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Please submit your player ratings for the QPR game here:-
Please submit your player ratings for the QPR game here:-
So that is the end of another topsy turvey season in the life of being a Saints fan, but no season would be complete without a spate of reviews and awards. This site is no different and yet again the response to this years Ali awards has been fantastic, and this is what is up for grabs:-
So without further ado, here are YOUR winners…..
Player of the Year
This was calculated like so:- Each player got 2 points for a vote as winner and one point as a vote for runner up. Here are all those that received votes and their points percentage.
Scored points:- Adam Lallana (0.0013%), Jason Puncheon (0.0013%), Steven Davis (0.4%), Jay Rodriguez (0.94%), Maya Yoshida (1.34%), Artur Boruc (2.42%), Luke Shaw (5.24%), Nathaniel Clyne (8.2%)
3rd Place:- Jack Cork (15.8%)
2nd Place:- Rickie Lambert (17.9%)
And the winner, making it a clean sweep in Player of the Season Awards, well deserved after an amazing system, with a whopping 47.37% of the points…..Morgan Schneiderlin!
Most Improved Player
The beauty of this award is that everyone interprets it differently. Some went for an overall improvement on last season, while others voter for those who improved over the course of the season.
Received Votes:- Rickie Lambert, Jose Fonte, Steven Davis, Jos Hooiveld, Nathaniel Clyne, Artur Boruc, Jack Cork, Maya Yoshida, Morgan Schneiderlin.
3rd Place:- Luke Shaw (16%)
2nd Place:- Jason Puncheon (18%)
And the winner, a young man who started his career at Saints with a lot of doubters, but in the second half of the season was undoubtedly one of our top performers with 29% of the votes……Jay Rodriguez!
Performance of the Season (Team or Individual)
Received Votes:-Puncheon at Loftus Road, Second Half at Stamford Bridge (Team), Gaston Ramirez v Villa at home, Team v Villa at home, Team v Newcastle at home, Jay Rodriguez v Liverpool at home, Boruc at Villa Park, Team v Arsenal at home, Team v West Ham at home, Second Half at Old Trafford (Team), First half at home v Everton (Team), Lambert v Chelsea at home, Cork v Chelsea at home, Boruc at Carrow Road, Team at Loftus Road, Cortese v Le Tissier, Cortese sacking Adkins.
3rd Place:- Team v Chelsea at home in the league (13%).
2nd Place:- Team v Liverpool at home (20%).
And the winner, a memorable day as the champions were made to look extremely ordinary with 31% of the votes….Team v Man City at home.
Signing of the Season
Received Votes:- Maya Yoshida, Mauricio Pochettino, Gaston Ramirez, Steven Davis, Vegard Forren.
3rd Place:- Jay Rodriguez (7%).
2nd Place:- Artur Boruc (24%).
And the winner, forming a formidable partnership with Jason Puncheon on the right and proving as asset both in defence and going forward with 62% of the vote….Nathaniel Clyne!
Unsung Hero
Received Votes:- That Fat Bloke in the glasses who hangs around outside the dressing rooms, MoPo's interpreter, The Travelling Sains Support, Jos Hooiveld, Guly, Emmanuel Mayuka, Nigel Adkins, Artur Boruc, Jason Puncheon Jay Rodriguez, Morgan Schneiderlin, Nicola Cortese, Nathaniel Clyne.
3rd Place:- Steven Davis (16%).
2nd Place:- Maya Yoshida (22%).
And the winner is, a man who we missed in our terrible start to the season and made a massive contribution when he returned. He retains this award from last season! With 36% of the votes…..Jack Cork!
The Ali Dia Award For Comedy Moment
It says a lot about Saints fans, that this is always the award that comes the most varied answers. Great effort from everyone again! Brace yourselves….
Received Votes:- Arry Houdini, Jos Hooiveld Own Goal and Penalty King, Guly miss v Stoke, Boruc Juggling at Reading, Arsenal Away, Guly Skills v Spurs, WBA Away, WBA Home, MoPo's skinny jeans, Danny Fox Tackle v WBA, Gazzaniga v Norwich, WBA Mexican Wave, Kelvin Davis Keeping, Steve de Ridder cameo's, Puncheon substitution v Reading, Half Time Relay miss from 2 yards, Danny Fox, Defending in opening 10 fixtures, Boruc first couple of games, John Terry slips, Andy Carroll 'You look like a horse', Artur Boruc: Bottlegate, WBA 'You're going down on your sister', JRod dive v Villa, Danny Fox v Arsenal, Nigel Adkins substitutions v Man Utd, Grant Holt cheating to win a penalty then missing it, Taunting West Ham 'HOOOOF', Ref tackled by Rodriguez, Boruc pushing Fonte after penalty save, Gazzaniga doing his boots up at goal kicks, Richardson and Seabourne defending against Stevenage, Half Time Relay – Split Trousers, Gangnam Style Sammy Saint, The amount of big clubs who had 'off days' against Saints, Mark Lawrenson's predictions, Portsmouth FC – The gift that keeps on giving.
3rd Place:- Jos Hooiveld and Danny Fox together is like 'crossing the streams', the own goal at Newcastle (7%).
2nd Place:- That Gareth Barry perfectly place side foot finish own goal (11%).
And the winner, it could only be, the unscheduled rest break at home against Everton. With 40% of the votes…….. Jason Puncheon, he shits when he wants.
Best Opposition Team
Received Votes:- Officials v West Ham, Norwich City, Swansea City, QPR, Liverpool, Everton, Wigan Athletic, Spurs, Man City, Chelsea.
3rd Place:- Arsenal (11%).
2nd Place:- Manchester United (21%).
And the winner, deservedly so after dismantling Saints both home and away, with 51% of the votes……West Bromwich Albion.
Best Opposition Player
Received votes:- Juan Mata, Eden Hazard, Paul Scholes, Demba Ba, Santi Cazorla, Jos Hooiveld, Danny Fox, Andy Carroll, Theo Walcott, Jussi Jaaskelainen, Robert Green, Marouane Fellaini, Sandro, Stephen Peinaar, Youssouf Mulumbu, Michu, Chris Samba, Antonio Di Natale.
3rd Place:- Gareth Bale (14%).
2nd Place:- Robin Van Persie (27%).
And the winner, after an immaculate performance in the Baggies' demolition of Saints at St. Mary's. with 39% of the votes…..Romelu Lukaku!
Best Opposition Fans
Received Votes:- Sunderland, Reading, Newcastle, Liverpool, Man City, West Ham, Wigan, Swansea, Villa, Spurs, All Shit, QPR, Everton, Arsenal, Norwich, Ajax, Stoke. (The sharp eyed amongst you will notice that only Fulham didn't register a single vote!).
3rd Place:- Chelsea (11%).
2nd Place:- Manchester United (12%).
And the winner, a clean sweep for the team from the Midlands, boinging there way to three awards, with 42% of the votes……West Bromwich Albion!
Best Saints Related Tweeter
A lot of people voting for themselves here I suspect…..
Received Votes:- Connor Armstrong, Ollie Johnston, anthonydjames, Joner07, MatthewLeGod, stevegrant1983, Richard Chaplow, Radhi Jaidi, macdoodle, danbsfc, shaunthecabbie, pilchards, Not Nigel Adkins, DutchTom, colinjb84, Official Club Account, kellymauger, Anyone but aap3saints, aap3saints, Matt Le Tissier, S13SFC, Iwan Thomas, Jos Hooiveld, I Hate Twitter, MoPo parody account, talksaints, Luke Shaw's mum, SamDobson1, megan_snedden, SaintsRumours, dubaisaints, Nicola Cortese, Billy Sharp, LewisTull, Wattyspics, Anyone but sridout92, jayrodfan2, GGalpin95, Sam Hoskins, Sean Gonzalez-Lambert, OnlyWayisSO14, crespino10.
3rd Place:- Luke Shaw (14%).
And in joint first place, the imaginary trophy will have to spend 6 months in each users mind, with 16% of the votes each, errrr, this is a little embarrassing…..Simon Peach and I!
So that concludes this year's 'Ali's', some truly deserving winners there I'm sure you will agree. Thank you to everybody who voted, and thank you all for a fantastic season. I actually think the atmosphere at St. Mary's this season was the best it has ever been, and one of the best in the Premier League. As the club goes through some interesting times progress wise our support is more important than ever.
Keep the faith.
Firstly I apologise for the lack of Newcastle team, I ran out of time. I did have a final XI, but I think it could be improved on, so I am going to save it for another time.
I have managed to beat any time delays and present you a QPR side. It's pretty poor, and up there for worst team so far. But anyway here it is…
Paul Jones
Welshman Jones, joined Saints in 1997, following namesake Dave from Stockport County. He installed himself as first choice and went on to make nearly 200 appearances for the club before being displaced by Antti Niemi. He became the first goalkeeper in FA Cup history to come off the bench in a final when Niemi was injured in 2003, and gained 50 Welsh caps. He had a loan spell at Liverpool in 2004 before re-joining his first club Wolves after seven years as a Saint. He played for Watford and Millwall before joining QPR in 2006. He played 26 times for the R's before heading into non-league football and retirement.
Fitz Hall
'One Size' only left Loftus Road this past summer having spent four season's at the club and falling out of favour with Mark Hughes. Hall played the best part of 100 games for Rangers having signed in 2008. Previously had one season at St. Mary's in 2003/04 but failed to nail down a starting position. Now playing for Watford, Hall also made the Saints v Latics side.
Neil Ruddock
Larger than life (in more ways than one) Londoner Ruddock joined Saints in 1989, having started his career at Spurs and then with Millwall. He was a firm favourite with the fans at The Dell, with his 'no nonsense' defensive style, bags of character and the ability to put a penalty away (though it was a couple of misses that led to Le Tissier being put on pens). He rejoined Spurs in 1992 and played a season there before moving to Liverpool. He headed to Loftus Road for a loan spell in 1998 before playing for West Ham, Crystal Palace and Swindon Town. He is now forging a career on the reality television circuit!
