JSaunders sport

Season 2009/10 predictions: The Championship

2009-08-07T18:19:00.005+01:00

Picture: Stevec77

THE CHAMPIONSHIP is going to be a real battle for the automatic and play-offs spots this year, with the relegations from the Premiership of Newcastle United, Middlesbrough and West Bromwich Albion, along with the sides who were up there last season, the Readings, Sheffield Uniteds and Preston North Ends of the world, as well as the sides like Derby County and Ipswich Town, keen to improve with keen young managers Clough Junior and Roy Keane respectively. Wow! And all that without mentioning sides promoted like Leicester City and Peterborough United, who look likely to challenge for mid-table spots and Scunthorpe, who will have no intention of giving up their hard-fought-for status in football's second tier.

The season starts tonight with Middlesbrough playing Sheffield United at 8pm. It looks like these predictions are just on time, before the first of many mouth-watering clashes in The Championship. Enjoy the season!

Barnsley

Barnsley finished last season in 20th place in The Championship and have not done much to strengthen the squad. It could be a miserable time at Oakwell this season. Prediction:24th

Blackpool

The Tangerines finished 16th in The Championship last season and will face an even tougher task this season, with strong teams moving into the division. The signings of strikers Jason Euell and Billy Clarke, from Southampton and Ipswich Town respectively, and midfielders Charlie Adam from Glasgow Rangers and Ishmel Demontagnac, from Walsall, should see Blackpool create enough chances for a mid-table place. Prediction:15th

Bristol City

Bristol City finished a comfortable 10th last season in The Championship and with several good players arriving and leaving at the club, they can be hopeful of another good finish next season and could be challenging at the top. Prediction: 11th

Cardiff City

Cardiff had a disastrous end to the season last time around, losing their play-off place on the last day of the season after an end-of-season loss of form. Their squad has had a couple of major changes, including the sale of defender Roger Johnson to Birmingham City for £5million, and they have splashed some of that cash on striker Michael Chopra from Sunderland for £4million. Chopra will be a big threat at this level and will help Cardiff to a play-off spot. Prediction: 4th

Coventry City

It could be a tricky season for The Sky Blues. Having finished 17th in The Championship last season, not a lot has been done to strengthen the side and relegation is a real possibility. Prediction: 22nd

Crystal Palace

Palace finished last season in 15th place in The Chamopionship and have not set the world alight on the transfer market this summer, but new signing Stern John should net some goals for them. Expect a similar finish to last season. Prediction: 19th

Derby County

Derby finished in 18th place last season, but have strengthened the side over the summer with the signings of goalkeeper Saul Deeney from Burton Albion and left-midfielder Dean Moxey. Nigel Clough’s side should have no trouble finishing in mid-table. Prediction: 12th

Doncaster Rovers

Doncaster will do well to improve on last season’s 14th-place finish, and may struggle more this year. The signings of midfielders Quinton Fortune and John Oster could be vital after the departure of midfielder Richie Wellens. Prediction: 20th

Ipswich Town

Roy Keane guided Ipswich to 9th place last season and will be aiming for a play-off spot this year. Keane has strengthened his side, including the signing of striker Tamas Priskin from Watford, but there are stronger sides still in the division. Prediction: 7th

Leicester City

The Foxes had a fantastic season last time around, gaining promotion as champions of League One. Signings over the summer, including midfielder Richie Wellens from Doncaster for £1.2million, should see Leicester consolidate a place back in The Championship. Prediction: 10th

Middlesbrough

Boro fans endured a miserable time in The Premiership last season and were relegated in 19th place, but they should be capable of making a strong challenge at the top of the table, particularly after signing winger Mark Yeates from Colchester United and striker Leroy Lita from Reading. Prediction: 2nd

Newcastle United

Newcastle are another side which had a disastrous season, as they were relegated from The Premiership in 18th place. With the departures of players to higher clubs on free transfers and with the uncertainty of who will be in charge this season still looming, as well as uncertainty behind the scenes, it is asking a lot for The Magpies to bounce straight back. Prediction: 8th

Nottingham Forest

Forest finished a lowly 19th last season, but have done some serious spending over the summer to bring in Chris Gunter from Tottenham Hotspur and Paul McKenna from Preston North End, among others. They should challenge at the top of the table this season. Prediction: 3rd

Peterborough United

Peterborough were promoted to The Championship after a second successive promotion, under the management of Darren Ferguson. Posh have kept hold of many of their key players and should succeed in consolidating a mid-table place. Prediction: 13th

Plymouth Argyle

Plymouth just stayed up last season, finishing in 21st place, but will be one of the prime candidates for relegation, having not strengthened their squad enough and with the strength of sides that have been promoted. Prediction: 23rd

Preston North End

PNE secured a play-off place on the last day of last season, before having their Premiership dreams ended by Sheffield United in the semi-finals. They will be expected to challenge for the play-offs again this season, despite the sale of Paul McKenna to Nottingham Forest. Prediction: 6th

Queens Park Rangers

QPR finished last season in 11th place. During pre-season, they have been scoring goals, but have also had a leaky defence. Again, because of the strength of sides entering the division in comparison with QPR, they could see themselves finish lower this year. Prrediction: 16th

Reading

Reading almost gained automatic promotion last season, but had to make do with the play-offs, before being beaten by Burnley. They have a side capable of making the play-offs again, if it can cope with the departures of goalscorer Kevin Doyle and goalkeeper Marcus Hahnemann, who both left for Wolverhampton Wanderers. Prediction: 5th

Scunthorpe United

Scunthorpe will be the promoted side which struggles the most, having made it to The Championship via the League One play-offs. Expect The Iron to be in a relegation battle this season. Prediction: 21st

Sheffield United

The Blades finished in 3rd place and had their play-off dreams ended by Burnley. With so many players coming and going over the summer, the blades could find it difficult to make a play-off spot again. Prediction: 9th

Sheffield Wednesday

Wednesday finished their season in 12th last time around and have not had many major changes to their squad. Expect them to finish around the same area of the table again this time. Prediction: 14th

Swansea City

Swansea could find it it difficult to improve on last season’s impressive 8th-place finish, after the sale of Jason Scotland. Prediction: 18th

