The Observer season review

[Jerry St Clair]

In the form of a questionnaire to fans of all Premiership clubs. Here are a couple of highlights:

Sheffield United - Top hate figure at another club? Everyone at Reading - management, players, staff, stewards, supporters, car park attendants, chairman, directors, pretend celebrity fans, people who live near Reading, people who work near, people who drive past regularly......



Man City - Who were the best away fans? Reading don't half make some noise.

[Rhys The Royal]

Link please?

[URZZZZZZZZ]

In the form of a questionnaire to fans of all Premiership clubs. Here are a couple of highlights:

Sheffield United - Top hate figure at another club? Everyone at Reading - management, players, staff, stewards, supporters, car park attendants, chairman, directors, pretend celebrity fans, people who live near Reading, people who work near, people who drive past regularly......



Man City - Who were the best away fans? Reading don't half make some noise.

Nice to see they didnt include the programme sellers

[biscuitsrus]

City was indeed a good day out, if all recall though it was difficult to co-ordinate the singing between the upper n lower stands.

We can certainly do better next year.

da da da da Leroy Lita.

Does anyone know who the lunatic was that jumped onto the low wall on the upper stand to celebrate Leroy's goal? I will remember that for a long time, he must have been beered up!

[URZZZZZZZZ]

Link no anyone?

[Sublime]

I've looked, but can't find one.

I think they were the only two mentions of Reading anyway.

[Jerry St Clair]

Link no anyone?

I just copied it out of the paper. Can't find it on the Observer website.

[G Force 1871]

The fans were also asked to name their top 5 opposition players. Mentions for Reading were

Sidwell (Newcastle I think)
Lita (Can't remember which club)
Lita/Doyle (Watford)
Harper (Boro)

Shorey also made it into one of their coloumnists Team of the season and she also had Ingimarson on the bench.

I think this shows that not only did we have a fantastic season but that we really don't have any 'stars' and that we have a fantastic squad of players.

[Amongst the sheep]

The fans were also asked to name their top 5 opposition players. Mentions for Reading were

Sidwell (Newcastle I think)
Lita (Can't remember which club)
Lita/Doyle (Watford)
Harper (Boro)

Shorey also made it into one of their coloumnists Team of the season and she also had Ingimarson on the bench.

I think this shows that not only did we have a fantastic season but that we really don't have any 'stars' and that we have a fantastic squad of players.

Lita was mentioned by Man City not suprising as he scored twice at their place.

[Very near...far away]

Force of Fergie, pain of Pardew, rise of Roy

So that was the season that was Observer columnists David James and Paul Wilson discuss where it all went right, and wrong, on and off the pitch – and at the hairdressers


Some say this is the best Premiership season ever. Do you agree?

PW It's certainly been one of the most eventful, with uncertainty and controversy at both ends of the table right the way through. Manchester United's football has perhaps not been as consistently thrilling as the time they won the title with kids [1996], or as impressive as Arsenal's unbeaten season [2004], but it has been competitive and there's a feeling of relief that Chelsea aren't going to get everything their own way after all. It would be even better if Arsenal, Liverpool or someone else stirred themselves and made it a three- or four-horse race. The rivalry between Sir Alex Ferguson and Jose Mourinho has been top value, as good as anything we've seen.

DJ It's been the best in recent years. Three teams in the Champions League semis has to be applauded, and the relegation battle is still going. Saying that, the top four were the top four yet again. For me, the year Blackburn won was best [1995]. They were underdogs, despite the money they spent and it was real, last-game-of-the-season stuff, which is best for fans.



Are Manchester United definitely the best team in the country, and how do you rate them alongside other recent champions?

DJ Yes, although Liverpool are in their second Champions League final in three years, which can't be ignored. I've enjoyed watching Man United. But Arsenal going unbeaten in 2003-04 makes them the best team ever. That side was the best I've played against. Every position oozed class. They were special.

PW United won fair and square. They are much more resilient than Arsenal and found a touch of flair that lifted them beyond Chelsea's reach. Fair play to Ferguson – most managers losing a goalscorer of Ruud van Nistelrooy's ability would go out and buy a like-for-like replacement. Ferguson didn't and, although it wasn't obvious where the goals were going to come from, they came all right. Having predicted United might struggle for goals, I had to sit and watch as they blew away Bolton 4-0 in October at the Reebok, with Wayne Rooney hitting a superb hat-trick. The same Bolton who had just beaten Liverpool at home, and would later beat Arsenal and hold Chelsea. Wrong again.



It's been quite a season for crocks, with Manchester United, Chelsea and West Ham, among others, losing key players. Who had the worst of it, and would United have beaten Milan with a full-strength team?

PW : Chelsea were hit worst by injuries, losing both Petr Cech and John Terry in mid-season when Mourinho struggled to find replacements. Their 2-0 loss at Liverpool, for instance, was crucial, and might never have happened had Chelsea not been forced to field Michael Essien and Paulo Ferreira at centre-back. Injuries told on United late in the season too, though what did for them in Milan was tiredness. Milan had no interest in the Italian title and had been resting key players. Had United been in a position to do the same, and gone to the San Siro with a fresh, rested, first-choice line-up, the outcome could have been different.

DJ West Ham suffered most. Dean Ashton was out for the season, and then Matthew Upson. Yes, United and Chelsea had injuries but they both have big squads to fall back on. And it didn't trouble Man United's title race.



It's been a terrible year for Michael Owen. Will we ever see him at his best again?

DJ Definitely. His rehabilitation has been thorough and I look forward to playing against him again with trepidation. I've every faith in him getting back to being that annoying goalscorer once more.

PW : The brutal answer is no, because at his best, scoring World Cup goals against Argentina as an 18-year-old, Owen was quick, fearless and nerveless. He'll do well to return to that level at his age and with his injury record, though that doesn't mean he's finished. He could still flourish. A change of club might help.



Harry Redknapp or Steve Coppell – who has been the best in-the-dugout overachiever? And will Roy Keane match them next season?

DJ Overachiever? That's a derogatory question. Harry's brought in a lot of experience without spending a great deal, and he's done well. But Stevie Coppell has had pretty much the same squad and they've continued on a very positive path from their promotion, so I'd give them the award. I expect Keano to continue his good work.

PW Coppell gets my vote. Royals fans may remember I said Reading would be the new Sunderland at the start of the season (meaning the old Sunderland, of course), mainly because they didn't seem to have spent much on strengthening. So to be flirting with Europe is some going. Will Roy Keane's Sunderland be the new Reading? After what has been achieved in such a short time on Wearside you wouldn't bet against it.



Should West Ham have had points deducted? And are the right teams going down?

PW The right teams always go down, but in this case the Premier League clouded the issue by refusing to dock West Ham points. The only conclusion from the whole sorry tale is that no one can ever be docked points again now such a ridiculous precedent has been set. The two Argentine signings were flagged up as iffy right from the start, the question of ownership was right at the forefront of the debate and still hasn't gone away, yet it took a change of club ownership to bring the true situation to light. The Gang of Four are morally in the right, and everyone knows it.

DJ If you're in the bottom three then that's where you belong. Whoever goes down deserves it. Personally I'm not interested in whether West Ham should have had points deducted.



It's been a season of takeovers by foreign owners and there'll no doubt be more. Does that worry you?

PW I'm not a financial journalist, so I take the possibly simplistic view that the influx of foreign money is a sign that the Premiership is a robust and viable product. People say all the foreign owners, perhaps even Roman Abramovich, are only out to make money, but what's wrong with that? They will not make money by running clubs badly or alienating supporters, which is what plenty of English owners have attempted to do. Nationality is not really important.

DJ It's progress and it's worked for us at Portsmouth – we've just announced our new stadium. So long as season tickets stay reasonable and prices going up correlate with new players coming in – that's the most important thing. Hopefully it'll make it a more competitive league. But if new investors don't get their returns will they jump ship and leave the clubs in ruin? You do need to be cautious.



How can you explain, in the same season, the Premiership having three Champions League semi-finalists and England playing the way they did in Croatia and Israel?

DJ Bar a handful of English players in those Champions League teams, all the players were foreign. Look at the star player of the season – he's Portuguese. And over half Chelsea's side is foreign, same with Liverpool. If English players aren't good enough that's something we need to address at academy level.

PW England do seem particularly uninspired at the moment – it might be a World Cup hangover or a less-than-convincing new manager – but very few national teams play brilliantly outside tournaments and some cannot even manage it then. International football currently comes a poor third to Champions League and domestic titles for most leading players.

Who had the worst season – Michael Ballack, Andriy Shevchenko, David Dein or Alan Pardew?

DJ Shevchenko and Ballack both scored past me so they can't be that bad. I think Alan Pardew's had the worst season. You feel for him, getting sacked after the job he did at West Ham and then ending up relegated with Charlton.

PW Pardew's season was an ongoing nightmare. Four minutes from winning the FA Cup last year, he now finds himself relegated with a different club.

Who was the best signing last summer, and in January?

DJ I'll be controversial and say Carlos Tevez in the summer. He's pulled West Ham through the last few months. As for January, I suppose Henrik Larsson helped Man United in the short time he was there. He had a big influence. And he didn't score against us, which is always good.

PW Michael Carrick has been excellent this season, though £18million was a lot of money. Dirk Kuyt at around half the price has been just as impressive. By the end of the Champions League final, Javier Mascherano might look the most astute of the January captures.



What has annoyed you most about this season and what has been most uplifting?

PW All the avoidable controversy over player registrations and points deductions. Reading have been uplifting and Sunderland have been startling. When Niall Quinn promised supporters a magic carpet ride at the start of the campaign he was widely derided, partly because they lost their first four Championship matches, partly because only a boy scout like Quinn would offer a sceptical media such a verbal hostage to fortune. Nine months of Roy Keane later, and Quinn's metaphor no longer looks quite such a flight of fancy. Here's to more Irish eloquence next season....

DJ I've enjoyed this season, I haven't got a lot of moans. We've had plenty of suspense as to who'll go up and who'll win the title, and some very competitive mid-table battles. My only complaint is that the top four is always the top four. But Portsmouth will be there soon enough.



Are referees getting better?

DJ No, but we're more critical than ever – all those TV super-slow replays prompting us to pore over every decision. Referees are only as good as a human can be. Maybe this is where video technology should come in because if you're going to criticise them then help them first.

PW They are gradually becoming more consistent, which is something. You still get the occasional bad decision, which is only to be expected, but with more games on television you tend not to see one ref punishing something another would let go, or vice versa.



Who's the dirtiest player of the season?

DJ There have been some horrible incidents, naming no names, but I don't think there's a player who has spent the season consistently maiming people.

PW Emile Heskey, one would imagine, because he spends so much time on the floor. There aren't really any dirty players in the old sense any more – the rules don't allow it. There are a few players with temper issues and Stuart Pearce knows most of them, but choppers have been carded out of the game.



In 2004 Arsenal were unbeaten; this season they lost to West Ham, Fulham, Man City and others at the wrong end of the table, and are 22 points behind the champions on the final day. How come, and will they do better next season?

PW Arsenal were all but unplayable in 2004, until opponents began to realise you had to defend much deeper and deny them space to run into. Teams that defend well, like Bolton, or are willing to defend in numbers, have always been in with a better chance of winning by nicking a goal than teams who try to play football against Arsenal and end up leaving gaps all over the pitch. Better next season? Only Thierry Henry knows.

DJ They've struggled with injuries. They've missed Henry and Robin van Persie, and it's put a strain on the rest of the team. But if they keep that side, in another few years they'll be awesome.



Who's better, Mourinho or Benitez?

DJ That's like asking which is better – a Bentley or an Aston Martin. I like them both, but I guess if you're talking Premier League then it has to be Mourinho because he's kept Chelsea consistently in the top two.

PW It is hard to make a direct comparison, given the difference in spending power at their two clubs. Winning the domestic title should be a starting point for any would-be top manager and Benitez has yet to get close here, though he did win La Liga twice with Valencia. Mourinho has won titles in two countries, but emerged from his latest Champions League disappointment to answer charges of unadventurous and over-cautious football. The Benitez coaching credentials will look pretty convincing if he manages a second European Cup final victory over Milan, not least because he's using players such as Jermaine Pennant, Peter Crouch and Bolo Zenden. Abramovich, sponsor of overpriced misfits Andriy Shevchenko and Michael Ballack, could only be impressed.



Which foreign player would you like to see playing in the Premiership?

DJ Gianluigi Buffon. He's the best goalie in the world. I'd like to be able to see him play each week so we could get a true assessment of how good he really is.

PW Samuel Eto'o.



Was there less diving this season than last?

PW Probably about the same. Referees, crowds and TV cameras are all on to it now, so it shouldn't get any worse. Players know what will and what will not be tolerated.

DJ There were plenty of comedy dives – Drogba versus Lehmann was a classic. Most of the dives this season have been from silly things, not from proper tackles.



There was plenty of tight, stifling football in the World Cup last summer. Was it the same in the Premiership?

DJ The stats show that this is the lowet-scoring Premiershp yet, but there haven't been that many clean sheets. Tottenham have only had six, Chelsea, Liverpool and Everton have done well, but overall there have been enough going in. Even Bolton let in 50.

PW The Premiership will never be the same as international football. That's its attraction. The World Cup was contested by tired players in hot, draining conditions, and that affected the style of play. The unwritten motto of the Premiership is that if you make a mistake, there'll be plenty of chances to make amends later. Either later in the game or later in the season.



If you had to pick a team to break into the 'big four' in the next couple of years, who would it be?

PW No one's going to break into the big four in the next couple of decades as the Champions League presently stands. Spurs or Everton could crack the top four once or twice, and Newcastle under Sam Allardyce might stand a chance, but the big four, G-14 and the Champions League are a self-preservation society.

DJ I genuinely think Aston Villa will start doing some good things. Bar the Christmas blip this season they've been a strong side. They'll do better than Tottenham – those white shirts and blue shorts look good but I'm not convinced. I reckon Portsmouth will be three or four years yet, because it's hard to lure players in on one season's performance.



Is the Uefa Cup worth all the fuss, given how little the rewards are?

DJ Of course – why do you think we are all fighting for fifth, sixth and seventh? Everyone wants to play in Europe. When Everton beat us last week their fans were singing, 'We're all going on a European tour', and it was gutting. That's where we want to be.

PW Teams seem to want the kudos of being in it, then want to be out of it as quickly as possible because there's no glamour, no spectators, no mainstream TV coverage and no Saturday kick-offs any more. There was a time when the Uefa Cup was rated more difficult to win than the European Cup, because there were more good teams in it. Two or three top teams from Germany, Italy and Spain, for example, as opposed to one from each country plus the champions of Finland and Greece. Now the Champions League has appropriated that function, there seems little point in having an extra trophy for also-rans, particularly as playing Thursday and Sunday is such a turn-off.



Now the important stuff. Best or worst hair in the Premiership?

PW This must be a question for David James. He can certainly have my vote.

DJ According to Nuts magazine I've got the worst hair. But Gary O'Neil and Sean Davis suffer from what Robbie Fowler used to call GBH: 'great big hair.'



Are there any fashion trends that have annoyed you this season?

DJ Socks over the knee. That really annoys me.

PW No. And annoyed would be the wrong word anyway. If you find yourself getting worked up over what footballers wear it's time to get a life.



Are you looking forward to next season?

PW Not yet. You have to give this one the chance to finish first. Take one season at a time, that's my advice.

DJ I can't wait for today to be over with so we can start the new season the week after. I'm looking forward to the physical rest, but as far as the battle goes you just don't want it to end.


IN SHORT...
BEST GAME

DJ When Portsmouth beat Man United 2-1. It's always good to beat the champions.

PW Liverpool 3 Arsenal 6.



BEST PLAYER

DJ I've enjoyed watching Ronaldo. Consistent all season and justified his double player of the year award.

PW Ronaldo, but Jamie Carragher keeps getting better and better.



BEST GOAL

DJ Can it be one I've let in? That would be Wazza's audacious chip when we lost to United in the FA Cup – it was so cheeky. Matty Taylor's shot against Everton was also outstanding.

PW Denny Landzaat (pictured left), Wigan v Arsenal

BEST MOMENT

DJ Personally, making my debut for Portsmouth. But as a spectator I'd say Chelsea drawing 2-2 with Bolton. I got some stick from Chelsea fans when I said I hoped Man United would win the league. That game highlighted the fact that anyone who wants to win the league can't afford to take their foot off the pedal. Chelsea thought they'd beat Bolton with a half strength side. The underdogs came good.

PW Jose Mourinho's OTT reaction to Didier Drogba's late equaliser in Barcelona.

BEST FANS

DJ Obviously Portsmouth. But Blackburn come a close second. They were singing, 'You're shit and your shorts are tight', which made me chuckle. We were 3-0 down at the time so the first part of the song was correct. And the shorts were, of course, sprayed on. I saved a penalty, turned round and started cheering like a lunatic. As serious as the games are, I love those little bits of humour you get with the fans.

PW Liverpool still way out in front – their Hillsborough protest was remarkable – although, like the team, they now save their best performances for Europe. Sheffield United deserve a mention too for their greasy chip-butty version of 'Annie's Song' – a welcome addition to the Premiership.

