The 2007 - 2008 West Cork Schoolboys League kicks-off tomorrow with the opening day of the U14 league. Eleven clubs begin their quest to win the coveted W.C.S.L U14 league title: Ballydehob, Bay Rovers, Bunratty United, Clonakilty AFC, Clonakilty AFC Youths, Drinagh Rangers, Harbour United, Lyre Rovers, Riverside Athletic, Skibbereen and Togher Celtic.
The format for this season’s U14 league sees each side play one another once, guaranteeing a minimum of ten league fixtures. The top four ranked teams at the end of the regular season progress to a round-robin play off tournament to decide the U14 League Champions. Drinagh Rangers dominated the 06-07 season by winning both U14 league and cup competitions.
U14 League debutantes, Ballydehob, are at home Clonakilty AFC in Rathvane with a noon kick off. Harbour United take on Riverside Athletic in their first game at U14 level at 12:30 tomorrow. Both Ballydehob and Harbour will need to pick up points as quickly possible if they are to establish themselves at U14 level this season. Clonakilty have entered two teams in the U14 league this year (AFC and AFC Youths). AFC struggled at U14 level last season but managed to reach the U14 Shield semi-finals where they lost 4-1 to eventual winners, Lyre Rovers.
Bay Rovers entertain Bunratty United in Kealkil at noon. Bunratty topped U14 Group B last season but struggled in the play-offs where they failed to win a game. United will be hoping for a positive start but Bay Rovers are never an easy prospect at home. United will start as favourites after their positive showing in the league last season. Bay Rovers are still very much an unknown quantity but a good start to the season could see them challenging for a place in the play-offs.
Togher Celtic and Clonakilty AFC Youths meet in Togher at 12:30. The home side were the surprise package of last season’s league. Celtic topped U14 Group A and finished 3rd overall in the play-offs. Togher followed up their league success by going all the way to the U14 Cup final only to be defeated 4-1 by double winners Drinagh Rangers. Togher Celtic met Clonakilty AFC twice last season in U14 Group A and won easily on both occasions. The homes side will be expecting all three points tomorrow.
The highly anticipated clash between current U14 League champions, Drinagh Rangers and Skibbereen has been postponed. Drinagh have decided to take a cancellation and the fixture will be re-scheduled at a later date. Skibb finished runners-up in the U14 play-offs to Drinagh last season and will be one of the favourites to de-throne the reigning Champions this time around. Drinagh Rangers first defence of their U14 title will now be at home to Togher Celtic on September the 15th. Skibbereen open their league campaign on the same day against Harbour United. Last season's U14 Shield winners, Lyre Rovers, have a bye this weekend. Rovers are at home to Riverside Athletic U14 in their first league game on September the 15th.
U14 WCSL LEAGUE FIXTURES
Saturday 1st Sept 2007
Ballydehob vs. Clonakilty AFC
at Noon in Rathvane, Ballydehob
Bay Rovers vs. Bunratty United
at Noon in Lisheens, Kealkil
Riverside Athletic vs. Harbour United
at 12:30 - venue to be confirmed
Skibbereen vs. Drinagh Rangers
POSTPONED - Drinagh taking cancellation
Togher Celtic vs. Clonakilty AFC Youths
at 12:30 in Togher
Visit www.westcorkschoolboysleague.com for further details.
Friday, August 31, 2007
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
West Cork Schoolboys League – Season Preview 2007-08
The West Cork Schoolboys League returns on Saturday the 1st of September with a bumper list of Under14 league fixtures kicking off the new season. 2006-2007 proved to be a huge success as a result of the league's tremendous performance in the annual Kennedy Cup tournament. Thanks to the Herculean efforts of James Walsh's side the West Cork Schoolboys League is now ranked as the 7th best under-age soccer league in the country.
The new season sees 14 clubs fielding over 35 teams at 3 different age groups: U12, U14 and U16. The Schoolboys league is indebted to the dedicated service provided by the West Cork League Referee’s who are present every Saturday to officiate at the various league and cup matches. Many of the West Cork based clubs have entered the National Cup competitions with fixtures scheduled to be completed over the coming weeks.