Watford

Watford finished in 13th place last season, but will struggle more this season, having not improved their squad very much. If new arrival, striker Danny Graham, scores the goals for them, they will avoid a relegation battle. Prediction: 17th

West Bromwich Albion

West Brom were relegated from The Premiership in 20th place last season, but will be looking to bounce straight back and they look capable of doing that, having signed goalscorers Reuben Reid and Simon Cox. Prediction: 1st

1. West Bromwich Albion

2. Middlesbrough

3. Nottingham Forest

4. Cardiff City

5. Reading

6. Preston North End

7. Ipswich Town

8. Newcastle United

9. Sheffield United

10. Leicester City

11. Bristol City

12. Derby County

13. Peterborough United

14. Sheffield Wednesday

15. Blackpool

16. Queens Park Rangers

17. Watford

18. Swansea City

19. Crystal Palace

20. Doncaster Rovers

21. Scunthorpe United

22. Coventry City

23. Plymouth Argyle

24. Barnsley

Season 2009/10 predictions: League One

2009-08-07T16:13:00.006+01:00

Picture: Stevec77

LEAGUE One is looking at its strongest in a while, because of the number of former-Premiership sides, increased by the relegations of Norwich City, Southampton and Charlton Athletic, from the Championship last season.

It will be a close season, in which fans of many of those former-Premiership sides will be demanding nothing less than bouncing straight back, but it is easier said than done, shown by Leeds United's failed attempts since being relegated in 2007.

There are also some strong sides coming into the division from League Two, looking to make their marks, including a return of Brentford, who finished as champions. They are joined by Exeter City, Wycombe Wanderers and, winners of the League Two play-offs, Gillingham.

An exciting season looms as the sides kick-off tomorrow.

Brentford

The Bees were promoted as champions of League Two last season and Andy Scott has equipped his side well for life in League One. Transfers including a trio of Dagenham and Redbridge’s best players from last season, Ben Strevens, Danny Foster and Sam Saunders have arrived at Griffin Park, along with goalkeeper Nikki Bull from Aldershot and midfielder Myles Weston from Notts County. With their new signings in addition to last season’s squad, Brentford could find themselves challenging at the top of the table. Prediction: 2nd

Brighton And Hove Albion

Brighton finished in 16th place in League One last season and will be aiming to build on that this season. Albion will be an attacking threat, having signed striker Liam Dickinson from Derby County, and midfielders Mark Wright and Alan Navarro from Milton Keynes Dons, and should be capable for a top-half finish. Prediction: 9th

Bristol Rovers

Rovers finished in 11th place in League One last season and with quite a settled squad, there is no reason why they should not be expecting a similar finish this time around, but with the signings of other clubs, Rovers squad is not strong enough to claim a play-off spot. Prediction: 10th

Carlisle United

Carlisle avoided relegation by a point last season and, with the departure of striker Danny Graham, goals may be hard to come by and another season of struggle looks likely for Greg Abbott’s side. Prediction: 24th

Charlton Athletic

Charlton endured a miserable season last time around, finishing bottom of The Championship. Their fans will be longing for end to the miserable time they have had since relegation from The Premiership. Their squad, with the additions of defenders Christian Daily, Frazer Richardson and Miguel Angel Llera should be strong enough to stay up, but this could be a season of stopping the rot for The Addicks and steadying the ship in mid-table. Prediction: 15th

Colchester United

Paul Lambert’s side finished 12th in League One last season and will want to build on that, but they may miss winger Mark Yeates after his sale to Middlesbrough. Colchester will do well to reach as high as 12th again this season, but the loan of striker Kevin Lisbie from Ipswich could give them the goals they need to stave off relegation. Prediction: 16th

Exeter City

Exeter were promoted in second place in League Two last season and will be looking to build on the success they have achieved since coming back into the league. The signings of Scott Golbourne at left-back and Joe Burnell, if he can stay fit (because he is notoriously injury-prone) should see The Grecians finish comfortably in mid-table. Prediction: 11th

Gillingham

The Gills were promoted via the League Two play-offs last season and will find League One a challenging step up. They have not strengthened their squad enough to challenge at the top of the table, and depend a lot on Simeon Jackson. If he hits the same vein of form as last season and stays free of injury, they should stay up. Prediction:20th

Hartlepool United

Hartlepool finished last season just above the relegation zone and may find that they have not done enough to strengthen their side for this year’s campaign, which could see them struggle again. Prediction:21st

Huddersfield Town

The Terriors started showing potential under the guidance of Lee Clark last season, finishing 9th in League One. His side will be pushing for a play-off spot this year, aided by the pace of Theo Robinson, an arrival from Watford, in attack. Prediction:4th

Leeds United

The departure of Fabian Delph to Aston Villa could be crucial in Leeds’ season, but it means they should have money to spend to strengthen their squad. Whether Jermaine Beckford stays or not will also be crucial to Leeds’ season and their will be a lot of pressure on them again to achieve automatic promotion again. It would not be surprising if they fell into the play-offs again. Prediction:5th

Leyton Orient

Leyton Orient cruised to a 6-1 win over Newcastle United in pre-season, which should give O’s players a lot of confidence for the start of the season. Scott McGleish will also be a threat for them at the front. Prediction: 14th

Millwall

Millwall will lost out in the play-off semi-finals last season, but they should be strong again this year. With a similar squad to last season, expect Millwall to make another play-off bid, if not the automatic places. Prediction: 3rd

Milton Keynes Dons

Milton Keynes have been at the top of League One for the last couple of season and will be expected to mount another challenge at the top of the table. If Jermaine Easter focuses on his football, he will score goals and David McCracken, who left Wycombe Wanderers in the summer, will be a key part of Milton Keynes’ defence this year. Prediction: 6th

Norwich City

Norwich were relegated to League One last season, having finished 22nd in League One, but it will not be long before the Canaries return to the second tier of league football, having signed a host of decent players, in wing-man Simon Whaley from Preston North End, striker Grant Holt from Shrewsbury and Exeter’s Matthew Gill. Expect Norwich to do well this season. Prediction: 1st

Oldham Athletic

Oldham achieved a 10th-placed finished last time around and should improve that this season, thanks to the signings of potential goalscorers, Pawel Abbott and Keigan Parker. Joint signings from Huddersfield Town, Andy Holdsworth and Jon Worthington will also help Oldham to a top-half finish. Prediction: 7th

