HARTY: On Albion, the Premier League and George Dowell

CAN you take a positive from a defeat?

Like all Albion fans, I hate it when we lose, whatever the game, whatever the competition.

On Tuesday, prior to the Carling Cup game at Northampton, I hoped that victory at Sixfields would see the beginning of a run in that competition, generating some more funds, which in turn could have gone towards team development.

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However, a 2-0 reverse put paid to that. But with the weight of expectation on Gus Poyet's squad, perhaps the first defeat of the season so early on can actually aid the Albion's campaign.

The Seagulls were never going to go through the whole season without losing, so perhaps getting the first one out of the way early, almost gets a monkey off Gus's back and tempers supporter expectation, which cannot be a bad thing.

For the record, I still think the final game at Withdean will be a play-off semi-final in May, and one defeat in the League Cup won't change that.

However, on the negative side, losing Matt Sparrow for three league games as a result of his sending off and the possibility of an injury lay-off for Alan Navarro, possibly represents a bigger set back than the result.

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The Premiership kicks off this weekend with Fergie already playing his usual mind games.

He reckons that the title is now an eight-horse race. Pushing it a bit, but I think we could probably have the most open title race in the history of the competition.

Aside from United and Chelsea, there's an argument that with another 12 months of experience, now could be the time for Wenger's young Arsenal side, while you cannot rule out the possible rejuvenation of Liverpool under Roy Hodgson.

For me, gel is the key. If Roberto Mancini can get the superstar squad at Man City to gel early, then they could yet end up winning the title.

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In making my usual pre-season prediction, I will stick with the gel factor and tip City '“ great news for fans of the other four clubs.

George Dowell was like any other youngster. He loved football and played for both his schools and from the age of six played for Worthing United, with Alan Herbert's team, right up until the under-18 age group.

Sadly, in April, he was involved in a road accident which has left him in a wheelchair. I have known George for a long time, his family even longer.

He is a genuinely nice lad, so I had no hesitation in getting Ian Hart's Spare Parts back together for a special game against Alan's United team this Sunday.

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The game is at Worthing United, Lyons Farm, kicking off at noon.

My team includes ex-Albion stars John Keeley, Johnny Byrne, Guy Butters, Paul Watson, Darren Freeman, Kerry Mayo and Paul Rogers, as well as local legends Richard Tiltman, Geoff Raynsford, John Lock, Ross Standen, Wayne Wren, Jon Chalaye, Mark Croft, Pete Mott and Darin Kilpartrick.

And, at time of going to press, I'm still hoping to have a very special guest, possibly guests, from the Albion turn out for me.

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