Having just put a fiver on West Brom to get promoted if they make it to the play-offs (which, on Monday's performance, I have to say looks pretty likely) I am once again sat here, carving knife in hand, ready to dissect the lads' performance with the skill of something that lurks between a micro-surgeon and a lumberjack.

Having just put a fiver on West Brom to get promoted if they make it to the play-offs (which, on Monday's performance, I have to say looks pretty likely) I am once again sat here, carving knife in hand, ready to dissect the lads' performance with the skill of something that lurks between a micro-surgeon and a lumberjack.

I could only come up with three things that really stood out in my mind. Firstly the unavoidable feeling that there were more than a couple of players out there who may have already been told by a significant person to see an estate agent judging by what appeared to be lethargy at best.

Secondly, the thought (not for the first time) that given the right energy and attitude all of the time we have, in Dickson Etuhu, a player who should be a better athlete and overall player than a certain Damien Francis.

Thirdly, Peter grant needs to finish building his team as he wants it to be well in time for the start of next season or I see nothing but more of the same and a scrap for a mid-table finish come April/May 2008.

It didn't take any sort of genius in the stadium to work out that we were second best on the day and that our lead was against the run of play. What followed was sadly inevitable, especially as late as it unfolded.

The close season always seems to last an eternity once we're in it but with players away for several weeks that momentum must be achieved now.

In case we do a Colchester away at Leicester I have a very small wager with a Foxes fan and student of mine that will see me able to buy a tube of superglue to mend over the cracks.

Then again, if we get all three points I'll not begrudge enabling him to buy a pad of paper to write his next essay for me on.

Apparently they are awful at home just as we have generally been not the best away. Something has to give then. What's that? You're off to the bookies to put your shirt on a 0-0 draw?

More chance of picking the Grand National winner I would think!

But then again they now have one Nigel Worthington in charge and the influence of the 'bust a gut for the new manager' syndrome so expect snow, gale force winds, a floodlight failure and a swarm of locusts to disrupt proceedings then.

Anything but a calm and peaceful affair between two that have nothing to play for. Happy days - but I think my 50p is safe!