Tag: Preview


League Two Season Preview 2006/07 – Bury

Post by David Walker

Bury

Odds: 66/1

Final 5 Seasons2005/06 – 19 (League Two), 2004/05 – 17 (League Two), 2003/04 – twelve (League Two), 2002/03 – seven (League Two), 2001/02 – 22 (League 1, Relegated).

2005/06 Cup ProgressFA Cup First Round (replay) vs Scunthorpe United (a) – lost 1- following extra timeCarling Cup 1st Round vs Leicester Town (h) – misplaced 3-0Football League Trophy Northern Area First Round vs Halifax Town (a) – misplaced 6-1

Top Objective Scorer 2005/06: Simon Whaley (midfielder) – seven targets.

Gamers InRichie Baker (Preston North Stop – Totally free), Marc Goodfellow (Grimsby City – Totally free), Alan Fettis (Macclesfield Town – No cost), Andy Bishop (York Metropolis – Free).

Players OutAllan Intelligent (Portadown – Free), Jon Newby (Launched), Craig Dootson (Launched), Neil Edwards (Launched), Steve Burke (Released).

Bury have struggled in League Two during the last two seasons and were one of a range of clubs concerned in previous season’s tense relegation battle. Chris Casper’s aspect dug deep and ground out four draws and 1 win as they remained unbeaten in their final 5 matches of the campaign – surviving by 4 factors.

Goals have been hard to arrive by – the Shakers scored just 45 ambitions in 46 matches last period. The club’s best goalscorer was midfielder Simon Whaley, who left for Preston North Stop in January for £250,000 following scoring 7 targets in League Two. Innovative midfielder Marc Goodfellow, who had spells at each Swansea City and Grimsby Town last time has been drafted in on a twelve month contract to check out and add further spark.

Following an damage ravaged time, former Preston North End, Carlisle United, Watford, Oldham Athletic and Dundee United striker Allan Wise joined Northern Irish outfit Portadown on a totally free transfer while assistant supervisor Ian Miller left to join Championship aspect Leicester Metropolis in a related function.

Nevertheless, Bury have been boosted by the news that midfielder David Flitcroft committed himself to a further twelve months at Gigg Lane as have defensive duo Chris Brass and Colin Woodthorpe. Skilled goalkeeper Alan Fettis, with spells at Hull Town, Nottingham Forest and Blackburn Rovers to his credit history, has been drafted in to fill the void left by Kasper Schmeichel, who returned to Manchester Town soon after a profitable mortgage spell.

VerdictBury lack overall top quality and are in desperate want for a verified goal scorer after Whaley ended the campaign as the leading marksman even with shifting on in the January transfer window. They are likely to be concerned in yet another relegation battle but this time it could be a single they could shed at 4/1 odds.

About the Author

David Walker runs VCBet free of charge bet and football betting methods internet sites. A totally free email course: “7 Days to Much better Betting” is available at equally of these sites.

League One Season Preview 2006/07 – Huddersfield Town

Write-up by David Walker

Huddersfield Town

Odds: 14/one

Very last Five Seasons2005/06 – four (League A single), 2004/05 – nine (League A single), 2003/04 – four (League Two, Promoted), 2002/03 – 22 (League One particular, Relegated), 2001/02 – six (League One particular).

2005/06 Cup ProgressFA Cup Third Round vs Chelsea (a) – misplaced 2-one.Carling Cup Second Round vs Blackburn Rovers (a) – lost three-1.Football League Trophy Northern Part 1st Round vs Boston (a) – lost 2-one.

Top rated Objective Scorer 2005/06: Andy Booth and Gary Taylor-Fletcher (strikers) – 15 objectives every single.

Players InLuke Beckett (Sheffield United – No cost), Matt Glennon (St Johnstone – Totally free).

Gamers OutJunior Mendes (Notts County – Free), Anthony Lloyd (York Metropolis – Free), Phillip Senior (Northwich Victoria – Free of charge), Tony Carss (Released).

Huddersfield City have established themselves as a single of the leading sides in League One particular but failed to win marketing to the Championship following losing in the play off semi finals in opposition to regional rivals Barnsley.

