Thome going home?

Former Sunderland defender Emerson Thome, who conceded what turned out to be a decisive penalty in last weekend's League Cup Final, says he doesn't know where he'll be playing next season.

The Brazilian-born player, a crowd favourite known by some as "The Wall" during his time with Sunderland, says that his contract with Bolton Wanderers expires at the end of this season, but Sam Allardyce has yet to approach him with a new contract offer.

Emerson signed for Sunderland in the summer of 2000 for £4.5m from Chelsea, and it's widely rumoured that his departure from the club only came about because another appearance would have triggered an additional payment to Chelsea in the region of a quarter of a million pounds when the club were in considerable financial difficulties; in his final season with Sunderland, Emerson made only one Premiership appearance, in the 4-1 away defeat against Spurs in February 2003.

And Thome, who will celebrate his 32nd birthday later this month, hasn't ruled out a move overseas. "I have no idea what I am going to do. I don't even know if I am going to be staying in the country.

"My contract is up in the summer and I don't know where I am going. I could be staying with Bolton, I could be going back home or I could be going elsewhere.

"I've had a fantastic time during my six years in this country, apart from the relegation with Sunderland last season and the injuries I picked up."

The Lads seek alternative therapy!

It seems that the Lads have been indulging in some alternative therapy in an attempt to stay lean, mean, fit and focused for a promotion push.

Skipper Jason McAteer revealed today that they've been getting into Pilates - a body conditioning exercise regime focused on improving flexibility and strength for the total body without building bulk, that is supposed to leave you "refreshed and alert with a feeling of physical and mental well-being".

The club has hired Emma Newham, a Pilates instructor, who works with the first team squad twice a week. McAteer acknowledged the physical benefits of the regime....but also seems to have an ulterior motive for his enthusiasm - he said "Pilates is big in football at the minute, it's like a stretching thing, a mental thing, building up your core strength and so on. Football clubs are very superstitious, so while we're doing well, she'll stay! The girl is also really pretty, so that's why I think we're doing it.

"We've brought her in to help our physio, Pete Friar, who's young and has grown up the new school way, although he does take on old school things as well."

And "Trigger" revealed that if he had a choice, he'd take promotion this season over an FA Cup winner's medal: "Without any doubt, getting promotion rather than winning an FA Cup winner's medal is my priority - although it would be nice to get to the final and get our backsides kicked by Arsenal.

"I'm a great lover of proving people wrong and sticking two fingers up to the knockers, those who don't believe we can do it and don't want us to. That's what I really want to do this season.

"This club has been kicked in the teeth far too much."

Ticket News: Wimbledon, Reading, Crystal Palace, Ipswich (all away)

Nationwide League Division One
Wimbledon
The National Hockey Stadium
Date TBC
Kick Off TBC

Tickets are on general sale now although we are still awaiting date/time
confirmation.

Adults £20 OAP £10 Junior £10

PLEASE NOTE: If you unable to make the re-arranged date you will be
entitled to a refund on production of your tickets.

Nationwide League Division One
Reading
The Madejski Stadium
Saturday 20th March 2004
Kick Off 3.00pm

Tickets are on general sale now - subject to availability.

Adults £18 OAP £10 Junior £10

Nationwide League Division One
Crystal Palace
Selhurst Park
Saturday 3rd April 2004
Kick Off 3.00pm

Season ticket holders can apply by postal application only until 3.00pm
Saturday 13th March 2004 - voucher 49 required.

General sale will commence from 10.00am Friday 19th March 2004 - subject to availability.

Adults £20 OAP £12 Junior £12

Nationwide League Division One
Ipswich Town
Portman Road
Monday 12th April 2004
Kick Off 3.00pm

Season ticket holders can apply by postal application only until 5.30pm
Friday Saturday 19th March 2004 - voucher 50 required.

General sale will commence from 10.00am Wednesday 24th March 2004 - subject to availability.

Prices range from £5 to £28, it is important that the payment is left
BLANK and we will allocate the best seat at time of processing.