Double departure

Stories are emerging that we've flogged Bellamy and Hughes to Aston Villa. Whether this turns out to be true, or just over eager journalism we'll wait and see. If it is, then depending on the fee, the sale of Bellamy is clearly a good thing, although I would have preferred to see him go overseas.

The loss of Hughes is sad in many ways, as he has been a very faithful servent of the club, and unlike the little Welshman has always kept any gripes that he has had behind closed doors. However, the emergence of Steven Taylor, and latterly Peter Ramage, together with last summer's signing of Stephen Carr means it is perhaps time for Hughes to move on, if only to guarantee him first team football. If it is true, then we wish him well in the future.