After my surprise league win to finish the 08/09 season, 09/10 has a lot going for it. My Liverpool side have got Champions League football to look forward to, and there’s a World Cup in Argentina at the end of it all. What is the game going to throw at us this time?

Some well known managers called it quits at the end of the previous campaign

Big Ron worked wonders at Birmingham and his replacement is a little surprising

Michael Kyd gets the player-manager job at Blackburn, I don’t know who he is. Meanwhile Spain celebrate qualifying for the World Cup by sacking their manager

They have done this before…and once against they choose PSG’s manager to take them forward

Fernandez, the former PSG & Spain manager, is actually brought back to PSG

Crazy times on the merry go round. Off it goes again…

Arsenal have really struggled for a number of years now, but this appointment is a bit of a coup

Leeds lost their Champions League qualifier to Real Madrid and with last season’s collapse fresh in mind, he’s obviously decided to move on. After 1 day, he gets manager of the month!

Leeds opt for John Hartson

The PFA player of the year is on the move too, joining Chelsea

Chelsea haven’t really hit the heights they did under Tony Adams but this might help.

The Charity Shield kicks us off, and we destroy Villa

To make matters worse for Villa, Thierry Henry has broken his leg and will miss the season (and the World Cup). Villa are really struggling in his absence and you’ll see later on.

Champions League draw is quite kind

A win in Munich plus 3 wins against Ostrava (twice) and Tblisi mean I’m all but qualified with 2 games to go.

The Premier League has another new leader, this time it’s Nottingham Forest. Stuart Pearce has gone about his business in a very quiet manner and has made them a solid Premier League side, though after finishing 16th last season, few would have seen this coming

I’m unbeaten in all competitions which is nice, but I’d rather be top of the pile. it will come though. My star player is the boy Blades, who’s on almost a goal a game

Chelsea, in 10th, decide that’s enough to get rid of King Kenny

Meanwhile if things don’t improve for Villa, Brian Little might not be far behind!

Leeds also struggling under Hartson, it’s all change once again.

Realistically, England need to win in Wales to try and get 2nd place in the Qualifiers

It’s another Blanc for Laurent though and that’s pretty much curtains. There is one game to go though, so it’s not over just yet. I’ll have your job soon Laurent, don’t you worry.

Join us next time to find out who replaces Dalglish at Chelsea and whether the FA finally sack Laurent Blanc

I was expecting the end of the 08/09 season to be fairly mundane, with Leeds enjoying a 13 point lead at the top of the table. Surely they would win the title again? Wouldn’t they?

League Cup

Everybody loves the League Cup. Especially Big Ron.

Ron Atkinson takes Birmingham to the League Cup, getting one over his old club in the process. Sir Alex will no doubt be back.

FA Cup

The semi finals went with form, Brian Little once again making a final, where he’ll face Chelsea.

Little, who has the best reputation of all the managers, brushes Dalglish aside in the final

Henry is still a major force in his early 30’s, whilst Brian Little is presumably ageless.

UEFA Cup

Liverpool are still in the UEFA Cup and, with the league not a realistic target, I’m going all out for it

A 4-0 win at home sets us up nicely for the trip to Betis, where a 2-0 loss doesn’t really matter. We’re in the final! Boro nearly make it an all English final but away goals puts paid to that.

The final sees us take the lead but Deportvio strike back late on to deny us.

It’s a big shame, but worse things will happen.

Premier League

To say Leeds have bottled it would be a massive understatement. Think Newcastle in 95/96 but with only 8 games to go. Their 13 point lead over me has been reigned in, with just one game to go, it’s all level.

I hadn’t even realised how bad it had got for them as I had mentally checked out of it, but as we kept brushing teams aside, McManaman crumbled. At the bottom, 4 teams can go down with nobody already relegated.

The fixtures are set up below, all I need to do is beat Wolves at Anfield. Leeds have the tricky task of Aston Villa anyway, I’m very confident. Stoke vs Everton, 17th vs 18th, is the pick of the relegation games. I guess the game has made a bit of an error here as with those two playing each other, West Ham are down already.

Can we complete the remarkable turnaround?

Yes, with ease. Leeds mess up against Villa anyway, their mindset must have been all over the place. So it’s another league title for me and a return to the Champions League. Get in! Just take a look at Leeds’ results over the last few months:

Good grief, 1 win in 10. Here;s how the table finished up

Champions League

In the Champions League, for once Spain’s big two have blown it

Milan are losing finalists again, for the fourth time in fact (with 1 win). PSG win the title for the second time after their success over Bolton in 2005.