[Fred Sharpe's Nose]

Shorey also made it into one of their coloumnists Team of the season and she also had Ingimarson on the bench.

Who did she have in the bath?

[Very near...far away]

ARSENAL
BERNARD AZULAY
GoonersDiary.blogspot.com

How was your season? We used to be a byword for stability, but have endured many of life's most stressful experiences: moving home, divorce (Dein and the takeover tittle-tattle) and having kids. On the pitch we remain a match for absolutely anyone on our day, but when the chips are down we lack 'roll up your sleeves'-type leadership.

Happy with the gaffer? Some of Wenger's more bizarre actions have baffled us, but my stock response to rare murmurs of disapproval is to point out he's likely to top the 'most wanted' list at clubs and countries all over the world.

Who were the stars – and who flopped? Fabregas, Clichy, Toure and Adebayor demonstrated the right stuff as far as attitude is concerned. For his work in Henry's absence, Gilberto deserves special mention. Baptista has been the biggest flop and Hleb's lack of significant impact has been disappointing.

Who were the best, and worst, away fans? The fans of Dinamo Zagreb and Hamburg sang their heads off despite little prospect of success. The abysmal turn-outs by Wigan and, in the FA Cup fifth round, Blackburn are well deserving of the wooden spoon.

Top hate figure at another club? Unsurprisingly, Ashley Cole.



TOP FIVE BEST OPPOSITION PLAYERS

1 Ronaldo (Man Utd); 2 Drogba (Chelsea); 3 Scholes (Man Utd); 4 Essien (Chelsea); 5 Berbatov (Spurs)

ASTON VILLA


JONATHAN PRITCHARD
Observer reader

How was your season? Seasons of consolidation never feel like much fun when they're happening, but it's job done. We're definitely leaving this season much stronger than we started it. The key now is to kick on from here.

Happy with the gaffer? My admiration for him isn't as unconditional as some fans', but his second tranche of signings has been materially better than the first. He seems to appreciate what we want and if the summer's signings work we will be in good shape. Crucially, I trust him absolutely to get us fired up for the two Birmingham derbies, something that's been lacking in the past.

Who were the stars – and who flopped?

Gareth Barry has been magnificent. Agbonlahor has added strength and composure to raw pace and Young and Carew have started promisingly. Petrov has been a bit disappointing.

Who were the best, and worst, away fans? Everton brought loads on a Monday night: proper fans and a proper club. Sheffield United were entertaining, but Bolton are a joke. I'd love it if they followed the Charlton model next season.

Top hate figure at another club? Arsene Wenger: a misplaced persecution complex and continued utter myopia. On the park, Jens Lehmann. Prat.



TOP FIVE BEST OPPOSITION PLAYERS

1 Ronaldo (Man Utd); 2 Scholes (Man Utd); 3 Sidwell (Reading); 4 James (Portsmouth); 5 Barton (Man City)

BLACKBURN

BILL BOADEN

Observer reader

How was your season? Most enjoyable. We were two inches from Wembley (the distance of Pedersen's miss in the FA Cup semi) and had several trips to Europe. The league performance is a bit below expectations, though, thanks to a handful of poor performances, major injuries and dodgy decisions. This season also has a sour taste because of West Ham. We hope justice is done. In our home game the officials gifted them the three points. The direct repercussions are that they could escape relegation with those points, while we could miss out on Europe by the same margin.

Happy with the gaffer? Mark Hughes has done just about everything right. With limited resources he's got an amazing eye for new talent. Please, other clubs, don't even try to nick him.

Who were the stars – and who flopped?

Benni has got the goals, but Samba at the back has been a revelation. Brad Friedel was as reliable as ever. No one has flopped. We didn't miss Lucas Neill.

Who were the best, and worst, away fans? Liverpool were good and Charlton made an out-of-character effort. Fulham's crowd really did come in a taxi.

Top hate figure at another club? Jim Devine is the least popular referee's assistant. Otherwise everyone to do with West Ham.



TOP FIVE BEST OPPOSITION PLAYERS

1 Ronaldo (Man Utd); 2 Scholes (Man Utd); 3 Berger (Villa); 4 Cech (Chelsea); 5 Jaaskelainen (Bolton)

BOLTON

LES PILLING
TheWanderer.co.uk

How was your season? On the face of it, a fourth consecutive top-eight finish is a fine achievement for a club with our resources, but it's been overshadowed by Bolton's dispiriting brand of slow‑motion football. That, and a series of spineless performances since the turn of the year.

Happy with the gaffer? Big Sam has left the team with major problems. We're shambolic defensively, a soft touch in midfield and clueless in attack. That's why he's jumped ship. Little Sam faces a massive rebuilding job.

Who were the stars – and who flopped? Diouf was good in the first half of the season, Anelka had a bright December and Andranik looks like one for the future. Kevin Nolan has been awful. He can't shoot, head, pass or tackle and has the mobility of a beached whale.

Who were the best, and worst, away fans? Man United were the loudest. A pity they spoiled that great support by vandalising the stadium. West Ham, despite the usual mouthing-off about what great support they have, brought hardly any fans.

Top hate figure at another club? Rafa Benitez. Fatty's attempts to influence the referee before games against Bolton are cheating and should be dealt with.



TOP FIVE BEST OPPOSITION PLAYERS

1 Ronaldo (Man Utd); 2 Giggs (Man Utd); 3 Scholes (Man Utd); 4 Drogba (Chelsea); 5 Essien (Chelsea)

CHARLTON


WYN GRANT
AddicksDiary.blogspot.com

How was your season? Being relegated has to be a very bad outcome, but spirits are still high and we're pretty hopeful we can bounce straight back.

Happy with the gaffer? Yes, Alan Pardew did his best in a difficult situation caused by two poor appointments. The board have a lot of accumulated credit with Charlton fans, and hopefully lessons have been learnt from the errors made.

