why has the US academy been dropped? One other bit of news yesterday that seemed to lose it's way on the official site was that CAFC have decided to withdraw from the Charlton Athletic United States Soccer Academy initiative. I wonder why? Lack of resources, too much investment needed? I'm probably only mildly interested because I live here but there was quite a lot of media interest at the time and I don't quite know what the Spanish programmes have to do with the American ones.

I was at home yesterday afternoon so I was lucky (and it is rarely I have used that word in relation to England) to watch an inspired first half performance against Greece. Sure we will play better nations, even though they are the current European Champions, but on this basis our first four games in qualifying all have a very winnable look to them. McClaren sure breathed fresh life into the players as they took the game to Greece with energy, pace and passion. The 2nd half died a little as Greece steadied the ship but it was nice to watch an entertaining encounter after so many turgid performances under Eriksson.

Benty came on late in the 2nd half and by my reckoning touched the ball twice, both with his head. Understandably he again look desperate to be more involved, but it was another 15 minutes under his belt and hopefully he will take that hunger with him to Upton Park on Saturday.  ¶ 10:22