Barcelona get over their loss by winning the La Liga/Copa de Rey double yet again. PSG win Ligue 1 and the French Cup in a dominant year for them.

One Frenchman who is definitely not dominating is Laurent Blanc

Good lad Austin, get him the sack. Few other pieces of news – Paul Scholes is in management after Peter Reid is sacked following Everton’s relegation.

His first move is to sign a Scouser who’s career has gone nowhere

All that’s left now is to look at the Awards – guess who is manager of the year?

Well played, me. Pascoe, surprise surprise, is a goalkeeper.

So that ends the 08/09 season, I’m still in a little bit of disbelief at how the league unfolded but that’s my gain. Next stop – Champions League!

The 08/09 season has belonged to one club so far, and as we reach March, Leeds have a handsome lead at the top of the Premier League which should see Steve McManaman win his first League title. But the real story is elsehwere… It is actually a Leeds player who makes the big headline, but only after Bolton sack Colin Todd. Todd led Bolton to a couple of 2nd place finishes, including last season, but being knocked out of a Champions League group containing Barcelona and Inter is apparently a sackable offence The important thing to note here is the date Colin Todd HATES the dole and goes to work in Spain 2 days later. Good lad. But who can possibly replace Todd? Ah, of course. It’s 80 times capped David Beckham, who gives up the chance to win another Premier League with Leeds to go and manage Bolton. Well, why not. I was marvelling at Leeds’ defence last time out, but this went out the window one afternoon Unfortunately, Leeds have barely lost since, and hold a commanding lead at the top. More on that later though. Another legend has entered the management game Montpellier are currently 8th in Ligue 1. Leicester have a really good go at winning the Super Cup. Roy Evans working his magic again, almost. A famous win never the less, but he’s as likely to relegate them if the Liverpool experience has taught us anything. Man Utd and Birmingham will compete in the first final of the season. Whilst the FA Cup Semi Finals see Brian Little’s Villa in the mix yet again. Chelsea vs Sunderland is actually quite a big deal given the current plight of thie game – Sunderland knocked me out in the Quarter Final. One cup I’m not out of is the UEFA Cup, having eased past Le Havre The old Tees/Wear Quarter Final there – Keith Gillespie clearly a managerial genius. Semi Final draw seems me up against Betis who I played a few years ago My season hasn’t been helped by a string of injuries, after Blades’ long term injury (which he has since recovered from and received an England cap), Bakyoko gets a big one My solution is to sign Ged Collier, who you may recall is actually Peter Beardsley re-generated I haven’t posted the squad for a while, so here it is The suspension situation is ludicrous, yes. Dirty buggers. The Champions League has a familiar look to it at the Semi Final stage When I do the next stat update in a season or so, I’ll be interested to see just how many times Barca & Real have reached this stage. Here’s the Premier League table in March 2009 With 8 games to go, Leeds will surely win the title. Kinnear’s Tottenham are 2nd but have played a game more – from 2nd down to 12th could be as little as 5 points if the games in hand work out. I really want to get 2nd as otherwise I haven’t improved at all over the last couple of seasons – and it might be time for a new challenge… Meanwhile, the bottom of the table looks bleak for Palace. Everton, as usual, are down there whilst West Ham have suffered an enormous fall down the table from last season. It looks like 3 from 4 though. As ever, we finish with a chuckle at Laurent Blanc’s England Home defeats to Eire and Wales puts qualification for World Cup 2010 in serious doubt. Steve Haslam deserves better. Until next time, thanks for reading and remember to give us a follow on twitter for some random musings

The 08/09 season has begun and as is becoming the nom, the pack are pretty close together, but as they all take turns beating each other, one team has built up a commanding lead.

To begin with, as there are more and more fictional players, here’s a quick look at the most valuable players in the transfer market in 2008

I don’t know why the most valuable player on the game is playing for Boro, nor why he moved there from Leeds last season. It just doesn’t make any sense. He’s an Icelandic International and Boro are mid-table ish just like everybody else. Boro have failed to hit the ground running this season anyway and one of the few “original” managers has now been fired

Who could possibly replace him?

Obvious replacement.

