This is my Christmas present to myself, as it got cheap recently. I was meant to be keeping it for Christmas Day, but I had a horrible morning involving a broken car, the AA and and a garage, so I thought I’d cheer myself up by starting this.

I’ve not done too much so far. I’ve taken over at Ebbsfleet United. I seem to be lacking a bit on the left of midfield, but the paltry £3K transfer budget and strict wage limits mean I’ve not been able to get any new blood into the club yet. I set myself up with a nice attacking 4-4-2 formation, as my best midfielders seems to be of the attacking variety.

After all the set up, I went into my first friendly, against Shrewsbury. (It’s not very glamourous down in the arse end of professional football.) I’m 1-0 up, after a nice goal from Mark de Bolla (if I’m remembering the name correctly) just before half time. I’ve been very lucky, though. That was my only shot, I think, whereas Shrewsbury have had about eight shots, most of which have been on target. My goalkeeper’s really been saving us.

I definitely need to have a look at moving back to a more traditional 4-4-2, I think, given how many chances the opposition are getting, but I’m not sure if it’ll suit my players.

I’ve got a feeling it’s going to be a tough season ahead.