New W.C.S.L Web Site
The 2007-2008 season sees the launch of a brand new web site dedicated to the West Cork Schoolboys League. The site can be found at the following address: http://www.westcorkschoolboysleague.com. The W.C.S. L. web site will display up-to-date fixtures, results and league tables for the U12, U14 and U16 leagues. The site includes an historical section reviewing past seasons. There is a gallery section containing photos from Schoolboy league and cup matches since 2005 and a feedback form to send in match reports, club news or general queries. Each club will have its own dedicated page on the web site updated with club news, fixtures and results throughout the season. A new Kennedy Cup section has also been included chronicling the West Cork side’s participation in the prestigious tournament in recent years.
W.C.S.L. Meeting
The Schoolboys League held its first meeting of the new season in the Arch Bar, Dunmanway, on the 14th of August. There was a very encouraging turnout with delegates from each competing club in attendance, including representatives from four new clubs: Ardfield, Ballydehob, Dunmanway Town and Harbour United. Ardfield and Dunmanway Town are each entering teams in the U12 league. Ballydehob will compete at Under 14 while Harbour United plan to enter teams at U12, U14 and U16 level. The following committee members were returned to their posts for the coming season: Paddy McCarthy - Chairman, Don Hurley - Fixtures Secretary, Danny Peters - Treasurer, Andrew Martin - Secretary, Martin Henwood - Registrar and Ger McCarthy - Public Relations Officer.
Chairman, Paddy McCarthy, addressed the club delegates and welcomed everyone back for another year, especially the representatives of new clubs joining for the 07-08 season. Paddy congratulated the Kennedy Cup squad on their efforts in the 2007 tournament. The Chairman warned delegates that fines will be imposed if pitches are not up to scratch or adequate first aid kits, water bottles and footballs are not present at each game this season. WCSL Secretary, Andrew Martin handed out F.A.I. Player Registration Forms, Sudden Cardiac Death Screening Questionnaires and Play Transfer Forms and booklets to each club delegate. It was also decided that every club must have a representative at each of the W.C.S.L meetings on the first Tuesday of every month for the coming season. Representatives cannot be existing committee members. 9pm Tuesday night is the deadline for cancelling a weekend fixture at U12, U14 or U16 level.
Fixtures Secretary, Don Hurley, presided over the draws for the U12, U14 and U16 leagues for the 2007 -2008 season. The U12 and U16 fixtures will be played on the same Saturday with U14 league fixtures taking place on the alternate weekends. The U14 league begins on Saturday, the 1st of September and the U12 and U16 schoolboy leagues kick off the following Saturday, September the 8th.
U12 League
The 2007-2008 U12 League will be split into two groups (Group 1 and Group 2) made up of 7 teams in each group. Each team will play one another twice, home and away, giving a minimum of 12 league fixtures for each club. The Play-Off format for the U12 league has changed this season with the winner of Group1 playing the runner-up of Group2 and the Winner of Group2 playing the runner-up of Group1 in two (knock-out) semi finals for a place in the U12 League final.
Bantry Gunners capped off a remarkable season to deservedly claim the 2007 West Cork Schoolboys U12 League title. The Gunners finished the season unbeaten in both the league and play-offs. Skibbereen lifted the U12 Shield trophy after defeating Drinagh Rangers in the final and Riverside Athletic completed the U12 honours list by claiming the U12 Cup with a 3-1 victory over Leeside in the decider.
Bantry Gunners underage club have decided to link up with neighbours Bay Rovers for the forthcoming 2007 – 2008 season. The two clubs decided to join forces so as to be able to put forward a stronger challenge in both the West Cork Schoolboys U12 and U14 Leagues. Rovers will now expect to emerge from U12 Group 1 with the addition of the ex-Bantry Gunners players to an already talented squad. Leeside and Durrus are likely to be the sides doing battle with Bay for the two play-off spots. Drinagh Rangers, Clonakilty AFC and Lyre Rovers struggled for long periods last season but the U12 Shield and U12 Cup competitions offer the best hope of silverware this time around. League debutantes Ardfield complete the U12 Group1 line-up.
Dunmanway Town and Harbour United have been handed a tough draw in U12 Group2. The newcomers have been drawn alongside current U12 Cup holders, Riverside Athletic and 06-07 U12 Shield winners Skibbereen. Bunratty United, Clonakilty AFC Youths and Togher Celtic complete the Group2 line-up. Skibb missed the play-offs by a single point last season and will be determined to emerge from Group2 this time around. Togher Celtic, Bunratty United and Riverside Athletic should also be in contention in what is regularly one of the most entertaining age groups in the West Cork Schoolboys League.
