In my opinion, Brian Flynn has done a remarkable job since taking over the managerial reins from the affable but inexperienced Nick Cusack and deserves the Freedom Of The City for keeping us up last season. He has made several astute signings during the summer and we are in a far more healthier position than we were 12 months ago, as our current league position reflects.

Lee Trundle is the new North Bank hero and club talisman. He is the type of player the fans have been yearning for since Paul 'Flicker' Raynor divided the supporters back in the late 80s (for your information, I was in the 'For Raynor' camp). Roberto Martinez' recent injury seemed to leave a midfield void but young Andy Robinson has come into the side and really impressed me. If I were Roberto now, I'd be staring into my jug of sangria and worrying about my place, so well is young Andy performing.

The re-signing of Leon Britton was another Flynn masterstroke, though I think we've yet to see the best from him yet this season. His long-awaited first goal should help and I can't wait for the celebration. Brad Maylett's pace gives us an option we've been missing for a few seasons since Stuart Roberts terrorised left backs and Karl Connolly proved on the opening day of the season that he is a class act, though whether he can remain injury-free remains to be seen. Leon Hylton has deservedly kept Frankie Howard out of the team and Lenny Johnrose does an excellent job as Leon Britton's minder.

Of the other 'new' faces at the Vetch this season, I am concerned about Brian Murphy and Kieron Durkan. For me, the warning bells for young Murphy were ringing during the opening day's win over Bury, though Flynn seemed determined to stand by his rookie 'keeper. He is a good shot-stopper but he was like Dracula on crosses.

We won 4-2 but it could have been a reverse scoreline. I somehow feel much safer with Rog back where he belongs, though I'm sure the Irish lad's time will come. Just not quite yet. Although Flynn's favourite Kieron is an excellent crosser of the ball, he is one of the slowest wingers I've ever seen and certainly doesn't like a tackle. I hope he proves me wrong.

Of the more established players at the club, it is the current situations of two players that also concerns me. Kris O'Leary was absolutely outstanding against Hull on that historic day last season and showed how much the club's future means to a locally-born player. However, after giving away three penalties already this season and producing a string of below par performances, he has become a liability. The injury to Jason Smith and the timing of it was unfortunate but Izzy Iriekpen's arrival has bolstered the beleagured defensive ramparts and should enable Flynn to give Kris a rest and use either Richard Duffy or Stuart Jones as Izzy's partner.

James Thomas was the hat trick hero against Hull but was absolutely average against Bury on the opening day and was deservedly replaced by Kevin Nugent, who in all fairness has done really well in the team since then. However, we were struggling at Yeovil on Saturday and it was the ideal opportunity to bring striker Thommo off the bench for another chance. Not according to Flynn, who instead introduced Duffy, Jones and Anthony Corbisiero. Something is not quite right between Flynn and Thommo at the moment.

If only John 'Twixie' Williams was still at the club......

Ianto