2066: Man Utd: Is the Carroll move t

by : Antony Melvin

Looking at the way Malcolm Glazer went about sorting out Tampa Bay there may be some clues as to his son’s tenure at Old Trafford. The rights and wrongs of the ownership – and even the probable length of it – are well documented. The reality is that unless the Glazers simply asset strip the lot (by selling the stadium and all the decent players) they need to be successful to maintain the sponsors and TV revenue, never mind increase it. With this in mind they must have serious plans for the team.

The current team really needs a new Schmeichel, a new Giggs and a new Keane/Scholes. The left wing may have been solved by the advances made by Kieran Richardson and Keane may be able to struggle on for another year – but a top goalkeeper is desperately needed if United aren’t going to slide back yet further towards the nearly men. At the moment Chelsea and Arsenal are too strong over the course of a season; and there is little doubt that Liverpool will be domestically stronger next season and other big spenders like Everton, Spurs and Newcastle will gain points.

All the indications were that Roy Carroll would have signed his deal if he could be guaranteed to start next season as number one. And at the last minute it looked like he would sign it anyway – only to have it withdrawn. Now that leaves Tim Howard and the returning Luke Steele as the choices at Old Trafford – neither of which is a natural first choice. So letting Carroll and Ricardo go is suggestive of a transfer budget being readied by the Glazers. And that the club management know that they have money to spend.

Despite their silence the Glazers must be worried by the militancy of some fans and realise that the easiest way to quell any unrest is to return the team to the top. At Tampa Bay this was done by exchanging unprecedented numbers of trades and cash to get in the best coach. In the absence of a move for Jose Mourinho it seems likely that a big transfer budget will be made available this summer to try to repeat the trick.

The weekend papers were full of potential targets; The Sun had £35m for a bid for Juventus’s Gianluigi Buffon; The Star had a £10m swoop to Tottenham’s Paul Robinson; The Mirror
reported a bid for Newcastle United’s Shay Given; and so on. There were seemingly more kites being flown on Saturday on this subject than in the closing scene of Mary Poppins. The rumoured figures are big, but they are not in the same league as the loans used to buy the club. So a big money move for a goalkeeper seems very likely. And if no chances are to be taken then Paul Robinson would appear ideal – especially if Martin Jol fancies the look of some of the United squad. Perhaps Luis Saha or the adaptable John O’Shea could be considerable makeweights in any deal.

Of course a move for Buffon would be sensational, but after the Taibi experience he would represent a big gamble and would cost much, much more than Robinson.

If the Glazers have any intention of winning the hearts and minds at Old Trafford they will start in the transfer market – and the England goalkeeper would appear to be the ideal first catch.

Obviously if it’s asset stripping time then please ignore all transfer speculation and have a look at the 1000/1 on offer for relegation - but extreme asset sales are less likely than borrowing a few more quid and loading it on the club. The Glazers need to turn this disastrous PR situation around - expect purchases as soon as Sir Alex Ferguson returns from holiday in the second week of June.

2065: Liverpool: The comings and goi

by : Chris Sherrard

As the new champions of Europe, Liverpool will be in a magnificent bargaining position this summer as they look to build on their over-achieving panel of players and bring in that real additional quality which would see them maintain their renewed position at the top echelon of club football.

It’s a certain guarantee that between now and the start of the new domestic season, Rafa Benitez will have been linked with more young footballers than Jordan and Girls Aloud combined.

But which of the hoards will actually sign on? To answer that, you would need to assess who is likely to be leaving Anfield. Or who should be leaving.

Well, let’s start with Harry Kewell and Milan Baros. If their hearts are not at the club then they should be kicked straight into touch. Kewell has been a disgrace since he arrived on Merseyside and there won’t be a great deal of managers in the top flight who will have been convinced enough that he is still a professional footballer to match the astronomical wages he is sitting on - a significant part of the malaise which has set into his game at Liverpool.

Baros, too, keeps making unwelcome noises about which clubs covet him and where he might like to end up. Well, good. Let him go. No club needs any players who keep eyeing up other surroundings at every opportunity. Baros wouldn’t be missed at Liverpool half as much as he likes to think he would. Djibril Cisse is twice the player of the Czech international and will prove it given an extended run in the side free of injury next season. Similarly, Benitez has got a proven world class striker awaiting his time to fully make his mark at Anfield. Fernando Morientes would be available for any European adventures next season and those two are a good bet to form the club’s strike partnership; rendering the vociferous Baros surplus to requirements.

But they could be doing with a couple more options in attack if he does leave. While saying that Morientes and Cisse will be the first choice pairing, it is important to remember that that doesn’t leave much room for error in terms of injuries and suspensions. Neil Mellor is a good option when he returns to fitness but Benitez should look to bolster his attacking options. And he could do that in the form of someone like Robbie Keane or Fulham’s Luis Boa Morte.

The Portuguese wide man has been one of the few shining lights at Craven Cottage of late and his signature at Liverpool would provide a range of options to Benitez, given Boa Morte’s ability to play wide on the left or in a supporting role to the strikers. He’s an infinitely more reliable alternative to Harry Kewell and wouldn’t break the bank either. Similarly, Robbie Keane’s energy and industry would be a good signing for The Reds.

I think the talk of Steven Gerrard packing his bags and saying goodbye to the Anfield Circus should be buried now. His decision to go with his heart and remain at Liverpool for this season has been rewarded and justified in phenomenal fashion. He wants to win things, and he wants Liverpool FC to win things. By combining the two, there couldn’t have been a happier man in Istanbul last week. Any talk of Chelsea’s cash attracting him must pale behind the massive silver trophy he hoisted in Turkey and lovingly cradled that night.

But it is imperative that Benitez recognises the importance of building on this triumph now and striking while his iron is red hot. A stronger defence is needed alongside the sublime Jamie Carragher and impressive Steve Finnan. And for all Jerzy Dudek’s heroics against Milan, he is not a long term solution. And that is something the Spanish manager has already seen if the rumours of a move for £6million Villarreal keeper Jose Reina come to fruition.

I wouldn’t be surprised if Valencia’s defensive giant Roberto Ayala links up again with Benitez for the start of the new season. He is one of the top five or six central defenders in world football, in my opinion, and his potential partnership with Carragher would be a mouth-watering one for Liverpool supporters.

Obviously there is not an awful not of rebuilding needed to do at a club which has just captured the top club prize in football. But their manager is shrewd enough to recognise the room for improvement and will be, as we speak, plotting his next moves. To keep Liverpool flying high, he has no option but to strengthen.

2058: Everton's summer transfer opti

by : Henry Knight

The uncertainty of whether Everton or Liverpool will be taking a place in the Champions League will disrupt both clubs transfer policies for the summer; mainly because the UEFA Cup will provide far less of a boost to their respective transfer kitties than a Champions League place will, but also because of the type of player each club will be able to lure to their club.

David Moyes is unlikely to buy in star name players for hefty transfer fees, instead, he will be mostly buying good talented players for bargain prices; the recent purchase of Tottenham’s Welsh wing wizard Simon Davies, for a meager 4 million pounds, is a good example of this. This being the case it means that not being in the Champions League will only prove a minor financial problem for Everton.

Everton’s transfer targets must be a long term replacement of defensive midfield engine Thomas Gravesen, a more competent left back than Gary Naysmith, a better, younger goalkeeper than the ageing Nigel Martyn and to complete the defence, a centre back with physical presence, a calming presence and European experience; Vladimir Tymoschuk, Patrice Evra (unlikely), Robert Green and Igor Tudor are possible candidates.

In an attacking quantity Everton lack the flair and experience to truly push on in Europe, however their game would not suit the traditional light weight playmaker and so a more solid and powerful attacker, in the mould of Pavel Nedved, would be ideal. Another wide player and possibly a faster more clinical striker than what they already have, would be ideal; Belezoglu Emre, Yuri Zhirkov and Dirk Kuijt all fit the bill.

Whatever happens in the summer, Everton, like Liverpool, are in a position to strengthen and both clubs will be flying the flag for England in Europe; any nostalgia upon hearing this is very forgivable. The Merseyside clubs are strong again and so is English football.

2063: Liverpool: The Champions' Leag

by : Fred Tarow

So Sean O'Meara believes that Liverpool cannot be allowed to defend their UEFA Champions League title because "the rules are the rules". While Sean's argument, I felt, was well made, he is utterly, utterly wrong. Liverpool must be allowed to defend their title. For the good of the game UEFA must hold up their hands and admit that they have gotten it wrong. By them passing the buck to the FA, football's image is being tarnished and UEFA are unwittingly making themselves look stubborn and weak. It could all quite easily culminate (as suggested by Antony Melvin's March article) in a needless court case that can be avoided by UEFA making the logical and correct decision that will adversely affect none of the parties involved.

Let me just clarify, I am not a Liverpool fan. In fact, as an Irish Tottenham fan who grew up during the 80's and 90's surrounded by Liverpool supporters who's every taunt about how inferior my team was to theirs embedded further in me a deep hated of the red half of Liverpool, I find it astounding that I am erring on their side on this particular issue. The reason? Because common sense dictates that the winners of any trophy must be allowed to defend it. It's a basic principle that applies, or at least should apply, in any sport. There is no reason why UEFA cannot change their rules and allow this to happen. So they would set a precedent that allows the Champions League winners to defend their trophy regardless of their league position.

Who would suffer because of the rule change?

It will at least ensure that we never find ourselves in this ridiculous position again. In fact Welsh champions TNS have made it easy for UEFA by stating that they would be happy to face Liverpool in a pre-qualifier for the competition. All that is stopping Liverpool competing in next years competition is UEFA's pride.

Do UEFA not realize that they are making a mockery of their own showpiece competition? The name "Champions League" will look even more illogical next season if the champions aren't allowed to defend their title. It would be like throwing a birthday party and not inviting the birthday boy. Surely UEFA aren't trying to tell us that winning their premier competition is less of an achievement than finishing fourth, yes fourth, in the English, Spanish or Italian leagues? What, then, does that say about what UEFA define as their "most prestigious club competition"? The Champion's League is supposed to be a competition for the best teams in Europe. Therefore how on earth can the current champions be considered less deserving of a place in the competition than the fourth placed teams in the aforementioned leagues?

I've heard some commentators lay blame for the situation at the FA's door. They should apparently dump Everton into the UEFA cup and allocate their Champions League place to Liverpool. No they shouldn't. Everton have earned the right to compete in the Champions League and to deny them that now would needlessly stir up a hornet's nest and set the wheels of the dreaded legal process in motion. Anyway, why should the FA do UEFA's dirty work for them? UEFA have made the mistake here, and unlike the Spanish FA in 2001, who allocated Real Madrid a place in the Champion's League as defending champions despite finishing fifth in the Primera Liga (at the expense of Zaragoza who finished fourth), the English FA should take a strong line and insist that Everton will compete in next season's Champions League while also doing all they can to aid Liverpool's cause.

It is not often that I subscribe to the logic of professional wrestling but to paraphrase Ric Flair "To be the champions, you have
to beat the champions". Next years winners of the Champions League (presuming it isn't Liverpool) must either directly or indirectly defeat the reigning champions, otherwise theirs will be a hollow and diluted victory. Yet I don't hold out much hope for Liverpool, I get the feeling that UEFA has their knife in hand ready to spitefully slice the nose right off of it's face.

2057: Liverpool: How do you come bac

by : Sean OMeara

Not taking anything away from the tremendous effort put in by the players in red in the Champions League final in Istanbul; to lose a three goal lead in a major competition final is pretty much unforgivable. You can be sure that is how vice presidents Galliani, Nardi and Berlusconi will see it.

Three goals to nil up and coasting, going into the break.

But psychologically, is it actually harder to defend a three goal lead than to make up a three goal deficit?

The ‘nothing to lose vs. everything to lose’ syndrome. We’ve seen it many times before.

Liverpool have, of course, come back from three down in pressure situations. In a Premiership match against a Manchester United team in their pomp the Reds were 3-0 down before Nigel Clough got one back before half-time – before adding a second early in the second half. A Ruddock header in the dying minutes completed the comeback.

Spurs are famous for their disposable three goal leads, particularly against Manchester opposition. The North London side have flushed three goal advantages down the toilet on two occasions in recent seasons.

Against Manchester United, a Glenn Hoddle side went in three up at the break, only to concede a terrible five in the second half. Even worse, last season saw a David Pleat side concede a first half three goal advantage to the ten men of Manchester City in forty-five shocking FA Cup tie minutes.

With a one goal lead, it is slender. One mistake, one slip of concentration, or even one small slice of bad luck and it’s all square and it’s anybody’s game. Players stay focussed, and concentrate on the task in hand, knowing that the lead could so easily be lost.

A two goal lead offers that comfort zone, where it takes a little more than that one slip up, or ricochet to upset the apple cart. But, give the opposition a sniff and they’re right back in it at 2-1.

But, a three goal lead offers so much more than just a comfort zone. You can practically put your feet up. No way are you going to let the opponent score three or more times when, after all, you don’t even need to venture out of your own half!

But if your opponent can just get that foothold in the game with that oh-so-vital first goal early enough in the second half, a combination of two things starts to happen. Players seem to be caught between the comfort zone and the edginess that leads to mistakes. This is a very dangerous place to be.

In the blink of an eye the opposition will have the momentum and players can start to make mistakes as their desperation to preserve the two goal cushion sets in.

What we saw in the Champions League final this season was a tactical and personnel change that upset Milan and took away the freedom they had enjoyed in the first half.

The introduction of Hamann, and Kaka’s name was hardly mentioned; the outlet the Italians had enjoyed for forty-five minutes was plugged. Garcia, who had moved inside for Kewell, when Smicer came on to go wide right, started to see a lot more of the ball after the break as Gerrard also broke forward. The Spaniard started to make a real nuisance of himself.

But the main undoing of Milan was the Smicer goal, which really was a goal out of nothing, but put Liverpool right back in it at 3-2 and put the Italians under immense pressure, having been under none.

At this score line, the team with the advantage will have been feeling a huge three goal advantage slipping through their fingers. Desperation would have set in.

Conversely, at 3-2, having been dead and buried, Liverpool were on a roll and brimming with confidence. Having scored twice already, one more was certainly achievable.

Then of course it came, and at 3-3 the Italians’ state of mind was shattered and the Reds would’ve felt unbeatable.

Over the next twenty or so minutes things started to level out and Milan began to reclaim some of the possession and Liverpool legs started to tire. But, the damage was done and the Milan confidence long gone.

This also helped Liverpool in the shoot-out. In the high pressure situation of a penalty shoot-out, the Milan players would be in disbelief at having to face this torturous situation having been coasting after forty-five minutes.

The Liverpool players would be feeling the exact opposite – the nothing to lose mentality, the ‘we were down and out’ mind set, where everything they achieve is a bonus.

All of this must not detract from the fact that no team, certainly at the top level of the game, should ever lose a three goal advantage. A good side can play out a 0-0 draw by shutting out the opposition and a very good side can nick a goal into the bargain and take a 1-0. This was always Milan’s strength. Their lean defence and ability to get an odd goal on the break.

Milan should’ve been able to comfortably soak up the pressure, against a team who at 3-0 down had absolutely no chance of getting anything from the game. It was vital not to concede early in the second half, as this gave Liverpool the belief that they had time to get the other two. The longer it takes to get the first of the three the steeper the hill becomes.

Whichever way you cut it, for AC Milan to concede a three goal lead really was beyond the pale.

2055: Liverpool’s summer transfer op

by : Henry Knight

The uncertainty of whether Everton or Liverpool will be taking a place in the Champions League will disrupt both clubs transfer policies for the summer; mainly because the UEFA Cup will provide far less of a boost to their respective transfer kitties than a Champions League place will, but also because of the type of player each club will be able to lure to their club.

Liverpool, on the other hand, have much bigger aspirations than Everton; having just won the Champions League Benitez will surely look to be far more involved in the domestic title race. In order to achieve this, it is unlikely that bargain buys will be on the agenda. The money will almost definitely be in place, however, if Liverpool are not going to be in the Champions League, it is unlikely that they will be able to compete for top A-List players. Just as Moyes has shown his knowledge of the British transfer market i.e. the brilliant buys of Tim Cahill and James McFadden, Benitez has shown his knowledge of Spanish football with the smart purchases of Luis Garcia and Xabi Alonso.

Despite the heroics of Jerzy Dudek in the Champions League final, his exit has been on the cards for a while and Jose Reina, the Spanish keeper who has had a superb season with Villareal, looks likely to come in as Dudek’s replacement. With the position of goalkeeper covered, Benitez will have to strengthen his back four who have been abysmal, when not protected by the midfield, with the notable exception of the classy Jamie Carragher; Hatem Trabelsi, Jorge Andrade and Patrice Evra (more likely to move to Liverpool than Everton) would complete a formidable and extremely pacy back line.

If Benitez keeps the trio of Xabi Alonso, Steven Gerrard and Dietmar Hamann together only Chelsea, AC Milan, Inter Milan and Barcelona could argue to have a better central midfield. The wing positions and the position of support striker are a minor problem as Luis Garcia, John Arne Riise, Harry Kewell and Antonio Nunez have not proven to be of the quality Benitez desires; Luque, Aimar and Amdy Van Der Meyde would be awesome for Liverpool, but all are unlikely to go to a team not in the Champions League. Beasley, Van der Vaart and Saun Wright Phillips, despite not having the same pedigree as the previous three, could work out just as well and would jump at the chance to join Liverpool.

Whatever happens in the summer, Liverpool, like Everton, are in a position to strengthen and both clubs will be flying the flag for England in Europe; any nostalgia upon hearing this is very forgivable. The Merseyside clubs are strong again and so is English football.

2054: Martin O Neill – thanks for th

by : Sean Graham

The transformation at the Hawthorns has been phenomenal. At the half-way point of the season they had won just once, lost 11, scored 15 goals and conceded a whopping 41 goals. In the second half they had won five, lost just five and reduced their goals against column to 20. Some people insist that Robson should be awarded the freedom of West Bromwich for guiding the team to safety. Amanda though, who was one of those who questioned his appointment but is now a firm believer, insists that he still has a bit to do before he can be presented with that great accolade.

“He has turned it around completely and we watch with interest as to who he gets in to build the team for the next stage. There are still some question marks around his team selection and tactics at time so no lord of the manor just yet. We want to keep him on his toes. The press are already saying he'll be off to England or Man Utd next!”

The good news for West Brom though is that Robson’s immediate future lies at the Hawthorns and you can bet your bottom dollar that he is not resting on his laurels and basking in the glory of last day survival. He will already be busy drawing up a dossier of names he wants to attract to the Hawthorns for the new campaign and Amanda, who thinks Gera, Robinson and Clement were all outstanding this season, believes the club need to be heavily active in the transfer market to build on this platform.

“We need five quality players. Two forwards (Earnie is not the finished product and Kanu and Horsefield are not up to a season of Premiership football), a driving midfielder to replace Richardson, another right back (Albrechtson has been caught out on a few occasions) and perhaps another midfielder. That still leaves us very thin on the ground as a squad but we need quality and not quantity.”

Confidence in the West Midlands is sky-high at the moment and the Baggies are convinced that they will not be involved in a relegation dogfight next season, particularly if they can carry on where they left off and Robson can bring in the quality needed to improve the squad further.

“We will survive. The three teams coming up will be below us as well as possibly Fulham, Blackburn and even Villa! A boring mid-table finish will do just fine. We have had too many season in a row now of last day drama!”

Bryan Robson has restored his reputation as one of the games best managers and West Brom have retained their status as one of the country’s top sides. The future looks bright at the Hawthorns and I’ve already gone to the bookies to place £20 on the Baggies surviving next season as well. I don’t normally condone gambling but if they can kick-off where they left off then this will be the easiest money I have ever made in my life.

The days of the Baggies boing-boinging between the Championship and the Premiership are over. The next chapter is under way and I will be an interested spectator to see how far Robson can take them.
Last Sunday Celtic lost more than just a League Championship as the players made their way up the Fir Park tunnel after the 2-1 defeat that cost them the title, the fears of the supporters and players were soon to be confirmed in fact it was to be announced on the 25 May 2005 a day that Celtic Football Club have long since remembered since 1967 the greatest day in the history of the football club, the day the beat Inter Milan to lift the European Cup.

Was this some sort of omen then that the man whom some seen as the best Manager since the late great Jock Stein would choose
This day to announce that he was to step down?

Martin O’Neill was a man well respected in his time at Celtic Park and he was a man loyal to his players in his five years at the club and it would be his loyalty to his sick wife Geraldine and no man can blame him that would be his reason for him stepping down.

This could prove to be the O’Neill’s toughest battle yet but I am sure they know that the thought’s and prayers of many are with them during this difficult time for them.

What will the Celtic fans remember Martin O Neill for?

His man management skills?

The treble in his first season?

The Championship in his second season?

Being runners up in three competitions in 2002/03?

Double winners in 2003/04

The two last day League losses?

The final cup win?

I think not, the Manager will be remembered as not only being a great manager but he restored the pride to the name Celtic with their superb UEFA Cup run beating some great names on the way to the final v Porto in Seville.

Twice being written off playing Blackburn and Liverpool under O’Neill this Celtic team took Europe by storm and were cheated out of a UEFA Cup win by a street wise Porto team under a master manager who has gone on to beat the best Premiership can offer-Jose Mourinho.

Martin O Neill can be proud of his achievements at Celtic Park in his time there and I along with many other fans thank him for all that he has done for Celtic Football Club he leaves the club in very good hands and I am sure that Gordon Strachan will think so also.

