We’ve bulldozed our way into the 2005/06 season and it’s fair to say the majority of the headlines are off the pitch. Darlington have dipped their toes in the Champions League pond whilst it’s all change on the managerial front. Allow me to explain…

Before the close season is even out, Man Utd are bringing back one of their lost youth

It’s quite a quiet summer on the transfers front, even at Darlington I only sign a goalkeeper and the re-gen of Ronald De Boer. That’s largely down to nobody wanting to move to me, despite all we’ve achieved our reputation still requires some building. This will help

So we’re in the groups…and what a group it is

Ajax the obvious threat in there, but a very even group in some ways. This is annoying though. Everybody wants out!

Give it a rest lads. To be fair, their values are sky rocketing

With just 2 games to go, the group is in the balance but we have a lead at least

The real stories though are coming from the dugouts. In many ways, I blame Spain, who sack Javier Clemente. Who do you replace him with?

Right. Well, not stupid I guess, Capello will definitely get them qualified if nothing else. Where do Milan turn?

Of course they do. The mullet is abroad. Chelsea go and poach Tosh

Everton meanwhile, well. Well well well.

You have to laugh. Italy then celebrate sealing qualification to the 2006 World Cup by sacking their gaffer too

Italy go for the jugular, and he actually takes it!

The chance for Fergie to conquer England on the International stage is too much to turn down, so he’s away to Italy. To be fair, he’s done it all at Man Utd, and he leaves them as European champions. But where do Man Utd turn now?

It gives me enormous pleasure to say thank but no thanks. With Fergie out of the equation, I sense they might not be all that good for much longer. Gordon Milne will play the role of David Moyes I hope

Wolves appoint Mark Hateley, from Hull. As you can see that took place in October, so Fergie has already built up a lead

We’re the highest club not in Manchester! Where City’s form has come from, I don’t know.  At the bottom…

West Ham’s hangover from their collapse last season has them in trouble, but newly promoted Arsenal & Bristol City are less surprising strugglers. It’s relatively early days though!

So, join us next time to find out how Man Utd get on without Alex Ferguson, and whether Darlo’s European adventure will take them into the Champions League quarter finals. Toodles for now