If it’s the older player that interests you, here are the most capped players in the World still playing

Oliseh and Gravesen have 110 caps each. Gary Neville has 100 caps exactly but Fergie has finally have enough of him and packed him off to Birmingham. Lokondo Mpenza is only 30 and has 96 Belgium caps, so he’ll end up with well over 130 I’d think.

Anyway, a couple of transfers to tell you about

Big moves there, I’m particularly pleased to see the back of Hubchev. This also raised an eyebrow

Still playing aged 35 but his first management gig.

The season kicks off with the Charity Shield – Hubchev scores for Villa in one of his final appearances before leaving for Real Madrid.

Villa take it on penalties, it’s an epic battle between 2 of the very few remaining original managers.

Meanwhile my league form starts atrociously. Marco breaks an ankle and Bochenski is getting on a bit, fortunately Austin Blades is back and I really need him to fire. Despite a rough start, we’ve recovered well and sit in the top 6, but it’s very close. Leeds, however, have stormed ahead, and look well placed to win back the title.

Even at this stage, 9 points is a big lead. Their defence looks in great shape too, but as I found out it can all go very wrong very quickly. Boro are 9th which is apparently enough to see off Bryan Robson – a totally mad decision as far as I can see. Meanwhile, at the bottom:

There’s as many points between 2nd and 16th as there is between 1st and 2nd. That’s going to take some sorting out in the coming months.

I’m in the UEFA Cup again, and a couple of wins against Lazio and Aab have out us in the last 16

An extraordinary game I feel the need to show you is this clash between Mallorca and Bayern

Only a 6 goal win would do it for Mallorca but they did it…hell on. Another man under pressure is Laurent Blanc

Yet somehow, he clings onto the job I desire the most. Just sack him already!

Anyway, see you next time for more unpredictable shenanigans

The 07/08 season has reached boiling point and with a clutch of clubs in the running for honours, not to mention a European Championships on the horizon, it promises to be quite the end to the season

The only interesting signing of transfer deadline day sees cash strapped Leeds flog their star man to Boro

League Cup

The first domestic silverware is Man Utd’s, beating Keegan’s brave first division Blackburn. Blackburn do however rack up 108 points to gain promotion

But can Fergie make it a double with the Premier League?

Premier League

It was a three horse race and with a game to go, we’re hanging in there but are very much outsiders

In truth we’ve struggled for form recently as Marco got a 4 month injury and then, unfortunately, so did new man Austin Blades

Sigh. At the bottom, there’s a few teams who could go down still

Here’s the last day fixtures:

Ideally I will take at least 2nd, but that will require a good result at Villa Park coupled with bad results for Man Utd or Bolton. Man Utd, at home to mid table Leeds, are red hot favourites. Newcastle could still go down so maybe they’ll have a go against Bolton

Bloody Clarky. My point at Villa Park in isolation is a good result but it needed Bolton to lose for it to be enough. They win handsomely, but not as handsomely as Man Utd, who stroll their way to the title. Cheers Leeds. Burnley, meanwhile, are relegated.

So a big failure for me, maybe I can put it right in the UEFA Cup?

UEFA Cup

Nope. Bremen go on to win the trophy, which is of little consolation

Leicester, however, do England proud and retain the Cup Winners Cup

That’s some result for Roy Evans.

FA Cup

It’s an all claret & blue final

Chelsea’s woes continue. Is Brian Little’s wonderful career going to glitter yet again?

Crafty Brian.

Champions League

Juventus stun Real Madrid, who just have to make do with La Liga (for the first time in 5 years) and Copa del Rey, whilst Barcelona will fancy their chances.

Juventus win on home soil, albeit in Rome, which is a bit of an upset. Maybe van Gaal’s reign of dominance is coming to a close.

Euro 2008

So after the disappointment of this season, I’m hoping Laurent Blanc fails msierably so I can have his job. Here’s the groups:

It’s a terrible group for Blanc, but hosts Spain have a decent group.  My old buddies France, reigning World Champions, should fancy their chances in Group B. Firstly though, England. Here’s the squad

Good grief. Let’s see if the hosts get us off to a good start

Oh dear. England’s first game goes well

I’m amazed the introduction of Shaun Newton didn’t change the game. Game 2 is a lot better

But game 3 is game over

Here’s some headline results:

All of means Spain, France, England & Ireland are all out in the groups. Scotland are the only hope

Denmark’s constant run is ended by Belgium whilst Italy beat the Germans. The big shock though sees Scotland put out Portugal.