2053: West Brom: Reflecting on the g

by : Colin Illingworth

West Brom and Bryan Robson didn’t just beat the drop on ‘survival Sunday’ they also beat the omens, the critics and the doubters. The Baggies were odds on favourites for the drop before a ball was even kicked this season and were written off by every critic and pundit going. The odds of them beating the drop became even longer at Christmas when they propped up the table and the albatross of no team having ever avoided relegation was thrown around their necks. So when the news filtered through to the Hawthorns that the Baggies had achieved the greatest of escapes the footballing world has ever seen, 27,000 thousand exuberant Albion fans erupted as nine-month’s worth of agony, heartbreak and despair were replaced by sheer jubilation, delirium and immense pride in the boss and players that had managed to make their wildest dream come true.

Amanda Hume, secretary of he Sutton Coldfield branch of West Brom supporters, was at the Hawthorns on that final day and witnessed the tension, the drama and the euphoria first-hand, in what she described as an unbelievable but traumatic afternoon.

“The atmosphere inside the Hawthorns when the Palace result came through was absolutely unbelievable,” said Amanda. “We never dared to suppose that all three results would come in as we wanted them to. It was a traumatic 90 minutes as the scores were being passed around from the executive boxes and from those with radios. We relied on the Pompey fans for the Manchester United goals. It was so strange when we scored the second goal and yet hardly celebrated because Palace were winning. Those final moments waiting for the whistle at the Valley were the longest of our lives.”

The fans swarmed on to the hallowed turf and partied for hours after the news had come through and have been in party mood ever since, and will probably still be celebrating up when the new season kicks-off in August. West Brom will be returning to the likes of Old Trafford, Stamford Bridge and Anfield but Amanda, who like most fans was preparing for a return to the Championship, doesn’t think reality will truly set in until the new fixture list is released. However, now that their future has been decided, she would love to go through the last day shenanigans all over again.

“I tried to tell myself beforehand we were going down but of course deep down I hoped we wouldn't. It was the longest second half ever. I just wish I could relive it all again though! Spookily enough, back in mid-January I looked at all the fixtures for the four teams at the bottom and forecasted win, lose or draw for them. My forecast final placings were exactly as they finished. If only I'd rushed out and put money on it….”

I wonder how many fans would love the opportunity to go back in time and put a couple of quid on the Baggies surviving at Christmas?!

Since the turn of the year West Brom have been a joy to watch and you have to give credit to Bryan Robson, who in many people’s eyes was the manager of the year, and Nigel Pearson for the way they have shored up the defence and boosted team spirit. However, his initial appointment was muted with a mixed response. His first game ended in defeat against his former employees Middlesbrough at the Hawthorns which will always be remembered for Kanu’s glaring goal line miss that cost them a crucial point. He then took his troops to Highbury and stunned everybody by coming away with a point. But defeats by Manchester United, Portsmouth and Charlton were followed by absolute annihilations by Birmingham, 4-0, and Liverpool, 5-0 and some fans began chanting for Robson to be sacked.

The turning point of their season though came on December 28 when they went to Manchester City, despite being battered from pillar to post. The Baggies couldn’t even muster a single shot on target but their luck was about to turn as an own goal from Richard Dunne gave them an unexpected point. This result was followed by draws against Bolton and Newcastle and suddenly they started to defend as a team and had some sort of shape about them. They went from Premiership whipping boys to a side that could actually pass the ball about and play some pretty neat football.

The introduction of Kevin Campbell and Kieron Richardson were masterstrokes as they provided the youth and experience that the club desperately needed. However, not even they could prevent the Baggies from shooting themselves in the foot time and time again. The first occasion was against Fulham at the Cottage when Diop headed home a winner deep into injury time. A magnificent 2-0 victory over Manchester City at home reignited their safety hopes but absolute heartbreak was to follow as they blew a 2-1 injury time lead over Crystal Palace and another 2-1 lead over Norwich to cost them crucial points.

But the improvements were there for everyone to see and somehow Robson kept picking his troops up game after game. They became hard to beat and when they equalised against Villa in stoppage time, followed by victories over Birmingham, Charlton and Everton the Baggies truly believed that the great escape was on. Heartbreak against Middlesbrough though brought them back down to earth but they continued to battle and a priceless point at Old Trafford ensured that they went into the final day of the season with a chance.

2052: Man Utd: FA Cup reflections -

by : Tim Heming

It may have been a torturing final afternoon for Alex Ferguson, who must have felt the slipping from the Old Trafford trophy cabinet long before we reached the dreaded penalty scenario, but going forth into the new season it should be the long-standing Manchester maestro, as opposed to his long-time nemesis, that has the most cause for optimism.

Arsenal shorn of Thierry Henry, only had six shots on target at the Millennium on Saturday, and five of them were penalties. Now I sit neutrally, with no axe to grind against either of these two footballing colossuses, but should you have removed teenage tormentors Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo from roaming the flanks, then the most fascinating of scoreless draws could have been reduced the tedium of that painstaking Liverpool / Manchester United encounter of 1996 (or the one with putrid pale suits and a thankful winning Cantona volley in the dying minutes, if that jogs the memory better).

It was Rooney who rightly scooped the man-of-the-match award, not as some claimed on phone-ins on post match radio, because it was the latest in a long line of preferential treatment from the FA, but simply because he was one of only two players who looked as if, and more importantly, were prepared to make something happen. Sure, not everything came off for the young Scouser, who must have had at least 50 percent of United’s 23 efforts on goal, but he was never overawed by the magnitude of the clash, and kept his temper, as did the more naturally mild-mannered Ronaldo, whenever the rough house treatment was dished out.

Much was made of the performance of Jens Lehmann, and as proven, you should never back against the Germans in a shoot-out, but barring his neat stop from Paul Scholes’ aftertime effort, had he failed to save any of the strikes he competently dealt with during the two hours of play then he would have been pilloried once again as the weakest link. The last ten minutes of regular time he even resorted to shaky Lehman of pre-Christmas, with only Freddie Ljungberg instincts in stopping Ruud Van Nistelrooys header, saving the ex-Dortmund stopper’s blushes from a cross he had let drift inexplicably across his goal area.

So, not Lehmann, but Rooney, and what was so special about the driving purposeful pocket-rocket was his sheer strength and determination. From a quiet start, he fired in fours shots in as many minutes in a blistering first-half cameo, one of which, from Paul Scholes’ pre-planned corner, would have been the cup final goal of this and any other season. Where Jose Antonio Reyes failed to impose himself and ended a frustrating afternoon with a red card, and Dennis Bergkamp was a nonentity in his exposed lone front running role, Rooney’s razor sharp football brain was as inventive as ever, a point proved when with little support he directed the outside of his right foot across the ball to speer a drive which cannoned back of Lehmann’s near post.

On the other side of the field, Ronaldo made his intentions clear with an early sixty yard excursion, full of tricks, that left Lauren floundering, not for the last time of an afternoon, and a cross that led to Scholes heading over the first chance of the game. It was Ronaldo’s insistence to always to run with the ball which entertained throughout, and had Rob Styles not been refereeing this as a ‘Cup Final’, what price that Lauren and Patrick Vieira, who also had to literally get to grips with the young Portugese, staying on the pitch?

Manchester United may not have emerged victorious, and there can be many reasons for it - Van Nistelrooy’s lack of match sharpness and lady luck shining on Arsenal - but for next season, Malcolm Glazer madness permitting, the future looks far better for Ferguson than it does for Highbury’s Saturday heroes.

2051: England: Why were there only t

by : Sean OMeara

The Champions League final was a fantastic night for English football, with a great display from Liverpool, as they came back from 3-0 down to beat AC Milan. However, one statistic to come out of the final was very disappointing.

Only two English players featured in the game for the Merseysiders.

While this should not, and does not, detract from the Reds’ great achievement, of which we are all very proud, it is a worrying statistic.

It must also be stated though, that these two players were probably the two best players on the field for the Reds and set a shining example for their nine team mates to follow - which they did.

Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher were, in the second half at least, unbelievable and did English football proud.

But just how many English players are getting the opportunity to play at this level?

In addition to Carragher and Gerrard, only twenty-one other English players have played a role in this season’s competition.

There were other home grown players registered in the competition squads, but youngsters such as John Welsh, Scott Carson, Neil Mellor, Chris Eagles and Justin Hoyte made only very occasional, often one-off substitute appearances.

Of the twenty-one, only two thirds have been key players in their clubs’ European campaigns this season, making five* or more European appearances: -

Michael Owen (5)
David Beckham (6)
Owen Hargreaves (8)
Frank Lampard (12)
John Terry (11)
Joe Cole (9)
Glen Johnson (6)
Gary Neville (5)
Wes Brown (7)
Paul Scholes (7) – retired from England team
Rio Ferdinand (5)
Wayne Rooney (6)
Ashley Cole (8)
Alan Thompson (5)
Chris Sutton (5)

* Alan Smith and Phil Neville would have five appearances if you counted the qualifying round.

Few would argue that Sol Campbell and Wayne Bridge should also be included here, as they would very likely have featured more, were it not for injury.

Also, while the number of appearances by a player will depend on his club’s progress in the competition, it should be noted of the players included in this number, only those playing for Celtic did not progress to the knockout stage of the competition.

At risk of upsetting our readers North of the border, Thompson and Sutton can be excluded due to their inability to break into the national side, despite much first team football in both Scottish domestic and European competition.

This leaves just twelve potential England players making five or more appearances at the top level of European football this season.

Is this the root cause of England’s apparent inability to compete on the world stage?

Is it that too many of the players brought into the national side and expected to perform in major international competitions, are inexperienced at the highest level of the club game?

The England manager could barely assemble a first eleven from the key English players on the European scene.

Conversely, we can look at the some of the players regularly called upon by Sven that either did not feature heavily or play at all in Europe’s top club competition this season.

Paul Robinson, Michael Carrick, Ledley King and Jermain Defoe, all of Spurs, played in neither European competition this season and are relying on Fair Play qualification for the UEFA Cup next term.

In fact, not only does Robinson not currently play at the top level of club football, but none of Sven’s three goalkeepers do, with Robert Green recently relegated back to the Championship.

Scott Parker at Chelsea is a well publicised case of quality English talent not able to break into his club side. He did though feature for Chelsea on a surprising four European occasions this season.

Shaun Wright-Phillips has no continental experience to date and will miss out again next season, barring a move away from Manchester City. However, the right winger will surely be a key player in Sven’s plans for 2006.

Stewart Downing, Jermain Jenas, Kieron Dyer, Andrew Johnson, Nicky Butt, James Beattie, Emile Heskey and Darius Vassell are just other examples of players either consistently in recent England squads or looking to break into the National side, who will again not be facing top European opposition at club level next season.

Not only are many of our England players not the best in their respective domestic leagues or their current club sides, but they are also not getting the opportunity to compete against the best in Europe.

2050: 2004/5 review: Arsenal – B min

by : Kieran McHugh

This season – 2nd

Last Season - Champions

Defined by three matches against Manchester United and another disappointing European campaign, the Arsenal faithful may not be inclined to look back on this season with too much fondness. Despite an FA Cup win that owed more to steely resolve than the free flowing football we have come to expect from Wenger’s men, it’s possible that in years to come it will be seen as a pivotal campaign.

It was always likely to prove difficult to match either their feats of 2003/04 or their nouveau riche rivals from across the capital. That they couldn’t should not be a cause for abject disappointment. That they were able to hang onto Chelsea’s coat tails, and move away from United in the league, whilst still slightly hamstrung by their commitments at Ashburton Grove, proves what an astute manager they have in Arsene Wenger. If you factor in the emergence of such talent as was seen in their Carling Cup run, and the fact they are only a season away from welcoming the Premiership and Europe’s finest, to their new 60,000 seater stadium, the FA Cup could be seen as a decent return.

However, having gone through the entire 2003/04 league campaign unbeaten, it was always to be a tall order to live up to expectations at home. The only way for Arsenal to make tangible progress would have been a sustained run in Europe. Wenger has since gone on record as saying that the Champions League is less of a priority than the Premiership, but this does little to mask the disappointment of going out of the competition early, again, and watching lesser rivals carry the flag.

The current first team squad at Highbury are beginning to age, without having got remotely close to winning the trophy that most others see as the pinnacle of achievement at club level. History may well judge Wenger’s reign in terms of titles, unbeaten seasons and FA Cup glory, but the fans crave a European Cup. After having seen Manchester United and now, Liverpool win the big one, the argument that it is Arsenal’s turn is less compelling. With Chelsea’s relentless pursuit of every title up for grabs now only likely to gather strength, Wenger has some tough decisions to make.

Amongst these decisions must be the resolution of the goalkeeping question. Although magnificent in Cardiff a week ago, Jens Lehmann has never really convinced. His errors in the away leg against Bayern Munich cost the Gunners dear. With others having tried and failed to fill the gloves left by David Seaman, it must be time for fresh blood.

Ashley Cole’s future has also taken up more of the manager’s time this season than he would have wished. If they were to lose Cole, they have the perfect replacement in Frenchman Gael Clichy, whose overlapping runs at full back make him virtually a carbon copy of the young Ashley.

The final question that will face Arsenal and Wenger as they seek to regain the Championship is this. At what stage does he introduce his young Gunners to league football? Fabregas and van Persie have already staked their claims and many more of the squad that took them close to a Carling Cup showdown with Chelsea look ready for the Premiership. It looks likely that he’ll choose this season to blood them, mainly in home games. If Wenger can rebuild using this group of players, it may be that the run to the Carling Cup semi final was of more long term benefit than the FA Cup win.

What will 2005/06 bring?

A return to form and a more determined challenge to Chelsea. Will most likely finish second best to Roman’s army once more at home. These days who can tell who will win in Europe?

2049: Liverpool should not be allowe

by : Sean OMeara

The decision regarding whether Liverpool, as European Champions, should be allowed to defend their coveted title next season is an easy one to make.

In the world of sport, one thing must always remain a constant; the rules are the rules.

What is a rule? A precept, a law, a maxim. Cambridge defines it as ‘an accepted principle or instruction that states the way things are, or should be done, and tells you what you are allowed or are not allowed to do.’

It is always very sensible to set out the rules of a competition before the competition starts. In fact, it can of course be done no other way. Only in school playgrounds are rules made up as the game unfolds.

So, we define the rules of our beloved sport and only ever alter them between competitions. Why? Because to alter a competition rule during a competition, or retrospectively once a competition has ended removes the point of having rules.

I doubt there is a football fan in the world, that would refute the suggestion that the holder of a title, should always be allowed automatic entry into that same competition, to defend that title.

Why UEFA have elected not to make this the case is unclear.

However, the competition does not allow wildcard entry for the holder, and that, unfortunately for Liverpool, is that.

Qualification for the Champions League is via domestic league placing. All twenty Premiership teams knew that at the start of the season, including Liverpool. Liverpool failed to achieve a placing in the table that would take them into next season’s competition and so must miss out.

It is UEFA’s undoing, in that next season’s competition will definitely be de-valued without Liverpool’s presence in it.

Absolutely the only way Liverpool could have been permitted to compete in the competition next season, would have been if the FA had chosen to allocate the four allotted places to the top three Premiership teams plus the fourth placed side, if no lower placed Premiership side were the eventual winners. This would have given Everton conditional qualification, dependent on whether Liverpool did or not win in the final.

Had this rule been defined at the start of the season, everyone would have been clear, and Everton fans and players alike would have watched the Liverpool v Milan final unfold with very bated breath indeed.

However, this rule should have been laid out before the start of the season, and was not. The FA have rightly stuck to the rules they defined for these places, and have awarded their allocation of four to the top four Premiership sides.

Many feel strongly that UEFA need to change the rule. They feel that for the good of the game and the competition they need to allow the holder to defend the title. However, this can only be done in advance of next season’s competition.

FIFA, rightly or wrongly, no longer allow the World Cup holders automatic entry into the Finals. However, due to the structure of the competition the winner will always be offered the chance to qualify.

The Champions League is no different, with the exception that the qualifying process for the next season concludes before the eventual winner of this season’s trophy is known.

Every team in this season’s Champions League had a chance to qualify for next season’s competition.

Liverpool had their stab at qualification and, very sadly for all, they blew it.

2048: How many of the glory boys hav

by : Antony Melvin

As the hangovers start to fade and the reality of winning club football's biggest prize sinks in it is appropriate to dwell on the ephemeral nature of football. Over half the Liverpool squad that was responsible for last night's glory will be moved on this summer - there is no room for sentimentality when there is a team to build.

The question of how Rafa Benitez can ever top this achievement can be left for another day. The needs of the Premiership mean that the players that Gerard Houllier collected for an assault on Europe are ill-suited to domestic football and, regardless of their talent, they need to be replaced.

Vladimir Smicer

is a talented player who would not look out of place at a top Serie A team. He passes and moves, shoots well enough and generally links play in a very pleasing manner. He isn't suited to the Premiership and his last acts in a Liverpool shirt - scoring the crucial penalty in the shoot-out before kissing his club badge - will concrete his place in Liverpool folk law. Out of contract.

Jerzy Dudek

The Polish keeper was the man of the match in many people's eyes. But, despite the impression, he isn't Grobelaar - and a manager that spends the fat end of £10m on two other goalkeepers is unlikely to persist with Dudek. Liverpool now have 4 first team goalkeepers - Dudek and/or Kirkland will have to leave. A great night, but possibly his last before he returns to Holland.

Didi Hamann

He was effectively dropped for Harry Kewell last night - but once he came on Liverpool were twice the side. Careful in possession the veteran German is ideal for Europe and also effective in the Premiership. If Benitez were to let him go it would be a mistake.

Harry Kewell

The injury prone Australian seems to have made his peace with Benitez. But he probably needs a fresh start somewhere a little less pressured - and the Liverpool management are unlikely to stop him from leaving if they could get £2m for him.

Igor Biscan

Didn't play last night but had been instrumental in getting Liverpool to the final. Reportedly told he could leave in January - with his contract running down he will be remembered fondly in a few years time. Always seems to play better when Steven Gerrard isn't playing - a fact that may yet seal his fate.

Steven Gerrard

He can't leave now, surely? Apart from money what can Chelsea, or anyone else, offer him that would touch his soul like this triumph. If he won nothing more with Liverpool (surely unlikely given the likely success under Benitez) his career will still be glorious. With Liverpool he has won the European Cup, UEFA Cup, FA Cup and League Cup - only the Premiership remains, he must stay to complete the set. No more of this 'I'll sit down with the Chairman and the manager in the summer' nonsense - sign up.

Milan Baros

Another unlikely, but brilliant swansong. Another talented Czech that the manager just doesn't want. Golden shoe at Euro 2004 - transfer shoo-in summer 2005. With Cisse, Morientes, Garcia, Pongolle, Mellor and Kewell already available Benitez will probably want to trim back his forwards, especially if he brings in another one. Baros is the obvious casualty.

Djimi Traore

Another player reportedly told he could leave in January. Greatly improved but limited, he is unlikely to be integral to a fast paced passing side that Benitez will build at Anfield. Will be replaced if a decent offer came in - otherwise he will have to keep improving to justify his place.

Other squad/loan players likely to be calling their agent in the summer include Pelegrino, Nunez, Cheyrou, Le Tallec, Josemi and Diouf. This will be a busy summer at Anfield, with Benitez likely to bring his transfer deals to around 30 (in and out) within a year of arriving. This is not evolution - it's Rafalution.

2047: Liverpool are God’s team

by : Henry Knight

Liverpool Football Club are European Champions 2005 and they must truly be God’s team. The 5th best team in England, 2004/05, has brought the European cup home. Bizarre words, but words which help to affirm the achievement of Rafael Benitez and the clear influence of something beyond what you see before you.

AC Milan are the better team, were the better team and barring their now customary 10 minute meltdown at the beginning of the 2nd half, they totally outplayed Liverpool in every department of the pitch. Shevchenko, Crespo, Kaka and John Dahl Tomasson missed some of the best chances of their lives to take glory for their club. Frank Lampard, Marco Zalayeta, Didier Drogba and Zlatan Ibrahimovic had similar chances in previous rounds; they missed too and Liverpool capitalized.

Jerzy Dudek was 3 yards off his line for his penalty save and was millimeters from not saving Shevchenko’s last chance effort, whereas Dida had the wrists of a child for Vladimir Smicer’s strike. A Hungarian Linesman has also played a significant part in this mythical journey and it begs the question, which Liverpool fan has sold his soul?

Pity the man who has sold his soul, for this final was soul-food; all who were privileged enough to watch this marvelous event not only saw one of the best Champions League finals ever, but they saw magic become tangible. The prayers of all those in or outside the ground were of no use, God, the stars or fate had chosen Liverpool. Liverpool rose from the ashes of the first half to come back; a resurrection, as it were. It would not have mattered if AC Milan had scored 10 in the first half, indeed a half which they taught the world how to play football, because Liverpool would have found a reply.

Whereas the players were poor for the most part, the fans were unbelievable, managing to make the Attaturk stadium sound like Anfield, even after sitting through a first half where Liverpool’s more average players were exposed dreadfully. Indeed, Liverpool players will never walk alone.

This Liverpool side only had a handful of players that deserved to be playing for the best fans in world football; John Arne Riise, Steven Gerrard, Xabi Alonso Jamie Carragher and Dietmar Hamaan were all super-humans, you could almost see the fans playing on that pitch through these players for the fans were indeed a 12th man. Steven Gerrard said that the fans deserve this trophy as much as the players, well it’s arguable they deserve it more.

It is unfair to the extreme to demean the fabulous achievements of this club, but it was clear from the reactions of all the players, as they ran a jerky, disbelieving almost embarrassed run towards their Match-winning Goalkeeper, that not even they believed or knew how this had happened.

Rafael Benitez must take the majority of the credit for this trophy; it is impossible to state just what a remarkable job he has done with Liverpool. A back line that includes an ageing Sami Hyypia an enigmatic Jerzy Dudek and the average Steve Finnan and Djimi Traore was never meant to win the Champions League, not even with the magnificent Jamie Carragher at its heart.

