TheFulhamScapegoat
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GOD'S GIFT TO FULHAM Roy Hodgson chases Belgian striker Dieumerci Mbokani DIEUDONNE MBOKANI - target 30/05/2009 FULHAM plan a £5million bid for Dieumerci Mbokani. The DR Congo striker, whose first name means 'Thanks to God', has been a smash hit with Belgian side Standard Liege - banging in 31 goals in 61 games. Mbokani, 23, has also found the net eight times in 10 appearances for his national side. The Cottagers believe the pacy 6ft 1in marksman could make a big impact in the Premier League.
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Premier League fans' end-of-season verdict, part 3Supporters of Manchester United, Middlesbrough, Newcastle, Portsmouth and Stoke have their say. To take part next season, email fans@observer.co.uk  James Beattie's goals helped keep Stoke City up. Photograph: Paul Harding/Action Images
MAN UNITED
Shaun O'Donnell Observer reader How was your season? You can't win them all – but a run of 25 games unbeaten is an all-time record in Europe for any club. Winning the Club World Cup in December seems long forgotten, but it was an awesome achievement, and securing the title for the third consecutive season says it all. The highlights for me were Macheda's winner against Villa and destroying Arsenal at the Emirates. Happy with the gaffer? He just keeps rolling on, picking up silverware every season. And some of the emerging talent he has blooded looks awesome: Macheda, Welbeck, Possebon, Tosic and the Da Silva twins. He and his staff deserve huge credit. Who were the stars – and who flopped? Rooney, Van der Sar, Ronaldo, Tevez – all great, but special mention goes to Darren Fletcher, who forced one of the biggest turnarounds of fan opinion ever. Nani had a difficult second season, though – and Berbatov needs to practise his pens... Who were the best, and worst, away fans? The Hull fans sang non-stop, but Blackburn and Bolton have an unshakeable bleakness about them. Top hate figure at another club? Benítez's rants take some beating, but special mention must also go to Phil Brown and his gargantuan ego. TOP FIVE BEST OPPOSITION PLAYERS 1 A Young (Aston Villa); 2 Lennon (Spurs); 3 Torres (Liverpool); 4 Arshavin (Arsenal); 5 Valencia (Wigan)
Andy Morgan ComeOnBoro.com
How was your season? Unprintable. Abject, disappointing, demoralising, incompetent. I don't think the English language has enough negative adjectives to describe the Boro this season. Happy with the gaffer? I think Steve Gibson is the only one who is. This season Southgate has never had a plan B, resorted to defending one-goal leads when our defence is shaky, sold all our experienced players and not replaced them, played players out of position and imparted all the motivation of a sloth after a heavy session in an Amsterdam café. Who were the stars – and who flopped? Everyone has flopped at some time this season. Tuncay went missing for two months (when Chelsea were allegedly courting him) but he has been the best of a bad bunch. Marlon King has flattered to deceive while Alves, well, deary me. Who were the best, and worst, away fans? Best were Stoke – it was early season and everyone apart from the Potters' fans thought they would go straight back down. How wrong we all were. Fulham were small in number and fairly quiet. But then, it was a rather dull 0-0 draw. Top hate figure at another club? Ronaldo. His continual cheating, petulance and general smugness grates. TOP FIVE BEST OPPOSITION PLAYERS 1 Schwarzer (Fulham); 2 Kranjcar (Portsmouth); 3 Elmander (Bolton); 4 Lawrence (Stoke); 5 Lennon (Tottenham)
NEWCASTLE
Holmes Family Observer readers
How was your season? Tragic. Going out of the Premier League without even a whimper at Villa was a predictable end to a shameful period in the club's history. Five different managers in one season says it all and it's the fans who've suffered the most. The squad have been degraded year after year and we were left with a collection of overpaid underachievers. It could be a long road back. Happy with the gaffer? Shearer has Newcastle in his heart and we'd like him to stay. He's shown passion and instilled discipline, but should have been appointed much earlier. The previous management teams (bar Keegan) were unable to coax a decent performance from this turgid team – it's no surprise we went down. Who were the stars – and who flopped? Bassong was excellent, though he blotted his copybook against Fulham. Most of the squad flopped, especially the Allardyce/Wise signings who promised much but have delivered little. Who were the best, and worst, away fans? Best – the ever-noisy West Brom. Worst – Man United have no class. Top hate figure at another club? Phil Brown, though Dennis Wise if he was at another club. TOP FIVE BEST OPPOSITION PLAYERS 1 Gerrard (Liverpool); 2 Carrick (Man United); 3 Ireland (Man City); 4 Arteta (Everton); 5 Hughes (Fulham)
PORTSMOUTH
Mick & Robin Dunford Pompey.org
How was your season? High expectations were quickly dampened as the club cashed in on Muntari, Mendes and Diarra. The fact that the best remaining midfielders played little due to injury or managerial pig-headedness made the situation worse. After a quick exit from Europe, the sudden departure of Redknapp for the second time and the Adams debacle, which resulted in us losing any ability to retain a lead, safety from relegation was the name of the game. Happy with the gaffer? Hart and Kidd deserve some credit for making us more difficult to defeat and for getting us clear of relegation, but the loss of Kranjcar revealed tactical inflexibility and a bizarre midfield selection policy. Who were the stars – and who flopped? Johnson was a star. Davis held the side together, but James, Distin and Campbell were shadows of the rocks they were last season. Mullins and Hughes worked hard, but would look average in the Championship. And Nugent didn't reveal the hidden depths. Who were the best, and worst, away fans? Best were Bristol City – the worst, Wigan. Top hate figure at another club? Jermain Defoe. TOP FIVE BEST OPPOSITION PLAYERS 1 Ireland (Manchester City); 2 Arshavin (Arsenal); 3 Bellamy (West Ham and Manchester City); 4 Deco (Chelsea); 5 Wigan's crossbar.
STOKE
Nick Dunn The Oatcake How was your season? So much better than anyone expected. To do so well when the "experts" had predicted we would do so badly only added to the fun. Happy with the gaffer? Very much so. He's shown an ability to bring in good players at minimal cost and then get the best out of them once they're here. He also seems to have good plans in place for the long-term. Who were the stars – and who flopped? Abdoulaye Faye's ability and professionalism have been impressive and it's wonderful to see him celebrate like a true Stoke fan eavery time we win. Ricardo Fuller and James Beattie have both done well, giving the team a cutting edge and providing the goals we needed. Thomas Sorensen has been superb, too, especially considering he was a free transfer. Things didn't work out for Dave Kitson, but perhaps things will be different next season if he starts scoring early on. Who were the best, and worst, away fans? The Spurs and Blackburn fans were noisy despite their situations at the time. But I was disappointed that so few fans made the short trip from Wigan and West Brom. Top hate figure at another club? Cristiano Ronaldo. Impossible to like. TOP FIVE BEST OPPOSITION PLAYERS 1 Gerrard (Liverpool); 2 Tevez (Manchester United); 3 Lampard (Chelsea); 4 Barry (Aston Villa); 5 Hangeland (Fulham)
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Premier League fans' end-of-season verdict, part 4Supporters of Sunderland, Tottenham, West Brom, West Ham and Wigan have their say. To take part next season, email fans@observer.co.uk - The Observer, Sunday 31 May 2009
 Gianfranco Zola is presented to the media as the new manager of West Ham United. Photograph: Daniel Berehulak/Getty Images
Martyn McFadden A-Love-Supreme.com How was your season? Really rubbish. We should have done quite well with the players we signed, but it didn't turn out that way. Happy with the gaffer? Well, we didn't really have a manager as such for most of the season. Managers lead, command respect and make decisions. Ricky Sbragia is a nice bloke and a good coach, but he just wasn't a manager. Who were the stars – and who flopped? Bizarrely, the stars flopped and the steady pros starred. Danny Collins and Phil Bardsley were our most consistent players. Whereas the likes of Cissé and Jones just didn't bother themselves for too much of the season. Who were the best, and worst, away fans? Everyone slags off Man United fans and it must be easy to support them because they always win, but they made the most noise at our place for the second year running. I thought Hull were decent, too. I think Wigan were the most pathetic. Top hate figure at another club? Steven Taylor at Newcastle. His main problem is he thinks he is a much better player than he actually is and he cheated a penalty to earn his team a draw in our derby up there. TOP FIVE BEST OPPOSITION PLAYERS 1 Ronaldo (Manchester United); 2 Rooney (Man Utd); 3 Gerrard (Liverpool); 4 Torres (Liverpool); 5 Giggs (Man Utd)
Dave Mason Observer reader
How was your season? Finished eighth after being bottom after 10 games. There's been definite improvement since we started playing only one game a week and reaped the benefits of continuity of selection. We only conceded 10 goals at home all season – all those knee-jerk radio, TV and newspaper hacks who say we have a clown in goal should put that in their pipes. Happy with the gaffer? In the main. He's a football man who sees through the bull and can communicate in English. We've now had both father and son at the club. I'm looking forward to Harry's missus having a go: apparently she can both score goals and stop players drinking. Who were the stars – and who flopped? We rose with Palacios as Wigan wilted without him. Lennon may frustrate with his crossing, but he delights in taking on defenders. Bentley may be slower than Harry's missus. Who were the best, and worst, away fans? Best were West Brom; they always are whenever they pop up into our league. Worst, numbers per distance to travel, in the league fixtures were Fulham. Top hate figure at another club? I don't like the way Big Sam looks, chews gum or sets up his teams. TOP FIVE BEST OPPOSITION PLAYERS 1 Foster (Man United); 2 Tuncay (Middlesbrough); 3 Hangeland (Fulham); 4 Brunt (West Brom); 5 Defoe (Tottenham)
WEST BROM
Terry Willis Baggies@yahoogroups.com
How was your season? Early signs were encouraging, but sadly inexperience proved fatal. Attractive passing football, appreciated and acknowledged by opposing managers, counts for nothing if a defence concede silly goals (witness the mistake that gifted Liverpool their first) and if the attack fail to capitalise on the chances created. Happy with the gaffer? He has critics, but in the main fans respect and applaud his philosophy on how the game should be played. He admitted he made mistakes in the transfer market, but proof of his popularity was the sight of 2,900 fans wearing Tony Mowbray masks at Ewood Park on the last day. Who were the stars – and who flopped? A mixed season for many, but Robert Koren, James Morrison, Jonas Olsson, Marc Antoine-Fortuné, Chris Brunt, Jonathan Greening and Graham Dorrans all did well. Flops: Paul Robinson, Luke Moore and Borja Valero – and loanee Jay Simpson was a big disappointment after a promising start. Who were the best, and worst, away fans? In terms of volume: Man United were the best, Wigan the worst. Top hate figure at another club? Robbie Keane. The more stick the ex-Wolf receives, the better he plays. TOP FIVE BEST OPPOSITION PLAYERS 1 Gerrard (Liverpool); 2 Anelka (Chelsea); 3 Keane (Liverpool and Spurs); 4 Lampard (Chelsea); 5 Murphy (Fulham)
WEST HAM
Pete May Hammersintheheart.blogspot.com
How was your season? It's a real achievement to have been challenging for Europe despite our owner being brassic and the world suing us over the never-ending Tevez-gate. But next season we need a new owner and a quality striker to play with Cole. Happy with the gaffer? Zola has been fantastic. He's got the team playing great football, kept calm during a bad run and is sporting in defeat. He has yet to be tested in the market, though. Assistant Steve Clarke has really improved the back four. Who were the stars – and who flopped? Herita Ilunga slotted in brilliantly at left-back and Carlton Cole was a revelation. At times Jack Collison looked like a young Trevor Brooking and James Tomkins is hugely promising. Di Michele has skill, but is infuriatingly inconsistent, Tristán shows glimmers of class but is past his best. Who were the best, and worst, away fans? Newcastle, Stoke and Middlesbrough ("We're going down with the Geordies!") were the best, but Wigan came in a taxi. Top hate figure at another club? Everyone at Sheffield United, plus Craig Bellamy. We nursed him through a year's injury and then after a decent half-season he scarpered for Abu Dhabi. TOP FIVE BEST OPPOSITION PLAYERS 1 Gerrard (Liverpool); 2 Ferdinand (Manchester United); 3 Saha (Everton); 4 Torres (Liverpool); 5 Palacios (Tottenham) WIGAN Paul Farrington Wiganer.net
