By Michael Sinnerton

So there you have it. Next year Championship fans will have the chance to visit one of the best grounds in the country. Having lost Molineux and St Andrews away fans get the chance to visit St James' Park, along with the atmosphereless Riverside. The first of the two, in particular, may come as a surprise to fans of some Championship teams but most of us have been preparing, and in some cases looking forward to this day, for about, well about 8 games. It's not that I've got anything against Newcastle, I like Michael Owen, I rate Obafemi Martins, hell even Steve Harper deserves sympathy but I can't help but feel that the club deserves to go down. An institution that has been so badly mis-managed at all levels for years doesn't the extra money and attention that being in the media spotlight of the Premiership generates.

Wanting Newcastle to stay up is like wanting our bank managers to get their bonuses.

Of course you do feel sorry for the Newcastle fans, although perhaps we shouldn't feel any more sorry for them than for those of Middlesbrough or West Brom (who haven't really received any sympathy). The problem is that being such a 'big club' Newcastle really hadn't thought about relegation. Mike Ashely certainly hadn't when he bought the club. So Newcastle find themselves in the Championship with no relegation release deals or wage drops in place. Damien Duff has heartingly pledged to stay and pick up (something in the region of) 40k, alright for some.
The vultures will begin circling for Newcastle's star players like....based on the last few weeks noone (only Steve Harper is exempt from criticism).

There wil be departures though and they will be on the cheap, the club needs a complete reorganisation starting with the manager. The logic of appointing someone with no experience clearly didn't work as Newcastle picked up 5 points in 8 games (0.625/game). He had no visible impact on lifting the players and whilst they must take a large chunk of the responsibility for their downfall surely the point of a manager is to rouse the players. Shearer seems to ignite huge passion in the Magpies faithful but none in the Newcastle Players. Yes, he may have got people coming to training on time but really a bit of discipline is the least you'd expect from a manager.

As it is, with just minutes to go Burnley stand on the brink of the pot of gold that is promotion to the Premier League. Their achievments this season probably deserve a blog of their own whether or not they finish the day smiling or not. What annoys me most about Newcastle is that their club identiy is just, wow aren't our fans long suffering. At least 'Boro have a policy of promoting youth and that is where their challenge next season will lie, West Brom have a philosophy of losing beautifully.

Newcastle have nothing. Their challenge, like all good golfers, must start from scratch.
 

by Joel Abraham

This one seems to have slipped under the radar of the British press, but it's huge news in America. Stan Kroenke, major Arsenal shareholder and US sports tycoon, has found himself engaged in an all-out media war with Vince McMahon and the WWE.

WWE were booked into Kroenke's Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado, for next Monday. The booking was made in August, with tickets going on sale the following April. Then, Kroenke's basketball team, the Denver Nuggets, made it to the Conference final against the Los Angeles Lakers, which would take place on the same night. Kroenke subsequently dumped the WWE from his venue at short notice in favour of the NBA game, leaving them and thousands of fans in the lurch.

Kroenke is definitely in the wrong here, and has made a complete fool of himself. Whatever you might think about professional wrestling, it's not fair that the company and the fans were given the boot with such short notice. The WWE have since pulled all events from Colorado, moved them to the Staples Center in LA (home of the Lakers) and started an full-scale mudslinging contest through the press.

McMahon is milking this for all it's worth. Leaving aside the inevitable messy legal fallout, the WWE are getting buckets of free publicity, with the effervescent McMahon labelling Kroenke a "chicken nugget", challenging him to a steel cage fight (no, seriously) and offering to give him a Lakers shirt. 

Should Arsenal fans be worried by all this? It's a clear sign of Kroenke's ruthless business acumen. He thought he could make more money from the NBA game, so the WWE and its fans were out on their arse. Maybe Kroenke is a seasoned businessman who knows how to make the most money possible, yet the shocking disrespect he's shown a huge industry and all of its followers is certainly a cause for concern. If he decides to hike up ticket prices, will he even think twice about the thousands of diehard Arsenal fans who would no longer be able to afford to go?

This is all speculation, but Kroenke's philosophy is clear - money talks.

I was one of the 32,000 people who settled into the Emirates last night to watch the next generation of Wengerlings as Arsenal beat Liverpool 4-1  in the first leg of the FA Youth Cup Final.

At only a fiver to get in (although last year's first leg at Chelsea [v Man City] was free) the game is great value. The crowd is filled with kids enjoying, what for some is probably their first and for many a rare visit to a wonderful stadium, this means the atmosphere is good, cheerful and on the most part friendly (provided youre not the only shirt-wearing Liverpool fan in front of a block full of loud Arsenal 'youths').

