Sussex visit Notts - crawleyobserver.co.uk

Sussex visit Notts - crawleyobserver.co.uk

After last week’s thrilling victory over Durham at Arundel Castle, Sussex lie only 22 points shy of leaders Warwickshire whilst this week’s opponents Nottinghamshire are only a point off the top in second, making for a mouthwatering clash.

Overseas star Steve Magoffin was in fine form during the second innings of the match, taking 6 for 22 and top-scoring with a vital 23 as Sussex chased down their target.

Michael Yardy (66) and Ben Brown (51) also made half-centuries in Sussex’s first innings total.

Ed Joyce returns to the squad as he was absent for the win against Durham with Ireland playing Bangladesh in the Twenty20 series.

The Sussex squad is as follows:

Amjad Khan

JE Anyon

BC Brown (wkt)

MW Goodwin

Naveed Arif Gondal

EC Joyce

SJ Magoffin

CD Nash

MS Panesar

LWP Wells

KO Wernars

LJ Wright

MH Yardy (c)

Source: www.crawleyobserver.co.uk

Tesco cuts jobs at U.S. Fresh & Easy chain - Reuters

LONDON | Fri Jul 27, 2012 4:55am EDT

LONDON (Reuters) - World No. 3 retailer Tesco (TSCO.L) said it has cut jobs at the Californian headquarters of its loss-making Fresh & Easy chain in the United States, insisting the move was not a precursor to exiting the country.

"In April we said we are taking a more cautious approach to expanding Fresh & Easy, focusing on getting existing stores to profitability," Tesco said in a statement.

"Our central cost base should reflect that more cautious approach. With great regret, this means that we have to make redundancies at Fresh & Easy headquarters in California. This is not with a view to a sale or closure of the business. We remain committed to reach profitability and these changes are about helping to achieve that."

A spokesman for Tesco said about 50 jobs would be lost. Fresh & Easy currently employs just over 5,000 people.

In April Tesco Chief Executive Philip Clarke said he did not expect the chain to break even until its 2013/14 financial year, against a previous target of 2012/13.

Last month Clarke said he was committed to the venture but would pull the plug if it continued to disappoint, and rejected renewed calls for an independent review of its strategy.

Shares in Tesco, down 21 percent over the last year, were up 0.2 percent at 317 pence at 0846 GMT, valuing the business at about 25.2 billion pounds ($39.6 billion). ($1 = 0.6370 British pounds)

(Reporting by James Davey; editing by Rhys Jones)

Source: www.reuters.com

Is embargo the reason for lack of Watford signings? (From Watford Observer) - Watford Observer

Is a transfer embargo the reason for the lack of Watford signings despite seven new arrivals?

8:00am Friday 27th July 2012 in Watford FC News By Frank Smith

The Football League and Watford have both refused to comment on whether the club’s lack of signings is due to a transfer embargo.

The Hornets have no less than seven new players, some of whom have been there more than two weeks, but there has been no confirmation on any signings.

Adrian Mariappa and Scott Loach both departed Watford last week but the club have yet to announce the arrival of any players.

Free agents Manuel Almunia and Fitz Hall and ‘trialists’ Daniel Pudil, Matej Vydra, Almen Abdi, Ikechi Anya and Steve Leo Beleck have all been training with the club and have travelled with the squad for games.

When asked why there has been such a long delay in announcing signings, Watford chief executive Scott Duxbury said: “There has been an extensive evaluation process ongoing since the start of pre-season involving a number of players – some of whom have featured in the friendly matches played so far.

“Official announcements and confirmations will be communicated via watfordfc.com, the club’s website, when it is appropriate to do so.”

The Watford Observer contacted the Football League and the Hornets on Wednesday to ask if the club were subject to a transfer embargo due to either the takeover or the Golden Boys’ HM Revenue & Customs bill. Both refused to confirm or deny.

Watford stated the club’s takeover has been fully ratified by the Football League but they refused to comment on whether they have paid their HMRC bill and how much the sum is.

The Hornets also refused to confirm if the Yellow and Red Lion Pub has changed hands following the club’s takeover, as former owner Laurence Bassini had stated he would be given the pub as part of the sale.

Granada left-back Pudil and Udinese midfielder Abdi have played in all three of Watford’s pre-season matches so far and Granada winger Anya and Udinese forward Leo Beleck both featured in the second half of Tuesday night’s win over Cork City.

Udinese striker Vydra has yet to play due to fitness issues, Hall went to the Wealdstone game on Saturday but did not make the squad and Almunia was an unused substitute in Ireland.

