I read this morning that Defoe is virtually on his way to Spurs for "£15 million". He should be there by tomorrow (Tuesday). This sorts out the discussion in yesterday's blog, and, though not as good as £20 million, or the £15 million exchange with Jenas, or the exchange with Manchester city and Benjani, it is good business for Pompey as it almost doubles the amount paid for him last January. I think Adams is hoping to complete the contract details with Glen Johnson to keep him at Pompey, rather than be tempted away by Liverpool. After that, he should be turning his attention away to a new striker for Pompey: Aruna Dindane (note correct spelling this time) of Lens or Sidney Govou of Lyons. It looks like Jermaine Pennant is Italy bound as AC Milan have shown an interest in him as have several other Italian clubs. Hopefully Adams has enough money in his war chest to get three midfielders, which his squad needs to carry the fight to the opposition. I think if Pompey adopt the Liverpool approach of two defending midfielders in front of the back four making the main defensive unit 6 players, he will achieve his aim of a solid base but also freeing an attacking unit of 4 players. It seems to me that Hughes and Davis, who have just signed new contracts, are ideal players for these two defending midfield roles, with Diop and Wilson their instant shoo-ins if injured or banned. The back four still needs sorting and especially at left back as Belhadj can be too attack minded. I would also replace Campbell with Kaboul, using the former as the ready-made substitute for the latter, and especially when the defence needs stiffening. The attacking unit could be (a) two attacking midfielders and two strikers, (b) or three attacking midfielders and one striker, or (c) two attacking midfielders, a striker and a second striker/winger. Other than Kranjcar I don't think any other player qualifies as an attacking midfielder and obviously these are the gaps that Adams must fill. I would prefer to see two aggressive attacking midfielders. who win the ball, attack the opposition, can play those devastating passes, which split defences, and can get in the box to score goals. For me, Kranjcar would be the third attacking midfielder or second striker when Adams feels option (c) is best suited to the opposition. Crouch would always be my first choice striker, either in a solo role or with a support striker alongside him. Kanu, for as long as he lasts, would be my substitute if Crouch can't play for any reason. I would use Nugent as my second striker in option (a) but not in option (c). I think he is a direct player who could learn to feed off Crouch either alongside him or slightly ahead in the box, but he shouldn't be played wide. I would still like to see an attacking wide midfielder especially on the right, for the moment Traore on the left and Little on the right could be used for that purpose. I am not sure how these ideas fit into the usual formations but option (a) is 4-4-2, option (b) is 4-5-1 and option (c) is 4 - 4/5 - 2/1, and therefore very flexible.

There was a quote on page 131 of Kathy Reich's book, "Break No Bones": "Indecision is the key to flexibility". I would like to enter this quote into the ongoing tussle between the Best Beloved and I over my desire for system and hers for flexibility. We have had a wonderful Christmas and New year, thanks mainly to the sterling efforts of the Best Beloved, helped by the two girls and hindered by yours truly. We have one or two very small tasks to complete and then the new extension itself will be complete. I have been impressed as always by the ability of the Best Beloved to turn a house into a home. I have literally hugged myself on a couple of occasions when we have been preparing to welcome guests in our large new kitchen/dining room and staying overnight in our freed up spare bedroom and bathroom. I think Best Beloved's home making ability is also one of the reasons we both enjoy camping so much. For her it is the opportunity to make a temporary new home wherever we travel and for me to enjoy those comforts wherever we travel.

"The supreme happiness in life is the conviction that we are loved" - Victor Hugo.

This week I am meeting with the auditor to discuss the Havant Literary Festival Society books. I am sorting out what to do with my Ford Focus. I have also been cast in a Murder Mystery dinner at the end of February with a local professional company. I only need my agent to phone with some bookings and I would be very happy as I approach my 62nd birthday at the end of this month.