Mark Dennis
The original 'Psycho' Londoner Dennis began his career with Birmingham City, before moving to The Dell in 1983. Dennis was and still a highly popular figure amongst Saints fans, who appreciated his combatant style of play. Despite numerous sending's off and suspensions, Dennis played over 120 times for Saints and made into 'cult hero' status, for his antics on and off the pitch. Dennis signed for QPR in 1987, having fallen out with Saints boss Chris Nicholl, he stayed a season at Loftus Road playing just over 20 times. Dennis then moved to Crystal Palace before retiring in 1990. Now the Director of Football at Winchester City.
Nigel Quashie
Perhaps one of the biggest victims of Saints disastrous 2004/05 campaign, Quashie is often unfairly described by Saints fans despite some decent and certainly committed performances. Quashie began his career with QPR in 1995, staying three seasons before moving to Nottingham Forest. He stayed in the East Midlands until 2000 when he joined Portsmouth and became a key figure for the club as they rose to the Premier League. In January 2005 he crossed the divide, and followed Harry Redknapp to Saints. Quashie captained the side and led from the front, but the club were relegated, and he subsequently moved to West Brom the following January. Since 2007 Quashie has played for West Ham, MK Dons, Wolves and QPR again before heading to Iceland where he currently plays for BÍ/Bolungarvík.
Inigo Idiakez
Spaniard Idiakez arrived in England with Derby County in 2004 having forged a career in La Liga with Real Sociedad, Oveido and Rayo Vallecano. He played at Pride Park for two seasons, building an impressive reputation as an attacking midfielder. When George Burley took over at Saints in 2005 it didn't take him long to go back to former club Derby for Idiakez and Gregorz Rasiak. The Spaniard couldn't quite recreate his Derby level performances and ended up going on loan to QPR in March 2007, he stayed at Loftus Road a month and was back in the Saints side on his return. Ironically he missed the decisive penalty to send his former club Derby to the final in the 2006/07 Championship playoffs. Rejoined George Burley as his assistant at Apollon Limassol in 2011.
Jason Puncheon
Current Saints winger Puncheon has had a turbulent time at St. Mary's, having gone from zero to hero in his two years at the club. He signed for Saints in January 2010 from Plymouth having played for MK Dons and Barnet as well as the Devon side. He made an immediate impact to the Saints side, but soon took exception to being dropped for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. During his fall out with the management of the club he had loan spells with Millwall, Blackpool and then Premier League QPR but he couldn't seal a permanent move away from St. Mary's. Puncheon swallowed his pride, returned and has been one of Saints best performers this season in the Premier League, scoring in the reverse fixture with QPR earlier in the season. Saints fans are now sweating on him being offered a new contract!
Frank Saul
Essex forward Saul played for hometown club Canvey Island as a youth before signing for Spurs in 1960. Saul started his career at White Hart Lane in style, as part of the 60/61 double winners and went on to make well over 110 appearances for the North London side, before they used him as part of the deal to sign Martin Chivers from Saints. His career never took off at Saints, scoring just two goals in 46 appearances and he moved back to London and QPR in 1970. He scored four goals for the R's and ended his career at Millwall.
Iain Dowie
Dowie started his career playing for various non-league clubs before being spotted by Luton Town in 1988. He spent three seasons with the Hatters before earning a move to West Ham. Things didn't quite go to plan at Upton Park and Dowie joined Saints in September 1991. The Northern Ireland forward had four seasons at the Dell scoring 30 goals. He was sold to Palace in January 1995 and only stayed until the end of the season, returning to West Ham. He signed for QPR in 1998 and ended up playing in defence. He had a brief spell as caretaker manager at Loftus Road in 1998, and was given the job permanently ten years later in 2008, but lasted just 15 games.
Peter Crouch
Many expected Crouch to make a return to Loftus Road this January and link up with Harry Redknapp again but it wasn't to be. Crouch's career effectively took off when he signed for QPR in 2000 from Spurs. His performances for the R's in the 2000/01 season saw Pompey pay £1.5 million for him, and his season at Fratton park earned him a big money move to Aston Villa. Something didn't go to plan at Villa and he was labelled a flop, lasting just two seasons before heading to St. Mary's. Crouch was a revelation for Saints, but his goals couldn't keel them up and he was on the move again in 2005, heading to Liverpool for £7 million. He lasted three seasons at Anfield and subsequently played for both Pompey and Spurs again, and now Stoke City.
Dexter Blackstock
Blackstock was signed from Oxford United and put into the Saints Academy in 2003 when he was 17. He was given a baptism of fire in the 2004/05 season starting games during an injury crisis. Blackstock did well and even got on the scoresheet in the local derby against Portsmouth, but as other strikers were brought in, his chances became limited and he moved to QPR in 2006. Blackstock had three seasons at Loftus Road, before heading to Nottingham Forest where he still plays now.
So there it is, probably not the best team you are ever likely to see, or one that will play particularly nice football, but with Puncheon crossing for the three big lads up front there is goals in it!
No matter how well we might be playing it is difficult to get away from the fact that we are 6th from bottom, with just 12 games to play (at the time of writing this humble blogger expected us to get nothing from the City game, and is now feeling suitable guilty. Hence no Newcastle fan – Chris). Four points are all that separate Saints from the drop zone, and everyone will have their own opinion as to who will suffer the ultimate disappointment.
I asked a blogger of each of the four clubs below us to see how they see the battle for survival panning out. Here they are in league position order:-
15th Southampton
Points:- 27
Name:- Chris Rann
Blog:- George Weah's Cousin
Did you expect to be in this position when the season kicked off?
'I thought we might be a bit further up than this, but knew it was also a distinct possibility I still think our league position reflects our dreadful start rather than our true standing.'
What has been your biggest problem and why are you not picking up as many points as you would hope?
'A mixture of terrible defending, a crazy amount of goalkeeping errors and most importantly not being able to defend a lead. Our performances aren't being reflected in results, we are playing like a side who are much higher in the table.'
Are there any other teams from above you think could get dragged into it?
'I'm sure at least one will, I have been saying all season that West Ham would, as if you look at their squad it looks very poor, but they are continuing to prove me wrong. Norwich look vulnerable too I think.'
Colours to the mast. Who will go down and in what order?
'I will be amazed if Villa don't finish rock bottom, they just look like a truly dreadful team, lacking in ability and experience. They seem to be relying on Benteke too much, who looks very hit and miss to me. I think this season will be one too many for Wigan and they will finish 19th, and despite the hoards of money, I think after a stint of improvement 'Arry will get found out again and QPR will finish 18th'
Why will you stay up ahead of those chosen (unless you chose yourself then why them ahead of you)?
'As I said, we are playing incredibly well, and although we aren't converting that to as many wins as we would like, we are improving with every game. We have a squad that is more talented than it gets credited for and we have a goalscorer. The next two games could be crucial for us, we have Newcastle and QPR (both winnable) while those around us have some tough fixtures. We could pull away.'
If you could take one player from the other relegation battle sides who would it be?
'Julio Cesar. Without doubt. Although Boruc has been great recently for us, Cesar has already rescued QPR a number of times. A goalkeeper as good as him, who can be relied upon at all times could be crucial in a relegation battle.'
17th Aston Villa
Points:- 24
Name:- Matt Turvey
Blog:- Aston Villa Life
Did you expect to be in this position when the season kicked off?
'I think many fans expected a little more than what happened last season, especially given the stature of Paul Lambert but, truth be told, I don't think many fans can be too surprised given the past two seasons before this one have been spent close to or in the relegation zone.'
What has been your biggest problem and why are you not picking up as many points as you would hope?
'Set pieces – for some reason, Villa have been atrocious at both defending and attacking set pieces. The amount we concede at present is frankly ridiculous, and you only need to have a basic grasp of probability to know that if you concede 16 corners (as we did against Everton), then sooner or later, you are going to concede goals. Not only that but Villa can't seem to take advantage of scoring from set pieces either. Couple that with the lack of ability to defend, and it is hardly a surprise the club are where we are.'
Are there any other teams from above you think could get dragged into it?
'I think most of the club around the drop zone are, in one way or another, already in the fight. For example, Newcastle are away from immediate danger – so to speak – but they are far from "safe".'
Colours to the mast. Who will go down and in what order?
'I'll start at the bottom where I think it'll be QPR. Harry Redknapp may well be seen as an excellent manager (he isn't – Chris 😉), but he has been relegated before. Couple that with this strange, constant state of flux that the club seems to be in due to their swathes of transfers, and it seems likely that they are going to fail to survive.
After QPR, it gets very hard. Reading seem to be having a mini-renaissance in the past few weeks, epitomised by the fact that Villa fans were having to keep track of their results to see if we would be in/escape the drop zone during matches. However, with all that said, I'm not sure they can keep it up for the whole season. Sure, they are doing progressively better than they were earlier in the season but, let's be frank, it would be hard to do much worse.
As for the last place, it is really difficult. Truth be told, this place could include any one of Wigan, your good selves (Southampton), and us. I'd like to think that given our ability to play football (when it goes well), that we'd be able to finish above 18th. The choice comes between newly promoted team with a new manager with Southampton, comparatively hardened relegation battlers in Wigan, and us.
It's really close to call at present so I'll go with who I'd prefer to go down – Wigan. Why? Truth be told, I've never got the hype surrounding Roberto Martinez. Sure, he did well at Swansea as part of the Martinez-Sousa-Rodgers-Laudrup progress they have made, but I've seen nothing that puts him up at the top of the tree that Dave Whelan keeps talking about. He does play attractive football, yes, but is a commitment to style over substance genius or idiocy? A lot of the time it seems like the latter when contrasted with how Stoke have developed, or even Swansea – Martinez's old club.'
Why will you stay up ahead of those chosen (unless you chose yourself then why them ahead of you)?
'As stated above, it is far from clear cut in terms of us staying up. If I had to give a reason, it would be that we have more gears we can go through, but we are just playing badly at present. Look at the comparative teams and you'll see that we should, on paper at least, dodge the drop, even if it isn't by many points.
I know that is far from a watertight argument but, in my eyes at least, I think – whether from hope or logic – that we can survive if, and this is a big if, we rise to the challenge.'
If you could take one player from the other relegation battle sides who would it be?
