1 I'd like to take a few minutes to talk about #PeterAinsworth, ex-MP for East Surrey who has died . #RIP He was an important figure in my life for a few years in the 1990s & I remember him as an opponent who received - & deserved - my full respect despite our many & full respect 2 In 1997 he was the sitting MP, having succeeded Geoffrey Howe in what was one of the safest seats in the country. I was the no-hoper Labour candidate. We were the same age but couldn't have had more wildly contrasting backgrounds.

1 Looks like my all-singing, all-talking, all-dancing seasonal attendances thread is kicking off six weeks early this year, owing to decisions made by the FA in England & (thus far) the Highland League in Scotland - though that may change over the weekend. First, an explainer. 2 I'm not going to argue on this thread about the rights & wrongs of decisions made. I've done that elsewhere (preferably complete the season or if not possible void it and apply across the board) but the effects.

1. I know I said I'd keep politics off this account but I've more followers here than on my other one so football fans bear with me & ignore this thread as I pay tribute to the most important family in history. 2 For centuries the media has airbrushed the achievements of the Corbyns from history. My new book (available soon) attempts to redress the balance & allow these heroes their proper place in the affections of the masses. They are: