Barnet Facing the Inevitable

May 5th 2001 is one of the more memorable days in football league history. What is now League two saw two sides draped in history, Barnet and Torquay United embroiled in a winner take all relegation match.

Barnet stood just a point behind Torquay United as the two met at Underhill on the final day of the season, with the winner retaining their place in the football league.

Three early goals from Jason Rees, Kevin Hill and David Graham all but kept Torquay up as a Darren Currie missed penalty saw Barnet fall short in a 3-2 loss.

A good friend of mine, who saw his Torquay side victorious on the day, has called the day the best of his life and has spoken at length of his admiration for Barnet and their supporters at Underhill.

He also recalled the two sets of supporters embracing and swapping shirts at the end of the match, to mark the historic occasion.

While Torquay went on to gain promotion to League one a few years later, Barnet battled away in the Conference, a relegation that many would debate re-vitalised the club’s fortunes.

Crowd’s began to rise again, and after a succession of new managers Paul Fairclough came in and made an instant impact.

He won promotion in his first full season as Barnet went up as Champions of the Conference with 86 points in 2005.

The promotion eclipsed the disappointment the club had endured in missing out the season before in the lottery of the play-offs, as Shrewsbury Town turned around a 2-1 deficit to win 5-3 on penalties.

With Fairclough in charge Barnet hit the ground running, and found themselves in 3rd after their first 5 games in League two.

With attendances peaking over 3,000 the club were firmly back where they thought they deserved.

Comfortably staying up in their first season back in the football league they followed it up with several mid-table finishes, as their foes from five years ago Torquay were condemned to relegation after a desperate season.

Since re-promotion things had been pretty bright for Barnet, and with three sides enduring points deductions for this new season, the Bees could look forward to another season in League two.

Things haven’t quiet gone to plan however, with Rotherham overcoming their 17-point deduction and overtaking Barnet, while Bournemouth, who were deducted the same amount, lieing just five points behind after this weekend.

The Bees current form has done nothing to aid their relegation battle as they have one win from their last 21 games, relegation form at best.

Their last win in-fact came against Bournemouth while Fairclough was still in charge, something that has contributed to their downfall.

With the man who got them back into the Football League gone, its been left to assistant Ian Hendon to steer the club to the end of the season, something that is becoming a struggle.

Hendon’s introduction, while it’s a gamble due to his lack of experience was always going to sit well with the fans after six years of loyal service as a player.

The new man is yet to pick up a win in charge, and things haven’t been made much easier as his side threw away more points at home to relegation rivals Grimsby Town.

The home team led 2-0 and 3-2 in the match, but still contrived to throw away three points, against Mike Newell’s defiant side.

Saturday’s 2-0 defeat at Notts County left the side without a win since Boxing Day, Fairclough’s final game in charge.

Hendon knows they aren’t the only side in this predicament with Grimsby, Accrington Stanley, Chester City and of course Bournemouth embroiled in a tight relegation battle.

You could say they have their fate in their own hands; the Underhill club host both Bournemouth and Chester before the end of the season.

Attendances have dropped to the levels of their last relegation and with fortunes not much better and knowledge of the resurgence they encountered last time they were relegated, would dropping down a level actually be a way of moving the club forward?

I’m not for one minute saying relegation would be a good thing for the club and with the history of financial problems at Underhill, it could leave Barnet thread bare.

We’ve all seen what relegation has done to the likes of Rushdan and Diamonds, and Barnet will be keen to stay away from those issues.

However can you see a way out for Barnet, in my mind no. Bournemouth have previous experience of a relegation battle, an unsuccessful one at that but they put together six wins in their last eight last season, so they have handled a run-in before.

Barnet are sure to be pushed all the way this season, and if they are relegated it could be the change of fortune they’ve been waiting for, a certain side from Devon might argue the same.

West Indies win the first test: England woeful or Taylor Wonderful?

West Indies have won the first test in Jamaica by an innings and 23 runs after bowling England out in their second innings for just 51 runs.

Jerome Taylor took career-best figures of 5-11 as the tourists slumped to their third worst-ever test score.

The innings was littered with poor shot selection by England batsman as well as brilliant bowling by both Taylor and Sulieman Benn, who took four wickets.

