From my own recollections of when “I were a lad”, footballs and windows are two things that should remain mutually exclusive. It took me until Monday to realise that this was not the case.

I was one of the “dedicated” (read sad) few who watched the final day of the transfer window with the dedication usually reserved for Soccer Saturday’s ticker tape. Would Arsenal replace Flamini? Would Spurs find another Berbatov? Would Benitez sign a player naturally capable of playing wide? Would Davie Moyes spend any money at all, or just keep selling? Who was the player “similar to Sone Aluko” that Jimmy Calderwood wanted to bring in at Aberdeen (the answer was… Sone Aluko). The minute by minute reporting on the immenent/probable/ludicrous deals only made it more like a real life version of Hungry Hungry Hippos- how many players can you grab before the timer runs out and the transfer window slams shut?

First things first. The transfer window has never slammed shut. On Monday we were led to believe that every manager in the league was squabbling around for players with time running out, like Indiana Jones fumbling under the door for his hat. The transfer window is open for 3 months. Managers know when it is going to open, and they know when it is going to close. From the moment it opens in June, the transfer window starts to shut- slowly, deliberately and with plenty of opportunity for managers to freshen up their squads. When it comes September 1st (or 2nd as it was this year) the transfer window closes reassuringly, firmly and with minimal noise.

That is until this year. For the first time that I can remember, the echoes of deadline day are still being heard two days later. What is even more remarkable is that the biggest transfer of the day was not Berbatov, or even Robinho. It was Manchester City. The Blue side of Manchester could well be the richest club in the world thanks to their takeover by Dr Sulaiman and his Abu Dhabi United Group. They have already stated their intent to gatecrash the Premiership Quadropoly by gazumping Chelsea’s bid for Robinho- a deal Chelsea were so sure of they had already started selling shirts with his name on the back. It might be a season too early for City to Challenge for the title, but the takeover not only represents a massive opportunity for the Blues, but a worrying time for Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United. What would cost be if one of them fell out of the Champions League spots? A certain League 1 club knows all about gambling on the Champions League…

After a summer that seemed to last even longer than usual -even though we were treated to a particularly special European Championships- the Premiership returns this weekend. So, to whet appetites for tomorrow’s big kick off, we’ve put together a preview of the new season - but with a difference. We’ve put together the predictions of all of the big hitters in football journalism, so we can see how their predictions pan out over the season.

The Predictions

Soccerword: 1.Manchester United; 2. Chelsea; 3. Liverpool; 4. Arsenal; 5. Portsmouth; 6. Tottenham; 7. Everton; 8. Aston Villa; 9. Newcastle; 10. Manchester City; 11. Sunderland; 12. Blackburn; 13. West Brom; 14. Bolton; 15. Fulham; 16. Wigan; 17. West Ham; 18. Middlesbrough; 19. Stoke City; 20. Hull City

The Guardian: 1. Chelsea; 2.Manchester United, 3. Liverpool; 4. Arsenal; 5. Tottenham;6. Aston Villa; 7. Portsmouth; 8. Everton; 9.Manchester City; 10. Newcastle; 11. West Ham; 12. Sunderland; 13. Middlesbrough; 14. Blackburn; 15. Fulham; 16. West Brom; 17.Wigan; 18. Bolton; 19. Stoke; 20. Hull City

Joe Lovejoy (The Times): 1. Chelsea; 2. Manchester United; 3. Liverpool; 4. Arsenal; 5. Tottenham; 6. Portsmouth; 7. Aston Villa; 8. West Ham; 9. Manchester City; 11. Newcastle; 12.Blackburn; 13. Middlesbrough; 14. Sunderland; 16. Wigan; 17. Bolton; 18. WBA; 19.Stoke City; 20. Hull City.