U12 Group 1: Ardfield, Bay Rovers, Clonakilty AFC, Drinagh Rangers, Durrus, Leeside and Lyre Rovers.
U12 Group 2 Teams: Bunratty United, Clonakilty AFC Youths, Dunmanway Town, Harbour United, Riverside Athletic, Skibbereen and Togher Celtic.
U14 League
The 2007 – 2008 U14 League will be run as a regular competition this season (unlike last year when there were two separate groups) with 11 teams taking part. Each side will play one another once guaranteeing a minimum of 10 league fixtures (5 home and 5 away). The top 4 ranked teams at the end of the regular league season will progress to a round-robin play off tournament to decide the U14 League Champions.
Drinagh Rangers dominated the 2006 - 2007 West Cork Schoolboys U14 League by securing an extraordinary league and Cup double. Lyre Rovers claimed the third U14 trophy, the U14 Shield, after a thrilling 4-3 final win over Riverside Athletic. Drinagh remained unbeaten throughout the play-offs and were worthy winners of both U14 league and cup titles.
Possible contenders for the U14 league crown this coming season include Skibbereen, Bunratty United, Togher Celtic and Bay Rovers. Skibb finished runners-up in the play-offs last season and will be one of the favourites to make the end of season playoffs. Togher Celtic managed to reach the U14 Cup final and finish 3rd overall in the play-offs. Drinagh Rangers face the arduous task of attempting to win back to back U14 leagues. It is going to take a massive effort by the reigning champions to retain the title.
Clonakilty AFC are entering two sides at U14 level this season: Clon AFC and Clon AFC Youths. The Clon teams along with Lyre Rovers and Riverside Athletic will each be hoping to figure in the play-offs for the league title at the end of the season. U14 newcomers Ballydehob and Harbour United will have to hit the ground running in what is one of the most competitive of all the schoolboy leagues. Both sides will be have to pick up as many points - as quickly as possible - if they are to keep pace with the established teams in the U14 grade.
U14 Teams: Ballydehob, Bay Rovers, Bunratty United, Clonakilty AFC, Clonakilty AFC Youths, Drinagh Rangers, Harbour United, Lyre Rovers, Riverside Athletic, Skibbereen and Togher Celtic.
U16 League
The U16 League will be run as a single league this year with 10 teams competing. Each side will play one another once guaranteeing 5 home and 5 away fixtures. The top 4 ranked teams at the end of the regular season will progress to a round-robin tournament (Play-Offs) to decide the U16 league title.
Riverside Athletic defied the odds to win the 2006-2007 Schoolboys U16 League Championship. Athletic left it late in each of the play-off games but were rewarded for their attacking efforts with consecutive victories over Skibbereen, Togher Celtic and Bunratty United. Bay Rovers retained the West Cork Schoolboys U16 Shield and Skibbereen won the U16 Cup with a 2-0 victory over Togher Celtic in the Cup Final. Clonakilty AFC enjoyed a magnificent run in the U16 National Cup and represented the West Cork Schoolboys League with great distinction.
The race for the 07-08 U16 league title is certain to be a close one. Champions, Riverside Athletic, will have their work cut out in defending the title they won is such dramatic fashion at the end of last season. Last season’s U16 Cup winners, Skibbereen, will be anxious to bounce back from their poor run in the play-offs which saw them claim a meagre 3 points from a possible 9. U16 League runners-up, Togher Celtic, will hope to go one better this season and another play-off spot looks likely. Clubs with an outside chance of making the play-offs include Drinagh Rangers, Bunratty United and Shield winners, Bay Rovers. Clonakilty AFC, Leeside and Lyre Rovers will start the season as rank outsiders, each hoping to improve on last season’s disappointing performances in the U16 league.
U16 Teams: Bay Rovers, Bunratty United, Clonakilty AFC, Drinagh Rangers, Harbour United, Leeside, Lyre Rovers, Riverside Athletic, Skibbereen and Togher Celtic
Kennedy Cup
The U13 West Cork Schoolboys League representative side achieved their second highest finish ever in the 2007 Kennedy Cup. The Kennedy Cup competition is an opportunity for all the various leagues affiliated with the Schoolboys Football Association of Ireland to display their talent at youth level. 7th overall is a remarkable achievement considering West Cork is one of the smallest leagues represented at the annual competition. One of the highlights of the tournament included the awarding of the "UMBRO Team of the day” to West Cork for winning Group 3. UMBRO presented the W.C.S.L with 6 new footballs and a new team kit-bag to reward their incredible achievement.
