Tag: Premiership


Premiership Season Preview 2006/07 – Liverpool

Post by David Walker

Liverpool

Odds: eight/one

Last Five Seasons2005/06 – three (Premiership), 2004/05 – 5 (Premiership), 2003/04 – 4 (Premiership), 2002/03 – five (Premiership), 2001/02 – two (Premiership).

2005/06 Cup ProgressUEFA Super Cup vs CSKA Moscow – won three-one following added time.FIFA Globe Club Championship Last vs Sao Paulo – misplaced 1-.Champions League Final sixteen vs Benfica – misplaced three- on aggregate.FA Cup Final vs West Ham United (n) – won 3-one on penalties with the score at 3-3 after further time.Carling Cup 3rd Round vs Crystal Palace (a) – misplaced 2-1.

Top Objective Scorer 2005/06: Steven Gerrard (midfield) – 23 ambitions.

Players InJermaine Pennant (Birmingham Metropolis – £6,700,000), Craig Bellamy (Blackburn Rovers – £6,000,000), Gabriel Paletta (Banfield – £2,000,000), Fabiano Aurelio (Valencia – Totally free).

Players OutDietmar Hamann (Manchester City – £400,000), Bruno Cheyrou (Rennes – Undisclosed), Carl Medjani (Lorient – Undisclosed), David Raven (Carlisle United – No cost), Ramon Calliste (Scunthorpe United – Totally free), Conal Platt (Bournemouth – Totally free), Zak Whitbread (Millwall – Free), Chris Kirkland (Wigan Athletic – Mortgage), Djibril Cisse (Marseille – Loan).

Liverpool endured a prolonged 2005/06 campaign which started with them defending their Champions League crown versus Welsh minnows TNS in mid July, noticed them travel to Japan to participate in the World Club Championships a week prior to Xmas and ended with them successful the FA Cup in Might.

This season won’t be anywhere around as arduous but manager Rafael Benitez has extra reinforcements after final season’s mammoth campaign which saw the Reds concerned in 63 matches.

Benitez signed the Premiership’s sort player of final season in Blackburn Rovers striker Craig Bellamy. Liverpool triggered a clause in the Welsh international’s contract, allowing them to speak to him need to they supply £6 million. Soon after a challenging spell at Newcastle United, Bellamy flourished at Ewood Park final time and scored 17 objectives in 26 appearances very last time.

Benitez has signed an additional of football’s “poor boys” in Birmingham Metropolis winger Jermaine Pennant. The 23 yr aged signed a 4 yr deal and the transfer fee could improve up to £8 million from the initial down payment of £6.seven million. In 2005 he became the very first Premeirship footballer to play whilst sporting an digital tag.

Other arrivals contain Brazilian left-back Fabio Aurelio who signed on a no cost transfer from Valencia whilst central defender Gabriel Paletta joined for £2 million from Argentine side Atletico Banfield. Chilean winger Mark Gonzalez is eligible to play after becoming granted a perform permit a yr after joining the Reds.

VerdictLiverpool could go one far better than their third place end last season and look a stable bet to win the Premiership “without Chelsea” at 9/4 odds.

About the Author

David Walker runs totally free bets and UK poker internet sites. A no cost email program: “7 Days to Better Betting” is available at each of these websites.

Premiership Transfer Window Review – Part One

Write-up by David Walker

The January transfer window gave Premiership clubs the opportunity to add new players or ship out individuals surplus to demands. David Walker appears at who arrived and went and how these moves will influence on each and every team’s accomplishment.

ArsenalThe Gunners have invested in the up coming era of young expertise after a disastrous time. Vassiriki Diaby joined from Auxerre and Togo striker Manuel Adebayor arrived from Monaco but the most talked about transfer was the capture of Southampton’s 16 yr outdated Theo Walcott. The transfer fee could rocket to £12 million.

Quincy Owusu-Abeyie and Jeremie Aliadiere joined Spartak Moscow and Wolves respectively whilst David Bentley joined Blackburn completely.

Such modify is important to each Arsenal’s quick and future good results. They at present lie in sixth spot but a substantial 25 factors behind leaders Chelsea. The bookmakers aren’t convinced and give them at twelve/one in the “without having Chelsea” marketplace to win the Premiership.