Sky Sports: 1.Manchester United; 2. Chelsea; 3. Liverpool; 4. Arsenal; 5. Tottenham; 6. Portsmouth; 7. Everton; 8. ASton Villa; 9. Manchester City; 10.Newcastle; 11. West Ham; 12. Middlesbrough; 13. Blackburn; 14. Sunderland; 15. Wigan; 16. Fulham; 17. Bolton; 18. West Brom;19. Stoke City; 20. Hull City

Bobby McMahon (Fox Sports): 1. Chelsea; 2. Manchester United; 3. Arsenal; 4. Liverpool; 5. Aston Villa; 6. Tottenham; 7. Everton; 8. Manchester City; 9. Portsmouth; 10. West Ham; 11. Wigan; 12. Sunderland; 13. Blackburn; 14. Middlesbrough; 15. Newcastle; 16. West Brom; 17. Bolton; 18. Fulham; 19. Stoke City; 20. Hull City

Nick Webster (Fox Sports): 1.Chelsea; 2. Manchester United; 3.Liverpool; 4.Arsenal; 5.Tottenham; 6.Aston Villa; 7. Manchester City; 8.Newcastle; 9.Portsmouth; 10. Sunderland; 11.Everton; 12.West Ham; 13.Blackburn; 14.Fulham; 15.Middlesbrough; 16.Wigan; 17.Bolton; 18.WBA; 19.Stoke; 20.Hull

EPLtalk.com: 1. Manchester United; 2. Liverpool; 3. Chelsea; 4. Arsenal; 5. Aston Villa; 6. Tottenham; 7. Portsmouth; 8. Manchester City; 9. Everton; 10. West Ham; 11. Blackburn Rovers; 12. Newcastle; 13. Sunderland; 14. Middlesbrough; 15. Wigan; 16. Fulham; 17. Bolton; 18. West Brom; 19. Hull City; 20. Stoke.

The Gaffer: 1. Manchester United; 2. Chelsea; 3.Arsenal; 4.Tottenham; 5.Liverpool; 6. Aston Villa; 7.Portsmouth; 8. Blackburn; 9. Everton; 10. Manchester City; 11.Sunderland; 12. West Ham; 13.Wigan; 14. Middlesbrough; 15.Newcastle; 16.Fulham; 17.Bolton; 18.WBA; 19.Hull City; 20.Stoke

Bet123: 1.Manchester United; 2.Chelsea; 3.Arsenal; 4.Tottenham; 5.Tottenham; 6.Aston Villa; 7.Everton; 8.Manchester City; 9.Newcastle; 10.Portsmouth; 11.Blackburn; 12.West Ham; 13.Middlesbrough; 14.Sunderland; 15.Bolton;16. Wigan; 17.Fulham; 18. West Brom; 19. Stoke; 20.Hull

Interesting to see that almost everyone thinks all three promoted teams will go straight back down, even though this has not happened in ten years. The majority of people seem to suggest that it is a two horse race for the title as well, with Spurs being the most likely challenger to the Top 4 places.

Me? I don’t make predictions for the honour of beating others. I do it for cold, hard cash.

The start of the Scottish Premier League is less than one week away, and fans of the SPL are looking forward to seeing what the class of 08/09 will be like. We thought we would have a look at the contenders, and what should shape the season:-

Aberdeen

How did they do last season:- A good end to the season ensured that The Dons finished in 4th, however they were always playing catch-up. An impressive run in the UEFA Cup took its’ toll on the league form, and while two cup semi finals may be viewed as a good season, the loss to Queen of the South cost them European Football, and their best chance of silverware in years. A mixed season.

New signings:- Gary McDonald (Oldham), Mark Kerr (Dundee United), Bertrand Bossu (Unattached), Sammy Stewart (Glenavon), Charlie Mulgrew (Wolves), Tommy Wright (Darlington - medical pending)

More to come?:- Linked with Adam Hammell on loan from Liverpool. A defender may yet be brought in, and Calderwood has yet to hear whether he will be allowed to take Sone Aluko (Birmingham) or Josh Walker (Middlesbrough) back on loan.

