Johnson: a bit jealous

Having scoffed at the Mackems forking out a fortune for Steven Fletcher, I think it has to be conceded that Adam Johnson is an excellent acquisition, and reasonable value for money at £10m. His debut was delayed by Saturday's waterlogged pitch down at the Dark Place (an internal inquiry is ongoing as to why a newly laid pitch should have been unplayable when all around the region non-league matches were taking place without problem...), but Morecambe paid the price as he set up both goals for James McClean in the League Cup.

Though Liverpool and Spurs were both rumoured to have been interested in Johnson, the Mackems seem to have been unchallenged for his signature - a bit irritating, as I think he'd have been a useful addition to our squad, comfortable on either flank.

Meanwhile, Little Saint Mick continues to tout himself around, still optimistic that a Premier League club will offer him shelter from the harsh realities of being past it in their treatment room. Given that the Mackems have signed both Fletcher and Louis Saha in the last week, his destination seems unlikely to be Sunderland.