When you are really used of playing for 11 months a year, to have about 10 weeks off is pretty strange.

What do you do with yourself? Do you keep yourself ticking over? How much complete rest do you have? These are all questions that I am going to have to answer with this break that I'm having. One thing I know is I'm messing up the pattern my wife Laura had with the kids, taking them to school etc, but that's what men are for isn't it?

It was really intriguing to watch the two Conference finals play out in the MLS. With Chicago beaten by the Columbus Crew, and New York Red Bulls beating Real Salt Lake over two legs. Columbus really have been the best team in the league this year and deservedly will be playing in the final. But New York is a different matter. T

hey sneaked into the play offs after losing two of their last three games. They then beat Houston Dynamo despite being outplayed and managed to get by Real Salt Lake who did everything but score –hitting the post four times, and having 23 shots on goal.

You could say their name is written on the cup. In a one off game, anyone can win, so form goes out of the window. I'm tipping New York to sneak a win and upset the odds.

In British football it's been interesting to see everyone raving about Arsenal after beating Man Utd, then hammering them after losing to Aston Villa. It really is a thin line between winning and losing, no matter what level you are at. International week came and went, with all the trouble of players pulling out, for various reasons.

This is a very touchy topic, as club managers do not want players going away with slight niggles or long journeys ahead of them, but for a national team manager you only get about six get togethers a year so every opportunity is important.

One thing I will almost certainly guarantee is that nearly all players that pulled out will play on the weekend for their clubs, and that's what make it even more frustrating for international managers and also the fans. They want to see the best players and strongest teams.

People dropping out does give others chances and having watched Wales play in Denmark this was certainly the case. It seemed strange to watch the boys play, while not being there, but I was shouting and kicking every ball like most Welsh fans.

It was good too see Aaron Ramsey get his first cap, he showed some excellent touches and ball control. What is important is that people do not expect too much of him already as he is still only 17 years old. It was also good experience for Jack Collison and Owain Tudor Jones to get some playing time which will help both of them.

It was an excellent result, a 1-0 win, with Craig Bellamy scoring the winner, but having other great chances to score. He really could have got a hat trick against a very good team.

Wales showed courage and a great desire with the team being so young. I thought that James Collins, Chris Gunter and Craig Bellamy were superb and stood out, although everyone did a great job. John must have been delighted with everyone, and the future looks bright.

Seeing England win with all the withdrawals was interesting but seeing the buzz surrounding Diego Maradona was something special.

He really seems someone that everyone has warmed too, and seeing his expressions with every player after the game was top class.

Hugging and kissing each player, he showed what that game meant to him (not sure of the kissing though). I really hope he does well, in fact I'm sure he will.
I completed the second session of my coaching license which is taking place at Cardiff City training ground.

It's great to be getting experience on putting on sessions for players as long term this is what I want to get into. I want to give something back and pass on my experiences, both good and bad.

I also have to say thanks for the people who have sent me letters, they have been forwarded onto me from Canada, asking what I'm doing and hoping that I return next year.

These really do mean a lot to me, and I'm very grateful to you all. Hopefully I'll have some news for you all very soon.