The summer of silent speculation

I thought that when pre-season training started that we would be awash with speculation about incoming players, possible triallists, sightings of Premiership starlets and their WAGS in ASDA and much more besides, but instead there's been, well, not a lot really. I'm not sure if that's because we're genuinely not looking at anyone in particular, or because we're being much more succesful than usual in keeping our targets secret; either way it's very quiet. Just as well perhaps then that it's that time of year again, the time of year supporters pack their buckets and spades and head on down to North Devon for the South West Challenge Cup. I went on the trip myself last year for the inaugural tournament and thoroughly enjoyed the experience, but once was enough and I'll be staying home this time around.

The Glovers play their first match against Belgian outfit RRFC Montegnee at Appledore's Marshford ground on Monday evening, 6pm kick-off. Marshford boasts a welcoming clubhouse, a metal rail running around the entire pitch and, er, that's it really. The pitch itself has a bigger slope than the old Huish at one end, running from one side to the other; but is fairly flat at the other end - a football league stadium it ain't.

The second game is on the following Friday, against L2 side Grimsby, at Torrington. I haven't been to this ground, but seeing as they play in the same league as Appledore would imagine it's of a similar size and standard.

As far as the squad is concerned, it will be interesting to see exactly who is and who's not on the bus. Speaking to the Western Gazette on Thursday, Skivo said that he was going to take a squad of 20 to North Devon, though he was still looking for another defender, striker and goalkeeper. Given that we have only 16 contracted players at present, including Skivo and coach Nathan Jones, then that would suggest that the likes of Kevin Gall, Paul Terry and Dan Harding will still be with us and presumably Darren Behcet too, otherwise we'll be going to North Devon with a goalkeeping coach but no actual keeper. There's no use in speculating too much at the moment however, best to wait until Monday, when presumably we'll know more.

Just read: Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel. A terrific fictionalised account chronicling the rise of Thomas Cromwell, architect of Henry VIII's Reformation. It's a long, multi-layered book but a very satisfying read which really brings the period to life. My only criticism would be of the author's habit of using the pronoun 'he' whenever referring to Cromwell, which sometimes leads to confusion in the narrative. But that minor quibble aside I've no hesitation in highly recommending Wolf Hall to anyone, whether you're interested in that period of English history or not. It's a book that stays with you for a long time after you've put it down.