Spain to lift the Euroepan Championship

Before the tournament started I said I fancied Spain to lift the cup. However, I then talked myself out of it based on the fact that everyone seemed to have the same idea, and because Spanish odds had dropped making them second favourites. So I wasted my money on Croatia and the Czech Republic instead. I'm still in the secret envelope thingy in the Rose of Denmark and the Oak, so there's a slim hope of recouping my money!

I can't see beyond a Spanish win this evening. If they play anywhere like they did against Russia in the semi-final, it could be an easy win. Their attacking playing was inventive, quick and well supported from midfield. They played ball after ball through the Russian defence and could have scored four or five in the end. If I were setting Germany up this evening it would be to defend deep and try and catch Spain on the break. If they do sit deep in defence to limit space in behind, I fear this will only give the Spanish options from the edge of the box. German hopes also lie with Michael Ballack making the starting eleven and he was doubtful yesterday.

So, expect an all-out attacking German display which will blow Spain away!

Our boys are back in training tomorrow sporting millionaire sun-tans, expensive new watches and no doubt some flashy new motors. I expect Pards to sit them all down, review last season, reinforce what is expected this year and set them all personal targets which should contribute to a collective promotion.

It was interesting to read PNE boss, Alan Irvine, commenting yesterday that it's been very frustrating trying to sign players so far in the close season (and not just because he's trying to attract them to Preston). He doesn't think there's a lot happening and blames much of it on players and agents being on holiday but expects that situation to change this week. If he's right, you have to think that this suits the players and agents and that it's a seller's market. If the typical transfer is one between existing Championship clubs, the fees involved won't be large and it only increases player/agent leverage if clubs become more desperate to secure new signings as the kick-off looms.

As a club viewed with more money to spend than most (not necessarily the case), and likely to be recouping several millions more on outgoing players, we may well find that other clubs try to hold us to ransom as we make our approaches known.