Pitch perfect for Perchinho

The Football League kicked off on Saturday, and Perchinho's Wigan debut couldn't have gone much better. Aided and abetted by a red card for Barnsley debutant Dale Jennings, the Latics romped to a 4-0 away win as they kicked off their bid for an immediate return to the top flight in fine style.

Danny Simpson's new side QPR have similar ambitions, and got off to their own winning start by beating Sheffield Wednesday 2-1. Simpson's old St James' Park colleague ASBO was partnered in central midfield by Karl Henry, the pair apparently nemeses no more following a kiss-and-make-up session shortly after the latter's arrival from Wolves.

Elsewhere in the Championship, Shane Ferguson couldn't prevent Birmingham from opening their campaign with a home defeat - though Blues do at least have the consolation of knowing they're unlikely to be the last side to be beaten on their own patch by most people's promotion favourites Watford. In the sole fixture yesterday, there was a familiar name on the scoresheet for Blackburn, first-half substitute Leon O'Best popping up with an 89th minute equaliser at Pride Park. Good to see him back playing again.

Further down the divisions, James Tavernier helped Shrewsbury keep a clean sheet at home to MK Dons, but it was a baptism of fire for Michael Richardson, whose Accrington Stanley side suffered a 4-1 spanking at League Two new boys Newport.

Another loan leaver

Following the announcement that Shane Ferguson has rejoined Lee Clark's Birmingham on loan, it's been confirmed that fellow fringe/reserve player James Tavernier has agreed a temporary hook-up with League One outfit Shrewsbury - the pair having come face-to-face in a friendly meeting of their new sides last Tuesday. Our decision is a tad surprising, perhaps, given that we're quite light in the full-back positions, with Danny Simpson having left for QPR and Raylor still injured - but it's only until 1st September (initially, at least) and no doubt we've reserved the right to recall him at short notice should the need arise. (And let's face it - with our track history of injury crises, it probably will...)

Meanwhile, one youngster who looks set to leave on a permanent basis is Brad Inman. Having performed well on loan to Crewe last season as they won the Johnstone's Paint Trophy, the Aussie midfielder has rejected his parent club's offer of a new deal and now appears to be on the verge of signing for the Railwaymen. Already in the employ of a new club is striker JJ Hooper, who has signed a deal with Northampton following his release by Newcastle.