How was your season? We started slowly and it looked like it could be a long season. But the team soon caught up to Amr Zaki and we looked safe by Christmas. Things tailed off after the departures of Heskey and Palacios in January. There's a lot of work to do in the summer. Happy with the gaffer? He's done really well again, unearthing a number of bargains from around the globe. Will he stay? The frustration of players using us as a shop window must take its toll. Who were the stars – and who flopped? Zaki was the star for the first half of the season, and the biggest flop for the second. Valencia was good, and I like Maynor Figueroa at left-back – a real bargain. Titus Bramble has also found his consistency at last. Mido has been a big disappointment, though. He's not fit to lace Emile Heskey's boots. Who were the best, and worst, away fans? Best: Portsmouth – they always sing for a solid 90 minutes. Worst have to be Fulham. Every year they bring about two-and-a-half people up to Wigan. Top hate figure at another club? After his elbow on Hugo Rodallega, Nemanja Vidic is certainly up there. He has been exposed this season as vastly overrated, too. TOP FIVE BEST OPPOSITION PLAYERS 1 Gerrard (Liverpool); 2 Ferdinand (Manchester United); 3 A Young (Aston Villa); 4 Palacios (Spurs); 5 Lampard (Chelsea)
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Premier League fans' end-of-season verdict, part 2Supporters of Everton, Fulham, Hull City, Liverpool and Manchester City have their say. To take part next season, email fans@observer.co.uk  Roy Hodgson and Mohammed Al-Fayed celebrate Fulham's success. Photograph: Tom Jenkins/Tom Jenkins
Simon Paul NSNO.co.uk
How was your season? Fantastic when you consider the awful start we had and our growing injury list. After our first three games, if you'd offered top six and a cup final I'd have bitten your hand off. If we'd started better we would have been challenging for fourth, but lessons will have been learned with any luck and we'll be out of the blocks quicker next term. Happy with the gaffer? Once he signed his new contract, yes. The drawn-out nature of his negotiations definitely didn't help matters on the pitch at the start of the season. Since then, though, he's got his winning mentality back. He even made a tactical substitution at half-time! Who were the stars – and who flopped? Baines, Jagielka, Pienaar and Neville have all been fantastic. Neville probably had his best season as a professional footballer this year. Jô hasn't lived up to expectations and Osman desperately needs to sort out his injury problems. Who were the best, and worst, away fans? Sunderland always bring good away support. Worst have to be Liverpool though: "You'll never walk alone" – especially when it's out of the ground before full-time following a late winner from Dan Gosling! Top hate figure at another club? Steven "the ref" Gerrard. TOP FIVE BEST OPPOSITION PLAYERS 1 Ireland (Manchester City); 2 Robinho (Manchester City); 3 Robinson (Blackburn); 4 Johnson (Fulham); 5 Rooney (Manchester United)
FULHAM David Lloyd There's Only One F in Fulham
How was your season? Our best-ever finish – got to be pleased with that! Ending the season chasing a European place rather than hovering above the trapdoor was great, and so much easier on the fingernails. The transformation has been superbly marshalled by Roy Hodgson. And so much of it went under the media radar – it was amazing to read how many teams apparently had off-days against us... Happy with the gaffer? Happy? Bloody ecstatic! We've got the manager of the season, no question. Don't forget, we were top of the fair play league, too – thank you, Gaffer. Who were the stars – and who flopped? The team was the star, no question; within that framework Murphy, Hangeland and Schwarzer excelled. Selecting flops is rather churlish this campaign, but Gera and Zamora have failed to deliver at times. Who were the best, and worst, away fans? Best – Stoke. Worst – hard to say, though Man United's got a little worked up ... Top hate figure at another club? Didier Drogba's not exactly a paragon of virtue, is he? And neither is Joey Barton. Both would walk into a House of Commons XI just now. And it remains pretty hard to warm to Frank Lampard and Cristiano. TOP FIVE BEST OPPOSITION PLAYERS 1 Rooney (Manchester United); 2 Fábregas (Arsenal); 3 Gerrard (Liverpool); 4 Vidic (Manchester United); 5 L Young (Aston Villa)