Maybe Alonso, Gerrard and Hamaan are a great central midfield, but when half their time is spent protecting their defence, their ability to make a positive impression on the match is limited. Yet Benitez made it happen, Benitez found the key to unlock Carlo Ancelotti’s Milan, Benitez took a team of poor, half-witted players and bowled them straight down Milan’s centre, exposing their frailties and knocking them for trophy number 5. Yes indeed, this is God’s team, for Rafael Benitez is God to the Kopite.

As Steven Gerrard lifted the trophy surely there was one message that came from on high; Liverpool fans, feel proud and privileged to have just experienced this because the vast majority of all other football fans will never be as lucky with their own teams.

2046: Southampton: Stability the key

by : David Hulott

So, after 27 years in the top-flight Southampton will be playing their football in the Coca-Cola Championship next season. Of the three teams coming down from the Premiership, the Saints look to be the ones who could undergo the biggest changes in personnel over the summer.

For starters, there has to be a doubt surrounding the future of manager Harry Redknapp, who not only has never seemed totally committed to Southampton, but was also looking decidedly unwell at times as the pressure grew towards the end of the campaign. Given the turnover of managers under Rupert Lowe in recent years, the need for stability is obvious though. It might be more than coincidence that Redknapp has been singing the praises of his son Jamie of late. Could Redknapp and son be on the cards as the managerial duo at St Mary’s next term?

According to Lowe, clauses in players’ contracts will trigger significant savings now that relegation is a reality. Even so, an exodus of sorts seems inevitable, with Antti Niemi, Kevin Phillips and Peter Crouch the most likely to be targeted by the Premiership clubs. Paul Smith looks an able replacement for Niemi, while Phillips will be 32 in the summer and might be worth getting off the wage bill with the likes of young Dexter Blackstock and Leon Best waiting in the wings. Keeping Crouch is probably more important to their long-term future, although personal ambition may play a part with him having made an unlikely breakthrough into the England squad.

There will me a number of other departures, with Anders Svensson having already agreed to join Elfsborg, fellow Swede Mikael Nilsson also rumoured to be heading home, Redknapp and Graeme Le Saux likely to retire, Olivier Bernard set to leave after his short-term deal and Calum Davenport and Henri Camara both ending their loan deals. On top of that, Darren Kenton, Jo Tessem, Brett Ormerod and Jason Dodd could also all be allowed to move on too.

Key to whether or not Redknapp Sr. decides to stay put could be how much support he receives from Lowe in being able to bring in new faces. With the imposition of the transfer window in the Coca-Cola leagues, Southampton will still need a substantial squad to kick-off the new season. Loan signings could be particularly important and the Saints could be well served on that front, with few other managers have Redknapp’s ability to wheel and deal. The defence was a particular problem last term, with the season-long absence of Michael Svensson proving very costly. His return to fitness would be a major plus, but reinforcements will still be required.

With an excellent youth set-up at the club, there is definite room for optimism but, as Portsmouth found out, Redknapp is permanently mulling over his own future. And he will be the key to how successful the summer transfers merry-go-round goes.

2045: AC Milan vs Liverpool: Liverpo

by : Antony Melvin

On a great night for Liverpool football club everything went right. Firstly Liverpool lulled Milan into a false sense of security – to the extent that they tried to set that duffer Shevchenko up for a goal from a free-kick, when only 3-0 up. Such profligacy was to be punished. The introduction of Hamann was pivotal and then Liverpool struck back in a six minute spell that will be endlessly replayed. Finally the much maligned Jerzy Dudek stood up and denied Shevchenko in extratime and more deliriously during penalties to bring Liverpool their fifth European Cup.

Jerzy Dudek 11/10

We’ll forget the Maldini goal and the moment when a daisy-cutter bounced back off his knee. The double save in the 117th minute followed by the Grobelaar impression during the penalties were enough to create a new folk hero!

Steve Finnan 10/10

Performed fitfully before injury curtailed his evening.

Djimi Traore 10/10

Awful in the first half, couldn’t pass, track runners or defend properly. Awful. Much better subsequently. Still not good enough for Liverpool.

Jamie Carragher 10/10

Ran himself into the ground until cramp set in – then ran some more. If anyone deserved a winners medal…

Sami Hyypia 10/10

Not a great first half as the Shevchenko and Crespo ran riot. Never lost his composure Hyypia may not have a long Anfield future – but he is sure to be remembered.

John-Arne Riise 10/10

Missed a penalty but wore a truly astounding hat during the celebrations – strong and powerful throughout Riise has some future at Liverpool.

Xabi Alonso 10/10

Utterly anonymous in the first half, Alonso stepped up to score the equaliser in the second half. Grew in confidence as Milan tired.

Steven Gerrard 11/10

May still be ambivalent about his future but what more does he want? He can’t hope to win better elsewhere and he should announce his plan to stay at Anfield as soon as possible. Great goal and penalty win.

Luis Garcia 10/10

One of his least influential European nights. But Garcia has done more than most to get Liverpool this far and deserves all the plaudits going.

Harry Kewell 5/10

If he hadn’t got injured, Smicer may not have got a run out and Liverpool might have lost. No loss to the team.

Milan Baros 10/10

His best game for a while. Baros fought Milan – often a little literally – and was prepared to get sent-off for the cause. Was easily the most passionate player in the first half.

Subs:

Vladimir Smicer 10/10

Cracking goal and decent performance. Harry who?

Dietmar Hamann 12/10

Why was he left out at the start? He gave a base and Liverpool were twice the team once he came on.

Djibril Cisse 10/10

Did little to help the cause but his direct pace and power stopped Milan committing too many players forward.

2044: Champions League: Final Previe

by : Stephen Orford

Though they have won ten European club titles between them, AC Milan and Liverpool will meet for the first time ever in European competition in tonight’s Champions League final (May 25) in Istanbul.

The Italian outfit go into the contest as hot favourites with the bookmakers, but an increasing number of people are starting to believe that the amazing Champions League run of Rafa Benitez’s men can continue, and culminate in a fifth European triumph for the Merseyside club.

Much of this opinion is based on the impressive tactical know-how shown by Benitez in taking his team this far. Victories over Juventus and Chelsea in earlier rounds were particularly unexpected, and owed much to Benitez’s ability to organise his team defensively. The solidity this provides has allowed Liverpool to spring some devastating counter attacks, and they will be hoping for more of the same in Turkey against Milan.

Increasinly, however, there is a train of thought which suggests that Benitez may put his team on the offensive a little more against Carlo Ancelotti’s men. Rumours persist that Australian under-achiever Harry Kewell will be brought in to play in the hole behind a lone striker, in an attempt to expose the perceived lack of pace in the Milanese back-line. Jaap Stam aside, the likes of Allesandro Nesta, Paolo Maldini and Cafu are all advancing in years but not in pace. Though Kewell has been out of sorts and has suffered with injuries regularly since he arrived at Anfield, he could yet be the man to unlock an experienced yet clearly flawed rear-guard.

Benitez’s other major decision in his team selection appears to be the choice of who plays the lone striking role. Present incumbent Milan Baros has been rambling on in the press about leaving the Reds at the end of the season, regardless of tonight’s result, and this lack of focus from the Czech star could cost him dearly. Frenchman Djibril Cisse looks sharper with each game following his comeback from an early season disaster at Blackburn, and could yet get the nod to lead the line.

For the Italians, Massimo Ambrosini appears to be the only absentee of note, having picked up a thigh injury. Hernan Crespo and Filipo Inzaghi are both in contention for a starting role up front alongside the incomparable Andriy Shevchenko. If the Milan defence looks set to be tested, expect Jamie Carragher to be among the busiest Liverpool players on the field as he attempts to negate the influence of the prolific Ukranian.

The midfield battles will be pivotal also, with a likely Liverpool trinity of Steven Gerrard, Didi Hamann and Xabi Alonso set to go in against Genarro Gatusso, Clarence Seedorf and the dangerous and exceptionally skilled Kaka. Possession and the ability to retain it will be key, and the added presence of Alonso, after he missed the second leg of the semi-final against Chelsea, could prove vital to Liverpool’s chances.

It is not likely to be a goal-fest of a final. Both teams have conceded only six goals in their Champions League campaigns so far, and base much of their game-plan around a tight defensive structure. However, with players of the calibre of Shevchenko, Kaka, Gerrard and Alonso on the field the game still has the potential to provide its fair share of magic moments.

Milan will be looking to secure a seventh European title against a Liverpool side looking for that fifth. Only Real Madrid’s 9 titles eclipses either of these totals, making this a true battle of historical European power-houses. However, it is the Italian’s who have fared better in the task of upholding this tradition in recent years. They have continued to challenge for honours both at home and abroad while Liverpool have spent many years in the wilderness, and have endured another disappointing season in the Premiership this year. Victory in Istanbul will surely render their fifth place finish in that competition, aswell as the furore about whether they should be entered into next season’s Champions League, irrelevant.

Milan’s last European Cup win came on English soil when they beat Juventus on penalties in the 2003 final at Old Trafford. Liverpool fans have to look back to their 1984 victory over Roma, ironically on Italian soil, for their last win in Europe’s most prestigious competition. That triumph also came after a penalty shoot-out, and was made all the more remarkable by the fact that it was achieved in the Roman’s own home stadium. To conquer Milan and carry off the most unlikely of victories in European football history will take a similarly Herculean effort from the Reds’ class of 2005.

Those looking for omens may be interested in the fact that Liverpool will wear red in tonight’s clash, and that the opposition will wear white. This has happened on each of the four previous occasions on which Liverpool have become European champions. Also, the Reds’ finished a disappointing fifth in the league in 1981 before going on to beat the mighty Real Madrid 1-0 in Paris in Europe’s big game.

1-0 to the Liverpool? In a word? Maybe.

2042: Confederations Cup: Test of S

by : Hugh Larkin

While Sven-Goran Eriksson has to learn what he can from taking a barely half-strength squad to the USA, June will see some slightly more meaningful international football in Germany. The maligned Confederations Cup offers Jurgen Klinsmann a priceless chance to examine his players before Germany host World Cup 2006.

The competition pops up in those odd years without a World Cup and European Championship; for some nations it’s a wholly unwanted extra burden on tired elite players, for others a chance to step up in status or fine tune selection in a competitive, yet not vital tournament. It brings together nations from Asia and Oceania hungry for international competition with the elite like Brazil and Argentina whose star players have entered the world of the 11-month season.

For hosts Germany though, this provides a chance for a dry-run of the World Cup arrangements and Jurgen Klinsmann can finally see his side in competitive matches. Qualifying as World Cup hosts is the ultimate two-edged sword and the new German boss is eager to use this opportunity to the full. Fringe candidates, such as Liverpool’s Didi Hamann have a great stage to press their claims to be in the final 22 for 2006.

This tournament has always delivered a fairly unbalanced field as it brings together the champion side from each of FIFA’s six confederations with the hosts and one other. On this occasion however, three of international soccer’s premier nations are present- Germany hosting, Brazil as world champions, plus Argentina as both Olympic champions and 2Nd to Brazil in the last Copa America. In addition, shock European Champions, Greece, are keen to show that Euro 2004 was no fluke and Otto Rehhagel will be especially proud to bring his team to Germany.

In Group A Germany take on the Argentines, along with Australia and Tunisia. Inclusion in this competition is about the only advantage the Socceroos enjoy from dominating the Oceania region but they are still desperate to get out into the Asian qualifiers for the 2010 World Cup. The Aussies did reach the Final of the this tournament in 1997, only to take six-goal hammering from Brazil.

Tunisia represent a shift in African power to the North of the Continent and can be expected to deliver a well-organised, accomplished side. However, it will be a major upset if the big two don’t go forward, although the South American squad may suffer from withdrawals or fatigue. Such is the depth in the country though, that coach Jose Pekerman was able to put out two totally different sides to cope with the demands of altitude in the South American World Cup qualifiers.

Brazil are the inevitable favourites for Group B, although as with Argentina it remains to be seen what squad the World Champions bring, after the demands of a gruelling World Cup campaign and with so many players involved to the death in their domestic seasons. Greece will relish crossing swords with them and the section is completed by Japan and Mexico.

Mexico, unbeaten in their 2006 qualifying campaign, have two qualifiers just days before they travel to Europe and the Mexican championship is still in action, which gives boss Ricardo Lavolpe headaches he doesn’t need. However, he has stated he will bring his strongest available side, hopefully including Barcelona defender Rafael Marquez. Japan can be expected to put in the tremendous effort that we’ve come to expect but may fall short in this company.

The show kicks off on June 15th and runs for two weeks. At the close Sepp Blatter will inevitably pronounce it as a huge success even though some of the players may finish on their knees. Whatever the outcome the big winners will be the Germans; after the Confederations Cup we’ll all have a better idea of how dangerous the hosts will be in 2006.

2043: Leeds: Summer signings key to

by : David Hulott

Under the circumstances Kevin Blackwell’s first season as manager of Leeds United was probably about as good as could have been hoped for. Promotion was never really on the agenda this term given the turnover of players, but with the club’s well-documented financial problems having at least stabilised to a degree since Ken Bates arrived on the scene, Blackwell will be expected to mount a credible promotion bid next season.

New recruits are undoubtedly required if the team are to mount a realistic promotion challenge, especially given the imposition of the transfer window on the Coca-Cola leagues. A permanent deal has already been secured for striker Rob Hulse, but other areas are equally in need of reinforcements. A decent goalkeeper to compete with and cover for Neil Sullivan is a must, while the midfield is crying out for some creativity. According to reports, the latter role could go to Kenny Lunt, with the Crewe Alexandra midfielder having already stated that he feels it’s time to move on from Gresty Road.

Despite the money worries, Blackwell has already been backed in the transfer market more than many of his peers in the Championship and his kitty could be further bolstered to the tune of £250,000, with Leeds romping away in the in the Coca-Cola “Win A Player For Your Club” competition, making them favourites for the cash, even though topping the poll itself doesn’t necessarily secure the readies.

With Dennis Wise now at a loose end, Blackwell is under serious pressure to make a bright start to the new campaign. He could help his cause by playing a more attractive game and could also do himself a few favours in not exaggerating the difficulties he inherited – claiming the club were third favourites to go down, overstating the number of teenagers in the line-up and failure to accept that he’s had more money than most to spend all spring immediately to mind.

There are certain to be a number of departures, with Bates having already made it clear that he doesn’t see any future at the club for Seth Johnson. The likelihood is that Eirik Bakke, Michael Ricketts and Julian Joachim will be among those moving on if there are any takers. More worrying is the prospect of Aaron Lennon, Frazer Richardson and Simon Walton leaving, with Leeds still prone to raids from Premiership clubs for their best young players who’ve come through the ranks. These are the players around whom Leeds should be looking to build for the future, but the earlier sales of James Milner and Scott Carson don’t bode well on that front.

To date Blackwell has had a fairly easy time in terms of expectations at Elland Road and probably deservedly so. Now though the honeymoon period is over and those expectations have been raised. Bates is unlikely to be particularly patient, so Blackwell will need to have his team flying from the off next season if he is to remain in the job.

2041: AC Milan v Liverpool - Milan a

by : Henry Knight

It may seem facile to suggest that Liverpool need big performances all across the pitch, but it is the only way they can win this match. Unlike AC Milan, they simply do not possess the quality to win this match at anything under 100% effort. A back line including Steve Finnan, Djimi Traore and Sami Hyypia is a poor one by top European standards.

Be assured that Rafael Benitez, as he has done all of this European campaign, will protect his back line brilliantly with excellent defensive tactics, but those tactics can only do so much. Against Chelsea and Juventus, Liverpool proved that they are an average side with some star performers/leaders and a fabulous manager who could probably organize a bus load of monkeys into a superb defensive unit, able to outsmart any opposition. Jamie Carragher, Steven Gerrard and hopefully Xabi Alonso will guarantee some good performances, but it is the poor mob that surrounds them week in week out that need to show as much commitment as they have done in the last few rounds.

Just as the average bulk of the Liverpool squad need to produce the best games of their life, the ageing Galacticos of AC Milan's squad will have to find some reserve from somewhere. Maldini, Stam and Cafu may have, for the most part of the season, been good performers, but it will be very interesting to see, after a long season where they have just lost the league title and been outperformed against P.S.V. Eindhoven in the Semi Final, how they perform against some bright young and quick Liverpool attackers.

Of all the top sides in Europe Barcelona and AC Milan are the best suited to break down a defensive side and certainly offer more on an offensive front than Juventus and a winger-less Chelsea. If the Milan attacking machine can find any space, then they will eat it up and create chances, chances that Andrei Shevchenko will put away; after all he ain’t no Didier Drogba or Zlatan Ibrahimovic, both players to which finishing with any regularity or confidence is an alien prospect.

Liverpool will certainly have an aerial advantage over their opponents, as they have done with most teams they have faced, so set pieces on both fronts could prove vital to the outcome of the game. Andrea Pirlo has also proven that he is one of the best strikers of a free kick in world football.

So when predicting the outcome one has to take for granted that Milan will be fit, able and ready for this final and if that is the case, they will win upon taking the lead. If they concede then they will have to be at their best to be able to break down the inevitable wall of. Defence and counter attack is the best chance Liverpool have, barring a Milan meltdown.

2040: Man United v. Arsenal FA Cup h

by : Hugh Larkin

Matt: The lad is still idolised by many at Anfield but there are some who have viewed him with suspicion since the flirtation with Chelsea last year. We're a proud club with a tradition of valuing the team over the individual, so the way the Gerrard saga was dominating all media coverage of our side rankled with many, myself included. Match reports were often given over almost entirely to one player, regardless of his actual influence upon the match. Although Gerrard has never courted the media in the way that David Beckham did, his name began to dominate coverage of Liverpool, and the perception that he was bigger than the club threatened the relationship between the Captain and his supporters.

The lack of any real clarification has turned our supporters into the equivalent of the Kremlin watchers in Cold War days. Each expression, word and gesture has been pored over and analysed in an attempt to predict his mood and intentions. After reading so many articles saying that Gerrard had to leave to chase the 'big prizes,' there is a delicious irony that in nine days time he will be leading out the men in red to contest the biggest match in club football.

4) During the run to the Champions League Final, the controversial twin issues of a new stadium and new investment in the club have faded into the back ground. Any news or perspective on the proposed stadium development or new investment in the club?

Paul: Frankly, it's nice to be focusing on the football and not other issues. I have not heard of any progress on the investment front, but we are sure to hear more over the summer. The new stadium is going ahead, but it's hard to keep up with the appeals process once planning permission was granted last year. It's one of those things I'll only believe once work starts.

Matt: Rumours continue to surface but there is a noticeable lack of hard facts. There are political forces in the region that would gladly strong-arm the club into a groundshare but the club and its support are united against the plan. We're lucky that we have a board that truly support the side and understand that any notion of sharing is anathema to the Liverpool fanbase.

As someone who had long ago conceded the necessity of a new stadium, the wonderful nights at Anfield this year have given some pause for thought. Quite simply the atmosphere against Chelsea was the finest I, or virtually anyone else I've spoken to, has experienced. The move will probably have to be made but it will be tough to see the place go, the crowd seemed to fuse with the stands that night and become one chanting, singing force. The investment saga reached a climax with the emotional and tumultuous AGM in December. Steve Morgan made a bid for shareholder loyalty and Chairman David Moores seemed like a man who had reached the end of his resources. Since then there have been rumours of Arab, American, Irish and Asian investors but nothing concrete has emerged. The progress in the Champions League has helped to quell the demands for fresh investment, but the 30 points gulf between ourselves and the Champions suggests the topic will reappear if the summers transfers fail to impress.

5) Same question from the previous interview, with an additional five months data. What is your evaluation of the new manager Rafael Benitez? Favorite Rafa moment/move/decision? Oh, yes, any new opinion/comment on the author’s strange favourite, Pako Ayesteran?

Paul: I think it's clear that Rafa is a genius: two cup finals in his first season, working with a mixed bag of inherited players. The quality isn't there to fight on all fronts, but he has shown why he was so successful in Spain.

If Liverpool go on to beat Milan, it will mean that in just over a year he would have won both European trophies as well as the world's most-respected championship. To take a stuttering, faltering team to two cup finals in the face of devastating injuries, and with relatively little money spent (compared to Manchester United and Chelsea), tells its own story. Only Alex Ferguson, on one occasion, has taken an English club to the final of the European Cup in the last twenty years (since Liverpool's last appearance). But Rafa won't settle for such achievements. He wants more –– always more.

Favourite moment has to be the night before the Bayer Leverkusen game, when Rafa wandered into a bar full of Reds in Cologne. It cemented a special bond with the fans.

Still hard to say precisely what Pako offers, as his work is behind the scenes –– the ultimate decisions do not rest with him –– but he is clearly part of a team at Liverpool, along with Rafa, Alex Miller and Paco Herrera. Whatever praise Rafa gets, Pako has to take a share.

Matt: Even better than I first thought. Given that we have finished fifth in the league, below a team as limited as Everton one would have thought that Benitez would have drawn more criticism. The reality is that we have had the most appalling injury plan any red can remember and the manager has done brilliantly to reach two cup finals with a squad which is mostly not of his choosing. He's brought a noticeable improvement in the quality of the play and although our away form has been dire, Anfield has been a far happier place this year and has seen some outstanding performances. For example, both Arsenal and Chelsea were outplayed by
Liverpool this season which bodes well for the future.

If I have to pick my favourite Rafa decision I'll go for the moment when he took the superb but tiring Didi Hamann off and brought on Harry Kewell. The crowd were terrified, 3 years before Gerard Houllier withdrew Hamann in Champions League against Bayer Leverkusen. The Germans went on to win the game and many cite that moment as the point at which the Houllier regime declined. Now in a game of even greater importance, a Champions League semifinal, our new manager was taking a braver gamble. It was a bold, attacking move which gave our tiring players new options and forced Chelsea to guard against conceding another goal. Benitez was rewarded for positive thinking and the Liverpool crowd exorcised one of our personal demons.

