Football-Review2

   Although the title race ended in record time this season, with Man.Utd claiming their seventh Premiership crown in the last nine years, I think there has been many high points and memorable moments. I still think the quality of the Premiership rivals the best leagues in the world even though it has been dominated by one team for a decade. Three sides reached the last eight in the most important European Club Competition, and Liverpool won this other European Trophy against Alaves. Exactly.
    In Sir Alex Ferguson's penultimate year of management at Man.Utd, the big plus points have been Fabian Barthez, Teddy Sheringham's early season form and the emergence of Brown and Silvestre. The European campaign was disappointing, going out at the Quarter-Final stage again to the eventual winners, Bayern Munich. However with some new signings already in place and more to follow I can't see them failing to retain the Premier League and make Alex Ferguson the most successful manager in England with a fourth successive English title. Also expect a better show in the Champion's League. Arsenal plodded along and did enough to hold on to second place also going out in the Quarter-Finals of the Champion's League. As expected they relied too much on Thierry Henry and they should look to buy a six-yard box striker to put away the easy chances for next season. This was not more evident than in the F.A. Cup Final when they threw it away against Liverpool. There is no doubt that Liverpool had a magnificent season winning a cup treble but Gerard Houllier's men are certainly not world-class. If they have any 'luck' next season they may go one better and steal the league crown (sarcasm). They will be tested should they reach the group stages of the Champion's League but English clubs are certainly getting better in Europe as proved recently by Chelsea and Leeds.
   I think the main challenge to United's dominance will come from Leeds and Liverpool next season. After reaching the Semi's in Europe Leeds will be disappointed not to be in there again next season and I think they need a world-class striker. But after a terrible start to the season they finished a credible fourth and David O'Leary has clearly got them playing in the right way. Claudio Ranieri seems to be undoing all the great work that Gianluca Vialli and Ruud Gullit started at Chelsea and only young John Terry and the prolific Jimmy Floyd are worthy of note this season.The surprise package of the season has been my second favourite team Ipswich. Both myself and B2 recognised the potential earlier this season and equally the shiteness of Bradford. George Burley picked up the Manager of the Year award after guiding little Ipswich to 5th place, spending very little money and giving youth a chance. Marcus Stewart scored a lot of goals and I was impressed with the Hermannator, Jermaine Wright and Matt Holland. Well Done Lads.
   Unfasionable Leicester tailed off towards the end of the season with aboot 9 successive defeats and boring Villa with boring manager John 'boring' Gregory again finished in the mediocrity of mid-table. New owners ENIC brought in Glenn Hoddle to revive Spurs' fortunes, he went out and bought Lazy Boy Sheringham and allowed their biggest asset Sol Campbell to leave his beloved Spurs. Newcastle have still got Bobby Robson in charge at St.James' Park. Enough said. Peter Reid needs a few players if Sunderland are going to continue to challenge for European places next season but a good run in the UEFA Cup will help attract big names. Charlton, under Alan Curbishley also had a very good season and would have got more recognition if it wasn't for Ipswich. In their last season at the Dell, Southampton avoided any relegation troubles all season due to Glenn Hoddle and fittingly the last league goal was scored by golden boy Matt Le Tissier.
   Four clubs finished directly above the relegation zone on 42 points. Middlesbrough were one mainly due to Terry Venables who used his magic to steer them to safety. Surprisigly West Ham were another. A terrible end to the season saw Harry Redknapp leave and the threat of other young stars following is still there. Everton need a new direction and I think Walter Smith will not last long if they have bad start next season. After an abysmal start, Derby soon picked up and battled there way to safety.
   Relegation looked on the cards for these next three teams and as predicted they crashed into the First Division. Massive club Man.City, who incidently have not won anything for 25 years now, have parted company with Joe Royle who took them from Division Two to the Premiership in two seasons, and replaced him with reliable Kevin Keegan. I never expected Coventry to survive this season but big Johnny Hartson and ginger Gordy Strachs did their best. Shockingly bad Bradford had no chance of surviving the drop again and beleive me they were bad. I had the displeasure of seeing them live 3 times, but let's spare a thought for the season ticket holders, wait, no let's not who gives a shit.

Anyhoo, an enjoyable season all round, especially as I got to go to my most matches in one season ever.
I know you are dying to know so, 7 league and 7 cup matches. I am led to believe that not knowing which matches you will get tickets for makes you look forward to them even more. Ask B1.

Any thoughts most welcome - mahonie2k@aol.com