Page one in the making as we blog, 7.49am March 13...

By Steve Dyson on Mar 13, 08 07:49 AM

A quick note about today's p1 in preparation. The ingredients:

1. We calculate 750 jobs in the paper today... a lever that always drives 30,000+ more sales on a Thursday in the Mail.

2. We also have a fascinating tale about an head teacher's alleged bullying of staff... even making them dig the school's gardens. School stories are popular with our readers.

3. Sport... there were three local crucial matches yesterday. Unfortunately nobody won, and indeed Blues lost 2-4. But Villa drew with a lucky penalty, and the Baggies also drew.

4. We have a £2 free bet to give away for all readers fancying a horse at Cheltenham

5. We have four pages inside on local reaction to the budget

6. Crucial talks between the city council and unions appear to have led to a breakthrough, with staff expected to vote this week on whether to strike again.

All will make the front page. Main boost: JOBS. Strapline above or below: Free £2 Cheltenham bet, page ??; Council strike latest, page ??; Budget special, pages ?? to ??. Splash: Head's 23 year reign of terror; Pic: Barry's 1-1 penalty rescue.

Buy tonight's paper to see if I'm right...!