However, this isn't the first time Sabina Park has produced a pitch that has succumbed a team batting third.

Just five years ago, England bowled out their West Indian counterparts for just 47 as Steve Harmisson took seven wickets.

But was it a case of West Indian brilliance? Or England in disarray?

If we look at the England batting line-up, we see problems arising right from the start.

Alistair Cook looks like a player low on confidence after a disappointing period in his international career.

Cook's dismissal in the second innings was of a man who hasn't made runs for some time, as he was left stuck in the crease and wafted at a pretty ordinary delivery.

His fellow opener, Andrew Strauss, has his mind set on something more demanding, his captaincy of the side.

I've always been a fan of the player, as a captain and a batsman, and his two hundreds in India reminded everyone he can perform, it's time at the crease he needs.

At number three, Ian Bell looks hapless, and surely the selectors will drop a player they have persevered with for far too long.

Owais Shah deserves his chance at three, after countless failures by the Warwickshire man.

Another issue is the role of Kevin Pietersen in the side, a role that seems pivotal to the side's success.

It's not the individual's performances that should be called into question, but those of the men around him.

Obviously, he looked to up the run rate and dominant at the crease, but once he departed, the side looked lost.

No one seems to step up to the plate, and after his dismissal yesterday, it seemed written on the face of every England player that the match was over.

As the England batting line-up takes a battering, it's the bowling that most concerns me.

It's obvious the talent is there in the batting ranks and that form will come, but with the bowling, I'm not so sure the potential is there to take 20 wickets.

Monty Panesar has been drifting in the side for around 18 months now, and without any notable contributions, his position is surely under threat.

His effort over these four days has been nothing short of dreadful, and the novelty factor of this spinner has worn off for me; he has to go.

Steve Harmisson did his best to re-capture the heroics of 2004 and previous years, but since the Ashes, hasn't that been all he's tried to do?

Stuart Broad and Andrew Flintoff bowled well as always, but they were alone in that respect.

England's inability to read the pitch must also be called into question. How they didn't see a repeat of the 2004 incident, we'll never know.

It's poor captaincy on the part of Strauss, who would have surely known what happened just five years ago.

Not picking two spinners was a mistake as well, and all in all, The West Indies out-thought the English in every department.

When we look at Taylor and the way he ripped through the England top order, we can't help but think why didn't England do the same.

The pitch did help the seamer, whatever way you look at it.

The ball kept low at regular intervals and in truth when put in the right areas it was a nightmare for the England batsman.

However, I would go as far to say that no pitch is so brilliant to bowl on that the batting side should be scoring under 100.

The West Indies got the result they wished through perseverance and a strong work ethic; it was no fluke.

As for England, drastic changes are needed to turn around what could turn out to be a long and arduous tour.

The January Transfer Window: The Winners and Losers

One of the most important parts of the Football season; the January transfer window has finally slammed shut.

A month of speculation can be put to bed, while teams ponder on whether they made the most of the allotted time.

Plenty of teams got the men they wanted, while many will be ruing that the window came and nicked some of there prize assets.

Many were given offers they simply couldn't refuse, while some gave offers that were shunned as quickly as it took Robbie Keane to re-join Spurs, one of the many transfers we saw on another intriguing deadline day.

As far as the winners go in the transfer window you don't need to look any further than Keane's new club Tottenham Hotsphur.

Harry Redknapp has brought in five new players, including Jermaine Defoe and Wilson Palacious, both for £12 million.

However the best signing that relegation threatened Spurs have made for is the acquisition of Carlo Cudicini from Chelsea.

Even behind Petr Cech, Cudicini is seen as one of the best goalkeepers in the Premiership and with the issues surrounding Heurelho Gomes it's an excellent signing.

The most protracted transfer of the window involved Andrei Arshaven's move to Arsenal, which Zenit St Petersburg did there best to string out for the entire window.

Arsenal got their man, a player I see as a replacement for Alexander Hleb a move that has come to late for their title challenge and maybe even for their Champions League qualification hopes.

Manchester City will also find themselves in good shape after a good January period, off the pitch at least.

After spending £47 million in the month Mark Hughes will be expected to finish in the top half, even if their bid for Kaka did eventually fail.

