Last time I left you Darlington were just starting to tiptoe into the upper echelons of the league. As we tick into 2004, amazingly we’re still in and around, but we’ve added to the squad and we’re stronger than ever. Elsewhere, there are only 2 countries represented in the last 4 of the Champions League and Man Utd address their debt issues.

First off though some managerial news. This is a bit of a coup!

This is not.

Why do Leicester need a manager? Well, they sacked poor old Martin O’Neill

He was so heart broken, he took the Spurs job 2 days later.

Happy New Year. Spurs are a bottom half Division 1 club these days, so a re-building job for old jumpy Martin. Joining Spurs in the bottom half of division 1 are Sunderland, so they sack Ray Harford

They appoint Ex England defender Mark Wright who quit Spurs in the first place to start this whole chirade. Meanwhile in the Premier League, West Ham haven’t been as good this time around and Nev quits

West Ham nick Peter Reid, who has done a good job at Palace to be fair

Palace appoint Ray Harford, obviously thrilled by the great job he did in the North East.

Speaking of which, look who I’ve lured to Darlington

Amazingly he turned down several others to make the switch. We have arrived!

Everton however go one better

Whilst Barcelona get an Englishman across to Spain

Leeds are going through a rough patch in the league but they’ll be happy with their Champions League campaign, knocking out the might Ajax on away goals

Liverpool, who have crawled up the table to safety are also in the Semis, joining Spanish superpowers Barca & Real. The draw throws up two all country clashes.

Interesting! Real actually look set to win La Liga for the first time in this game, Barca have won 6 in a row.

There’s no Southport in the FA Cup semi finals, but Chelsea will be licking their lips at the draw.

I’m sick of the sight of Chris Waddle’s Burnley, who you may recall where my enemies a few years back. Hope Sheff Wed batter them, they are his former employers so hopefully they’re sick of him too.

It’ll be a Man City/Wolves final in the League Cup, Division 1 Derby & Luton beaten over two legs.

City & Wolves are both top half Premier League teams so not too much of a shock.

Man Utd’s crippling debts result in a fire sale. Ironically, it’s Leeds who take advantage

They also sign World Cup winner Sunday Oliseh, so they mean serious business.

This, however, makes me very sad

I can’t explain this

So let’s finish on a high with a great Haslam moment. Happy Valentine’s Day Fergie!

The tables make decent reading too

Man Utd selling those players on deadline day will hopefully end their charge. I’m looking for a UEFA Cup place now, that’ll be a huge step forward for us.

Matt Le Tissier’s work at Arsenal has been less than stellar, they’re in serious trouble. Stoke and Leicester still have a chance, though Leicester appointed David Wetherall so probably not that much of a chance.

With that disparaging David Wetherall comment, I’m calling time on this update but I do hope you’ll join us for the finale of this season, there’s even Euro 2004. Here’s England’s group

Until next time…