Sol to tie the knot?

Well, as I suspected, it was only a matter of time. But I wonder whether the Express' claim that we're in for Sol Campbell has anything to do with the fact that he was in the North East and in the limelight over the weekend courtesy of his wedding to Fiona Barratt in Corbridge?

If we have rekindled our interest (in the face of competition from West Ham and the Mackems, amongst others), then while he might be prove a useful short-term signing I'd be sceptical that his pay demands would sit very comfortably within our wage structure. Suppose we should congratulate Ms Barratt, really - she's beaten us all to his signature...

The Express article also ventures to suggest - without any evidence and almost in passing, it should be said - that we're pursuing one of last season's unsung Championship stars, Scunthorpe's Gary Hooper. The 22-year-old bagged 30 goals in all competitions during the Iron's promotion season of 2008-9, and followed that up with 19 league goals at the higher level - two more than either Kevin Nolan or Bigger Lad. The partnership he struck up with Paul Hayes, which was key to Scunny's survival, has been dissolved with Hayes' departure for Preston North End, so it's possible they might choose to let him go too. Still, the Premier League might be a step too far and too soon.

And finally, the award for Backpedaller Of The Day goes to Burnley manager Brian Laws, who suddenly seems rather less confident of securing Fraser Forster's signature. I guess that's what a public knuckle-rapping from Chris Hughton does to you...