Football fans end of season reviews 2009/10
Leeds Utd fan Vikram Sangar…
Player(s) of the season and why?
To say Leeds United are a one-man team would be unfair but Jermaine Beckford’s goals this season managed to get Leeds back in the play-off picture when at one point it looked as though we might have been out of contention. His 34 goals this season came in just 37 starts(!) and the team would often draw a blank and lose when he wasn’t playing. The striker looks a class apart in League One and easily the best £45,000 the club has ever spent.
Now in the final 12 months of his contract, it’ll be interesting to see whether we can keep hold of him for another crack at League One next season. We wouldn’t blame him if he left and the money was right – the lad probably deserves to be playing at a higher level. But in 2 years he could have guided Leeds back to Premier League himself. Then we’d probably have to name a stand after him just like Sylvan Ebanks Blake has been promised at Molineux! Get your cheque book out Ken and pay the lad what he deserves.
Another notable mention has to go to Andy Robinson. Robbo is a true Leeds fan favourite – always gives 100% to the cause and is one of the most direct and threatening players we have in our line-up. Its a shame Simon Grayson hasn’t given him more starts in midfield but when you’ve only lost 2 in 17 games, its difficult to see how. Still he keeps his head down and works hard and has made a big impact coming on late in games. He might still have regrets about leaving Swansea on the day of the League One play-off final last year but Leeds fans are sure pleased to have a player of his quality in the side.
Surprise player(s) of the season and why?
Robert Snodgrass (or Robert Who?) was plucked from Livingstone in the Scottish First Division by Gary McAllister during the summer and what a great signing he’s turned out to be. At just 22, the striker turned winger’s great form has been the catalyst for Leeds’ late charge into the play-off picture. Not only has his 11 goals this year helped the cause but he puts in a lot of work in up and down the field – even when played out of position. A grafter in every sense of the word, Snodgrass deserves the plaudits he has received this season – winning the Yorkshire Evening Post’s Player of the Year award along the way. A certain Mr G. Burley would do well to take note if he wants to qualify for the World Cup!
The Vincent Pericard of your team and why?
David Lucas – Reserve keeper who has failed to impress the Leeds fans time and time again despite Gary Mac picking him as the early season number one. Grayson came in, saw the error of Mr McAllister’s ways and promptly gave the number one jersey back to Casper Ankergren. We’ve been lucky in the past of having a production line of high quality keepers in Nigel Martyn, Paul Robinson and Scott Carson. Unfortunately Lucas is nowhere near this mould of keeper and with his contract expiring in the summer, we would do well looking elsewhere quickly.
Which other teams and players have impressed you this season?
Craig Mackail Smith did exceptionally well for Peterborough this season and his form will be vital in the Championship for them next term.
Simon Cox finished top scorer in League One with lowly Swindon and he looks certain to move to a bigger club in the summer.
Jimmy Abdou the villain in last week’s playoff encounter at Elland Road also looks a solid, combative midfielder for Millwall.
What players ideally would you like to see join your club this summer and who would you like to see open the door marked ‘Exit’?
I think the important thing for Leeds this summer is to keep the majority of their current squad on long-term contracts, especially with the vultures of Championship and Premier League clubs sniffing around. Fabian Delph, Jermaine Beckford and Luciano Becchio would be 3 players I would do the utmost to keep hold of. If we had to sell one, then I would like to think the £4/5m we’d get for Beckford would enable Grayson to strengthen the fullback areas where we have been lacking all season. I’d also pay whatever Reading wanted for Sam Sodje as the loanee was immense at marshalling the back four in our late season charge.
As for the exit door, David Lucas, Jonathan Douglas and former club captain Frazer Richardson are all out of contract. Although Dougie has been a tremendous squad player for us, I’m just wondering whether a fresh start for would be the best thing for both parties.
Anything else to add…
All in all next season promises to be make or break for Simon Grayson and his squad. Chairman Ken Bates has set his sights on winning the title and anything other than automatic promotion will be deemed as failure. A lot will be expected of the players and they will have to rise to the challenge of another long season, especially as most of the clubs in the division see the visit of Leeds as a ‘cup final’ of sorts. As Leicester proved this season, a good start is all important and hopefully Leeds can finally get that bit of ‘lady luck’ that has deserted us for the past few years.
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Nikk Gunns QPR fan…
How was the season for you overall?
Disappointing really. QPR had high hopes, however, what we all thought would save the club (Briatore) appears to be killing it.
Player(s) of the season and why?
