Profile

But it doesn't end here - in the "..You Couldn't Make It Up..." file - this:

Port Vale Reserves 1-1 Huddersfield Town Reserves

...and the scorer of Towns goal.......Ben Hunter! If he is aiming to impress enough for a proper contract he is starting the right way!! Have we unearthed a future star??? Who knows.......

Sunday, January 14, 2007

A little reminder of what I reported on 30th October.


"...Not very surprising news.

Danny Adams Banned For 4 Matches

I have a feeling he could be on his way out of the club after this. Hope I'm wrong though, because I think of him as a good little grafter (if a bit slow)...."


...but it doesn't look like I was wrong! I still stand by that posting as well, because he DOES graft, but so often he is done for pace (hence the rash tackles that have proved his downfall).


Huddersfield Town 2-0 Cheltenham Town

An excellent first half display by Town gave us our second consecutive home win, despite the blustery conditions. Jacko chose a 4-4-2 formation, with Luke Beckett returning to join Andy Booth up front, Jon Worthington returned from injury and Joe Skarz replaced Danny Adams.

Town took a deserved lead in the 31st minute when Luke Beckett touched in from a Martin McIntosh header. That lead was doubled just before half time when Cheltenham were unable to clear from defence, the ball landed with Andy Booth and he rifled an excellent shot past the keeper.

Town had other chances in the second half (Chris Brandon hit the bar), and Cheltenham almost had a goal of their own, but were denied by some excellent defending by David Mirfin.


Sean Jarvis's tactic of reducing ticket prices didn't work particularly either as we still didn't manage to attract 10,000 supporters (maybe the weather put people off.... or maybe not)!

*****

Was working in a shop a stones throw from Crewe Alex's ground yesterday, which is also near the railway station. The temptation at just before 12 o'clock to grab my coat and make a dash for the train was immense (particularly as I had little or no help from 2 work-to-rule cashiers ("...I aint starting/staying one second before/after 10/5 o'clock, I don't get paid for that..." (regardless of how busy the shop was at that time, and despite the fact I had arrived 40 minutes before I was being paid so I could set the shop up).

I'm not getting carried away though - yes its three points, but we are going to have get 3 more points, and 3 more points again and again if our season isn't to be finished already.

Jacko on Huddersfield v Cheltenham (written)


Jacko on Huddersfield v Cheltenham (Audio)



*****


Well it looks like Danny Adams (definately) and Martin McIntosh (more than likely) are on their way out. I have said in the past that I thought that Adams could be finished (two red cards not helping his cause). It seems that Jacko has got players lined up to come in next week - well, "...next week or the week after..." he says. A few new signings could be just what is needed to freshen things up.

Friday, January 12, 2007


Well, the number of clubs that Jacko has spoken to has now risen to 31 - and still nothing, despite him being "...hopeful..." that a new face would be at the club by today.

Jacko - Still No Signings

It's embaressing isn't it. But whose fault is it?? Do other players not fancy playing for Town or is there no money to spend?? No answers from anywhere officially, just roumers going around.

****


We play Cheltenham tomorrow, a team I don't recall us getting much off in the past. They are second from bottom, but knowing how poorly we play against most teams, particularly those lower in the league than us, I think a draw will be the most likely outcome!!! I'm not at the match tomorrow (stuck in work instead). I wonder if Sean Jarvis's incentive (cheap admission) tomorrow will bring any extra supporters.......... I doubt it.

The next match I will be at is the Chesterfield game in a fortnight, and I tried to get the Saturday after that off as well (Gillingham), but in vain. One Saturday yes, 2 on the spin - absolutely not **groan**.

****

I meant to post this yesterday, but got busy.

Jacko - A Rallying Call For Ahmed


Words very nearly fail me. How PJ can justify backing for Adnan Ahmed after he was rightly sent off (saw the tackle on the tv) against Doncaster, but say nothing to poor Pawel Abbott is an utter disgrace. It should be backing for Pav and the end of the road for Adnan, not the other way around. I don't usually disagree an awful lot with Jacko and what he says but I am NOT having this. I can only assume it must have been a quiet day for news in the Examiner offices.