Rick Skelton HullCityOnline.com
How was your season? Until Christmas, it was a dream, but after that it really turned sour with a relentless run of defeats taking us all the way back down the table. Overall, though, our first Premier League season was a really great experience. Happy with the gaffer? Yes. He's obviously made some pretty high‑profile mistakes, but he still has plenty of credit in the bank from our unlikely promotion last season and from that wonderful start to this season. Who were the stars – and who flopped? Defender Michael Turner has continued to improve. He says he'll stay with us, but he has definitely reached the point now where he must be in line for a big‑money move and an England cap. Jimmy Bullard and Anthony Gardner were superb signings on paper, but were blighted by injury. And as for proper flops: Kevin Kilbane and Peter Halmosi have frankly been a waste of money so far. Who were the best, and worst, away fans? Stoke were the best, Liverpool the worst. Top hate figure at another club? Cesc Fábregas: undeniably a great player, but, in my opinion, a horrid little man. TOP FIVE BEST OPPOSITION PLAYERS 1 Fábregas (Arsenal); 2 Rooney (Manchester United); 3 Lampard (Chelsea); 4 Ireland (Manchester City); 5 Valencia (Wigan)
LIVERPOOL Ian Bolland Observer reader How was your season? It is disappointing that we don't have a trophy to show for our efforts. However, we have come on leaps and bounds in the league and we have several great memories, like ending Chelsea's unbeaten home record and the thrashing of Man Utd at Old Trafford – which makes it very frustrating that we haven't ended up with the title. Happy with the gaffer? Very. Hopefully, he's silenced the doubters by taking us so close. A lot of Liverpool fans can see that he is building something special. Who were the stars – and who flopped? Gerrard has had another great season and Alonso was viewed by many fans as our player of the year. Also, special mention for Dirk Kuyt, who has proved people wrong by scoring 15, with 10 assists. Dossena seems to have been the biggest disappointment considering his price tag. Who were the best, and worst, away fans? Best – Arsenal, for their "respect for the 96" banner and for their part in the Ray of Hope appeal. Worst – Hull, great following, but you'd expect a mad crowd celebration when you lead at Anfield. Top hate figure at another club? Put it this way, he likes his whisky. And Rafa would almost certainly give you the same answer. TOP FIVE BEST OPPOSITION PLAYERS 1 Arshavin (Arsenal); 2 Cahill (Everton); 3 Hangeland (Fulham); 4 Tuncay (Middlesbrough); 5 Zaki (Wigan)
MANCHESTER CITY Kevin Parker Official Supporters' Club
How was your season? Overall, it has to be disappointing. A great run in the Uefa Cup, but bad losses at Brighton and at home to Nottingham Forest in cups almost went unnoticed. Our home form was very good, but that was expected with the squad we have. Away has been dreadful, the worst I can remember for a long time. Happy with the gaffer? Can't really make my mind up. Generally his signings have been good (Zabaleta, Kompany, Given), but he hasn't been able to get the best out of a lot of the others. Who were the stars – and who flopped? Stephen Ireland has been exceptional and in my opinion should have been voted the PFA Young Player of the Year. Nedum Onuoha, Pablo Zabaleta, Vincent Kompany and SWP have all played well. Robinho's been good at home. We have to accept he's still very young in a new country – I think we'll see much more from him next season. Who were the best, and worst, away fans? Stoke fans were the best, even though their style of play is not particularly my cup of tea. The worst were Boro – dreadful fans, ground and town. They won't be missed. Top hate figure at another club? Joey Barton – he deserves to end up at Boro. TOP FIVE BEST OPPOSITION PLAYERS 1 Gerrard (Liverpool); 2 Lampard (Chelsea); 3 Cahill (Everton); 4 Torres (Liverpool); 5 Vidic (Manchester United)