Aston VillaAfter a pre-season transfer investment with quite little to indicate for it, there have been no much more money created offered. The Villains, regardless of spending £11 million on new players in the summertime, are only seven points apparent of relegation.

Kevin Phillips has scored just three targets, Milan Baros has netted five and defender Wilfred Bouma has been one thing of a £3.5 million misfit. Inadequate residence and away sort could see a bit of worth in the 22/1 relegation odds.

Birmingham CityStruggling in the bottom three is in no way the greatest position to be in when making an attempt to entice new gamers but with objectives in quick supply, two new attacking possibilities arrived in January.

Striker Chris Sutton arrived on a totally free transfer from Celtic after scoring 63 objectives in 130 league appearances and Brentford’s DJ Campbell, 24, signed for £500,000. Campbell may possibly be an unknown amount for leading flight defences but his two target salvo which dumped Sunderland out of the FA Cup will deliver out a warning to Premiership managers.

The bookmakers are not convinced Steve Bruce’s aspect are relegation fodder just however, at four/6 to stay up or five/four to go down.

Blackburn RoversRovers may possibly be out of equally Cups but are making excellent progress in the league beneath manager Mark Hughes. Unbeaten in their very last six matches and sitting in eighth position is marked improvement from previous season’s flirt with relegation.

Arsenal striker David Bentley produced his mortgage transfer a long term transfer and scored a hat-trick in the 4-three win versus Manchester United on February 1. Rovers also boosted their bid for a UEFA Cup location with the mortgage signing of Liverpool striker Florent Sinama Pongolle and Martin Olsson from Hogaborgs for a nominal fee.

Bolton WanderersThere wasn’t significantly proof of the normal wheeling and dealing at the Reebok Stadium with only Matt Jansen’s totally free transfer arrival from Blackburn. Despite losing 5 gamers to African Cup duty, manager Sam Allardyce has stored faith with his present squad.

January has noticed far more curiosity in Large Sam’s long term at the club subsequent Sven Goran Eriksson’s selection to give up as England manager right after the Planet Cup. He is one particular of the favourites to take more than the role and can be backed at five/1.

Charlton AthleticAfter a slump in form which saw the Addicks eliminate seven out of ten Premiership matches from the finish of October to New Year’s Day results are beginning to strengthen and they are unbeaten in their very last three league matches.

Marcus Bent arrived with a bang subsequent his £2.five million transfer from Everton by scoring the equaliser in a one-one draw at Chelsea. Supervisor Alan Curbishley will hope he can ease the goalscoring burden off 11-target Darren Bent who can be backed at 20/one to finish the season as the Premiership’s top rated goalscorer.

ChelseaWith a 15 point lead at the top rated of the Premiership and getting spent £53 million on new players this season so far, it is not a massive surprise that Chelsea have been quiet in the transfer marketplace.

One particular new player arrived in the type of Portuguese winger Maniche, creating a mortgage switch from Dynamo Moscow even though defender Wayne Bridge has headed out of the Stamford Bridge exit door to join West London rivals Fulham on loan.

The Blues are unbackable now as far as Premiership accomplishment is involved with odds of one/66 the most generous accessible. Frank Lampard is available at 12/1 to finish as the Premiership’s top rated goalscorer.

Part two will seem at the transfers impacting Everton, Fulham, Liverpool, Manchester Metropolis, Manchester United, Middlesbrough and Newcastle United.

About the Writer

The January transfer window gave Premiership clubs the option to add new players or ship out these surplus to needs. David Walker appears at who came and went and how these moves will influence on every single team’s achievement.

Premiership Betting Review – 6 March 2006

Report by David Walker

Chelsea marked Jose Mourinho’s 100th game in charge with a win at West Brom and extended their lead at the leading of the Premiership to 17 points. Even as quick as two/five, Chelsea will have had lots of assistance and scored through Didier Drogba and Joe Kole. Kanu pulled one back again for the Baggies with two minutes remaining.

Tottenham tightened their grip on fourth area and are now five points distinct of fifth put Arsenal following a 3-two win in opposition to Blackburn. Spurs, twenty/21 on the day, took a two- lead by means of Robbie Keane but Rovers drew level by way of Sinama Pongolle and Craig Bellamy. However, parity lasted all of three minutes and Mido netted the winner on 70.

