Is this the most important one?

As a general rule, I panic much later than most. This season, I have not been too concerned as I could always see the way off the bottom. Today might be my tipping point. There are no more "stretches" which are vital. This is the stretch.

sighing softly

One half of a pretty good team. One half (plus) just plain awful.

I am getting excited

Ahh, the new season approaches and the pre-season matches have looked good. While it is over 100 degrees where I am every day, I expect to turn on the TV for the first match to see England gripped in early Winter. I will drink a refreshing sports beverage and toast the beginning of a hopefully fantastic season.

With plenty of time to spare

Yesterday's close score apparently does not do justice to the actual events. What a shame, I was hoping that near-certain safety would loosen up the team a bit and they would put forth a great effort. ESPN says Hull just lost by giving up a tying goal at the very end. That removes all irrational doubt about the Hammer's scraping through and guarantees one more year in the top flight.

My off-season wish is not to hear a public peep from the owners other than "We are trying to put together a good team for next season." I don't want to hear how tough the situation is or how you made such a bad investment only because you love the team so much. We know how bad it is. If you make it better, we will believe you are the greatest businessmen in the World. We will think you hung the Moon. Just shut up about it and get to your business. For now, it appears you are trying to make excuses for an inevitable failure.

Aarrrgg! But, OK then.

Just got home from coaching the youth and the match didn't get recorded. Absolutely no way in the World I can wait for a replay; not with all-important nature of this one. Fox Soccer shows the Parker goal just as they are going to break as I turn the television on. Don't know much else of what happened, but that is enough for now. I will sit and watch the replay with a relaxing cold beverage.

Whew . . .

Could Have Been Worse

I had to watch out the corner of my eye for a good bit of the match, but came away pretty happy. Of course, we gave the ball away too easily, too often, but so did Portsmouth. Collison looked as though he an easy score and Nouble should have had at least one and maybe two.

I think Noble had a nice game and is playing much better since he came off his break of not starting. It may have been the kick int he pants he needed.

How long can Pompey keep that keeper? Any interest in a London move next season?

I was so worried when I saw Cole warming up. Players were falling all over the pitch as the footing looked terrible. It would have been a shame to lose him to a dumb injury caused by a bad field. I assume that all that was taken into consideration and the team knows how healthy he is after giving him appropriate treatment and time. He looked good. It is obvious how strong he is when he shoulders a defender out of the way and his speed was evident. It will be nice if he can make a run the rest of the season. Add in one of those strikers whose names have been bandied about and all I have to worry about is the back line.

Nice goal Matt.

"Gold, Jerry, Gold!"

In the immortal words of Kent Brockman, "I, for one, would like to welcome our new insect overlords."

I can quote pop culture all night long. The reality is that there are new owners in place. What does that mean for the club? Who knows? It is a step, hopefully in the right direction.

Insert your own platitude here.

For now, optimism shall reign.