After a weekend off, we returned to action last Saturday with a very good win against Sheffield United for our first victory of 2004. It was pleasing to bounce back after three games without a win, against a side who I fancy to finish in the top-six.

We went out of The FA Cup to Everton, then Bradford were next up for us in the league.  They came to Carrow Road obviously fighting for their lives stuck in the bottom three and we just didn't create enough chances.  It was a disappointing performance from our point of view and we dropped three important points.

Our game at Rotherham was very different - a 4-4 draw packed with action both on and off the pitch.  An entertaining afternoon for the neutral and I was delighted with the character shown by the players as their fighting spirit earned a last minute equaliser.

Following that game we had a fortnight's break from matches and I gave the players a complete rest from training on the Friday, Saturday and Sunday.  Coming in on the Monday they were refreshed and pleased to be back, so I think it's healthy for players to have a little time off to re-charge.  

A formal winter-break would be a viable option in the Premier League, but it may be a little harder to implement in the Football League because of the number of games that would have to be squeezed in.  Also the players would need to keep ticking over, so you may let them go away for a few days during the first week, but they'd have to come in again and get their fitness back up before the matches start again.

We'll be aiming to continue our form since our 'mini-break' when we go to Milton Keynes tomorrow.  It's top versus bottom and if our mental approach isn't spot on we could be in for a surprise, but if we get it right, then I feel that we can go on to win the game.  However, we'll be prepared for a tough Wimbledon battle.



Scott Parker made the headlines last week with his transfer to Chelsea from Charlton.  I had him on loan at Norwich during my early days here and he was an absolute delight to work with.  He played exceptionally well during the spell and returned to the Valley and began making a name for himself in their first team, since then he's never looked back.

Scott has some of the great qualities that make a top professional player.  He's focussed fully on football and has a great desire to play. He's very fit, he's excellent with the ball at his feet and he can score you goals from midfield.  That is lot of good attributes from a player as young as Scott and I wasn't surprised that a club like Chelsea made a substantial offer for him.

Once Scott settles into the club and gets used to the surroundings and the quality players he'll be working with, he'll begin to learn even more and, like Frank Lampard, can equip himself for the benefit of Chelsea and for the good of England.  It can only be good for the national team having the likes of Parker and Lampard playing in a star-studded team gaining experience from some of the best footballers around.


Nigel Worthington