Arsenal demolished Fulham 4- at Craven Cottage to retain their hopes of a leading four end alive. The six/five Gunners broke the deadlock following 31 minutes via Thierry Henry and Emmanuel Adebayor doubled the advantage 4 minutes later. Henry acquired his second right after 77 minutes just before Cesc Fabregas completed the rout with 4 minutes left.

Newcastle prolonged their unbeaten run underneath caretaker boss Glenn Roeder to 6 video games with a 3-1 victory more than Bolton. Initial half goals for Nobby Solano and Alan Shearer put the 13/10 Magpies in the driving seat and Shola Ameobi additional a 3rd right after 70 minutes. Kevin Davies scored a consolation for the Trotters two minutes later on.

Portsmouth’s possibilities of survival took an additional setback as they endured a ninth consecutive away defeat at Aston Villa. Milan Baros’ tenth target of the time 9 minutes prior to the break was adequate for the 8/eleven Villains.

Birmingham continue to be in the bottom 3 soon after a narrow 1- defeat at Middlesbrough. Mark Viduka’s decisive strike on the stroke of 50 percent-time ensured all 3 points for nine/ten Boro.

Odds-on Manchester City condemned rock-bottom Sunderland to their twenty 2nd defeat of the time. Georgios Samaras netted twice in as several minutes for the 2/five Citizens but Kevin Kyle gave the Black Cats wish right after 25 minutes with his 1st at any time goal in the Premiership.

About the Author

David Walker runs free of charge bets and UK poker web sites. A totally free email program: “Seven Days to Much better Betting” is available at the two of these web sites.

Premiership Betting Review – 19 March 2006

Report by David Walker

Fulham stunned Chelsea at Craven Cottage with a one- win although ugly scenes following the match threatened to mar a breathtaking victory for Chris Coleman’s men. Luis Boa Morte fired the winner for the seven/1 Cottagers following 17 minutes whilst Didier Drogba had a Chelsea equaliser ruled out for handball.

Manchester United tightened their grip on 2nd-location but manufactured challenging perform of a 2-1 win at West Bromwich Albion. United, a very best priced 1/2 noticed Louis Saha net on 16 and 64 minutes despite the fact that Nathan Ellington’s goal 12 minutes from time set up a tense finale.

Liverpool reduced Manchester United’s second location to two factors but they have played two video games a lot more following Sunday’s three-1 win at Newcastle United. Peter Crouch scored after 9 minutes for the eleven/8 Reds while Steven Gerrard doubled the advantage on 34. Shola Ameobi gave the Magpies desire five minutes before the break but Djibril Cisse’s penalty on 51 secured a valuable away win.

Tottenham Hotspur continued their cost for a place in following season’s Champions League with a 2- win at Birmingham. Relegation threatened Town held firm for 66 minutes till Aaron Lennon netted his first target for the 5/4 Spurs. The in-form Robbie Keane added a second thirteen minutes from the end to preserve Martin Jol’s side’s fourth put placement.

Arsenal are not providing up on league issues just yet and demolished Charlton three- at Highbury. The Gunners were seriously odds on at 2/five and took just 13 minutes to lead via Robert Pires. Emmanuel Adebayor obtained on the scoresheet following 32 and Alexsander Hleb finished the masterclass four minutes into the second half.

Blackburn also earned maximum factors in a 3-two win towards Middlesbrough. The in-sort Craig Bellamy opened the scoring for 5/6 Rovers after eleven minutes only for Mark Viduka to equalise five minutes later on. Morten Gamst Pedersen restored the lead for Rovers but Fabio Rochemback levelled on 62. Bellamy fired in a fantastic personal second six minutes later on to seal victory for Mark Hughes’ group.

Portsmouth edged towards 3 factors off safety with a rousing 4-2 win at supervisor Harry Redknapp’s former club West Ham. Portsmouth, seven/2 outsiders ahead of kick-off, discovered on their own three- up at 50 percent time.

Everton may well make a late bid for Europe after destroying Aston Villa four-one, their sixth consecutive victory. James McFadden broke the deadlock following 16 minutes for the 4/five Toffees and further ambitions from Tim Cahill and Leon Osman gave David Moyes’ aspect a commanding 50 percent-time lead. Debutante Gabriel Agbonlahor gave the Villains wish but Cahill netted his 2nd of the game in stoppage time.

