Chelsea result depresses players

According to The Times Curbs feels that some of his players were 'psychologically affected' by the defeat by Chelsea, confirming the view that there is not much relationship between big pay packets and motivation. He has promised a number of changes for the match at Selhurst Park. What this seems to amount is a 4-5-1 formation with Bartlett up front, Rommedahl on the right (rather than JJ) and the Herminator back in place of Paul Konchesky. Not much change there, then. Will Jon Fortune have to mark Palace number one threat Andy Johnson? Deano's place seems secure, although perhaps the derby at Selhurst would hardly be the place to test out Stefan Andersen.

No sign of Jeffers. Let's hope he's not 'psychologically flawed' rather than just 'psychologically affected'. (The former remark was, of course, first applied to Gordon Brown with whom I had lunch on Tuesday and is anything but).

What we can be sure of is that Charlton will have no outlet when defending corners. My sources tell me that the real fan of 'crowding the box', which in my view confuses defenders as much as it confounds attackers, is Keith Peacock.

Sue Townsend is alive and well

We are pleased to report that a reply to our E mail has been recieved from supporters' director Sue Townsend who has said that she will pass on my remarks to 'those concerned'. My general point, which is unlikely to penetrate the corporate hierarchy, is that the club should revert to its old style of listening to the fans rather than talking at them.