I'll be honest here. Jacko remains in my heart, but on the footballing side of things he has lost me big style - something I can hardly believe I am thinking let alone saying. And don't think 3 points tomorrow will make me change my mind right now.

Wednesday, January 10, 2007

Jacko has spoken to 22, yes 22, different clubs about players yesterday........... but still no news of any signings.

Jacko - A Frustrating Situation

Perhaps he isn't telling us the whole tale here, maybe there is a player or two lined up but he doesn't want to say anything just yet, because I refuse to believe that anyone could speak to that many football managers and get absolutely nowhere. Or is it true what I heard yesterday that he will have to sell Pav first before anyone can come in? I don't know.

Mind you, given our current predicament perhaps it's not too surprising that other players would not seem to be falling over themselves to join us. Hope that is not the case.

Tuesday, January 9, 2007

It is definately true about Pav going.

Pawel Abbott - Town Will Listen To Offers

I've mentioned before that Pav has been treated shabbily by Town this season - he was magnificent against Bristol City when he scored the winner - he should be playing every week, but if he has fell out with PJ (I strongly suspect so) then he is gone. I hope he does well wherever he may end up, Pav will always receive a warm welcom back at the 'Pharm, and rightly so. We shouldn't be letting him go though in my opinion, big mistake.

A new post in the "...Club In Crisis..." serial on 606.

HTFC - A Club In Crisis Part 3

And yes, I mean it - I have finally given up letting my heart overrule my head on this matter - maybe Jacko should do the decent thing and resign while he still has a shread of dignity. If he gets us relegated he will never be forgiven. Even I am at the end of my (longer than everybody elses) tether as far as this is concerened (something that would never have dreamt of saying in the past).

I think Town need a change before its too late (although it breaks my heart to say it).


While the Transfer Window is open the Roumer-Mill has been working overtime, but this piece of news surprises me........

Pawel Abbott to Ipswich Town?


...and for a "...six-figure fee...". Well, I would be sad to see Pav go, but if he could get regular first team football there it would be a great move for him. It has been expected for a while that Pav could be leaving, but it would have been less surprising moving down a division, not up one!


Saturday, January 6, 2007

Yeovil Town 3-1 Huddersfield Town

A totally inept, clueless display - and live on TV. A shambles.

This contest was over by half-time - and how we were not 8 or 9 goals behind by then I will never know. Yeovil totally outlplayed us in every department, looked like they would score every time they came forward, we were an embaressment.

Huddersfield were behind as early as the third minute, when Messers Mirfin and McCombe (playing instead of an injured Martin McIntosh) left a defensive gap you could drive a tank through to allow Leon Best to score with a well placed effort. It was awful. John McCombe went off injured shortly afterwards leaving us with only one recognised centre-half as Aaron Hardy had to come on in his place.

Soon we were two down. More defensive nightmares allowed Best again to get in and rifle an excellent shot plast Matt Glennon (it was at this point my husband appeared - he didn't speak, he didn't need to, think my face must have said it all).

Wave after wave of Green-and-White attacks followed. Every time we had the ball there seemed to be six Yeovil players fighting to get it off us, a joke. Jacko standing there - even the commontator said "...he doesn't seem to know what to do..." - you don't say.....

Three down before half time, when a cross from the right hand side was deflected for an own-goal by Aaron Hardy. I was in utter despair - it could have been double figures ("...are they always this bad Julie?...", "...new song for the Kaiser Chiefs there - I Predict A Rout...", "Did your manager ever play football..." (a serious, not ironic remark either that one) amongst the comments I had to put up with).

Half time couldn't come quick enough. Sam rather helpfully brought me a large vodka and tonic - "...you might be needing this...".

