Recorded a mere 24 hours after the snore-fest at the Vitality Stadium, with George barely back through the marble portico which fronts Caulkin Manor, we're already moving on to a new week and yet more interesting football challenges.

League One leaders Bradford City will be the visitors in the Carabao Cup as Eddie Howe's Newcastle begin their first defence of a trophy since 1969-70. Then, Arsenal's Mikel Arteta wheels up the Gunners for another potshot at his nemeses this weekend.

The LassesTM had a difficult time at Birmingham on Sunday. Three-nil down after forty minutes, they salvaged some pride in the second half but will want to kickstart their campaign quickly. The retirement of Su Cumming was also announced this week; she's served Newcastle with distinction for a decade, but has dedicated her many talents to women's football across the North East for much longer.