Paco has apparently expressed a wish to sit in the Kop next year He'll certainly get a warm welcome. He keeps in the background but is always talking with Rafa, clearly a great trust exists between them.

SF: Personal favourite Rafa moment: The usher bear-hugging Rafa after Mellor’s game-winner at home against Arsenal, a visual metaphor for the great majourity of supporter opinion about Benitez at Liverpool. Although the oh-so-cool thumbs-up when Alonso scored the first against Arsenal in the same match and everything else was bedlam on the pitch and in the stands merits a mention as well.

Pako Ayesteran Looky-likey Contest, answers on a postcard to the mailbag at Squarefootball...

6) Imagine your picture held aloft, being carried about the streets in Cardiff trailed by chanting, laughing supporters. You are Rafa. What transfer moves do you make this Summer?

Paul: Sources in Spain suggest the club is already negotiating for the exciting young Real Betis winger, Joaquin –– but competition will be fierce, and Real Madrid remain favourites. Another young Spaniard –– Fernando Torres –– has been making positive noises about Liverpool. These two, like Shaun Wright-Phillips, are £20m players. Whatever Rafa's budget, it won't be much more than £20m.

A quick centre back appears a necessity, but then when you see Carragher and Hyypia perform so brilliantly as a partnership in Europe, it makes you wonder. Sami still has an abundance of class. It would need to be a special player to displace him. We're being linked with various keepers, but I'd stick with Kirkland and Carson.

Crystal Palace's Andy Johnson is an interesting English option, although I still wonder how he'd cope at a big club, under a lot more pressure, and being rotated. But he works hard and plays the lone striker role well. He could be a useful alternative to Ciss, Morientes and Pongolle if Baros leaves.

As well as established players, I'd like to see a few young prospects purchased, such as Palace's Tom Soares, who is winning rave reviews. I expect Rafa to unearth a couple of Spanish teenage gems.

Matt: We'll lose several players in the summer, the probable departures of Biscan, Hamann and Smicer will deplete the midfield. Baros appears to be leaving, which will mean a striker is required and in defence the aging Pellegrino will leave. There's also a goalkeeping problem, Dudek has regained some form but may never recapture the authority he displayed in his first season. Kirkland is injury prone and in his last appearances for the club failed to impress. Only the promising Carson is safe. I've seen some wild estimations of how much money is available, I think it will be £20 million at most, unless Rick Parry has sorted out some new income.

I'll want to buy a Goalkeeper, Central Defender, Central midfielder and Striker. Oh and we really need a winger as well. A left back would be nice too. Oh dear. The team needs toughening up so I'll buy Andy Johnson from relegated Palace - a speedy and tough individual he can play as a lone frontman or in a partnership - he's different from what we have at the moment and that’s key. I'll take scouser Kevin Nolan from Bolton as part ex in the Diouf transfer - a tough midfielder that loves the club, can score goals and
won't be kicked off the park by the likes of Robbie Savage or Roy Keane. For Central defence I'd look at Matthew Upson as he should be affordable. Three English players who can improve our away performances in the domestic game, goalkeeper is tricky because their aren't many good ones in our league. It appears we're signing Reina from Spain so I might as well follow suit, although I don't know the player. I reckon that lot might leave me with a few quid left over, perhaps enough for Stewart Downing’s left leg.

SF: Given Gerrard’s penalty struggles, perhaps Andy Johnson would be a wise purchase...

7) Second half of the season, since the first set of 10 Questions with Matt and Paul. Worse, better, or about what you expected?

Paul: Worse domestically, but far better in Europe. I expected the Reds to finish 4th in the Premiership, and make it no further than the quarter-finals in the Champions League. As it is, I wouldn't swap the two. Let Everton enjoy their brief moment in the sun –– the European Cup final is what football is all about. As Steven Gerrard said, you don't get a medal for finishing 4th. The European adventure this season has been truly memorable, and I'm fortunate enough to be going to Istanbul –– which, after all, was the whole point of qualifying for the Champions League, lest Everton forget.

Matt: Better, I'm going to the European Cup final

8) Over the entire season, which player was the biggest surprise in terms of his play? Biggest disappointment?

Paul: Xabi Alonso was the biggest surprise, simply because he wasn't well-known in England before his arrival. He is a 'proper' footballer who plays the game with his brain, at his pace. Carragher surprised at centre back –– we knew he could do a job there, but he has been simply sensational. And Steve Finnan improved most on his form from the previous season, although it only proves that players can take a year to settle at a big club.

My star from the first half of the season fell away somewhat after Christmas: Milan Baros has been poor ever since picking up a hamstring injury against Crystal Palace. He still caused the opposition problems with his running, and always works hard, but frustrated more than excited in the second half of the season. He needs a big game against Milan, but Ciss may get the nod, and after the horrific injury and his attitude in battling back, I hope it's the Frenchman who gets the nod, especially with Baros unable to buy a goal at the moment.

Matt: If I had to pick one positive surprise it would be the transformation in the Liverpool career of Steve Finnan. When Josemi arrived it looked as if Finnan would be leaving Liverpool, indeed a transfer to Everton alongside Traore was mooted. Instead Finnan has gone on to cement his place as the first choice right back, his performance against Chelsea was superb and he must now be considered one of the first names on the sheet. A remarkable recovery to what had looked like being a disastrous transfer, topped off with an excellent goal in front of the Kop in the West Brom game.

Biggest disappointment? Milan Baros, he's failed to recapture the stunning form from the start of the season and now appears disinterested and unmotivated. He remains a player of vast potential.

9) In your opinion, who should have been named Liverpool’s Player of the Season?

Paul: Jamie Carragher. Totally outstanding, and the bigger the game the bigger he appears physically. He was 8ft 3 against Juventus, and 9ft 7 against Chelsea. Gerrard was excellent in patches, and Luis Garcia's goals were a massive bonus. Xabi Alonso, if he'd not broken his ankle, would have pushed Carra closest. Steve Finnan was superb in defence all season long, although I still think there's more to come from him in the attacking third.

Matt: Jamie Carragher, by a country mile

10) Prediction hats on; how will Liverpool do next year in the Premier League?

Paul: Much better, with the new players a year wiser regarding the English game, and of course, the manager too –– as well as a core of quality additions, if Rafa buys well. But a lot depends on whether the team is in the Champions League or not. Beating AC Milan will not only make Liverpool even more of a 'scalp' domestically, it will mean fighting on two main fronts instead of one. While at Valencia, Bentez used mainly reserve players in the Uefa Cup (which he won ), whereas in the Champions League you need your best players. Being in the Uefa Cup would help our Premiership push, but of course everyone wants the Champions League.

However, being in the Champions League offers more money to strengthen, and more incentive to top European players. If the Reds beat Milan, while it will make Liverpool more of a scalp, it will also add a lot of belief to everyone at Anfield.

Arsenal are my favourites for next season, but I think it will be a close-run thing between the 'big four'.

Matt: I think we could break into the top three, the title would be beyond us. Benitez gives me hope, he's someone who learns very quickly. I've noticed that the performance of the team frequently improves after the half time break, suggesting that Rafa has spotted what needs to change. In a similar way I think having the benefit of a full pre-season, with more of his own choices of players and without the distractions of the Owen transfer and Gerrard's flirtation with Chelsea will give Rafa a chance to use his knowledge to the full. Hopefully the players will also be carrying the confidence that comes with the title Champions of Europe

Bonus Questions:

Paul: In 50 words or less, describe your upcoming project, Golden Past, Red Future...

Paul: It was intended to be a book documenting a club in transition, with the summer of 2004 being one of the most eventful in the club's history. But as well as looking at the recent history of the club –– the end of Houllier and the arrival of Benitez –– it has also turned, rather unexpectedly (and joyously), into a documentary of the amazing Champions League campaign.

More info at: www.paultomkins.com

SF: The author will be reviewing the book jokingly referred to at Red and White Kop as “The Tomkinomicon” for Squarefootball after its publication.

Matt: In as many words as you prefer, describe the challenges and rewards of moderating on The Independent Liverpool FC Website, Red and White Kop.

Matt: I don't think there's a better site on the web for a football supporter. I've certainly not found one and I've seen a few. Joining the moderating team was an honour really, the site is ran by fans who care very strongly about the club and the site itself. The site recently welcomed it's 10,000th member and passed the 1 million post number, to play even a small part in that success is both a pleasure and a privilege.

Banning people on a whim is simply the icing on the cake...

SF: Matt is having a little joke with that last comment. I think...It seems a surprise that this weekend’s clash at the Millennium Stadium will be only the second FA Cup Final fought out between the two clubs who top the charts for Cup triumphs. Arsenal have the chance to narrow the gap on United who boast 11 victories to the Gunners’ nine and this will be the 17th final for both teams.

The final tie will also settle which of the two giants has the edge because this will be the eleventh time the sides have been drawn together in the FA Cup and each has prevailed five times in the preceding ten encounters. The Gunners won the only previous final- the ultra-dramatic 1979 match- but United have given the Londoners a real going over in semi-finals, denying the Londoners a final berth in 1983, 1999 and again, last season.

With the increasing dominance of a few teams in the competition, matches between the two sides have now become far more frequent- this will be the third season in a row that the teams have faced each other and the third year in succession that the victor in this tie will also become the cup winners.

As expected their meetings tend to be tight affairs decided by the odd goal, with the exception of Arsenal’s resounding 5-0 success in 1937, which marked a period when Arsenal were by far the premier team in England. If history repeats itself, United fans can expect to be biting their nails to the final whistle because the Red Devils have never won one of the ties by more than a single goal.

Because the same teams keep coming back to the final these days, both teams contain players who are already laden with medals. Take those two deadly midfield opponents Roy Keane and Patrick Vieira for instance- the Frenchman is into his fourth appearance (and would have had a fifth in 2003 but for injury) but even that is dwarfed by his Irish nemesis, who will step out for his seventh showpiece and be looking for a modern record, fifth winners medal. Ryan Giggs too, will be after that fifth win from his sixth Final.

The managers are also becoming part of the furniture. This will be the seventh occasion when Sir Alex Ferguson has led a team out (a record of course), while Arsene Wenger will be on his fifth Cup Final suit himself. Wenger will be desperate for his team to see off United as he lost two of the previous three FA Cup battles with Ferguson, both semi-final defeats. He won’t need reminding that United ended his team’s interest in this season’s Carling Cup, although Arsenal didn’t play many recognised first-teamers in that match.

More and more we can expect the FA Cup to be effectively decided by the pairing of United and Arsenal at some point. Only two of the last 13 finals did not include at least one of the pair and for 12 seasons up to this year, Arsenal and Manchester United were the only teams to knock Chelsea out of the competition. Who was it that said these teams had lost interest in the FA Cup?

2039: Liverpool: 2004/5 Close season

by : Bill Urban

At the mid-point of the past Premiership season, Squarefootball writers contacted a few fans at different clubs and asked for reviews of the season at that time. I had the privilege and pleasure of interviewing two passionate Liverpool supporters from the Liverpool website, Red and White Kop. The original wit and witticisms of Matt Owen and Paul Tomkins appeared on Squarefootball in the articles 10 Questions With Matt and Paul Part I and 10 Questions With Matt and Paul Part II.

Upon re-reading the mid-season, two part installment of 10 Questions With Matt and Paul, I noticed that neither saw fit to make a prediction in January about how Liverpool would do in the Champions League. Sounds like a good place to start the season’s end review...

1) Quick answer. What is your gut feeling about the final result in Istanbul?

Paul: I'm confident that, as clear underdogs, the Reds will play well. One or two may freeze on the night, but there's enough big-game experience to feel confident of a freedom in the performance. I think it will be more open than people are anticipating, but not another 'Alaves'. (I'd settle for the same result, but not sure if my heart could cope with another nine-goal thriller.)

Milan have looked very tired in recent weeks, and if their league campaign continues to falter in the next game, then they could arrive in Istanbul on a big 'downer'.

Matt: One goal in it, first to score wins. Please let it be us...

SF: Contrasting opinions of the nature of the match. Liverpool FC performances unpredictable this season? Imagine that. Tidy lead in to Question # 2

2) There has been a wide divergence in results and performance by Liverpool in the Champions League and the Premiership. Why do you think the club can get results in European competition yet struggle to compete for the Premier League title?

Paul: A number of reasons. The massive array of injuries clearly didn't help. By the time Rafa could field his strongest team, the league title was well beyond the team. Chasing 4th was never going to gain the kind of momentum that the players had found in Europe, and perhaps the players were putting all their eggs, in terms of energy, into that particular basket. Had there been less injuries Rafa could have kept a fresher team, and had more competition for places.

Then there was the fact that Rafa's tactics needed less adjustment in European competition. He is still trying to find out what works best domestically. The players have proved how good they can be when they give it their all, both in Europe and against the best English sides (Arsenal and Chelsea), but the level of consistency needs to rise.

Matt: Several factors are at play. It's frequently observed that some of our players are happier in the European matches, in part this is due to the slightly slower more tactical football, it suits the likes of Biscan and Baros who sometimes struggle to cope with the harsh treatment they get in the Premiership. I think we also benefit from the European referees, who are far stricter and punish physical play. This year we have been kicked off the park in several premier league matches, in Europe this doesn't happen and the players can express themselves because of it. There are other reasons, a surprise factor in that we were unfancied, the superb atmosphere at the ground for the European matches (it really has been special) and the experience that many of our players have accumulated in European competitions. If I had to pick one factor above all others however it would be the tactical preparation of Rafa Benitez. He's neutralised so many of our opponents by analysing and countering their strengths. The preparation of our players has been immaculate.

3) What effect has the uncertainty over the future of Steven Gerrard had on the club and the supporters this season?

Paul: It was a big hindrance for much of the campaign. It just overshadowed too much of the football, and interfered with the preparation to too many games. If he signs a new long-term deal, as is rumoured to be the case, then that should put an end to the nonsense; if he stays without signing a new deal, the same stories will recur all through next season, and we can expect more unrest.

If he commits his future to the club, the fans (a minority, but not an insignificant one) who 'deserted' him should come back on side. He's had a mixed season, but 12 goals is a personal best, and he still offers so much alongside Alonso.

2037: Unsung heroes: Ayegbeni Yakubu

by : Simon Cole

Usually when you talk about unsung heroes, the names that come up will be defenders, or at least defence minded players. Very rarely do you see a striker not taking plaudits for being prolific, but perhaps now that he will be playing European football, Yakubu will get the credit he deserves.

The Nigerian striker’s £6.5million move from Portsmouth to Middlesbrough has hardly caused a flinch in the media, yet Steve McClaren could have pulled off one of the most astute pieces of business we will see in the coming months.

During his short stint in the Premiership, Yakubu has notched up an impressive 43 goals in 92 games; a record that almost matches up to those of Alan Shearer and Thierry Henry. Yet despite this phenomenal strike rate of nearly a goal every two games, nobody has really taken any notice.

His achievements have been even more impressive given the fact that he has been playing for Portsmouth: a club who have only been in the Premiership for two years and - while they have done exceptionally well – haven’t managed a top-half finish. It seems ridiculous that someone can write themselves such an incredible scrap-book and go virtually unnoticed.

It hasn’t gone unnoticed in the north-east, however. Newcastle had been linked with him for months, before McClaren swooped this week. Yakubu could well be a gem for Middlesbrough, following a string of striking flops bought for similar fees.

While you cannot criticise the cheap signings of the experienced Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Mark Viduka last summer, these two were only required because of money wasted in the past. Over £20million has been squandered by Middlesbrough on Massimo Macaroni, Michael Ricketts and Malcolm Christie, none of whom made any impact at the river side. All three of those signings were risky, but the £6.5million spent on Yakabu looks like a very safe bet, even when you don’t compare it to the previous mishaps. With Hasselbaink’s mileage increasing quickly and Viduka continually struggling with injuries, McClaren has hit the jackpot by signing Yakubu before anybody else realised what a bargain he could become.

It is also impressive to think he is a mere 22-years-old, yet makes scoring goals consistently in the top flight look easy. One person who won’t have been surprised by his success is Alex Ferguson, who recommended Yakubu to Harry Redknapp when he was in charge of Portsmouth. Redknapp sensible took the advice and snapped up Yakubu for around £1.5m. Whether Yakubu would have been looking to play at a higher level had Redknapp stayed remains to be seen, but he certainly has the ability to make it to the top. He is one of the finest talents in African football and still has plenty of time ahead of him.

His attitude has also been highly impressive. He had never demanded to leave Portsmouth, but always admitted if the opportunity to play at a higher level came along, then he would take it. This loyalty has also been highlighted by the fact he has signed a five-year contract with Boro. He’s not one of these players who wants to score a few goals, make a name for himself and then move on to make the big bucks. He wants to enjoy his football and play well.

While Yakubu may well have gone down in Portsmouth folk-law forever following a phenomenal three years at the club, he has still failed to get the media attention of a player such as Andy Johnson who – while he has done exceptionally well in his Premiership debut season – almost half of his goals have been from the spot and Yakubu has outscored him in open play this season.

The national press are quick to praise an up-and-coming English player to the point that they are constantly hounded by the media. But Steve McClaren will be more than happy for Yakubu low profile so that he can continue to score goals without the pressure of the media spotlight.

2036: Could Spurs sign a Galactico t

by : Daniel Kelly

With Spurs looking to add experience to a young squad that managed a respectable 9th place finish this season, Martin Jol and Frank Arneson may well find themselves turning to a Galactico to improve their squad this summer. Having narrowly missed out on such wonders as Rivaldo and Morientes in recent years could this finally be the summer Tottenham land their man? Or will another letter be as close as they get? Spurs have already admitted to having a master and a shadow list of players so here are nine possible dream signings that could be lurking in Arneson’s black book.

1. Mark van Bommel

The PSV midfielder Martin Jol said that he was ‘enchanted’ with has been a revelation this season, running the midfield and weighing in with a fair number of goals. After spending the last two seasons angling for a move the Premiership his form and free transfer status instead look to have led him to La Liga champions Barcelona.

2. Luis Figo

The ex-Portugal captain looks set to leave the Bernabeau in the summer and still has a lot to offer in terms of creativity and experience. His wage demands may scare off some of the competition but Spurs could meet these.

3. Rafael Van Der Vaart

The Ajax star has had a poor season and has stated his desire to leave in the summer. With only one year left on his contract, the transfer fee should be modest and his recent poor form may have scared off the big European clubs.

4. David Beckham

As had been discussed previously on the website Beckham’s likely destination should he leave Real Madrid is North London. However, the ‘other’ North London club are current favourites. His wealth of experience would help the youngsters in the side and his signing would raise the clubs profile.

5. Emre

The Inter midfielder is available for around £8m and keen to move to the Premiership. Both Newcastle and Spurs are rumoured to be interested.

6. Wesley Sneijder

The Dutch forward would offer pace, width and penetration and Jol has previously stated his interest in the player. His availability is unknown and not likely to come cheaply.

7. Andy Van Der Meyde

The Dutch winger has said that he is interested in moving to England with Everton, Boro and Spurs all interested and the player open to offers from all three. Also fits Jol’s stated desire for more creativity.

8. Ronaldo

Whilst unlikely to move to the Lane this season, the Brazilian goal machine has indicated both a desire to move to the Premiership and to play for Arneson once more. Real are also rumoured to be running out of patience with his attitude and weight problems and should their patience snap Spurs could step in.

9. Robinho

Santos’ young winger has been tipped for the top for some years and has been in inspirational form for his club. Real Madrid have been linked for some time but their interest has rumoured to have cooled. Spurs have already demonstrated their interest in Brazil’s young starlets with Diego and could swoop again. Robinho’s lightweight frame and work permit issues may well scupper such a move.

2038: Relegation 2005: Where now? S

by : Stephen Orford

The pain and misery of relegation from the Premiership may take some time to really sink in for Crystal Palace, Norwich City and Southampton, but all must begin to look to the future as soon as possible. It has been only two days since these three lost their top-flight status for next season, but the time for wondering where it all went wrong in 2004/05 in surely done.

The financial implications of relegation from the Premiership are often dire, so where now for the doomed trio? West Bromwich Albion chairman Jeremy Peace estimated that the cost of relegation from the Premiership would have been somewhere in the region of £18 million. This is a massive short-fall for any club to cover, let alone clubs whose potential gate receipts, marketing and sponsorship revenues are about to plummet with the on-set of Coca Cola Championship football. With the best will in the world, it is unrealistic to expect fans to be quite so enthusiastic about the visits of Plymouth Argyle, Luton Town and Crewe Alexandra that are about to replace those of Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea. However, at the time of writing, all three relegated clubs have made noises in the media about their financial stability, and insist that there will be no need to sell players.

In the third and final part of this series, squarefootball looks at the prospects of Southampton Football Club as they prepare for an assault on the Coca Cola Championship next season.

Of all the Premiership’s relegated clubs, Southampton’s demise was perhaps the least expected when the 2004/05 season kicked off. However, from the moment Rupert Lowe dispensed with the services of manager Paul Sturrock for seemingly no crime other than the inability of his face to fit, the St.Mary’s club has been on a downward spiral that has culminated in their first exile from top-flight football for 27 years.

Unlike his counterparts at Crystal Palace and Norwich City, Lowe is not a mega-rich sugar daddy. His financial plan for the club is based around a frugal spending policy, and it is this which is likely to mean that the financial impact of relegation will be felt less harshly by the Saints. Lowe is often criticised for his admission that he is more of a businessman than a football man, and the fact that he has presided over so much managerial change in recent years. However, he is shrewd enough to have inserted clauses into players’ contracts which ensures that their wages will drop in accordance with the fact that they are no longer Premiership players.