The £14 million they paid for Craig Bellamy however seems to me to be an oversight, it's a lot for a player who is constantly in trouble off the pitch with team mates, and who is very injury prone on it.

However his last great season in the league was under Hughes at Blackburn, and of course they were together at Wales so maybe the duo can work successfully once again.

Talking of Blackburn, you have to think they have done brilliantly to keep hold of Roque Santa Cruz, a player who seemed destined for Eastlands.

Half of the job instilled in new man Sam Allardyce has now been accomplished, now for staving off relegation.

Bolton Wanderers have also done themselves no harm, losing Kevin Nolan won't affect their season so far, but will the three players brought in finally turn the fans round to Gary Megson's successful regime?

Another signing that could change the fortunes of a Premiership club is James Beattie.

The former Southampton and Everton striker has moved to Stoke City to revitalise there season, after the loss of Richardo Fuller and the misfiring of Dave Kitson.

For me Beattie will assure Stoke stay in the league for at least another season, something that Tong Pulis deserves after doing an excellent job this year.

Reading have bolstered their squad with the signing of Jay Tabb from Coventry, a case of the best getting better.

Birmingham have reacted to what was a disappointing end to the year with Lee Bowyer and Scott Sinclair coming in, signings that should at least guarantee a top three finish.

The football league has been littered with surprising and quality signings.

Sheffield United may have lost Beattie, but the signing of youngster Jamie Ward from Chesterfield seems to be a shrewd one.

The talented young striker has been lighting up league two, and after scoring the winner at St Mary's last night for his new club his talent is there for all to see.

Look no further than Lee Trundle making a temporary move to Leeds United, a move that could either push Leeds towards the Championship, or keep them in their current position of outside the play-offs.

Colchester have boosted their promotion ambition as well, with Simon Hackney coming in from Carlisle, a necessary winger for the Essex based club.

And as we saw Wayne Bridge sign a five year deal and then move on to Manchester City just six months later, not of the same could be said about Andy Bishop of Bury.

Bishop has turned down a number of moves in the window and in previous summers, and has now penned a new contract to keep him at the club for the foreseeable future.

The striker for one won't be moving on for the added bonus of an improved pay check.

Now we turn to the losers of the window, as they don't come worse off than Wigan Athletic.

Having lost two of there best players in Palacious and Emile Heskey, they have replaced the duo with Mido, N'Zogbia and Ben Watson.

Their league position is sure to be affected, but with the bids in question for the two players the club aren't in a position to turn down the offers.

Portsmouth have lost potentially their finest two player, and with owner Alexander Gaydamak keeping the £32 million for his own gain, funds for transfers have been limited.

To replace the duo Hayden Mullins has come in from West Ham, and Theofanis Gekas on loan, hardly names to light up the Premiership.

With small funds, and a terrible transfer window, Pompey will struggle to stay in Premiership, with such a one dimensional attacking formation, a defense without a clue and a manager already proving he's out of his depth things don't look rosy.

As the football league goes, no-one is worse off than Stockport County.

Anthony Pilkington and Jim McNulty have both departed, as Jim Ganon bemoans the financial situation of the club as the best of their young players are sold off.

County lie ninth in league one, and things are set to get worse as they attempt to complete a second successive promotion.

But as you can probably tell it's not all been doom and gloom in this years transfer window, most teams got what they came for, a factor that will assure an exciting end to the season across the football pyramid.

Colin Montgomerie: The right man for the job?

Colin Montgomerie has been named Europe's Ryder Cup captain for the upcoming tournament at Celtic Manor in 2010.

Montgomerie beat off competition from the likes of Jose Maria Olazabal and Sandy Lyle to take the captaincy.

The Scot missed out on playing in last years Ryder Cup in Valhalla, as Captain Nick Faldo decided against naming him as one of his two captains picks, a decision that was seen intrinsic to the American's regaining the trophy.

Of course we will never know whether Montgomerie's role would have been better suited to playing after Europe missed him so very much last Autumn.

But we all know Montgomerie's pedigree and passion for the Ryder Cup.

His inept showing at Major Championships is combated by his amazing display at Ryder Cups where he has never lost a singles match in eight attempts.

He also lie's second in the all time points scorers list for Europe, behind former skipper Faldo.

