Hello again folks, don't the weeks just fly in when your having fun? How is it for you? Missing your favourite Townies, and longing for the next big kick off?

Yes? Well then come on then, do yourself a big favour. Drag your miserable butt from the favourite armchair, or pool table, and treat you and yours to some Town Academy action.

A big match looms for Martin's Marvels on Sunday 5th August versus Leigh, a day when the main contenders for the league leaders trophy are in action.

Further details to be provided on this page next week and, hopefully, via a local press deluge of Town Academy business. Let's have a massive turnout for the Town stars of the future.

There that's relieved a la'al fragment of my own tension, although come next week I'll be anxiously tearing my hair out and in my case that will be damned painful.

Back to the big boys now. Will he - should he - have we persuaded him to, sign on the dotted line? Should he stay or should he go? Please, please, let me know.

I think the recruitment crack is definitely picking up a gear as each week passes us by. It certainly keeps those with an ear cocked towards Derwent Park warmed up during these terrible Summer days, while they are probably bending elbows quaffing their local brew.

Personally though what perked me up more than anything recently was the news of the Speedway contract being endorsed for another two years. Some of the academy boys playfully poke fun at me regarding my liking for Stoney and Co. (the little *"*&**rds)

But, and I'm not in possession of any facts, I believe to have Mr Thomas using the stadium puts money in the bank for Town. Please be aware of the Sky contract ending while pondering over my views on this.

I really don't side with those who say it affects Towns gates either. If Workington Town (please, please) have a formidable, consistent, winning team next season I do think those ex-patriots will return to the fold.

Look at it this way, regarding the Speedway, how would you feel if it was held at the Recreation Ground? Thereby giving the melancholy Marras all the incumbent spin offs (no Speedway pun intended there).

Plus, did you all notice the bit in one of Mondays RL papers regarding the current bank balance at Whitehaven RL? I'm sure that exposure will have hurt some at the Recre. That's twice in a week I have heard/seen evidence of an NFP members plight.

On our recent visit to Gateshead, with the academy team, a Thunder official informed me how satisfied they were at having only made a seasons loss of a certain five figure sum. Yes, satisfied was the message.

I wasn't sure if this bloke was acting well on behalf of the Thunder by broadcasting their predicament, it only served to worry me that the clouds were still hanging heavy over in the North East.

And now on seeing the aforesaid RL press revelation with reference to our dearest (another pun?) neighbours overdraft it adds to a gloomy forecast for parts of the west too.

So what else can I voice other than I'm delighted we (the Town board that is) didn't go for the Stoney break, broke, brake, option oh heck, you do see my point here though don't you during the recent negotiations with the Speedway people?

It is a sport that kicks up a lot dirt but hey, don't forget, where there's muck there's brass. And in my view it all helps Workington Town as they plan to kick ass.
K.S.