I am thrilled a small club in a small town like Wigan Athletic has stayed in the Premiership for a third straight year. But without Paul Jewell they won’t stay up next year and like Bradford City who Jewell unbelievably kept in the EPL for two years they may end up in League One or Two before long. Since Jewell left Bradford City they have been relegated three times. In the same period he has had Wigan promoted twice. Does anyone really have a better resume for England Manager?
Fulham made a mistake firing Chris Coleman and hiring Lawrie Sanchez. They have to be considered leading relegation candidates for next season.
Something amazing and somewhat disturbing will happen if West Brom beats Derby next week at Wembly. Since I have been following English Football in the late 80s, three clubs that went down from the top flight have never come right back up. In fact, I asked a friend of mine who has followed English Soccer since the 1960s and he doesn’t recall it ever happening.
I’m wondering if anyone really wants Joey Barton. Then again their is a constituency for Robbie Savage.
I’m hoping West Ham find a way to convince Carlos Tevez to stay for one more season. Once Tevez got going he was fun to watch despite all of the goings on off the pitch.
Gareth Southgate ought to be on a short leash at Boro. From my perspective he has shown little managing ability thus far.
Spurs fifth place finish was remarkable considering how badly they underperformed during much of the season. They started slowly and then in February got beat 4-0 by Manchester United at White Hart Lane. Quite honestly, Spurs have a good enough squad to crack the party of the big four and I certainly hope they can do it next season. (in the interest of full disclosure I picked Tottenham to finish ahead of Man United this year so I have egg all over my face on that pick.)
Sammy Lee’s stewardship of Bolton could lead them to flirt with relegation next season. I am shocked he was selected so qucikly to take the reigns.
Sunderland will finish in the top 10 next season. You heard it hear almost first!
If England or Liverpool don’t hire Jewell the next time either manager spot is open, the FA needs to pursue Steve Coppell.
England didn’t qualify for the Youth World Cup in Canada this summer, but it’s still worth watching for EPL fans. Scotland did qualify and a usual the USA’s youth teams qualify for major competitions with more ease than its senior teams. This World Cup maybe Freddy Adu’s last great chance to make a mark on the world stage before he floats into the obscurity of an also ran on a small market MLS club. Johann Smith who is owned by Bolton and several Americans playing in Holland and Germany will be on the US Squad.