However we all know how players with huge quality on the course, don't always transfer to the captaincy position, as Faldo showed last year.

Although he talked a good game up to, during and after the tournament he lacked the knowledge to turn things around when things weren't going his way, something he rarely had to do as a player.

Montgomerie's success as a team player will help him in this respect, and as a well loved member of the team he will be welcomed with open arms.

Another factor that could work in Monty's favor would be the change to the selection process.

Last year Paul Azinger had the choice of four captain's picks, instead of the traditional two, something that Montgomerie has stated he wants to change himself.

The Scot is a hugely popular choice within the world of golf, and is sure to catch the imagination of the European team.

He has 18 months to form a team to regain the Ryder Cup, a period of time that could define Montgomerie as one of the legends of golf.

The Resurgence of Roddick

If anyone has lost out from the emergence of the so-called big four its Andy Roddick.

In years gone by, the former US Open winner was the main contender to Roger Federer, even if he was defeated in three Grand Slam finals in as many years.

Roddick said himself he had to start winning some of there encounters to turn the competition between the two any sort of rivalry.

The emergence of Rafael Nadal and latterly Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray has pushed Roddick down the rankings, and further away from the intense rivalry between himself and Federer.

But today he takes on his Swiss nemesis, as he overcame Djokovic in the quarter final, albeit with the Serb retiring in the forth set.

Roddick's problems, along with the emergence of certain players has been the issues surrounding his coaches.

He recently paired up with Larry Stefanki, former coach of Tim Henman, for the new season and it looks as though the new coach's effect has been immediate.

After a difficult period, Stefanki has got a job on his hands to get Roddick back to the top of the men's game, a position he resided in just a few years ago.

Champion

Since 2003 Roddick has been a dominant force in Men's Tennis.

He made the Australian Open and Wimbledon semi-final, and won the US Open in a stunning year for the American.

He also won two of his four Masters titles in what has been his most successful year in his career to date, as he finished the year ranked second in the world.

He has repeated the feat that he did in 2003, by reaching the semi-final, but with Federer the opponent again this could be the end of the road in terms of the tournament for the 26-year old.

With age and talent on his side, who says this year can't repeat that of 2003 as he attempts to re-assert himself on the world stage of men's tennis.

Pietersen and Moores Leave England In Turmoil

The last twelve months has been some what of a roller-coaster for the England Cricket team.

Just under a year ago, David Gravney was relinquished of his position as Chairman of Selectors, a move that resulted from the Schofield report.

The selection panel became a four man team with former England spinners Geoff Miller and Ashley Giles with England Coach Peter Moores and James Witaker.

Graveney had been at the helm of England Cricket selection for 11 years, and his loss was sure to be a huge blow for the team, but at the same time it marked a new era in English Cricket.

We even had controversy about Kevin Pietersen's "switch hit" during the one-day series with New Zealand which created unnecessary unrest within the game.

Michael Vaughan then stepped down as England captain after a home series defeat against South Africa, the first since 1965.

Paul Collingwood then left the one-day international captaincy position on the same day.

Kevin Pietersen was brought in to take over from both Vaughan and Collingwood, and took charge of the final test match in the South Africa series, in which England were victorious.

He then took England to India, and was hugely influential in bringing the squad back to India after the Mumbai terrorist attacks.

England lost the series 1-0 and were humiliated 5-0 in the one-day series, a miserable start to his tenure for the skipper, even if his batting was still as fluent.

At the back end of the year we heard reports that Pietersen was having crisis talks with Moores about the England side after such a disappointing tour.

* B/R Ticket Guide

Powered by FanSnap.com

However it seems more than just the team was on the mind of Pietersen, who brought up serious issues with the coaching staff.

This was made public in the new year, as were Pietersen's feelings about the upcoming tour to the West Indies.

Amongst other things, Pietersen disagreed with the omission of Michael Vaughan from the touring party.

He then made it perfectly clear that he wouldn't captain a side with Moores at the helm, and that if he continued in the job Pietersen would step down from the captaincy role.

This morning it has come to a head. Pietersen's influence on the ECB is such that Moores has now lost his job.

Pietersen's comments simply made Moores' position untenable, as Pietersen would have been included in future England sides.