If it’s far more fire power that is essential, to aid strikers Andy Booth and Gary Taylor-Fletcher who plundered 15 goals apiece last period, supervisor Peter Jackson will undoubtedly have that in Luke Beckett. The prolific lower division forward was signed on a free transfer from Sheffield United, acquiring scored 6 ambitions in seven games for the Terriers for the duration of a loan spell in 2005 just before investing the whole previous season on mortgage at Oldham Athletic.

Jackson will also be retaining hold for forgotten man Pawel Abbott, who rejected a move to MK Dons in a feasible swap offer involving defender Dean Lewington. Abbott has scored 46 ambitions in 106 appearances for Huddersfield, like eleven objectives in the first 16 matches of final season, but substantially fell out of favour and started off just one game in the very last 3 months of the very last campaign.

Goalkeeper Matt Glennon has joined the club on a free of charge transfer from St. Johnstone. The previous Carlisle United goalkeeper created 12 appearances for the Saints following joining them from Falkirk in January and even scored a goal against Ross County in March. Glennon caught the eye of boss Jackson when he had three excellent games in opposition to the Terriers during his spell at Carlisle.

One particular keeper heading out of the club is Phil Senior, who joined Conference facet Northwich Victoria, while striker Junior Mendes joined League Two outfit Notts County on a totally free transfer.

VerdictOne of the better sides in the division, Huddersfield will be pushing tough for an automated marketing slot but may have to make do with the play offs once again. Anticipate them to be a free scoring facet next period.

About the Writer

David Walker runs Betfred free wager and football betting systems internet sites. A no cost email course: “7 Days to Better Betting” is accessible at equally of these internet sites.

Championship Season Preview 2006/07 – Queens Park Rangers

Post by David Walker

Queens Park Rangers

Odds: 150/1

Last Five Seasons2005/06 – 21 (Championship), 2004/05 – eleven (Championship), 2003/04 – 2 (League One, Promoted), 2002/03 – 4 (League One), 2001/02 – 8 (League One).

2005/06 Cup ProgressFA Cup Third Round vs Blackburn Rovers (a) – lost 3-.Carling Cup Initial Round vs Northampton City (a) – misplaced three-.

Best Aim Scorer 2005/06: Marc Nygaard (striker) and Gareth Ainsworth (midfield) – 9 ambitions.

Gamers InDamion Stewart (Harbour View – No cost), Nick Ward (Perth Glory – Totally free), Egutu Oliseh (La Louviere – Free), Armel Tchakounte (Unattached – Free of charge), Adam Czerkas (Odra Wodzislaw – Mortgage).

Gamers OutRichard Langley (Luton City – No cost), Dean Sturridge (Kidderminster Harriers – No cost), Ugo Ukah (Nourese Calcio – Totally free), Georges Santos (Launched), Ryan Johnson (Introduced), Sammy Youssouf (Released), Luke Townsend (Released).

Queens Park Rangers finished 1 area above the bottom 3 final period but had been eight points clear of their nearest rival, third from bottom Crewe Alexandra. Gary Waddock replaces former manager Ian Holloway, acquiring taken more than the post total time soon after currently being placed in short-term charge from February until finally the end of final time.

Waddock has had to function on a constrained budget in spite of Premiership curiosity for defender Danny Shittu. Chairman Gianni Paladini insists he will not accept significantly less than £3 million, the sum which will set off a release clause in the centre back’s contract. Watford have had a bid rejected even though Leeds United and West Bromwich Albion have the two shown curiosity in the previous Charlton Athletic player who moved to Loftus Street for £350,000 in 2002.

Regardless of a lack of transfer income accessible, Waddock has signed a number of gamers to boost the squad subsequent season. Jamaican defender Damion Stewart, who made above 25 appearances for Bradford City on mortgage final season, joined Rangers on a totally free transfer from Harbour View. Cameroon global midfielder Armel Tchakounte, who invested time training at Loftus Road final period, also signed a long term contract.

Polish striker Adam Czerkas signed a one 12 months loan deal from Odra Wodzislaw which will grow to be everlasting at the stop of the period, even though Nick Ward and Egutu Oliseh have equally signed long term two year contracts. Australian Ward, who has represented his nation at under twenty level, signed on a totally free transfer from Perth Glory, while Oliseh spent the very last campaign at Belgian outfit La Louviere following spells with 4 French sides.

VerdictManager Gary Waddock could be up towards it in his very first season in cost at Loftus Road. There is a lack of goals in the aspect and his new signings are generally untested in English football. The 5/two on relegation could be value taking, taking into consideration Rangers only completed just above the drop zone last season.

About the Writer

David Walker runs VCBet no cost bet and UK poker internet sites. A free email program: “Seven Days to Better Betting” is offered at both of these internet sites.

Championship Season Preview 2006/07 – Norwich City

Report by David Walker

Norwich City

Odds: 14/1

Very last Five Seasons2005/06 – nine (Championship), 2004/05 – 19 (Premiership, Relegated), 2003/04 – one (Championship, Promoted), 2002/03 – 8 (Championship), 2001/02 – six (Championship).

2005/06 Cup ProgressFA Cup 3rd Spherical vs West Ham United (h) – misplaced two-one.Carling Cup 3rd Spherical vs Birmingham City (a) – misplaced two-1.

Best Aim Scorer 2005/06: Dean Ashton (striker) – 11 ambitions.

Players OutSimon Charlton (Released).

Norwich Town had a disappointing begin to final time following their relegation from the Premiership at the 1st time of asking. The Canaries have been the bookmakers favourites for an quick return to the best flight but only a late run of good outcomes ensured they broke into the best 10.

With funds to devote following Dean Ashton’s £7.25 million sale to West Ham United in January, supervisor Nigel Worthington is finding it challenging to appeal to new players to the club. He has approached Arsenal speak to Pat Rice, a previous Northern Ireland crew mate, to check on the loan availability of fringe gamers at the Emirates Stadium.

Worthington has also expressed an interest in Stoke City’s former Manchester United and West Ham United winger Luke Chadwick and Luton City striker Steve Howard before he produced his £1 million change to Derby County. Nevertheless, Worthington rejected reviews linking him with a £2 million bid for Leeds United striker Rob Hulse, even with him becoming keen on pairing a tall striker with the lively Robert Earnshaw.

Worthington dismissed speculation linking Earnshaw with a move to Blackburn Rovers. Supervisor Mark Hughes desires a substitute for the departed Craig Bellamy and because he is connected with each Welsh player he managed in the course of his time in cost of the national staff, Earnshaw’s name has been bandied about in the press. Earnshaw proved an speedy hit at Carrow Street subsequent his £3.5m arrival from West Bromwich Albion and he scored 8 targets in 15 video games.

Adam Drury has been named as the club captain for next time soon after the armband was passed all around previous expression. The 27 yr previous defender has created over 200 appearances for the club considering that he arrived from Peterborough United in March 2001.

Defender Jason Shackell has signed a two year extension to his agreement at Carrow Street although teenager Michael Spillane, who broke into the aspect late previous season, has signed a 3 12 months professional agreement. Andrew Cave-Brown, Matthew Halliday, Robert Eagle and Andrew Fisk have penned one particular 12 months contracts.

VerdictA play off area at the bare minimal would be expected by the supporters but new signings and a replacement for Dean Ashton have not been produced. An additional season just exterior the coveted top rated six spots is the call.

About the Writer

David Walker runs free of charge bets and football betting methods internet sites. A free e mail program: “Seven Days to Far better Betting” is accessible at equally of these 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.

Championship Season Preview 2006/07 – Leeds United

Report by David Walker

Leeds United

Odds: nine/one

Last 5 Seasons2005/06 – five (Championship), 2004/05 – 14 (Championship), 2003/04 – 19 (Premiership, Relegated), 2002/03 – fifteen (Premiership), 2001/02 – 5 (Premiership).

2005/06 Cup ProgressFA Cup Third Round (replay) vs Wigan Athletic (h) – misplaced 4-2 on penalties with the score at three-three right after added time.Carling Cup 3rd Spherical vs Blackburn Rovers (a) – misplaced 3-.

Leading Objective Scorer 2005/06: David Healy and Rob Hulse (strikers) – 14 ambitions.