What will shape their season:- Calderwood’s plan to move captain Scott Severin into the defence could be the pivotal decision of their season. Severin has the ability to dominate games in the centre of the park, and is not a natural centre back. However, his organisational skills could mean he forms a solid partnership with more natural defenders such as Zander Diamond or Andrew Considine. If the decision works, Aberdeen could have a very good season, if it doesn’t then the decision not to sign a centre back will be scrutinised.

Key player:- Jamie Smith. Few players outside the Old Firm possess the ability to change a game on their own, the way Jamie Smith can. Last year he was dogged by injury, and couldn’t ever get his season started. With a full pre-season of training under his belt, Aberdeen fans will be hoping he can get more games.

Celtic

How did they do last season:- As well as they have in the past three seasons. Despite a poor run of form in the wake of their Champions League exit, Celtic put a fantastic run of results together in the closing months, to give Gordon Strachan his third title in as many years. Another good run in the Champions League showed just how much Celtic are improving in Europe.

New signings:- Pat McCourt (Derry City), Giorgios Samaras (Man City), Matty Hughes (Rochdale)

More to come?:- Linked to Nathan Dyer of Southampton, and both Marc Crossas and Jeffren Suarez of Barcelona.

What will shape their season:- Finding a regular partner for Scott McDonald. While retaining the SPL is the main priority for Celtic, they will be looking at going one stage further in the Champions League. Over the past two years they have got through the groups, and just come up short against some very good sides. Strachan has tried Venegoor of Hesselink, Samaras, Riordan and Zurawski with McDonald, but none have made the second striker position their own.

Key player:- Barry Robson. Robson’s improving form towards the end of the season co-incided with Celtic’s late title resurgance. His workrate in the centre of the pitch, not to mention his goals, have meant that higher profile players have been left on the bench.

Dundee United

How did they do last season:- Dundee United were one controvertial penalty decision away from winning the League Cup, and were it not for some poor form in the Top 6, they could have pushed Motherwell for the UEFA Cup place. Levein has managed to turn a team of huge underachievers to a difficult side to beat very quickly.

New signings:- Scott Robertson (Dundee), Michael McGovern (Celtic), Andis Shala (Mannheim), Paul Dixon (Dundee), Willo Flood (Cardiff - Loan), Warren Feeney (Cardiff - Loan), Francisco Sandaza (Valencia Mestalla)

More to come?:- United have been linked to Lee Hughes, and are one of several clubs linked to Rangers’ Alan Gow.

What will shape their season:- How they manage to replace Noel Hunt. Dundee United noticably faded when they lost Barry Robson to Celtic, but still had enough in their midfield to take them to a 5th place finish. Having lost the work rate of Mark Kerr to Aberdeen, United can’t afford to let the loss of Noel Hunt affect them too much. Not only did Hunt provide goals - both Warren Feeney and Francisco Sandaza can replace them - but he was a striker that didn’t ever give defenders any peace. Maintaining that workrate will decide where United finish.

Key player:- Craig Levein uncovered a real talent when he signed 21 year old Danny Swanson from Berwick Rangers. Swanson scored twice in his ten league appearances for United, and his trickery quickly won the fans over. If he can stay clear of injury then he could have a very good season.

Falkirk

How did they do last season:- Falkirk had an excellent season last year, and were one game from finishing in the Top 6. Their youth policy has to be admired, and they finally started getting results to match their attractive football.

New signings:- Jackie McNamara (Aberdeen), Dermot McCaffrey (Hibernian), Lee Bullen (Sheffield Wednesday), Neil McCann (Hearts), Eric Schultz-Eklund (Gretna), Burton O’Brien (Sheffield Wednesday), Ashley Young (Bury).

More to come?:- Falkirk are favourites to sign former Dundee and Aberdeen striker Steve Lovell.