About the Writer

David Walker runs totally free bets and UK poker web sites. A free e mail program: “7 Days to Far better Betting” is accessible at both of these websites.

Premiership Betting Review – 26 February 2006

Post by David Walker

Manchester United are the 2005/06 Carling Cup winners subsequent a four- demolition of Wigan Athletic at the Millennium Stadium. United, as brief as 8/thirteen on the day, took the lead following 32 minutes by way of Wayne Rooney but it was a 3 ambitions in 6 minutes salvo in the second fifty percent that devastated outsiders Wigan. Louis Saha netted right after 54 minutes, Cristiano Ronaldo on 58 and Rooney once again on the hour to win the Cup in emphatic style.

With United not taking part in in the Premiership this weekend, Chelsea extended their lead at the best to 15 points with an expected victory over Portsmouth. The Blues were overwhelming favourites at 1/six and did not disappoint short-odds backers with 2nd fifty percent objectives from Frank Lampard and Arjen Robben to win the match two-.

Liverpool drew level on factors with Manchester United but continue being third after a one- win towards Manchester City on Sunday. Harry Kewell’s objective 5 minutes ahead of the break was enough to safe all three factors for the 8/15 Reds.

Arsenal’s dire away form in the Premiership continued as they lost 1- at Blackburn Rovers. The five/4 Gunners will have attracted a good deal of punting interest, nonetheless, it was 21/10 Rovers that took the points right after Morten Gamst Pedersen’s decisive objective. The outcome saw Blackburn leapfrog Arsenal into fifth area while condemning them to their eighth away defeat of the time.

Birmingham City are inside of touching distance of security following a crucial win towards Sunderland. Even although prior to the match the Blues had won just three games all season at St. Andrews, loads will have ploughed into the 7/ten odds and Emile Heskey headed in the winner soon after 39 minutes.

In one more crunch relegation battle, Middlesbrough edged themselves closer to safety but piled on far more stress on West Bromwich Albion right after profitable two- at the Hawthorns. Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink’s targets on 17 and 44 was enough to seal victory at tasty 9/five odds.

Caretaker supervisor Glenn Roeder created it 3 wins in four matches for 11/10 Newcastle with a 2- victory towards Everton. Two ambitions from Nolberto Solano following 64 and 76 minutes saw Everton eliminate their first match since December 28.

About the Author

David Walker runs no cost bets and UK poker sites. A free of charge e mail course: “Seven Days to Greater Betting” is offered at each of these sites.

Premiership Highs and Lows – Manchester United Football Club

Write-up by Chris Towland

Most enthusiasts of English football and the Premiership in distinct would agree that Manchester United have undoubtedly had their share of ‘Highs’ in the twelve seasons given that the Premiership commenced………. and what would be regarded as a ‘Low’ by Utd followers (this sort of as finishing third behind Arsenal and Chelsea) would in truth be deemed a important ‘High’ by most other clubs!Right here are what I think about to be some of Manchester United’s key highs and lows because the inaugural Premiership period kicked off in 1992:*** Highs ***Out of a complete of just twelve seasons, Man. United have lifted the Premiership trophy no significantly less than 8 occasions and a certain large was taking the title in the very 1st Premiership time.United have attained the Premiership and F.A. Cup ‘double’ 3 instances……. in 1994, 1996 and in 1999.They have won a lot more Premiership games, won a lot more factors and suffered less defeats than any other group in the league. Manchester United have scored the best amount of objectives general considering that the Premiership began and in truth also maintain the report for the most goals scored in a single season: 97 scored in 1999-2000.United also hold the record for the greatest quantity of goals in a Premiership game which they achieved in March 1995 with a nine- victory against Ipswich……. a game exactly where Andy Cole scored five of the ambitions.*** Lows ***One latest major reduced for Manchester United came at the stop of the 2003-2004 period when they not only completed outside of the best two (a total fifteen factors behind the winners Arsenal) but also equaled their lowest ever before points complete for a time.How numerous can neglect Frenchman Eric Cantona’s notorious flying kung fu attack on a fan at Crystal palace in 1995? His kick could have looked at property in a Bruce Lee movie but it earned him an eight month suspension which a lot of contemplate was a key element in United losing the title that period to Blackburn Rovers.In 2003 there had been two key lows for Manchester United:The first was David Beckham leaving to join True Madrid. His £25 million transfer charge was excellent for the United coffers but not so great for the crew as there was no ideal alternative waiting to step into his shoes. The second was defender Rio Ferdinand, the document £30 million signing from Leeds United, becoming banned for 8 months for missing a regimen medications check. For anybody interested in a quite thorough, month by month watch of Manchester United’s twelve decades in the Premiership, I entirely suggest ‘The Breedon Book of Premiership Records’ by Breedon Guides which is offered from their site at:http://www.breedonbooks.co.uk/publications/1859834191.htmlChris Towland