'I'd go for Christopher Samba. Now, I know that sounds quite crazy when I've said about the belief I have that QPR will finish rock bottom, but Samba has been, and is, a fantastic player. Villa could do with that kind of solidity in defence alongside Ron Vlaar. However, due to the (lack of) money available in the January transfer window, the club are playing a dangerous game not investing back there.'
18th Reading
Points:- 23
Name:- Dan Wimbush
Blog:- The Tilehurst End
Did you expect to be in this position when the season kicked off?
'Sadly so, though I didn't think we'd be quite in this much trouble. I thought we'd have picked up 3 or 4 more points by now but I knew we were in for a long season, so having a chance of survival with 12 games to go is fine.'
What has been your biggest problem and why are you not picking up as many points as you would hope?
'Before Christmas it was a mixture of poor signings, under-performing players, injuries and bad tactical choices… so just about everything really! In the main a poor start and midfield injuries forced us to play 4-4-2 and while it was entertaining (think of the 7-5 & 5-2 with Arsenal, 4-3 with United, 3-3 with Fulham) it wasn't getting us results and we were looking cut adrift. Thankfully players returned to fitness and Brian went back to 4-5-1, sacrificing entertainment for staying in games as long as possible and effectively trying to turn matches in 25 minute contests at the end of play, when we'd bring on Adam Le Fondre. So far the change has worked and a run of 14 points from a possible 24 has lifted us right back into the right and given us a real chance of survival.'
Are there any other teams from above you think could get dragged into it?
'At the time of writing it's looking very much 3 from 4, or 3 from 6 if you think QPR have a chance of survival and that Saints and Newcastle are still in the mix. Other than those six then I still don't think Norwich are totally safe but they should have enough in the tank to stay clear.'
Colours to the mast. Who will go down and in what order?
'20. QPR 19. Wigan 18. Reading
I think Reading have got a great chance to stay up but I just think we'll come up slightly short as Villa somehow sneak out of trouble. Reading have left themselves with a set of fixtures that are either six pointers or relative no-hopers against top 8 sides that you can't realistically hope to get things from. With that in mind anything less than 10-12 points from home games against Wigan, Villa, Saints and QPR will send us down and I don't know if we've got the quality to ensure we get three wins and a draw. I'd love to be proved wrong and I'm naturally a pessimist but I just can't imagine a survival party taking place this season. I'll never be happier to be wrong though!
QPR seem doomed, particularly if Remy doesn't make a very, very swift return. They too have big games against all of their fellow strugglers but clawing back six points when you've only won two games all season seems too much to ask, particularly when you're a team trying to gel and with little momentum.
Wigan could also survive but I think this is just one season to far for Roberto Martinez and after eight drop-defying years, it'll be time up for Dave Whelan's club.'
Why will you stay up ahead of those chosen (unless you chose yourself then why them ahead of you)?
'I suppose I should mention why Saints, Villa and Newcastle will stay up! Newcastle have obviously added great quality in January and I think they'll have enough at home to stay up comfortably. Southampton have also invested heavily and have a real ability to score goals, something that'll always keep you in games and pick up points. Your back five finally seems to be coming together and you've just got so many weapons that you'll be fine. With Villa I'm really torn because while it's a young side, they do have really quality players such as Benteke, that the three I've tipped to go down don't seem to have. I've also got a nasty feeling Darren Bent might come in from the wilderness and score some key goals. If any team does replace Reading in those relegation places, it will be Paul Lambert's side.'
If you could take one player from the other relegation battle sides who would it be?
'Maybe Adam Lallana to add that creative player we've been missing behind the front man.'
19th Wigan Athletic
Points:- 21
Name:- Alan
Blog:- This Northern Soul
Did you expect to be in this position when the season kicked off?
'Now, I seem to spend half my time preaching to that we should expect to be in a relegation battle each and every year we're in the top flight but, if truth be told, I did get drawn in by the finish to last season. Up until that point Roberto Martinez' Wigan always seemed to be an ounce of confidence or a dash of je ne sais quoi away from doing well and everything seemed to click running into the final stretch last year, it wasn't a case of us fighting with our backs to the wall, we were making great strides and playing with a style and confidence that was more befitting of a top-six side. Which could only lead to one thing…
… High expectations and a massive crash to the ground. I wasn't on my own in thinking that we'd pick up somewhere near where we left off, but I really should have known better.'
What has been your biggest problem and why are you not picking up as many points as you would hope?
'Our biggest problem has been a tendency to give teams a two goal start. Underneath that lie injuries to two key players, Ramis and Alcaraz. Apart from during the first ten minutes of the season against Chelsea, Ramis has looked a class above and Alcaraz was a massive player for us last year, had we been able to keep them together then who knows where we would be. After all they would still have a proverbial vampiric goalkeeper behind them (he doesn't like crosses, geddit?) and be supported by wing backs who are ten times more comfortable in the attacking final third than their defensive one.'
Are there any other teams from above you think could get dragged into it?
'Last Friday, I thought that there were seven or eight teams in it, but with your win against Man City, I'm starting to feel the pressure. In terms of the overall battle, then maybe that figure is still the same, with Sunderland and Norwich, in particular, looking over their shoulders.
For us though, I'm only interested in getting back above Aston Villa. That's the only realistic target for us right now, and then let's see what happens. We've got a massive game against Reading in a couple of weeks and after that it could be all over bar the shouting for Latics (of which there'll be plenty as the Wigan Wide Web eats itself whole).'
Colours to the mast. Who will go down and in what order?
19. Reading
20. Wigan'
Why will you stay up ahead of those chosen (unless you chose yourself then why them ahead of you)?
'Simply put, because we can't defend. No team can keep conceding like we do and win games. It wouldn't be so bad if you could see changes that could be made that would make the team more solid, but with Ramis out until next year, Alcaraz permanently two weeks from a return, Boyce joining them on the sidelines and all hopes pinned on Paul Scharner we're not only restricted with personnel, we're also tied tactically
There are clear changes that could be made that could strengthen us at the back (a change in left wing back and goal keeper being the most obvious ones) but the manager has seemed reluctant up until now. The manager needs to pull something out of the bag akin to last season's switch to 3-4-3, but the nearest we've had is a flirtation with the 1930s in a W-M line up. There's probably some social commentary based witticism I could throw in at this point (30's depression vs 2010's recession, austere football for austere times) but, frankly, I'm too depressed.'
If you could take one player from the other relegation battle sides who would it be?
'After all I've said, I should be after a defensive king pin, or a top notch goalie, but I'd have to go for Charles N'Zogbia. Not only does he know the club and the situation we're in, but he'd bring a bit of panache that we've sadly missed this season. More so, I reckon his loss would weaken Villa more than the loss of other players would hurt other teams and maybe more than Villa fans realise. He's a real man for the moment and when given the stage can really turn it on.'
20th QPR
Points:- 17
Name:- Tony Gibson
Blog:- Lofty Heights
Did you expect to be in this position when the season kicked off?
'Certainly not.'
What has been your biggest problem and why are you not picking up as many points as you would hope?
'Simple, Mark Hughes and his team of overpaid mercenaries that he assembled. Also the lack of firepower, Cisse off form and now of course gone, major, long term injuries to Johnson and Zamora. The same could be said of new signing, Loic Remy, who is now also, injured. The simple fact that our stand our player was a 34 year old Kiwi says it all. That of course is Ryan Nelsen, who has also now, sadly left us.'
Are there any other teams from above you think could get dragged into it?
'Anyone from Fulham downwards really.'
Colours to the mast. Who will go down and in what order?
'After last weekend, I think there is every chance now we may go, we are just not picking up the points, other teams are starting too and the games are running out. Will be Reading, Villa and Ourselves bottom.'
Why will you stay up ahead of those chosen (unless you chose yourself then why them ahead of you)?
'I travel home and away with QPR and this prediction is simply what I have seen from the other sides. Reading and Villa are simply the worst I have seen this season.'
If you could take one player from the other relegation battle sides who would it be?
'Tough one, seeing as it goals that is the problem, your own Rickie Lambert or Benteke from Villa.'
So there we have it, a mixture of views there from inside our rival camps! Thanks to Lasse Burri Gram-Hansen who mailed us to suggest the article and theme. If one thing is clear it is going to be an interesting final 12 games!
Welcome to Part 3 of our Premier League Preview!
Name:- QPR Report
Team:- Queen's Park Rangers (QPR)
Website:- Blog; www.qprreport.blogspot.com and Messageboard http://qprreport.proboards.com
Twitter:- @qprreport
What can we expect from your club this season?
A safe season, one without all the off-the-field drama of so many previous seasons.
Who is your most important player?
Where do you predict you will finish this season?
Who might win the Premier League?
Sadly Manchester United, Manchester City or Chelsea.
Who definitely won't?
What is your most anticipated fixture?
Chelsea and Manchester United at Loftus Road.
What is your most anticipated fixture that doesn't involve your club?
Manchester United vs Chelsea.
How do you think Southampton will fare?
Stay up (15th) (made some good, early signings).
You find yourself stuck in The Madjeski Stadium. How do you escape unnoticed?
Wear my blue and white hooped scarf!
Name: Dan Wimbush
Team:- Reading
Website:- The Tilehurst End http://www.thetilehurstend.com
Twitter:- @thetilehurstend
What can we expect from your club this season?
After last year's unexpected title win we'll be very happy to secure a second season back in the Premier League. Brian McDermott has worked wonders at the club so far, despite having to sell the likes of Gylfi Sigurdsson, Matt Mills and Shane Long and now that we've got new ownership it's been great to see him able to strengthen the squad for once. Despite signing six players you won't see that much of a difference style wise from us this year. We'll still look to work very very hard closing down the opposition, allowing them long spells with the ball before breaking out wide through Kebe and McAnuff, or getting the ball up top to Roberts or Pogrebnyak. As Southampton fans know only too well Reading were the masters of counter attacking last season and given the jump in quality I can't imagine we'll suddenly start pressing from the front!
Who is your most important player?
It's looking like being Pavel Pogrebnyak. Much as the signing of Jason Roberts helped win us the title last year, it's going to be vital we get good production from the Russian if we hope to stay up. He's shown his quality wherever he's been and if we're getting a striker anything like the one we saw at Fulham last year, we'll be in for a good season.
Where do you predict you will finish this season?