What will shape their season:- Can they mix their youth with their experience? John Hughes has been very shrewd in the transfer market, and managed to acquire several players with experience. Lee Bullen and Burton O’Brien have experience of the SPL, and will add steel and some class respectively. There are doubts over McNamara and McCann, who struggled with injury and form at Aberdeen and at Hearts. If these players can bed in to an already solid Falkirk side, they could challenge for UEFA Cup football.

Key player:-Darren Barr was the star of last season, and brought admirers from North and South of the Border. But the real coup of the season could be the signing of Burton O’Brien. In his previous spell in the Premier League (with Livingston), O’Brien was instrumental in helping the side win the 2004 League Cup. He provides a cool head, and invaluable goals from midfield.

Hamilton

How did they do last season:- Winners of the First Division. Despite initially appearing to run away with the Division One title, Hamilton were made to work for their title, eventually winning it by seven points from Dundee. Proved that they can mix it with Premier League sides with their displays in the cups.

New signings:- Sean Murdoch (Dunfermline), Marc Corcoran (St Mirren), Derek Lyle (Dundee), Lucas Akins (Huddersfield Town)

More to come?:- Billy Reid has said he wants to sign five players before the start of the season. Finnish winger Sebastian Sorsa is currently on trial.

What will shape their season:- As with every side who are newly promoted, it is important that they keep their momentum going in the early weeks of the season. Hamilton have proved that they can score goals, and conceded just three goals at home all of last season. Hamilton are a difficult side to beat, and they will need to keep it that way.

Key player:- James McCarthy has won the plaudits (and rightly so for an 18 year old), but it is Scotland Under 21, James McArthur that makes them tick. He has already captained the side (aged 20), and is going to have to raise his game again this season.

Hearts

How did they do last season:- Hearts were the big underachievers last season. Confusion over the role of manager Steven Frail meant that there was no leadership on or off the pitch. Hearts’ season went from bad to worse, as they failed to make the Top 6, and were then beaten by a Gretna side which was almost entirely made up of youth players. Finished the season in 8th.

New signings:- None. Yet.

More to come?:- Hearts have been linked with taking Derek Riordan back to Edinburgh. There will almost certainly be new signings, and depending on the outcome of Rangers’ Champions League qualifier, don’t be surprised if they arrive from Kaunas.

What will shape their season:- Hearts have been on the brink of disaster constantly for the past three years. If Vladamir Romanov lets his new manager, Csasba Laszio, get on with his job then the prospects of Hearts’ having a good season increase. Hearts have the potential to split the Old Firm if they can all pull in the same direction, and they can make the standard of signings they suggest they will. At the same time, they could easily see a repeat of last season (or worse) if the dressing room is as divided as it has been.

Key player:- Laryea Kingston is one of the best central midfielders in Scotland. Although he has had problems with discipline, he is one of very few genuine box to box midfielders in the SPL. He tackles well, has the ability to beat a player, and weighs in with goals. How long Hearts will be able to hold on to him is another matter.

Hibernian

How did they do last season:- After looking like they could challenge for a UEFA Cup place, Hibs’ season went badly wrong in the closing stages. Hibs have won plaudits in recent seasons for the way they play, and the production line of young talent they have coming through the ranks. With that has come inconsistency, and last season was as good an example as ever as they ended the season 6th.

New signings:- David Van Zanten (St Mirren), Steven Thicot (Nantes), Joe Keenan (Melbourne Victory)

More to come?:- Could make a move for Alan Gow. Hibs have also been linked to Steve Lovell and are yet to make a decision on Fabian Yantorno.

What will shape their season:- Consistency. Hibs are capable of beating any side in Scotland on their day. When they are at their best, they pour forward in numbers, and are capable of sweeping away their opposition. When they don’t play, they have a habit of losing their discipline and matches they should otherwise win. Finding a goalkeeper they can rely on has been the task of Hibs managers for years, and this summer is no different.

