Now to events in Emilia-Romagna, where the natives are not sure what to make of new manager Dave Black. His transfer strategy has raised eyebrows, particularly the sight of portly veteran Mick Quinn leading the line. Black had suggested he was the man to take Bologna to the Champions League but one writer in the Gazetta describes him as a “goffo maldestro“, or a bumbling oaf to you and I. Despite a bright start, a loss of form has seen the Rossoblu fall to 7th. There’s also suggestions that Black’s wild spending has left the club in financial ruin, leading to calls in some quarters for the Tyneside man to be removed from his position before it’s too late.

Thanks to James for that glowing introduction. We score lots, we concede lots. Let’s Bologna.

This is one way to get your season back on track. A comprehensive 5-0 win away at Brescia with four of the goals coming from new signings. In a competitive league like this, you have to beat the fodder or there’s no chance.

A 0-0 in Italy is rewarded with a national holiday. We probably did enough to win this one, but Rossi, Maldini and Desailly had enough to keep Micker and co at bay.

The financial situation is dire, so thankfully my fire sale starts to take shape. Cristallini is off to Cesena for an important £1.3m

Bresciani is staying in Serie A, £2.6m is a good windfall for a man who will doubtless score past us when we meet.

Which is in fact just three days later. He doesn’t score. Big Ken does. Little steps.

Another windfall. The bank balance is recovering from my purchasing of elaborate veterans.

This less so. But it all counts.

Coppa Italia time now, which is Italian for Italian Cup. This time Desailly gets an early red after getting into a dispute with the Micker over what he keeps under his moustache. You can’t do that in the modern game and Milan play with 10 for 80 minutes. 0-0 again, I think we need some better strikers.

The statement is still true but this is a good result. Parma have bags of talent, especially up front. Oh and a young Buffon in goal.

I’ve decided to sign Dida. I’m just not sure on Antonioli and Dida is a bit hit and miss but if he’s a hit, for £700k we’re sorted for years.

More excess baggage departs.

Momentum is pretty high at the moment. Another good day at home sees us batter Napoli.

A double sale.

Admittedly, we are now running a very light squad so it’s a good job these old lads are all fit as can be.

They’re also pretty good at football. A remarkable night in the San Siro sees us knock AC Milan out and move onto the semi finals.

There’s no easy draw from here, or ever. Roma I guess?

Oh Parma. That’s going to be tough but it’ll be over two legs again.

The form these lads show at times, I could hug them. A tricky opponent in Atalanta peg us back twice but 5-2 doesn’t flatter us in the end.

We started the season with a topsy turvy win over Bari and this is hopefully a sign of how far we’ve come. 3-0 and never in doubt, even when big Ken inexplicably found himself denying a goalscoring opportunity with a deliberate handball. They missed the pen and Romario added the gloss.

The Brazilian is starting to find his form. The only downside of this win is that Purk will be out for a month.

This is a great performance. Roma are in the mix but Totti and co are found wanting on the day and Emmers scores the only goal. I love that man.

Let’s add some more CM rizz to the lineup. Molnar is adored by many, if he can cut it in Serie A then we’ll love him too.

What a debut. We go toe to toe with Inter but a remarkable burst in the final 15 minutes of the first half sees us turn a 2-1 deficit into a 4-2 lead.

Howdy ho indeed. Molnar scores on debut too, everything is coming up Davehouse at the moment.

Transfer deadline day approaches and Lazio are in for big Ken. I should say no. But. He’ll be 31 soon and £5.5m can buy me a lot of banter. This is my Kevin Keegan standing on the steps moment. We’re fighting for a Champions League place and I’m going to sell our top scorer.

Obviously he accepts.

I sell John Seno too for good measure. Sick of not being able to find him anywhere.

I had one day to slap some bids in. Somehow the boy Tomlinson is still on a free and I bid for him knowing that we’ll probably get him. I’ll bid for some real players too.

I ask Ganz, Melli, Zola and Dwight Yorke to dance at the disco…but they all said no.

The board don’t seem overly concerned.

I’ve also loaned this chap from Parma. Again, a desperate move just to give me some options in the closing 12 games. If he plays like his stats we’ll be laughing.

The first game in the post Ken era sees Shalimov at the double before a young substitute seals the points. Yes, Micker/Tomlinson strike force that works in Scottish Division 3 is now in Italy.

Well, a thoroughly successful update sees us sit third. We are four goals worse off than Milan but plenty of time to try and right that. It has become a bit of a three horse race. Milan inexplicably signed Del Piero, so that’s some levels to consider when you look at who we have signed.

Here’s the bottom half just for fun.

Well it has been quite a run there to get our season back on track. Serie A is brutal but I love it. Really enjoying this save so far and I hope you are too. See you next week for more?!