Who were the stars – and who flopped?

Darren Bent and Scott Carson were the stars. Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink was a disappointment. He did his best, but that's just no longer good enough for the Premiership. But our greatest weakness was in midfield, particularly with Andy Reid injured much of the time, although most Charlton fans would give Matt Holland top marks for commitment.

Who were the best, and worst, away fans? I'd give Watford a lot of credit for the backing they gave their team. The acoustics of the Jimmy Seed stand help all away fans, but even then Wigan were silent – they simply lack the numbers.

Top hate figure at another club?

Not really the Charlton way to hate someone, but I'd put a few referees on the list – we had some strange decisions against us. Elsewhere, I can't stand Neil Warnock, but then he did outfox us.



TOP FIVE BEST OPPOSITION PLAYERS

1 Cech (Chelsea); 2 Van der Sar (Man Utd); 3 Rooney (Man Utd); 4 Gerrard (Liverpool); 5 Terry (Chelsea)

CHELSEA

ROB HOBSON
CFCnet.co.uk

How was your season? More exciting and less satisfying than previous ones. But I think I certainly would exchange the excitement for the result. A tremendous effort, ultimately hamstrung by a knack-ridden season.

Happy with the gaffer? More so now than ever.

Who were the stars – and who flopped?

Far too easy to answer. The stand-out players of the season were Drogba, Essien and Carvalho. If Essien had been allowed to play his natural position, he could have made even more of an impact. Mikel deserves a mention in dispatches for some remarkably mature ball skills later in the season. There were indifferent performances here and there, but they're all eclipsed by our poor refugee from Milan. A few cameos in the Cup and Europe just aren't enough.

Who were the best, and worst, away fans? Bad away fans? Even Arsenal can raise a tune when they're playing away.

Top hate figure at another club?

Our worst enemy at the moment has to be the treatment table, but if I had a gong to give it would go to Rick Parry for his gentle Scouse wit. Can't buy 50 years of history, though, can you? Oh, wait...



TOP FIVE BEST OPPOSITION PLAYERS

1 Ronaldo (Man Utd); 2 Berbatov (Tottenham); 3 Taylor (Portsmouth); 4 Arteta (Everton); 5 Distin (Man City)

EVERTON

STEVE JONES
BlueKipper.com

How was your season? We had a great start with Johnson's goals, which took us top at one time, and beating the redshite 3-0 was top-class. We fell away in the middle of the season, but came back strongly to get into Europe. The defence has improved big-time.

Happy with the gaffer? Yes. It's his own team now and they all know what's expected. His buys have improved the side. Also he came to our presentation night, when other managers can't be bothered with the fans.

Who were the stars – and who flopped? The stars: Arteta for his breathtaking class; Lescott for his ability to slot into any position in the back four; Johnson for his pace and goals; Howard for bringing confidence to the defence. The Flops: James Beattie with his Tony Cottee ankles and Biffa Bacon style just isn't Everton; Simon Davies does nothing but knock square balls inside. Both frauds.

Who were the best, and worst, away fans? The best: Wigan – all six of them. The worst: the redshite for leaving their players on their own before the final whistle had gone. Mind you, they had to catch their Scandinavian flights...

Top hate figure at another club? Rooney. For kissing the manure badge in front of the stand where his family sit. No class.



TOP FIVE BEST OPPOSITION PLAYERS

1 Scholes (Man Utd); 2 Fabregas (Arsenal); 3 Essien (Chelsea); 4 Tevez (West Ham); 5 Berbatov (Spurs)

FULHAM

DAVID LLOYD
There's Only One F in Fulham

How was your season? We had a narrow escape. It's hard to square the superb showings at home to Arsenal and Man Utd and at Chelsea with those against, well, most of the others. We tended to be too negative and even the collective team spirit seemed to erode. Pretty dreary.

Happy with the gaffer? Let's get one thing straight, as a lot of rubbish was written – the fans didn't drive out Chris Coleman. His dismissal was down to the general poor level of performances and the looming possibility of relegation. The fans were more frustrated (albeit very) than angry. Still, good luck, Cookie. Sanchez, crucially, did just enough. Hopefully next season he can make us a genuine force (albeit in the separate league of 'middling' teams).

Who were the stars – and who flopped? Jimmy Bullard's star shone all too briefly (our loss was angling's gain); Niemi was sound; McBride toiled honestly as ever; Bocanegra plugged away. Otherwise not too many made giant strides – except Zat Knight, of course.

Who were the best, and worst, away fans? We were the best away fans, naturally! The worst? Maybe Manchester City.

Top hate figure at another club? Does Kia Joorabchian count?



TOP FIVE BEST OPPOSITION PLAYERS

1 Ronaldo (Man Utd); 2 Van der Sar (Man Utd); 3 Keane (Tottenham); 4 Fabregas (Arsenal); 5 Jermaine Easter (Wycombe)

LIVERPOOL

JAMES CARROLL
ShanklyGates.co.uk

How was your season? Obviously it could turn out to be fantastic, depending on our result in the Champions League final. Two European Cup finals in three seasons is phenomenal. Domestically it's been a bit hit and miss, although there are some encouraging signs. It goes without saying that we must improve away from home and aim for consistency. We need to be more clinical, too, as that's cost us this season.

Happy with the gaffer? Benitez still has the full support of the fans and if he can win number six in Athens then his legend status will be assured. He's taking us in the right direction and we still believe he is the man to win us the title.

Who were the stars – and who flopped? Finnan and Carragher have been superb all season. Reina recovered from a poor start to continue to set club records. Mascherano has been a revelation since he arrived. Zenden is the top boo-boy, while Gonzalez just hasn't settled.

Who were the best, and worst, away fans? Best were Barcelona's, with a mention for PSV's. Worst – Man United's in the FA Youth Cup final for the songs they sung in a stadium full of kids.