Tough to call until you see how the other teams shape up. We've seen good teams relegated due to the strength of others and likewise weaker teams survive because there's just been three awful sides. Right now if I had to gamble I'd say about 15th, but anything from 10th to 20th wouldn't shock me.
Who might win the Premier League?
Hard to look past City again. The strength and depth they have at the Etihad is just staggering and while I think Chelsea and Manchester Utd will both be strong again, neither can match the power that City posses right now.
Who definitely won't?
Liverpool, Arsenal, Reading or Southampton 😉 While Rodgers has been lauded for the job he's done at Swansea, Reading fans will be able to tell you that he's not infallible and can get things very badly wrong. When he came to Reading he tried to do too much too soon and left us in a relegation dogfight but landed on his feet at Swansea who were already playing a passing game when he arrived. Liverpool weren't exactly playing like Swansea last season so it will take a while to turn it around. As for Arsenal well if Van Persie goes as expected its difficult to see them having the quality to really mount a decent challenge. Can't see anyone else gate-crashing the title picture either to be honest.
What is your most anticipated fixture?
Wigan away obviously…. 😉
Everyone has their favourites but for me, cliché as it sounds it's got to be Manchester United away. I was unable to get to the games the last time we were a Premier League side so this time around I'm determined to see Reading take on England's most successful side on their own patch next season. Trips to Anfield, The Emirates and White Hart Lane are also ones I'm anticipating while the home games against teams like yourselves, West Ham, Swansea and Norwich will be fun as we'll actually be able to turn up knowing we've got a chance of winning.
What is your most anticipated fixture that doesn't involve your club?
City v United will once again be a tussle worth watching. I expect those two to finsh first and second and Fergie will be fired up more than ever before to put one over the noisy neighbours.
How do you think Southampton will fare?
I'm really not sure to be honest. Like Reading, you've been quite active in the transfer market and I'll be interested to see how Rodriguez makes the step up. If Sharp, Lambert and Rodriquez can translate Championship goals to the Premier League you'll be laughing, while Lallana is another top player who I expect to do well. I do fear for Norwich, Swansea, Fulham and Wigan this year so I think the Saints will end up roughly around the same place we are so 12th-16th.
You find yourself stuck in The County Ground. How do you escape unnoticed?
'Can you direct me around the magic roundabout please?'
Name:- Ben Stanfield
Team:- Southampton
Website:- http://www.saintsfc.co.uk/
Twitter:- @benstanners
What can we expect from your club this season?
I think, as ever being a Saints fan, we can expect a mixture of the sublime and the ridiculous. Saints have nothing to really lose this season. We are at least one, if not two, years ahead of where we'd thought we'd be as a Club but that doesn't mean that we are going to give up the hard work of the last two years by being the whipping boys of the Premier League.
We have a young, astute and intelligent manager and a team that, to be honest, would die for each other on the pitch. The spirit in the Club is as good as I've ever known it in the 25 years I've supported and watched Saints and I really feel that we will shock a lot of people this coming season.
Who is your most important player?
Many would argue that it is a straight race between Rickie Lambert and Adam Lallana. I'd agree!
For me, although Lallana is a class player who can turn defenders inside out and create goals for the team with almost every passage of play, Lambert is our most important player.
Pretty much all of our success over the last 2 seasons has come from building the team around Rickie Lambert, getting the ball up to him and then feeding off that. Not to mention his goals of course that have helped fire us to the Premier League.
Lambert proved people wrong last season by scoring goals consistently in the Championship and I feel he will score goals again this season, but obviously not to the level's of 20's and 30's that he is used to!
He is the modern day "talisman" of the Saints team and we don't look the same side when he's not playing. So much will revolve around his presence up front and the ability to hold the ball up against the better teams to give our defenders a breather! Like Saints themselves, I don't think Lambert has anything to lose this season but the importance of him being in the side and playing well will play a key role in our success.
Where do you predict you will finish this season?
If I'm honest I'd take 17th place now! We have to be realistic, there are a lot of experienced Premier League teams in the league that have quality and know how to get results. But we also know that the brilliant thing about English football is that the teams at the bottom can beat the teams at the top on their day.
In my opinion the Premier League is very much two divisions in one. Saints need to aspire to get off to a good start if they can, although the fixture list hasn't helped with doing that much, and then build on that. As long as we survive I will be happy but finishing higher up the bottom half of the Premier League is certainly not unrealistic, especially if some strong signings can be made between now and the end of the August transfer window.
Who might win the Premier League?
For me its a straight race between the two Manchester clubs. City have taken the pressure off of themselves by winning the title last season – they always say that the first one is the hardest – but that doesn't mean that the fans or owners will accept second place this season! Mancini has probably the best squad of players in the World – as you'd expect for the amount of money he has spent – and really they should win it again.
Having said that you can never right off Fergie and there hasn't been a Premier League season in the history of the competition where United haven't been up their challenging. The signing of Robin Van Persie could be the difference between United finishing second and winning the title. His potential partnership with Wayne Rooney has me salivating even as a non-United fan.
I think City will nick it this season, but I think it will go to the wire again.
Who definitely won't?
Tottenham and Arsenal I'm afraid. They've both huffed and puffed the last few season's but realistically they don't have the winning-mentality that United and City have. Several times last season both Clubs lost games against teams that City and United wouldn't have. Arsenal and Spurs both put a lot of emphasis on their attacking play but defensively aren't in the same league as City or United.
Arsenal losing Van Persie is key for me. He pretty much single handedly got them to third last season with his goals and although they have bought in Podolski and Giroud I can't see them scoring 30 goals between them, let alone individually. Goals wins you league titles and I don't think Arsenal have the fire-power to topple City or United.
With Andre Villas-Boas in charge at Spurs now it will be interesting to see how he does. He didn't have a very successful time with Chelsea last season so the pressure and spotlight will be on him from the first game of the season. Spurs are a good side and they will finish in the top-6, I have no doubts but, again like Arsenal, I don't think they have the mental belief to go that one step further to the title and dig results out regularly the way that United and City do.
What is your most anticipated fixture?
Thats a good question! The last couple of seasons we've had local games against Portsmouth, Brighton and Bournemouth to look forward to, but not anymore. For me, just being back in the Premier League means that every game has to be an anticipated fixture now. When you look at the fixture list every single match gets you excited – OK, maybe not Wigan away!
But I guess, after the trial and tribulations of last season, playing against Reading and West Ham will be good. We certainly owe Reading a defeat this season after they pretty much won the title at St. Mary's last season!
What is your most anticipated fixture that doesn't involve your club?
I think the two games between Manchester City and United are the fixtures that I will be looking forward to watching. The power has shifted from red to blue in Manchester now and I don't think Fergie and everyone connected with Old Trafford are enjoying that much. I've no doubts that United will be looking for revenge this season and I think these two games will go along way to determining the title.
Traditionally they are cagey affairs although City did score six at Old Trafford last season. There is no love lost between the two managers or the sets of fans and, with arguably the two strongest squads in the Premier League, they should be cracking matches to watch.
How do you think Southampton will fare?
As stated above, I genuinely think that we will have a good season. I know there are going to be a few times we walk off the pitch having been given a lesson by players a lot more experienced than ours but I also know that Saints can play with little fear and have a go at sides as well. We're expected to get relegated by all the pundits so what have we to lose?
We have the talent and commitment to win each time we go on the pitch, but the biggest issue for me will be taking our more limited chances at one end and stopping them going in at the other end An important factor for any football club!
Offer me 17th now and I'll snap your hand off!
You find yourself stuck in Fratton Park. How do you escape unnoticed?
The thought of being stuck in Fratton Park is one that has probably woken me up a few times during the night in cold sweats! How do I escape unnoticed? Well as they hardly ever get that many people to watch Pompey anymore, as they only turn up when they're doing well with a team of players they can't afford to buy or pay, I'd probably walk to the end of the row (without having to ask anyone to get up!), up the stairs and then out the exit with them none the wiser……….
Stoke City:-
Name:- Hannah Burrows
Team:- Stoke City
Website:- Delilah's Voice
Twitter:- @HBscfc
What can we expect from your club this season?
At the time of writing this, our lack of transfer activity is worrying. However, we're well known for our late transfers so I'm not panicking, yet. With our current squad, I can't see us finishing much above 12th. Having said that, if the likes of Sunderland, Fulham and the newly promoted teams fail to perform, we could find ourselves fighting near the top half. On the other hand, if the notoriously weaker teams have a decent season, it could be disaster, no chance of relegation though, I hope.
Who is your most important player?
Anyone who follows me on Twitter knows that I'd love to say Wilson Palacios here. His new found fitness levels in pre-season could see him become a big, big player this season but right now I'd say Peter Crouch, although I still can't believe he's a Stoke player!
Where do you predict you will finish this season?
I'd like to think we can achieve a top 10 finish for the first time since promotion but whether we do or not hinges on our away form. Failure to improve it could be fatal but an added win here and there could shoot us up the league.
Who might win the Premier League?
I hope City manage to defend the title, that Aguero goal will live with me for a very long time to come and it'd be great to see another end to the season like that – basically, anyone but United and Arsenal.
Who definitely won't?
West Ham – a ticking time bomb.
What is your most anticipated fixture?
Arsenal at home simply because of the atmosphere. Arsene Wenger's made his bed so to speak and now he has to lie in it every visit to the Britannia! His comments about our style of play and Ryan Shawcross will never, ever be forgotten and it always seems the players give a little extra effort in this one!
What is your most anticipated fixture that doesn't involve your club?
Probably the Manchester derby. With the clubs so evenly matched now it makes for mouth-watering clashes and a fixture I always look out for.
How do you think Southampton will fare?
It's hard to say really, the transfer window seems yet to kick in and obviously one or two signings could be crucial. Compared with the other promoted teams though, West Ham will be their usual cocky selves so that could back fire and Reading seem to have made a few decent signings. I think Southampton's fate will be determined by the weakness of current lower PL teams, the likes of Wigan, Swansea and perhaps even Stoke!
You find yourself stuck in the Emirates Stadium. How do you escape unnoticed?
Put on a cockney accent and suggest the very long wait for a trophy will be over this year. Also, suggest Aaron Ramsey is a world beater and claim Cesc Fabregas has taken a step back in his career by signing for Barca!