A main issue was Moores' experience in the test-match arena, where he never played a match as a professional, a factor Pietersen had reservations about when he first came into the position.

BBC sports editor Mihir Bose told 5 Live: "Pietersen gave an ultimatum to the ECB saying 'sack the coach or I go'.

"The ECB has said 'we value you as captain but we don't take dictation from you'. So they accepted his ultimatum and he has suffered".

In a further development Andrew Strauss should become the new captain of the side ahead of the tour to the Caribbean.

I've written before that Pietersen's appointment was an incorrect one: http://nickygervais.blogspot.com/2008/08/revamp.html.

But this act shows Pietersen cares about the state of the game, enough that he'd put his own captaincy on the line to resolve the issue.

He's realised a problem, and put his own position at stake to put things right, a very noble act I believe by.

The whole saga is a real mess to be honest, and the ECB have done themselves no favours with how they have dealt with the story.

Even as a I write there has still been no statement by the heads of English Cricket.

The way things were conducted in public was not the way either party would have wanted, but at the same time nothing has been done to resolve it until Pietersen put his foot down.

In terms of a replacement for Moores, well the name of Graeme Gooch is sure to crop up.

His success with Essex in the shorter form of the game is sure to be an attraction, and his status within the game is enough that he will be greeted with open arms into the position.

Whatever happens in the next 24-hours is going to be vital in terms of the tour of the West Indies, things have to move quickly to give England a chance to re-group.

Typically the media are looking towards the Ashes series already and how this sequence of events will effect the result of that series.

Not to digress to much, but when did the Ashes ever need to be hyped up more. The history behind the event is enough not to mention the animosity between the two countries.

Since England's victory in 2005 the sides progress seems to be measured by how we perform in those five test matches, discounting every other country.

In terms of shaping up for the Ashes, England couldn't look in worse shape, can things be turned around in-time? The hard work starts here.

2008/09 Football Season Half Term Report

Well here we are, officially half way through the football season and things are shaping up rather nicely don’t you think?

Each of England’s top leagues have there pace setters and their upsets, and this season has been no different.

This piece is basically about those teams that have excelled, disappointed or done exactly what was expected in this football season.

I’ve taken three teams from the countries top five leagues and evaluated their progress in terms of the expectations leveled at them before the start of the season and how they have faired this season.

Instead of doing marks out of ten I’ve gone with the traditional school marking system, with all teams yearning for that elusive A+.

As always add your comments to the bottom and I will do my best to reply, enjoy!


Blue Square Premier


Burton Albion (A+): In an attempt to shake off the name that will follow him for the rest of his career, Nigel Clough has turned his Burton Albion side into Promotion favorites in the Blue Square Premier.

As I write, Albion lie 13 points clear of nearest rivals Histon, with The Stutes yet to play their games in hand.

It was expected Burton would be odds on for the play-offs but to be so far ahead already has been outstanding. Greg Pearson has been brilliant this season with 16 goals, but it's been Clough that has been the real revelation.

Whether he will be tempted to make a move into the football league before the end of the season is almost certain, as Burton are willing to let him go. I’d be hesitant to say whether the move would be good for the manager whose experience at a higher level is wafer thin.

Hopefully, he can stick around to finish the good job he’s started with Burton.


Torquay United (B-): Clubs such as Burton have taken advantage of the poor start Torquay United made to the season, which was made to look as bad as it was.

One win from there first seven games was the hangover of last season's play-off heart break, but soon the mist was lifted and the Gulls went on a record breaking 17 match unbeaten run.

The run has propelled them to the top five and at one point top of the league. Paul Buckle's doubters have been well and truly silenced and the dodgy attack that I had reservations about this season has proved its worth once again.

Nicky Wroe has been in stupendous form this season, one of the buys of the season for sure. However with six defeats in the league already this season and a huge deficit to make up there is plenty of hard to be done.


Oxford United (D-): The introduction of the new owners saw a new dawn at Oxford United one that has seen the introduction of a new manager but the same old expectations.

The sacking of Darren Patterson wasn’t soon enough for most fans, who feel the season is already a waste due to the terrible start. Chris Wilder, formerly of Halifax is at the helm now and two wins from his opening three games, a sign that things can be turned on its head.