The Watford Observer have reported on the arrival of Pudil, Vydra, Abdi, Almunia and Hall in the last couple of weeks and on Saturday Anya and Beleck were spotted at a Hornets game for the first time.

Anya, 24, is a pacy winger who was born in Glasgow and started his professional career at Wycombe Wanderers, becoming the club’s youngest player in 2004 at the age of 16.

But he was released and after spending time at Oxford City and Halesowen Town, he joined the Glenn Hoddle Academy on the recommendation of John Gorman, who he worked with at Wycombe.

A brief stay at Northampton Town followed before a switch to Spain and Sevilla’s reserve side, and then Celta Vigo B.

He joined Granada last summer and was immediately loaned to Cadiz, who have links with the La Liga outfit.

Beleck is a strong 19-year-old forward who joined Udinese from Panthrakikos two years ago but has yet to make his debut for the Little Zebras and was loaned out to AEK Athens last season.

After a difficult start, he made 21 appearances and scored six times. Leo Beleck also featured in the Europa League six times.

The Watford Observer understands the Hornets are likely to add to the seven potential signings they have already lined up.

One of the players we expect the club to approach is former Watford forward Tommy Smith , who is currently at Premier League side Queens Park Rangers.

Smith started his career at Vicarage Road and after three years away at Sunderland and then Derby County, he returned to the club in 2006, where he remained for three years – winning the Player of the Season Trophy twice in consecutive years.

Comments(45)

worthing_hornet says...
8:40am Fri 27 Jul 12

I know they can't say much. But if there are "matters outstanding" that are preventing signings now. They could at least comfirm that much. What have the previous owners done to our club??? #portsmouthfc? worthing_hornet

Lloydinio says...
8:48am Fri 27 Jul 12

tommy would be nice, but has he passed his best? Lloydinio

hornets66 says...
8:56am Fri 27 Jul 12

I dont post on here unless i have something interesting to share. I posted this last week and was criticised for scare mongering and "living in a fantasy world" It is my understanding that the takeover required FL approval and there were a number of conditions placed i believed to be (5). Some of these for old owner to complete and some for the new, I believe majority of these are now completed which is why the outgoing players have left (this is why AM deal dragged its heels) and there are still some to overcome which inhibits us in formally placing new players under contract. This is only what i have heard but I believe this to be very reliable. hornets66

lutondown says...
8:58am Fri 27 Jul 12

We Would have been Pompey under the last nut jobs. Saved in the nick of time so it seems lutondown

hornets66 says...
9:01am Fri 27 Jul 12

[quote][p][bold]lutondown[/bold] wrote: We Would have been Pompey under the last nut jobs. Saved in the nick of time so it seems[/p][/quote]Yes that is what ive heard too and things were far worse than we were led to believe. hornets66

aefevans says...
9:04am Fri 27 Jul 12

I thought a transfer embargo was pretty standard fare during a takeover? Either that or we can assume that they are indeed thoroughly evaluating the potential signings. aefevans

HornetJJ says...
9:09am Fri 27 Jul 12

I have heard this is the case as we failed to disclose our accounts on time when Bassini was there. HornetJJ

Toshhorn says...
9:19am Fri 27 Jul 12

This is very worrying, if we are relying on Baz doing anything for us, we could be in serious problems here. No goalkeeper or new players for the new season, how long will Zola put up with this??? Toshhorn

Chris the Vic says...
9:20am Fri 27 Jul 12

Where late filing of accounts is concerned the Football League normally place an embargo on the offending club and lift it once accounts are filed. They also go public. Last club to do this was Wycombe Wanderers. Chris the Vic

WFC4ever says...
9:27am Fri 27 Jul 12

[quote][p][bold]Chris the Vic[/bold] wrote: Where late filing of accounts is concerned the Football League normally place an embargo on the offending club and lift it once accounts are filed. They also go public. Last club to do this was Wycombe Wanderers.[/p][/quote]That is what I thought...we need some sort of official statement from the club or FL... WFC4ever

LE PARK says...
9:28am Fri 27 Jul 12

I like the rest of you was very excited when this takeover took place.And would like the new owners and those now at the helm of the club give us fans some respect by coming clean on what has gone on.But as footbal gets even more secretive ie undisclosed fee's and alike i doubt we will ever know how much we are or were in the mire under the last arthur daley to try his hand at owning a football club.Hope this all gets resolved soon but a bit more transparency would get the fans right onboard. LE PARK