But can they beat Holland?

Poor Scotland. A good final awaits though

Italy take it, despite Patrick Ax and Fabien Ho-a-Hing winning world’s greatest name. Also, Kiki Musampa of Man City game. What a team. All aboard for Norway 2012

Awards time!

Quite sensible for once, although Andreas Andersson must be tearing up division 2. Neil Finn is a very irritating goalkeeper, if you are wondering. Two huge losses to the game though

Means Roy will never get the chance to lead England to underwhelming Euro and World Cup campaigns. A great shame. Anyway, thanks for reading, we’ll be back with the first update of the 08/09 season very soon.

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…

The 07/08 season is here, and despite England being well on their way to Euro 2008, the powers that be have decided that Glenn Hoddle is more like Glen Shoddle. Has that been used? Probably not. Anyway, terrible puns aside, here’s how the opening months of the 07/08 season have panned out. Poor Glenn, all he did was fail miserably in England’s home tournament 40 years on from the scene of their greatest triumph. Why they’ve strung it out for a year, I’m not sure. Anyway, I apply for the job as I fancy my chances of taking these idiots to World Cup 2010. However, I’ve been overlooked for Laurent Blanc. So we’ve got Tony Adams in charge of France and Laurent Blanc in charge of England. Modern football. Hilariously, Blanc’s blown it! What a disgusting result. The old Cadamarteri/Gallen partnership is just not up to it. Still, things will surely get better? Disaster. And a cap for Sam Aiston…obviously. Here’s Blanc’s squad – but qualification is in the balance That’s quite enough of that. On the domestic front, I need a goalscorer to partner Bochenski so I’ve raided Leeds for Victor Marco Good times. Few will have predicted this Charity Shield back in fictional 1997 when I started this game Todd remains one of the few “original managers” – another one though has been given the boot He’s not the only one though But as usual, transfers have gone crackers The managers are in on it too, Roy Evans is crawling his way back up the ladder There’s some other changes afoot too Peter Reid’s tour of his old clubs is back underway. Anyway, the actual football hasn’t been bad either. We start away to the champions – nice and easy With the UEFA Cup to compete for too, I’m hopeful of this being a big season. Things are decent and my annual win at old club Leeds is very handy. It does help well the opposition’s World Cup winning keeper is sent off after 2 minutes. As we creep into November, here’s the tables: Tight table again but Bolton lead the way – they’ve just beaten me 3-1 at Anfield. It’s definitely a league where anybody can beat anybody, unless you’re Bradford. Chelsea are in the bottom 3, remarkably – whilst Burnley is the place to be for entertainment. Bradford, probably wisely, give their manager the sack And to round this update off in a neat little package, Glenn Hoddle finds work at 1st division Watford. Bouncing back. It’s going to be a ridiculous few months – join us next time to see if England scrape into Euro 08 as a best runner up or whether Blanc will be under immediate pressure

The 06/07 season has come to a fascinating end, and although Liverpool aren’t really involved in the title race, there’s still a cup final to be won. Here we go then…

League Cup

Balls.

A devestating 118th minute defeat courtesy of Ben Thornley. So it’s come to this. Still, a decent run and nothing really lost. Brian Little will be hoping to make it a double with the Premier League race still well and truly on.

FA Cup

The semi finals see Chelsea and Bolton make their moves to Wembley, which pretty much goes to form although all 4 sides have enjoyed varying degrees of success over the 10 seasons. Who’s your money on?

Colin Todd, what a guy. An easy win in the end and Bolton will play in the Cup Winners Cup. There’s more success for English sides in Europe, too.

Leicester’s win is particularly impressive, it has to be said. Man Utd lost in the Champions League qualifiers to Lyon to drop into the UEFA Cup but they’ve made the most of it. The Champions League is less surprising however.

Champions League

Barcelona vs Milan should be a decent final! Good run from Malmo though. It’s Barcelona’s year though

With La Liga in the bag too, Real Madrid grow tired of competing and send their B Team out in the Copa del Rey instead, with similar results

Barca go on to win the final to cap another wonderful season for Van Gaal.

