Some previous players of the week? Arsenal's Graham Barrett? Now suffering from glandular fever and is expected to be out for a few months. Liam George? Now struggling at Luton, five goals in 31 appearances. Niall Quinn? Hospitalised after injuring his neck against Manchester United. Tommy Coyne? Hailed here not so long ago for being named manager of the month at Clydebank, where he's also a player, not long after taking over at the Scottish second division club. Last week? How do we put this? Sacked.

So, sincere apologies to this week's nominees: Richard Dunne (fine games for Manchester City against Liverpool and Middlesbrough), David Connolly (for being named Dutch First Division player of the year), Dean Kiely (who earned Charlton the points midweek against Derby with a penalty save, injuring himself in the process), Robbie Keane (for making it six goals in seven starts for Leeds) and winner Matt Holland (for playing his 200th consecutive game for Ipswich in the League Cup defeat by Birmingham). Jinxed? Probably.