Southend United

Southend finished in 8th place last season , but the lack of improvements to their side will mean they may not be able to improve on this and can expect a similar finish this season. Prediction: 8th

Stockport County

Stockport finished last season in 18th place, but would have ended the season in 14th place in League One, had it not been for a 10-point deduction for going into administration. County will struggle this year with instability at the club and will miss players who have left, including Tommy Rowe. Prediction: 22nd

Swindon Town

After a 15th-place finish last season, Swindon have brought in some decent signings over the summer, but may miss striker Simon Cox, who has signed for West Bromwich Albion for £1.5million. Swindon may miss his goals at the front, but should have ample money to replace him. They will need to replace him soon, if they are to have a greater impact on League One this season. Prediction: 17th

Tranmere Rovers

Rovers missed out on the final League One play-off spot on the final day last season and fans will be optimistic of challenging again. But it is questionable how well new manager John Barnes will do in charge of Tranmere. He is a big name, but big names do not always come with success and Barnes. It is a risk appointment for Tranmere.Prediction: 23rd

Walsall

The Saddlers had a comfortable mid-table finish last time around and have signed defenders Jamie Vincent from Swindon Town, Peter Till from Grimsby and Matt Richards from Wycombe Wanderers, but they have not strengthened much at the front. Their side will not be strong enough ton challenge at the top this year, looking at the strength of some of the sides predicted above them. Prediction:13th

Wycombe Wanderers

Wycombe were promoted to League One automatically last season, albeit by the odd goal. The club went through a transition which led to Steve Hayes being the sole owner of the club this summer, which meant Peter Taylor may have lost out on some key transfer targets to rival clubs. No solution has been brought in for the Chairboys’ goalscoring problems, but, like last season, they should have a solid defence, with experienced defender Michael Duberry arriving at the club. Prediction:12th

Yeovil Town

Yeovil finished last season in 17th place in League One last season. They have brought in striker Dean Bowditch and experienced and well-rated midfielder Scott Murray, but this may not add enough quality to the side for a higher finish this time. Prediction: 18th

1. Norwich City

2. Brentford

3. Millwall

4. Huddersfield Town

5. Leeds United

6. Milton Keynes

7. Oldham Athletic

8. Southend United

9. Brighton And Hove Albion

10. Bristol Rovers

11. Exeter City

12. Wycombe Wanderers

13. Walsall

14. Leyton Orient

15. Charlton Athletic

16. Colchester United

17. Swindon Town

18. Yeovil Town

19. Southampton

20. Gillingham

21.Hartlepool United

22. Stockport County

23. Tranmere Rovers

24. Carlisle United

Season 2009/10 predictions: League Two

2009-08-04T17:37:00.006+01:00

Picture: Stevec77

UNDOUBTEDLY League Two is one of toughest divisions to predict. Bradford City and Shrewsbury Town were the fancied side’s last season, but both failed to gain promotion and it was Exeter City who were the surprise package of the season, clinching second place. They joined champions Brentford and third-placed Wycombe Wanderers in League One, as well as Gillingham, the play-off winners.

At the other end of the table, it was a farcical state of affairs at the bottom with three sides on points deductions and Luton were inevitably relegated. Chester City were not deducted points, but had a miserable season and joined the Hatters on the way into the non-league.

With Charlton Athletic, Southampton and Norwich City entering via the Championship trap-door too, this season presents some mouth-watering matches in League One.

Accrington Stanley

Accrington’s pre-season results will not have given their fans much optimism, two draws and four defeats, including a 5-0 hammering at Radcliffe Borough, but this was followed by an encouraging 2-2 draw with Burnley. They will not be helped either by the suspension of four players for match-fixing. Their first priority will be survival in League Two again, starting with a tough opener against promotion-favourites Rotherham, but it could prove beyond them. Prediction: 23rd

Aldershot Town

The Shots had a good start to their first season back in the Football League last time around thanks to an excellent record at the Rec, which propelled them into the promotion spots at one point, but a loss of form compounded by injuries to key players towards the end of the season saw them slip to 15th. If the Shots remain injury-free, their squad should be good enough for a mid-table finish. Prediction: 15th

Barnet

Barnet are another side which will not be likely to set the world alight in League Two, but they should still be safe and, with the signing of Micah Hyde adding some creativity in the middle of the park, they should avoid relagation again this time around. Prediction: 18th

Bournemouth

Bournemouth were hit with a 17-point deduction last season for going into administration and ensured their survival in League Two. The Cherries should be expecting to make a challenge for a play-off place this season. Prediction: 5th

Bradford City

The Bantams were among the favourites for promotion last season, but failed to deceive. Inconsistency marred their campaign last season and they were not helped by injuries to key men Peter Thorne and Omar Daley. Bradford could be play-off challengers if they can string a run of wins together, but will they accomplish that with a similar squad to last season and creative wide-man Omar Daley injured until Christmas? Prediction: 10th

Burton Albion

A betting man may fancy a flutter on Burton to do well this season. Albion have signed players experienced enough to handle League Two football, bringing in veteran centre-back Guy Branston from Blue Square Premier side Kettering Town and striker Richard Walker from Bristol Rovers. This bolstering with experienced league players could help last season’s Blue Square champions carry their momentum into League Two. Prediction: 4th

Bury

Bury lost out on automatic promotion by a goal last season and then lost on penalties in the play-offs. This failure will only make Alan Knill and his side more determined to succeed this time around. They have a similar squad to last season and have kept leading goalscorer Andy Bishop over the summer. There is no reason why Bury should not be looking at the play-offs at least, this season. Prediction: 2nd

Cheltenham Town

Cheltenham will be looking to bounce straight back into League One this season. The signings of forwards Barry Hayles and Julian Alsop will be a threat to League Two defences, but they will have to defend a lot better than the 91 goals they shipped last season if they are to make the play-offs. Prediction: 13th

Chesterfield

Chesterfield fell just short of the play-offs last season and, with a similar squad, they should be looking to mount a similar challenge this time around. They also still have Jack Lester, who is a potent threat to League Two defences, but the strength of the side’s around them could oust them out of the play-offs again. Prediction: 9th

Crewe Alexandra

Crewe are another side relegated from League One last season with a terrible defensive record, conceding 82 goals in the process. An exodus of players over the summer has left Crewe weakened and Gudjon Thordarson’s side will find it difficult to make any promotion challenge this year. Prediction: 16th

Dagenham and Redbridge

The Daggers had an excellent chance to reach the play-offs last season, but lost out to Shrewsbury on the final day. The summer has seen the departure of key players, Ben Strevens, Danny Foster and Sam Saunders, all to Brentford. Manager John Still has recruited strong centre-back Will Antwi from Wycombe Wanderers, but, without the attacking threat of last season, his side could find themselves as part of the basement battle. Prediction: 22nd

Darlington

Darlington would have been in the play-offs last season, had it not been for a 10-point deduction for entering administration. Leading goalscorer Pawel Abbott has since left for Oldham. Dean Windass has joined as player-assistant manager and will score some goals for Darlo, but they will not have the same fire-power to make the play-offs this year. Prediction: 14th

Grimsby Town

Grimsby only escaped relegation last season because of a points deduction from Luton Town. With Mike Newell at the helm and improvements to their squad, Grimsby should be looking at a higher finish this year, but still do not have a squad to compete with the play-off contenders. Prediction: 17th

Hereford United

Hereford have had a complete makeover this pre-season with some of the most comings and goings in League Two. Leon Constantine stands out as one of their star signings and, if he can produce his goalscoring potential, Hereford will be in the top half, but a lot will depend on whether the squad gels quickly enough. Prediction: 8th

Lincoln City

The Imps finished mid-table last season, under the management of Peter Jackon. With players leaving during the summer and no big signings, Lincoln could struggle to maintain last season’s 12th-placed finish. Prediction: 21st

Macclesfied Town

Macclesfield are another side who have had a dramatic makeover this summer. With more players going out than coming in, the squad looks very thin and Town look to be one of the most-likely relegation candidates this year. Prediction: 24th

Northampton Town

Northampton fans will be keen to see their side bounce straight back to League One, but it could be a frustrating season for them. The departure of defender Chris Doig has left them weakened in defence. Striker Leon Constantine has left for Hereford, while experienced Steve Guinan has replaced him, moving in the opposite direction. The Cobblers will not have to worry about relegation, but they won’t set the division alight either. Prediction: 12th

Notts County

The Magpies have had an exciting pre-season, which has seen ex-England manager Sven Goran Eriksson join them as Director of Football. On the playing side, Ian McParland’s side can be expected to score plenty of goals this season, following the signings of strikers Karl Hawley, Lee Hughes and Luke Rodgers, and midfielder Ben Davies, who played a key role at Shrewsbury last season. A promotion place could be in store for the Nottinghamshire side. Prediction: 3rd

Port Vale

Inconsistency was why The Valiants finished so far down the table last season and with not many changes to their squad, they could face a similar season in 09/10. Vale need some more firepower in their side if they are going to challenge at the top of the division. Prediction: 19th

Rochdale

Rochdale lost out in the play-offs last season and should be expecting to make a similar promotion attempt again this year. With almost the same squad as last year and goalscorer Adam Le Fondre at the front, Rochdale should make the play-offs again. Prediction: 5th

Rotherham United

Rotherham made a mockery of a 17-point deduction for entering administration last year, by finishing 14th and producing form which would have seen them in the play-offs. Despite the departure of striker Reuben Reid, Rotherham still had a stable defence last season, which is why they are this year’s favourites to be champions of League Two. Prediction: 1st

Shrewsbury Town

The Shrews made the play-offs last season before losing to Gillingham in the final. The departures of striker Grant Holt and midfielder Ben Davies will make it a challenge to make the play-offs again for Paul Simpson’s side. Prediction: 11th

Torquay United

Torquay were promoted to League Two from the Blue Square Premier play-offs last season and it will be a challenging season for Paul Buckle’s side. They could be the surprise package, but they are expected to finish towards the bottom of League Two. Prediction: 20th

Predicted final league table

1. Rotherham United

2. Bury

3. Notts County

4. Burton Albion

5. Rochdale

6. Bournemouth

7. Morecambe

8. Hereford United

9. Chesterfield

10. Bradford City

11. Shrewsbury Town

12. Northampton Town

13. Cheltenham Town

14. Darlington

15. Aldershot Town

16. Crewe Alexandra

17. Grimsby Town

18. Barnet

19. Port Vale

20. Torquay United

21. Lincoln City

22. Dagenham and Redbridge

23. Accrington Stanley

24. Macclesfield Town

Season 2009/10 predictions: Introduction

2009-08-01T19:56:00.005+01:00

(Picture: Stevec77)

WELCOME to the first post in JSaunders sport's series of predictions of the 2009/10 football season to feature this week.

The Football League season is only a week away and it's that time of year again when every football fan is making their predictions for the coming season.

Not to miss out on the predicting action, JSaunders sport will ascending the football league ladder, casting predictions on what the league tables will look like come next May, starting with League Two.

Check back soon for the first instalment.

This blog is back

2009-08-01T19:53:00.003+01:00

I stopped writing on this blog for a while during a particularly-challenging part of my Journalism course at the University of Central Lancashire, from which I have now graduated.

Now that I have the time and will to do so, this blog will be being updated again on a regular basis.

Shearer is a 'Tony Adams' appointment

2009-04-05T23:00:00.002+01:00

I haven't much time on my hands, so as I watch Newcastle go down two-nil to Chelsea on Match Of The Day 2, I just have time to express my opinion on the appointment of Alan Shearer.

It is another 'Tony Adams' appointment. Like Adams, he has no mangerial credentials and is just a big name. In my opinion, he is one of the worst pundits to have been to Match Of The Day. When he said that Spain won Euro 2008 with no luck on their side was rubbish. Spain had won a game in the last minute, Russia hit the goal-frame twice before Spain beat them and won a match on penalties.

The only way Shearer will keep Newcastle up is if he spreads confidence through the team, but having lost the first match I cannot see it happening. It would not surprise me if Newcastle do not win another game this season. I will be surprised if the Magpies are not playing Championship football next season.

And while I am putting my neck on the line, Manchester United will still win the title. Liverpool have not had a chance for a while.

Sad day for sport

2009-03-30T01:19:00.003+01:00

It's been a tragic day for sport as 22 people died in a stadium stampede in Ivory Coast.

The news comes amid recent talking point, the upcoming 20th anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster, on April 15.

No doubt, there are many who can relate to today's disaster and it will spark more stories like Tony Edwards' in today's newspapers.

I found out today that I will be going to the Chelsea versus Liverpool Champions' League second leg a day prior to the anniversary.

It has not yet been decided how a moment of respect will be marked in that game and this is questioned by The Times Online, and I agree with the piece that there should be a silence, not one minute of applause. A silence is more dignified, and as the piece states, matches the sombre mood of the occasion.

A minute's applause was only brought in to prevent a moment of respect being interrupted by mindless morons, something which one Liverpool fans' forum poster Huyton Red, speaks out against vociferously.

Some Liverpool musicians and a choir of players, including Kenny Dalglish, John Aldridge and Phil Thompson will be releasing a single to remember those who died.

However the 96 Liverpool fans killed in the Hillsborough disaster are remembered before the Champions' League quarter-final second leg, my first Champions' League match is likely to be one of the most emotion-filled games I ever attend.

While on the subject of stadium accidents, just a couple of hours ago a tennis fan had to be stretchered out of the arena and to hospital after falling down the stairs during the Miami Open match between Robert Kendrick and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. I hope that fan makes a swift return to health.

Paul McKenna talks ahead of PNE's match at Charlton

2009-03-18T22:53:00.004Z

I went to the players' conference at Preston North End today and recorded what Paul McKenna's thoughts were of PNE's poor away record, Charlton Athletic and Alan Irvine.

Bamber Bridge's play-off chances slashed after loss to Garforth

2009-03-18T01:55:00.006Z

Bamber Bridge 1-3 Garforth Town

Bamber Bridge’s play-off hopes were dented by a 3-1 defeat to Garforth Town at the QED Stadium on Saturday.

One goal was not enough for a Brig side which was guilty of missing chance after chance throughout the match.

Adam Hayward put Garforth ahead with a second-half penalty before Stephen Brown equalised for the home side, but a brace for midfielder Greg Kelly sealed a win for Town.

Newly-appointed boss Neil Crowe made three changes to the line-up which beat Curzon Ashton in the last game as Jamie Nay, Steven Smith and Michael Mason came in for Phil Mitchell, Stuart Shepherd and Sean O’Neil.

Garforth went into the match having lost all but one of their last six matches, despite having scored 12 goals.

Blustery conditions made it difficult for either side to settle, but Brig were on the front foot from the start against a Garforth defence which had not kept a clean sheet in six matches.

The first clear goal-scoring opportunity came on 12 minutes, when striker Alex Porter sent a ball across goal to Tom Ince, but he could not get enough contact on the ball to convert the chance.

On 20 minutes, a ball was played through to Garforth's Adam Hayward, but his shot was saved well by Brig goalkeeper Paul Horridge.

Brig had a strong spell of pressure on the Garforth goal, with a succession of corners, but the away defence was holding strong and Town were frustrating Brig by slowing down the pace of the game.

On 40 minutes, Brig had their best chance of the half, as a series of shots were either blocked by the garforth defence of saved by goalkeeper Luke Gibbons.

The ball fell to midfielder Ryan Bowen on the edge of the box, but he could not keep a powerful shot on target and it skewed wide.

Balls were now raining in on the away side’s goal. Moments later, striker Mason barged through the defence and laid a ball across goal into the path of Porter but he failed to connect from inside the six-yard box.

Garforth started the better side in the second half, putting pressure on the Brig defence, but it was the home side who came close to taking the lead.

Tom Ince made a well-crafted run and found Mason, but the striker’s shot blazed wide of the goal.

On 59 minutes, Garforth substitute Bryce Tiani played a pass to Kelly, whose 25-yard shot was a decent effort, but was narrowly wide of the target.

A penalty on 66 minutes broke the deadlock. Hayward burst into the Brig box, but was brought down by home captain Glenn Steel.

The striker picked himself up to place the ball comfortably past Horridge.

The lead only lasted seven minutes though, as Brown equalised from a corner, drilling the ball through a crowded box, after it was played to him 25-yards out.

Brig could smell blood and started to push up, against the side who had scored but still lost in all of five of their last six games.

But as they pushed up, missed chance after missed chance went by, before Garforth countered on 85 minutes.

They raced forward and, having seen Kelly miss an almost open goal moments earlier, Hayward made sure of a second goal for Garforth by squaring to Kelly, who made no mistake this time, placing the ball into the empty net with a cool finish.

In the last minute, Kelly scored his second in quick succession with a similarly slick break for Garforth a surprise win for the away side.

Bamber Bridge: Paul Horridge, Jamie Nay, Matt Mahoney (Phil Mitchell 45mins), Steve Williams, Glenn Steel, Steve Smith, Stephen Brown, Ryan Bowen (Anthony Murt 71ms), Michael Mason (Sean O'Neil 79mins), Alex Porter, Tom Ince. Unused subs: Colin McAllister, Aaron Tyrer

Garforth Town: Luke Gibbons, Nathan Kamara (George Williams 70mins), Nick Jagger, Lee Connor, Brett Renshaw, Duncan Williams, Adam Clark (Fidel Mhlolo 90mins), Wayne Harratt, Adam Hayward, Graham Marchant (Bryce Tiani 45mins), Greg Kelly

Attendance: 114

Liverpool pull of one of the shocks of the season

2009-03-18T01:10:00.004Z

Liverpool pulled off one of the shocks of the season on Saturday with their four-one victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford.

The last time United lost so heavily at home was New Year's Day 1992, when they lost by the same scoreline to Queens Park Rangers.

Some may think that the win gives Liverpool and more so Chelsea a glimmer of hope of snatching the title from United, and of course neither will truly give up until it is mathematically over, but they are both chasing a lost cause.

I fully expected United to beat Liverpool, so it was a shock to the system to see them beaten so convincingly at home, but nonetheless I am certain I will not experience any more shocks like that this season and the Red Devils will win the title comfortably.

Even if United do falter in their next match, a potentially tricky encounter against Fulham at Craven Cottage, the Premiership takes a break for International matches the following week, which will break up any bad run which United could be embarking on.

In League Two, the game of the day was indeed produced by first-placed Brentford and second-placed Wycombe. Despite both sides' impeccable defensive records this season and the previous low-scoring encounters between the sides at Griffin Park, the match produced a three-all draw.

It was a good result for both sides, but possibly more so for Wycombe in light of Brentford's loss at home to Chesterfield last night.

Wycombe are now seven points behind the league leaders with two games in hand.

The match I watched on Saturday was at Bamber Bridge, who surprisingly lost to a deserving Garforth Town in the Unibond First Division North. The result has potentially blown the chance that Brig had of a play-off place as they have dropped out of the play-off places and every other side has games in hand over the Lancashire side. For a full report on that match, click here.

Here are how my predictions faired at the weekend:

Grimsby I predicted to beat Chester away comfortably, but the Mariners, who are second-bottom of the table continued to fail to live up to what is expected of Mike Newell's side and only managed a one-all draw, despite taking the lead

Leyton Orient had a good chance away at Stockport, and did win, by a goal to nil

Peterborough I predicted would win and they did, even with 10 men for most of the game against local rivals Northampton in League One

Leeds also did as I expected and saw off Swindon Town, albeit in a narrow one-nil win

Tips for the weekend

2009-03-14T00:59:00.002Z

I have finally found the time during a hectic schedule this week, in which I have been editing the Preston Journal newspaper on my journalism course, to update this blog.

While some wonderful, albeit weird, dancing is taking place on BBC for the Comic Relief Cause, blogging makes a welcome break from the monotony of the depressing appeals, and I am allowed to say that because I have sent the text message pledging a fiver to the cause.

It has been an exciting few days in football: Manchester United beat Inter at Old Trafford before Jose Mourinho 'hit' the headlines for an alleged scuffle with a United fan; Arsenal made it a double for English teams over Italians after an epic penalty shoot-out; Chelsea made a fine hat-trick by beating Juventus; and Liverpool, the exception, both in their inferiors' home country and in how impressive the result was, accomplished an astounding four-nil victory over Real Madrid.

And the excitement does not stop there. Many will be looking forward to the first versus third clash between Man United and Liverpool respectively, but my excitement comes in League Two, where the team I support, Wycombe, take on Brentford, in a second versus first clash.

Painstakingly, I will miss the match, but I will be reporting at Bamber Bridge, who are hosting Garforth Town, in hope of sustaining a play-off place in the Unibond First Division North.

Here are the results I predict for the weekend:

Grimsby were on fire with a 5-1 win against Lincoln last week, and they should beat mediocre Chester away. Expect another stuffing

Leyton Orient have done well away recently in League One and Stockport's Jim Gannon was concerned about playing slick football on home turf during the week, so an away victory could be on the cards

I am utterly convinced that Manchester United will beat Liverpool at Old Trafford

Peterborough have been in blinding form and they will beat Northampton in League One

Leeds have won their previous five at home, so they will see off lowly Swindon Town

And finally, my headline of the day is a story about French footballing legend Zinedine Zidane recommending Liverpool's Steven Gerrard as the the best footballer in the world. It reads, 'GERRARD IS ZZ' TOP'.

Let the weekend commence.

Weekend round-up of Preston's sport

2009-03-04T00:53:00.002Z

Here is my round-up of the sport in Preston at the weekend.

Hiddink records victory in first game in charge

2009-02-23T01:11:00.003Z

As predicted, Chelsea beat Aston Villa one-nil on Saturday, avenging their loss there last season. Chelsea fans will be pleased that Chelsea put in a professional away performance, but the Blues will face two more tough tests as they face two home matches against Juventus in the Champions' League, followed by Wigan in the Premiership. The Juve match should prove trickier on paper, but in reality, Wigan will be another tough match for Chelsea, who need to address their poor home form this season.

It was a tough weekend for the top five. Manchester United beat Blackburn two-one at Old Trafford, thanks to goals from Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo. I expected a greater winning margin from United, but Blackburn put in a fantastic performance and a point would not have been undeserved for them.

Arsenal and Liverpool unexpectedly slipped up against Sunderland and Manchester City respectively. If it wasn't before, the title is now well and truly in the clutches of Manchester United and it is not surprising that bookmakers Paddy Power have already paid out on United to win the title. I found it surprising that the report on BBC News tonight said Liverpool were 'held' to a draw with City. I may be being petty here, but to be 'held' to a draw, I would assume the side who are held have the lead first, which Liverpool did not.

Bolton did turn out to be tricky for West Ham, with two first-half goals enough to win, despite the Hammers' goal. Middlesbrough and Wigan produced a goalless draw, while at the Britannia Stadium it looked as though Portsmouth had thrown all three points away as Stoke came from a goal down to lead two-one before a late Pompey equaliser goalscoring frenzy during the last 20 minutes.

My 'tip of the day' in the Championship was a disaster as Preston North End became only the second side to suffer defeat at Southampton this season. The Saints took a three-goal lead in the first half and a goal from Ross Wallace was not enough to turn the match for North End.

It was a disaster for me all round on the Championship predictions as everything I predicted failed to happen.

In League One, however, despite failing to predict a loss for Huddersfield, Leeds and Peterborough both won as predicted.

In League Two, I had more success. Bradford had an unexpected crushing four-one defeat at Barnet, but Darlington and Gillingham won as predicted, while I predicted the result spot-on for Brentford, a two-one win.

My predictions Results

Aston Villa v Chelsea Aston Villa 0-1 Chelsea
Manchester Utd v Blackburn Manchester Utd 2-1 Blackburn
Arsenal v Sunderland Arsenal 0-0 Sunderland
Middlesbrough v Wigan Middlesbrough 0-0 Wigan
Stoke v Portsmouth (home win or draw) Stoke 2-2 Portsmouth

Southampton v Preston Southampton 3-1 Preston
Norwich v Burnley Norwich 1-1 Burnley
QPR v Ipswich QPR 1-3 Ipswich
Coventry v Birmingham Coventry 1-0 Birmingham
Nottingham Forest v Derby Nottingham Forest 1-3 Derby

Crewe v Huddersfield Crewe 3-1 Huddersfield
Leeds v Cheltenham Leeds 2-0 Cheltenham
Hereford v Peterborough Hereford 0-2 Peterborough

Barnet v Bradford Barnet 4-1 Bradford
Rochdale 1-2 Brentford Rochdale 1-2 Brentford
Gillingham v Macclesfield Gillingham 3-1 Macclesfield
Darlington v Grimsby Darlington 1-0 Grimsby

The football weekend ahead

2009-02-21T01:03:00.003Z

What an exciting weekend of football there is ahead.