Chris the Vic says...
9:30am Fri 27 Jul 12

Not sure of all companies involved but Watford Leisure limited which was Watford Leisure Plc until it changed its name in late 2011 has filed accounts up to june 2011 so next set due to be filed in March 2013 at latest and also Annual Return up to date. Anyone know of any other names of companies involved? Chris the Vic

COGGDAVE1 says...
9:31am Fri 27 Jul 12

I think the new owners have been there long enough to sort this. There seems to be things that are shrouded in secrecy, and I for one think we, the fans, should be put in the picture, as this uncertainty is not doing anyone any favors. I do agree when LD says ...'We Would have been Pompey under the last nut jobs. Saved in the nick of time so it seems' But its time to come clean .... lets go forward together.... COGGDAVE1

Reginald Dwight says...
9:31am Fri 27 Jul 12

What damage has been done to the Club over the last year? We can only begin to imagine but credible information suggests: Taxes unpaid to HMRC Staff not paid Suppliers not paid for up to six months which therefore includes pitch / Sound system / Screen At least £10m into the Club through player sales and Saracens not to mention usual revenue streams. Surely as the dust settles, if there are ANY issues that were created by the previous ownership then there should be a full investigation with appropriate legal action taken? Whilst we all laughed at the mad rambling statements of the previous owner it perhaps isn't funny...... I hope the Observer are wrong about the reasons for the lack of transfer activity but i fear not as it simply doesn't stack up that we have all these players involved and not one of them has been officially signed. Lets be incredibly grateful for the new owners rather than showing any scepticism over lack of news. Reginald Dwight

Bringe says...
9:32am Fri 27 Jul 12

If there was a transfer embargo it would be a matter of public record. Neither the FA nor FL have announced one one their websites. It is only a rumour started by a message-board troll. We have players on trial and do not wish to register them until Zola is sure who stays and who goes. He can do this because there is absolutely no danger of another club poaching them. Sorry to disappoint the scandalmongerers. Bringe

AngelHornet says...
9:37am Fri 27 Jul 12

Time for a club statement AngelHornet

CreteJoe says...
9:42am Fri 27 Jul 12

There are no problems Dodge Duxbury told us that on Friday 20th July 2012 He said “As of the date of completion, the club is completely stable and has no financial problems because of the Pozzos.” The way that is worded means that the Family have not created any financial problems for the club but does not exclude financial problems not created by the Family. Perhaps there still are problems and D.D is trying to mislead us or perhaps the W.O. are just creating a story as they have nothing else to print. CreteJoe

londomollari says...
9:48am Fri 27 Jul 12

Agreed re. official F.A. embargo. However, I am sure that Almunia and Hall would not appreciate waiting for confirmation of their future employment, and would be actively looking for another interested club IF there is a problem. Do HMRC have an option of preventing transfers etc. if they are not paid? londomollari

Bringe says...
9:48am Fri 27 Jul 12

the W.O. are just creating a story because it sells newspapers. And it's Scott Duxbury, show some respect. Bringe

Bringe says...
9:52am Fri 27 Jul 12

Hall and Almunia have signed according to a reliable source at the club. That's all they are worried about although I imagine they might have asked for a delay in case better offers come in. Registering players is expensive. Bringe

Dr,Oftaw says...
9:56am Fri 27 Jul 12

[quote][p][bold]CreteJoe[/bold] wrote: There are no problems Dodge Duxbury told us that on Friday 20th July 2012 He said “As of the date of completion, the club is completely stable and has no financial problems because of the Pozzos.” The way that is worded means that the Family have not created any financial problems for the club but does not exclude financial problems not created by the Family. Perhaps there still are problems and D.D is trying to mislead us or perhaps the W.O. are just creating a story as they have nothing else to print.[/p][/quote]what are you on? Dr,Oftaw

Bringe says...
10:02am Fri 27 Jul 12

If there's a problem it will be with the bond holders not the HMRC. I imagine Ashcroft would rather money coming in to the club than going out, just to protect his investment. If that's the case it I'm sure it will all be resolved in good time. Bringe

Ronny oh Ronny Ronny says...
10:02am Fri 27 Jul 12

[quote][p][bold]Bringe[/bold] wrote: Hall and Almunia have signed according to a reliable source at the club. That's all they are worried about although I imagine they might have asked for a delay in case better offers come in. Registering players is expensive.[/p][/quote]Last I heard Hall had signed for Forest?? People worry too much, it's fine. Ronny oh Ronny Ronny

Gash69 says...
10:06am Fri 27 Jul 12

Personally I think this is a good article, surely this is a perfect example of our local paper asking awkward questions of the club on behalf of its supporters. We are at present completely in the dark over incoming transfers, accepting that GZ wants to completely run the rule over all the new lads surely after several friendly games we would have been prepared to put pen to paper on at least 1 of these players. As angel says "time for a club statement" to nip this in the bud once & for all. Gash69

COGGDAVE1 says...
10:09am Fri 27 Jul 12

[quote][p][bold]Gash69[/bold] wrote: Personally I think this is a good article, surely this is a perfect example of our local paper asking awkward questions of the club on behalf of its supporters. We are at present completely in the dark over incoming transfers, accepting that GZ wants to completely run the rule over all the new lads surely after several friendly games we would have been prepared to put pen to paper on at least 1 of these players. As angel says "time for a club statement" to nip this in the bud once & for all.[/p][/quote]Unfortunately ...Gash, you are spot on .. COGGDAVE1

Bringe says...
10:16am Fri 27 Jul 12

Unfortunately Gash it's not your decision to make. They'll announce when there's something to announce and when it suits them, they've even said as much. And anyway it just adds to the excitement :D Bringe

BobT44 says...
10:17am Fri 27 Jul 12

According to Kevin Affleck's, Smith's wages would make #watfordfc move prohibitive. On circa 20k @ #qpr. Wants to stay in south, tho. Turned dwn #lufc BobT44

luther blissett says...
10:17am Fri 27 Jul 12

[quote][p][bold]Bringe[/bold] wrote: the W.O. are just creating a story because it sells newspapers. And it's Scott Duxbury, show some respect.[/p][/quote]Sorry Scott luther blissett

Dr,Oftaw says...
10:18am Fri 27 Jul 12

whatever the reasons are we are in safe hands and it will be sorted, they are not bankrupt penniless name changing asset stripping greedy tax evading safe robbing chancers so don`t worry. Dr,Oftaw

lockerbiehornet says...
10:23am Fri 27 Jul 12

Surely if there was an embargo in place it works both ways, so how can we sell SL and AM if there is one in place? lockerbiehornet

lockerbiehornet says...
10:23am Fri 27 Jul 12

Surely if there was an embargo in place it works both ways, so how can we sell SL and AM if there is one in place? lockerbiehornet

Bringe says...
10:24am Fri 27 Jul 12

[quote][p][bold]BobT44[/bold] wrote: According to Kevin Affleck's, Smith's wages would make #watfordfc move prohibitive. On circa 20k @ #qpr. Wants to stay in south, tho. Turned dwn #lufc[/p][/quote]did affleck say we are looking at him? because I can't really see why, the Pozzo's have lots of forwards and wingers on their books already. Bringe

Mickey Quinn, not so thin says...
10:27am Fri 27 Jul 12

A more detailed comment from Duxbury would have been helpful rather than a "we'll tell you when we want to tell you" response. The loanees are not a problem but there is clearly something preventing the announcement of MA and possibly FH. If there is a problem with Bas or the bondholders just say there are a coule of loose ends to tie up re the acquisition and we are confident it'll be sorted in a week, its not difficult. Unlikely to have been an issue with HMRC or other financial surprises as these would have surfaced during due diligence. The Pozzos would have had a plan of how to deal with known issues from day 1. Get it sorted chaps - we don't want to miss out on some real signings in addition to the loanees. Mickey Quinn, not so thin

Bringe says...
10:39am Fri 27 Jul 12

Agree with the last bit Mickey ... though my theory about the free-agents wanting more time is a good one ... They will have committed so much as they are guaranteed football next season however, only on condition that better offers must be considered for a limited time. They will still have to train with us and eventually take part in the friendlies I imagine. Bringe

Letsalldothecongaforbrittassombalonga says...
10:48am Fri 27 Jul 12

Lets not panic- We would know if there really was a transfer embargo. Zola probably doesnt want to rush into recruitment. The best thing mentioned in this article is the possibility of Tommy returning. He is my favourite all-time Watford player and was so good for us, especially in his second spell. I for one would be overjoyed if he came back, fingers crossed! Letsalldothecongaforbrittassombalonga

