Another football season in England is over, even though there is a pointless post-season game this week in St.Louis between Oil Man and the Sheikh. Two of the biggest spenders in world football ready to install a new coach. It could be former Real Madrid Coach v former Real Madrid Coach when the two teams meet in the 2013-14 season. This past season has seen many strange things occur, but some of the same old things. For example – Manchester United winning the league, City ending up empty handed and Liverpool just being Liverpool – I wonder who is in those three envelopes. Strangely enough we have seen Wigan unable to escape a relegation fight, another Welsh team comes into the English Premier League, and in Scotland, Celtic won the league – that hasn’t happened in a while!
Losers: This has to be a collective group – Chelsea supporters. Now I am not the biggest fan of the fat Spanish waiter, but as we all know his CV/Resume speaks for itself and he has just added himself to the annals of Chelsea history. Having become only the 5th club to win all three European trophies, the supporters wanted rid of him before he even started. Got to give the man credit, he stuck to his guns and delivered not only a European trophy. but Champions League qualification. They want the Special One back – wouldn’t it be great to see him Mourinho take over Stoke or Everton instead.
Losers: This has to be a collective group – Chelsea supporters. Now I am not the biggest fan of the fat Spanish waiter, but as we all know his CV/Resume speaks for itself and he has just added himself to the annals of Chelsea history. Having become only the 5th club to win all three European trophies, the supporters wanted rid of him before he even started. Got to give the man credit, he stuck to his guns and delivered not only a European trophy. but Champions League qualification. They want the Special One back – wouldn’t it be great to see him Mourinho take over Stoke or Everton instead.
Winner: Paul Lambert – He like Rafa stuck to his guns and pulled his team from certain relegation to safety in the Premier League. He put his faith in youth and delivered. Benteke up top was a revelation, especially with his hat-trick in a 6-1 thrashing of fellow strugglers, Sunderland. The lad that epitomized their youth was Matthew Lowton – who surely scored one of the goals of the season (if not THE goal of the season) against Stoke. Pick that one out – control, technique, form and finish – shame about the celebration (I would have walked straight down the tunnel). I predicted that the Villa would struggle to stay up and was proven right, but I predict a different Villa team next season.
Loser: Barnsley Football Club – you think that your end of season awards party would bring the die-hard supporters your club would have. Think again… Barnsley, one tier away from the Premier Leauge managed to sell only 57 tickets, yes that is not a misprint – 57 TICKETS!!! The Tykes survived on the last day of the season, only just, but it’s an embarrassment for one of the top 40 teams in England to only sell that many tickets. One of Barnsley’s Directors said that it was embarrassing and they even tried to heavily discount the tickets and have the expected 160-170 supporters there. Supposedly people “were just not that interested.”
Loser: Barnsley Football Club – you think that your end of season awards party would bring the die-hard supporters your club would have. Think again… Barnsley, one tier away from the Premier Leauge managed to sell only 57 tickets, yes that is not a misprint – 57 TICKETS!!! The Tykes survived on the last day of the season, only just, but it’s an embarrassment for one of the top 40 teams in England to only sell that many tickets. One of Barnsley’s Directors said that it was embarrassing and they even tried to heavily discount the tickets and have the expected 160-170 supporters there. Supposedly people “were just not that interested.”
Winner: Robin Van Persie…. Ooooooh Robin Van Persie – I never thought I would be celebrating RVP lifting a Premier League trophy. I just hope his comment on lifting the trophy of “it’s a bit heavy” was directed at Piers Morgan. RVP not only won the hearts of the United faithful, but he snagged his first title and grabbed his second consecutive golden boot. Not too bad for a player that was always injured at Arsenal. Opposing fans would say that he won us the league single handedly, which might be the case to a degree, but to grind out results the way they did was the measure of the CHAMPIONS.
Loser: Peter Odemwingie – for obvious reasons and they are well documented. Driving yourself from West Bromwich to Shepherds Bush shouldn’t take you that long to get there, but the return trip for the Nigerian must have taken a lifetime. West Brom hadn’t given this lad permission to speak to QPR, but he took it upon himself to drive down to London to try and seal a deal. Fair play to West Brom to sticking to their original decision. Harry Redknapp looked a tad embarrassed himself and all he could say was “he’s a good lad.” These days players think they have all the power, but it showed that clubs still hold the aces. I am sure Odemwingie is glad he stayed with West Brom, finishing eighth as opposed to QPR, who will play in the Championship next year. I know where I would like to play.