Top hate figure at another club? Gary Neville, as always, but Jose Mourinho tried his best to take that title.



TOP FIVE BEST OPPOSITION PLAYERS

1 Drogba (Chelsea); 2 Ronaldo (Man Utd); 3 Berbatov (Spurs); 4 Henry (Arsenal); 5 McCarthy (Blackburn)


MAN CITY

COLIN SAVAGE

Observer reader

How was your season? Very poor. It started pretty well, with a good and rare win against Arsenal, but went downhill from there. We were only saved from being in the bottom three by getting nine points over Christmas and New Year. We avoided relegation only by playing the most mind-numbing football imaginable most of the time. We've had the distraction of takeover talks. And then there was Joey Barton.

Happy with the gaffer? He's a decent guy, but you need more than that. The team seem ill‑prepared, tactics have been questionable, his substitutions are almost invariably bizarre and set pieces are poor. His touchline antics were quite amusing at first but the joke has worn thin. Apart from that I'm happy!

Who were the stars – and who flopped? Richard Dunne was deservedly player of the year. The youngsters Richards, Onuoha and particularly Johnson have emerged with credit. Flops? We could put out a full team of them.

Who were the best, and worst, away fans? Reading don't half make some noise. Bolton, Wigan and Blackburn struggle to make the numbers. Man United and Liverpool fans are overrated.

Top hate figure at another club? Ronaldo. Did you really need to ask?



TOP FIVE BEST OPPOSITION PLAYERS

1 Huddlestone (Spurs); 2 Lita (Reading); 3 Tugay (Blackburn); 4 Anelka (Bolton); 5 Bentley (Blackburn)

MAN UNITED

SHAUN O'DONNELL

Observer reader

How was your season? Fantastic! We are the champions again and in the FA Cup final, after playing attacking, entertaining football. We had our smallest squad for a long time, too.

Happy with the gaffer? Yes, definitely. Ferguson has the passion, determination and the desire back and desperately wanted to knock Chelsea off their perch. Last season Carlos Queiroz had too much say, but Ferguson has definitely got the spring back in his step.

Who were the stars – and who flopped? Ronaldo is the 'special one' regardless of what they say down the Bridge. Rooney, Scholes, Vidic, Carrick and Giggs were outstanding and the whole squad played their part. Heinze was the only disappointment.

Who were the best, and worst, away fans? Sheffield United really got behind the team from start to finish, even though they were up against it. Bolton were the worst. They're a few miles up the road but didn't take their full allocation of tickets and at 3-0 down after half an hour their fans were streaming out.

Top hate figure at another club? Drogba has all the talent in the world, but blots his copybook with his diving, play-acting and general bad sportsmanship.



TOP FIVE BEST OPPOSITION PLAYERS

1 Essien (Chelsea); 2 Berbatov (Spurs); 3 Arteta (Everton); 4 Kaka (Milan); 5 Fabregas (Arsenal)

MIDDLESBROUGH


JAMES BASSETT
ComeOnBoro.com

How was your season? Typically haphazard but not unenjoyable. For every thrashing of Bolton, there was a hammering by Portsmouth; for every hard-fought victory over Chelsea, there was a limp draw with Bristol City; for every Jonathan Woodgate, there was a Jason Euell; for every game against Man United, there was a dodgy penalty.

Happy with the gaffer? Absolutely. Southgate is intelligent, thoughtful, articulate and, unlike his predecessor, clearly cares. His love of tanktops means he's also the best-dressed manager in the league by a country mile.

Who were the stars – and who flopped?

Woodgate and Viduka shone, but Emanuel Pogatetz and Julio Arca also deserve credit. As for flops, besides giving away cheap free-kicks, I'm still not sure what the point of Fabio Rochemback is.

Who were the best, and worst, away fans? Hull's fans were magnificently loud in the FA Cup. The solitary Charlton fan who made the trip up wasn't quite so raucous.

Top hate figure at another club?

If Ronaldo was as good at dominating games against top opposition as he is at cheating his way to penalties by diving, he'd be the best player in the world. But he's not, so he isn't. And don't give me his brace against Roma. Even we beat them.



TOP FIVE BEST OPPOSITION PLAYERS

1 Berbatov (Tottenham); 2 McCarthy (Blackburn); 3 Kanu (Portsmouth); 4 Agbonlahor (Villa); 5 Harper (Reading)

NEWCASTLE

MALCOLM, DAVID &
RICHARD HOLMES

Observer readers

How was your season? Terrible and typical. Dross served up home and away, punctuated by calamitous cup exits, and we've lost yet another manager. Though we won at Palermo, and did the double over Spurs.

Happy with the gaffer? Roeder's vision and character would have been better employed at the academy. He became manager because of Shepherd's serious error in appointing Souness. Tactical flaws, an inability to motivate players, poor performance in the transfer market and injuries led to his downfall. Plus, we played some of our worst football with most of our senior players available – a damning indictment.

Who were the stars – and who flopped? Milner showed a rare ability to beat defenders, while Solano's class shone at right-back and Butt was the player we thought he could be. Flops? Duff and Dyer lived up to their names.

Who were the best, and worst, away fans? Portsmouth's fans were passionate, despite their long journey, while Liverpool's could only make 'big club' jibes. And their team still lost.

Top hate figure at another club? Diouf, Roy Keane (as ever) and Sam Allardyce after he whined about Roeder's lack of qualifications. Wonder why?



TOP FIVE BEST OPPOSITION PLAYERS

1 Berbatov (Spurs); 2 Barry (Aston Villa); 3 Woodgate (Middlesbrough); 4 Cahill (Everton); 5 James (Portsmouth)

ROBIN & MICK DUNFORD
Pompey.org

How was your season? The first month or two were unreal, and the first half was beyond everyone's expectations. Our performances dipped in January and February, but we're finishing strongly – although it looks to have come just too late for European qualification.