Ladesma and Blackstock- both of which were let go, appallingly Blackstock was our top striker and was sent out on loan to Nottingham Forest.
Surprise player(s) of the season and why?
Ainsworth- top man and also held his own as caretaker manager. Briatore will no doubt get rid of him now the season is over.
The Vincent Perciard of your team and why?
Briatore- might not be a player, but he is the rot in the club.
Which other teams and players have impressed you this season?
Stoke City- did a good job of it in the Premiership. Burnley- hope they go up as I don’t want to have to get beaten by them agaim next season!! Hull started off life in the Premiership OK but then it slid. What a great comeback by David Beckham.
What players ideally would you like to see join your club this summer and who would you like to see open the door marked ‘Exit’?
Can’t see too much money being spent this year- who would fancy coming to QPR is more the question
Anything else to add…
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Pompey fan Steve Lennton…
How was the season for you overall?
Pretty disappointing! Harry left, Adams seemed not to care about Europe despite it being our first outing there, and in the end we were in a battle for survival. The only really memorable game was AC Milan.
Player(s) of the season and why?
Glen Johnson. He is simply great. Now let’s see where he goes in the summer!
Surprise player(s) of the season and why?
No-one really. A distinct lack of excitement here! Though I do like Belhadj…perhaps not the most robust all round player we have, but he can play a beautiful long ball, has pace and a lot of style.
The Vincent Perciard of your team and why?
Basinas – Adams signed him, God knows why! And got knows why the Board let his as they sacked Adams 2 days later. Basinas is an old Greek guy who used to play for Crystal Palace for Pete’s sake!
Which other teams and players have impressed you this season?
I have to say Stoke as a team. Not the best style in the world (understatement) but everyone predicted they would go down, and I mean EVERYONE, and here they are in the top half of the table.
As a player I think you have to be impressed with Arshavin. He ran the game when we played Arsenal, scored 4 against Liverpool, and just seems to have a great footballing brain. Looking forward to seeing more of him next year.
What players ideally would you like to see join your club this summer and who would you like to see open the door marked ‘Exit’?
Our central midfield three should not be a regular part of a Premiership team, Davis, Hughes and Mullins. Davis is good enough to play a role in a certain games or to bring on for a bit of bustle to change the style, the latter two are free to go!
We need to sign two good midfielders. (It is a shame we sold Mendes, which we did when we had Muntari and Diarra). Not sure who but we need a playmaker and a bit of muscle.
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A Nottingham Forest fan…
How was the season for you overall?
Tense! Far tenser than it needed to be, it wasn’t until the second to last game we secured our safety – at times relegation looked certain, which would have been a disaster. The overall mission was to survive – which we did – so by that measure it must be deemed a success, in the end we were seven points clear of safety, and only one point below Derby, who secretly we all wanted to finish above. Whilst as a person I’ll always have time for Smoulderwood, we needed to get rid of him as he lacked the guile and experience for this level – as he’s showing through his involvement with Newcastle united currently!
Player(s) of the season and why?
Hard to pick one, Chris Cohen has put in more mileage than anyone this season, Wes Morgan has been a rock at the back, and Rob Earnshaw has banged in the goals despite sketchy service, injuries and coming back despite not being fully fit numerous times during the season. Without these three we’d have sunk without a trace!
Surprise player(s) of the season and why?
No major surprises really, I think Ian Breckin surprised a few when he was called upon, using his experience to make up for his lack of pace. I’m going to go with Joel Lynch though, who came in on loan and looked like he’d never kicked a ball before – after an injury he came back a different player, solid in defence and putting in some delicious crosses to get the Reds some crucial goals.
The Vincent Perciard of your team and why?
It wouldn’t been Joel Lynch, but he redeemed himself in the latter part of the season – aside from that, Luke Chambers can look horribly exposed when deployed at right back, yet oddly comfortable at centreback.
Which other teams and players have impressed you this season?
Wolves. All of them. They tore us several new arseholes at Molineux, although Wolves fans on the way back said we’d caught them on a good day – at the City Ground they weren’t nearly as dangerous. Swansea and Doncaster both put us to shame with their quality of football upon gaining promotion.
What players ideally would you like to see join your club this summer and who would you like to see open the door marked ‘Exit’?
