The hot crack around Town is undoubtedly the Matt Sturm saga and, sadly, that is probably an apt description of events surrounding the popular kiwi's future.

A saga which may even yet produce the final telling blow. Not that I'm party to any inside info but I have a hunch that another twist will end the Town fans own speculative thoughts on this one. I'll say no more on the matter, except this...

Did you notice that Widnes have already set about unloading their less-than-Super League standard playing staff? Two who joined their former mentor of Ram time at the Auto Quest (Agar and Long) have now joined the Rochdale Hornets. Does this have any significance with the aforementioned crack?

My verdict is: no, not at all. But it all keeps the pot boiling.

Well you can't beat good old romantic saga's (I believe their holidays are top stuff too but I'm much too young to find out personally) to keep the adrenaline flowing.

Talking of Widnes, briefly again, and having enjoyed some of the Sky matches recently, I see Mr Kelly is having to offload and replenish quite a lot of his staff if they wish to compete fairly with the Warriors , Bulls, and Saints of this United Kingdom. I'm afraid they may just become another bunch of outclassed Vikings, with such a mention in the annals of history.

As for our own season ahead here at grand old Derwent Park I can't wait, errrr - when do we start it? (December? Is that set in stone?) Who is the main sponsor now for our Division? Who cares?

Yes Sir I'm full of the acerbic conditioner right now. It tastes bitter-ish but doesn't leave a hangover.

Well perhaps the folk in charge of the former (?) NFP will reveal all following their next meeting which I think is due sometime during the coming week.

One major change being mooted is, allegedly, the scrapping of the Alliance Division as we know and love it. This will leave a first team competition and an Academy Division. The latter is (again, allegedly) to revert to under 19's, with the addition of an under 21 input of two players per team. I have given this one a lot of thought since being told of these proposals. While I like the idea of Academy football continuing - well of course I do - surely the loss of the proper Alliance grade is not a step forward for the game?

Many minuses crop up in my brain cell on this sensitive issue.

For instance, the normal route for players banned and or injured is via an Alliance run out. This will be therefore impossible for anyone over that 21 year old barrier, which seems daft. Just my own view and perhaps I may be proved wrong. Maybe a trial period will be the best solution for this one. Wow, what am I saying there? An understatement indeed, because every new move initiated by the RFL hierarchy down the years, while attempting to improve this lovely game usually stands, or more often falls, following an error strewn trial period. This new legislation will be no different then.

On to Martin's Marvels now. The Town Academy are still in with a shout of topping the final Division One table following Saturday's dramatic win at Craven Park, Barrow. The full report is on the Academy's site. It was a match of roller coaster proportions, Town eventually hanging on to win with my knuckles white with tension and exhaustion and I'm only watching the damn thing. To be really honest I think we got out of jail in the closing stages of this one. A Barrow try attempt two minutes from time being disallowed - I was actually marking it down as good when I caught sight of the touch judge making a stance ten yards off the line, a knock on being indicated to the referee - boy, am I glad I was in possession of my medicinal aid on this occasion. Come on lads with two matches left let's put someone out of sight by half time at least. I can't stand these cliff- hangers any more.

Oldham at home, at Maryport, on Saturday is the last home league match this season. Hopefully another big crowd will attend but this will not be an easy game for Town.

So I'll sign off for now, having arranged an urgent appointment with my doc.
K.S.