Starting at the top, it's third versus fourth in the Premiership as Aston Villa take on Chelsea in a 12.45pm kick-off at Villa Park.

Although it will not be easy for Chelsea, I am backing the Blues to win this one. They will have been well-prepared by Guus Hiddink during the week and, though it has not been a good idea to bet against Martin O'Neil's Villa side very often this season, they have had a busy time of late.

There were many Villa players who flew out to Spain for England friendly just over a week ago. They may have only had to play on the Sunday afterwards, but this week they have then had a tough UEFA Cup home tie with CSKA Moscow and face an early kick-off on Saturday. How Martin O'Neil must be loathing the television schedules right now. His side will be tired an I expect that to be a factor in why they will lose to Chelsea tomorrow.

Elsewhere, I expect Arsenal to beat Sunderland, on-form Manchester United to beat Blackburn at Old Trafford and for Liverpool to beat Man City, another side who played in Europe, at Anfield on Sunday.

Towards the bottom, Bolton will prove tricky for West Ham and should win their home game, Wigan are capable of a win at Middlesbrough and, though Portsmouth should be an improved side now that Adams has left, they will achieve a draw at most with Stoke.

My 'tip of the day' in The Championship is Preston to win at Southampton. Despite North End's away form being far inferior to home form this season, I expect them to beat the Saints, who have won only once at St Mary's Stadium and have not won in their previous five matches.

I also forecast Burnley to win at struggling Norwich, QPR to beat Ipswich, Birmingham to win at Coventry and Nottingham Forest to avenge their loss earlier this month against Derby.

In League One, in-form Huddersfield will win at Crewe, Leeds will recover from two successive losses to beat Cheltenham, and Peterborough will win at Hereford.

In League Two, Bradford will continue their good form, after two impressive win at Gillingham and at home to my beloved Wycombe, as they win at Barnet. Brentford will not be able to stop Rochdale scoring, but the Bees have luck on their side at the moment and will scrape a two-one victory and Darlington and Gillingham will beat Grimsby and Macclesfield respectively.

With money comes hastily-fired managers

2009-02-13T21:18:00.003Z

RAY WILKINS has insisted today that 'player power' had no influence on the decision to sack Phil Scolari,

I hope what Ray Wilkins said is true because for a manager to be sacked because the players dislike him is disgraceful.

Players should be professional enough to be able to work with their manager whether they like them or not and not go the people above them to push for their dismissal. That should be a given in any line of work.

Scolari's sacking has led me to do a balancing act between what he did wrong and what he did right.

What he did right was to stay in the FA Cup and stay in the Champions League. And, though Chelsea may not have been at their very best so far this season, they are five points off of second and a win off of third. They are also five points ahead of an Arseanal side going through another season of transition, yet they have kept faith in Arsene Wenger. I thought finishing at least in a Champions League qualification spot would have been the bare minimum acceptable achievement this season, but then Roman Abramovic seems unrealistically difficult to please.

What Scolari did wrong was to lead Chelsea to a shock defeat to Burnley in the League Cup and not lead them towards a storming lead in the Premiership. But was Scolari really 'leading' them to such poor form?

Perhaps it is difficult to inspire a side, fronted by Nicholas Anelka's sulky and often disinterested body language, which sometimes appears to spread back through the side like the recent fires in Australia . Perhaps the players were finding it difficult to play to Scolari's tactical instruction.

Whatever the reasons, Abramovic has decided it was not good enough and has fired him, even though Scolari has not been able to bring enough players in to make his squad his own and who fit his tactics. Deco from Barcelona for £10 million and Jose Bosingwa for £28 million from FC Porto have been his only signings.

Although Scolari could have spent his money more wisely, bringing in more players on cheaper transfers to concentrate quality throughout his side instead of in just two positions, it could be argued he has not had time to adjust his tactics to the Premiership either.

Now Guus Hiddink will be leading Chelsea on a temporary basis (which is perhaps they should have told Scolari as well). It is difficult to see what Hiddink could do, especially while managing Russia as well, to improve Chelsea's season that Scolari couldn't have done.

Abramovic fails to take notice of Alex Ferguson's and Arsene Wenger's first seasons with Manchester United and Arsenal respectively, in which they both won nothing. He also seemingly fails to notice what Martin O'neil is doing at the moment with Aston Villa, improving them season by season. No manager at Chelsea seems to be given the chance to do that. Even Rafa Benitez has managed to cling in there and improve Liverpool (despite the American owners' best efforts to out him).

It seems that the more money is pumped into football by multi-millionaire owners, the higher immediate expectations there are of managers and the less patience there is for them to achieve their goals. Mark Hughes to be sacked by Manchester City by the end of the season anyone?

Preview of the Spain versus England game on camera

2009-02-12T01:08:00.002Z

I filmed this as part of my final-year journalism work as part of a student newspaper called The Journal, which myself and other students are producing. I produced this for the newspaper website, but, as it has only been up and running for a couple of days, it was not readily-equipped for me to put this video onto it. It's a waste not to use it, so I thought I would upload it on here instead, though the England match has passed now.

Preview: Spain v England

2009-02-10T22:34:00.002Z

ENGLAND face a tough test tonight as they take on European champions Spain in the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium in Seville.

The Three Lions will be looking to stretch their unbeaten run to eight games in all competitions, since their defeat against France.

England have also won their previous five matches including wins over Andorra, Croatia, Kazakhstan and Belarus.

Their last game was in November, when Matthew Upson and John Terry gave England a 2-1 victory over Germany in the Olympic Stadium.

England will be without key players Steven Gerrard and Wayne Rooney, which will provide the chance for Aston Villa duo James Milner and Gabriel Agbonlahor to show coach Fabio Capello their international credentials.