The 2007 squad were a credit to the Schoolboys League and gave a great account of the W.C.S.L. at the tournament. Gearoid Barry, Sean Evans, Daniel Twomey, Kevin Davis, Rudi Henwood and Dan MacEoin were just some of the talented players who excelled during the competition. The back-room staff comprising of coaches James Walsh, Conor Uhl and Martin White, along with Martin Henwood (Registrar) and Paddy McCarthy (Chairman) deserve immense credit for preparing and looking after the squad. The West Cork selection will enter next years Kennedy Cup tournament with one of their highest rankings ever (7th). West Cork will now be one of the eight group seeds in the first round draw, thus increasing their chances of making the knock-out stages.
The Evening Echo will continue its support of the West Cork Schoolboys League with the most comprehensive coverage of the 2007 / 2008 season. Match reports, weekend previews, fixtures, results and roundups will regularly appear in the Echo throughout the season.
The new West Cork Schoolboys League season promises to be another fascinating, entertaining and unpredictable roller-coaster ride. There is much to look forward to with more and more talented players emerging at U12, U14 and U16 level each year. Good luck to each of the West Cork clubs and their respective coaches, players, parents and supporters.
The new season sees 14 clubs fielding over 35 teams at 3 different age groups: U12, U14 and U16. The Schoolboys league is indebted to the dedicated service provided by the West Cork League Referee’s who are present every Saturday to officiate at the various league and cup matches. Many of the West Cork based clubs have entered the National Cup competitions with fixtures scheduled to be completed over the coming weeks.
New W.C.S.L Web Site
The 2007-2008 season sees the launch of a brand new web site dedicated to the West Cork Schoolboys League. The site can be found at the following address: http://www.westcorkschoolboysleague.com. The W.C.S. L. web site will display up-to-date fixtures, results and league tables for the U12, U14 and U16 leagues. The site includes an historical section reviewing past seasons. There is a gallery section containing photos from Schoolboy league and cup matches since 2005 and a feedback form to send in match reports, club news or general queries. Each club will have its own dedicated page on the web site updated with club news, fixtures and results throughout the season. A new Kennedy Cup section has also been included chronicling the West Cork side’s participation in the prestigious tournament in recent years.
W.C.S.L. Meeting
The Schoolboys League held its first meeting of the new season in the Arch Bar, Dunmanway, on the 14th of August. There was a very encouraging turnout with delegates from each competing club in attendance, including representatives from four new clubs: Ardfield, Ballydehob, Dunmanway Town and Harbour United. Ardfield and Dunmanway Town are each entering teams in the U12 league. Ballydehob will compete at Under 14 while Harbour United plan to enter teams at U12, U14 and U16 level. The following committee members were returned to their posts for the coming season: Paddy McCarthy - Chairman, Don Hurley - Fixtures Secretary, Danny Peters - Treasurer, Andrew Martin - Secretary, Martin Henwood - Registrar and Ger McCarthy - Public Relations Officer.
Chairman, Paddy McCarthy, addressed the club delegates and welcomed everyone back for another year, especially the representatives of new clubs joining for the 07-08 season. Paddy congratulated the Kennedy Cup squad on their efforts in the 2007 tournament. The Chairman warned delegates that fines will be imposed if pitches are not up to scratch or adequate first aid kits, water bottles and footballs are not present at each game this season. WCSL Secretary, Andrew Martin handed out F.A.I. Player Registration Forms, Sudden Cardiac Death Screening Questionnaires and Play Transfer Forms and booklets to each club delegate. It was also decided that every club must have a representative at each of the W.C.S.L meetings on the first Tuesday of every month for the coming season. Representatives cannot be existing committee members. 9pm Tuesday night is the deadline for cancelling a weekend fixture at U12, U14 or U16 level.
Fixtures Secretary, Don Hurley, presided over the draws for the U12, U14 and U16 leagues for the 2007 -2008 season. The U12 and U16 fixtures will be played on the same Saturday with U14 league fixtures taking place on the alternate weekends. The U14 league begins on Saturday, the 1st of September and the U12 and U16 schoolboy leagues kick off the following Saturday, September the 8th.
