Well, the dust has settled on a truly awful World Cup for England. I don’t really think there are too many excuses to be levelled here – we just played badly throughout and were eventually exposed by a much better team.

Of course, the press are asking for Capello’s head on a silver platter. I don’t see why, really, he’s a world class manager and I don’t think the problem begins with him. There’s just something so spectacularly… spoiled about this current crop of players. I mean, what does it matter to the likes of Lampard and Ashley Cole is England lose? We need some hungry young men in that team.

It wasn’t any easier watching it in the pub, either. It was full of men in trilbies and their girlfriends. Why would you go to the pub to watch the football if you are a) wearing a hat? or b) a girlfriend with no interest in football? Don’t even know they’re born.

Well the good news is that I did manage some luck playing at the online casino when I got in. I felt bad, like the luck of the entire nation had been used up on me, while the rest of England suffered. Still, £80 is nothing to get all philosophical about!

This week will be spent tying up some loose ends at the studio. Mainly sampling and adding a couple of vocal tracks, but every time I sit down at the computer for a long period of time and get some work done I learn something new about the software I’m using. Didn’t think I’d still be learning past 40!

Now I’ve got the weekend to plan. God knows what I’m going to do – watch Brazil work some Samba magic on Saturday I guess!

I was lucky enough to spend this weekend with my kids. Sally, 16, thinks she’s a bit of a wild child these days, but what she doesn’t realise is that her old man has seen it all before! Eric (7), has a flair for reading and is already proving to be quite the conversationalist. Unfortunately for me, this means I have to try and be both civil and cool when I get to see them both!

Taking them around Chorlton was an eye-opening experience. Whenever I turned my back on the kids to have a flick through Uncut in a newsagent I’d turn back only to find Sally talking to see boys with nose piercings (idiots) or Eric attempting hold a conversation with the local drunk. My kids, eh? Mad! I don’t know how Theresa does it (with help from her new fella I suppose!)

At home things were much calmer. As soon as the kids came in they insisted on going straight to their rooms which was great as it gave me loads of time to myself. Going down to the studio I half-expect Eric to have changed the password to my VPN but I think the security on those things is a little more than he can handle right now. Perhaps when he’s ten!

I had a couple of cans when I heard a knock at the door. It was a lad I’d seen in the newsagents earlier talking to Sally! He looked nervous until I said “I know what you’re here for, mate” (can still speak the language!) and then we spent ages downstairs in the studio with me playing him some vintage northern soul and him texting his mates – presumably to tell them he’d met the coolest man in his forties in town! Guess that’s what happens when you read Uncut!

Apparently Sally’s busy for the next few Saturdays now, but I’ll be taking Eric to the footy as soon as the new season starts up again. The countdown starts here!

Came across this interesting video about Manchester losing its musical heritage due to the property boom of the last twenty years or so. Factory Records never felt so long ago.

RIP Tony.

Click here to watch

My divorce was a good thing. A good thing. A good thing. It’s been nearly six months since me and Laura dotted the I’s and crossed the T’s on our breakup. In some ways, it was a lot like the Beatles splitting up, although instead of getting the inconvenience of Wings I ended up with every second Saturday for visitation rights. Oh well – more time to work! And although there was no Yoko involved, I still say ‘Ono’ whenever I see Laura! Hahahaj.

More time to work, more time to play, really. By play, I mean have a few ales with the guys and play a bit of online casino. It’s a nice way to unwind, especially with a dash of ELO on in the background. Can’t beat a bit of Mr Blue Sky while you’re reeling in some virtual winners!

I do think about the old life though. It’d be strange not to, I guess. This summer will be good though, and I want miss my ex then. It’s the World Cup so I’ll have plenty of time to sit in the sun with my friends and forget about the old days!

I quite fancy England’s chances this year. I know everyone says that every four years, but I really believe this time could be different. Obviously, Wayne Rooney has been in great form for us this year so hopefully that’ll translate to South Africa this summer.

Who else do I fancy? Well, Jessica Alba for one! Just joking hahahaj! I think it’s ridiculous to write off Brazil – they’re always in with a chance. Similarly, Germany will likely have a very good run. For winners, I think you can look no further than Spain and Argentina. Both possess some truly world class players and, with Lionel Messi, Argentina have the best player in the world.

Well, that’s all for now. I’m going to put up my World Cup wallchart!

This is probably my favourite ever United goal, and it was Cantona’s last for United. What a way to go!!

Also, if you haven’t already I’d recommend Looking For Eric. A really top-class film!