My main theme this week must be Academy business. I know the rumour mill is now stepping up a gear with the new season ever nearer, names of new recruits are bouncing around as per usual - one of them appears persistent. But at the moment Eaton is seemingly giving us a harrowing time, oh, oh, oh. Nice to see one mission accomplished however, the signing of GB tourist Steven Wallace is a major coup for the Town board - he was brilliant last season in our Academy colours.

Which nicely brings me back to Martin's Marvels. The lads had a great season, the league table told no lies, but the play off zone became little more than a nightmare for us all.

It's difficult to fathom out how two teams that had been seen off rather comfortably at Derwent Park in league clashes, i.e. Featherstone (36-10) and Barrow (30-8) turned the tables on the Town youngsters and prematurely curtailed our season.

Barrow had in fact conceded the double in the regular season. But in all honesty their recent form - while stuffing Oldham 82-0, and Dewsbury 54-18 did have my worry lines protruding ever more as the build to last Sunday gained momentum. Oggy can now tell you that I was like a twittering Derek Wilton, or maybe more like Mavis Riley (you have to be a Corry fan to see the likeness, of course) on Sunday prior to the Barrow clash. Rather than portraying my normal, confident, Fred Elliott aura - honestly I couldn't hold a steady pen when making out the official team sheet.

I recall a similar mood last year at Skirlaughs ground prior to our semi with Hull K.R. Deja vu? No, just more reasons why I'll never apply for Alex Ferguson's managerial post - can't take the presh, you see.

As for the eventual match action? Well I shouted, bellowed, prowled, groaned and boy was it hot. An Indian Summer? Yes, and gee whiz I could have done with a tepee to help my burning dome. Eh? Oh sorry, 'er indoors has done a quick proof read and says it should say toupee.

Nay lass I knew what I was writing - my huge taty head needed something like a wig-wam-dam to keep me cool that afternoon. Again, as for the match it was nip and tuck all the way. Barrow were eventually presented with it though. I'll not say any more than that - those hundreds present know the score there.

Still good luck to the Raiders, they are Cumbrian don't forget, and they carry the county flag this weekend at Featherstone. It will be a difficult one to call but Leigh appear to be sitting rather pretty as these two slog it out.

Finally, on Academy crack for this season (maybe), I had a lovely letter from Mr Chris Park of Hull this week. For those not aware, Chris is the Official Academy Press Officer appointed by Red Hall.

Here is a snippet of what he has said to me in his kind note, and it is a genuine commendation believe me: "Can I thank you for your outstanding co-operation during the season, and commiserate with Workington on once again coming so close to achieving a Grand Final place. Congratulations are due however, as Town have again proved to be one of the most consistent clubs in the Academy First Division. Your time must surely come, and when it does no club will have deserved it more."

Brilliant Chris, and it is people taking action like that who make Academy work so enjoyable. That should be a lesson to the rather miserable chap who, last Sunday, would not until the last moment supply me with the details of his team.

It is much better to be nice. We can all shout during a match and for goodness sake don't the players hit hard but invariably make it up post match? They certainly don't dwell on grudges. Still, it's all in the wonderful game I suppose. See you again. Roll on December!
K.S.