For me, as well as the value for money, this represented a great chance to get a head-start on other football fans; giving me an insight into how good Jack Wilshere, Henri Lansbury and Thomas Ince really are.

Wilshere really is very good, at times he looked the best player on the pitch by a mile. Having said that Liverpool's goal came from him giving the ball away lazily near the half-way line - whether that was over-confidence from being one of the better players or a slight mental weakness that means he switches off to easily is yet to be seen. Lansbury too was good, growing more influential in the second half as Arsenal took control. Ince, the son of former Liverpool man Paul, didn't have one of his better games. He showed good touch but little in terms of end product.

Given that Arsenal dominated it's obvious that it would be mostly their players who stood out, and the two who perhaps impressed me the most were captain Jay Emmanuel-Thomas and Sanchez Watt (Gilles Sunu also promised much). Thomas was strong on the ball, good in the air and rarely gave the ball away whilst Watt, a first-half substitute for Emmanuel Frimpong, was a livewire causing Liverpool's, admittedly lead-footed defence, huge problems with neat lay-offs and quick turns.

Will many of these players be a success in the Premiership? Probably not more than a handful, but those that do will have had a great grounding and have already brought joy to almost 30,000 people. Not bad for a start.

By Michael Sinnerton

As Alex Ferguson cemented his place as the greatest British manager of all time this season, his former players and protégées have by and large had successful seasons too. With Ferguson nearing retirement, and the vague possibility of a shock announcement if United retain the European Cup, Students of the Game takes a look at the likely contenders for his position. 

My number one contender would be David Moyes, who I think has barely put a foot wrong at Everton.  Having served his apprenticeship at Preston, the Scot has proven his ability to spend money wisely and manage big name players. He has brought players of the calibre of Mikel Arteta and Yakubu to the club but has shown he can deal with injuries, leading the club to 5^th in the league again this season despite injuries to both (his best player and his top scorer).

Moyes has also bought brilliantly from the Championship in Joleon Lescott, Tim Cahill and Phil Jagielka, whilst showing this season that he’s not afraid to trust in youth when he has to – this season has seen the emergence of Dan Gosling (another buy from the Championship) and Jack Rodwell.

He is not afraid to stand up to other managers, notably Rafa Benitez, which is bound to please potential employers at Old Trafford and has Ferguson himself rates him as one of the best in the business. From a purists’ point of view, I would like to see Moyes given the chance to succeed at a bigger job than Everton (unless they manage to move stadiums and are given real investment).

The other candidates are numerous. Carlos Queiroz seems determined to prove that a good number two doesn’t make a good manager; a poor spell at Real Madrid has been followed by a disastrous one with Portugal who are struggling to make the World Cup. Laurent Blanc is leading Bordeaux to the title in just his second year as a manager, finally breaking Lyon’s stranglehold on Ligue 1, Steve Bruce continues to take Wigan from strength to strength and Alex McLeish managed to get Birmingham promoted despite being under intense pressure.

Then there is Mark Hughes who is many people’s favourite despite an underwhelming campaign at Man City. Hughes’ work for Wales and Blackburn stands him in good stead and he will seemingly be given the chance of a better showing next season when I would expect to see an improvement in both results and style.

Who would you like to see in charge at United? If you’re not a fan, presumably Bryan Robson.

By Michael Sinnerton

After yesterdays look at which players could move on from the Premier League's lesser lights, Students of the Game takes a look at which players could make the step up from the Championship this summer.

Joe Ledley - Ledley seems to have been around forever but is just 22. Part of a Cardiff production line that has seen Michael Chopra and Aaron Ramsey, he has the potential to be the best of the lot. Having allegedly rejected bids of £5million in the past from West Ham amongst others, the credit crunch could see a similar fee (£5-7million) accepted this time although Cardiff will be reluctant to let go of arguably their best player. Despite his age, Ledley has almost 200 appearances for Cardiff and 27 for Wales and plays best as a left midfielder with real ability to get forward. He could be a target for Stoke, Everton, West Ham or Portsmouth.

Kevin McDonald - Unlikely to leave Burnley after just one season, Premier League fans knowledge of McDonald is likely to rest on Burnley's progression through the play-offs. Touted by some club insiders as the clubs best player at the age of 20, although he may not have the eye for goal of Martin Paterson or the jinking feet of Robbie Blake just yet, McDonald is a central midfielder with real drive and ability. He has already shone this season against Premiership opposition, most notably with both goals against Arsenal in the Carling Cup. Widely regarded as one of Scotland's brightest prospects, he may not be ready for the biggest stage just yet but certainly has the talent to succeed at the highest level.

