One big happy family now that Kashi is back

Patrick Bauer emphasises the impact that the return of Ahmed Kashi has had on Charlton. There is no doubt in my mind that he is a player of real quality and we missed him when he was injured. Let's hope we can keep him all season: Kashi's impact

Bauer also discusses the fact that Konsa has not started, despite the fact that he continues to be a target for Arsenal and Everton. I have just discovered that my new Labour MP is a Gooner.

Bauer also said, 'The dressing room is really good right now, we are like one big happy family. Everyone is talking to each other [implying that this was not always the case], we have a great team spirit and I think you can see that on the pitch.' Things are definitely better.

Mea culpa

Clement Attlee once famously said, 'A period of silence from you would be welcome.' I thought that the remark was directed to academic bonehead Harold Laski (which is what many online sources say), but the recent excellent biography of Attlee (Citizen Clem by John Bew) suggests a different target.

Be that as it may, Rick Everitt may soon be directing that remark in that direction. Having provided a constructed narrative of the events surrounding Rick's decision to give priority to a Charlton match than an exam when he was a student, I have now misunderstood the significance of the opening of a new giant Wetherspoons in beautiful, downtown Ramsgate: Massive super pub on the beach

I thought it was being welcomed as a new watering hole for VOTV staff so that they could get wasted before and after producing the fanzine. In fact it turns out to be a cunning plan by the Rickster to revive the Isle of Thanet economy. Although others were involved, he played a leading role in attracting the pub chain when he was the cabinet member for economic development on Thanet council.

I should also qualify economist J M Keynes's critical remarks about Ramsgate by saying that he did spend an enjoyable Christmas there with the members of a pantomime cast.