U12 League
The 2007-2008 U12 League will be split into two groups (Group 1 and Group 2) made up of 7 teams in each group. Each team will play one another twice, home and away, giving a minimum of 12 league fixtures for each club. The Play-Off format for the U12 league has changed this season with the winner of Group1 playing the runner-up of Group2 and the Winner of Group2 playing the runner-up of Group1 in two (knock-out) semi finals for a place in the U12 League final.
Bantry Gunners capped off a remarkable season to deservedly claim the 2007 West Cork Schoolboys U12 League title. The Gunners finished the season unbeaten in both the league and play-offs. Skibbereen lifted the U12 Shield trophy after defeating Drinagh Rangers in the final and Riverside Athletic completed the U12 honours list by claiming the U12 Cup with a 3-1 victory over Leeside in the decider.
Bantry Gunners underage club have decided to link up with neighbours Bay Rovers for the forthcoming 2007 – 2008 season. The two clubs decided to join forces so as to be able to put forward a stronger challenge in both the West Cork Schoolboys U12 and U14 Leagues. Rovers will now expect to emerge from U12 Group 1 with the addition of the ex-Bantry Gunners players to an already talented squad. Leeside and Durrus are likely to be the sides doing battle with Bay for the two play-off spots. Drinagh Rangers, Clonakilty AFC and Lyre Rovers struggled for long periods last season but the U12 Shield and U12 Cup competitions offer the best hope of silverware this time around. League debutantes Ardfield complete the U12 Group1 line-up.
Dunmanway Town and Harbour United have been handed a tough draw in U12 Group2. The newcomers have been drawn alongside current U12 Cup holders, Riverside Athletic and 06-07 U12 Shield winners Skibbereen. Bunratty United, Clonakilty AFC Youths and Togher Celtic complete the Group2 line-up. Skibb missed the play-offs by a single point last season and will be determined to emerge from Group2 this time around. Togher Celtic, Bunratty United and Riverside Athletic should also be in contention in what is regularly one of the most entertaining age groups in the West Cork Schoolboys League.
U12 Group 1: Ardfield, Bay Rovers, Clonakilty AFC, Drinagh Rangers, Durrus, Leeside and Lyre Rovers.
U12 Group 2 Teams: Bunratty United, Clonakilty AFC Youths, Dunmanway Town, Harbour United, Riverside Athletic, Skibbereen and Togher Celtic.
U14 League
The 2007 – 2008 U14 League will be run as a regular competition this season (unlike last year when there were two separate groups) with 11 teams taking part. Each side will play one another once guaranteeing a minimum of 10 league fixtures (5 home and 5 away). The top 4 ranked teams at the end of the regular league season will progress to a round-robin play off tournament to decide the U14 League Champions.
Drinagh Rangers dominated the 2006 - 2007 West Cork Schoolboys U14 League by securing an extraordinary league and Cup double. Lyre Rovers claimed the third U14 trophy, the U14 Shield, after a thrilling 4-3 final win over Riverside Athletic. Drinagh remained unbeaten throughout the play-offs and were worthy winners of both U14 league and cup titles.
Possible contenders for the U14 league crown this coming season include Skibbereen, Bunratty United, Togher Celtic and Bay Rovers. Skibb finished runners-up in the play-offs last season and will be one of the favourites to make the end of season playoffs. Togher Celtic managed to reach the U14 Cup final and finish 3rd overall in the play-offs. Drinagh Rangers face the arduous task of attempting to win back to back U14 leagues. It is going to take a massive effort by the reigning champions to retain the title.
Clonakilty AFC are entering two sides at U14 level this season: Clon AFC and Clon AFC Youths. The Clon teams along with Lyre Rovers and Riverside Athletic will each be hoping to figure in the play-offs for the league title at the end of the season. U14 newcomers Ballydehob and Harbour United will have to hit the ground running in what is one of the most competitive of all the schoolboy leagues. Both sides will be have to pick up as many points - as quickly as possible - if they are to keep pace with the established teams in the U14 grade.
U14 Teams: Ballydehob, Bay Rovers, Bunratty United, Clonakilty AFC, Clonakilty AFC Youths, Drinagh Rangers, Harbour United, Lyre Rovers, Riverside Athletic, Skibbereen and Togher Celtic.