Second half though and Town seemed to buck their ideas up a bit - we were playing with a bit more urgency (too late by now though, the game was gone), and I was confident we wouldn't lose by the cricket-score the first half promised, and reward was to come when Chris Brandon played the ball through to Gary Taylor-Fletcher who chipped in over the goalkeeper to give the score some semnence of respectability. And we very nearly got a second when a Boothy header flashed wide of the post (if that had gone in, well who knows).

I think that by this time everyone within earshot was aware of my opinion of Mark Hudson (told you he would be a starter tonight) "...worst Town player in history...", "...not good enough, useless...". So imagine my utter disgust when Boothy was substituted and the captains armband ended up with...... Mark Hudson ("...oh no, this isn't happening - is someone having a laugh or what...").

So 3-1 it finished. Luckilly for me the members of Coppenhall Club were kind - to be honest I think they admire my bravery, sitting there with my Town shirt on at the front watching as the lads let me down big style, but not once leaving my seat during play. There was even a Leeds fan there who was hoping we would score ("..they'll get one in a minute Joolz, you'll see...").

****

After the match Jacko described our first-half performance as "...unacceptable...". He's supposed to be Motivator-in-Chief, some of the blame has to land with him - so whats going wrong?? As Sam said to me afterwards "...if you could play like you played second half for the whole ninety minutes you wouldn't be too bad a side...". Precisely. Whatever he says to them at half-time should be said at the start maybe.......

Jacko on Yeovil v Huddersfield (written)

Friday, January 5, 2007

I'm managing a shop in Warrington today (the one shop in the firm that leaves me nearer to Huddersfield than it does to Crewe). Have just written up my Marketing Board for the day - tonights match taking priority!! Doubt we will take a bet on it in anger, but it's not often I have the chance to write anything up about Town on the firms whiteboards. The customers probably won't know who any of the players are, but so what.

I have just recieved word, however, that one of the "...big..." bosses is calling in later - and I know full well he'll be highly amused when he sees what I have done!!!!

Just flagged up a first goalscorer / correct score double as well - Chris Brandon to score the first goal and Town to win 1-0 @ 70-1 (I can dream).

Have arranged for a quick getaway from here tonight - I finish at 5pm, but seeing as I have to take the M6 route back home I don't anticipate getting anywhere fast. My husband has told me three times, and sent me a text, warning me not to "...tear-arse..." home. I promised him faithfully I won't rush (probably won't be able to anyhow)!

Sky Sports coverage begins at 7-30 for a 7-45 kick off. Fingers crossed for a victory!!

Thursday, January 4, 2007



Tomorrow evening sees Town in action in a televised encounter away at Yeovil, early team news is thus:

No Worthington or Schofield (injured / ill). No Abbott or Ahmed (banned - 3 matches apiece).


But worryingly, Mark Hudson has made it onto the coach. I know we are struggling for players, but honestly. He'll start you just know it - 4-1-4-1, same old. **Groan** From a betting point of view Yeovil at Evens, or a shade of odds on, looks a good bet!!! Hope I am wrong.


Really looking forward to seeing the lads on TV, lets just hope that it turns out better than the last time we appeared live on Sky. When the Crewe match was on Sam watched it at the social club - he wasn't impressed (predictably). Know something - we have been together 7 years and the nearest he has been to The Galpharm is the bottom of Stadium Way (I am not joking) - not even remotely tempted to see Town for real!!! I have tried believe me. Maybe tomorrow he will be converted (not too confident about that though).

The FA confirm that Jacko will not be punished for the incident with the linesman on Saturday....

Jacko Escapes Punishment

PJ - No Case To Answer

...but they will be monitoring his future conduct (a job I would kill for)!!

Tuesday, January 2, 2007


Jon Worthington - Could He Be Sold In The Transfer Window???
Bit quiet in work this morning so i thought I would have a bit of a post-mortem.