Happy with the gaffer? Harry has done an excellent job. A few away performances were poor, and a Cole and Kanu strike partnership was never going to work. But to have us fighting for Europe on a small budget, and to attract players like Campbell, James and Lauren, and some exciting youngsters like Kranjcar, is fantastic. The backroom staff also deserve a mention. Adams and Grant seem a big improvement on Zajec and Bond.

Who were the stars – and who flopped? Campbell and James took us to another level, and Primus raised his game yet again. And Benjani's work ethic has been crucial. A couple of loans (Douala and Koroman) didn't come off, and Stefanovic has looked dodgy, but the biggest flop was undoubtedly LuaLua – bad attitude and bad performances.

Who were the best, and worst, away fans? No one stood out either way.

Top hate figure at another club? Thatcher, Barton and Stuart 'glad to see the back of Mendes' Pearce.



TOP FIVE BEST OPPOSITION PLAYERS

1 Giggs (Man United); 2 Berbatov (Spurs); 3 Cech (Chelsea); 4 Arteta (Everton); 5 Bentley (Blackburn)

READING

MICHELE LAW

Observer reader

How was your season? Far better than I could have hoped for, even in my wildest dreams. Going into the last game of the season, I would have hoped to have been in Sheffield United's current position (ie our relegation destiny in our own hands) and not challenging for Europe.

Happy with the gaffer? A very silly question. He's the king of Reading at the moment. I don't believe there's anybody who could have done a better job with the resources at hand. Steve Coppell is a master at getting the best out of players, he's done it consistently at almost every level. The challenge now is to maintain the upward progress.

Who were the stars – and who flopped? Ivar Ingimarsson's a rock in defence and deservedly player of the season. Kevin Doyle was an absolute steal at £80k. Nicky Shorey's an awesome left-back.

Who were the best, and worst, away fans? It always depends on the game of course, but I was impressed with Arsenal, Man United and Newcastle, especially the latter who were all supporting their team, with nothing negative about us. Chelsea invaded the pitch, threw things, fought and taunted.

Top hate figure at another club? Jose Mourinho – just for his lies and failure to issue an apology when proved wrong.



TOP FIVE BEST OPPOSITION PLAYERS

1 Ronaldo (Man Utd); 2 Arteta (Everton); 3 Foster (Watford); 4 Fabregas (Arsenal); 5 Campbell (Portsmouth)

SHEFFIELD UNITED

RICHARD BATHO
TheBladesOnline.com

How was your season? As new boys, it was all a bit too exciting at times, caught in the glare of the Premiership lights. You don't meet 30 Norwegian tourists on the way to Crewe, as we did going to the Everton match. On many occasions the number of people travelling from all over the world to go to the game we were attending was amazing, making it feel more like a tourist event or rock concert than a football match – particularly one involving Sheffield United...

Happy with the gaffer? Yes – he's a madman, but he's our madman. You just have to live with one or two wacky tactical/selection nightmares, when he dreams up a cunning plan like Baldrick.

Who were the stars – and who flopped?

Some real surprises, with Morgan, Monty, Geary and Gillespie all big successes, while Jags and Hulse did brilliantly as expected.

Who were the best, and worst, away fans? Manchester United were best but no one came from Fulham or Watford

Top hate figure at another club?

Everyone at Reading – management, players, staff, stewards, supporters, car park attendants, chairman, directors, pretend celebrity fans, people who live near Reading, people who work near and people who drive past regularly.



TOP FIVE BEST OPPOSITION PLAYERS

1 Ronaldo (Man Utd); 2 Rooney (Man Utd); 3 Gerrard (Liverpool); 4 Nolan (Bolton); 5 Friedel (Blackburn)

TOTTENHAM

DAVE MASON

Observer reader

How was your season? Hugely enjoyable and embarrassingly bad. We set a British record of successive wins in Europe (eight) but went out of all three cups having gone ahead and twice being two goals up. Thursday's Blackburn game epitomised us. We played scintillatingly for half the time and still managed to show a soft underbelly for the other half. The fact that our goals for and against are almost the same proves this dichotomy.

Happy with the gaffer? No. We were too negative in the big moments. Two goals up – let's defend. Not a good idea, look at the goals-against column. The transfer of Davenport for the Uefa Cup-tied Rocha was silly. Our back four at home to Sevilla had only one fit player in the right position, which cost us the competition.

Who were the stars – and who flopped? Dawson's a hero. Berbatov makes your mouth water. Lennon went backwards. Robinson let in far too many long shots.

Who were the best, and worst, away fans? Charlton and Fulham are hardly quorate from a few miles down the road. Man Utd fans always come in force – and they've only the same distance to travel.

Top hate figure at another club? Lampard received most abuse, but we managed to beat his team only once in four attempts, and that against 10 men.



TOP FIVE BEST OPPOSITION PLAYERS

1 Fabregas (Arsenal); 2 Given (Newcastle); 3 Osman (Everton); 4 Montgomery (Sheffield Utd); 5 Viduka (Middlesbrough)

WATFORD

MATT ROWSON
BHappy.org.uk

How was your season? Miserable. We didn't even get to enjoy our first victory, over Boro, for more than half an hour before turning on the radio to hear about King's injury, writing off whatever chance we had of survival.

Happy with the gaffer? Absolutely. Having lauded him for his achievement last season, it would be churlish to criticise his failure to cope with the consequences of that success.

Who were the stars – and who flopped? Ben Foster, every inch a Premiership keeper and surely United's first choice next season. Big Doris Henderson, for ploughing on despite failing to score for so long and no semblance of service from anywhere, let alone a cross. Flops were Steve Kabba and Damien Francis; even Dan Shittu, for all his astonishing physical attributes, can't defend for toffee. That's everyone we paid any money for, then…

Who were the best, and worst, away fans? It's a long time ago, but I vaguely remember Manchester United being good. Ipswich's hysterical caterwauling about perceived injustices in the Cup was too tedious for words.

