According to the Guardian it looks like the club’s attentions are turning back to Sven Goran Eriksson to solve our “managerial crisis”. Although Chairman Al Fayed’s first choice was always Martin Jol, these news stories should come as little surprise given that Sven worked with our CEO Alistair Mackintosh when they were both at Man City. If the partnership worked back then, perhaps it would be sensible to give it another shot. Sven certainly seems keen to come to the Cottage, or perhaps it’s just his agent, but this come and get me plea isn’t the most subtle I’ve ever seen.

Whoever the club are looking to bring in, with the season proper nearly upon us, time is of the essence. New managers need time to get in, get their feet under the table and start making an impact. Even Roy “Miracle Worker” Hodgson needed 3 weeks to find his stride. The season starts 3 weeks today, against Bolton at the Reebok and it’ll probably take more than a deflection off Bobby Zamora’s derriére to take 3 points from there, á la the opening game of last season. It’s not a decision to be rushed into but I think it’s putting us at huge disadvantage, both in terms of preparation and training, as well as in terms of any transfer activity. Let’s hope the right man comes along soon.

Incidentally, Sven is the bookies’ fave at the moment, with quite frankly rubbish odds on him taking the helm – although you can still get 12-1 on Martin Jol so what do they know, eh?