Fraid to say that I think you're right about Manure, their performance against Black & White Sh!te on Saturday was terrific even though it was against a very poor team. Can't see many wanting the poison chalice that is the manager's seat at St James' but I suspect they may go for Johnny Foreigner with Houllier the likely mug!
As for the transfer market, it's been fairly dull with only Chelski throwing their money around; bought another Russian today to keep Shevchenko company on the bench. Maybe see a bit of activity in the next 2 weeks at Sh!Te Hart lane in their feeble attempt to get into the top half and stay there but it'll only be average players in and a crock of sh!te leaving! Berbatov may last to the summer but he'll be on his way as he is the only class act there!
No doubt there'll be a few last minute panic buys/loan signings on 31 Jan though.