Top hate figure at another club? They all beat us, so it's hard to differentiate. Oh, OK, Andy Johnson. Just get up, man.



TOP FIVE BEST OPPOSITION PLAYERS

1 Drogba (Chelsea); 2 Crouch (Liverpool); 3 Rooney (Everton); 4 Gilberto (Arsenal); 5 Arteta (Everton

WEST HAM

TIM CONLAN

Observer reader

How was your season? The last four seasons have been nuts, but this one topped the lot. Two stunning signings, and pear-shaped from then on. The other signings were legal but awful: Pantsil was pants, Tyrone Mears looked lost and Lee Bowyer was just Lee bloody Bowyer.

Happy with the gaffer? Nobody can explain the mess that we got into, but it started with Pardew and Curbishley has nearly got us out of it. But Nigel Quashie? I ask you. Not only that, but a major part of the revival is down to Carlos Tevez and Mark Noble, two players who Curbs refused to pick for ages. And Mascherano isn't good enough for us, but is good enough for a Champions League final?

Who were the stars – and who flopped?

Tevez, Noble and Lucas Neill. Flops? Bowyer in every game, Ferdinand and Harewood for three-quarters of the season, and anyone who played right-back.

Who were the best, and worst, away fans? Best away fans by far were Brighton – sung their hearts out non-stop. Best in the Prem were Portsmouth.

Top hate figure at another club? Shaun Wright-Phillips. Put Dean Ashton out for the season and then scored two goals against us. If we go down we should sue him for 60 million quid.



TOP FIVE BEST OPPOSITION PLAYERS

1 Mascherano (Liverpool); 2 J Cole (Chelsea); 3 Carrick (Man Utd); 4 Ferdinand (Man Utd); 5 James (Portsmouth)

WIGAN


PAUL FARRINGTON
Wiganer.net

How was your season? Ask me tonight! I'm not feeling optimistic – we can't seem to score and Sheffield United are known for battling. There is, of course the West Ham saga to hang on to and, yes, they should have been docked points, but when it comes down to it our total of 35 points isn't enough and we only have ourselves to blame.

Happy with the gaffer? Yes. He has his doubters, but I feel he's the man to take this club forward. Nobody complained at the signings he made in the summer, although Bullard, Roberts and Kavanagh shouldn't have been allowed to leave. I do think he should have recognised that our centre-backs must be the oldest and slowest in all four divisions, though.

Who were the stars – and who flopped?

Emile Heskey and Emmerson Boyce shone, but Henri Camara has been a joke and many of the new lads failed to settle, with Landzaat, Hall and Haestad all making a mess of the Premiership.

Who were the best, and worst, away fans? Best have to be Newcastle. Worst were Everton by far. Some of the stories our fans had after their visit were disgraceful.

Top hate figure at another club?

Hate is such a strong word, but I strongly dislike 'super-agents' like Pini Zahavi who suck money out of the game.



TOP FIVE BEST OPPOSITION PLAYERS

1 Tevez (West Ham); 2 Ronaldo (Man Utd); 3 Drogba (Chelsea); 4 Lita/Doyle (Reading); 5 James (Portsmouth)

[Compo's Hat]

It was a pain to try and make noise at Man City, as the roof was so high for those in the upper tier.

[Monkfish]

Sheffield United - Top hate figure at another club? Everyone at Reading - management, players, staff, stewards, supporters, car park attendants, chairman, directors, pretend celebrity fans, people who live near Reading, people who work near, people who drive past regularly......

I'm sure they will try and get revenge next season.



Oh...wait a minute

[Binfield Royal]

In the form of a questionnaire to fans of all Premiership clubs. Here are a couple of highlights:

[b]Sheffield United - Top hate figure at another club? Everyone at Reading - management, players, staff, stewards, supporters, car park attendants, chairman, directors, pretend celebrity fans, people who live near Reading, people who work near, people who drive past regularly[/b]......

I read this and re read it and I am not sure why they would hate us so vehemently. The points that are obvious:

1. They haven't been able to beat us since 2003

2. We stayed up and they went down

You could say both of these things about a dozen other premiership clubs this year.

I thought Blades all hated Wednesday?

That said, I won't lose any sleep over it.

[Behindu]

Huge chip on many Blades shoulders that we stole their title last season - remember how they started well then blew up after about 10 games ?

They also remeber the Harper tackle 2 years ago when they think they should have had a pen (but think Paddy Kenny was harshly treated for his rugby tackle on Convey).

Hunt throwing his head at Gillespie's elbow is a problem for them, and of course Wally objecting to Colin's instructions to maim our players is seen as a massive injustice.

[RG30]

I fail to understand why Reading fans hate Sheffield United so much. Had some great battles over the years and always enjoy going 3 Point Brammel Lane, been there 4 times, seen us win 4 times.

[Behindu]

I fail to understand why Reading fans hate Sheffield United so much. Had some great battles over the years and always enjoy going 3 Point Brammel Lane, been there 4 times, seen us win 4 times.

Royals fans dont hate the Blades on the whole do they ?

Huge dislike for Warnock, but usually people go out of their way to mention that Sheffield is a pretty decent club with a good set of fans.

[ScottishRoyal]

I fail to understand why Reading fans hate Sheffield United so much. Had some great battles over the years and always enjoy going 3 Point Brammel Lane, been there 4 times, seen us win 4 times.

Royals fans dont hate the Blades on the whole do they ?

Huge dislike for Warnock, but usually people go out of their way to mention that Sheffield is a pretty decent club with a good set of fans.

Agreed, i'd say it's a friendly rivalry borne out of close competition between the two sides for the last 4 seasons. Before this season we hadn't finished more than 2 places apart for 3 consecutive seasons.

[Royalee]

Sheffield United is one of the best away trips of the season and I was sad to see them go down.