The recently-departed Blackburn manager Paul Ince is a friend of mine, and I was sorry to see him part ways with the club earlier this week.
The first thing I'd say is that I'm sure Paul will bounce back from this setback in his managerial career.
He's a strong character and a winner, and although he must be massively disappointed he'll come back better and stronger for this experience.
Paul has gone on record as saying that because the likes of him and Roy Keane had success as players, people are now lining up to criticise them as managers, and I think there could be some truth in that.
He sets high standards for himself, as all football managers have to, but it seems that every year the pressure on teams to stay in the top league just gets greater and greater.
Blackburn felt they had to act to save themselves from relegation but the shame for Paul is that he won't be able to turn it around himself. He'll feel that he didn't get enough time to prove what he could do at the top level but without doubt he'll get another chance.
Moving on to a more festive theme, the Hull City squad held our Christmas party a few days ago and we headed down to London. It was a pretty standard affair - a Chinese followed by a trip to a place called Buddha Bar. If there had been any scandal or riotous behaviour, I would let you know, but unfortunately it all went off pretty quietly!
Christmas is traditionally a busy time for footballers and we do have to make certain sacrifices - but I think it's more difficult for our wives and families, if anything. It's not a normal Christmas for them because I'll be busy preparing for football instead of just relaxing.
But I've been playing for 18 years so I'm used to it now. I'll enjoy watching the kids open their presents, and I'll have a bit of Christmas dinner. But I've never been a big eater anyway and I'll drink plenty of water with the meal. By all means we're allowed to have a glass of wine if we want but that's about it.
For now we're just focusing on what promises to be a very tough game against Sunderland. Ricky Sbragia seems to be doing a great job at caretaker manager and all the players there will be desperate to impress him - or whoever might be watching and waiting to take the reins. But we'll be ready for them.
