Friendlies

There was a time when friendlies weren't on TV, and the only way you could find out what had happened or how the team was warming up for pre-season was to get your arse out of the house and on the bus, or talk to one of the lads who had gone to watch.

Not any more. "You're not going to challenge us for the premier league this season: you can't even beat second class German or Swiss teams", said a Chelsea fan I know. I just shook my head, and slipped another tenner on us at 9.5/1 on Betfair.

So far our pre-season friendlies would have us believe that our defence is littered with mistakes, (except Paletta, who is apparently going to take Hyypia's starting role), Gonzales won't settle in the premier league, Jack Hobbs looks calm and confident on the ball, no he's not, he's the worst defender in history, oh ok then, he looks ok again now, Pepe Reina may feature in midfield this season, we've forgotten how to pass the ball, and Craig Lindfield will cause Rafa to stop looking for that elusive fourth striker.

Let's have a reality check. These games were never an indicator of the season to come, as evinced by the number we've lost or drawn in title-winning seasons of the past. The coaches are working off the players holiday diets, the youth team get a runout as the squad straggles it's way back at various stages, depending on how busy their international schedules were this summer, the new players are bedding in, and the manager is relaxed and clearly more interested in having a laugh than working his tactical magic.

If we must watch these games on the TV, let's enjoy them for what they are: a chance to see a glimpse of our new players and a chance for the team to get used to playing against different opponents rather than playing against each other in a predictable training match.

If we make all our mistakes in pre-season, I'll be more than happy. And so might be my Betfair account, come the end of the season.