The club lie in 11th after those successive wins and the fans will believe again that promotion is a reality, but they’ve been let down before.

In-fact their current position is puzzling considering the start the club had, and Wilder certainly has the foundations and resources to mount a serious challenge for the play-offs.


Coca Cola League Two


Dagenham and Redbridge (A+): Dagenham must have looked at the new season with a little bit of haste after finishing just seven points above the relegation zone last season.

However numerous points deductions allowed the club to relax knowing another season is League two was almost assured.

Although for John Still’s men things have been have better than they could have imagined. The Daggers find themselves in 4th after a brilliant season that has seen them surge up the league after a sticky November period.

The leagues top goal scorers have the likes of Ben Strevens, Paul Benson and Sam Saunders to thank as they look to hang on to their play-off spot.

Huge wins on the opening day against Chester City and recently against Notts County have boosted the Daggers dramatically and they look a dangerous proposition to any promotion rival.


Exeter City (A-): After a steady start to the season Exeter have pushed themselves into a play-off spot, and in a very open League 2 they have every chance to being promoted at the first time of asking under Paul Tidsdale.

Promotion will now be on the lips of most City fans after the excellent first half to the season.
Matt Gill and Dean Moxey have keen key as always and with wins at the likes of Bournemouth and Bury, Exeter has shown they are no lightweights.

Continued success in the New Year could be difficult, and even a finish in mid-table wouldn't disgrace the club at all who have a brilliant season up till now.


Rotherham (A-): Mark Robins has pulled together a side that in another season would be challenging for the title, but after starting with -15 points, Rotherham have had a brilliant season.

Robins’ team have surpassed the other deducted teams Bournemouth and Luton, the as they attempt to extend the gap between themselves and the teams below. A 12-point gap has already been established, one that is sure to increase as the season progresses.

The goals of strikers Drewe Broughton and Rubin Reid have been the cornerstone to the success, but Ian Sharps at the back is considered one of the best defenders in the league, in a defense that has been particularly tight.

A top half finish looks likely for Rotherham, who will have an issue hanging on to their prize assets if they look to push for promotion next season.


Coca Cola League One


Milton Keynes Dons (A): To say MK Dons have shocked a few people is an understatement; they have simply blown people away with a few teams along the way. They lie second in the table, two points off early pacesetters Leicester City and with the best away record in the league.

Manager Roberto Di Matteo has been instrumental in their form, and with Eddie Newton alongside the pair seem to have bought in some quality players to strengthen the promotion contenders.

They are the team everyone loves to hate for obvious reasons, but Di Matteo’s turning them into a side you can’t ignore and one that is sure to be making waves in the Championship and beyond soon enough.


Colchester United (C+): Last season’s relegation has been followed by a shocking start to the season, however, with new manager Paul Lambert at the helm things could be far worse.

After having to wait till the end of November for their first league win at their new Weston Holmes Community Stadium Lambert’s men have slowly gone about their business and with a brilliant away record behind them they know where the hard work has to be done.

The low of the season came when second from bottom Hereford United recorded a 2-1 win at the new stadium, while highs include the side’s victory at Bournemouth in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy.

The club were expected to challenge higher up the league, but last seasons disappointment hasn’t lifted and the U’s have had to endure a season of consolidation.


Carlisle United (E+): Here’s another side whose disappointment of last season has caught up with them in the new season, as Carlisle continue to struggle in League one.

Having spent large periods of the season in the bottom four, manager John Ward was surpass to requirements and replaced by Greg Abbott who has steadied the ship after an awful start to the season.

They did pick up five wins from their first six games, however defeat at Scunthorpe was the catalyst for a 12-match streak without a win, devastating for the club.

Ward was soon replaced by Abbott, whose eleven-match reign has included four wins, The form is encouraging but not what the expectant supporters were after.

Climbing out of the relegation zone was the short term goal, now that has been achieved the fans will want to finish as high up the league as possible, with the expected promotion well out of reach.


Coca Cola Championship


Reading (A): After loosing a number of influential players over the last two years, you could be forgiven for thinking Steve Coppell’s job to reclaiming Reading Premiership place would be a difficult one. Far from it, for the Berkshire club this season.