U16 League
The U16 League will be run as a single league this year with 10 teams competing. Each side will play one another once guaranteeing 5 home and 5 away fixtures. The top 4 ranked teams at the end of the regular season will progress to a round-robin tournament (Play-Offs) to decide the U16 league title.
Riverside Athletic defied the odds to win the 2006-2007 Schoolboys U16 League Championship. Athletic left it late in each of the play-off games but were rewarded for their attacking efforts with consecutive victories over Skibbereen, Togher Celtic and Bunratty United. Bay Rovers retained the West Cork Schoolboys U16 Shield and Skibbereen won the U16 Cup with a 2-0 victory over Togher Celtic in the Cup Final. Clonakilty AFC enjoyed a magnificent run in the U16 National Cup and represented the West Cork Schoolboys League with great distinction.
The race for the 07-08 U16 league title is certain to be a close one. Champions, Riverside Athletic, will have their work cut out in defending the title they won is such dramatic fashion at the end of last season. Last season’s U16 Cup winners, Skibbereen, will be anxious to bounce back from their poor run in the play-offs which saw them claim a meagre 3 points from a possible 9. U16 League runners-up, Togher Celtic, will hope to go one better this season and another play-off spot looks likely. Clubs with an outside chance of making the play-offs include Drinagh Rangers, Bunratty United and Shield winners, Bay Rovers. Clonakilty AFC, Leeside and Lyre Rovers will start the season as rank outsiders, each hoping to improve on last season’s disappointing performances in the U16 league.
U16 Teams: Bay Rovers, Bunratty United, Clonakilty AFC, Drinagh Rangers, Harbour United, Leeside, Lyre Rovers, Riverside Athletic, Skibbereen and Togher Celtic
Kennedy Cup
The U13 West Cork Schoolboys League representative side achieved their second highest finish ever in the 2007 Kennedy Cup. The Kennedy Cup competition is an opportunity for all the various leagues affiliated with the Schoolboys Football Association of Ireland to display their talent at youth level. 7th overall is a remarkable achievement considering West Cork is one of the smallest leagues represented at the annual competition. One of the highlights of the tournament included the awarding of the "UMBRO Team of the day” to West Cork for winning Group 3. UMBRO presented the W.C.S.L with 6 new footballs and a new team kit-bag to reward their incredible achievement.
The 2007 squad were a credit to the Schoolboys League and gave a great account of the W.C.S.L. at the tournament. Gearoid Barry, Sean Evans, Daniel Twomey, Kevin Davis, Rudi Henwood and Dan MacEoin were just some of the talented players who excelled during the competition. The back-room staff comprising of coaches James Walsh, Conor Uhl and Martin White, along with Martin Henwood (Registrar) and Paddy McCarthy (Chairman) deserve immense credit for preparing and looking after the squad. The West Cork selection will enter next years Kennedy Cup tournament with one of their highest rankings ever (7th). West Cork will now be one of the eight group seeds in the first round draw, thus increasing their chances of making the knock-out stages.
The Evening Echo will continue its support of the West Cork Schoolboys League with the most comprehensive coverage of the 2007 / 2008 season. Match reports, weekend previews, fixtures, results and roundups will regularly appear in the Echo throughout the season.
The new West Cork Schoolboys League season promises to be another fascinating, entertaining and unpredictable roller-coaster ride. There is much to look forward to with more and more talented players emerging at U12, U14 and U16 level each year. Good luck to each of the West Cork clubs and their respective coaches, players, parents and supporters.
Wednesday, August 08, 2007
Countdown to the Barclays Premier League
Another Barclays Premier League is nearly upon us after a pre-season of incredible spending and no shortage of drama (take a bow Mr. Tevez). The 2007-2008 promises another frantic race for the coveted League title with the usual suspects Man Utd, Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal each spending heavily to make sure they are in the driving seat once again for the top four Champions League positions.
Manchester United have spent big on Owen Hargreaves, Nani, Anderson and Carlos Tevez to help bolster their impressive squad in an effort to retain their Premiership title. The real strength of Sir Alex Ferguson's side lies in their ability to counter attack at pace and with frightening speed. Just look at their potential options up front: Rooney, Ronaldo, Nani, Tevez and the proven goal-scoring ability of Scholes and Giggs. There will be very few defences able to cope with such attacking prowess.
