NORTH END start 2002 the way 2001 ended -- full of uncertainty.

Their most pressing concern of the coming week is whether their FA Cup tie against Brighton will get the go-ahead.

After having Tuesday's clash against Sheffield Wednesday shelved due to a frozen pitch, manager David Moyes is desperate for the match against the Division Two minnows to be played.

The last thing North End would fancy would be a midweek trip down to the south coast, especially with the Sheffield Wednesday game yet to be rearranged.

But the Cup could provide a handy diversion for North End, whose lack of consistency has had fans pulling their hair out of late.

A nice run -- possibly a TV appearance against a Premiership side -- would give the club some extra cash to flash about.

And it is cash -- and how much of it there is -- which is causing some of the other uncertainties at North End.

Moyes made an interesting statement after the Wolves game, saying he couldn't afford to buy "ready-made" players.

Acting chairman Derek Shaw responded by telling fans that there was money to spend -- and in fact £3million had been spent in the last year.

But North End are looking weak at the back at the moment, and, apart from the Wolves game, Richard Cresswell's absence up front has also led to questions being asked about Moyes' chances of bringing in replacements.

Then, of course, there is David Moyes' future to consider. 2002 was heralded in with the rumour that he would be off to Everton.

Moyes has insisted he is determined to stay put -- despite hesitating when the question was put to him last year -- but with at least two Premiership clubs rumoured to have wanted him last year, fans continue to ask: "How long?"