Lowe’s biggest problem, as was just alluded to, is the uncertainty over the club’s management. It could be argued that should the Saints lose the services of Harry Redknapp over the summer, Lowe is not responsible. He has pointed out that the final decision rests with Redknapp, but the former West Ham and Portsmouth boss is making all the wrong noises about his future as far as Southampton fans are concerned. A more harsh judge might suggest that Lowe is at fault, having appointed the increasingly touchy Redknapp in the first place.

Warning signals were fired when Happy Harry left Fratton Park that his enthusiasm for football was on the wane, and it would surprise nobody to see him walk away from the game for at least the the immediate future. Should Redknapp depart Lowe could be forgiven for feeling a sense of deja vu. The most successful manager in the club’s recent history, Gordon Strachan, disappeared for a short sabbatical, only to show up offering some of the most tedious punditry and football insight known to man on Match Of The Day 2 this season.

Yet more unhappiness for Saints fans could follow when they consider that their squad is also one which seems ripe for the picking. New England squad member Peter Crouch looks as certain to leave for pastures new as Andy Johnson does at Palace, while there will be a very long queue indeed for the services of another Saints striker, Kevin Phillips. Himself a former England international, Phillips was left out of the first eleven for the final day loss to Manchester United which sealed Southampton’s fate.

Antti Niemi is the arguably the most saleable asset in the club. The Finnish international goalkeeper has long been linked with both Arsenal and Manchester United, as the cat-fighting duo attempt to plug gaping holes in their respective shot-stopping departments. Henri Camara and Calum Davenport are almost certain to end loan spells with the club, while Anders Svensson and Mikael Nilsson should both return to their native Sweden as their careers wind down. Adding to the club's defensive woes, highly rated left-back Olivier Bernard only joined on a short term contract from Newcastle, and could disappear from view shortly.

Just a few months after following Redknapp in from bitter rivals Portsmouth, Scotland international Nigel Quashie could also depart, while the midfield could be further decimated by the loss of Redknapp’s son Jamie, for whom the battle with a string of serious injuries is pointing increasingly towards a seat next to Mr Strachan on the BBC sofa.

To stay in the top flight for over a quarter of a century is a phenomenal achievement for a club the size of Southampton, and it was perhaps a statistical probability that it would end sooner or later. Yet, Saints fans might feel especially uncomfortable about the timing of their exit from the top tier, and will be praying that their stay in their new division is not quite so prolonged.

2035: Spurs: A tale of two teams

by : Sean OMeara

Are ‘things’ at Tottenham under Martin Jol really that much better? It is a widely held view that this really is a new dawn for the North London outfit and it is all going to come together much sooner than later.

The Spurs fan base have pinned their hopes and dreams on Frank Arnesen and Martin Jol, who between them - and with a little ‘help’ from Jacques Santini - have rebuilt practically the whole squad.

A plethora of new faces have graced the steps of White Hart Lane this season. Robinson, Dawson, Naybet, Edman, Atouba, Pamarot, Davis, Carrick, Mendes, Ziegler and Mido to name but a few, have given Spurs a complete makeover.

But, have things really changed at White Hart Lane, and what can the Spurs faithful, so desperate for their club to turn the corner of mediocrity, expect next season?

Spurs’ season has been a tale of two teams.

At home, Spurs have been very impressive. Only their North London gunning neighbours hit the back of the net more times at home this term, though conversely, Jol’s men did concede more at home than any other side in the top half.

So, as a team that can clearly score goals, why can they not buy a goal away from home? On the road, no team in the football league has scored fewer than Spurs this season. They scored an incredibly meagre eleven goals in nineteen away Premiership fixtures; three under Santini; eight in sixteen away games under Jol. This is something that absolutely must be improved upon next term.

That said, the defensive side of travelling Spurs tells a different story, with only the top three conceding fewer.

So, if Spurs’ home form is anything like as impressive next term, as it was under the Dutchman this season, they can surely expect a higher Premiership finish.

Jol’s side lost only twice at home and drew five. They lost to Arsenal, in his first Premiership game fully in charge - an incredibly memorable 4-5 thriller. They also lost out to Chelsea, going behind after Arjen Robben’s third attempt at winning a penalty was successful, and then conceding a 90th minute second from Frank Lampard. Spurs did also suffer a home defeat to Charlton during the week of Santini’s departure.

On this form, Jol would have lost only three at home over a whole season, and with the five home draws would’ve earned his side 38 points. This, added to their unimpressive 20 away points earned this season alone, would see them pushing for Champions’ League football – especially if you add in the two points stolen at Old Trafford.

So, more away goals are the key to an improvement on this season’s Premiership 9th spot finish for the Lily Whites and a missing link here is the whole goals from midfield thing.

Sure, Reto Ziegler, Pedro Mendes, Michael Brown, Andy Reid and Timothee Atouba have all chipped in from the middle of the park, but with only one apiece. Nothing at all on the scoring front from Simon Davies, Sean Davis or Michael Carrick. In fact the only midfield man at Spurs to contribute more than a single League goal this season, was 21 year old Dean Marney, with his two against Everton, in the 5-2 rout; completing a season double over the Champions League qualifiers.

There is an abundance of defensive, forward and midfield talent at the club, with no real need to buy in further personnel. Between them, Davis, Brown, Carrick, Davies and Reid should be providing a considerable goal scoring threat.

Between the five of them, they have 106 goals in 1060 league appearances – hardly prolific, but none of them a Steffen Freund. It should be noted that the most ‘prolific’ of the five - Brown and Reid - scored most of their 57 in the Championship. However, that said, with a half decent record of a league goal every 7 games (Reid) and every 8.5 games (Brown), one would have expected to have seen some evidence of these traits in the top flight – though Reid is a little short on Spurs appearances to perhaps be judged too harshly just yet.

With the widely publicised impending move of Simon Davies to Everton, it will be interesting to see if a replacement can come up with a few more than his unimpressive zero goals tally in 29 games this season, or whether Jol is simply employing a system that does not afford goals from the mid section.

If this proves to be the case, then Defoe, Keane (or his replacement), Kanoute and Mido are just going to have to do better on the road than 11.

Things clearly are much better at Spurs, and the fans of this once great club can finally go into a new season with 20-20 optimism; casting the customary blind optimism aside, and can leave the rose tinted Ray-Bans at home too.

2029: Southampton: Saints alive!

by : Bill Urban

A number of impertinent questions sprang immediately to mind upon learning that Southampton’s 27 year tenure in the top flight of English football had come to an end with the 2-1 loss to Manchester United last Sunday. Would Harry Redknapp stay on as manager? Would the Saints supporters want him to do so? And would Rupert Lowe fire himself?

Can’t answer the first two, but the answer to the third, and by far most important of the three questions, is easy to guess: no.

For a man who has repeatedly seized whatever spotlight exists at St. Mary’s, contriving increasingly ridiculous ways to thrust himself into situations where he has no business being any part of the discussion, namely anything to do with football, Rupert Lowe will surely pass the responsibility for the Saints’ fall from grace on to someone else, as he did during his serial-firing of managers in his position as Grand-Poobah of All Saints.

Redknapp himself, while pondering his own future, had this to say about the Chairman: “He is a nice man - I can honestly say there is nothing nasty about him. He is different, that's for sure. He is from a public school background and not your average chairman - but he loves the club.”

Certainly, but does this mean that Lowe should still be in charge at Southampton? Redknapp’s diplomatic master-class carefully avoided mentioning the chaos of continued managerial changes, a problem which can be laid squarely at the Not Your Average Chairman’s feet. And Lowe’s involvement in the efforts to wrest control of the FA Cup and more control over England internationals from the Football Association on behalf of the Premier League are as clear an illustration as any that his interests, and whatever skills he brings to the table, lie firmly in the area of football as a business rather than an athletic competition. And will Lowe be forced to step down as one of the Premier League representatives on the FA Board now that Southampton have been relegated?

The fact that the loss against United was the straw that broke the relegation camel’s back for the Saints illustrates an important point. Both sets of fans gave full voice to their displeasures with the men who had taken over their respective clubs, and the opposition to Malcolm Glazer’s buy-out of United is cast into even starker relief when set alongside the gradual collapse of Southampton under Lowe’s leadership. Southampton fans have accused Lowe of running the club “on the cheap” for several years, and it is exactly this prospect to which the United support has raised such strong objection, the practice of pursuing profit whenever and wherever possible, with results on the pitch and the interests of supporters taking a distant back seat if not chucked off the bus entirely.

One can only marvel at the dissociation from events that Lowe is currently practicing. A small sample:

“In circumstances such as these, it is understandable that there should be a degree of antipathy towards the board and in particular myself. I have no intention of resigning as a knee-jerk reaction to Sunday's events.”

Nice one, Rupert. First things first, draw the Board in for their share of antipathy, not that you’ve been noted for sharing credit with the Board in the past when events were of a less negative nature, mind. And focusing solely on Sunday’s relegation neatly avoids all the problems and issues your policies have provoked in the past with the Southampton support. Casting present circumstances as a mere emotional reaction to relegation allows the side-stepping of all past mis-steps in a blatant public relations appeal to move past the issue of relegation and look towards the future.

In the Championship.

I wonder if Sir Clive Woodward will be more interested in working at Southampton now that Lowe has engineered the drop?

And the calls for Lowe’s resignation have been a long time coming, nothing knee-jerk about the latest versions. Don’t hold your breath waiting for Rupert Lowe to do the right and honourable thing; honour and responsibility are the first things cast aside when all that matters is the money, a suitable epigram for Rupert Lowe’s tenure as Chairman of Southampton Football Club...

2034: Aston Villa: What Exactly is t

by : Hugh Larkin

The Premiership and the raft of money that came with it has given English football one hell of shake-up and when the pieces fell back to earth, everyone had to get used to new realities. One club which hasn’t found a significant role in the new structure is Aston Villa, forever becalmed mid-table, winning enough matches to stay there but rarely troubling the best.

Aston Villa is a case study in the new priorities of modern football. If you can become the 20th richest club on the planet by being consistently average, then what incentive is there for the administrators to have ambition, or the playing staff to raise performances? Villa has become the Premiership’s equivalent of an old floating log- never going anywhere but blocking the path for others.

Most other teams in the top reaches of English soccer have a recognisable sense of purpose. One group are the elite (Man U, Chelsea Arsenal), chasing the biggest prizes and another are striving to join them (Liverpool, Newcastle). Clubs like Everton and Manchester City are trying to reclaim past glories and demonstrating momentum; the likes of Bolton, Birmingham and Middlesbrough are staking out new ground at the top level.

Relative minnows like Charlton and Fulham are enjoying the best positions in their history while Blackburn and Portsmouth are simply punching above their weight. Then there are the West Broms, Wigans etc who are trying to grab some of the Premiership action and don’t expect Sunderland fans to accept 17th place as the limit of the Black Cats’ ambitions. Even Villa’s fellow experts in mediocrity, Spurs, are demonstrating a determined plan to build a vibrant side for the future.

And then there’s Villa who are none of the above. Not aiming for the elite, missing out on Europe, feeble cup challengers, never (except once) scrapping for survival and at the moment, showing no sign of a dramatic team building programme. The imminent arrival of a player like Patrick Berger to follow Eric Djemba-Djemba reeks of another season of steady points accumulation; David O’Leary will be about four games into the campaign when he starts telling the media not to expect too much of his squad- he may be correct but its hardly a clarion call to rouse the Villa faithful.

No one wants another Leeds United situation but the club has to demonstrate some kind of drive. There are good young players at Villa Park- Ridgewell, Moore and Davis- and perhaps they need to be given their head. The loss of Thomas Hitzlsperger shows what can happen if players aren’t given an opening. The opposite view will say that this risks a slide toward the relegation zone but maybe –oddly- fear is exactly what’s needed.

A less dramatic kick up the backside might be to see the club clearly lose its status as the West Midlands’ top dog. The club were lucky this season that Birmingham’s various problems with injury and unrest left the Blues’ season dead before it had started. Next campaign should be different as there’s obviously tremendous desire at St. Andrews. If humiliations in derby matches can’t kick-start the club perhaps the sight of City in Europe will do it. And with West Brom resurgent and Wolves on the up, life may become just uncomfortable enough to finally stir things up at Villa.

If soccer is about money, running a successful business and paying excellent wages to the employees, then Villa is a successful club. If it’s about glory, style and achievement than the current regime is a massive failure. The question is-what exactly is Aston Vila there for? If it’s only the former, they risk being elbowed aside by a host of other teams out there who know what they are after and why.

2033: Relegation 2005: Where now? N

by : Stephen Orford

The pain and misery of relegation from the Premiership may take some time to really sink in for Crystal Palace, Norwich City and Southampton, but all must begin to look to the future as soon as possible. It has been only days since these three lost their top-flight status for next season, but the time for wondering where it all went wrong in 2004/05 in surely done.

The financial implications of relegation from the Premiership are often dire, so where now for the doomed trio? West Bromwich Albion chairman Jeremy Peace estimated that the cost of relegation from the Premiership would have been somewhere in the region of £18 million. This is a massive short-fall for any club to cover, let alone clubs whose potential gate receipts, marketing and sponsorship revenues are about to plummet with the on-set of Coca Cola Championship football. With the best will in the world, it is unrealistic to expect fans to be quite so enthusiastic about the visits of Plymouth Argyle, Luton Town and Crewe Alexandra that are about to replace those of Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea. However, at the time of writing, all three relegated clubs have made noises in the media about their financial stability, and insist that there will be no need to sell players.

In the second of a series of three, squarefootball looks at the prospects of Norwich City Football Club as they prepare for an assault on the Coca Cola Championship next season.

Much of the Canaries’ financial stability has been provided by majority shareholder and celebrity television chef Delia Smith. Despite a quite mortifying, possibly red-wine-inspired outburst during one home match against Manchester City earlier this season, Norwich fans have taken Delia to their hearts. Her input has not only helped the club to stave off the threat of bankruptcy, but also to make improvements to their Carrow Road ground. In addition, there was also some pocket change left over to recruit the much sought-after Dean Ashton from Crewe Alexandra in the January transfer window.

Ashton’s arrival brought with it seven goals, and very nearly contributed to the great escape. It is this kind of ambition that Norwich fans will be looking for again as they bid to bounce straight back up to the top table of English football.

In manager Nigel Worthington, Norwich appear to have a fiercely loyal leader and it is clear that Delia and the others on the Carrow Road board are in no hurry to replace their man. The former Northern Ireland international has been with the Norfolk club for over four years, and deserves another crack at catapulting his team back into the big time. He is likely to find it easier to employ his principles of slick, passing football in the Championship where mistakes are less severely punished. If he can keep his squad together, then he has all the ingredients to repeat the trick of season 2003/04 when his side ran away with the old division one title.

Retaining Ashton will be key to Norwich’s chances of doing that, as will their ability to hang on to several other shining lights within their squad. Goalkeeper Robert Green is a regular fixture in Sven Goran Eriksson’s England plans these days, while Damian Francis has proven that he can mix it against the Premiership’s top defenders. Darren Huckerby still looks to be a player too good for the Championship but not quite good enough for the Premiership, but his presence for next season’s promotion effort will improve his side’s chances greatly. Defensively, Thomas Helveg may not fancy lower league football in England after hitting giddy heights earlier in his career with Milan.

It seems that Norwich City can go one of two ways. The model they will look at will be that provided by the likes of Bolton Wanderers, Charlton Athletic and perhaps even West Bromwich Albion. All of these clubs suffered relegations, only to come back stronger into the elite. There seems little reason why Norwich should not be able to join that group of clubs, but the pitfalls of first-season failure in the Championship are there for all to see. A second season in the Championship will see the further reduction of revenue, and increase the likelihood of Nigel Worthington’s men joining the Wolverhampton Wanderers’, Coventry Citys and West Ham Uniteds of this world in an annual dogfight of the most unpredictable kind.

2027: Real Madrid: Where Will Michae

by : Hugh Larkin

He’s only been in Madrid for barely a year but for most of that time speculation has raged about his future. While the man himself has been admirably professional about the situation, showing excellent commitment to the club, are Real likely to show the England striker the same loyalty?

Michael Owen has continually repeated that he wants to stay at the Bernabeu and there’s no reason to doubt that he means this. Real are one of the greats of world soccer and Owen’s 12 La Liga goals have proved that he can adapt easily to this league. While the season has ended without a trophy, that’s unlikely to be a long-term pattern and with Germany 2006 coming up, most established internationals are looking for a settled club situation.

Having said all that, Real Madrid is a club that operates by different rules to the rest, especially when beaten to the La Liga title by Barcelona. There are going to be massive changes at the club during the close season because two campaigns without either the domestic or European title is simply not acceptable. Although it is unfair, Owen is going to be one of the likely names to be shipped out.

Despite an excellent scoring record in terms of time spent on the park, the Englishman is still not getting a decent run of a starts; even with the arrival of a new coaching regime, Owen still cannot break the Ronaldo/Raul stranglehold which suggests that while Wanderlei Luxembourgo considers him a tremendous finisher, he doesn’t want to build an attack around him.

The whole squad is top heavy with galacticos and room has to be made for fresh talent and fresh legs. Luis Figo is tipped to depart but after him the cull becomes awkward. Losing Ronaldo would be potentially damaging if he piles in with goals elsewhere- both Raul and Roberto Carlos are fans’ favourites and Zinedine Zidane is still hugely talented, though not the World’s No 1 player anymore.

Top of the list would surely be David Beckham, except that he is huge in terms of marketing and if Figo goes he can be switched to the right side where he is deemed to be most effective. Players like Guti are Real Madrid through and through and have shown a willingness to adapt to the needs of the big stars. Now that the galactico era is ending the club are unlikely to ditch such useful performers.

All of which means Owen will probably be on his travels, albeit unwillingly. His chosen destination will surely be a club in the Champions League which rules out Newcastle’s quixotic pursuit. For reasons other than football, Everton and Manchester United are surely not realistic destinations, which leaves four options.

These are Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool, if they are in the competition, plus a move to another European team. The champions do need reinforcements up front and Arsenal may feel that Thierry Henry needs someone else to weigh in with bagful of goals but it’s uncertain if either manager sees Owen as right for their team pattern. Liverpool would be favourites, except that Rafa Benitez was clearly ready to countenance his sale.

The Spanish season hasn’t finished so the real jockeying can’t begin. The player isn’t officially available, so no favourite has emerged. The Madrid press clearly feel that Owen will be released but when that happens it certainly isn’t obvious where he would go, and a berth at another foreign club shouldn’t be ruled out.

2021: Spurs: Should Spurs fans be gr

by : Fred Tarow

Centrally the midfield is graced with the presence of Michael Carrick for the first time since 2001, an apprearance which also came in a friendly against Holland. Since joining Spurs from West Ham United Carrick has established himself as a capable midfield pivot, often seeming to grab control of games from that position. He still has a tendancy to drift out of the game too often, but his inclusion should help him develop in that area. Without Gerrard or Lampard, there is a real opportunity for Carrick to see first team action. However, he is likely to be surrounded by players of equal inexperience at international level on this tour, under which circumstances some players sink, and some players swim.

There is also a surprise in the goalkeeping department, as Paul Robinson’s injury sees Scott Carson of Liverpool make an international squad for the first time. It had been expected that his Anfield colleague Chris Kirkland would make the grade with England sooner rather than later, but having played a role in some key games for the Reds this season Carson could yet end up beating his club-mate to the honour of a first full cap. To do so he will have to get past an old hand at making calamitous howlers while situated between the sticks for Liverpool in David James, aswell as Norwich City's Robert Green. Manchester City man James looks likely to be given the chance to stake a claim for the number one jersey he lost in ignominious circumstances to Robinson in Austria back in September.

There will be those who still insist that the tour should not be taking place, and those who pay no attention to the results or the performances. However, if your name happens to be Peter Crouch, Andy Johnson, Alan Smith, Jermaine Defoe, Wes Brown, Sol Campbell, Matthew Upson, Glen Johnson, Stewart Downing, Michael Carrick, David James or Scott Carson, the trip could prove extremely significant.

Squad;

Green (Norwich City), Carson (Liverpool), James (Manchester City) Campbell (Arsenal), Upson (Birmingham City), Brown (Manchester United), G Neville (Manchester United), A Cole (Arsenal), P Neville (Manchester United), Johnson (Chelsea), Jenas (Newcastle United), Downing (Middlesbrough), Beckham (Real Madrid), Carrick (Tottenham Hotspur), J Cole (Chelsea), Hargreaves (Bayern Munich) Wright-Phillips (Manchester City), Smith (Manchester United), Owen (Real Madrid), Crouch (Southampton), A Johnson (Crystal Palace), Defoe (Tottenham Hotspur).Unusually for May, optimism is still loitering around White Hart Lane. For as long as most Tottenham fans not in a retirement home can remember, the end of the season was a time to ponder where it had all gone wrong, curse the footballing gods for lumbering them with the affliction of supporting the country's biggest under-achievers, while using their season ticket as a beer mat for drowning sorrows borne out of the shocking inadequacy of those Lillywhite-clad sorry excuses for footballers.

Now Tottenham, after a(nother) year of transition, appear as if they can genuinely look forward to next season and beyond with the sort of optimism derided by those outside the club and that is usually cruelly dismantled by grim reality once autumn leaves start falling. Tottenham's Three Wise Men; Daniel Levy, Frank Arnesen and Martin Jol are credited by most for the upturn in fortunes. However at least some of that credit should go to an individual who is held in the same esteem by a section of the Spurs faithful as an Arsenal season ticket holder; former chairman Sir Alan Sugar.

When Sir Alan paid in the region of £7 million for his 40.1% controlling share in Tottenham Hotspur in 1991 it was a club with £20 million worth of debt hanging around its neck and facing the possibility of bankruptcy. The Amstrad owner provided the financial stability to stave of foreclosure by the Midland Bank, while Terry Venables, also part of the takeover, provided the footballing expertise Sugar plainly lacked.

