Rich, Thick, Galaxy.

A couple of weeks ago in a post on the sad death of Ahmet Ertegun, I happened to mention that in the 1970's he had essentially brought football to the USA by inviting the best players in the world to spend a relaxing pre-retirement season at New York Cosmos.

I wonder if David Beckham read it and decided the time was ripe to 'Go West'? It was only a few short days later that he signed to play for LA Galaxy, in a deal that will pay him $250 million over four years. That's over a million dollars a week.

It's not about the money, says Becks, it's about "making a difference to soccer in the US, to improve the standards, and be part of history, really". And of course David, Posh , and the kids will be able to move in next door to their new best friends Tom and Katie Cruise, and their sprog.

I just don't see it working; the biggest footballing demographic in the USA is pre-teen girls, which I'm sure is great for the physical fitness of the population, but can't be enough to develop into a new national sport. I think poor David faces the prospect of ten minutes on the pitch every home game; a constant round of daytime chat shows; and embarrassing walk-ons in Will Ferrell movies. He'll be out of his depth, which hasn't been good for him in the past; prey to all the novelty weirdness that infects Californian celebrity life.

So I suggest you keep reading Mishmash Bookshop, David. We'll let you know when it's safe to come home.

Andrew Mishmash