Nick Goodway: Fireworks likely at M&S results on 5 November

Outlook Will Mark Bolland end up on top of investors' bonfires on 5 November?

The diminutive Dutchman unveils Marks & Spencer's half-year results that day.

The range of profit forecasts from the City's finest scribblers is unusually wide, going from a lowly £235m up to £280m. All of which are down on last year's £297m.

The latest data from the retail experts at Kantar show that M&S's share of the key womenswear market is still declining, albeit it at a slightly slower rate than it was a year ago.

Warm weather in September, bringing forward the seasonal sales by a week, the loss of some key senior executives and a rather bizarre Christmas TV advertising campaign are not likely to bolster enthusiasm for the retailer among investors.

It is hard to see just what Mr Bolland might be able to pull out of the bag. The Autumn/Winter fashion range was well received by the fashionistas but the proof is on the tills.

M&S shares have risen 29 per cent so far this year against a 17 per cent rise in the FTSE 100. I would be very tempted to sell them ahead of the results confident in the knowledge they will cheaper after them.