Key player:- Brian Kerr will be important, not least as Hibs have lost Guilleume Beuzelin - the unsung hero of their midfield - to Coventry. Steven Fletcher will continue to be amongst the goals, as long Real Madrid don’t come calling. The real key to their season could lie with whoever they sign to fill the goalkeepers’ position. Goalkeepers have cost Hibs dearly in the past few seasons, and a solid ‘keeper could fill the rest of the side with confidence.

Inverness Caledonian

How did they do last season:- A fairly forgetable season for Caley meant that they finished in 9th position. A failure to score goals was their main downfall, as their home form was actually faily good. As with previous seasons, wins away from Inverness have been hard to come by.

New signings:- Andrew Barrowman (Ross County), Lionel Dejbi-Zadi (SC Verl), Ryan Esson (Hereford)

More to come?:- Caley have made moves to sign Calum Elliot from Hearts, and have Republic of Ireland under 21 Adam Rooney on trial.

What will shape their season:- Finding a regular goalscorer. Marius Niculae has been sold on to raise valuable funds, and club record goalscorer Dennis Wyness has moved on to St Mirren. Even Graham Bayne, who has always been capable of game winning goals, has moved on to Dunfermline. Caley are going to need to replace these goals, or it will be a very long season for them.

Key player:-Don Cowie was in fine form last season, scoring 9 goals. His form attracted the attention of several other SPL clubs, and there are reports that this has unsettled the midfielder. He has a new contract on the table at Caledonian Stadium, and their fans will be hoping he signs it.

Kilmarnock

How did they do last season:- Killie finished 11th last season, and had

New signings:- Allan Russell (Airdrie), Gavin Skelton (Gretna), Connor Sammon (Derry)

More to come?:- Jim Jeffries has indicated that he still wants to bring in another striker. Kilmarnock have been in negotiations to sign Peter Thompson from Linfield for most of the summer.

What will shape their season:- Kilmarnock have sold their top scorer for each of the past three seasons, letting Kris Boyd and Steven Naismith go to Rangers, and Colin Nish go to Hearts. Killie let Paul Di Giacomo and Gary Wales leave the club, and so a striker is a real priority.

Key player:-David Fernandez is the only recognised SPL striker at Kilmarnock, and they are going to have to rely on the veteran again this season. Keeping him fit will go a long way to keeping Kilmarnock in the SPL.

Motherwell

How did they do last season:- A fantastic season for Mark McGhee’s side. McGhee took the same side which had flirted with relegation a year previously, and turned them into a side which were capable of beating any side in the SPL. Their third place finish was well deserved, and were it not for the tragic death of captain Phil O’Donnell they might have pushed the Old Firm a little closer. Form after this event was understandably poorer, but they were still easily the third best side in Scotland last season.

New signings:- Bob Malcolm (Unattached)

More to come?:- Jim O’Brien could be added to the squad from Celtic, while the club could yet make Simon Lappin’s loan move permenant, and sign trialists Souleymane Mamam and Seyfo Soley.

What will shape their season:- Coping with the expectation of being a Top Six side can be difficult for sides which have been used to scrapping at the bottom of the table. McGhee also has had problems with players discipline. With extra UEFA Cup games to come, adding to the squad will be necessary, and they will need to replace Ross McCormack- such an important player last season. Transfer targets have been ambitious, and Motherwell could well build on last season.

Key player:- Stephen Hughes joined Motherwell from Leicester a year ago, and was vital at the heart of Motherwell’s midfield. The workrate and guile of Hughes allowed the players around him to get forward. McGhee plays an ambitious 4-3-3 formation, and it is the men in the middle of the park who make this possible.

Rangers

How did they do last season:- Rarely will a side which finishes with two domestic trophies, and as runners up in both UEFA Cup and League be disappointed with their season. Competing on all four fronts took its toll on the squad, and allowed Celtic back into the League. Rangers are unlikely to compete on all four fronts to the same extent, but stopping Celtic from winning a 4th title will be the priority.

