View from the Cemetery

4 4 2? Four at the back? Not to mention, away from home to the league leaders. And including two wingers. Have we changed managers while I wasn't looking?

Well, welcome back and where has everyone been? Been quiet as a graveyard up here these past few weeks. Not that you would normally find me and the boys complaining, but it's not usual that's for sure. Only the Sunday carry on to disturb the peace the other day. Seemed like a decent set of lads from t'uddersfield. All paid to get in from what I could see, has it been counted yet? But should it have been played? Some doubt it, and doubt it loud and often. Pitch will never be the same this season I hear, and dark looks are cast at those to blame.

Is big money spoiling the game? It never spoiled any game of mine that's for sure. I only ask because it seems some kid at Chelsea is upset because he is only on 30 grand a week while Lampard is on 160 grand. Don't know about you, but I could weep for the lad. Reminds me of the old story about Tommy Docherty in his playing days going to see the manager to complain that the legendary Tom Finney got paid more than him, with his £10 a week, and £8 during the close season, two quid more than old TD was on. "But Tommy son, Tom is a much better player than you" says the manager.

What is it with us and them Teessiders? Spend their lives in all that smog, come up to sunny Ryhope for a bit fresh air, get given the opportunity to have a good shout and bawl to clear their lungs, take full advantage of Defty's hospitality (which somebody tells me has got a lot more interesting of late, much good it does us lads), and then the ungrateful buggers knock us out of the Vase and for good measure pinch the points in an outrageous fashion the next week.