I decided my participation in the World Cup meant I’d give it a bit more coverage, but first, let’s see if I can get the summer off to a good start by negotiating the playoffs

Division 1 Playoffs

We make it really difficult for ourselves, after a comfortable first leg win it’s a nervy 1-0 loss at Kidderminster, but either way we’ve booked ourselves at Wembley. The other semi final goes the same way but it is Shrewsbury who hang on.

We’ve beaten Shrewsbury in both other meetings this season so I’m not too worried – and rightly so, as Mail delivers for me (zing)

So that’s it, I’ve got Liverpool back in the big time. It wasn’t pretty but we did it, and that’s all that matters. The board love it and for some reason you get money thrown at you

That’s the domestic season done, now it’s World Cup time!

World Cup 2006 – England

Here are the groups, there’s a couple of tricky groups to call in there, not least my own

Some of the groups seem very lopsided, Brazil, England and Denmark must be delighted with their draws. With that in mind, here is England’s squad:

Hoddle’s picked a very defensive squad, which is stupid really given the group he’s in. No wonder the league has struggled for goals. It’s a nightmare start for him too

They’re not the only ones enduring a nightmare start though

Innocent Hurst is a great name. I’m happy to get out with a draw in our first game

Landreau keeping things tidy. England endure another nightmare though

No goals in 2 games on home soil, they’re on the verge. We net our first goals in a routine win.That’ll do at least. England need to beat Australia and hope USA beat Sweden.A riproaring 1-0 success is not enough. Sweden beat the USA and that’s it – England are out. We endure one of those days against the Czech’s, dominating but can’t score.

It’s enough to see us through, but we have to settle for second behind Germany. All of that leaves the Groups looking like this:

Denmark have been the most consistent team over this game but they’ve crashed out badly here, they and England have been huge disappointments. Spain, reigning World Champions, are also out. All of this is very good news for me. Last 16 draw is as follows:

Winning the group would have got me Brazil, so I’m not upset at all by the draw. South Africa are routinely taken care of

We’ve yet to concede a goal so I’m starting to think we could do this. Italy will be a sterner test, and we concede our fist goal…

After we miss the first 2 pens, Landreau goes nuts and saved the next 4. We’ve done it! I fully expect to face Argentina, but this is CM…

The Swedes are obviously playing well but I’m happier to be playing them

My confidence is rewarded with an easy win. CM favourite Niclas Alexandersson is at centre back but he can’t handle Tannai. The other semi final sees Germany take Nigeria out.

The Germans stand between me and World Cup glory. It’s all going so well…

At 2-0, we’re in cruise control, but the Germans come flying back at us and take it to extra time. To make matters worse, Legwinski gets a second yellow in injury time and we’re facing an extra 30 minutes a man light. However, straight after the restart, Maurice pings one in the top corner and we win on golden goal. Bedlam!

Off to Argentina in 2010. Meanwhile, I’ve won manager of the year (Division 1)

Finally, here are the awards:

My mate Victor Marco at Leeds getting some well earned rewards. Immediately, I resign from France, my job done. Now I just need to decide if I will stay at Liverpool…