Bringe says...
10:51am Fri 27 Jul 12

"Real signings" your'e avin a laugh! No big names I suspect Quite frankly I think they expected to release or sell more players than they're going to but we have considerably more quality than they might've seen on display at the Vic. Bringe

jasonwatford says...
11:02am Fri 27 Jul 12

Things are not sweetness and light so ive heard from staff at watford. Pozzo have come in and seem to think we are Arsenal or Chelsea in terms of how they want the club to run and the money they expect to be created by sponsership and match day revenue. They dont see that we are little watford at present maybe one day we can attract and charge higher revenue but for now.....its like shopping at Tesco but want to charge Harrods prices. They think season ticket prices are ridiculas low and expect a hike next year. So we must be grateful they have come in to save us from going out of business but it seems from one extreme to the other. I just want my watford to play football so i can go and watch them is that too much to ask ??? jasonwatford

SAHornet says...
11:28am Fri 27 Jul 12

[quote][p][bold]CreteJoe[/bold] wrote: There are no problems Dodge Duxbury told us that on Friday 20th July 2012 He said “As of the date of completion, the club is completely stable and has no financial problems because of the Pozzos.” The way that is worded means that the Family have not created any financial problems for the club but does not exclude financial problems not created by the Family. Perhaps there still are problems and D.D is trying to mislead us or perhaps the W.O. are just creating a story as they have nothing else to print.[/p][/quote]Are you in Crete? Should be in concrete! SAHornet

SAHornet says...
11:30am Fri 27 Jul 12

[quote][p][bold]Gash69[/bold] wrote: Personally I think this is a good article, surely this is a perfect example of our local paper asking awkward questions of the club on behalf of its supporters. We are at present completely in the dark over incoming transfers, accepting that GZ wants to completely run the rule over all the new lads surely after several friendly games we would have been prepared to put pen to paper on at least 1 of these players. As angel says "time for a club statement" to nip this in the bud once & for all.[/p][/quote]Yep, can't disagree with that. It's what we've all been asking the WO to do for ages. SAHornet

Holly68 says...
11:32am Fri 27 Jul 12

[quote][p][bold]jasonwatford[/bold] wrote: Things are not sweetness and light so ive heard from staff at watford. Pozzo have come in and seem to think we are Arsenal or Chelsea in terms of how they want the club to run and the money they expect to be created by sponsership and match day revenue. They dont see that we are little watford at present maybe one day we can attract and charge higher revenue but for now.....its like shopping at Tesco but want to charge Harrods prices. They think season ticket prices are ridiculas low and expect a hike next year. So we must be grateful they have come in to save us from going out of business but it seems from one extreme to the other. I just want my watford to play football so i can go and watch them is that too much to ask ???[/p][/quote]Jason I've read your posts for months and you come across as a wind up merchant, this isn't helpful ! Holly68

londomollari says...
11:39am Fri 27 Jul 12

Two basic points. If there is no embargo problem then surely they would just say so when asked, not 'no comment' No problem with 'running the rule' over players, but two weeks and not one confirmation? I'm sure it will work out ok, tho'. londomollari

londomollari says...
11:40am Fri 27 Jul 12

[quote][p][bold]Dr,Oftaw[/bold] wrote: whatever the reasons are we are in safe hands and it will be sorted, they are not bankrupt penniless name changing asset stripping greedy tax evading safe robbing chancers so don`t worry.[/p][/quote]Be fair to the guy! He's not penniless now! londomollari

Holly68 says...
11:44am Fri 27 Jul 12

I have personally spoken to the loanee's and also Manuel on Tuesday night in Cork. They have all said they are SIGNED. I didn't manage to speak to Fitz but he was at Wealdstone and in his Watford Tracksuit. I have also spoken to Scott Duxbury on a couple of occasions, he wasn't in Cork as he said he couldn't go as had a HUGE AMOUNT OF STUFF TO SORT OUT AT THE CLUB. If these people were on ego trips they would be lapping up the PR and constantly in the press. Clearly the announcements can't be made just yet, it maybe due to a blend of a number of things, Zola wanting to give everyone a chance before announcing who stays and who goes with last years squad, the Tax bill (another great Bassini legacy) needing to be agreed and paid off, final details in the takeover inc taking over the Ashcroft bonds, so we have to trust and have patience, this is a long term strategy ! They got the fingers burnt at West Ham, I think they are being very cautious this time as they have learned the hard way. I would rather this was all sorted and in public domain, but patience and faith (George Michael songs). I can also tell you the Czech boys and Abdi are moving out of their hotel and have taken 12 month lease on flats (one of their girlfriends couldn't believe it costs £2500 a month to rent a flat near Watford compared to Czech and other places they have lived), so the players are committed and excited about the year ahead. Frank Smith has asked the club all the right questions, he is on the case !

