The nights have become noticeably longer in the last few weeks and the air has taken on a chill.

My Berghaus, after a few months’ rest, is now back across my shoulders every time I leave the house.

The X Factor has started again, meaning those of us who don’t watch will find it as hard as ever to ignore the karaoke contest every time we have the temerity to open a newspaper or turn on a news programme.

The schools are back this week as well.

There’s no point trying to deny it. The pedants might insist that summer technically lasts for another few weeks, but let’s not kid ourselves. Autumn has begun.

Say goodbye to the sunny weather – the first in seven years. And bid farewell to some other old friends too.

It is somehow appropriate that transfer deadline day comes right at the start of September.

It’s a chance to say farewell to some old mates who’ve kept us company all summer.

There was the Gareth Bale  to Real Madrid story. Think of all the happy times we spent reading about that.

And there was the Wayne Rooney to Chelsea speculation. Such lovely memories.

Not to mention the Luis Suarez to Arsenal tale and the speculation about Marouane Fellaini joining Man United. Happy times.

Some of the stories ended up being true, some were false, but all of them are gone now as the temperatures drop and the leaves begin to fall.

Still, at least it’s only three months until the next transfer window opens.

Can’t wait.