Despite all that, Chelsea are still my tip to win back the title because even without all of Man United's attacking options Jose Mourinho has gelled together a formidable unit that can grind out results even when playing well below-par. It is a commendable achievement to have instilled such a disciplined team-ethic and winning mentality in a squad full of millionaires like Mourinho has done. Cech, Carvalho, Terry, Lampard and Drogba are the best 'back-bone' of any of the title contenders. Add to that the pace of Malouda, the skill of Joe Cole as well as talented new recruits such as Sidwell, Tal Ben Haim and Pizzaro and you have a cocktail of serious talent hungry for success.
That is the key to Chelsea this season is hunger. The fact United have taken the title from them is the key motivational tool Mourinho should use to inspire his side to win back the Premier League. Injuries are the big worry for the self-proclaimed chosen one though. Any long term absence of Drogba or Terry will seriously hinder Chelsea's title aspirations. The African Cup in January will also take the likes of Drogba, Essien and Obi Mikel out of the first team for up to a month. Chelsea will look to their new recruits to fill the void until Easter when the title chase will begin in earnest.
Much of the pre-season talk about Arsenal naturally centred on the acrimonious departures of key first team players Thierry Henry and Freddie Ljungberg. Arsene Wenger has not spent much this summer but still managed to bring in Eduardo and Bakari Sagna to supplement the loss of two of his former talismanic players. Arsenal are not tipped to challenge for the title this season even by many of their own fans. This might not be a bad thing though and it could take a lot of the pressure off the younger players in their squad. Any team containing Van Persie, Fabregas, Toure and Lehmann should be expecting to make at least one of the Champions League positions. Should United or Chelsea slip up this season Arsenal have the raw talent to make a serious title challenge.
The big draw back with the Gunners is their insistence on playing beautiful football up to their opponent’s penalty area and then infuriatingly trying to walk the ball into the net. Arsene Wenger must marry the pretty approach play by his young charges with a more ruthless streak in front of goal. Arsenal must also learn to win tight games 1-0 like they once did with remarkable regularity back in their title winning days and then they will be serious title contenders.
Liverpool are the coming season’s great unknown. Rafael Benitez no longer has the excuse of not being able to match the ‘other big three’ in terms of spending as he has splashed out well over €30 million in transfer fees during the close season. The arrivals of Babel, Vorinin, Benayoun and especially Torres show the reds are potentially serious title candidates this season. Benitez knows that Liverpool will have to hit the ground running and away wins at Villa and Sunderland are expected in the first month.
It will be interesting to see the placement of Steven Gerrard in the reds midfield this season as Benitez seemed to favour the Alonso / Sissoko axis for long periods of last year’s campaign. If Liverpool can get the best out of their new signings and keep Gerrard fit for the majority of the season then there is every chance they can improve on last year’s points tally. However, should early results not match heightened expectations then Benitez may face his first back-lash from the Kop since his arrival at Anfield.
Of the clubs chasing the top four Tottenham Hotspur look the best placed to squeeze into a Champions League qualifying berth. The arrival of Darren Bent means Martin Jol now has four international strikers to choose from but also to keep happy. Blackburn have been steadily improving under the watchful of eye of Mark Hughes over the past three seasons. The signing of Roque Santa Cruz from Bayern will form an exciting partnership with Benni McCarthy who had a tremendous 06-07 season for the Ewood Park club. New manager’s such as Roy Keane at Sunderland, Sam Allardyce at Newcastle and Sven Goran Eriksson at Manchester City will keep the tabloid headline writers busy as the season progresses.
One thing is for certain with this year’s Premier League, it is going to be another roller-coaster of adrenalin, 100mph football with no shortage of thrills and spills.
Let battle commence…
Predicted final Premier League Table for 2007 -2008:
01 Chelsea
02 Man Utd
03 Arsenal
04 Liverpool
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05 Tottenham
06 Everton
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07 Blackburn
08 Aston Villa
09 Newcastle
10 Reading
11 Man City
12 Portsmouth
13 West Ham
14 Bolton
15 Fulham
16 Sunderland
17 Birmingham
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18 Middlesbrough
19 Wigan
20 Derby
Manchester United have spent big on Owen Hargreaves, Nani, Anderson and Carlos Tevez to help bolster their impressive squad in an effort to retain their Premiership title. The real strength of Sir Alex Ferguson's side lies in their ability to counter attack at pace and with frightening speed. Just look at their potential options up front: Rooney, Ronaldo, Nani, Tevez and the proven goal-scoring ability of Scholes and Giggs. There will be very few defences able to cope with such attacking prowess.