However by the spring of 1993 it became clear that the match apparently made in heaven was conceived in a place much further south than that as Sugar dismissed Venables, prompting an embarrassingly public legal battle. Seen as a money man with no real interest in football, Sugar was always going to lose the fight for public support. He is as charismatic as cardboard while Venables possesses it by the large brown envelope full. However it was like Derek Trotter taking on Bill Gates and inevitably Sugar succeeded in ousting the former Barcelona manager.

2030: Newcastle: Souness Needs a Lon

by : Bill Urban

Who are these players I have supposed to have fallen out with? Andy Cole? I rest my case. David Dunn? I rest my case. Craig Bellamy? I rest my case. Andy Todd? I rest my case. Dwight Yorke? We only fell out once at one training session.

Anyone else feeling that Graeme Souness missed his true calling in American criminal law? And is the Yorke case not “rested”? Perhaps Olivier Bernard and Laurent Robert were beneath Souness’s notice as players worthy of “falling out” status.

Given the absolute roller-coaster nature of Newcastle’s season, bizarre beyond even the normal fun-house Toon standards, Souness might be excused for being a trifle impatient with any questioning of his time as manager at the club. But the above comments, delivered in response to questions from Newcastle supporters put to Souness during an interview with the Newcastle Evening Chronicle, illustrate that perhaps dear Graeme has gone a bit over the edge in response to Newcastle’s Long Strange Journey of the past season.

Never mind, for the moment at least, that a list of more than five names of players with whom Souness had fallen out could be constructed from clubs other than Newcastle and Blackburn, curiously left out of Souness’s diatribe.

The Newcastle supporters put Souness to the question in terms of his effect on club discipline and ability to move the club forward, and rather than take him at terse, abrupt, face-saving value, perhaps we should examine the record a bit further.

Spotting Souness Craig Bellamy seems acceptable; the player is acknowledged as difficult to deal with even by his most passionate of supporters. And Souness seems to have enjoyed the support of the Chairman, the playing staff and the supporters in shipping off the player to Celtic.

But the carting of Kieron Dyer to the police station early in his tenure at Newcastle, allegedly for relieving himself in the street, did not augur a tighter, more professional hand at the Toon tiller. Rather, after a good initial run in the league, and a promising campaign in the UEFA Cup, the season which had shown much promise, including the elimination of Chelsea from the FA Cup, fizzled out with the strange spectacle of Dyer and Lee Bowyer engaging in a punch-up on the pitch during the home tie against Newcastle, and fourteenth place in the table must surely be regarded as a huge disappointment.

The strange love-hate relationship with Laurent Robert, ignored by Souness during his defense of Himself, but a topic of hot debate among Newcastle supporters, the hot start and subsequent complete disappearance of Patrick Kluivert, even the strange will-he won’t he retirement saga surrounding Alan Shearer, assured that too much of the focus at Newcastle this season centered around events off the pitch. To assume that none of these off-pitch distractions had an effect on the performance of the players would be short-sighted in the extreme, a point which Souness chose to ignore.

In an article written at the start of Souness’s reign at Newcastle, I made the prediction that, with Souness at the head of the Newcastle Ship of Fools, an “interesting season” was a certainty. But with rumours running rampant about close-season clear-outs, and players who were originally thought to be vital parts of Souness’s set-up, the aforementioned Kluivert, Nicky Butt, almost certainly Laurent Robert, looking to be on their last Newcastle legs, the only conclusion one can draw is that, despite his protests to the contrary, under Graeme Souness, Newcastle have taken several steps backwards from when Sir Bobby Robson was running the club. “Interesting” is not synonymous with successful.

“At the end of the day, the person I answer to is the chairman of Newcastle United and only the chairman can decide whether I go or whether I stay.”

Said Souness.

That might be literally correct, and Freddie Sheppard has not proven to be a Chairman especially concerned with the interests of his club’s supporters either, but turning your back on one of the most passionate, tolerant fan bases in the Premiership might be seen as a less than intelligent career move.

Clearly, Graeme Souness has “rested his case” about his history with player bust-ups and his suitability for the manager spot at Newcastle. But he should remain aware that, on the evidence of the past season, it appears from the questions put to him by club supporters, that they have definitely not yet “rested” theirs...

2032: Relegation 2005: Where now? C

by : Stephen Orford

The pain and misery of relegation from the Premiership may take some time to really sink in for Crystal Palace, Norwich City and Southampton, but all must begin to look to the future as soon as possible. It has been only two days since these three lost their top-flight status for next season, but the time for wondering where it all went wrong in 2004/05 in surely done.

The financial implications of relegation from the Premiership are often dire, so where now for the doomed trio? A delighted and very probably relieved West Bromwich Albion chairman Jeremy Peace estimated that the cost of relegation from the Premiership would have been somewhere in the region of £18 million. This is a massive short-fall for any club to cover, let alone clubs whose potential gate receipts, marketing and sponsorship revenues are about to plummet with the on-set of Coca Cola Championship football. With the best will in the world, it is unrealistic to expect fans to be quite so enthusiastic about the visits to Plymouth Argyle, Luton Town and Crewe Alexandra which are about to replace the trips to Old Trafford, Higbury and Stamford Brige. However, at the time of writing, all three relegated clubs have made noises in the media about their financial stability, and insist that there will be no need to sell players.

Here, in the first of a series of three articles, squarefootball looks at the prospects of Crystal Palace Football Club, as yet another one-season dalliance with the elite comes to an end.

Palace chairman Simon Jordan, a man who made his fortune in the mobile phone industry, insists that he will give boss Iain Dowie ‘the means’ for a quick slice of ‘bouncebackability.’ He clearly has that financial muscle, having previously helped drag the club out of administration. However, his commitment to the Eagles cause has been in some doubt in recent times. He hinted at quitting the club before the start of this past season, claiming to be disillusioned. A season in the sun has evidently tempted Jordan to stay on a while longer, and his bank balance could yet prove vital to Palace’s chances of a quick return to the Premiership.

Central to the club’s chances of achieving that aim is rocket-scientist, football philosopher and manager Dowie. One of the brightest prospects in the managerial arena right now, the former Northern Ireland international is habitually linked with any high-profile vacancies which may arise, and even some that may not arise. With the positions at the likes of Blackburn Rovers and Manchester City now satisfactorily filled, perhaps only the Leeds United job looks a more appealing prospect than staying put. Even then Palace are, at this moment in time, arguably a better bet to secure promotion to the Premiership next season as the Yorkshire club continue their slow recovery from financial meltdown. In the absence of any major off-season managerial casualties, Dowie’s immediate future should be at Selhurst Park. However, the early part of any season is notoriously strewn with managerial sackings, and it is then that Dowie’s commitment to the Palace cause may truly be tested.

Assuming Jordan and Dowie remain in place come the beginning of the 2005/06 season, what then of the playing staff? Glaringly, England man Andy Johnson is the club’s major asset. His 21-goal tally in the Eagles doomed campaign was the highest of any English player in the Premiership, and second overall behind perennial top marksman and apparent Playstation addict Thierry Henry of Arsenal. Jordan insists that Johnson will not be allowed to leave, but having broken into the England squad recently the former Birmingham City striker is in a strong bargaining position and could force the club’s hand.

The plus side of his sale would be the opportunity to bring in several players of the calibre required to challenge at Championship level. However, should Johnson be allowed to leave the exodus might not stop there, with Wayne Routledge continually linked with Tottenham Hotspur, and midfielders Tom Soares and Ben Watson also attracting attention. Defender Fitz Hall is perhaps another who has shown promise in the top division, and could also be snapped up for a price.

The journey back to the Premiership is often a painful and arduous one. Clubs like Leeds United, Sheffield Wednesday, Nottingham Forest and MK Dons have shown just how far the fall from grace can be, and as the dust settles on their demotion, Palace fans will be hoping that their club does not become yet another example of how fatal the drop from England’s top league can be.

2031: Transfer window: Record breaki

by : Daniel Kelly

With the Premiership season over, the minds of fans and managers alike will turn to the summer fix of the transfer market in what promises to be one of the most prolific transfer windows ever seen. The merry-go-round looks set for a turbo-charged summer.

Starting at the top, Chelsea have confirmed they want two, possibly three players (Adriano, Shevchenko, Dede and Cole the sort of names being bandied around), and since this is Chelsea the cost will probably exceed £30 million. Some Chelsea players will also leave, with Parker and Kezman likely to be heading the queue for the Stamford Bridge exit.

Newcastle also seem set for wholesale changes, with Robert, Kluivert and Bellamy certain to leave and departures for Bowyer and Dyer also possible. Their ambitions, if perhaps not quite their sense of reality, reach to players of the calibre of Michael Owen so significant expenditure seems likely.

Liverpool also seem set for a mass exodus, with Baros, Hamaan, Kewell, Biscan, and Diouf among the names rumoured to be leaving, and the smart money on at least one Spaniard being signed to replace them.

Aston Villa have been reported as having £20 million to spend on new players.

Everton, bolstered by Rooney and Champions League funds, look set for their first major expedition into the transfer market for some time.

Birmingham and Charlton have already indicated that they will invest heavily this summer.

Spurs also seem set to splash out as they continue to improve their squad with the likely additions of a winger and an attacking midfielder, though these may be funded by a second clearout of their oversized squad.

Bolton are close to landing Diouf.

Middlesbrough, having qualified for the UEFA cup for a second successive season and with Steve Gibson as chairman will surely continue to invest.

With many of these sides targeting the same players, bidding wars could result in some handy profits, and thus further transfer activity for replacements, being made, especially by some of the smaller Premiership clubs.

At my count, more than half of the Premiership (Chelsea, Arsenal, Man Utd, Everton, Newcastle, Villa, Charlton, Liverpool, Spurs, Birmingham, Middlesbrough) look set to spend in excess of £8 million this summer on transfers. It’s going to be the fastest, most glamorous transfer merry-go-round ever seen.

2026: Everton: Will the Toffees show

by : Stephen Orford

Having broken into the England squad this season, Crystal Palace striker Andy Johnson needs Premiership football if he is to continue to make an impact at international level. Until now Johnson’s only appearance in an England shirt came as a right winger in a friendly with Holland at Villa Park. Should he endure a season in the Championship with the Eagles he will find it ever more difficult to secure a place in his preferred striking role.

Palace’s relegation to the Championship was confirmed on Sunday (May 15) after the 2-2 draw with Charlton Athletic at The Valley. Johnson’s 21st and last goal of a sensational Premiership campaign almost saved Iain Dowie’s men from their fate, but Jon Fortune’s late equaliser for the Addicks has ensured that a healthy queue of suitors will form for the services of the former Birmingham City man. Johnson signed a four-year contract recently with the Selhurst Park club, meaning that any potential buyer can expect to part with a healthy sum if they are to prise him away from Dowie and Palace.

Chief among those potential buyers could be Everton. Unlike in previous summers David Moyes could have the funds to make significant improvements to his squad this year. The astounding achievement of the club in qualifying for the Champions League will provide the kind of revenue required to bid for star names like Johnson, as Moyes looks to bolster his squad for what he hopes will be a busy 2005/06 season.

That the club’s leading league goalscorer in their spectacularly successful 2004/05 campaign was Australian midfielder Tim Cahill speaks volumes for the need for Moyes to add to his strike force. Cahill’s 11 goals represent the only double-figure haul of any player in the Toffees squad, with the top scoring front man being Marcus Bent with only six. In addition, James Beattie’s Goodison career has so far proved uninspiring due to a combination of his injuries, and his penchant for head-butting Chelsea defenders. With Duncan Ferguson advancing rapidly in years, his role at the club looks unlikely to go beyond the frequent and often dramatic substitute appearances seen this term.

All of which leads to the likely presence of a void to be filled in the Merseyside club’s front line. At just 23 years of age, Johnson represents a long term solution to the team’s goalscoring issues, and could just be the x-factor required to push them on to even dizzier heights next year. If Johnson is serious about his England aspirations, he must first test himself against the best players and teams that the club game has to offer, and that could mean joining an ambitious, progressive club like Everton. He could thrive on Champions League football especially, and from the freedom which may be offered by the probability that relegation battles appear to be a thing of the past in the blue half of Merseyside.

The Palace man has endured criticism over his tendency to fall down easily in the vicinity of the penalty area. Indeed, 11 of his 21 goals have come from the penalty spot this season, with many of those spot-kicks won by Johnson himself. Doubts remain that he can maintain his form of this season over a sustained period of time, and that he could merely turn out to be a one season wonder. This is further evidence, if it were needed, that Moyes is exactly the right kind of manager to ensure that Johnson kicks on from a fantastic season from a personal point of view, and does not fall by the wayside. Moyes’ footballing philosophy is evidently about making sure that players get the best out of their own abilities through sheer hard work and dedication to their profession, meaning that the there will be no time for Johnson to sit back and admire his previous achievements.

There will be others interested in Johnson, and Crystal Palace will no doubt fight tooth and nail to keep their man. However, few clubs have the kind of ambition, tradition and history that could give them the edge over Everton if the decision comes down to the player himself. Add this to their new found financial muscle, and Everton could well be ready to offer the leading English goalscorer in the Premiership the ideal new home.

2028: West Brom/Wolves: Optimism Sig

by : Hugh Larkin

After a season that promised only a diet of gloom, fans of those bitter Black Country rivals West Bromwich Albion and Wolves have all got something to smile about as the season draws to a close. Bryan Robson has inspired a miraculous escape from relegation while Glenn Hoddle has agreed to stay and finish the impressive work he started at Molineux.

Pessimism is the natural state of the Black Country supporter but each set of fans had every reason to be mired in despair before Christmas. Both clubs had lost managers who had been inspirational in their time at the Hawthorns and Molineux- Albion appeared certainties for a drop to the Championship and Wolves were mired in the lower reaches after being demoted last season.

Each club had appointed a new boss about whom fans and media expressed serious doubts. Bryan Robson at Albion had his reputation tarnished by relegation at Bradford City and in the perceived loss of direction in his latter years at Middlesbrough. Hoddle came to Molineux packing the baggage of the sack at Tottenham and England, amid accusations of arrogance and poor man-management.

What a difference five months can make. After embarking on a seemingly endless series of draws, Hoddle has led Wolves to a more than acceptable record of only one defeat in 24 games. His decision to sign a new contract has been greeted with near-unanimous approval in Wolverhampton where once there was suspicion about his motivations.

Over at the Hawthorns Robson can bask in the sort of adulation that is reserved for managers who perform tasks that no one else has achieved. Survival has been a wonderful reward but the former Albion hero had won over the fans well before his team’s Premiership fate was settled.

Apart from the obvious fact that results have moved firmly in the right direction, both teams are playing football that is composed and easy on the eye. Robson brought in accomplished players like Kieran Richardson and Kevin Campbell and rejected the backs to the wall battling route that so many teams opt for under pressure, plus he demonstrated ruthless qualities that many felt he had left on the pitch when he retired.

Hoddle’s teams have always played a passing game and upsetting players has never been perceived as a problem for the ex-England boss, but there were question marks about whether he could adapt to working with players outside the Premiership elite- which overlooked the fact that he began his managerial career by lifting Swindon Town to lofty heights.

Now the Black Country can look forward to the future with anticipation. Wolves will be installed as one of the leading contenders for promotion and Albion can take on the premiership with renewed vigour. The self-image of fans at both clubs has been lifted after nearly two decades of under-achievement. These are supporters who believe their sides belong in the top flight and chafe under the double burden of Aston Villa’s local ascendancy and the wider marginalisation of West Midland football.

Black Country fans rarely agree on much, but they will concur that it is time that the West Midlands clawed back to its traditional place in the game. If Lancashire can have seven teams in next season’s Premiership than the West Midlands will want four and the revival at Wolves and Albion means that is a distinct possibility.

2025: Spurs set for second clear-out

by : Daniel Kelly

Like United, the youngsters will be very important to Arsenal next season. Robin Van Persie is finally looking like the player Arsene Wenger hyped him up to be, while Cesc Fabregas has class written all over him. Phillipe Sanderos has plugged what had become a leaky defence, so much to the extent that Sol Campbell has been kept out of the team. If Arsenal’s youngsters continue to develop in this manner, and if ageing players such as Robert Pires can keep up their strong performances for another year, Chelsea had better watch their backs.

Youngster’s isn’t where Arsenal’s similarities with United end though. Like at Old Trafford, Wenger’s goalkeeping problems have been much publicised. Jens Lehman has improved greatly towards the end of the season, but it is still uncertain if he can cut it at the top level. Once again, another goalkeeper could mean another six points.

But it isn’t just the three of Chelsea, Man United and Arsenal that will be fighting at the top this season. If Liverpool can convert their Champions’ League form into domestic consistency, than they will be a real force. Sceptics would say it’s a bog ‘if’, but they would be jumping the gun.

Rafa Benitez has proven what a great tactician he is with Liverpool’s incredible European campaign. He is also the first manager to have shown signs of working out Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea side. In the Champions’ League semi-final, Benitez made Chelsea look one dimensional, and regardless of whether the ball crossed the line or not, Liverpool deserved the victory.

And the man behind that infamous goal is a prime example of why Rafa Benitez is creating a side to fear. Luis Garcia was a virtual unknown on English shores when Benitez signed him, despite costing £6million from Barcelona. He struggled to adapt to the pace and power of English football initially, before the closing stages of the season, by which time he had transformed into a top-drawer goalscoring midfielder, who looks like making things happen every time he gets the ball.

It is Benitez’ tactical knowledge and ability in the transfer market that could well make Liverpool prime Premiership contenders next season. Fernando Morientes may not have set the world on fire since his £6.3million move from Real Madrid, but he will no doubt take a leaf from Garcia’s book and come back better next season. Class doesn’t disappear overnight and Morientes has plenty of that.

The transfer of Xabi Alonso speaks for itself – the man looks as good a passer as anyone in England – and right-back Josemi showed mixed form before having his season cut short by injury without having a chance to settle in. Add onto an already decent-looking transfer record the knowledge Benitez has gained since moving to England, and the funds gained from this year’s Champions’ League run is sure to be spent wisely.

It is easily forgotten that the squad at Liverpool is nowhere near the standard at which Benitez wants it. But expect that to change greatly over the coming months. Benitez has already shown his class in Europe. He now has the knowledge, desire and ability to transform that to the Premiership. Yet another team for Chelsea to be wary of.

The teams that have fallen short of Chelsea this season really only have themselves to blame, however. So much money had been spent on Mourinho’s squad in the summer that all of the cries were of “It will take time for them to blend”, “too many big-earning egos in one team” and “money doesn’t buy you success.” Yes, Mourinho proved the doubters wrong, but nobody really took Chelsea as a serious threat this season, until it was too late and they were running away with the league.

While Chelsea have been flying high, Manchester United and Arsenal have been knocked back this season. Liverpool have been trying to pick themselves up for a few years now. But all three sides have excellent managers, quality players and this time around they know what they are up against. Mourinho should enjoy his walk in the park while he can: it may not be happening again for a while.
Reports have been circulating suggesting that Spurs may be considering a second summer clearout in two years. Keane and Davies look set to leave and rumours have suggested that Edman, Davis, Atouba and Davenport may also be allowed to leave the club. Mendes, Ricketts, Jackson, and Bungy also to likely to join them. Other Premiership managers have already begun to root in the Spurs bargain bin, with Moyes and Bruce already expressing an interest in some of these players.

Jol has already bemoaned Tottenham’s lack of width and penetration this season, and the lack of goals from midfield has hamstrung the club this season. Speaking after the Blackburn game Jol also intimated that a lack of experience in crucial games cost Spurs a European place this season (Fair Play Lotteries aside). In the light of these comments I would expect to see at least one pacy winger brought in, probably including Routledge, and a goal scoring attacking midfield to partner the deep-lying Carrick. The names of Van de Vaart, Sneider and Van Bommell have also been mentioned but would appear to be a little far-fetched. An experienced thirty-something seems a more likely addition to the dressing room.

Replacements for possible departures are already underway with Huddlestone and Taino already set to arrive, and with the Spurs squad already bloated it seems likely that more players will leave than arrive this summer. Davenport’s rabbit in headlights performances at Southampton may well have cost him his Spurs career, and Ricketts profitable time at Wolves may herald a permanent return. With Spurs’ centre midfield already overstocked and over-defensive at least one of Davis and Mendes looks likely to leave in search of regular football. Davies and Keane are rumoured to be Everton’s top targets and with Davies still short of his form of three years ago and Keane desperate for regular first team football both could be allowed to leave. Looking to defence, Atouba and Edman have alternately thrilled and despaired the Spurs faithful at left back with unbelievably risky turns/stopovers, wonder goals and rash/clumsy tackles. Losing one of these players seems more unlikely but may bring fans blood pressure down to more healthy levels.

To conclude a second summer of change looks to be in the offing at White Hart Lane, with at least two and up to four first XI spots likely to be improved upon and a large squad in need of some culling. Last season, quantity was the order of the day as the old squad was swept away and a new base of younger players brought in. This summer those solid foundations are in need of the extra quality required to make it into the top six of the premiership.

2024: Why Chelsea wont walk it again

by : Simon Cole

With the Premiership Champions of the last two years losing just one game between them in their combined 76 game Championship run, people could easily start to question the competitiveness of the English League.

While Arsenal have lost only six times in the league in the last two years, cash-assembled Chelsea have still managed to stroll to their first championship in 50 years. And while their personnel will probably be reinforced with over £50million worth of talent this summer, they wont have such as easy ride nest season.

In fact, next year could see the Premiership at its most competitive for some years.

While Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger are prone to making feeble excuses for their respective Manchester United and Arsenal sides’ failures this season, the reasons they have given this time around are far more credible.

