Ciao! Welcome to the end of season 24. As you can see, I’ve submerged myself in Italian culture as I look to guide Milan to the Serie A title at my first attempt, whilst we’ve also got a Coppa Italia final to look forward to. That’s Italian for…nevermind. Manchester United are also looking for their first title since 2005, under the guidance of Scott Colcombe. I’ve finally researched who he is, and remarkably he starts the game on a free transfer having been released by Doncaster. Good grief. Let’s get on with it.

League Cup

So here goes Colcombe looking for his first trophy with Manchester United. In his way is former Old Trafford gaffer Matt Le Tissier and his Chelsea team

Obviously Le Tissier didn’t teach them his penalty technique. That might have helped. Colcombe is actually on for a treble, let’s see if he can add the FA Cup to his cabinet.

FA Cup

Relegation threatened Middlesbrough stand in his way, whilst Le Tissier is on course for revenge if they can see off First Division Sheff Utd.

Well knack me. It’s Le Tissier vs Colcombe again then, less than 2 months after they just met at Wembley.

REVENGE for Le Tissier. They may have lost their league crown but the FA Cup is not a bad consolation prize.

Incidentally I don’t know where else to post this. But AGF won the UEFA Cup. Eh!?

On we go then and there’s a very English Champions League lineup. Two English clubs, a Spanish team with an English manager and…Fiorentina.

Steve Haslam’s Arsenal are in the final! Newcastle ease past Unsworth too, are they going to make it three in a row?

Yes, yes they are. I’m pleased for them, though it does mean Damien Johnson is a Champions League winner. I’m not sure I like that.

Whilst we’re in Europe, let’s see if I can add Serie A winner to my CV. With one game to go, we’re heading for the dreaded playoff – if you weren’t aware, if the top 2 in Italy have the same points they have a playoff, regardless of goal difference. Will either team blink?

The fixtures are in our favour

Perugia are rock bottom and already relegated. Sampdoria have a much trickier trip to Cagliari.

We’ve got our bit done

YES CAGLIARI!

The title is ours

We thank Cagliari by beating them for the Coppa Italia

One goal over two legs, a real 90s Italian football fest there.

Back home and Colcombe is looking for the double, seeing as his treble dreams have ended. There’s actually very little drama, as the title is won with a few games to spare. Cardiff averaged very slightly over one goal a game on their way to 2nd, such a sought after season ticket.

At the bottom though, you’ll find Liverpool, Arsenal, Man City, Aston Villa…and sadly, Darlington.

Nick Barmby’s Boro are also relegated, but Darlington’s demise is a sorry one. All of that hard work undone. Well, sort of. I mean it is 24 seasons after I took over, so nevermind.

So before I wrap this up, we’ve gone nearly a whole post without mentioning Peter Beardsley. He helped Grimsby to 6th but they lost badly in the playoff semi final, so Division 3 again for Pedro. He is, however, staying on for another season. His contract runs out next season and I really fear for him but hopefully he renews.

With that, here’s the end of season awards

Arthur Joni you will of course remember is George Weah. Owen Wellens was one of my stalwarts at Darlington, ironically passing them in the football ladder. For good measure, here are the Italian awards

Serie A Top goalscorer…17. Wow. It’s not always the most enteraining league, to be fair.

That ends season 24, but I’m sure  you are as excited as I am for season 25 which includes the 2022 World Cup – NOT from Qatar, but from Spain. I’m taking a small break but will be back in the first weekend of August. Toodles for now!

Scotland have made the World Cup Final! Catch up with how over on The Higher Tempo Press, or for more CM9798 check out the book on Amazon