Winners: Jamie Carragher, Michael Owen, Paul Scholes, David Beckham, Sir Alex Ferguson and Stiliyan Petrov – It’s been some year for retirements. The soccer world finally lost a lot of talent on the field this year and a great manager – actually the best from the dugout. Carragher used to be a fun player to watch. He always played his heart out for his adopted team (even though he was born and bred a blue). He could get very reckless and score the odd own goal, but can’t deny his importance for Liverpool. Michael Owen won a lot with his 25 clubs. A great talent at a very young age, but unfortunately he wasn’t protected when he was very young. He could score a goal or two. He will always be a hero in the eyes of United supporters after scoring the 92nd minute winner against City at Old Trafford a few years back.
Loser: Peter Odemwingie – for obvious reasons and they are well documented. Driving yourself from West Bromwich to Shepherds Bush shouldn’t take you that long to get there, but the return trip for the Nigerian must have taken a lifetime. West Brom hadn’t given this lad permission to speak to QPR, but he took it upon himself to drive down to London to try and seal a deal. Fair play to West Brom to sticking to their original decision. Harry Redknapp looked a tad embarrassed himself and all he could say was “he’s a good lad.” These days players think they have all the power, but it showed that clubs still hold the aces. I am sure Odemwingie is glad he stayed with West Brom, finishing eighth as opposed to QPR, who will play in the Championship next year. I know where I would like to play.
Winners: Jamie Carragher, Michael Owen, Paul Scholes, David Beckham, Sir Alex Ferguson and Stiliyan Petrov – It’s been some year for retirements. The soccer world finally lost a lot of talent on the field this year and a great manager – actually the best from the dugout. Carragher used to be a fun player to watch. He always played his heart out for his adopted team (even though he was born and bred a blue). He could get very reckless and score the odd own goal, but can’t deny his importance for Liverpool. Michael Owen won a lot with his 25 clubs. A great talent at a very young age, but unfortunately he wasn’t protected when he was very young. He could score a goal or two. He will always be a hero in the eyes of United supporters after scoring the 92nd minute winner against City at Old Trafford a few years back.
Scholesy and Becks are world-class players and probably two of the best England has ever produced, sorry United have ever produced. Scholes and Becks are polar opposites in the celebrity world, but both are held in the highest regard by their fellow professionals. Scholes had admirers from Zindande, Ronaldo, Xavi, Iniesta, Messi, and Ronaldo to name but a few. Messi mentioned that he was the talk of Barcelona’s Academy. Sat Nav will go down in United and English folklore as one of the most complete players (apart from his tackling). Becks was just different class. He said he would never play for another English team and held true to that statement. Scholes and Becks were groomed by “The Wizard” – a man that was hated, adored. but never Ignored. The man that brought us Fergie Time, numerous trophies, and wonderful memories. Thank you Sir Alexander Chapman Ferguson. Just THANK YOU.
Stiliyan Petrov had to make the biggest decision to retire. Sad to see a player cut down in his prime. Villa’s captain had to pack it in after being diagnosed with leukemia. Great to see Villa fans, no matter their fears this year get behind their captain and support him through a very hard time. A lot of players said that they have a lot of time for Stan and his personality seems that way. Great to see that Villa has kept him involved by having him coach in their academy.
Its only 86 days until all the madness starts again and the following questions beg to be asked?
Will Gareth Bale still be a Spurs player?
Will Liverpool win a trophy?
Is Brendan Rodgers name in one of his envelopes?
Will David Moyes bring No.21?
Which manager will get fired first? Pellegrini or Mourinho?
Happy Summer Soccer Banter fans, don’t watch too much MLS!!!!!
Stiliyan Petrov had to make the biggest decision to retire. Sad to see a player cut down in his prime. Villa’s captain had to pack it in after being diagnosed with leukemia. Great to see Villa fans, no matter their fears this year get behind their captain and support him through a very hard time. A lot of players said that they have a lot of time for Stan and his personality seems that way. Great to see that Villa has kept him involved by having him coach in their academy.
Its only 86 days until all the madness starts again and the following questions beg to be asked?
Will Gareth Bale still be a Spurs player?
Will Liverpool win a trophy?
Is Brendan Rodgers name in one of his envelopes?
Will David Moyes bring No.21?
Which manager will get fired first? Pellegrini or Mourinho?
Happy Summer Soccer Banter fans, don’t watch too much MLS!!!!!
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