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Premier League fans' end-of-season verdict, part 1Supporters of Arsenal, Aston Villa, Blackburn, Bolton and Chelsea have their say. To take part next season, email fans@observer.co.uk  Jubilant Arsenal fans after their victory over Manchester United. Photograph: Tom Jenkins/Tom Jenkins
Bernard Azulay, GoonersDiary.blogspot.com
How was your season? Another "close but no cigar" campaign made all the more painful by losses in two semi-finals. However, until Villa hit the wall, most Gooners would've bitten your hand off for fourth. The majority of us are well aware that Wenger's worked miracles just to maintain standards during such a pivotal point in the club's history. Happy with the gaffer? Arsène has selflessly seen the Gunners through the new stadium transition, with the light at the end of the tunnel a stable club with a secure future, raking in the sort of revenue that will enable us to compete with the other high-rollers. Who were the stars – and who flopped? Arshavin was an instant hit, the response to Kieran Gibbs's semi-final slip-up shows how enamoured we are with him and Song's grown into the holding midfield role. Adebayor's had an awkward season, Van Persie should be capable of more and Diaby is a complete enigma. Who were the best, and worst, away fans? All those Spurs fans who walked out with a couple of minutes left in the 4-4 were the worst. Stoke were without doubt the loudest. Top hate figure at another club? Until he retires I can't honestly see anyone replacing Ashley Cole. TOP FIVE BEST OPPOSITION PLAYERS 1 Ronaldo (Man United); 2 Rooney (Man United); 3 Torres (Liverpool); 4 Gerrard (Liverpool); 5 Essien (Chelsea) Jonathan Pritchard, Observer reader
How was your season? Sublime and ridiculous. Moscow derailed us badly: taking the reserves shattered MON's beyond-criticism status and may also have shaken the dressing room. But all in all it's been a lot of fun, and returning to Europe certainly whetted the appetite. Happy with the gaffer? I've never deified O'Neill in the way that some do: he remains the long-term answer, but chinks showed this year. The lack of transfer activity in January was terribly damaging. His bemoaning of the squad size is a red herring: he's been here three years and been backed with pretty much limitless cash. Your bed, Martin... Who were the stars – and who flopped? Petrov was superb in a new role, and the Youngs were mostly brilliant. Laursen was a terrible loss and will be sadly missed. Gabby was under par, but the crowd overreacted to that. Who were the best, and worst, away fans? Nobody makes any noise at Villa Park now the away fans are tucked away in the corner, so I'd have to go on my own away experiences ... Stoke were best, but Newcastle fans are like their team: unduly pleased with themselves and massively overrated. They won't be missed. Top hate figure at another club? Wenger again. Myopic, arrogant, dull. TOP FIVE BEST OPPOSITION PLAYERS 1 Cahill (Everton); 2 Gerrard (Liverpool); 3 Ireland (Manchester City); 4 Lampard (Chelsea); 5 Ridgewell (Birmingham – looking forward to next season already...)
BlackburnBill Boaden, Observer reader
How was your season? We've been playing catch-up all season following the Ince debacle. He didn't seem to have the ability to learn. Since then, under Sam, it hasn't always been pretty, but neither has our play always been long-ball tedium, despite the preconceptions of the armchair‑stereotype merchants. Where we have suffered is with the lack of proper strikers, and with injuries to Emerton and Dunn. Happy with the gaffer? He did what he was brought in to do. The question now is can he take us forward? Who were the stars – and who flopped? Gaël Givet has been superb on loan and will be vital next season. And Stephen Warnock always gave maximum effort. As for flops: we'd have been much better off if we'd pocketed the cash and let Roque Santa Cruz head off to City to discuss his ailments with Craig Bellamy and Michael Johnson. Who were the best, and worst, away fans? Liverpool and Stoke were the best visitors. The worst? Fulham. Top hate figure at another club? Joey Barton. Don't you dare play him again Sam... TOP FIVE BEST OPPOSITION PLAYERS 1 Torres (Liverpool); 2 Arshavin (Arsenal); 3 Essien (Chelsea); 4 Jaaskalainen (Bolton); 5 Alonso (Liverpool)
BoltonAaron Haley WorldwideWanderers.co.uk