Name:- Mark Harrison
Team:- Sunderland AFC
Website:- www.seventy3magazine.co.uk
Twitter:- @harrmn
What can we expect from your club this season?
To build on the progress made since Xmas last season and with this a push for top half but our target should always be 'winning' the mini league of all those teams outside the top 6.
Who is your most important player?
Sessegnon was our star last season so if we can keep him away from a top four team I expect him to be prominent again, but for me the two centrebacks need to be an injury free partnership and be the backbone of the team. Attack from the back!
Where do you predict you will finish this season?
Who might win the Premier League?
Man city to triumph again.
Who definitely won't?
Spurs, I just don't think AVB can handle the pressure and the players the way Harry did.
What is your most anticipated fixture?
Arsenal away, the start of the season cannot come soon enough for me.
What is your most anticipated fixture that doesn't involve your club?
Man Utd v man City, I love a derby and Utd will not want to lose face to their neighbours again.
How do you think Southampton will fare?
I am afraid to say they will struggle and relegation is a concern.
You find yourself stuck in St. James' Park. How do you escape unnoticed?
I would struggle, I cannot make my face as bitter and twisted as the locals.
Thanks to all the contributors.
To read Part 1 (Arsenal, Aston Villa, Chelsea, Everton & Fulham) click here:- http://georgeweahscousin.com/2012/08/15/premier-league-preview-part-1/
To read Part 2 (Liverpool, Man City, Man Utd, Newcastle & Norwich) click here:- http://georgeweahscousin.com/2012/08/17/premier-league-preview-part-2/
With the big kick off just three and a bit days away, I caught up with fans our our new Premier League opponents to get their thoughts on what lies ahead…
Name:- Andrew Mangan
Team:- Arsenal
Website:- http://arseblog.com
Twitter:- @arseblog
What can we expect from your club this season?
Nice, attacking football, short passing, a reluctance to shoot from distance, generous defending, late calamities, the tease of a trophy and balanced, considered expressions of opinion from online fans.
Who is your most important player?
At the moment, with some of the summer still to go and the future of Van Persie still to be decided, I'd say Mikel Arteta. He's a calm, experienced professional who really makes the team tick. I think if Van Persie goes we might see him step up.
Where do you predict you will finish this season?
Top four, but I can't really be any more exact than that.
Who might win the Premier League?
I never rule us out, despite it being so long since we've won it we have challenged some seasons so you never know. So, Arsenal, United, Chelsea, Man City.
Who definitely won't?
Everyone else. I don't think Liverpool have the squad, I'm not sure Sp*rs do either although they're definitely top six material, and apart from that the financial side of things pretty much precludes anyone else from challenging.
What is your most anticipated fixture?
Obviously the North London derbies but the rivalry with United for so long means I always look forward to those games.
What is your most anticipated fixture that doesn't involve your club?
Man United v Man City. When United were winning everything I think there was a certain sympathy for City when they were being relegated and being cast under such a successful shadow. It shows how far things have come that this is a game I can't wait to see and I want United to murder them.
How do you think Southampton will fare?
To be honest I haven't seen much of Southampton since they were relegated but obviously there's been a huge turnaround. When you consider how far you fell to have come back to the Premier League is a fantastic achievement. And the club seem to have the infrastructure and know-how to get up and stay up, which is the most important thing. It's not at all unusual for a newly promoted team to have a fine first season, but it's achieving the consistency over the next few years that will provide the real challenge.
You find yourself stuck in White Hart Lane. How do you escape unnoticed?
Hold my nose like that bloke out of Rent-a-ghost.
Aston Villa:-
Name:- Matt Turvey
Team:- Aston Villa
Website:- http://www.astonvillalife.com
Twitter:- @MatthewSTurvey for me, @AstonVillaLife for the site.
What can we expect from your club this season?
Some good, solid football. Now that Paul Lambert is in charge, the club seem to be going in the right direction and most of our fans are appreciative of that. Progress will take time, but I feel people will see more of our club's potential this year. I also expect our new signings to draw the attention of some of the big clubs – Karim El-Ahmadi and Brett Holman will do well this year I feel.
Who is your most important player?
Stephen Ireland – he may well have had a mixed start to his career in his first season, but last year he was rightly fan's player of the year, and showed a fantastic determination to play for the team. If he is on form, and signs seem to show he will be this season, he's unplayable and, in my opinion, the most technically gifted player we have.
Where do you predict you will finish this season?
A solid mid-table finish. This might sound low in the eyes of some Aston Villa fans, but after the past two seasons and the need to change things, it is a good enough expectation. That doesn't mean that we can't do better, just that I am not expecting us to do more. You never know – we may end up surprising everyone like Newcastle did last year!
Who might win the Premier League?
It depends how you want me to answer. The obvious candidates, such as the two Manchester clubs, and Chelsea are, well, obvious. If you mean who could be a dark horse, then I think that it's probably a stretch too far to pick one. The most likely candidate would be Tottenham Hotspur I imagine, although a lot will hinge on both how Andre Villas-Boas does at the club, and whether they can keep hold of key players like Luka Modric and Rafael van der Vaart.
Who definitely won't?
Sad as it is to say, probably about 16 teams in the league. I know last season's campaign was very competitive for the majority of the league members, but the title contenders were way ahead of even the Europa League places.
What is your most anticipated fixture?
It's a strange pick from me in the eyes of some, but I'll be interested to see the reaction our manager gets when we play Norwich away. I imagine it will be mostly positive, but I'm sure there are some Norwich fans who didn't appreciate him leaving the club. Beyond that game, I just like teams who play football the right way, so I always like to see those kinds of games.
What is your most anticipated fixture that doesn't involve your club?
The Manchester derbies – It's highly likely that the winner of the Premier League will come from those two teams this year. Beyond those, any game that involves Manchester City. I know they may well just be buying success, but they play good football, and their last game of the season against QPR had me out of my seat – I've never known a more exciting conclusion to the title race than that.
How do you think Southampton will fare?
I think they will do well. I've got a lot of time for Nigel Adkins and few can doubt the way he has taken the club to two successive promotions. In that regard, he is much like our current manager. My only concern for Southampton is that if they do well, I imagine bigger clubs will be looking at Adkins as a potential candidate for their clubs. That's no disrespect to Southampton as a club, rather the fact that you can be very proud of what your manager has achieved.
You find yourself stuck in St. Andrews. How do you escape unnoticed?
Ah, the lovely St Andrews, home ground of Birmingham City. Assuming I was there for a match (there's no real other reason why I'd be there), then I'd probably just try to fit in with their usual fan base by adopting a heavy Birmingham accent and looking constantly miserable. If I kept that up, I'd fit in nicely and be able to escape. I guess the only thing against me is that I write for one of the regional papers, so a fair number of them may well know my face!
Name:- Denise Hope
Team:- Chelsea
Website:- http://thechelseablog.org/
Twitter:- @TheChelseaBlog
What can we expect from your club this season?
As ever with Chelsea, you can expect the unexpected. We haven't had a particularly exciting pre-season although it's worth bearing in mind the last time we had such an unspectacular pre-season we won the double. I'm not suggesting we'll repeat that but I do think we'll have a much more attack-minded side this season rather than the constant defensive displays that saw us defy some remarkable odds last season. I should mention we're Champions of Europe here really (just because I can).
Who is your most important player?
Historically in this squad that probably has to be John Terry, just for his sheer contribution as a leader and motivator. However, if we're talking about who will be a key player for us in the coming season, I can see Hazard, Mata and Marin all causing a few nerves in opposition defences but for me our success or failure could fall at the feet of Fernando Torres. If he has the sort of season we bought him for, we'll be flying – if he doesn't, we'll be f***ed.
Where do you predict you will finish this season?
Top two for sure this season. Our final position in the Premier League last season was down to the damage done under AVB's management (that's not laying the blame squarely on his shoulders either). There was no real way back for Di Matteo from that and he was right to go for the Champions League instead. This season though, he's already made his intention clear to address our Premier League standing, and I've every faith he'll do that.
Who might win the Premier League?
We might! If not us, then United – they won't take last season laying down, that has to have hurt everyone at Old Trafford and they'll make sure they finish above City this time. Hopefully that'll still leave them behind us though.
Who definitely won't?
Spurs! Not that they'd have a hope in hell anyway but from some of the bitter stuff he's already had to say in the press, it's clear AVB's more focused on Chelsea than anything else in the Premier League – never a good thing.
What is your most anticipated fixture?
Of course our game against QPR will have even more added spice than previous meetings but to be honest, JT will undoubtedly have a camera rammed up his left nostril (with an obligatory microphone courtesy of some new FA ruling) and it'll be too much of a circus to get too excited about it. So, I'll go with Spurs – these derbies are always much anticipated and it'll be an interesting one against them having put them out of the Champions League, not to mention meeting our former manager as the opposition.
What is your most anticipated fixture that doesn't involve your club?
After events on the final day last season, the Manchester derby should be well worth a watch shouldn't it?
How do you think Southampton will fare?
If I'm honest, will you edit it out? Just kidding! I think you'll have a honeymoon season, so you'll do ok. Maybe a finish around 14th?
You find yourself stuck in The Emirates Stadium. How do you escape unnoticed?
To be honest, if I was stuck in Arsenal's ground, escape wouldn't be too difficult. I'd sneak out ten minutes before the end along with the rest of them – no-one would think that was unusual.
Name:- Phill Nuttall
Team:- Everton
Website:- www.evertonfc.com
Twitter:- @phillipnuttall
What can we expect from your club this season?
This season will see a more dynamic Everton in the premier league. We have let go of players who were not making the desired impact, eg Rodwell, Cahill & fringe players, and brought in more industrious players such as Gibson, Naismith & Jelavic, fans can expect to see Everton better in possession, defensively solid, and more free flowing in the goals department.
Who is your most important player?Jac
It's a coin toss between Steven Pienaar and Maruane Fellaini.
Where do you predict you will finish this season?
If we start the season how we finish it then top 6 for Everton this season.
Who might win the Premier League?
Who definitely won't?
The other 18 teams.
What is your most anticipated fixture?
Chelsea, always a great game between us.
What is your most anticipated fixture that doesn't involve your club?
