UNITED SNAPSHOTS

SWIFT PUNISHMENT: The FA have changed their rules this season about the start of suspensions. Instead of bans starting after seven days, for players who accumulate five bookings, they now apply immediately — just like red cards.

THREE ON FOUR: Not only are Chris Robertson and the currently suspended Kieran Charnock hovering on four cautions at the moment, but fellow centre-back Mark Ellis is also one booking away from a ban. One of Ellis' yellow cards was picked up during his recent loan spell at Forest Green Rovers.

QUOTE: "You say it's one win in eight, I say it's one defeat in 13 — your cup is half-empty, mine is half-full" — Port Vale manager Micky Adams' blunt response to a local reporter's question after Tuesday's 2-2 draw with Torquay at Vale Park.

ANOTHER UPHEAVAL: Goalkeeper Michael Poke may not have been best pleased with Southampton's decision to recall him from his Plainmoor loan. In anticipation of staying for a while, Poke and partner Leanne, and new daughter Molly, recently took out a rental agreement on a property in Paignton.

OVER THE BORDER: Winger Jack Compton, son of former Gulls youth coach Paul Compton, has earned himself a two-year contract with SPL club Falkirk. Compton, 21, who graduated through the Portsmouth and WBA Academies, has played for Weymouth and currently Weston-super-Mare. But after a recent trial at Falkirk Stadium, he signed a pre-contract agreement last week and will join the Bairns when the transfer window reopens in January.