About the Writer

Chris is the webmaster of http://www.football-nut.co.uk exactly where he challenges you to show your football understanding and win prizes in the free monthly football quiz and prize draw. The Football-Nut web site also consists of up-to-the-moment news for all of the key UK football clubs.

Premiership Betting Review – 5 February 2006

Write-up by David Walker

Alan Shearer broke Jackie Milburn’s all-time Newcastle scoring document with his 201st aim in a vital two- win around relegation strugglers Portsmouth. The Magpies were playing their initial match beneath short-term supervisor Glenn Roeder and were 4/five to win ahead of kick off. An opener from Charles N’Zogbia and a second from Shearer gave Newcastle their very first Premiership win in seven attempts.

In one more private goal scoring feat, Thierry Henry netted his 200th objective for Arsenal as the Gunners overcame their away day fragility to win two- at Birmingham City. Arsene Wenger’s facet had not won away because beating Charlton Athletic on Boxing Day and will have had a great deal of assist at 11/10 towards bottom-three Birmingham. A debut objective for Emmanuel Adebayor and Henry’s landmark strike was ample to preserve Arsenal in fifth location.

Chelsea prolonged their lead at the leading of the Premiership by 15 factors soon after beating Liverpool two- at Stamford Bridge. The rather generous 10/eleven on give of a house win will have had punters drooling and goals for William Gallas and Hernan Crespo secured the Blues’ 21st win in 24 league matches this period.

West Bromwich Albion did their relegation battle the energy of very good with a convincing 2- victory over Blackburn Rovers at The Hawthorns. The Baggies have won much more house video games than any of their rivals in the bottom 7 and have been an appealing proposition to punters at 19/ten. Kevin Campbell marked his 36th birthday with a objective and Jonathan Greening secured the points following 32 minutes.

Meanwhile, Middlesbrough slipped nearer to the relegation spots when they succumbed four- at property to Aston Villa. A Luke Moore hat-trick and 1 for previous England striker Kevin Phillips secured victory at 21/10 and Middlesbrough, with just a single win in their last eleven Premiership matches, can be backed at nine/two for relegation.

West Ham United condemned Sunderland to their fifth defeat in 6 league matches with a two- win at Upton Park. At 1/two, the Hammers will have been on numerous punter’s accumulator’s but it took until finally 81 minutes for Dean Ashton to break the deadlock and repay some of the £7.25 million invested in him.

On Sunday, Jermaine Defoe continued Tottenham’s statements for a Champions League spot with a brace versus previous club Charlton Athletic. Even with never ever beating thr Addicks at residence in the Premiership, Spurs have been odds on at four/five just before kick off. Two Defoe ambitions sandwiched Jermain Jenas’ strike although Jerome Thomas’ aim right after 70 minutes was a mere consolation for Charlton.

About the Writer

David Walker runs totally free bets and UK poker websites. A free of charge e-mail program: “7 Days to Far better Betting” is available at each of these internet sites.

Premiership Season Preview 2006/07 – Charlton Athletic

Write-up by David Walker

Charlton Athletic

Odds: 1500/1

Last 5 Seasons2005/06 – thirteen (Premiership), 2004/05 – 11 (Premiership), 2003/04 – seven (Premiership), 2002/03 – 12 (Premiership), 2001/02 – 14 (Premiership).

2005/06 Cup ProgressFA Cup Sixth Round (replay) vs Middlesbrough (a) – misplaced 4-two.Carling Cup Fourth Round vs Blackburn Rovers (h) – misplaced 3-2.

Leading Goal Scorer 2005/06: Darren Bent (striker) – 22 goals.

Gamers InSimon Walton (Leeds United – £500,000), Jimmy-Floyd Hasselbaink (Middlesbrough – No cost), Gonzalo Sorondo (Inter Milan – Free).