The likes of Steve Sidwell, Nicky Shorey and Dave Kitson have departed in the last few years but that’s done nothing to change the ambition of this club who are enjoying a brilliant season in the Championship.

This side is playing some of the best football I’ve seen from any club this season with impressive wins at the likes of Birmingham City, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Bristol City.

Kevin Doyle is quickly developing a reputation as being one of the most potent strikers in the country let alone the league he applies his trade.

Fans may well be wary heading into the transfer window, but with the tress that Reading are pulling up why would anyone want to leave this ambitious club.


Swansea City (A-): After last season’s relatively easy promotion the real work starts here in the Championship, and Swansea have gone about there business brilliantly, putting plenty of sides to the sword.

Of all the teams promoted from last season they have made the transition look the most smooth, still playing decent football, with the same star names as last season.

The likes of Ferrie Bodde and Jason Scotland have excelled, with Bodde in particular attracting attention from the Premiership.

Roberto Martinez has done a brilliant job at the Liberty Stadium, and whatever you say about resources given to some managers; there are many who waste them away, not this man.

The mark of A- isn’t derogatory to Swansea themselves, they have impressed me in games as well as in their results and the second half of the season should produce more.


Norwich City (E): To often we’ve seen sides relegated from the Premiership, get stuck in the Championship and become engrossed in a relegation battle, Norwich City are going down that alley.

On the plus side it’s been good to see Glen Roeder given some time, and even though results have been poor, I have faith in him that he’ll pull through eventually for the Canaries.

He must turn the trust that the board have put in him into wins, especially away from home where just two wins have been recorded. In-fact their away record is so bad it’s the worst outside the bottom three, an area they dangle just two points above.

If there is money available then Roeder is sure to be delving into the torturous January transfer window, but as many club are looking to loan signings that might have to be the former West Ham managers’ route.

Clubs like Charlton and Southampton are in similar positions and it’s left to be seen whether this former top-flight club can avoid the duo’s almost inevitable fate.


Premiership


Hull City (A-): I feel that to often this season Hull City’s progress has been undermined by where they were five years ago when they when they were away at Farnborough or another Division Three club.

I still feel that many see them as the same Division Three club presiding within the Premiership. I feel they should be appreciated as a top-flight club, because they’ve made enough of an impression through the first half of the season to suggest they could be around for some time.

Their form has been most intriguing on the road, where they have recorded four wins including a memorable win at the Emirates Stadium where Giovanni and Daniel Cousin helped the Tiger towards a 2-1 win.

Results have expectantly leveled out, with one win in the last eleven games but that’s done nothing to dampen the mood at the KC Stadium, while Hull are finally being able to make there own stamp on the Premiership.


Fulham (A): The turn around at Fulham under Roy Hodgson was put under full scrutiny last weekend, when the club met local rivals Chelsea at Craven Cottage.

Their progress was confirmed as they salvaged a point in a 2-2 draw.

This result has proved the influence Hodgson has had at the Cottage, and after saving the club from relegation he’s been able to push on into what has been a fine season.

It’s no secret that the club live on a shoestring budget wise, and that relegation would be devastating for the club off the pitch as well as on.

The side’s home form has been the main strength, as with previous years with wins over Arsenal, Tottenham and Middlesbrough.

The form of Jimmy Bullard has been pricking the ears of many Premiership clubs. It’s no coincidence that the return of the midfielder from injury last season has been the catalyst for the clubs change in fortune.


Newcastle United (C+): The beginning of the season was a mess for the Magpies. Losing Kevin Keegan was one thing, Mike Ashley then putting the club up for sale was another.

Ashley has since turned on his decision, by taking the club off the market and putting full backing behind new manager Joe Kinnear, who has had to deal with his own critics of a different nature.

Many believed the former Wimbledon manager, whose medical restraints ended his tenure at the Dons several years ago, wasn’t up to the pressures of Premiership management. And his heart, and his abilities as a manager have proved everyone wrong.

He’s turned Newcastle from relegation candidates into a decent mid-table side. The club have always had problems spending the available money wisely, and Kinnear will have the task of bringing in some new recruits.

Keeping the likes of Michael Owen and Shay Given will be at the top of the list though, as the big boys come calling for some of the North East’s elite.