New signings:- Madjid Bougherra (Charlton), Andy Webster (Wigan), Kenny Miller (Derby), Andrius Velicka (Viking FK), Kyle Lafferty (Burnley),

More to come?:- Walter Smith is still hoping to add a centre back to his side, with bids for Glen Loovens and Dickson Etuhu. The transfer of Steven Davis from Fulham looks to be dead.

What will shape their season:- Barry Ferguson will miss at least a couple of months of the season, and how Rangers cope with that will go much of the way to deciding how they will finish. The 0-0 draw with Kaunas was far from impressive, and a 4-0 friendly defeat to Liverpool will not inspire confidence in a side which sorely missed their captain. Someone will need to take on the captain’s role in his abscence.

Key player:-With Ferguson out, Rangers commanding defenders will be even more important. David Weir isn’t the youngest member of the squad, but his partnership with Carlos Cueller (who looks likely to stay at Rangers) will again be the basis around which the team is built.

St Mirren

How did they do last season:- A poor season saw St Mirren in relegation trouble until Gretna went into administration. No side scored as few goals as St Mirren, and Gus McPherson’s side will need to improve significantly if they want to survive this year.

New signings:- Steven Robb (Dundee United), Jack Ross (Falkirk), Tom Brighton (Milwall), Dennis Wyness (Inverness Caledonian Thistle)

More to come?:-Gus McPherson has said he wants to strengthen his side ahead of the new season, but there has been little movement in the transfer market.

What will shape their season:- Scoring goals. St Mirren scored just 9 goals away from home last season, and only 17 at home. Dennis Wyness should help them improve on that tally.

Key player:- Andy Dorman was one of the few bright spots from last season, and there were fears from fans that other clubs would take an interest. The Welshman was brought in from New England Revolution in January, and was an ever present in the side, scoring three goals. He is likely to improve on that this season.

First of all, in the interest of making sure I don’t get accused of any favouritism, I would would like to point out that I do not support Manchester United. I admire the way they play, but I don’t really like them. If you are a United fan, good luck to you- let’s agree to disagree. And while I am at it, I will also admit that up until fairly recently (about two years ago) I loved everything that Real Madrid stood for. If you go to the Bernabeu, you can’t help it. I know all about their dubious history, I know about the meddling from Franco that meant Di Stefano signed for them and not Barcelona. I know about the “financial favours” they got when they sold their training ground. For me, it was about the football.

Every year there is a transfer saga that drags on and on, and this year it has been that of Cristiano Ronaldo. Although the man himself has said very little, we have heard from his mother, his sister and various friends that he definitely wants to play for Real Madrid. Only that he definitely wants to stay at Manchester United. For obvious reasons- 42 of them last year- United don’t want to sell. Madrid, and especially club president Ramon Calderon, have been accused of underhanded behavior in their attempts to sign the Portuguese winger- a pursuit that has been going on for at least the past two years. It has been enough of a news story for luminaries such as Sepp Blatter, David Beckham and Pele to add their voices to the debate. Everyone in football seems to have an opinion. Some - like Beckham (suggesting he go to Madrid) and Pele (suggesting he honour his contract) have provided harmless sound-bites. Others, like that of Sepp Blatter- who suggested that if the player is kept in his contract he is a “slave”- are far more harmful. It seems like everyone has given their opinion on this transfer except the player himself. What are the repurcussions? Has he damaged his reputation? Why would he want to move? Is it ethical? It might just be the most contentious transfer saga (if any deal actually happens) ever.

Much has been made of the fact that Ronaldo has “publicly flirted” with Real Madrid, and that it might have damaged his reputation somewhat. Manchester United have accused Calderon and Madrid of deliberately trying to unsettle their player. There is certainly a large element of truth in this, as Calderon has had Los Merengues propaganda wing- the sports paper Marca- printing Ronaldo stories on an almost daily basis. United went as far as contacting FIFA over an “improper approach” for Ronaldo. What may have worked in Madrid’s favour is that FIFA takes a dim view of transfers being done without the knowledge of the “selling” club. Calderon’s approach has been brazen and unapologetic. To United, it may seem like Real are trying to tap their player, but to Calderon they are simply publicly declaring their admiration for another player. Both practises are equally unethical- a public or a private coveting is still a coveting- but one is legal.