Ian Breckin has already been released, which is the right call I think, although I’m sad to see him go. We’ve released some youngsters, but to be honest our squad is so small we don’t need to shed any of them. Would love us to sign some of last seasons’ loanees – Gunter, Blackstock, Anderson, Lynch, Osbourne, and possibly McSheffrey. We’ve been linked with Hibernian’s Rob Jones who would be a good signing, we also need a goalkeeper to keep Paul Smith on his toes – but not Everton’s Iain Turner, thanks! We need to sign at least 7 or 8 players to compete at this level, in my opinion.
Anything else to add…
Next season’s missions should be consolidation for the Reds, a comfortable finish, preferably with a couple of wins over Derby to boot – that would keep most of us happy I reckon!
Through the seasons before us
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Liverpool fan Scott McNeish…
How was the season for you overall?
I’ve enjoyed this season immensely even though we will end up empty handed. The biggest plus has been still being in the title race come May. Normally we have a dodgy patch after Christmas and fall away, but our form this season has been magnificent. Highlight has to be Man Utd 1-4 Liverpool. The picture of the scoreboard ar the end is one of my all time favourite pictures. Lets hope we can take this form straight in to next year, and do away with some of the draws we keep getting against dodgy sides like Stoke!! Hehe
Player(s) of the season and why?
Well Steven Gerrard is a bit obvious as he has been immense as ever, but I’m going to be different and give it to Xabi Alonso. He was nearly flogged to Juve/Arsenal in the close season as Rafa went after Gareth Barry, but when that fell through he was kept on, and some of the football he has played this year has been tremendous. I was chuffed when he got the (deflected) winner at Chelsea to end their undefeated home record of 4 and a half years, but I am disappointed he hasn’t scored from his own half this year!!
Surprise player(s) of the season and why?
Emiliano Insua is only 19 but when he plays he gives us more of a balance on the left hand side. Dossena, apart from his goals against Man(ure) Utd and Real Madrid has been waste of space, and Aurelio (apart from some stunning free kicks has been to inconsistent for my liking. I would stick with this lad and give him a proper run of games, and let him get a feel for the team.
The Vincent Perciard of your team and why?
Can this award also be sponsored by Rigobert ‘The Dong’ Song? This year it has to go to Andrea Dossena. He’s looked like a rabbit caught in the headlights of a articulated lorry! £8 million quid! My arse! Italy’s first choice left-back! My arse!! I know we should give people a chance to settle but surely 3-6 months should be enough to get a grip of the game over here?
Which other teams and players have impressed you this season?
I’m not licking your back passage Jason, but Stoke City have been amazing just to survive this year. Lets hope they don’t get Reading syndrome!! Everton have done well with little money, and up to Christmas Hull City looked like they would stay up at a canter. Pleased to see Brentford back on the way up, and a new team in the football league, Burton Albion! Player wise Messi/Eto’o/Henry of Barca have been electric, Forlan of Atletico Madrid has been superb. Premiership wise – Stevie G all the way.
What players ideally would you like to see join your club this summer and who would you like to see open the door marked ‘Exit’?
Two Davids would give us a real boost and that is David Silva and David Villa both of Valencia. If we fail to get Villa then Carlos Tevez would do to rub Slur Alex Fergusons nose in it. I’d also like Arbeloa to have some competition for his place but cant think of anyone to give him it!!
Anything else to add…
Can’t wait for the season to start next year. What a horrible summer it will be without a major football tournament. I might have to watch some cricket!!
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Liverpool fan Michael Haydock…
How was the season for you overall?
A roller-coaster of emotions, from the elation of doing the double over the Mancs to the frustration of dropping far too many points at home against average sides. Our chase for the title was painful because in typical Liverpool style, we finished strongly and the team gave us all hope, but ultimately we all knew that United would never slip up. We’ve won nothing, and we have to hope that that can be rectified next year, but the progress we’ve made has been exciting.
Player(s) of the season and why?
Lots of people will say Alonso, but it surely has to be Gerrard. He’s had those big game performances throughout his career, but he’s been consistently amazing this year, scoring shedloads of goals and driving the team forward. He’s easily one of the top five players in the world, if not the top three.
Surprise player(s) of the season and why?
Probably Yossi Benayoun, who has won over even some of his strongest critics towards the end of this season. Finally, he’s been showing some end product. Also, when he’s played, Insua has looked very promising at left-back.
The Vincent Perciard of your team and why?
The obvious rivals for this are Lucas and Dossena, and I’d probably plump (get it?) for the latter, bearing in mind that he’s five years older than Lucas and has international experience, allegedly. He cost us a fair bit of cash and has looked lumpen and mistake-prone.
