As the game ticks round to March 2003, the start of a new era is well and truly underway. Except managerial heroes such as Gerry Francis, Neville Southall and Brian Little are the new era, and it’s really bloody weird. Anyway, here’s what’s gone down since the last update.

I was giddy at a league cup quarter final, but the reigning league champions Everton have put paid to that particular dream.

Coventry also won at Man Utd, but their run ends in the Semi Final

Everton will be strong favourites in the final. Unless of course Palace carry the spirit of the mighty Southport

Inexplicable. Meanwhile, I drew Arsenal and there was never any likelihood of me repeating the heroics of last year

Southport however, are one game from Wembley

It’s not the strongest FA Cup semi final line-up but Leeds and Gerry Francis must be licking their lips.

Meanwhile at Darlo, we’re just about keeping our heads above water. There’s been a large changeover in personnel as I strive to bring in a better quality of player, the best being Darren Eadie

I must also mention Dave Oakes, who is actually the re-gen of Paul Gascoigne. He’s very young but so was Gazza at Italia 90, so I’m pinning my hopes on him. Everton and Liverpool activated the release clause on Brazil and Townsend, which was a shame. It leaves the squad looking like this:

Assuming we stay up, which you’ll see later is very much on the cards, we can build further in the summer and try and become a top half team. Slowly but surely, we’ll get there.

Meanwhile there’s mixed fortunes for the English sides in the Champions League

Everton had a tough draw but Leeds keep flying the flag, though they have to tame Ronaldo.

Meanwhile, another great advert for loyalty

And another

Something else I’ve discovered is that Man Utd are ruined. Here’s their financial situation:

Just the £6.5m of debt. But look at the contract situation!

If I can get Shearer to Feethams…

Anyway, as ever we’ll end with the tables.

It doesn’t look like Man Utd will be returning to the Champions League, so that debt situation may yet continue. Everton aren’t going to retain their title as Neville Southall’s West Ham are battling Gerry Francis’ Leeds. I turned down the West Ham job remember…

Wimbledon’s defence is looking good. They’re all but gone. Blackburn and Stoke are still scrapping, but I have a nice 13 point cushion with 8 games to go for some of the sides below me. Just a win or two to guarantee our safety.

Is Gerry going to do the treble? With Emile Heskey leading the line, it wouldn’t surprise me. Join us next time to find out