Despite all that, Chelsea are still my tip to win back the title because even without all of Man United's attacking options Jose Mourinho has gelled together a formidable unit that can grind out results even when playing well below-par. It is a commendable achievement to have instilled such a disciplined team-ethic and winning mentality in a squad full of millionaires like Mourinho has done. Cech, Carvalho, Terry, Lampard and Drogba are the best 'back-bone' of any of the title contenders. Add to that the pace of Malouda, the skill of Joe Cole as well as talented new recruits such as Sidwell, Tal Ben Haim and Pizzaro and you have a cocktail of serious talent hungry for success.
That is the key to Chelsea this season is hunger. The fact United have taken the title from them is the key motivational tool Mourinho should use to inspire his side to win back the Premier League. Injuries are the big worry for the self-proclaimed chosen one though. Any long term absence of Drogba or Terry will seriously hinder Chelsea's title aspirations. The African Cup in January will also take the likes of Drogba, Essien and Obi Mikel out of the first team for up to a month. Chelsea will look to their new recruits to fill the void until Easter when the title chase will begin in earnest.
Much of the pre-season talk about Arsenal naturally centred on the acrimonious departures of key first team players Thierry Henry and Freddie Ljungberg. Arsene Wenger has not spent much this summer but still managed to bring in Eduardo and Bakari Sagna to supplement the loss of two of his former talismanic players. Arsenal are not tipped to challenge for the title this season even by many of their own fans. This might not be a bad thing though and it could take a lot of the pressure off the younger players in their squad. Any team containing Van Persie, Fabregas, Toure and Lehmann should be expecting to make at least one of the Champions League positions. Should United or Chelsea slip up this season Arsenal have the raw talent to make a serious title challenge.
The big draw back with the Gunners is their insistence on playing beautiful football up to their opponent’s penalty area and then infuriatingly trying to walk the ball into the net. Arsene Wenger must marry the pretty approach play by his young charges with a more ruthless streak in front of goal. Arsenal must also learn to win tight games 1-0 like they once did with remarkable regularity back in their title winning days and then they will be serious title contenders.
Liverpool are the coming season’s great unknown. Rafael Benitez no longer has the excuse of not being able to match the ‘other big three’ in terms of spending as he has splashed out well over €30 million in transfer fees during the close season. The arrivals of Babel, Vorinin, Benayoun and especially Torres show the reds are potentially serious title candidates this season. Benitez knows that Liverpool will have to hit the ground running and away wins at Villa and Sunderland are expected in the first month.
It will be interesting to see the placement of Steven Gerrard in the reds midfield this season as Benitez seemed to favour the Alonso / Sissoko axis for long periods of last year’s campaign. If Liverpool can get the best out of their new signings and keep Gerrard fit for the majority of the season then there is every chance they can improve on last year’s points tally. However, should early results not match heightened expectations then Benitez may face his first back-lash from the Kop since his arrival at Anfield.
Of the clubs chasing the top four Tottenham Hotspur look the best placed to squeeze into a Champions League qualifying berth. The arrival of Darren Bent means Martin Jol now has four international strikers to choose from but also to keep happy. Blackburn have been steadily improving under the watchful of eye of Mark Hughes over the past three seasons. The signing of Roque Santa Cruz from Bayern will form an exciting partnership with Benni McCarthy who had a tremendous 06-07 season for the Ewood Park club. New manager’s such as Roy Keane at Sunderland, Sam Allardyce at Newcastle and Sven Goran Eriksson at Manchester City will keep the tabloid headline writers busy as the season progresses.
One thing is for certain with this year’s Premier League, it is going to be another roller-coaster of adrenalin, 100mph football with no shortage of thrills and spills.
Let battle commence…
Predicted final Premier League Table for 2007 -2008:
01 Chelsea
02 Man Utd
03 Arsenal
04 Liverpool
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05 Tottenham
06 Everton
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07 Blackburn
08 Aston Villa
09 Newcastle
10 Reading
11 Man City
12 Portsmouth
13 West Ham
14 Bolton
15 Fulham
16 Sunderland
17 Birmingham
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18 Middlesbrough
19 Wigan
20 Derby
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