As far as I am concerned, Adnan Ahmed should be finished at Town. I never really rated him anyway, but i was more than prepared to listen to those who said he should have his chance. Well he has had his chance and blown it. There should be no way back after that, and hopefully Jacko will use the transfer window to send him on his way.


Another player I fear could be on his way out is Luke Beckett. Now no-one was more pleased than me when we signed him in the summer, but it doesn't seem to be working out at all. Jacko has recently admitted that Pav and Boothy are ahead of Luke in the team, so to that end is it worth Town being saddled with him and his monsterously high wages?


Which players would we get money for in the Transfer Window - predictably the better ones, meaning Worthy and Mirf to name but two. There would be a few who we wouldn't get money for who need to be unshipped also (Ahmed, Hudson and McAliskey possibly).


A lot will depend on how much money Mr Davy will let Jacko spend in the next four weeks, and whether some of it would depend on player-selling. Either way, whoever we sign MUST HAVE PACE!!!!! I feel we are only 2 or 3 players short of being the side to beat, so we must all hope that PJ gets it right.

Monday, January 1, 2007

Doncaster Rovers 3-0 Huddersfield Town


Talk about a game of two halves.....

Town had to make a few changes to the team that played against Swansea - Andy Holdsworth didn't recover from Saturday, Jon Worthington failed a late fitness test so he was missing, and Danny Schofield was unavailable through illness. Adnan Ahmed made his first start of the season, Aaron Hardy returned and Pawel Abbott played upfront with Boothy in a 4-4-2 formation.

First half Town seemed to be playing alright, but a poor piece of defending by David Mirfin let in Mark McCammon who made no mistake from 20 yards out. Michael Collins should have equalised for us, but somehow contrived to put his shot wide. 1-0 at half time, but I was still hopeful.

Then everything went wrong spectacularly at the start of the second half. Doncaster scored twice within the first three minutes (Heffernan and Forte) to completely kill the game stone dead. I could hardly believe my ears at this point. It all happened so quickly.

Drama followed as a dreadful 2-footed tackle by Adnan Ahmed saw him given his marching orders - although Doncaster should have had a player of their own sent off for retaliation and the referee didn't gave anything (a decision described as "...disgraceful..." by Kieran O'Regan) - Pawel Abbott was also sent off during the same incident, and now Town were down to 9 men with half an hour still to play. Dead and buried.

So it was damage limitation after that, the game was over as a contest, and even though Doncaster suffered a sending off of their own 10 minutes before the end it was too little too late, and 2007 has got off to the worst possible start for Town.

So what happens now. We have got that match at Yeovil on Friday night, but will we have 11 players available??? Bans, injuries, illness - nightmare selection problems for Jacko. Maybe there will be transfer action prior to then who knows. Going to drown my sorrows in the meantime **groan**

Jacko on Doncaster v Town (audio)

Jacko on Doncaster v Town (written)

Half-Time:

Doncaster 1-0 Town

Not going quite to plan just yet. We are playing ok so far, so we may get something out of this yet. Paul Ogden tells me that Doncasters new ground is excellent, and he reckons there won't be a better playing surface in the league. Town have took 3000 or so fans with them, lets hope there is something to cheer for shortly!!

***HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!***

Lets hope the lads can start 2007 that they ended 2006 - 3 points.

Today Town are the first visitors to Doncasters new Keepmoat Stadium. With any hope we will be the first winners as well. I am not in work today (they got Boxing Day out of me, they don't get New Years Day as well I make sure of that) so I can tune in this afternoon. Looking forward to that.

****

On Friday night Town are live on Sky against Yeovil. Yeovil beat Crewe on Saturday, so I told the Alex fans in the social club last night that seeing as we beat Swansea for them how about we see to Yeovil as well. (It took a few moments for the penny to drop that if we beat Yeovil we will be even further up the league than Crewe are.........)! Have left word with the club steward that I will be in the Club at 7pm prompt on Friday - he replied to Sam that he was sure there was some All-In Wrestling or Crown Green Bowling on at the same time and that would be taking priority (unbelievable)!