Nathaniel Clyne - Crystal Palace's Young Player of the Year, which given the clubs penchant for producing good youth players and not a lot else is almost a bigger achievement than winning player of the year. At only 18 his first season at Championship level has been a resounding success and one of the established but weaker Premier League sides could make a move (Portsmouth) to get him on the cheap. Obviously not an established talent yet but a player with huge potential.

John-Joe O'Toole - The man with the stupidest name in the league looks set to make the step up to the Premier League in the near future. Having begun making his name at Watford a loan spell at Sheffield United is likely to be made permanent if the Blades overcome Burnley at Wembley. Even if Burnley overcome the odds, it's sure to be a case of sooner rather than later than ‘JJ' makes the step up. A 20 year old with five under-21 caps for the Republic of Ireland, he has a decent goal scoring record and looks to have the temperament to match his ability.

Wayne Hennessey - Wolves have a host of young players who will be plying their trade in the ‘Prem' next season, from Michael Kightly and Sylvain Ebanks-Blake to David Edwards and Richard Stearman, but with good young goalkeepers at a premium Hennessey really sticks out. A product of the club's youth system, anyone who can displace Matt Murray deserves a mention, Hennessey was voted Wolves' Player of the Year and named in the Championship Team of the Year in 2008 and has since established himself as the country's first choice.

Which youngsters stick out from your Championship teams? Who do you see your side swooping for from the Championship?

By Michael Sinnerton

As the season draw to an end Students of the Game takes a look at which players have had a good enough season at the bottom of the league to guarantee themselves a move onwards and upwards.

Chris Brunt - A strange season for West Brom, one in which at no point did they look like they would grace the Premier League next year but one in which they were never disgraced. One shining light was the performances of the Northern Ireland international.  Brunt has made 37 appearances and scored 8 goals and is particularly dangerous from set-pieces. With a wand of a left foot, Brunt has begun to take on more responsibility later in the season and has been linked with a move to Rangers, the team he supported as a boy. At 24 he is still young enough to progress and could also be a decent signing for Wigan, Bolton or Portsmouth.

Stewart Downing - Ok, so it was hard to pick a Middlesbrough player who has excelled this year but Downing is their best player and despite an average season is almost certain to stay in the Premiership without his home town club. Tottenham, annually, have been linked with the left-winger who would finally add some much needed balance to their midfield.

Sebastian Bassong - A centre back who managed to emerge with credit after a whole season with Newcastle...sign him up.

Bernard Mendy - I want to suggest George Boateng to any promoted team needing a midfield general, Boateng's absence corresponded with Hull's collapse this season, but the Dutchman really is getting on a bit. So three cap wonder Mendy gets the nod, if Hull go down. His relatively utility on the right hand side is basically down to the fact that he is ridiculously fast; this also makes him a decent offensive weapon.

Glen Johnson - Whether or not you're totally convinced about his as an England player, Johnson is one of the best right backs in the Premier League and with Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool all having has problems with his position over the last year Johnson could be set for a Champions League team. Alternatively the form of Arbeloa and Bosingwa could lead to a bid from Aston Villa or Everton, whose current right backs are Luke Young and Tony Hibbert.

With players like Peter Crouch and Paul Robinson also enjoying good seasons but unlikely to move, who do you think has excelled this season whilst their club has faltered?

By Michael Sinnerton

This week has seen some of the craziest stories of the season. Here are my favourites.

• 1) BBC Sport: Ex-England footballer Paul Gascoigne has said that football clubs should not stop players from drinking.

This titbit, which is more ridiculous than Joseph Fritzl offering parenting advice, came following Harry Redknapp's vow to ban alcohol following Ledley King's arrest on Sunday morning.

"It's a little lesson for Ledley King. That's OK. He'll learn from that, there's not a problem, leave the kid alone. What can you do?" said the self-confessed wife-beater about the man arrested on suspicion of GBH.

• 2) Simple but brilliant. The French club Le Mans have just appointed Arnaud Cormier as their manager, with Yves Bertucci serving as his assistant. At the beginning of the season, Bertucci himself was the manager - and his assistant was...wait for it ... Arnaud Cormier.

• 3) (Taken from FourFourTwo.com.) Boca Juniors' hooligan group has begun unofficially offering services to tourists by taking them into the stadium and keeping an eye on them. For a total charge of just £50, apparently less than tourists are usually fleeced, the visitors also get a courtesy call the next day to make sure they had a good time. I wonder if the Glazers might try it.