How was your season? A total non-event. I can't think of a single memorable moment and am glad to see the back of 2008-09. We need to invest in some entertaining players or at the very least some characters, two features we desperately lack. Happy with the gaffer? In terms of results, he's done fine, the squad's decent enough and we've stayed up, but the lack of entertainment continues to bring the fans down, as seen by the declining attendances. Megson could win the cup and he'd still be the wrong fit – he'll continue to represent the lack of ambition epitomising the club. Who were the stars – and who flopped? Jaaskelainen, Steinsson and Cahill maintained a high standard throughout the season, while Matty Taylor's goals proved invaluable. Kevin Davies had a great season. His partner, Johan Elmander, struggled to find form or fitness, but still shows flashes of quality. Who were the best, and worst, away fans? The Middlesbrough fans were great, but their north-east neighbours and their many messiahs won't be missed. Top hate figure at another club? Joey Barton's an easy target, but the reports that he'll be with us next season are unnerving. TOP FIVE BEST OPPOSITION PLAYERS 1 Rooney (Man United); 2 Torres (Liverpool); 3 Gerrard (Liverpool); 4 A Young (Aston Villa); 5 Hangeland (Fulham)
CHELSEAJonathan Dyer, ChelseaBlog.com How was your season? The usual white-knuckle ride: heaven to hell and back via Roots Hall and the Nou Camp. Given Man United's strength in depth and Liverpool's improvement, third was about right. Most Blues are reasonably happy: it could have been far worse. Happy with the gaffer? Now, there's a question. Scolari simply didn't "get" Chelsea, but was removed before any real damage was done. Hiddink has been a revelation: intelligent, diplomatic, tactically astute and one of the best man-managers in the game. If only he could stay: losing one world-class manager in two years is careless, but two… Who were the stars – and who flopped? Lampard and Ashley Cole take some beating for consistency, Anelka's golden boot was well‑earned and Hiddink's miraculous resurrection of Alex and Malouda show he's as much faith healer as football manager. The bum notes? Bosingwa did just enough to earn another season, but Deco needs a taxi to, well, anywhere. Who were the best, and worst, away fans? Liverpool were suitably rowdy; Wigan were poor and Blackburn were plain rubbish. Top hate figure at another club? Benítez. Stop moaning and enjoy yourself. TOP FIVE BEST OPPOSITION PLAYERS 1 Iniesta (Barcelona); 2 Bramble (Wigan); 3 Vucinic (Roma); 4 Dempsey (Fulham); 5 Giggs (Manchester United)
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http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2009/may/31/ken-loach
Loach has been a serial monogamist when it comes to football clubs. As a kid, he watched Nuneaton Borough, his hometown team, with his dad, who was a season-ticket holder. "We'd get gates of 2,000 in what was the Birmingham Combination..." When he first moved to London he would go to Craven Cottage to see the great Fulham team of Johnny Haynes and George Cohen: "The pain used to be so exquisite; they would play so beautifully and lose. When we first moved to Bath in 1974 I felt at first I could not face that pain again, but Saturdays weren't the same, so I started to come down here."
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MEGSON RAID By John Percy 31/05/2009 Gary Megson has launched a £6million raid for England Under-21 midfielder Tom Huddlestone. Huddlestone will be a casualty at Tottenham as Harry Redknapp prepares to cash in on players this summer. Bolton boss Megson is ready to steal a march on rivals Aston Villa and Fulham by making the first move for the 22-year-old. Megson also wants Portsmouth defender Sylvain Distin and West Brom's Paul Robinson. He said: "We must bring in players because we can't go through another season like this. As we stand, we have three goalkeepers and 15 or 16 outfield players. "As a group, it is not the quality you need in the Premier League. This club needs to go forward."
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http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/top-stories/2009/05/31/georgie-on-dec-115875-21402420/
Fulham fan Georgie admits she's been trying to cheer up a gloomy Dec since his beloved Newcastle were relegated from the Premier League last week.