I have personally spoken to the loanee's and also Manuel on Tuesday night in Cork. They have all said they are SIGNED. I didn't manage to speak to Fitz but he was at Wealdstone and in his Watford Tracksuit. I have also spoken to Scott Duxbury on a couple of occasions, he wasn't in Cork as he said he couldn't go as had a HUGE AMOUNT OF STUFF TO SORT OUT AT THE CLUB. If these people were on ego trips they would be lapping up the PR and constantly in the press. Clearly the announcements can't be made just yet, it maybe due to a blend of a number of things, Zola wanting to give everyone a chance before announcing who stays and who goes with last years squad, the Tax bill (another great Bassini legacy) needing to be agreed and paid off, final details in the takeover inc taking over the Ashcroft bonds, so we have to trust and have patience, this is a long term strategy ! They got the fingers burnt at West Ham, I think they are being very cautious this time as they have learned the hard way. I would rather this was all sorted and in public domain, but patience and faith (George Michael songs). I can also tell you the Czech boys and Abdi are moving out of their hotel and have taken 12 month lease on flats (one of their girlfriends couldn't believe it costs £2500 a month to rent a flat near Watford compared to Czech and other places they have lived), so the players are committed and excited about the year ahead. Frank Smith has asked the club all the right questions, he is on the case ! Holly68

Boxhorn says...
11:44am Fri 27 Jul 12

Zola says... 'Ah Fitz and Almunia, come into my office and sign here' 'yes Boss, no problem' 'thank you boys, you are now official Watford players. Now plees tell the press office on the way ouy' Yes Boss. no problem' I this how it works? Nah thought not... Boxhorn

londomollari says...
11:51am Fri 27 Jul 12

Holly68 wrote:
I have personally spoken to the loanee's and also Manuel on Tuesday night in Cork. They have all said they are SIGNED. I didn't manage to speak to Fitz but he was at Wealdstone and in his Watford Tracksuit. I have also spoken to Scott Duxbury on a couple of occasions, he wasn't in Cork as he said he couldn't go as had a HUGE AMOUNT OF STUFF TO SORT OUT AT THE CLUB. If these people were on ego trips they would be lapping up the PR and constantly in the press. Clearly the announcements can't be made just yet, it maybe due to a blend of a number of things, Zola wanting to give everyone a chance before announcing who stays and who goes with last years squad, the Tax bill (another great Bassini legacy) needing to be agreed and paid off, final details in the takeover inc taking over the Ashcroft bonds, so we have to trust and have patience, this is a long term strategy ! They got the fingers burnt at West Ham, I think they are being very cautious this time as they have learned the hard way. I would rather this was all sorted and in public domain, but patience and faith (George Michael songs). I can also tell you the Czech boys and Abdi are moving out of their hotel and have taken 12 month lease on flats (one of their girlfriends couldn't believe it costs £2500 a month to rent a flat near Watford compared to Czech and other places they have lived), so the players are committed and excited about the year ahead. Frank Smith has asked the club all the right questions, he is on the case !

£2,500? What sort of flat is that? For £2,500 a month they can have my house---and I'll throw in the wife and car.

[quote][p][bold]Holly68[/bold] wrote: I have personally spoken to the loanee's and also Manuel on Tuesday night in Cork. They have all said they are SIGNED. I didn't manage to speak to Fitz but he was at Wealdstone and in his Watford Tracksuit. I have also spoken to Scott Duxbury on a couple of occasions, he wasn't in Cork as he said he couldn't go as had a HUGE AMOUNT OF STUFF TO SORT OUT AT THE CLUB. If these people were on ego trips they would be lapping up the PR and constantly in the press. Clearly the announcements can't be made just yet, it maybe due to a blend of a number of things, Zola wanting to give everyone a chance before announcing who stays and who goes with last years squad, the Tax bill (another great Bassini legacy) needing to be agreed and paid off, final details in the takeover inc taking over the Ashcroft bonds, so we have to trust and have patience, this is a long term strategy ! They got the fingers burnt at West Ham, I think they are being very cautious this time as they have learned the hard way. I would rather this was all sorted and in public domain, but patience and faith (George Michael songs). I can also tell you the Czech boys and Abdi are moving out of their hotel and have taken 12 month lease on flats (one of their girlfriends couldn't believe it costs £2500 a month to rent a flat near Watford compared to Czech and other places they have lived), so the players are committed and excited about the year ahead. Frank Smith has asked the club all the right questions, he is on the case ![/p][/quote]£2,500? What sort of flat is that? For £2,500 a month they can have my house---and I'll throw in the wife and car. londomollari

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