The third season has come to a close and it’s fair to say my first season in France has been a steep learning curve, but it’s also let the Premier League run wild in my absence. So in time honoured tradition, here is how the final months of 99/00 turned out.

Premier League

In a ridiculous turn of events, Aston Villa have won the Premier League. Villa become the 4th club to do so, following Man Utd, Blackburn & Liverpool. Brian Little is a Premier League winner. To be fair, they’ve won it at a canter and they’ve outscored everybody, well done.

Big fall from Liverpool in their attempt to retain their title, whilst last season’s third placed Blackburn had an awful season, finishing 15th.

Barnsley finally get relegated whilst Birmingham are relegated on the final day of the season, earning Gerry Francis the sack. The old Dons limp to 13th, having now lost Rio and Sean Devine for very little money.

The League Cup

Kenny Dalglish delivers Newcastle’s first domestic trophy in 45 years, finally ending Liverpool’s dominance of the competition

With Newcastle also finishing 4th it’s a very good season for Dalglish.

The FA Cup

A pretty low key Cup final but Leeds come out on top and get the Cup Winners Cup spot. You’ll also notice Jamie Redknapp is the latest in turncoat club as he turns out for Everton.

Ligue 1

Auxerre battle to 6th which I am delighted with, all things considered. 6th in the league, UEFA Cup quarters and French Cup semi finals – it could have been a lot worse

PSG and Monaco are an absolute force, and without Champions League Money I don’t see a way to break that stranglehold. To give you an indication, here’s what a season of toil earned Auxerre

I got 20 times that for finishing in the top half with Wimbledon! This country…

Champions League

I posted Barcelona’s squad previously and to say it is heavy loaded on the forwards front would be an understatement. Anyway, they just about beat PSG to retain the Champions League. They also win La Liga, so it’s a good time to be Louis van Gaal

So that’s it for another domestic season. My form with Auxerre after sorting out a formation is encouraging and I might stay for another season unless a good Premier League job appears. It is now time for Euro 2000 though, and as with World Cup 98, I’ll give it the respect it deserves and a full post to itself. Here’s the groups to get you in the mood

Yes – World Cup holders Portugal failed to qualify…