Bad news day I suppose the fact that our team tomorrow doesn't pick itself is a demonstration of the squad's depth. There you go, that's some positive spin. With Youga, Sinclair and Walker still out on loan (I can't bring myself to mention the other two knobs) there is still some debate amongst fans as to who will play tomorrow.

Chris Dickson was recalled today from his loan a game early, although the Gills game tonight was later postponed. He I am pretty sure will feature at some point tomorrow with McCleod certainly getting a starting berth too. The middle is a problem with Reidy now said to be out for 6 weeks and from past experience he does not seem a quick healer. Thomas and Sam will need to be their sparkling best tomorrow and the role of replacement captain Matt Holland has now become exceptionally important.

I really did not see either 'clean shorts' or Powell getting many games this season but they both look likely to remain features over the Christmas period. I for one was hoping Powelly would be able to put his feet up.

If the news was bad about Reid, then today's emotional farewell from Danny Mills on his own website was bloody terrible. With Sodje set to return to Reading and Richard Murray stating there is little money available, Pards will need to don his very best wheeler dealer jacket for the January sales.

I'm in St Louis airport at the moment waiting for a flight. Another presentation this morning, and god was I hungover and absolutely knackered when my alarm went off this morning at 4.45am. Anyway that is it for me, work's done for a while and the holiday season begins at kick-off time tomorrow in front of my computer. If you're going the new banners look great by the way, please give our walking wounded some real Christmas cheer.  ¶ 17:01