Cannibalising the Championship

Having done next to nowt in the actual transfer window itself (Gooch apart), the SJP Press Department has gone into overdrive in linking us to the alleged picks of the Championship over the last couple of days. With our FA Cup 'run` over before it started after the Brum debacle Glenn has decided to go out on the scout and run the rule over some of the league below`s finest prospects. Despite his avowed pledge that he`ll never discuss another club`s players it seems Mr Roeder might be coming across as slightly hypocritical following his not-so-subtle hints at being interesting in them (and Kenny Miller if the weekend rags are to be believed).

Last weekend it was Curtis Davies who garnered the interest, putting in a Titus-esque performance in hauling down Viduka and getting himself sent off against the Smoggies in front of our watching gaffer. Given the sums being quoted by Tony Mowbray and the Baggies board it probably wasn`t the most auspicious game by the young centre half.

Last night Southampton 'wonder kid` Gareth Bale was the object of Glenn`s attentions. The Saints ended up losing 2-1 at the Ricoh as Iain Dowie`s Sky Blues got his reign off to a winning start. Former Mackem knacker Kevin Kyle headed the winner as Bale played the whole game.

Finally, in a Mystic Meg like prediction, I`ll take a daft punt that Glenn will be watching the third of the typically linked trio, Giles Barnes, play for Derby against Stoke tonight. The Times again says we`ll be tracking him until the summer, where no doubt we`ll step aside and let Spurs steal in for him.

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