IT was another disappointing performance in front of the Sky cameras at Bournemouth - and how many times have we said that now?

It seems we have yet to perform well in front of he cameras, which is a real disappointment. In difficult conditions I was sent-off and it made it even harder for the lads to get a good result. But I thought they battled well and were unlucky not to get a point. I apologised to everyone in the dressing room afterwards for making everyone's job harder on the pitch and I would like to say sorry to all the fantastic fans who put up with the awful conditions to cheer us on on the wet and windy south coast.

We got a good result on Saturday against Wrexham to help put the Bournemouth result to bed, and to make life even better we managed to extend our lead at the top of the table. It was a little bit nervous at the end for us, but we stayed in front and it was a big relief to hear the final whistle.

In the two recent England games I have to admit I haven't been over-impressed with the way we have performed. Both games were boring and I put it down to Eriksson's tactics. It seems Sven likes to get the ball forward early, yet most of the players play good passing football week in, week out. It's so much better watching the Under-21s, who pass the ball with pace and create a lot of chances.

Wales got a fantastic result against Italy and the Welsh lads in the squad have been quick to have a good laugh about Wales being better than the English!

While we enjoyed a win on Saturday, it must have been a strange afternoon for Alan Shearer. He managed his 300th goal at Blackburn - and that is a fantastic achievement, considering the injuries he has had and he still has more to come, but Newcastle lost.

Well done Alan from everyone at Hartlepool United.

Published: 22/10/2002