"It's a very, very tricky time at the moment," she says. "I'm trying to keep him buoyant and look at the positives. But it's hard when your team go down. "It doesn't matter where you come from or what you do for a living, if you're a football fan you hold that team very close to your heart and it's a big shame when a dream falls away." But Georgie is confident the couple's romance has better prospects than Newcastle United. Georgie is Dec's first serious romance since he split from long-term love TV actress Clare Buckfield in 2003. And after a few short-lived romances it seems he's finally met his match in football-mad Georgie. "People are drawn to each other for all different reasons and it's great that football is something me and my boyfriend have in common," says Georgie. "We haven't been to a football match together yet but it's definitely on the to-do list when the new season starts."
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Reply with quote | #10 |
West Brom face tug of war for Stockport striker Oli JohnsonMay 31 2009 by Robert Tanner, Sunday Mercury West Brom face competition from Fulham and Huddersfield Town if they wish to pursue their interest in Stockport County striker Oli Johnson. The 21-year-old was reportedly training at the Baggies with team-mate Josh Thompson with a view to a move from cash-strapped County. However, Fulham are also said to be interested and he is set for a trial with the Cottagers, while Huddersfield are monitoring the situation. Johnson made an immediate impact last season after signing for County from non-League side Nostell Miners Welfare. He finished the season with five goals from 23 appearances but County have slipped into administration and are off-loading their prize assets as they bid to pay off their debts.
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Reply with quote | #12 |
Re the, Premier League fans' end-of-season verdict,The Spurt said :
Who were the best, and worst, away fans? Best were West Brom; they always are whenever they pop up into our league. Worst, numbers per distance to travel, in the league fixtures were Fulham.
Our allocation was sold out on 12th December (I know because I wanted an extra ticket).
They are REALLY really cross....................................no Europa for them.
In fact the whole tone of this guy, says more about : ''That lot'' than I ever could
....what, was that rubbish about 'Arry wife ???.....
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Reply with quote | #13 |
And Fulham boss Roy Hodgson is also interested in £6m-rated winger Momo, who plays for Spanish side Xerez CD. (The People)
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Reply with quote | #14 |
Watford and Saracens to discuss Vicarage Road future in next two weeks10:00am Sunday 31st May 2009  Comments (1) Have your say »
Watford and Saracens will be meeting in the next two weeks to discuss the long-term future of the rugby club at Vicarage Road. Both parties have admitted it has been like a ‘landlord and tenant’ relationship in the past and hope in the future it will be more of a partnership. Both Watford and Saracens have the option to take advantage of a break clause in their agreement from 2010, which would have a 12-month notice period. The Hornets chief executive Julian Winter confirmed the meeting will be between he and his opposite number Edward Griffiths. There will be a range of issues discussed including the amount of ‘rent’ paid by Saracens and the possibility of developing Vicarage Road is also likely to be mentioned. At the Hornets’ AGM in December, former chairman Andy Wilson stated the £489,000 Saracens currently pay each year is not enough as the agreement was written up almost a decade ago when the club needed to secure Sarries as a tenant. There has been continued speculation the rugby club are looking to move away from Vicarage Road to Fulham’s Craven Cottage to take advantage of the high number of South African fans in the area. Saracens chief executive Edward Griffiths told supporters, at a fans’ forum in February, the club did want to take advantage of the South African fan base but that they would not be moving to another football ground as a full-time home. At the same meeting, Griffiths said Sarries were keen to develop Vicarage Road in partnership with Watford in the future but that the club needed to attract at least 15,000 supporters to each game if the club are to stop losing “vast sums of money each year”. There were rumours the important meeting took place last Wednesday but Winter said that was between operational staff to discuss issues with matchdays. He said: “There was a meeting between operational staff talking about operational issues for next season. It wasn’t related to their long-term future. That meeting is something which will happen in the next two weeks. “Last week’s meeting was about matchday issues. It was things like can we do this on the pitch and things like catering, which I didn’t go to. It was about what has gone on and how we can improve.”
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Reply with quote | #15 |
FULHAM LOOK AT GIGNACABOVE: Andre-Pierre Gignac 31st May 2009 By Tony StensonFULHAM are considering a move for Andre-Pierre Gignac as they plan for Europe next season.
Striker Gignac, 23, hit 24 goals for Toulouse this season, and picked up his first cap for France.
He is desperate to push for a place at the World Cup in South Africa in 2010 – and sees a move to the Premier League as a great chance to prove he can play at the top level.
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