Fergie accepts that the best team has won the title, and that “Chelsea have raised the bar”. This has meant United’s mandatory slow start has cost them dear this time around. And while Paul Scholes, Roy Keane and Ryan Giggs hardly have years on their side, next season will almost certainly see United’s young talent fully flourish.

The media’s favourite superstar, Wayne Rooney, continues to look undaunted when playing at the highest level, and his increasing time spent in the United team will surely soon help his partnership with Ruud Van Nistelrooy flourish. Christiano Ronaldo is now looking better with each game. Not only has he learnt that there is more to football than the step-over, but he has toughened up significantly – a vital trait for success in English football.

Add to this Rio Ferdinand reaching his prime, Wes Brown learning to stay on his feet and Gabrielle Heinze showing he is a class act in his debut season in English football and you have the foundation for a great side.

Fergie will be the first to admit that plenty of improvement is needed at Old Trafford. But despite questions over the long-term prospects of Malcolm Glazer’s takeover of the club, it is sure to mean an attractive transfer kitty come the summer. A new goalkeeper alone will be worth at least six points to United, as the calamitous Roy Carroll and Tim Howard have cost them dear this year.

Perhaps the best way for United to challenge Chelsea would be to stop trying to copy their formation. United have the prefect players for a midfield four (Ronaldo, Scholes, Keane and Giggs) and a potentially great strike force (Rooney and Van Nistelrooy). Yet they are currently insisting on mimicking Chelsea’s 4-2-3-1 formation, and at the same time wasting Rooney as a left-winger and leaving Van Nistelrooy or Alan Smith stranded up front. Back to basics would be a big step back towards success.

But not only will United come bouncing back after failing to capture the title two seasons running for the first time since the start of the Premiership, but Arsenal will be like a wounded animal, having lost both their unbeaten record and their title this season.

While Wenger wrongfully refuses to acknowledge that Chelsea have been the best team in England, he is correct in his assessment that Arsenal took far too long to recover from Man United taking away their incredible unbeaten run and in reality handed Chelsea a lead which they never looked like throwing away.

2022: Premiership: Ten transfer targ

by : Sean OMeara

One of the by-products of the legal battle with Venables was the emergence of how badly Tottenham had been mis-managed prior to the takeover. Evidence of undeclared loans and irregular payments surfaced, and Sugar, a disciplined businessman, decided that the club needed to get its finances in order. So too did the FA who fined the club £600,000, docked them 12 points(later reduced to 6) and booted them out of the 1994-1995 FA Cup. Sugar fought the unprecedented punishments tooth and nail until an arbitration panel overturned the deduction and cup ban (although the fine increased to £1.5 million). Another chairman may not have fought as vigorously as Sugar did. Or even worse, another chairman may have covered up the evidence only to have it exposed at a later date and at the expense of an unimaginably severe punishment. Sir Alan behaved with dignity, honesty and fought hard for his club throughout the entire episode. Even the most one eyed of Sugar-haters had to concede that the boy done well.

The club continued to prosper off the field and by 2001, when Sir Alan finally relinquished control of the club in the face of moronic abuse from a section of the club's support, Tottenham Hotspur were regularly turning in a profit. The turnaround from 1991, in this respect, was remarkable.

On the pitch Tottenham Hotspur did not regress as far as is widely believed during the Sugar years. He is frequently accused of
overseeing Tottenham's slide from the summit of the English game, under-investing in the team and making poor managerial appointments.
While these arguments are not completely without merit, all three claims are flawed.

The trophy cabinet at White Hart Lane had been collecting dust long before Sugar's takeover. Prior to 1991 Tottenham hadn't won a domestic trophy in nine years (although they did win the UEFA Cup in 1984). Their average league position under Terry Venables (widely perceived to be a relatively successful Spurs boss) was 8.25th. During Sugar's chairmanship that average league position admittedly slid, but only to 10.88th. In other words Tottenham went from mediocre to slightly worse. Given the financial state of the club when he took over, and the imminent departures of Paul Gascoigne and Gary Lineker, Tottenham Hotspur was a club on the brink of an unavoidable slide by the time Sugar purchased it.

During Sugar's reign Tottenham invested nearly £100 million on players. On three occasions the club broke its own transfer record. Some of the purchases were mind numbingly awful; a few were successes while injuries ruined the chances of many to make their mark at White
Hart Lane. However to say that Sugar didn't invest adequately in the team is absolute folly.

Much of that £100 million was squandered by men Sugar appointed and although his choice of managers did leave much to be desired only two of them, Ossie Ardiles and Christian Gross, could be labeled absolute failures. Gerry Francis did reasonably well in navigating the club to three top ten finishes before resigning while George Graham delivered a League Cup but couldn't lift the anchor that had marooned Spurs in mid-table.

The appointment of Graham was perhaps the finest illustration of Sugar's lack of footballing knowledge and the chasm that existed
between Sugar and the Tottenham fans. While Graham, a two time league winner as a manager, was a good choice on paper, his Arsenal connections and coma-inducing style of football ensured that the supporters could never truly accept him. But Sugar was never a football man, nor did he ever claim to be. His legacy at Tottenham will be that he took a club mired in debt and turned them into one of the most financially stable clubs in Britain.

In 1998, during the nightmarish Christian Gross managerial reign, Sugar was asked to sum up his tenure to that point. "Tottenham Hotspur is a failure. We've not achieved anything, we've not done anything, we've spent a lot of money." was his harsh evaluation. When it was pointed out what state the club was in when he purchased it he did concede "We've stopped it going bust, but that is not what the whole thing is about." It's not what the whole thing is about, indeed, but football has created an environment where success follows money (rarely vice-versa). Sugar's contribution, therefore, was hugely significant. He laid the foundations that allowed the current administration, under Daniel Levy, to take the football team forward. If we are in the embryonic stages of a genuine Tottenham revival then the club and it's supporter's are indebted to Sir Alan Sugar; a true Tottenham Hotspur, albeit Tottenham Hotspur PLC, legend.With the season’s close fast approaching, all media attention will of course very shortly be re-focussing on the transfer market. We will be treated to daily doses of speculation, rumour and often complete fabrication. Papers must of course sell, even in the summer months.

We all love to fantasise and fanaticise about the big names heading to our beloved clubs, though some of us wont admit it. And while very little in football, least of all player movement, is ever certain, one thing is for sure. Some players will be on their way out of their current Premiership clubs at the end of the season.

Ten of the most likely candidates for departure this summer, and why: -

1. Scott Parker
2. Shaun Wright-Phillips
3. Mateja Kezman
4. Aiyegbeni Yakubu
5. Wayne Routledge
6. Simon Davies
7. Andrew Johnson
8. Robbie Keane
9. Ashley Cole
10. Alan Smith

2020: England: Crouching England, Hi

by : Stephen Orford

In the 2002-3 season, Marcus Babbel’s life threatening illness meant Carragher could get a whole season with his own regular position at right-back. This is where you started to see his credentials as a determined, reliable defender who will never let you down. But despite another spell of impressive performances, the following summer Houllier brought in Fulham right-back Steve Finnan. This was when he made the comment about always finding room for Carragher. He didn’t comment on the unfairness of one of Liverpool’s most reliable performers having to do more ‘fill-in’ work.

A lesser character would have walked away for guaranteed first team football. Most people were of the opinion that Finnan would replace Carragher as he was a natural full-back who would provide more going forward. But Carragher was winning his fight for his place early in the season, before Blackburn’s Lucas Neill made a horror lunge, breaking Carragher’s right leg.

His Liverpool future looked in jeopardy, yet somehow six-months injury had not only turned Carragher into a more resilient defender, but his attacking game had come on leaps and bounds. This is part of his game that is still vastly underrated.

His solid performances ousted new signing Finnan from the right back slot, and earned Carragher a regular position in the England squad. But his best was still to come. In summer 2004, Liverpool sacked Gerrard Houllier, and Rafa Benitez came in and moved Carragher to the centre of defence. Not only did this counter the lack of pace of the Hyypia-Henchoz partnership, but it unleashed one of the Premiership’s finest centre backs.

Carragher had finally been given a regular position – for the first time in his career – and he has flourished since. He has even outshone Mr Liverpool, Steven Gerrard, to become Liverpool’s player of the season. If Gerrard does move on the Chelsea in the summer, Carragher is surely the only man to take the captaincy. His determination, attitude and presence are an example and it is only because England are blessed with so many world class centre backs that Carragher is not a regular international footballer.

But among all the Sol Campbells, John Terrys and Rio Ferdinands, there is still one thing missing in the England defence: a scrapper. If you look at the best Premiership defences, they all have a scrapper alongside the big man. Campbell has Kolo Toure, Terry has – to a lesser extent – Ricardo Carvalho, or a great example of a scrapper in William Gallas. Ferdinand has Michael Silvestre. England have the option of Carragher alongside any of the ‘big three’ centre backs, just to add variety and to pick up the pieces on the rare occasion that they are caught short.

Over the last year, Carragher has developed into one of the finest defenders in the Premiership, having been given the opportunity to play regularly in his strongest position. The only thing stopping him also becoming an England superstar is a lack of opportunities.
In all probability, the England football team should not be going on a two-game tour of the United States in late May. After a long slog of Premiership, FA Cup, Carling Cup, Champions League, UEFA Cup and international football already in 2004/05, meaningless friendlies Stateside are perhaps the last thing that either the players or the fans need.

Sven Goran Eriksson has spent much of this season insisting on a four-week break ahead of next year’s World Cup in Germany. Indeed, so determined was the Swede to get his way that he persuaded the Football Association to begin tampering with the format of the FA Cup for 2006. Strange then , that he feels it perfectly acceptable to extend the 2004/05 season with yet more substitution-fests, this time against the USA and Colombia.

That debate will rage on, but the tour will go ahead regardless, albeit without several star names. Manchester United pair Wayne Rooney and Rio Ferdinand were withdrawn yesterday (May 11), while Chelsea duo John Terry and Frank Lampard face close-season surgery after their Premiership-winning exploits. Another gruesome twosome, Liverpool’s Jamie Carragher and Steven Gerrard also miss out due to their involvement in the Champions League final in Istanbul on May 25, while Real Madrid’s England captaining couple of David Beckham and Michael Owen will only be available for the May 31 date with Colombia due to club commitments. So, is there anyone left, and is any of it worthwhile?

Well, possibly. The headline writers will, as I write this, be dreaming up multifarious ways to work the word ‘Crouch’ into their witty attention grabbers. Southampton striker Peter Crouch, a man once widely and comically derided for his ability to fall over a football at regular intervals, earns his first ever call up to the England squad for the trip. His 16 goals for the Saints this year have just about kept the Saints in contention in the fight to beat the drop, and his contribution has been rewarded.

Conspiracy theorists may fear that this is another weird and wonderful concoction designed by Eriksson to keep Andy Johnson from grabbing an opportunity up front for England. His appearance as a right winger against Holland at Villa Park earlier this season is now the stuff of legendary tactical ineptitude. The Crystal Palace man could form an all-new front pairing with Crouch at some point during the tour, but it would surprise nobody to see Johnson pointlessly misused once more.

In addition, Manchester United striker Alan Smith is in contention for a starting role up front. Of the three, Smith seems the most gifted all-round footballer and his inclusion should give Eriksson the perfect opportunity to run the rule over Smith’s progress at international level. Jermaine Defoe also goes on the trip, and will also be looking for quality game time, particularly in the absence of established number one Michael Owen for the USA game.

The absence of England’s current front-runners for the centre half berths, John Terry and Rio Ferdinand, aswell as rock-steady understudy Jamie Carragher, should give Arsenal’s Sol Campbell another opportunity to re-establish himself at this level. The former Spurs man has missed the latter part of the season with a troublesome ankle injury, but returned to the Arsenal line-up recently ahead of next week’s FA Cup final showdown with Manchester United. Vying for starting spots alongside the experienced Campbell will be Manchester United’s Wes Brown and Birmingham City’s Matthew Upson. That these two have been denied international appearances in the past shows the depth of England’s talent in this position, but both will be eager to stake a claim for at least a regular squad place.

There is also a place for Chelsea’s under-used right-back Glen Johnson. Recently unable to remove the decidedly unsteady Robert Huth from Jose Mourinho’s back four plans, the former West Ham United man will no doubt have received a massive confidence boost from his inclusion at a time when it looked as if his footballing career was heading for troubled waters.

One of the more interesting factors on the tour will be the extent of opportunity given to Middlesbrough starlet Stewart Downing. Eriksson recently made noises about Downing’s possible impact on next year’s World Cup, suggesting that now might be the time to really begin his international footballing education. Like Johnson, Downing made a cameo appearance against the Dutch, but the absence of key personnel added to the increasing necessity to find a naturally left-sided midfielder should see the 'Boro man utilised for a sustained period in both games.

2019: Liverpool: The rise of ‘Super

by : Simon Cole

When the Writers’ Player of The Year Awards were announced last week, nobody was surprised that Chelsea’s Frank Lampard and John Terry – as with the PFA awards – topped the list. But many may have been surprised by the name in third place.

Not because it was undeserved, or that other players had outshone the player, but because Jamie Carragher has finally started getting the credit he deserves. Terry himself – the PFA Player of The Year – said Carragher had been the best defender in the Premiership this season, but it has taken an incredible performance against champions Chelsea for the media to realise quite how good Carragher actually is.

This time last year, he was a ‘Mr Versatile’, plugging the holes that weren’t filled in the Liverpool defence wherever he could be slotted in. While Gerrard Houllier often stated “I’ll always find room for Jamie in my team,” this wasn’t actually the compliment that Houllier meant it as. He was in effect saying that he would make room for Carragher, whatever position it was in.

When Rafa Benitez arrived at Anfield however, he saw the ability in Carragher and went with the idea of building a defence around him, rather than using him to fill any voids. Everyone always knew Carragher was a lion-heart who would put himself on the line for the team. Perhaps what many didn’t know, was that Benitez was about to complete Carragher’s rise from ‘Mr Versatile’ to the most perfect example of ‘Mr Reliable’.

When – within a month of competitive action at his new club – a manager who has worked alongside the likes of Roberto Ayala declared Jamie Carragher “the best centre-back I have ever worked with,” people should take notice. The statement, at the time, was ignored. But now that Carragher has been one of the best performers in this season’s Champions’ League, people are starting to take notice.

The transformation throughout Carragher’s career has been nothing short of phenomenal. Not just in the dramatic improvements in his game, but also in his positional development. In 1993 he made a goalscoring debut against Aston Villa, where he was playing as a holding midfielder. This was in the ‘Spice Boys’ era at Liverpool, where a hard-tackling player was seen as rarity. Fans saw him as the man to cure the ‘midfield general’ position, before then-manager Roy Evans signed Paul Ince for £7million from Inter Milan.

A young Carragher was knocked back onto the fringes, with the odd game here-and-there. But he was also making a name with the England Under-21s, where he has quietly become their most capped player. Initially Evans used Carragher as a cover midfielder.

He first made the move to centre-back when Gerrard Houllier became joint-manager with Roy Evans at Anfield. An unsuccessful defence including Liverpool flops such as Bjorn Tore Kvarme and Steve Harkness leaked goals and essentially led to Evans stepping aside to hand Houllier sole charge. He was quick to fix Liverpool’s defensive frailties, building a team around signings Sami Hyypia and Stephan Henchoz. This again knocked Carragher back to the fringes, but few could criticise the success of the Henchoz-Hyypia partnership. Carragher became the versatility man slotting in at left-back and right-back on numerous occasions.

Despite playing well, Carragher took many knock-backs when being dropped from the side. But it is his strength of character and endless determination that today makes him the sole survivor of the ‘Spice Boy’ days. His versatility was counting against him, hampering his chances of a regular role in the team. But he always bounced back, most noticeably after his career low-point, when he responded to an Arsenal fan throwing a coin at him by hurling it back into the Highbury faithful. He knew he had let himself, the fans and the club down. But his never-say-die attitude on the pitch soon made up for this.

2023: Spurs: Different Seasons

by : Adam Graham

This article has been removed at the writer's request.

2018: West Brom V Portsmouth – A Wes

by : Colin Illingworth

West Brom’s future is out of their hands but if they are to have any chance of becoming the first side in Premiership history to beat the drop after sitting bottom at Christmas then they must dispose of Portsmouth. And after last weekend’s draw at Old Trafford they could easily do what is required of them. The big question mark is whether it will be too late to save their skin.

Portsmouth travel to the Midlands safe in the knowledge that they will be in the Premiership next season but they still have an avid interest in today’s games as their south-coast rivals Southampton may be relegated if they fail to beat Manchester United. Some Pompey fans have already gone on record as to saying they will be cheering on the Baggies if it ensures that the Saints go marching down to the Championship. Although I’m not sure if the team will share that feeling but after the way Redknapp, Smith and Quashie all left the club for their dearest rivals maybe they will.

Bryan Robson has worked wonders since the turn of the year and if the Albion can pull off the great escape then you can forget all about Mourinho, Moyes or Benitez being crowed manager of the year as Captain Marvel will have it in the bag. Even if the Baggies fail he deserves so much credit for transforming a bunch of Championship players into Premiership stars. His purchase of Kevin Campbell and loan signing of Kieron Richardson have been masterstrokes.

The Hawthorns is going to be packed to the rafters today with everybody praying for the miracle of all miracles to come true. They will give the boys more support than Pamela Anderson’s bra and that will only spur the team on. I doubt there will be nerves on the Baggies behalf as all they can do is win and hope for the best unlike Norwich who could be badly affected by nerves with the weight of expectation on them. However if they are hanging on for a win and news filters on from other grounds affecting the relegation positions then maybe nerves will become a little jaded.

Portsmouth were victorious earlier this season against the Baggies after coming back from 2-1 down to snatch two late goals to break their opponents hearts at Fratton Park which happened to be their first win over West Brom in four attempts. Before that the Albion had thrashed them 5-0 and 2-0 at the Hawthorns and two narrow wins at Fratton Park 2-1 and 1-0. And the good news for Robson’s side is that they haven’t lost to Pompey at the Hawthorns since 1998 and Perrin’s side haven’t won on the road in their last nine games, going back to Boxing Day with a 1-0 win over Crystal Palace.

West Brom haven’t won since unexpectedly beating Everton 1-0 which came hot on the heels of crushing Charlton 4-1 and Midlands rivals Birmingham 2-0. They also have the worst scoring home record having only found the back of the net 15 times. However, the Baggies have fought all season to save themselves from the drop and I’m positive that they will be fired up to give their survival hopes one last shot. Out of all the teams at the bottom I’d say West Brom has the best chance of winning but when has this relegation battle gone to form?

The atmosphere inside the ground should be something else and whatever happens there will be tears shed at the end of the 90 minutes. It could be tears of joy, could be tears of despair. Either way, with Bryan Robson at the helm we will no doubt be hearing a lot of the Baggies next season, in the Premiership or otherwise.

2017: The Play-offs – Unfair, or ver

by : Sean OMeara

While the four teams in the play-offs this season have just got to get on with it – “it’s just the way it is” – it doesn’t change how unfair a system it is. It also doesn’t change how out of step it is with the relegation process.

Taking the Premiership and Championship as an example; while the three worst sides from football’s top tier will be relegated to the Championship, the best, second best and sixth best sides from the Championship could well be playing in the Premiership next season.

Why? Because we employee this daft system where we make the teams fighting for a promotion play 46 games and then promote the top two, only to throw the next four up in the air, make them play a mini-knockout competition promoting whoever comes out on top.

In the last 15 years of play-offs to gain promotion to the top tier, only twice have the team placed third gone on to win the final. Fair? I think not.

Incidentally, a case in point, Ipswich, in six attempts have gained promotion via the play-offs just once and they of course make that seven attempts this season, having finished in that fateful third spot.

Now, there is obviously a strong argument for the entertainment factor.

Quite how much entertainment value the fans of these clubs get out of this whole concept is hard to measure, what with it being so miniscule. However, for the neutral, it is a cracking end to a season, often showcasing teams that many of the country’s football fans know little about, due to their blinkered fascination with the top tier.

It also gives the Premiership fan in the street a look at the teams that may just be rubbing shoulders with their beloved elite next season.

However, entertainment does not outweigh fair, at least not in my book.

There are other, fairer possibilities to be explored here.

For a start, we could promote the top three teams. Radical I know, but how much fairer can you get than that? But entertaining?… clearly not entertaining enough for the masses.

So, why not let these four play-off sides continue the season, playing each other twice more (or once, on a neutral ground) with the team then in third gaining promotion – a mini-league, if you will. A little post season promotion clash, offering the entertainment required, but just that little bit fairer than the old knockout thing.

No, not convinced? OK, let’s get really radical. How about the letting the bottom team from the Premiership get relegated and the top team from the Championship gain promotion, but - now bear with me here - letting the Premiership’s 18th and 19th placed sides enter into a play-off with the Championship’s 2nd and 3rd placed sides?

Think of it. Sunderland up, West Brom down. Wigan v Palace and Ipswich v Southampton; winners go into the Premiership next season.

Then again, why not spice it up some more. Top two go up – as today – and bottom two go down. Then the 17th and 18th placed sides go into a play-off with the 3rd and 4th placed sides. Ipswich v Norwich and Southampton v Derby.

At least with one of these crazy systems, the Championship sides get to play Premiership opposition for the right to go up, instead of again playing someone they might have already beaten twice this season, in addition to having finished above them in the table.

This would give these teams their own personal shot at promotion if you like, and would also give the sides facing the drop a last ditch chance to defend their place for next season.

This concept may sound crazy, but open your mind and consider that Ipswich face West Ham tomorrow; a team they finished 12 points ahead of in the table – that’s right, 12 whole points.

Imagine if Man Utd were politely asked to contest their Champions League spot in a play off with Bolton, who finished a massive 19 points behind the Reds – there might be more than teacups and boots flying around Old Trafford. Unfair? You said it.

Let’s just hope, as neutrals of course, that Ipswich, who finished just two points behind Wigan, can pull off a second promotion in seven play-off attempts.

