I don’t know if it’s a good thing or a bad thing that I’m patently one of the world’s worst gamblers. My losing streak is probably into double-figures now, having lost a few quid on Tottenham at Man City this afternoon. Spurs had won the last eight meetings between the two clubs, and with the firepower of Keane, Berbatov, Lennon, Bent et al, compared to, well, Elano, they should have been a sure bet.

They led at half time and were looking comfortable, only for City to produce the luckiest goal I’ve seen for a long time, the product of 2 fluffed shots and one fluffed header. It may be no coincidence that all 3 of the english clubs who lost in the UEFA Cup in the week lost today in the premiership.

So on the one hand I desperately need a website where I can practice my betting in safety and learn how to bet smarter. On the other hand I’m one of those responsible for getting the site up and running over the next few months – spot the conundrum?

I have a plan though. We’ll have a fairly lengthy closed beta during which time my judgement and fortunes will be transformed. Mark can clearly teach me a thing or two, having picked both Scotland against England and Wales against Ireland in the six nations last weekend. By the time the site’s public I won’t be able to stop winning…