TWELVE games in to the season and one point off a play-off place with a game in hand.

That's not a bad position for Town to be in, and should be more of a reason to be cheerful than off the pitch developments seem intent on allowing.

And the well-documented financial situation is about to inflict a squad pruning, but that might not be too much of a disaster.

It makes eminent sense to allow Chris Blackburn back to Morecambe, if as is expected Sammy McIlroy asks for the temporary return of his ex- defender.

Blackburn is still coming to terms with League football, having only qualified for Football League with the Shrimps last summer.

Less welcome, but equally possible would be a semi-hostile bid for keeper Peter Brezovan.

The Slovakian keeper is well thought of and has already spent a trial spell at Everton. Why would Town allow that if we weren't already preparing ourselves to losing the man?

Much hangs on the departure of the A team of Arrieta, Almeida and Anzite, the three players brought in at the express request of the leaders of the failed Portuguese take-over.

Over the years there have been several circumstance when players on lucrative contracts have been less than expedient in departing the County Ground when they have outstayed their welcome.

Brian Kilcline, Neil Ruddock and Gareth Whalley all seemed a little leaden footed when it came to taking the hint that their presence was no longer desired, but that's the chance you take when you sign players on two or three year contracts.

How would we have felt if Sam Parkin had left for nothing because Town had hesitated in tying the striker to a contract? Sometimes the gamble works in favour of the club, sometimes in favour of the player.

Dare I mention that a swift resolution of due diligence' from new potential investor Andy Fitton might eliminate the need for a cost cutting exercise? No holding your breath now.

And it's just as well we're looking to offload rather than recruit, with the news that Town are under yet another transfer embargo due to our football related debts..

Some things never change.