Gamers InKevin Nicholls (Luton City – £700,000), David Livermore (Millwall – £400,000), Sebastien Carole (Brighton &amp Hove Albion – Totally free)

Players OutRob Hulse (Sheffield United – £2,200,000), Simon Walton (Charlton Athletic – £500,000), Danny Pugh (Preston North Finish – £250,000), Jermaine Wright (Southampton – Free), Michael Ricketts (Southend United – No cost).

Following a spirit crushing 3- play off final defeat versus Watford in May possibly, Leeds United should bounce back again stronger this time and really should be in much better form to tackle the Championship at the third try.

Supervisor Kevin Blackwell has marketed midfielder Simon Walton, who manufactured his debut in Blackwell’s initial match in cost as a sixteen year outdated at the commence of the 2004/05 time, to Premiership aspect Charlton Athletic. But whilst the youngster made 33 appearances for the club he only featured 5 occasions final time.

Even with losing the talented youngster, the squad, on the complete, has improved. Luton City captain Kevin Nicholls arrived for a £700,000 price to bolster the centre of midfield despite the fact that Leeds had a bid for striker staff mate Steve Howard turned down.

Another captain joined the ranks in the type of Millwall skipper David Livermore for £400,000. Predominantly a left sided midfielder, Livermore has also played in central defence for the Lions and can also operate at left again if necessary.

Brighton &amp Hove Albion midfielder Seb Carole arrived on a totally free transfer right after producing 40 appearances for the relegated Seagulls last period. Carole activated a release clause following Brighton’s relegation following becoming a member of them from Monaco last summer season.

Other than Walton, a number of other fringe players have been shipped out to harmony the books. Midfielder Jermaine Wright joined Southampton on a free of charge transfer following spending 4 months on loan at St Mary’s at the end of very last season, even though previous England worldwide Michael Ricketts signed for Championship new boys Southend United. Ricketts invested time on mortgage at Cardiff Metropolis and Burnley last time.

VerdictIt could be a situation of patience becoming a virtue for Leeds United. Subsequent two difficult seasons in the second tier manager Blackwell is building a facet able of difficult at the top rated of the table. The Whites have strikers who can score targets in David Healy and Rob Hulse whilst much more steel has been added with the arrivals of Nicholls and Livermore. They are great worth at ten/one to win the division outright.

About the Writer

David Walker runs no cost bets and fruit machine cheats web sites. A totally free email program: “7 Days to Greater Betting” is offered at both of these internet sites.

Championship Season Preview 2006/07 – Colchester United

Post by David Walker

Colchester United

Odds: 250/one

Final Five Seasons2005/06 – 2 (League One particular, Promoted), 2004/05 – 15 (League 1), 2003/04 – 11 (League One particular), 2002/03 – 12 (League A single), 2001/02 – 15 (League One particular).

2005/06 Cup ProgressFA Cup Fifth Spherical vs Chelsea (a) – misplaced 3-1.Carling Cup 1st Round vs Cardiff Town (h) – lost 2-.Football League Trophy Southern Last vs Swansea Town – misplaced 3-1 on aggregate.

Top Objective Scorer 2005/06: Chris Iwelumo (striker) – 19 goals.

Players InJohnnie Jackson (Tottenham Hotspur – Totally free), Jamie Cureton (Swindon City – No cost).

Players OutNeil Danns (Birmingham Town – £500,000), Liam Chilvers (Preston North Stop – Totally free), Stephen Hunt (Notts County – Free of charge), Sam Stockley (Wycombe Wanderers – Totally free), Tony Thorpe (Stevenage Borough – Free of charge).

Colchester United stunned League A single by winning automatic marketing very last season but will locate existence significantly harder in the Championship. A lot of the club’s success was down to dynamic youthful supervisor Phil Parkinson but United will have to do with out him up coming period following his change to Hull Metropolis.

Colchester even gained a momentary High Court injunction preventing Parkinson from leaving the club soon after Chairman Adam Pearson rejected his resignation. Hull had a £250,000 provide rejected for Parkinson, which equated to 5 times the value of the unexpired part of his contract. Two days later on, on 29 June, Parkinson was appointed manager of Hull Metropolis following they compensated £400,000 compensation. However, Colchester stipulated that Parkinson would be unable to indication any of the gamers he worked with during Colchester’s promotion.