Players OutFrancis Jeffers (Blackburn Rovers – Free), Chris Powell (Watford – Totally free), Chris Perry (West Bromwich Albion – No cost), Jay Bothroyd (Wolves – Free of charge), Adam Cottrell (Millwall – No cost), Jonatan Johansson (Launched), Shaun Bartlett (Launched).

Charlton Athletic will tactic the 2006/07 season without former manager Alan Curbishley, who brought an conclude to his 15 12 months tenure at The Valley in the summertime. Iain Dowie is the man responsible for taking the Addicks onto far better points but his change from Crystal Palace wasn’t straight ahead.

The former Northern Ireland international was served with a writ from former employers Palace for “fraudulent representation” soon after leaving Selhurst Park. Chairman Simon Jordan claimed he only released Dowie in purchase for him to transfer nearer to his family members in the North West, but Dowie made a quick trip across London alternatively.

Dowie signed veteran Dutch striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink on a totally free transfer from Middlesbrough. The 34 yr old is seventh on the listing of all time Premiership top objective scorers, possessing netted 125 objectives in 263 appearances for Middlesbrough, Chelsea and Leeds United. In spite of his advancing a long time, his appetite for goals reveals no indicator of diminishing and he scored 34 targets in 89 appearances for Middlesbrough.

Hasselbaink need to type a potent partnership with final season’s best aim scorer Darren Bent, who ended speculation about his future at the club by signing a new 4 12 months contract. Regardless of scoring 18 Premiership targets previous season, creating him the most prolific English striker, he was left out of England’s Entire world Cup squad and was linked with a £10 million move to Tottenham Hotspur.

Leeds United teenager Simon Walton, who created his debut as a 16 yr old in the 2004/05 time joined in a £500,000 deal while captain Luke Youthful signed a new 4 year contract ending rumours he was set to join West Ham United. Youthful has produced 158 Premiership appearances considering that joining the Addicks from Tottenham Hotspur in 2001.

VerdictCharlton could properly enhance with a clean experience in cost and will undoubtedly be much more hazardous in attack with the addition of Hasselbaink. The Addicks could emulate their 2003/04 campaign and break into the top ten.

About the Writer

David Walker runs VCBet free bet and football betting programs websites. A free email course: “Seven Days to Much better Betting” is obtainable at equally of these web sites.

Premiership Season Preview 2006/07 – Wigan Athletic

Write-up by David Walker

Wigan Athletic

Odds: 1500/1

Last Five Seasons2005/06 – ten (Premiership), 2004/05 – two (Championship, Promoted), 2003/04 – seven (Championship), 2002/03 – 1 (League One particular, Promoted), 2001/02 – ten (League One).

2005/06 Cup ProgressFA Cup Fourth Round vs Manchester Metropolis (a) – misplaced 1-.Carling Cup Ultimate vs Manchester United (n) – lost 4-.

Leading Objective Scorer 2005/06: Jason Roberts (striker) – 14 ambitions.

Gamers InEmile Heskey (Birmingham Town – £5,500,000), Denny Landzaat (AZ Alkmaar – £2,500,000), Emmerson Boyce (Crystal Palace – £1,000,000), Fitz Hall (Crystal Palace – Free), Chris Kirland (Liverpool – Mortgage).

Players OutJason Roberts (Blackburn Rovers – £3,000,000), Jimmy Bullard (Fulham – £2,500,000), Alan Mahon (Burnley – £200,000), David Thompson (Portsmouth – Free), Kevin Lee (Southport – Totally free), Matt Jackson (Released), Stephane Henchoz (Released).

Wigan Athletic, like West Ham United, appreciated an outstanding very first period in the Premiership, finishing tenth and reaching the Carling Cup final. The Latics now confront a hard 2nd period which will be even a lot more tough with the losses of equally Jimmy Bullard and very last season’s top rated objective scorer Jason Roberts, both of whom moved on to various clubs in the summer time.

Manager Paul Jewell broke the club’s transfer record to deliver striker Emile Heskey to the JJB Stadium from relegated Birmingham City in a £5.five million offer. Heskey will change the departed Roberts despite the fact that Jewell also attempted to indicator Andy Johnson from Crystal Palace.