I'm looking forward to watching Chelsea v Arsenal given their signings.
How do you think Southampton will fare?
I hope they stay up, robbed of many young talents in recent years but back where they belong, can't see them.finishing top 10 – a season of consolidation for the saints.
You find yourself stuck in Anfield. How do you escape unnoticed?
Anfield – Go dressed as donkey from Shrek – people will just say "Hi Suarez".
Name:- Kyle Bonn
Team:- Fulham
Website:- FulhamsFinest.com
Twitter:- @FulhamsFinest
What can we expect from your club this season?
This question depends a lot on what happens in the final few weeks of the transfer window. Martin Jol recently said that Fulham is far from done, and they haven't spent a pound in the transfer market yet despite having brought in Hugo Rodallega, Mladen Petric, and Sascha Riether. If Jol can find two more strikers and a midfielder like he said he's looking for, this club has a ton of potential.
Fulham are a club that have flown entirely under the radar in the last few seasons, and without attracting the attention of much of the media and fans have grown up in the Premier League, making themselves a mainstay in the middle of the pack. Not only that, but a few top-10 finishes in the last couple of years have the fan base buzzing with thoughts of Europa League qualifying dancing in their heads. With the overhaul Martin Jol has brought to the squad this offseason and the mystery surrounding Clint Dempsey's future, there may a settling-in period, but to expect another 9th place finish isn't overestimating this squad by any means.
Who is your most important player?
The American Clint Dempsey, with the shroud covering his future, can almost be thought of as too much a distraction. However, he's still no question the most well-rounded talent on the club who can strike at any time from the midfield. The question is, where will he be when the window comes to a close? And if he's still on the Fulham roster, what role will he play? He's been locked out of all preseason action so far, with rumors of misgivings with management abound (although the club insists his fitness is the issue). Liverpool are the no-doubt frontrunners for his services at the moment, but with Fulham requiring £10 million to complete the deal, and Dempsey about to top 30 years of age, the Reds are reluctant to pull the trigger.
My prediction has always been for Dempsey leaving in the winter, and it's looking more and more like that will be the case. However, if Fulham do indeed find themselves in the race for a Europa League spot, they may find more value in his playing services than in the cold, hard cash they would receive from a team. Letting him walk for free would hurt, but at the same time if he successfully helped the team to previously unreached heights, most would be content to overlook that.
Where do you predict you will finish this season?
Like I said earlier, 9th place is a realistic expectation this season, but the future is bright.
Who might win the Premier League?
I can't bet against Manchester United, who with their successful acquisitions this offseason, and the lack of moves made by their derby rivals, they once again the upper hand.
Who definitely won't?
I know this isn't going out on much of a limb these days, but Arsenal's struggles to secure hardware will continue this season. As much as Wenger has figured out how to sign cheques and complete transactions once again, and has used that to his advantage to secure a number of excellent buys, they won't have a major impact until the second half of the season, by which time it will be too late. Next season, however, I would beware the Gunners.
What is your most anticipated fixture?
No doubt Fulham fans this season will be looking forward to both ends of the fixtures with Queens Park Rangers. Fans have developed a fearsome hatred for each side, being fueled with QPR's hiring of Mark Hughes, completing his traitorous departure from Craven Cottage. Fulham fans sat back last season with a wry smile while they watched their London rivals squirm their way out of relegation. The Cottagers thumped QPR 6-0 in the home fixture, and took another 3 points 1-0 across London, giving firm bragging rights to the banks of the Thames. The first matchup will be much-anticipated, and fans will have to wait until December 15 for the rivalry to continue at Loftus Road.
What is your most anticipated fixture that doesn't involve your club?
The Manchester derby has to be the most exciting fixture. While I'm sure that doesn't surprise anyone, these two clubs have to be considered once again the top two in the country. They very well could decide the championship, and it doesn't get much better than that.
How do you think Southampton will fare?
Unfortunately I think Southampton will struggle to stay in the Premiership. This isn't to underestimate Southampton, but rather a number of teams that finished in the bottom quarter of the league last season have spent a great deal of money this offseason and unfortunately for Southampton this puts them at a disadvantage. Look at what clubs such as Queens Park Rangers, Aston Villa, and even newly promoted sides West Ham and Reading have added this offseason, they may be distancing themselves from other more dormant clubs like Southampton.
Thanks to all the contributors for their input! Look out for the next three parts soon!
Daunting. 'Baptism of Fire'. Tough….
This was the hyperbole and conjecture that greeted Saints fans on reveal of this season's coming Premier League fixtures. I looked at it a slighty different way.
Exciting. 'Back where we belong'. Challenging….
After all, there is no easy games in the Premier League, you have to play every team twice, and our fate will be sealed based on our performances in those games the same as it is for everybody else. Admittedly, having to play last season's top three in our first four games isn't ideal, but this lends itself to a plethora of speculation. It may be the best time to play them. They are likely to have new players, and be tinkering with new systems for example. But, actually what it has meant is that, should, God (or whichever fictional deity you choose to worship) forbid, we are in a scrap at the business end of the season, our last seven fixtures (on paper at least) couldn't be kinder.
But there is that saying again. On paper, and that is all these fixtures are at the moment, a list. Nothing more, nothing less. There are only two teams we can really base our predictions on, those that joined us from the Championship, Reading and West Ham, the rest we haven't played for at least two seasons.
But what if we took our head to head record (based on the last two competitive fixtures) against the rest of the clubs in the Premier League as a start point. How would we fare in the coming season?
First up we travel to the City of Manchester Stadium to take on the reigning champions. It was January 2007, the last time we made this trip, Kenwyne Jones found the net for Saints, but Man City ran away 3-1 winners with goals from Darius Vassell, Joey Barton and Damarcus Beasley. The last time City visited St. Mary's it would end goaless in the Premier League fixture of October 2004. Points – 1.
Saints will open their Premier League home campaign with the visit of Wigan Athletic. It was January 1986 when the clubs last met on the South Coast, and in fact is the only competitive fixture between the two in their history! Glenn Cockerill and a brace by David Armstrong saw Saints through to the fifth round of the FA Cup. Points – 4 (A draw was allocated for the away game).
Manchester United will then make the trip to Southampton, despite a famous run of victories against the Red Devils, it will be 9 years and a day since we last beat them when we kick off on the 1st September. Our last meeting with Sir Alex and his men saw goals from Michael Owen and Javier Hernandez cancel out Richard Chaplow's opener in the FA Cup 4th Round. Our last trip to Old Trafford ended in a 3-0 reverse at the hands of Scholes, Rooney and Ronaldo in December 2004. Points – 0.
An unlikely hero emerged on our last visit to Arsenal. Rory Delap got both goals in a two all draw, Henry and Van Persie on target for the Gunners! Peter Crouch scored at St. Mary's in the same season to gain Saints a double of draws over the North London side. Points – 2.
Fans will want to forget the last time St. Mary's hosted Aston Villa. Peter Crouch and Kevin Phillips gave Saints an early lead, only to lose 3-2. Carlton Cole, Nobby Solano and Steven Davis sealing the victory for Villa in April 2005. It was a 2-0 defeat at Villa Park, Carlton Cole and Darius Vassell getting the goals in an earlier game that season. Points – 0.
Everton were famed as a Saints "bogey team" for years, and in that same fateful final Premier League season, they were just as tight. A Leon Osman goal at the death decided matters at Goodison Park, while Saints managed a point at St. Mary's with goals from Peter Crouch and Henri Camara cancelling out James "I definitely won't celebrate" Beattie and Marcus Bent. Points – 1.
It was a goalfest the last time Saints hosted Fulham, a brace from Kevin Phillips and an own goal for the hosts, Radzinski, Malbranque and Bouba Diop for the visitors. The reverse fixture that season saw a victory for the cottagers through a solitary Tomas Radzinski strike. Points – 1.
West Ham are of course more recent opponents, Jos Hooiveld the scourge of East London, scoring the winner at St. Mary's and then the equaliser at Upton Park last season. Points – 4.
After the trip to West Ham, Saints play host to their North London neighbours, the now Redknapp-less (shame) Spurs lost on their last visit, Nigel Quashie with the only goal of the game. It was a different story at White Hart Lane though, Saints put to the sword, losing 5-1. Jermain Defoe kept the match ball, Kanoute and Keane getting the other two, Peter Crouch got the consolation. Points – 3.
A trip to the Midlands follows, as Saints go to the Hawthorns. Saints last played WBA in the 2007/08 Championship season. Despite Albion going up as Champions that season and Saints needing last day heroics to stay up, it was the South Coast side that got the better of their two fixtures. Adam Lallana scored in the away leg in a 1-1 draw, while a double from Stern John and a Marek Saganowski strike secured all three points at home. Points – 4.
Swansea City will come to St. Mary's in November, Saganowski earned Saints a point the last time this fixture happened in the 2008/09 Championship relegation season. The reverse game saw an easy run out for the Swans, Pratley, Gomez and Butler getting the goals in a 3-0 defeat for Saints. Points – 1.
In that same season, Saints suffered a heavy defeat at next opponents QPR. Ex-Saint Dexter Blackstock got a couple, Stewart and Ageymang also netted, Adam Lallana got Saints only reply. Later in the campaign, the two clubs played out a 0-0 draw at St. Mary's. Points – 1.
Saints haven't faced Newcastle United in a league game since 2004, going down 1-2 at home to goals from Alan Shearer and Titus Bramble, Peter Crouch almost inevitably being the Saints goalscorer in that season. The last time Saints visited St. James' Park though is more recent. Keiron Dyer got the only goal in February 2006 in the FA Cup 5th round. Points – 0.
Saints and Norwich City both left the Premier League in the same season, so barring the past two seasons have been regular opponents. It was in the Johnstones Paint Trophy that the Canaries last came to St. Mary's, A last minute Papa Waigo equaliser took the game to a penalty shootout which Saints won, subsequently lifting the trophy. A Lee Barnard brace saw Saints take all three points at Carrow Road that same season. Points – 6 (I know, I know, technically the JPT game was a draw after 90 minutes, but it's my game and my rules).