Premier League

Important things out the way first, Keane joins me in the old “beating your old club” routine

You might remember in the last update, the league was squashed up and it was a bit of a free for all. Well it’s certainly continued that way, to the point where the league table with one game to go looks like this:

O’Neill has got Sunderland firing on all cylinders, with Christian Vieri leading the line. Some would say Man Utd discarded him too early, but whatever. The bottom is looking tricky too

Everton have gone, Sheff Utd look like they’re on the verge and that just leaves Keegan’s Blackburn or Anderton’s Arsenal. Galactic Keegan would be gutted. Here are the fixtures

All Sunderland need to do is beat lowly Burnley at home. If they fail, Chelsea will surely beat bottom of the table Everton. Villa are the outsiders, but can relegate Sheff Utd.  Arsenal could do with a result at Bolton whilst Blackburn have the easier game against Birmingham.

Sunderland come from 2-1 behind to claim their first title. Chelsea & Villa’s wins are in vain with Chelsea taking the second Champions League spot. I’m in 5th, which for a first season back in the league is more than decent – though it’s Sunderland’s too, so maybe not that good. Man Utd finish a lowly 7th but their UEFA Cup win means they will be back in that competition next season .Arsenal survive with a 0-0 at Bolton. Blackburn would have survived with a win but a terrible home defeat means Keegan’s side are relegated. Awards time!

Bit odd that Grant Ball, Birmingham’s ex-Real Madrid keeper gets PFA player of the year but keeper’s get a lot of awards for high average ratings. Few could argue with Aussie Paul Harries winning the writers awards, though I’ll have to research Bruno Portela. John Toshack decides to bow out on the high of a cup winners cup, and who can blame him?

So another season gone, see you again for the 07/08 season – yes?

The 06/07 season is actually turning into one of my favourites yet. The game has reached a point where many of the established stars are beginning to retire or decline and their replacements are either not up to scratch or developing. Let me talk you through it In the last update, I was drawn away to Leeds in the League Cup, my first visit back to Elland Road. In theory I should receive a wonderful welcome, afterall I did bring the good times back. Before that though Leeds visit Anfield, which is a good day for me. I’ve been through a lot with Michael Landreau including the Auxerre experiment, the league win with Leeds and then a World Cup win, the little ungrateful bugger tries to deny me but Bochenski eventually beats him. Then I’m off to Leeds just 4 days later Great result for me, Leeds will be livid. Anyway, this means we’re in the business end of the League Cup and I brush First Divsion Derby aside in the Quarters, before a 2 legged semi final with Boro We just about sneak through into the final where we’ll play Brian Little’s Villa. It’s a pointless trophy, but seems to carry a lot of favour despite no European place. Strange. Anyway, it’s another day out at Wembley. After initially letting my promoted squad run wild, things were a bit dull so I’ve spiced it up a bit with an England international and an old pal That sets us up nicely. In other news, Shearer appointed Magpies manager! The wrong Magpies, Alan! County are near the foot of division 1 having just sacked Steve Bruce, so they obviously love a Geordie. Shearer is probably still useful as a player at that level, despite being 36. There’s some decent transfers taking place too Collier you might recall is the re-generated Peter Beardsley, so he has some good stats behind him. I took him to Leeds but he was backup to Victor Marco. Bruggink scored 6 in a game for Holland once, whilst Gallas & Hellebuyck both won the World Cup with me. How lovely. Meanwhile, let’s see how Chelsea are getting on with Tony Adams Oh dear. In truth, they’re doing ok and are in an FA Cup Semi Final, as they beat Burnley in a replay Colin Todd’s Bolton are still hanging in there. The Champions League has 3 familiar names…and Malmo Sweden’s improvement was apparent in the World Cup so it’s good to see some consistency. I mentioned this was my favourite season so far – here’s why: Ten points between 1st and 12th with 8/9 games to go, is ridiculous. It’s such a level playing field. West Ham, managed by Tony Gale, have come from nowhere to be second. Sunderland, who played a blinder appointing O’Neill after his Arsenal failure and were promoted alongside me, have been flying recently including that 6-0 win. With only 2 Champions League spots up for grabs, it could be anybody’s. Man Utd down in 9th is interesting, but their game in hand could take them back to 5th. The bottom of the table is not far behind 14 points from 1st to 15th is just hideous. Everton’s yo-yo existence looks set to continue but Anderton is scrapping hard to keep Arsenal up, believe it or not they were bottom for a long time, but maybe he’s finally getting it right. The next update promises to be the most interesting yet – I’m really looking forward to playing out these final 2 months so I’ll see you back here for the outcome