This should be something Manchester United are perfectly well aware of. They may have complained over Madrid’s handling of the Ronaldo affair, but the “Sale By Media” isn’t an unfamiliar tactic at Old Trafford. At the same time as the club must deal with speculation on Ronaldo, they are happy to let speculation turn the relevant wheels, so they can secure Dimitar Berbatov from Spurs, despite refusing to meet Spurs’ asking price. Similar things happened when United signed Owen Hargreaves. Indeed, when Ferguson first moved to United, he was alleged to have tapped Aberdeen goalkeeper Jim Leighton up, to follow him. United should know as well as anyone, that when certain clubs come calling, there is little you can do to persuade your players to stay.

There are two far more pressing concerns about the whole saga. The first point concerns Ronaldo himself. If he genuinely wants to play for Real Madrid, then he will probably get his wish. The question is- why? Why would a player who is likely to get the World Player of the Year award, and who has just had a record breaking season at the European and Premiership Champions, want to move to a Madrid side who are only a year into their latest rebuilding process? Madrid are certainly the most glamourous side in the world, but they were well beaten in last years’ Champions League by a Roma side that Manchester United had put seven past a year previously. Granted, they have won the past two La Liga seasons, but they lost 7 games in 2007/08, more than anyone in the English Top 4. Their recent success has as much to do with Barcelona imploding, than any renaissance. Manchester United have the best manager in the world in Alex Ferguson. He brings 22 years of stability, and a knowledge of how Manchester United and Cristiano Ronaldo should play to get the best results. In the same 22 years, Real Madrid have had an incredible 21 different managers. Ferguson’s tactics allow Ronaldo the space and time he thrives on. He has effectively re-invented the forward line by having two hard working “strikers” in Rooney and Tevez, so that Ronaldo can feed off the chances they create. Would any other manager in the world be able to get the same results? While Ronaldo’s record at International level is exceptional (21 goals in 58 games), it is a long way short of his record for United. Mediocre sides like Serbia and Finland managed to isolate Ronaldo if he was left to play as “just” a winger (albeit a great one). Would Real Madrid change their famously rigid formation to accomodate a special player? They didn’t do it for Zidane…

Finally, and most seriously, there are the comments of Sepp Blatter. As anyone who has read my views on the man before will know, I am not a fan. His latest comments suggest that if United keep Ronaldo, when he wants to go to Madrid, then he will effectively be a “slave” (his words). Aside from the fact that, as UEFA pointed out, most slaves don’t earn £6m per year or spend £10,000 in nightclubs while shunning Paris Hilton, Blatter seems to be contradicting himself. He has always had a problem with English clubs wealth and the accompanying success, and Manchester United are the easiest target to pick on. You only need to go back as far as February, for a slightly more low profile case, when Blatter fielded an entirely different opinion. When a court of arbitration ruled that Andy Webster was allowed to walk away from his contract, Blatter decreed

“Because of this unfortunate decision, the principle of contractual stability, as agreed in 2001 with the European Commission as part of the new transfer regulations and which restored order to the transfer system, has been deemed less important than the short-term interests of the player involved”.