Subsequently, he’s become third-choice left-back behind Aurelio and Insua. He may get one more chance next season, but I wouldn’t be surprised if we got shot of him over the summer.
Which other teams and players have impressed you this season?
This is a hard one to answer as a Red, because our biggest rivals have probably been the most impressive – United in their ruthless efficiency and Everton in their ability to cope without a fit striker for 90% of the season. But I guess overall I’m most impressed with Fulham. I’ve got everything crossed that they make it into Europe on the final day of the season because the turnaround at that club has been nothing short of phenomenal. Their back line and goalkeeper have been immense.
What players ideally would you like to see join your club this summer and who would you like to see open the door marked ‘Exit’?
I wouldn’t be surprised (or bothered) if we sold any or all of Babel, Dossena, Voronin (who’s out on loan), Lucas and Degen, plus Charles Itandje, whose behaviour at the Hillsborough memorial service may well have opened the exit door. We need cover at right-back, some more pace and ability on the wings and a genuinely skilful attacker. I don’t see the need for Gareth Barry – I’d much rather we spent the cash on the likes of David Silva, Glen Johnson and (perhaps) Aaron Lennon, though I’d question whether his attitude’s right. Not too sure about being linked with Downing, either. We need a new striker, but I think Rafa will go for a relatively unknown player, someone who’s prepared to play back-up to Torres.
Anything else to add…
Not really. I’m trying to avoid saying the usual Liverpool cliches at this stage in the year….
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Stoke City fan Old Stokie…
How was the season for you overall?
Brilliant! How else can you describe a season that I started with thinking that the first priority amongst the ‘big boys’ was notto be humiliated as Derby were the previous season. The second was that if we were relegated, at least we would make a fight of it. The third was to finish one place above the relegation zone. The fourth was to do well. I, along with most other Stokies, didn’t think we would achieve the fourth aim…but we have and I keep pinching myself to make sure I’m not dreaming. It’s been wonderful, especially our home form and that’s what is really important. Supporters often questioned whether The Brit could ever come near what the Old Vic used to be…but it has. ‘The Bearpit’ is an apt nickname for our stadium. Two games particularly stand out in my mind: Villa and Man City at home. The last minute winner against Villa was one of the best mentals ever and set out our stall for the rest of the season. And then there was the Man City game: ten men for most of the game; a Beattie header puts us in the lead just before half time and then the crowd and the team became as one for the whole of the second half, rising to a crescendo for the last-ten-backs-to-the-wall-minutes. Simply fanatastic!
The negatives? There have been some but to dwell on them in depth would be foolish now. Just two I’ll skimp over. We need to improve our away form and Pulis needs to pick his best players rather than stubbornly stick to his favourites. Cresswell [bless the lad for his contribution to our promotion season] has proved to be out of his depth in this league and Pericard has proved to me that he ranks amongst the worst players I’ve ever seen pull on the red and white stripes. Time to get rid of both.
Pulis? It’s well documented that my chemistry clashes with his. That’s not important. What is important is that he’s done a tremendous job this season and anyone who says otherwise is a fool. Respect is something that has to be earned, and as a football manager, Pulis has earned my respect this season. There’s no doubt now that the duo of Coates and Pulis is a winning one and long may it continue.
The team? Simply fabulous. Yes, we’ve had a few spats along the way like the fall-out between Griff and Ric but that seems to have been sorted for the good of the team. That’s good. As for the rest, they have responded magnificently to the task, ably and brilliantly led by the enormous frame and talent that is Abdoule Faye. It’s a long time since I’ve been moved by my team’s efforts, but this season, they deserve all the plaudits heaped on them. Tina Turner’s ‘Simply The Best’ ringing out when they did their lap of honour was most apt. Thank you one and all.
Finally, on a personal level, this season has been special because along with my son, I’ve also had my four season-ticket holding grandsons with me in The Boothen End. They range in ages from five to eight and we have become a ‘massive’. The last home game of the season against Wigan, my lad and I walked behind the four of them as we were leaving and both of us laughed as they marched ahead of us singing Delilah. It was a great moment of my life watching those four close buddies, four future Stokies linking arms and singing our anthem. I’m afraid they got a rollicking [behind a hidden smile] when they reached the line: ‘I put my d**k in her hand and she laughed no more’. They actually sang the naughty word and were well and truly told off. Of course, they know granddad’s bark is worse than his bite and they teased me about what word they should use. I told them, ‘willie’, ‘todger’ or ‘penis’. A bloke walked past laughing and told them to sing ‘pencil’. They thought that was funny and all the way back to the car they sang ‘I put my pencil in her hand and she laughed no more.’ My son and I couldn’t stop laughing.