It’s only fair.

2016: Fulham V Norwich – “Lets be ‘a

by : Colin Illingworth

It has been a toss up between the bottom four sides to see who will beat the drop and the thrilling contest has witnessed so many twists and turns that even Stephen King couldn’t have written a more thrilling script. For the neutrals it has been fascinating but for Amanda this season has been “terrible”.

“We wasted so much time getting Megson out, Robson in and him sorting out his best side. He pursued with Darren Purse for far too long which cost us point after point after point. When he did get the right team and shipped out some of the makeweights it all clicked into place. It will be very frustrating to be so close when you look back at all those "what if" matches.”

However, whatever happens at the Hawthorns, on what is set to be a torturous end to an emotional roller coaster of a campaign already this season, Amanda, who pinpoints the 4-1 victory at the Valley as the moment she truly believed they could pull this off, has been overwhelmed at the effort put in by everybody at the club to stay in the top flight.

“I’m very proud because we've played with some style at times. I'd like to think that people like Gera, Greening and Clement will want to stop with us regardless of which division because they want to play for Robson. But even if they don't stay up I think we'll be strong candidates in the Championship.

“It would be a marvellous achievement if we stayed up given the old maxim of who is bottom at Christmas. And yet it still won't be as exciting as getting promotion the first time we did it in 2000! We don't like the greed league very much so can take consolation from rejoining the proper league and having Saturday 3.00 kick-offs again.”

Just two points separate the bottom four teams and the advantage is firmly in Norwich’s hands, the very same team who were points adrift at bottom just a few weeks ago but have strung a marvellous run of results together. If they can record their first away win of the entire season at Craven Cottage against Fulham then the race is all over and the Canaries will be flying the flag in the Premiership for a second season. And if West Brom can’t pull off the miracle escape then Amanda would like to see the Carrow Road club win the race.

“I think I'd like Norwich to stay up because they had less chance than us at one stage but didn't give up the ghost. I think Palace are a one-trick penalty-achieving pony and Southampton have had this coming to them for years.”

There will be so many emotions experienced on Sunday as the goals fly in and the teams climb out of and drop into the bottom three that it will be a great strain on the heart for those directly involved. For West Brom though their immediate future is bright and beautiful with Robson staying put and the side playing the type of football that deserves to grace the Premiership.

They rode their luck against Manchester United at Old Trafford last weekend to come away with a point but Robson will be praying that there’s still a bit of luck in the tank waiting to be used. Maybe Budha will be Robson’s saviour!

West Brom deserve a huge amount of respect for the way they have bounced back in the second part of the season and they have been an absolute credit to the Premiership. If the Baggies can achieve the previously unthinkable then it’s not beyond the realms of reality that the Baggies could establish themselves as a topflight side.

There is just 90 minutes left to decide Albion’s fate and I’m sure the Hawthorns will be rocking straight from the kick-off as they push for a vital win and pray that results go their way. The future’s bright but will it be in the Premiership next season? We’ll have to wait and see.
Norwich City’s fate lies in their hands. Victory against Fulham and the Canaries can go off on their summer holidays knowing that they will be playing the big boys in the Premiership again. A draw or defeat though could send them crashing through the trap door if any of the bottom three get the results needed.

Nigel Worthington’s men have battled back from the brink this season to put themselves in pole position but they visit the Cottage knowing that to ensure safety they must record their first away win of the season… And Fulham is not an easy place to win at. Chris Coleman’s men have suffered an arduous season under the high standards expected of him but they have only lost once on their home patch since the turn of the year. They also go into the game on the back of some good form that has seen them dispose of Champions League qualifiers Everton and Blackburn Rovers.

Norwich were nervous last weekend as they held on for a vital win against 10-men Birmingham City but at this point of the season it doesn’t matter how well you play it’s all about winning. The Carrow Road side won’t care a jot if Van Der Sar throws the ball into his own net because victory is imperative.

However, past results are hardly likely to fill the Norwich fans with too much hope. They haven’t beaten Fulham in the last seven attempts and haven’t even found the back of the net against them since the turn of the century. Andrew Cole scored the only goal of the game at Carrow Road back in December but Norwich have one of the hottest young strikers in their side though which could provide them with valuable ammunition. Dean Ashton has scored seven in 15 starts for the Canaries and along with Damien Francis and the pace of Darren Huckerby they have every chance of breaching the Fulham defence and recording Norwich’s first win over their opponents since 1986!

Only three sides before have ended a Premiership season without winning a single match away from home. Leeds in 1993 and Coventry in 2000 managed to beat the drop. Wolverhampton Wanderers though were relegated last year. Norwich could still make it even if they lose or draw tomorrow provided that none of the other three fighters better the Canaries result.

The relegation battle has witnessed so many twists and turns in recent months that I wouldn’t be surprpred if this issue went right down to the final whistle. The holiday season is just 90 minutes away and if you are a Norwich fan you probably don’t want the football season to end but all of this excitement is not good for your health. A two-month rest will do you good. Securing your Premiership status though will make this the best summer of your lives.

Whatever happens though Norwich and the fans can hold their heads up high as they have been a credit to the Premiership and if Worthington can keep this squad of players together the future looks promising whatever division they’re in.

Forecast: Nerves, excitement, anxiety, stress, exuberance/despair (delete as application)

2014: Man City: Pearce will bring Eu

by : Chris Sherrard

Things are going surprisingly well at Manchester City these days. Not only are their cross-town rivals in danger of being bought out and sold off for spare parts, their own club has just appointed a very promising new manager and seem destined to sneak in to next season’s UEFA Cup off the back of a remarkable end-of-season run.

Stuart Pearce’s confirmation as the new full-time boss at Eastlands was as inevitable as his tackles used to be dangerous. He has proven in his short spell in charge since Kevin Keegan’s departure that he is the best man for the job. Not many of the club’s supporters would be arguing with that assertion.

Pearce has given the club a massive chance of squeezing into that last remaining European spot. But to do that they will have to beat Middlesbrough this weekend. If this game had been at any other time in the season then a win for Steve McClaren’s side would have been pretty much a banker.

But times have changed at both clubs. While City are on a startling upward curve, Boro have stood still for the bulk of this year and now find themselves forced to battle for a position which at one point they would have been disappointed with.

It’s 27 years since Manchester City qualified for European competition – of course they played in the UEFA Cup two season ago but that was through the backdoor by virtue of the Fair Play League. Now they are so close to making it of their own right, will they do it?

Well Stuart Pearce is a winner, that much is clear. He played the game with an intensity and commitment which saw him represent his country 78 times and earn plaudits and respect as one of the game’s true stars. He appears to be trying to shape this City side in his own image and that would be no bad thing for the long-suffering blue faithful.

Keegan’s failure was in bringing in players lacking in energy and vitality, dwindling into their twilight years and content to pick up a massive pay packet for doing very little. Pearce won’t stand for that, you can rest assured. He may have played with Steve McManaman for his country but I don’t think the new manager will have a moment’s hesitation in telling Macca he’s not wanted next season. And the same will go for a host of the other mercenaries who add so little to the cause.

There is a core of good players at the club but they will need to be added to in the summer if the return to European football is not to meet the same premature end as the other recent adventure.

Boro will be a crestfallen club if they can’t secure the UEFA Cup spot which looked to be theirs all season. They had it in their hands for the majority of the campaign but a poor 2005 so far has left them struggling to keep their heads above the waterfall coming from behind them in the table. They only need a draw on Sunday for a spot in Europe and another attempt at making their mark on the continent. And you have to say they had in an improved vein of form lately.

But, when it comes down to it, Manchester City have got one of football’s brightest starlets in their ranks and Shaun Wright-Philips will be the man to give them the edge over the Riverside club on Sunday.

Football is all about timing. Manchester City have the wind well and truly in their sails coming into the final sprint of this Premiership season. That impetus will be the necessary springboard back into Europe next season. And, then, Stuart Pearce can really prove himself as a top manager.

2015: West Brom: Can Lady Luck shine

by : Colin Illingworth

They may go into Sunday’s game with Portsmouth bottom of the Premiership and the bookies favourites for the drop but the faithful army of West Brom believers, who have experienced every delirious highs and the tormentuous lows this season, will leave the Hawthorns bursting with pride and full of optimism for the new campaign, regardless of what league they will be in.

The greatest escape of all time is still on for Bryan Robson’s men after a comeback that the great Rocky Balboa would have been proud of. At Christmas they propped up the table with a paltry 10 points to their name, one solitary win, a strikeforce that couldn’t hit a barn door and a defence that couldn’t stop a tap. An alarming 41 goals were conceded in 19 matches, nine of which came in their last two fixtures over the Christmas period with a 4-0 thrashing away at Birmingham and a 5-0 mauling against Liverpool on Boxing Day.

Who would have believed then that the Albion would still be in with a shout of retaining their Premiership survival on the last day of the season? Amanda Hume, secretary and treasurer of the Sutton Coldfield branch of West Brom supporters certainly didn’t.

“Not at Christmas after our Boxing Day thrashing by Liverpool I didn’t but ever since then Bryan Robson and Nigel Pearson have gradually turned it around.”

And what a turnaround it has been at the Hawthorns. Robson’s honeymoon period came to an abrupt end after the Liverpool result and a number of Baggies fans, including Amanda who has since been converted by his spell in charge, wanted the former fans favourite out but he weathered the storm and has since repaid the faith placed in him by the chairman, Jeremy Peace, with some dogged and spirited performances. For the best part of 2005 the Baggies have looked more like a side fighting for a UEFA Cup spot than one fighting off the threat of relegation.

The spirit in the camp appears to be top draw and the boys at the back have learned what the word defending means, although their lack of concentration has been highlighted on a number of occasions. Since Boxing Day the Baggies have picked up four wins, lost just five games and conceded just 21 goals. Only a few weeks ago the Baggies were out of the bottom three after beating Charlton and Everton with their destiny in their own hands. A fact that has left Amanda frustrated.

“It is actually a bit disappointing that it isn't in our own hands after a few weeks ago when we seemed to have cracked it only to lose badly to Middlesbrough.”

Victory for the Baggies on Sunday will be fruitless though unless Norwich, Crystal Palace or Southampton fail to win. It is a tall order especially as the club have the old noose around their neck of no side beating the drop after sitting bottom at Christmas but as Amanda, who has been a season ticket holder since 1974, stressed to me they have to “keep the faith”. And a slice of good luck wouldn’t go a miss either!

Portsmouth are the visitors and they have a vested interest in the relegation battle with their fiercest rivals Southampton also fighting to save their bacon at home to Manchester United. Pompey fans would love to see their south-coast neighbours relegated but Alain Perrin’s team are full of professionals and they will not lay down for West Brom. Amanda though is confident that the Albion can meet their objectives with all three points but believes that one of the other battlers will manage to get the telling result.

“I'm confident we'll win and Portsmouth will help us do it! I shall have my radio because I can't stand those false alarms when a cheer goes around the ground and you don't know why or if it's genuine. It will be tense but I'm telling myself that one of the others will win and then I won't get disappointed. I think we'll win but I fear it's asking too much for none of the others to win too. It was a nice bonus having Crouch banned for Southampton, mind you! One of them will sneak a win – probably Norwich. Nobody's opponents have anything to play for so we could all win! What price now those 2 points we threw away at home to Palace in injury time?”

And unfortunately for West Brom, and the other relegation contenders, the late, late points dropped were regular as clockwork. You can look back at the astonishing goal line miss by Kanu against Middlesbrough in November, Anders Svensson’s late strike at St Mary’s, two goals lost in the last five minutes at Fratton Park, the injury time header by Diop at Fulham and Francis’s strike at Carrow Road which have denied them priceless points. Had the Albion recorded draws instead of defeats and wins instead of draws they wouldn’t be in this predicament but then every side can look back at all of the ifs and buts.

2012: Norwich: The Canaries believe

by : Colin Illingworth

The Canaries travel to the Cottage on Sunday knowing that if they can record their first away win of the season then it will be them not Crystal Palace, Southampton or West Brom who will have achieved the Holy Grail and managed to secure their Premiership survival.

Only three teams in Premiership history have finished the season without winning an away game. Leeds in 1993 and Coventry in 2000 managed to survive but Wolves suffered the indignity of being third time unlucky as they were relegated last season. Norwich could still draw or lose and retain their topflight survival if other results go their way, but a priceless win will alleviate any doubt and ensure that Carrow Road will be hosting the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool next season.

Just six weeks ago though, Arsenal had given the Canaries a footballing lesson at Highbury, thrashing them 4-1. And if you had said then that Norwich would go into the final game of the season with their future in their own hands you would have been thrown in the loony bin. However, after a sensational win over Manchester United and going on an impressive run of form that has seen them triumph over Newcastle, Charlton and Birmingham, that is exactly the position they are in.

“No one, me included, expected us to beat United at home,” says Ian Russell, secretary of the London branch of Norwich supporters called the Capital Canaries. “But since then the team has realised they're good enough to get results. The turnaround has been incredible and the last few weeks have been terrific.”

Only Fulham stand in their way of retaining their Premiership status and despite Chris Coleman’s men’s lowly position they have only lost once at the Cottage in 2005. As if it wasn’t going to be hard enough to try and win their first away win of the season! Needless to say the Norwich allocation was snapped up pretty sharpish and Ian is predicting a party atmosphere at Craven Cottage.

“I'm one of the lucky 6,500 or so City fans that will be inside the Cottage on Sunday and it will be more like a home game or a cup final for us, and I can envisage a real party atmosphere. Make no mistake, it’s absolutely true what they say about Norwich fans being among the most passionate in the land, or as Delia says "the best in the world". As kick off approaches, I'll be nervous and exploding with adrenalin. I can't imagine I'll be sitting down much, but I'll be doing my bit to give the lads as much support as I possibly can. I'll kick every ball and head every cross and will be hoping the lads get a good start.”

The cards are stacked in Norwich’s favour but this relegation fight has been anything but clear cut as all four of the basement battlers have all beaten so-called superior opposition, and scored and conceded goals at the death to provide and deny them crucial points. Fulham go into the match on the back of impressive wins over Everton and Blackburn Rovers and will want to end the season in style. They have nothing to play for bar pride but that doesn’t mean that Norwich only have to turn up to collect the points. They will have to dig in deep because there is no such thing as an easy game in the Premiership (unless you happen to be Arsenal playing Everton!) and if you want to stay with the big boys you have to deserve it.

All four at the bottom have shown how much staying in the Premiership means to them with a string of fascinating results and never-say-die performances. In an ideal world all four clubs would stay up purely for their sheer grit and determination but football is a cruel game and unfortunately only one side will be playing in the Premiership next season. And there’s only one side who will do that according to Ian, who predicted that Norwich would survive back in January.

“Now that we've got ourselves in pole position, I can't think of anyone else staying up but Norwich. A few weeks ago, I thought Saints would get out of it, but I think Palace have a better chance of getting a result. There could still be a final dramatic twist, but I can't really see it coming from West Brom.”

“Football is always full of surprises so no one is getting too over confident or complacent. We know that a win will keep us up, no matter what happens elsewhere. The team are very capable of doing it and I will remain optimistic that we will get the result we all want.”

Norwich has given the fans some memorable occasions this season. Who can ever forget the incredible comeback against Middlesbrough when they were 4-1 down with 10 minutes to go to draw 4-4 or the thrilling 4-3 defeat at St Mary’s after taking an early lead in the relegation six-pointer or Delia’s classic half-time rant of “lets be ‘avin’ ya!”

It would be heartbreaking for the Canaries to blow it now, especially after the way they have played in the last few weeks and given themselves an excellent chance of staying up. Ian, and the loyal Carrow Road fans though, will be bursting with pride at the way Nigel Worthington has led his troops against the country’s elite and looking to the future. Although the thought of relegation hasn’t figured in Ian’s mind recent weeks, he remains confident that Norwich would bounce back if they did fail in the quest to beat the drop.

2009: Man City v. Middlesboro- City

by : Hugh Larkin

The final game of the season at the City of Manchester Stadium brings together two teams in a shootout for the final UEFA Cup place. City and Boro have taken wildly contrasting routes to this showdown; Steve McLaren’s side have been in the thick of it all season long without quite being able to nail the place down, while City have suddenly appeared in the mix after a campaign mired in mid-table.

Manchester City are transformed under the caretaker managership of Stuart Pearce, from a team waiting for the summer holidays to one full of ambition and effort. Seven games unbeaten have propelled them up the table while other teams have faltered badly. The award of a UEFA berth to 7th place in the Premiership gave Pearce a definite target to aim for and he and his players have seized the unexpected opportunity. Aston Villa and Charlton have fallen by the wayside and now only City, Boro and Spurs remain in the hunt.

While City have played the tortoise, Middlesbrough have been an unconvincing hare. The team were well up with the Champions League race in the autumn but a succession of injuries and the new demands of European football have gradually slowed their progress in the league. At one point it appeared that Boro’s whole campaign would run out of steam but a five game unbeaten run has kept life in their season. The victory over Spurs was absolutely crucial and means the team come into the last day with their future in their own hands.

If Boro avoid defeat at Eastlands they will pip City and Spurs to the prize. However, if Pearce’s team can overturn their visitors, they will join Boro on 54 points and would have a better goal difference. The fly in the ointment for City fans is that if Spurs win their final game they could edge out both teams- but that’s a big ‘if’ as Martin Jol’s team must hammer in a big win and Mark Hughes’ Blackburn are probably one of the least likely sides to indulge in end of season lethargy.

While Boro have battled admirably to the close of the campaign they have had the air of a tired side for at least six weeks or more, while City have had a spring in their step for the last few matches. They seem to have the momentum that builds confidence and in this situation are cast in role of attackers while Boro are defending a place that has been theirs for the taking all year.

Most important of all, Pearce has a fit again Shaun Wright-Phillips back on the park at exactly the right time, while Boro’s flair players like Stuart Downing and Boudewijn Zenden have had to carry a heavy workload for several months now. Only once in their last 9 games have Boro scored more than one goal and that was the wildly unrepresentative 4-0 scoreline against West Brom. City are the team who look to have the edge in the scoring department and though Boro have gritty, experienced defenders, this could be a difficult rearguard action.

Though it would be desperately tough on a Middlesbrough team who have battled manfully to carry the fight with a depleted squad, it should be City’s resurgent form and momentum that carries them to a victory and an anxious wait to find out the score from White Hart Lane.

2004: Fun: The eleven you love to ha

by : Simon Cole

All of the annual teams are coming out in force. There’s the official Premiership Team of They Year spearheaded by Chelsea. And various websites (including this one) have come up with a variety of lists of the great and the merely adequate.

But the Premiership isn’t just made up of players people love. Here is my line-up of stars that football fans just love to hate. Some of them deserve it, some of them do not. But one things for sure, this team would be in for some abuse from opposing supporters.

DAVID JAMES

The former England number 1 will forever be haunted by his Liverpool ‘calamity James days. Despite a vast improvement in his concentration and a drop in the number of errors he made, fans were still relieved when Paul Robinson replaced him between the posts for England. Unfortunately ‘Jamo’ will always be remembered for his errors and not some of the outstanding saves he has made.

PHIL NEVILLE

England’s villain in Euro 2000 after giving away a vital penalty against Romania, Neville Junior has never been highly thought of among non-Man United fans. Yet despite his best attempts to repeat his ‘heroics’ by not tackling Manuel Rui Costa in extra time against Portugal to allow him to score – the penalties defeat eventually saved him the blame – he’s still somehow on nearly 50 caps. Fans seem to be able to spot his ineptness at the highest level, but somehow England managers don’t.

IVAN CAMPO

I don’t know if it’s because he’s ugly, because he’s dirty, because he plays aimless long-balls or days or because he played for Real Madrid despite lacking any kind of pedigree, but there is just something very dislikeable about the veteran Spaniard.

DJIMI TRAORE

Easily his best season in a Liverpool shirt will only be remembered for one moment: the ‘Cruyff Turn’ into his own net that condemned Liverpool to a premature FA Cup exit. Despite his impressive tackling and some vital performances in Liverpool’s European run, Traore’s reputation is still far from impeccable among football fans in the UK.

LEE BOWYER

Have a positive drugs test, get charged with assault, receive numerous red cards, start to get your career back on track, then start a fight with your team mate in front of millions. Lee Bowyer’s guide to popularity.

ROY KEANE

Arguably the best performer in the history of the Premiership, but being the captain of Manchester United brings a hatred in itself. Add to that tough tackling, loud-mouthed and admitting deliberately injuring another player, and you’re not going to be very popular outside of Old Trafford.

ROBBIE SAVAGE

Is there anyone hated more in the Premiership? If he is on your team you love him. If not, then your insults are likely to includepetty, girly, childish whinger, all-mouth-no-action and coward.

ROBERT PIRES

He just edges out his Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira, who was fighting with Roy Keane for one spot in this team. Among the traits that opposing fans hold against him are outrageous dives and ridiculous facial hair.

CRISTIANO RONALDO

The fact that the Portuguese winger has so much talent just makes people hate him even more. His attempted ‘pretty boy’ look, his posing little tricks and the non-stop complaining which comes as part of a contract at Old Trafford make him a very irritating figure. Add to that the most theatrical collection of dives in the country and you have possibly the ultimate hate figure in English football.

PAUL DICKOV

An absolute pain in the backside. DIckov would take that sentiment as a compliment, but opposing players and fans would have many harsher words for all of these players.

EMILE HESKEY

I am one of the few that thinks Emile Heskey is a very capable footballer. However, not many others feel the same and are more than happy to be vocal about this.

All of the above are abused by fans across the country for various reasons. People have mixed feelings on their attitude, footballing ability and discipline.

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are my own interpretations of fans feelings towards the players and are in no way intended to be derogatory to any of the players’ footballing ability, attitude or personality.