So we're heading back to the top of the fitba' heap thanks to a 1-0 victory in a friendly match against stern (for us) opposition. The press are magnanimous in their praise for the team and tolerant of the new manager, ie the knives that did fur wee Geordie have been methodically cleaned, put back in their sheaths and, tellingly, are ready for use at a moments notice. The Sin and the Daily Wrecker just hide them behind their back, saves time,eh?

Craig Levein is a decent, intelligent and passionate (in the fitba' sense) man who deserves better than I fear he will receive. He needs time.

• time to gel a team from all corners of the UK
• time to demonstrate that progress, however slight, however slow, is being made
• time to sort out or weed out the egotistic, thick yobs who deign to play for this country of ours
• time to sort out the egotistic, thick suits who deign to run football in this country of ours

Mr Levein, I salute you. However, I do not envy you your task.