Infrequent visitors will be pleased to note that I do not post frequently. This is mainly because I can't usually think of anything worth saying, but I am also one lazy arse when it comes to typing. However, every now and then I am galvanized into action, usually after a painful defeat or superb performance. Tonight is no exception, but I have a strange feeling of hope about me.

I think it is because we have reached the nadir of our incapability in Europe. We can now go on and win Europe's top prize knowing that fate has left the bad times behind.

You may think I am barking *woof woof* but I think it was Naz and the Plastic Population who put it so eruditely when they bemoaned that "The only way is up".

Oh, plus we need to spend a few shekels on the sort of experienced players that those clubs that are consistently competing for the top honours routinely buy. I'm not saying we should spend £20-30 million on individuals but our squad has typically been decimated with injuries for the last two seasons and our strength in depth just is not there, or if it is, it does not get a showing. Where are the utility players, the ordinary players that we complain about in other squads? The consistent players. The ones who slot into the squad seamlessly and do not become instant liabilities?

We have become like a team of savants at times, capable of moments of sublime brilliance, but prone to forget the basics; the getting back to defend, the attacking of the loose ball in the opposing team's penalty area, chasing the opponents in possession and closing down the space, as well as the the need to be more direct. We also seem to be the most wasteful team at set plays. How many times does the corner ball sail harmlessly over the 18 yard box and out for a throw/goal kick, for example.

The trouble with hot house kids is that they become specialists in generally one area - the brilliant nuclear physicist who cannot change a plug, the virtuoso violinist who fails to see the lack of green man at the pedestrian crossing. By all means drive your kids forward to be geniuses but don't forget the basics in English and Maths.