A trip to Anfield beckons in December, just as it did in our last Premier League season. Florent Sinama-Pongolle scored the only goal of the game that time. Saints got their revenge over Liverpool at St. Mary's just a month later, David Prutton and Peter Crouch ensuring a 2-0 victory. Points – 3.
In a reverse of last season, Saints will host Reading first. In the game that effectively conceded the title to their Berkshire rivals in April, Saints went down 3-1, Rickie Lambert on the scoresheet, but outdone by Jason Roberts and Adam Le Fondre. It was a 1-1 draw at the Madjeski, Steve de Ridder cancelling out Mikele Leigertwood's opener. Points – 1.
The last time Saints went to Stamford Bridge, James Beattie scored at both ends, Frank Lampard sealing the points for Chelsea. Lampard scored again at St. Mary's which coupled with an Eidur Gudjohnsen double meant Kevin Phillips' goal was just a consolation. Points – 0.
Saints last faced Sunderland in the 2006/07 Championship season, going down 2-1 at home, after Gareth Bale had grabbed a last minute equaliser at the Stadium of Light earlier in the season. Points – 1.
The last club Saints will renew acquaintances with will be Stoke City. Tony Pulis and his merry band of ex-Southampton players will welcome Saints in the last game of 2012, and it was a 3-2 victory for the Potters in their last potteries encounter. It was an exact reverse of the scoreline in the same season at St. Mary's, Drew Surman, Gregorz Rasiak and Jhon Viafara got the goals for Saints, Parkin and Fuller for Stoke. Points – 3.
So, if we can match those results, we will end on 36 points. Sounds bad doesn't it? But, take into account that the majority of the games come from a terrible Premier League relegation campaign and consecutive horrific Championship seasons, it is surprisingly good.
Also, it is worth noting that 36 points would mean safety in six of the last ten Premier League seasons, though not the last two.
Of course, none of these teams look anything like the last time we played them, and neither do we. So this is all just speculation and conjecture. Of course it is, back where we started then….
You can see the full fixture list at the Saints Official Website here.
p.s. If you have enjoyed reading the blog over the past year, why not vote for us in the "Club Specific" category at the Football Blogging Awards? Either via Facebook here. Or, tweet the following:- @TheFBAs @crstig #Club
"The hype around the game was incredible, anyone who didn't understand the rivalry certainly did afterwards. They're very competitive and to say they don't like each other is an understatement." – Neil Shipperley speaking about the January 1996 South Coast Derby.
With now just twelve days left until the South Coast's two top clubs renew hostilities at Fratton Park, the next installment in our feature looking at players who dared the wrath of both sets of supporters looks at a man who spent three years with both….
Colin Clarke
Born in Northern Ireland, Clarke made his name for himself as a regular goalscorer in the fourth division for both Peterborough United and Tranmere Rovers before heading to the third division at South Coast AFC Bournemouth. He continued to impress at the higher level, catching the eye of countryman Chris Nicholl, heading to Hampshire from Dorset in the summer of 1986.
Clarke was an instant hit at the Dell, helping himself to twenty league goals in his first season as a top flight player. The start of the 1987-88 season couldn't have started any better for him either. In the first South Coast derby for three and a half years, Clarke netted twice for Saints at Fratton Park in a 2-2 draw, Clarke also featured in the 0-2 defeat at the Dell in the return game of January 1988.
Clarke finished that season with another sixteen first division goals, and seemingly the future was bright, but the following campaign saw the goals dry up, and Clarke was kept out of the side by new boy Paul Rideout. A loan spell back at Bournemouth was followed by Clarke's permanent departure to first division rivals QPR.
Saints fans remember the striker fondly, "Fat, round, worth a million pounds." said @mgbarrett. @JJHislop was also a fan "Always described as Saints' "bustling" centre forward. I liked him."
It was only a short break from Hampshire for the forward though, as he struggled to hit form at Loftus Road. In the summer of 1990 Clarke was signed by then Pompey boss Frank Burrows for a fee of £500k. Clarke was obviously pleased to be back amongst the South Coast air, and had a fruitful opening season at Fratton Park. Scoring seventeen goals for the blues, impressive in a side that had struggled for form.
Unfortunately for Clarke and the Pompey fans, goals would be harder to come by the following season, but the Northern Irishman would play a part in the Pompey side that got to within a whisker of the 1992 FA Cup final, losing out to Liverpool only on penalties after a replay and extra time.
Clarke stayed at Fratton Park until the end of the 1992/93 season when he decided to hang up his boots aged just thirty one due to a recurring knee injury.
Since his retirement Clarke focused his energy on coaching, and has been in management in the USA since 1998. He recently relinquished his role as the manager of the Puerto Rican national team, a position he had held since 2007. He is currently the manager of the Puerto Rico Islanders.
Saints currently have six players trying to prove themselves at other clubs. Forwards Jonathan Forte and Sam Hoskins are with Phil Brown's Preston North End, Goalkeepers Tommy Forecast and Jack Dovey are paying their dues in non-league football with Bromley Town and local club Eastleigh respectively. Black sheep Jason Puncheon is back in the Premier League with new boys Queens Park Rangers and promising defender Jack Saville has gone to Underhill to help League Two strugglers Barnet.
I thought it would be interesting to have a look at their progress with these clubs, with reports from the people who are getting behind them and watching every week.
The most high profile of the Saints loanees is of course Puncheon, who headed to Loftus Road in the summer with the all too public falling out at Saints behind him. The glamour of the Premier League may have been too much to turn down, but Puncheon has been little more than a bit part player with the R's, making just two league appearances off of the bench.
Jonathon Forte might not have made the impact he would have liked at St. Mary's after arriving from Scunthorpe last season, but his goals against MK Dons were extremely important as Saints headed for promotion. Often harshly treated by Saints fans for me, Forte and youngster Hoskins headed to Lancashire to play for North End.
Forte has started twice for the Deepdale club, both against Rochdale, playing the full ninety minutes in both games. We caught up with John Kelly from the Preston Supporters Group to give us his thoughts on Forte:-
"North End are having a bit of a nightmare at the moment, with a complete lack of investment from our new owner Trevor Hemmings. Forte started up-front alongside our young striker Juvel Tsumo, who was soon replaced with Neil Mellor.
Forte struggled to get into the game, and despite running around alot seemed a little out of his depth and offered little. It would be un-fair to judge him on this game alone, however I honestly can not see his loan being much of a success for any party involved. He is unavailable to play tomorrow and even if he was, as soon as Iain Hume or Jamie Proctor returns he will be left out anyway. Most PNE fans fined both loans very strange and not what we need. Mainly due to their lack of experience and age.
Maybe if he had come into a winning side things would be different, but I would expect him to be back at your place soon without either PNE or Southampton being any the wiser on his ability. As for Hoskins I really can not understand this loan at all."
Hoskins is yet to feature for PNE.
After arriving from Chelsea, young defender Jack Saville came with much promise, the performances of the current Saints defence though makes first team time hard to come by. Jack headed back to London at the start of the month to spend some time on loan with League Two side Barnet. He made his debut off the bench in the FA cup win at Southport before making his first start in the 2-0 victory over Bristol Rovers at the Memorial Stadium, Barnet's first league win in five. Eric from Barnet site Downhill Second Half gave us his take on the young defender:-
"I've only got one full 90 to go on so far, but his showing at Bristol Rovers was excellent.
It's no mean feat for a lad of 20 to settle straight in to an almost entirely new defensive unit. Owing to injury, we had three loanees in the back four for yesterday's second half, so for them to work so well together was a strong statement.
For me, Jack was the pick of the three. For a start, he was playing out of position at left back and faced two quick wingers all afternoon. His no nonsense approach was key in us soaking up a lot of pressure in the second half and he put himself on the line several times with some brilliant blocks.
As we were under the cosh for plenty of the second period, we didn't see much of Jack going forward. However, I cannot imagine that Lawrie Sanchez will change much after this showing, so we should get to see more in the coming weeks, starting with a home match against Macclesfield on Friday night (that'll get the crowds in…!)"
Jack Dovey has been at Eastleigh FC since the end of October and made an impressive start for the Blue Square South club. Making his debut at Thurrock Town, Dovey saved a penalty to immediatly shine, and the Spitfires haven't lost in the four games he has played.
Blue Square South rivals Bromley is where Dovey's fellow keeper Tommy Forecast has been since late September. Forecast has been a fixture for the Kent club and we caught up with Jeff Hutton, club development officer for Bromley FC to see how he has been doing:-
"Tommy Forecast was drafted in by Bromley manager Mark Goldberg for a three month loan spell on 23rd September. Since then Tommy has made eleven starts for the Lillywhites and has featured in every one of Bromley's FA Cup fixtures which cumulated in a first round proper appearance at Brisbane Road against Leyton Orient. Tommy has failed to keep a clean sheet in any of his starts but this will come as no surprise to any Bromley supporter as we have failed to keep a clean sheet in any fixture since the start of September. Despite the score line Saturday, we lost 6-1 at Chelmsford City, Tommy pulled of a number of high quality saves and could do very little about the six goals conceded. People like to pick fault with keepers at any level but League sides send out keepers to our level to gain experience and that is Tommy is gaining valuable experience with every game he plays."
Saints welcome Steve McClaren and his Nottingham Forest side to St. Mary's this Saturday and will be looking to bounce back from their defeat to Leicester City. It hasn't been the best of starts for the former England manager at the City Ground, with rumours of unrest on his part after not being able to bring the players he wanted in during the transfer window. Results haven't gone well either, with just one league victory so far against struggling Doncaster Rovers.
McClaren has gone on record as saying he thinks his squad is in need of a major overhaul, but on paper it still looks strong to me, and what he does have at his disposal are three ex-Saints…
Paul Smith
Keeper Smith joined Saints in the 2004 January transfer window. Coming armed with a growing reputation as a top young performer between the sticks at Brentford he was initially understudy to Antti Niemi. Due to injuries to the first choice Finn, he did end up making nine appearances for the first team including five starts in the Premier League, albeit in the ill fated run in to relegation.
Smith looked impressive in his forays into first team action leading Saints fans to believe they had a ready made replacement for Niemi who was increasingly likely to leave after demotion to the Championship. This is exactly what did happen in January 2006, and Smith had the chance to make the number one spot his own, unfortunately his confidence seemed to have deserted him and George Burley turned to new boy Bartosz Bialkowski and veteran free transfer Kevin Miller to take his place.
