Is it this time already? It seems as though last season's just finished (especially if you've just woken up from a month long coma induced by pure cocaine and Malibu, put together for the first time in apotentially lethal partnership. Not that I have). Hello readers! It's the number 10 of Ravenscar, Ravenscar's no. 10!

What a good/bad/indifferent night it was on Wednesday (I don't know what I felt about it so I aren't sure what you'll be thinking. Cover up with blu-tac as applicable). That's the thing about European football! A 2-1 win could be described as bad and the media has even said that 1860 now lie as favourites. I wouldn't say they were favourites because we are always capable of scoring away from home but I was very disappointed to see that away goal go in. As it stands now, a lucky goal and a German shutout could see them through - but a couple of mad red cards from a dodgy Cypriot ref would certainly help. Oh, hang on that happened last night ;-)

I won't do a match report about how bad the ref was because you probably all know by now, but I will have a go at UEFA, if you don't mind. The ratio of crap referees to European games watched this season by me is astounding: 2 out of 2. Did any of you see the Aston Villa game against Celta Vigo at the Hawthorns? That was the worst refereeing display I have ever seen and I didn't even hold any bias against either team. The ref on Wednesday may have been slightly better but he still caused Unflappable King Lucas to lose his rag against him. Why do UEFA play these refs who don't seem to know that stoppage time does not count double (94 minutes!). Referees say they are allowed a couple of mistakes now and then but our Cypriot friend must be perfect in the second leg to make up for his mistakes (assuming we get him again).

Ignoring the away goal, the boys did well. 1860 rarely looked dangerous (although we didn't look too threatening at times, either) and we came away with a win. Can't really be moaning about it, especially with the injuries we had. Conflicting reports claimed we had between 5 and 11 players out injured and looking on the bench, it showed. McMaster, Evans and Hackworth turned up and this inexperience just emphasises the need for new players. We missed Harry Kewell's flair and we have nothing similar in the squad.

It's the start of August and we are already down to the bare bones in midfield. Worrying isn't it when we are actually meant to be playing more games this year than last. Add to this the suspensions of record diver...I mean signing, Olivier Dacourt and Unlucky Eirik. That's 1 fit and available midfielder, Lee Bowyer and we all presume he's earned himself 6 months rest at Her Majesty's Pleasure.

Thank God that Ridsdale and O'Leary's (respect) squad strengthening went so well then, eh?

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Bye, bye children!