It was the third time this season he had been sent off, hence the heavier than usual punishment from the FA for two yellow cards.

We've started planning for the future and next season and we have ideas about how we want to go about getting the club back up. The aim is to hit the ground running next season and I can assure the supporters we will do that.

He was an outstanding leader on the pitch, a good presence on the pitch and the kind of player who was infectious in that respect and really led from the front.

We'll be telling the players one more game and they get a rest, one last push.

The detention and possible punishment of Mr. Abney comes at a time when growing numbers of US military personnel, including Marines, are coming to Canada because of their opposition to the Iraq War. It seems pretty clear that Mr. Abney's sudden difficulties are a response to this. As well, it seems the Marine Corps is trying to prevent further desertions by making an example of Mr. Abney. Besides being vindictive, this is unlikely to be effective. The best way to end the US military's problems is to end the war in Iraq immediately.

God Himself chasteneth not with a rod but with time.