As the 07/08 season reaches boiling point, English football seems to be reflecting real life as the national team struggles for results and for the first time since this game began, there are no English sides in the Champions League Quarter final. Fortunately, the league is still very entertaining, so let’s focus on the positives.

Last time out we saw the usual jostling for position in the opening months of the season, whilst England appointed Laurent Blanc and things were terrible. Blanc’s career as the national manager seems to be reflecting that of Mike Bassett, as he has scraped through to Euro 2008 despite not winning a game in his tenure.

Grim. Rough draw for the finals too. I will get that job yet.

Anyway enough of our failing national team – another manager under fire is Gordon Milne, who has failed again

“What we need is a Geordie hero”
“Alan Shearer is busy”

I was tempted by the job but I’ve got a good thing going with Liverpool, not only because I’ve signed the best named striker in the game

But things are going well in general. I’ve also nicked my old mate (shocker) from Leeds, we won a World Cup and a Premier League together, we’re like brothers. Also he was out of contract in 3 months so, you know

I’m one of two English clubs still in Europe, as Leicester are trying to retain their Cup Winners Cup trophy, I’m battling away in the UEFA.

Werder Bremen beating their fellow countrymen so handsomely is a bit of a strange one, but I have them in the semis so I guess I’ll find out just how good they are

Meanwhile in the Champions League, Juventus are trying to throw it all away again

It would take a brave man to bet against Barcelona retaining their title, though Real Madrid are always a threat

They could yet meet in a repeat of the 2001 final, whilst Juventus won it in 2003.

In the much less glamorous setting of the League cup, Division 1 Blackburn (still managed by Keegan despite relegation) have made it to Wembley

Brian Little is denied yet another League Cup final appearance by Man Utd, as Fergie surely nears retirement. Blackburn are in decent form it’s fair to say

One loss all season is incredible, with just 8 games to go. A people’s champion is on the way back to the Premier League at the age of 36

Whilst I’ve said yet another emotional goodbye to Erik Nevland, who I just don’t have a purpose for now

The league itself has been a topsy turvy affair, as is the norm nowadays. Bolton continue to lead but both ourselves and Man Utd have topped the table at various times over the winter months

Fairly tight, though my next game is at Bolton which could really make or break the run-in. You’d like to think there are only 3 teams in it, though you can never discount Leeds. Meanwhile at the bottom, Chelsea continue to struggle without Tony Adams

Perhaps Dalglish will be saved by their FA Cup run, incredibly 15th, 16th and 18th join 5th placed Villa in the semi finals.

All of this means that the final 2 months of the season should be very exciting – I am aiming to win at least one trophy, but why not have both? Until next time…