Smith was sold to League One Forest the following July.
Opposition's view:-
Forest fan NFFCBlogger from the NFFC Blog give his thoughts on Smith:-
"A real 'hero to zero' time in a Forest shirt. Once a staple part of our starting eleven, his perceived lack of confidence got the crowd on his back and seemed to heighten the already awful defending prevalent at the time. Firmly on the bench under Lee Camp now, and I think he would benefit from a move away from the City Ground. An excellent keeper who has lost his way and confidence here. I still think he's technically a better goalkeeper than Camp, but without the overbearing confidence (or arrogance?) our current number one exhibits. He's been made a bit of a scapegoat and unfortunately the moron element in our fan base make it impossible for him to flourish for Forest again."
David McGoldrick
Nottingham lad McGoldrick started his career in his hometown with Notts County, making his first team debut at just sixteen years old. His talent was soon spotted by Saints and he was signed in the summer of 2004. He was a key member of the Southampton youth team that reached the Youth Cup final in 2005 and his performances earned him a first team debut in the League Cup in September 2005. He went back to Notts County on loan before coming back and having a prolific scoring season for the Saints reserve and youth sides.
This sharp shooting didn't go unnoticed and George Burley handed him his first league start in April 2006. In and out of the first team for the next couple of seasons, McGoldrick went out for two spells on loan at Port Vale and an impressive tenure at Bournemouth where he scored six goals in twelve games.
In 2008/09 McGoldrick finally nailed down a place as a first team regular under Jan Poortvliet and then Mark Wotte, featuring in all forty six league games as Saints limped out of the Championship. Despite twelve league goals for the club, McGoldrick could have given a whole lot more in my opinion, and in a season where Saints needed all hands to the pump McGoldrick often looked like he wasn't really trying (with flashes of brilliance thrown in). With a distinct hint of "Big I am" attitude it was a certain case of mixed feelings when McGoldrick made his million pound move to Forest.
Opposition's view:-
NFFC Blogger gives his thoughts on McGoldrick:-
"It's quite apt that the original request to me overlooked McGoldrick. As we saw with Paul Smith, Forest fans (or sections of them) love nothing better than a whipping boy. David is our current one. He's referred to in such disparaging terms as McGoalDrought or worse – and whilst I dislike any player being singled out for abuse, I do have a little sigh if I see him starting. Injury, squad rotation, a nigh on zero-creative midfield at times and now a managerial change have all contributed to curtail his development as a Forest player. Is he a striker? If so, the likes of Findley, Miller and Derbyshire seem more dangerous options – and of course Dex when he's fit. Tudgay and Garner also probably have as much credit as David. If he wants to play attacking midfield then he'd need to oust McGugan or Majewski… basically, were it not for the hefty fee we paid for his services I think we'd be looking to offload."
Dexter Blackstock
Of the three ex-Saints amongst the Forest ranks Blackstock is the most fondly remembered amongst the St. Mary's faithful. Partly for his decent performances and workman like approach to the game, but mainly for two particular events in his time as a Saint.
Signed from the Oxford United youth setup in 2003, it was a baptism of fire for the eighteen year old in the 2004/2005 season as Saints struggling in the Premier League had a front line injury crisis. The young Blackstock rose to the challenge scoring his first three goals in a Carling cup game against Colchester. He then scored his first league goal at the best possible time, equalising in the South Coast derby at St. Mary's, Saints going on to beat Pompey 2-1.
Harry Redknapp arrived and Blackstock found himself out in the cold, spending the second half of the season on loan at Plymouth Argyle. After relegation to the Championship Blackstock might have hoped for more playing time, but Redknapp had other ideas. Another loan spell at Derby County followed before Arry headed back to 'his spiritual home' with his tail between his legs, George Burley replaced him and immediately recalled Blackstock and used him in the first team. The highlight of Dexter's final season as a Saint came in the cup at Newcastle. All three substitutes used up, Saints keeper Bartosz Bialkowski went down injured, only for Blackstock to step up to the role, eleven minutes unbeaten in the sticks and two pieces of Southampton folklore secured.
Blackstock was sold to QPR in August of 2006.
Opposition's view:-
NFFC Blogger gives his view on Blackstock:-
"Signed on loan from QPR when we were battling relegation back to League One, scored a crucial winning goal in a 3-2 win against Bristol City and we've loved him ever since. Bought for a bargain fee as his face didn't seem to fit at Loftus Road, and has carved out a role as a real grafter in leading the line for us, and had made strides to build a dangerous partnership with Robbie Earnshaw, who of course has returned to Cardiff. Speaking of the Bluebirds, it was there last season he was sidelined when Cardiff City's Olofinjana raked his studs down his shin whilst he was turning – ultimately leading to a cruciate injury that sees him still recovering. Needless to say no action was taken against the Cardiff midfielder. In the meantime we have signed a considerable amount of competition to our rank of strikers so he will need to work hard to get back into first team contention – which I'm sure he will, and Forest fans will be thrilled to see him take to the field again."


text:
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Western Price Survey
December 23, 2016
Colder weather across the United States pushed natural gas withdrawals to record levels.
Working natural gas in storage was 3,597 Bcf as of Dec. 16, according to U.S. Energy Information Administration estimates. This is a net decrease of 209 Bcf compared to the previous week. It is also the largest withdrawal during the month of December recorded in the EIA's Weekly Natural Gas Storage Report, which dates to 1994.
"The substantial storage draw is related to a combination of cold weather, increased electric-sector capacity for natural gas, reduced natural gas production relative to last year, and increased natural gas export volumes," the EIA said.
Storage levels are now 5.9 percent less than a year ago and 2.2 percent greater than the five-year average.
Nationally, natural gas consumption increased 11 percent compared with the previous report week, as use of gas for power generation increased 10 percent week over week, according to the EIA.
Southern California Gas Co. dispatches of natural gas were between 3.3 and 3.4 Bcf during the cold snap, according to Energy GPS. The situation was such that the utility posted a "curtailment watch" starting Dec. 18.
Total natural gas consumption in the U.S. during the first three weeks of December has been 92 Bcf/day, on average. This is 21 percent greater than the same period last year and 17 percent greater than the five-year average.
Henry Hub gas spot values added 3 cents between Dec. 15 and Dec. 22, ending at $3.58/MMBtu.
Understand why regional energy cognoscenti read Clearing Up and California Energy Markets every week. Request a sample.
Most Western natural gas hubs saw values move lower by between 2 cents and as much as 64 cents in trading. Sumas natural gas posted the greatest loss, down 64 cents to $3.61/MMBtu. In contrast, PG&E CityGate added 8 cents in trading to end at $3.76/MMBtu.
Meanwhile, Western peak power prices shed between $1.50 and $3.55 between Dec. 16 and Dec. 22. No trades were posted Dec. 23; trades posted Dec. 22 were earmarked for Dec. 27 delivery. Prices ranged from $25.80/MWh at Mid-Columbia to $36/MWh at South of Path 15.
Average nighttime power prices eroded between 20 cents and $1.15 in the abbreviated trading period. SP15 saw the greatest loss, down $1.15 to end at $31.50/MWh,
Demand peaked on the CAISO grid at 30,861 MW Dec. 19, which should be the week's high. Total renewable-energy generation on the grid peaked at 9,938 MW Dec. 18.
What's ahead: Colder weather is expected in inland portions of Northern California from Christmas through at least Dec. 28. Some higher elevations in the Bay Area may see a dusting of snow. There is a slight possibility of rain in Southern California on the 29th [Linda Dailey Paulson].
Archives of the Western Price Survey for the past year are also available online.
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text: UNWILLING TO MISS HIS OWN OPPORTUNITY for adventures, Scott managed to enlist as a fifer in the 3d Vermont Volunteer Infantry. In his enlistment papers he boldly proclaimed his occupation as "painter"- a vision of the future perhaps, but closer to the truth than his age, which the official register listed as 16, just old enough to allow admission as a fifer. Scott mustered into service with the 3d Vermont on May 16, 1861. Before the end of the month, he was on his way to the main encampment of Federal troops in Washington, D.C.The Green Mountain Boys were giants by the standards of the day, with an average height of 5 feet 10 inches. Onlookers crowded the streets of New York City as the Vermont troops marched through en route to Washington clad in fine uniforms, sprigs of pine affixed to their caps. Scott's oversized uniform half covered his hands, smothering the air holes of his fife whenever he played.By August, the 3d Vermont was at Camp Lyon, guarding the Chain Bridge outside the Federal capital from nearby Confederate forces. Just four weeks after he had left Vermont, Scott saw an example of how serious a matter military duty was. A Private William Scott (no relation) of the 3d Vermont was found sleeping while on sentinel duty, and was sentenced to die. When the appointed day came, the 3d Vermont somberly fell in for the execution. Happily, however a reprieve from Lincoln arrived just in time, and was read to the cheering troops in lieu of the firing squad's report.The letters Scott sent home describing his army experiences also provide the first glimpses of his art. His simple, linear pen-and-ink said more than his words. A sketch made during his regiment's initial foray into hostile territory, in September 1861 depicts an autumn view near Lewinsville, Virginia, with Munson's Hill in the distance. It shows a rolling countryside crisscrossed by rail fences, and a farm nestled in gentle surroundings, framed by trees in full leaf. As a child fascinated with art and things military, Scott had drawn Persian King Xerxes army on the march into Greece in 480 BC, using the back of a large map for the outside scene. Now, he had military themes from his own experience to translate into art.By October 1861, Scott's regiment was part of the 1st Brigade of Brigadier General W.F. 'Baldy' Smith's Division , in the Army of the Potomac's IV Corps. Stationed at Camp Griffin in the Defenses of Washington, the brigade, which consisted entirely of Vermont units, suffered through the raw, rainy winter of 1861-1862, fully one fourth of the brigade was off duty because of illness. Relief finally came in March, with orders to prepare two days' rations and be ready to move. Scott and his comrades, now wearing army blue instead of their original gray, excitedly prepared to join the rest of the Army of the Potomac in one of the greatest military enterprises in modern history.


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