The club have also lost two high profile gamers in Neil Danns and Liam Chilvers. Former Blackburn Rovers trainee Danns, who scored 16 targets from midfield last season, joined Birmingham City for an initial £500,000 which could rise to £850,000. Chilvers rejected a new agreement offer from Colchester to join Prest North End on a no cost transfer. The previous Arsenal trainee signed a two yr contract at Deepdale.

Colchester have brought in Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Johnnie Jackson and it will be the second time the player has represented the club, subsequent a loan spell in 2003. Unable to break into the Spurs team, Jackson has spent time on mortgage at Coventry City, Watford and Derby County and joined the Layer Road club on a free of charge transfer.

Swindon City striker Jamie Cureton signed for Colchester after working out a clause in his agreement subsequent the Robins relegation from League Two. The previous Norwich Town and Perusing striker also joined on a free transfer.

VerdictColchester United have not had the finest preparation for the new time subsequent Phil Parkinson’s departure to Hull Metropolis and the bookmakers make them firm favourites at thirteen/eight for the drop.

About the Writer

David Walker runs VCBet free of charge bet and football betting techniques internet sites. A free of charge email program: “Seven Days to Far better Betting” is obtainable at the two of these internet 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.

Premiership Season Preview 2006/07 – Newcastle United

Write-up by David Walker

Newcastle United

Odds: a hundred and fifty/one

Previous Five Seasons2005/06 – seven (Premiership), 2004/05 – 14 (Premiership), 2003/04 – 5 (Premiership), 2002/03 – three (Premiership), 2001/02 – 4 (Premiership).

2005/06 Cup ProgressIntertoto Cup Semi Ultimate vs Deportivo La Coruna – lost four-2 on aggregate.FA Cup Sixth Round vs Chelsea (a) – lost one-.Carling Cup Fourth Round vs Wigan Athletic (a) – lost 1-.

Leading Aim Scorer 2005/06: Alan Shearer (striker) – 14 goals.

Players InDamian Duff (Chelsea – £5,000,000)

Players OutMichael Chopra (Cardiff City – £500,000), Lee Bowyer (West Ham United – Totally free), Robbie Elliott (Sunderland – Totally free), Daryl Smylie (Livingston – No cost), Allen Picken (Walsall – Free), Tony Caig (Launched), Martin Brittain (Released) Alan Shearer (Retired)

Newcastle United enjoyed a new lease of life subsequent the caretaker appointment of Glenn Roeder as manager in February which led to the former West Ham United boss currently being offered the role full time in Might.

Below Graeme Souness, the Magpies struggled, but the side’s transformation with Roeder at the helm was outstanding. He liked an unbeaten run in his initial 6 matches in cost and the last 7 games of the season also went without defeat, culminating in a 1- defeat of champions Chelsea on the final day of the period.

Although Roeder has allowed many squad players to depart, which includes Lee Bowyer, Robbie Elliott and Michael Chopra, he pulled off some thing of a coup in luring Chelsea winger Damien Duff to St. James’ Park for a knockdown £5 million.

Duff was thought to have turned down equally Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool in favour of a move to Newcastle and signed a 5 yr offer. Duff joined Chelsea from Blackburn Rovers three many years back for £17 million and made 125 appearances, scoring 19 goals. The Republic of Ireland global won two Premiership title medals for the duration of that time.

Significantly will be anticipated of the Magpies this season but they will begin with a shortage of strikers. Veteran Alan Shearer retired, Michael Owen is a prolonged term casualty following an injuries picked up for the duration of the Entire world Cup whilst Michael Chopra joined Cardiff Metropolis in the summer season. Goal scoring duties will be left to Spaniard Alberto Luque, who ultimately broke his objective scoring duck in opposition to Sunderland in April and Shola Ameobi, who observed the net four instances in his previous six appearances previous time.

VerdictThe Magpies will be aiming for European qualification this time but they want one more established target scorer to fill the void left by Shearer and the injured Owen. If they qualify for UEFA Cup their thin squad could be stretched too significantly to make the influence in the Premier League they have been capable of previous time.

About the Author

David Walker runs Unibet totally free wager and football betting methods web sites. A no cost e mail course: “Seven Days to Much better Betting” is obtainable at the two of these websites.