Player(s) of the season and why?
I’ll pick two but I could pick half a dozen. Abdoule Faye is my winner. I knew he was a good player when almost single handed he stopped us beating Newcastle at home in the cup the previous season. I now reckon him Pulis’s best ever signing. The man is immense and leads by example. We did have some slight problems with the captaincy before he was appointed to that role. None afterwards. He’s the best centre half I’ve seen at Stoke since Denis Smith, even surpassing, IMHO, the classy Dave Watson. We’re lucky to have him and to add spice to his being here, he actually loves playing for us. So he should…the fans have come to adore him. The other is Ricardo Fuller. Yes, like most other Stokies, he makes me grind my teeth when he has his sulks, but he oozes class, has superb pace and craft and he knows where the goal is.
Surprise player(s) of the season and why?
Again…two. Mama Sidebe first. I’ve always liked Mama but I thought he would struggle in this league. He’s come up against some of the best defenders in the world this season and has given most of them problems. He’s an integral part of our future as is the second player for a mention in this category: Ryan Shawcross. Aint the boy done well? Despite his growing pains, he’s matured into a top class defender alongside Abdoule Faye and I tip him for a long international career if he continues to progress. I like the way he gets stuck into his job: no fancy stuff, just hard work. Watch the way he reacts after a set piece near the opposition box. Once it’s over if we haven’t scored, he races back to his position and sets out his stall again. Brilliant. I’ll sneak another into this category: Wilko. He’s made the right back position his own through sheer hard graft and determination. He reminds me of a young Denis Smith and I can’t pay him a higher tribute than that. The world’s greatest player [I say that even though I despise his cheating], Ronaldo, had to resort to underhand tactics to get the better of him at The Brit.
The Vincent Pericard of your team and why?
What a silly question, Boy! Vincent himself of course! OMG! Did he really play for Barca? He’d have a job to get a place in the Ansell’s League. 
Which other teams and players have impressed you this season?
Team: Chelsea. I thought they were superb at our place. Like a well-oiled machine.
Players: Lampard was superb. One of the things I was looking forward to this season was seeing some of the best players in the world displaying their talents at my football club. Some didn’t let me down. The one I really wanted to see was Ryan Giggs. Although he’s past his best, he still made me drool over some of his clever runs and ball control. Some fans are up in arms that he won European Player of the Year. Not me…I’d give it to him every year. Unlike some others who resort to cheating to win, Ryan never does that and to see him at full flight with the ball seemingly stuck to his feet is pure football ecstasy to me. Peter Hoekstra at his best did that to me. Talent like that is rare in the game and when you do see it, it’s important to savour it. Tevez also didn’t let me down. I thought he was brilliant. I’ll stick to those for now for brevity.
What players ideally would you like to see join your club this summer and who would you like to see open the door marked ‘Exit’?
Giggs, Lampard, Gerard, Teves, etc. Only kidding. I’ll settle for what Pulis brings in. Although I think he dropped a major one in buying Kitson and some of his other signings were done on the hoof and didn’t make the grade, he does have the knack to strengthen the side by buying certain key players at the right time. Examples of that would be Crossley on loan [we would have been relegated without him in the team], Taggart when we were struggling again and Beattie just when we needed a boost this season. It’s what Pulis does and I’m quite happy to leave the selection of new players in his hands. He is the one who knows his dressing room and the way he wants to play. The same goes for those he wants to get rid of. Just one plea to him…get rid of Pericard…please!
Anything else to add…(feel free to add links etc).
Almost nowt. When you get to my age and you see many of your old friends popping their clogs, it’s great to wake up each morning, rain, hail, snow or shine. I’ve got a wonderful family, some great friends and Stoke are doing brilliantly. What more could a bloke want? Have a good day y’all
OS.
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Mine as a Stoke City fan…
How was the season for you overall?
In a word immense! My best case scenario would be us finishing fourth from bottom and having to go to the last game of the season possibly after a point at least at Arsenal. But no the players, club and Pulis did us proud and allowed the fretting to stop after our win at Hull. Some great results including the goalless draw at Liverpool, the home form with the Villa win showing how the team keep playing until the final whistle, something previous Stoke teams never did.