It was announced yesterday that right-back Luke Young will not feature in tonight’s match because of a toe injury picked up in training.

Portsmouth defender Glen Johnson is a strong candidate to play in his absence.

Aston Villa’s Emile Heskey is fit to play, despite not training on Monday because of an ankle injury.

England’s backline will be in for a busy night against danger-man Fernando Torres, aided by Valencia forward David Villa and Liverpool’s Albert Riera.

The magnitude of England’s task to beat Spain on their home turf is reflected by Spain’s unbeaten record, which began at Old Trafford in February 2007 - the last time the two sides met, almost two years ago.

The match resulted in a 1-0 win for Spain, settled by a goal scored by Barcelona forward Andres Iniesta.

That match has sparked an epic 28-game unbeaten run for the Spaniards since their last defeat, against Romania.

The performance will be more important than the result tonight, with England’s next World Cup qualifier still well over a month away, but there will be no greater incentive to win the match than to end a Spanish run which started on English soil.

On paper, this looks like a glamorous tie, but in reality, a showcase exhibition of glistening football may not materialise.

Fabio Capello has named a host of defenders on the bench and has an opportunity to experiment with different formations before England face the Ukraine in April, while Vicente Del Bosque, still new to his coaching role with Spain, will want to know his best 11.

It will be no surprise if the momentum is taken out of the game as both managers tinker with their team line-ups throughout the game.

England squad:

Robert Green
Joe Hart
David James

Wayne Bridge
Rio Ferdinand
Ashley Cole
Phil Jagielka
Glen Johnson
John Terry
Matthew Upson
Luke Young (withdrawn because of injury)

Gareth Barry
David Beckham
Stewart Downing
Frank Lampard
James Milner
Shaun Wright-Phillips
Ashley Young

Gabriel Agbonlahor
Carlton Cole
Peter Crouch
Emile Heskey

Coach: Fabio Capello

My starting line-up:

James

Johnson Ferdinand Terry Cole

Beckham Milner Carrick Young

Heskey Agbonlahor

Chelsea sack Scolari

2009-02-09T18:57:00.002Z

The managerial merry-go-round is spinning at top speed in the Premiership this season.

More managers are falling off than getting back on at the moment and the latest to fall is Chelsea's Phil Scolari.

But I think the sacking of Scolari is very harsh. Yesterday I said I was not surprised at all by Adams' dismissal (I'm more surprised that he is surprised), but today I am shocked by the news that Scolari has been given the boot.

The man has had half a season to make some progress and he has under-achieved with Chelsea. But why is this? Has he had time to bring in his own players? No. Has he been given the funds? No. And has he been given time to adapt to management in the Premiership? Again, no.

Chelsea should be giving Scolari, a manager with a fantastic track record, until Christmas 2009, by which time he will have had a summer to bring in his own players and to get the players used to his tactics and to adapt those tactics to the Premiership.

Chelsea will now bring in another manager who will be under instant pressure to deliver within months of his appointment. They are back to square one.

Adams to be sacked as Portsmouth boss

2009-02-09T00:15:00.002Z

It looks like Tony Adams is finally going to be fired by Portsmouth after a poor managerial reign with the Premiership strugglers.

http://www.portsmouth.co.uk/sport/Adams-to-be-sacked-as.4959175.jp

I expect Portsmouth will already have an idea of who they would like to replace the ex-Arsenal and England defender as manager.

Managers for them to consider could be out-of-work managers Alan Pardew and Alan Curbishley. I do not expect Paul Ince or Roy Keane to be considered as both are in the same mould as Adams, relatively young. Portsmouth need someone experienced. I think their ideal replacement, though I do not think this is likely, would be Sven Goran Eriksson. Talking of ex-England managers, Glenn Hoddle is also available at the moment, if he can be lured away from his Spanish football academy for some British snow.

Welcome to JSaunders sport and views after today's key match

2009-02-02T01:21:00.005Z

WELCOME sports followers and fans alike to this sports blog, covering all sports, but primarily football.

That's the welcome done. Now for some blogging.

Today Liverpool went top of the Premiership with a last-gasp win over Portsmouth after two late goals. I don't expect many Liverpool fans to agree with me while they are fewer than six wins (22 points) off beating last season's total of 76 points and perhaps on course to be their Premiership best of 82 points achieved in 2005/06, but I just do not see them winning the Premiership this season.

They have undoubtedly narrowed the gap between themselves and Manchester United, but I predict Alex Ferguson's side to run out comfortable winners in the end. Liverpool have shown the quality to keep going until the end of games this season, certainly during their two previous league matches, scoring vital late goals to score victories over Chelsea and Portsmouth, but will they have the capacity to keep going until the end of the season too? That is the real sign of a championship-winning side.

There are not many season when Manchester United do not put together a late surge to win the title. They did it last season, they did it in 1999 in the year they won 'the Treble' and they have done it during numerous other Premiership seasons. It would not be wise to bet against them doing it again this season. With much the same side that won the Premiership last year, I am confident that Alex Ferguson with have his side in blossoming form come May.

Even if Liverpool do beat their record league total, it is no guarantee they will finish ahead of Manchester United, virtue of the fact they still finished behind the Red Devils when they achieved that feat, and, late goals or not, struggling to be lowly Pompey is not a sign of a title-winning side.

Portsmouth are a struggling side at the moment. Though Tony Adams has had a glistening playing career, I do not think he cuts it as a manager. I cannot see what credentials he had to be given the Portsmouth job in the first place, having not set the world alight since he went into management. He started with the club I love, Wycombe Wanderers, and did a poor job, taking them to their only relegation during their time as a league club.

A manager like Nigel Clough was doing an fantastic job with Burton Albion and was offered a job in the Championship, not the Premiership, so why should Tony Adams qualify for a Premiership job with such an insignificant record? It shows that in football, a lot can be gained from who you know, not what you know, or your previous experience.

I fully expected Portmouth to be knocked out of the FA Cup by a lower league side, and they were (they narrowly beat Bristol City, before being knocked out by Swansea); I expected them to struggle in the league this year, and they are; and I fully expect Tony Adams to be the next Premiership manager to face the chop.