So, allowing a player to move when they want is “unfortunate”, but keeping them is “slavery? It is hardly surprising that these comments come from a man who has advocated “tighter shorts for womens football”, the golden/silver goal rule (abolished), no appeals for red cards, an offside rule nobody understands and effectively banning high altitude countries from their own capitals. The most damaging, and shortsighted of all, was the fact he used the word “slave”. Slavery is an unfortunate part of football. There have been various accounts of human trafficing, where players from Ghana and Cameroon were taken to Europe to play football, only to be abandoned. As recently as last year there were reports of 15 young Africans shipwrecked in the Canary Islands, after they were told they would get trials with Real Madrid or Marseille. Similar situations occur in South America, where players are “owned” by corporations, or agents. They have little say in where they play. No disrespect to West Ham fans, but Tevez and Mascherano cannot have expected to be West Ham players when they first went to Europe. Clubs all over Europe are desperate to uncover the next Essien, Weah, Drogba, Milla, Yekini or Eto’o and so they set up feeder clubs in these countries. It is here where the line between slavery and football is most blurred. The players might be better looked after, and they might actually have a chance of “making it”, but it is effectively a form of sport “strip mining”. What Blatter (and Ronaldo) need to realise, is that they are in incredibly privelidged positions, and they should think more carefully about their responsibilties.

We are now into the business end of the season where championships, European qualification, and relegation will be decided. In this week’s Football Texpertise, we investigate the history of Premiership relegation, and take a look at the teams fighting it out at the wrong end of the table this season.

It is often said that to guarantee you are playing Premiership football next season, you need to get 40 points over the course of a season. That target isn’t far off, as in every season since the start of the Premiership the team that has finished 4^th from the bottom has averaged a points tally of 40.5333 points (although if we only count the current format with 38 games, then the average for finishing 4^th bottom and staying up is 39.25 points).

Now if we look at the current bottom half of the table and the run in of the games still to play, here’s what we’ve got:

Fulham

Sunderland (H), Reading (A), Liverpool (H) , Man City (A), Birmingham (H), Portsmouth (A)

Bolton

Aston Villa (A), West Ham (H), Middlesbrough (A), Tottenham (A), Sunderland (H), Chelsea (A)

Birmingham

Wigan (A), Everton (H), Aston Villa (A), Liverpool (H), Fulham (A), Blackburn (H)

Wigan

Birmingham (H), Chelsea (A), Tottenham (H), Reading (H), Aston Villa (A), Man Utd (H)

Reading

Newcastle (A) , Fulham (H), Arsenal (A), Wigan (A), Tottenham (H), Derby (A)

Sunderland

Fulham (A), Man City (H), Newcastle (A), Middlesbrough (H), Bolton (A), Arsenal (H)

Middlesbrough

Man Utd (H), Tottenham (A), Bolton (H), Sunderland (A), Portsmouth (H), Man City (H)

Newcastle

Reading (H), Portsmouth (A), Sunderland (H), West Ham (A), Chelsea (H), Everton (A)

It becomes difficult to see where Fulham and Bolton are going to get the points they need to stay up, and sadly, it looks as though both of these teams will be joining Derby in the Championship next season. However, relegation great escapes are not unheard of…

4 teams have been 3^rd bottom of the league on March 1^st, and then gone on to survive, but they needed to gain an average of 18.75 points to survive from this position

3 teams have found themselves 2^nd bottom of the league on March 1^st and survived, and they needed an average of 19.667 points to survive from this position

3 teams have been rock bottom of the league on March 1^st and lived to tell about it, but they needed on average 19 points to do so. The teams managing this feat were Oldham, Southampton and West Brom.

Now on the first of March this year, Fulham had 19 points and Bolton who were sitting 16^th in the league had 25 points. After 5 games each, Fulham have picked up 5 points, while Bolton have picked up only 1 point, so neither team has been in the best form over the last month. As stated before, then, it is difficult to see them improving significantly enough to stay up this season, especially considering that their relegation rivals having been picking up more points over the same time period.

And in closing, spare a thought for Derby, who currently sit on 11 points and at this stage are playing only for pride as they try to beat Sunderland’s record-low Premiership points total of 15 . Considering that Derby still have to face Everton (A), Villa (H), West Ham (A), Arsenal (H), Blackburn (A) and Reading (H) in the remaining games of the season, that’s one unwanted record that may be falling this year!