Abbott pins hopes on Adam

Gradually fading from view as Reading dominated and forced victory in Monday night's U21 game was clearly no impediment to Adam Campbell, who today - as had been rumoured - signed a loan deal with Greg Abbott's Carlisle. In fairness, any watching scouts will have been impressed by the deft touches and awareness he displayed in the first half. He joins a club where morale must be rock bottom, after 5-1 and 4-0 defeats in their first two league fixtures. At least it shouldn't be too hard to make a positive impression...

Meanwhile, Brad Inman's future still hasn't been resolved - though it looks highly unlikely he'll be plying his trade on Tyneside for much longer. Crewe are keen to sign the Aussie after his successful loan spell there last year, but it remains to be seen whether a transfer fee will be agreed or whether both parties will allow a tribunal to decide.