Special mention to Tony Pulis. Not a big fan when he came back to the club for a second spell but I admit I was wrong and he is the best Stoke manager I’ve seen, yes he even surpasses Waddington, Macari and Durban for me. Not only did he get us promoted last season but kept us up this season and had the team playing for each other and the fans. Even Fuller’s bitch slap on Andy Griffin at West Ham seemed to work wonders as Abdoule Faye became our captain and Fuller found his scoring boots again. Mind you we never saw Griffin again…
Player(s) of the season and why?
Abdoule Faye as he has led from the back and brought on the younger players around him most notable Ryan Shawcross. Shawcross himself has come on leaps and bounds after a shaky start at the Bolton game after which he was dropped. Finally James Beattie has proved vital since he joined in January with his goals and assists. Another shrewd Pulis buy. Thomas Sorenson deserves a mention as we got the better deal after ‘losing out’ to Scott Carson.
Surprise player(s) of the season and why?
Andy Wilkinson proved himself at right back and is deserving of a new contract. Like Shawcross he made the step up to Premiership football. Danny Pugh has impressed as he can slot in a variety of positions and is the classic squad player. But I fear he may leave as he would surely want first team football at his age.
The Vincent Perciard of your team and why?
Vincent Pericard, although finally he has been giving a free by the club – yes! Of the ten summer signings many disappeared from view like record signing Dave Kitson, although I am sure he would flourish now we have Lawrence and Etherington on the wings, Tom Soares, Andrew Davies and Michael Tonge. Not sure what the future holds for any of these players although I am sure Tonge and Davies will stay as squad back-up.
Which other teams and players have impressed you this season?
In the Premiership Wigan always impress me as they ship players in the January transfer window yet manage to carry on and bring in another set of decent players. Steve Bruce is one of the better managers around. Fulham as well under Roy Hodgson have now really settled and look set to play in Europe next season.
Great to see Brentford gain promotion to League One where they have home games to look forward to against Southampton, Charlton, Leeds Utd, Norwich and Brighton, who always bring a good following. Shame Crewe went down but this is countered by Port Vale being s*** as always. Nice to see Burton Albion in the league and now managed by former Stoke striker Paul Peschisolido.
What players ideally would you like to see join your club this summer and who would you like to see open the door marked ‘Exit’?
Pericard has gone so that’s’ one down. Richard Cresswell is not cut out for the Premiership but he was a key player in getting us up but I wouldn’t be surprised if Pulis offered him another contract. Salif Diao to join the coaching staff as his injuries seems to be catching-up with him. I can also see Carl Dickinson and Danny Pugh possibly leaving to get regular first team football.
Coming into the club a left back and I’d pick-up Gary O’Neil and Tuncay from Middlesboro and Chris Brunt from West Brom. But they need to fit in with the current team spirit. I am sure we will see plenty of rumoured players linked with Stoke over the summer and Pulis will doubtless get his men. Hopefully this year though we will sign up players sooner rather than later.
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Pompey fan Dave Clarke…
How was the season for you overall?
It started so well…but just after we started our European campaign Harry Redknapp left us to join a “proper club” – and this was just two weeks after saying on TV, “I’m Pompey ‘til I die”, “I love it here, why would I leave?”, “This will be my last job in football” blah, blah, blah. If Harry hadn’t misled the fans (and the players) with his steady stream of bullshit it might not have left such a bad taste in the mouth for the rest of the season. I’ve not enjoyed this season at all…and Tony Adams was just a bit odd. Going 2-0 up against AC Milan was surreal, though.
Player(s) of the season and why?
Glen Johnson. He has been different class…and that wonder-goal he scored on the volley was brilliant. I’m sure we’ll sell him, though – we’re skint! Still, if he does go I wish him all the best. He has been a superb signing for Portsmouth FC and the best right-back I’ve ever seen wear a Pompey shirt.
Surprise player(s) of the season and why?
Glen Johnson. He didn’t leave us.
The worst player(s) of your team and why?
Glen Little. Too slow and too crap.
Which other teams and players have impressed you this season?
Newcastle really impressed me the most. To f**k up so spectacularly and then have it revealed that they were the only club in the premier league without a relegation clause in their player’s contracts is some achievement. Ant & Dec would have done a better job.
What players ideally would you like to see join your club this summer and who would you like to see open the door marked ‘Exit’?
We should have a complete clear out of all the big earners and borrow Arsenal’s youth team for a season.
Anything else to add…
I’d like to thank Paul Hart for speaking nothing but common sense when a lot of managers in his position, like Southgate and Shearer, would have spoken in clichés. Paul Hart did a great job for us.
