THINGS have started to hot up a bit around here this week. We've seen Heinz Muller make the move back to Germany and the Reds sign their first new face of the summer in Onome Sodje.

I've always had a lot of time for Heinz. He was always prepared to do whatever you wanted press and media wise, no matter what the result. He always spoke about the game in very simple terms, which was refreshing to see and, no matter how bad his injury was, he was always looking on the positive side of things.

Having said that, he did not take defeat very well and I can remember seeing him outside the dressing room at Portman Road last season after two uncharacteristic errors handed Ipswich a win which looked easier than it was. Heinz was less than complimentary about his own performance as he made his way to the team bus.

The Muller move had been rumoured for a few days so it did not really come as a surprise on Monday. What did come right out of the blue was the arrival of youngster Onome Sodje.

Onome ran rings around the Reds during a reserve team game here at Oakwell a few years back when his pace and directness made him really stand out. I think he caught the eye of a few people here at Oakwell that day and it is great to see him have the chance to make the next step and forge a career in the Football League.

He now has his chance to work at Oakwell and see if he can realise his potential. Hopefully it will come off and we will have picked up a real gem from non-league in the same way Wolves found Michael Kightly.

The fixtures were also unveiled this week and what an opening weekend! It's going to be a great day at Hillsborough on August 8 - there's just 50 days to go and I can't wait!

SEASON TICKETS 2009 2010

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