With the window now closed, why don't we start with a clean slate? Let's just forget Lucas Leiva, Jozy Altidore, Steven Gerrard, Darren Bent and Phil Brown. It's September now, the Transfer Window is closed and the World Cup Qualifiers has given us a chance to take stock and catch our collective breath.

September's schedule looks particularly convenient for a manager who might need some results. Portsmouth (A), Stoke (H) and Birmingham (A) are perfect opportunities for Gary Megson to get this season rolling and hopefully raise some spirits before October (Spurs (H), Man Utd (A), Everton (H), Chelsea (H) - yikes).

(By the way, the day after that Everton game in October will be Gary Megson's 2nd anniversary at Bolton. Hasn't it just flown by? If you're not panicking now about the lack of progress now, I think October 25th is the day when you can reasonably start chewing your fingernails, pacing at night and spending sleepless sunrises staring at your bedroom ceiling.)

Despite the results, there are some positives to take from Bolton's rocky start to the season. Sean Davis has added some drive into a midfield that often looked slow and static at time last season, Zat Knight looks like he could be a good defender if he ever puts it all together next to Gary Cahill, and Jussi and Sir Kevin look as good as ever, which is going to be vital.

It was also reassuring to see Megson get a striker, especially after he spent so much time emphasising the need for more depth. I was a bit disappointed that they couldn't add some width to complement Matty Taylor, because whenever I watch the team they seem desperately short of an outlet when they're under pressure. Was David Bentley on loan an option?

Bah! Who wants David Bentley? He comes across as a thoroughly disgusting individual: an inveterate gambler, a high-functioning alcoholic and a criminal. (Legal note: Possibly not true). On the eve of the Transfer Window, when he should be trying to make a good impression, (especially if he wants to play in the World Cup), Bentley stays out 'til 3am and crashes his Porsche into a lamppost.

Was he Unlucky, or is he just dangerously, irretrievably Stupid? You're probably better off not knowing and steering well clear. Anyway, Big Sam was probably in Harry's ear all summer, and would've got to him first. Let's face it, we never had a chance.

Just forget about it now - the Transfer window is bolted shut and this is the team that will have to make it through to January. The squad has some depth now at most positions, and although Gary's summer additions may not increase the quality much, but they will give Megson more options. All we have to do now is cross our fingers and hope that nothing happens to this team's spine: Jaaskelainen, Cahill, Taylor and Big Kev. For all intents and purposes, they are irreplaceable.

Nope, all we can do now is hunker down for the oncoming autumn; stay warm, gather your nuts, cross your fingers for September and close your eyes for October. And if you need help cheering up, it's easy: purse your lips and blow. Or something...

The late, great amateur golf champion Bobby Jones said it best:

"I will tell you privately it's not going to get better, it's going to get worse all the time, but don't fret. Remember, we "play the ball where it lies," and now let's not talk about this, ever again."

That kinda sums it up.