Nevertheless, two new recruits were signed from Palace in Fitz Hall and Emmerson Boyce. Hall joined for an undisclosed price, reportedly £3 million and signed a four year contract even though Boyce joined for an first fee of £1 million which could rise by an additional £200,000 relying on appearances. The flexible Boyce can play in central defence and at appropriate back which fuels speculation that Pascal Chimbonda is set to depart the club.

Dutch global midfielder Denny Landzaat signed for a payment considered to be £2.5 million from AZ Alkmaar, with Wigan viewing off levels of competition from Espanyol to secure the 21 capped Alkmaar captain’s signature.

Liverpool goalkeeper Chris Kirkland signed on a six month loan deal with a watch to a permanent transfer. Kirkland, who cost £6 million five many years in the past from Coventry Town, invested previous time on loan at West Bromwich Albion but was unable to oust Tomasz Kuszczak as the club’s initial choice goalkeeper.

VerdictInfluential players such as Jason Roberts, Jimmy Bullard and Stephane Henchoz have left the club and the Latics could uncover on their own concerned in a relegation battle up coming period instead than difficult for a place in Europe. They are excellent worth for the drop at 10/3.

About the Writer

David Walker runs Coral free of charge wager and UK poker internet sites. A free of charge e mail course: “Seven Days to Far better Betting” is accessible at the two of these websites.

Premiership Season Preview 2006/07 – Portsmouth

Write-up by David Walker

Portsmouth

Odds: 1000/1

Final Five Seasons2005/06 – 17 (Premiership), 2004/05 – sixteen (Premiership), 2003/04 – 13 (Premiership), 2002/03 – 1 (Championship, Promoted), 2001/02 – 17 (Championship).

2005/06 Cup ProgressFA Cup Fourth Round vs Liverpool (h) – misplaced 2-1.Carling Cup Second Round vs Gillingham (a) – misplaced three-two right after further time.

Top rated Objective Scorer 2005/06: Lomano Lua Lua (striker) and Gary O’Neill – seven ambitions every.

Gamers InDavid Thompson (Wigan Athletic – Totally free), Glen Johnson (Chelsea – Mortgage).

Gamers OutJohn Viafara (Southampton – Undisclosed), Brian Priske (FC Bruges – No cost), Gregory Vignal (Lens – No cost), Vincent Pericard (Stoke Metropolis – No cost), Gary Silk (Notts County – Free of charge), Andrea Guatelli (Launched), Aliou Cisse (Released), Collins Mbesuma (Released), Sander Westerveld (Launched).

Portsmouth survived the drop very last period right after languishing in the bottom 3 for much of the campaign. The rescue act was down to former manager Harry Redknapp, who returned to the Fratton Park hot seat just a 12 months after leaving for bitter rivals Southampton.

A 6 game unbeaten run in between March and April noticed Pompey scramble together adequate factors to beat relegation with four points to spare but Redknapp will have his work minimize out yet again this time.

With a great deal of income to spend, he has been thwarted in the transfer marketplace this summer time. Celtic’s Bulgaria captain Stilian Petrov was higher on the needed checklist but he failed with a £5 million bid, even with the player seeking a move to the Premier League. Aston Villa turned down Redknapp’s provide of £4.5 million for midfielder Gareth Barry and Real Betis rejected a bid for Brazilian striker Edu, who netted 11 ambitions in 31 matches final season.

Portsmouth have been on the verge of breaking the transfer report charge with the £10 million capture of Benfica midfielder Manuel Fernandes but the youngster, who was not chosen for Portugal’s World Cup squad, but that transfer also failed.

Redknapp has managed to sign Arsenal centre back Sol Campbell on a free of charge transfer subsequent 5 many years, 5 major trophies and 197 appearances for the North London side. Wigan Athletic midfielder David Thompson, a former England international, also arrived on a free of charge transfer, following spells at Blackburn Rovers, Coventry Town and Liverpool.

Chelsea defender Glen Johnson, who has fallen out of favour at Stamford Bridge following a £6 million change from West Ham United in the summertime of 2003, has joined the club on a time long loan.

VerdictThe arrival of Sol Campbell will offer some much necessary defensive balance and Redknapp is gradually shipping out the dead wood, but survival will be the quantity a single priority subsequent period above anything else.

About the Writer

David Walker runs Paddy Strength free of charge bet and football betting techniques internet sites. A no cost e-mail program: “7 Days to Far better Betting” is obtainable at both of these sites.