By Michael Sinnerton

Time for an apology. Tony Pulis, I'm sorry. Never have I underestimated a promoted team as much as Stoke City, but the side who finished last season just two points behind West Brom at the top of the Championship have secured Premier League survival quite comfortably with two games to go. When the manager of the year award is handed out, I'm not sure Pulis will actually be in the running with Sir Alex after another double (potential treble) almost certain to walk away with the prize. Most people's second choice would be Roy Hodgson who has barely put a foot wrong in charge of Fulham. I think Pulis deserves an honourable mention at the very least.

Stoke are 12^th which is pretty phenomenal. Even defeats to Wigan at home and Arsenal away will see the Potters at worst 16^th with 14^th a more likely destination. Pulis seems to have a great relationship with Peter Coates, the chairman, who has backed him in successive Januaries and on both occasions seen a great return on his investment. This season's shrewd purchases of Matthew Etherington and James Beattie have not only seen an immediate return through Beattie's goals but are both comfortably among Stoke's better footballers. Hopefully this will lead to Stoke becoming a more complete footballing side; I see them at the moment as a more successful version of Adie Boothroyd's Watford. Stoke have been fortunate where Watford were not, whilst Marlon King was injured for the whole season, Stoke have injured a more or less injury free campaign.

Nevertheless Stoke City's campaign has been fought on the basis of a strong physical presence and great teamwork with star turns from a number of important individuals. At the back Ryan Shawcross a £1million buy from Manchester United and the rock Abdoulaye Faye, signed from Newcastle for £2.25m (who hilariously spent the money and £8million more on Fabrizio Coloccini), have been outstanding in front of Thomas Sorensen, while strong performances in midfield from Glenn Whelan and Rory Delap amongst others have linked well with Ricardo Fuller and James Beattie amongst others.

Stoke will need to strengthen but the performance of their fans this season has probably given them the boost to stay in the league that their performances ultimately deserve, whilst any critics of their football should re-watch the dramatic games against Everton (2-3) and Aston Villa (2-2) which prove that football can be just as brilliant whether you support Barcelona, Chelsea or even Stoke.

By Michael Sinnerton

Footballers have managed to get themselves in the news for all the wrong reasons again this week. First Nicklas Bendtner was pictured leaving a London nightclub at 4am on Wednesday, something which goes some way to justifying Arsene Wenger's claims that some of his young stars were in for a marvellous performance that evening. Bendtner's reputation took a boost inside the club when onlookers saw him take some of his most potent shots in weeks. Amusingly whilst the ‘great' Dane has apologised, Wenger, luckily having seen footage of the action having ‘not seen it' at the time, has claimed Bendtner was set-up.

"I was angry - but he has been set up," Wenger said. "People make the story that he was drunk. He was not drunk. He did not put his trousers down, somebody did it for him and somebody was posted there with a camera."

Bendtner's late night made it Arsenal's second humiliating exit of the week, with a source in the Mail saying: "Nicklas was with a group of friends inside the club, and just seemed to want to wind down after his match. But for some reason, his belt was undone as left at 4am and his pants started to slip."

Ledley King, of course, is only fit enough for one night out a week. Tottenham insiders were said to be pleased that King had made it through the action unscathed, especially as there is still the matter of Gareth Bale's victory night out next weekend...or the weekend after...or..

King's ‘chronic knee injury' that prevents him training may well be the new metatarsal with rumours of similar injuries for Dimitar Berbatov, Robinho and Marlon King yet to be confirmed.

By Michael Sinnerton

Just a few thoughts that I’m not sure have been properly voiced by the media this week. Whilst it’s not a major story given the goings on at the bridge I would like to have seen more commentators pick up on the swings and roundabouts of Chelsea v Barcelona. Given that it’s generally accepted that a farcical refereeing performance cost Chelsea the tie, I can’t understand why John’s Terry’s late winner in 2005 (4-2) that put Chelsea through hasn’t been brought up. A clear foul on the goalkeeper by Ricardo Carvalho was completely missed by the referee and Chelsea went through as a result. To me that means both teams have perhaps wrongly gone through to poor decisions. Two wrongs don’t make a right but they sure do even things up.

Another thing that has probably been brought up more in Spain, and even Italy is Guus Hiddink’s record. During the 2002 World Cup his South Korea side were the beneficiaries of a similar number of ludicrous decisions against both Italy and Spain. Perhaps this added to the Dutchman’s calm persona having on the other side of the fence on more than one occasion. Hiddink, who I thought tactically got things pretty much spot on (at least until Barca went down to 10), is undoubtedly a great manager but a lucky one. It was his PSV side remember who won the European Cup without winning a game in the latter stages.

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