It seems an odd statement to make at this point in the season but I can’t help feeling that with our surprise win against Arsenal followed by an easy win against Leicester, our season is well and truly over. I know that with just over 30 points we are nowhere near that magical points tally of 40 but with the bottom four well and truly adrift, it feels like a mediocre mid thirty points is enough to make a team safe this season.
So with our safety virtually assured it’s other footballing matters that have taken my interest. First up let’s look at the title race or rather the title coronation. It seems conceivable that when we visit Anfield in early April, we will be doing the guard of honour for the new league champions. No one is going to catch Liverpool. With Manchester City having a rare off season, there has simply been no opposition to Liverpool in the title race.
The Top Four and Rival Disdain
We all know that Manchester United will never compete and as for Arsenal they are always the bridesmaid, which is something I’m really pleased about. It just shows my dislike for the Gunners that I would prefer to see the Scousers crowing about how great they are rather than see a championship for our North London rivals. I feel sorry for Declan having to move again to chase his dream of winning honours.
As for the Champions League places, it does look as if they are wrapped up with Liverpool, the Bridesmaids, Citie and one season wonder Forest making up those four places. Chelsea could put a spanner in the works and it could just be possible that the European places may not be settled until Chelsea take on Forest in their last game of the season. As for the other European places, that’s anyone’s guess but I would love to see Bournemouth in the mix as I would love to see the look on the faces of some European greats when their team visits the Vitality Stadium.
The Battle at the Bottom
At the bottom, it is very much a four-horse race for survival. Well I say that but Southampton race is one of their own. Their race is not to end up with the lowest amount of points ever in the Premier League. That just leaves two of three to choose from. I personally would love to see Ipswich join Southampton in relegation, but that’s me being selfish as it’s a long way to Ipswich from my home in rural Herefordshire.
I do feel that Wolves will probably survive ahead of the Tractor Boys and the Foxes. Our game in April will, I think, be pivotal in their survival hopes. Wolves’ home game against Leicester at the end of April could be the one in which they cement their survival. Where Wolves have a tough May, Leicester have a tough April. So that clash at the end of April could be the decider as to which Midlands club survives the drop.
Leeds United and the Championship Climb
So who do I think will replace the Foxes, the Saints and the Tractor Boys? Well, this is where it gets a little depressing. There are those of us of a certain age that have a hatred for dirty Leeds United. Oh how I hated their team of the early seventies. Yes I know it’s over 50 years ago but boy did I hate that team of Sprake, Reaney, Cooper, Bremner, Charlton, Hunter, Lorimer, Clarke,Jones, Giles and Gray. That’s what’s also so annoying, despite not even being a teenager at the time, I can still recite the names of that first eleven.
It does look like they will get a return to the Premier League. And if it couldn’t get any worse, it does look like the whingers from Sheffield could also join them. It does look like a Yorkshire double and two trips to that part of the country for us travelling fans. At least it’s a straight forward journey for us up the M1 or A1 for most of us. Mind you, for yours truly, it’s the M50, M5, M42 and finally M1.
The Priority Point Grievance
At least that’s two priority away points I can pick up for those trips. Mind you, these days you don’t have to do the hard yards to get points. You can pick up three by staying in London and giving your money early to the club but that’s another story of how the club doesn’t look after a loyal section of our fan base. Travel to Leeds on a rainy Wednesday night and pick up one point or go to a home game on your doorstep and pick up two, or better still give us your cash early and pick up three, a disgusting decision by our board.
But I digress. As for that other promotion place, well I hope it’s Burnley. For those of us who travel, an away game at Burnley is always one to savour. An old traditional ground coupled with away fans being able to take over the cricket ground next door for a pre-game meet. It’s a great day out and one to look forward to if you have enough priority points, oops I promised not to digress. Of course the play offs can throw up some surprises. I know a certain West Ham supporter from Taunton would love to see Bristol City gain promotion but I would love a West Brom or Coventry victory but please not Sunderland. To travel to Newcastle and Sunderland in one season will be a challenge even for the most loyal supporter. No for me it has to be Burnley joining the Yorkshire duo.
European Hopes and the West Ham Future
So what about Europe? Well it’s a distinct possibility that we could see an English side win the Champions League this season. Liverpool, Arsenal and Aston Villa are all doing well, but then so are Real Madrid and several German sides. Could Liverpool win another trophy? I think they can but it will be tough. I don’t expect to see an English team win either the Europa or Conference but then again Chelsea does look to be the cream of the crop in those competitions so could be victorious.
And so that brings me back to our beloved West Ham. As I write we sit in fifteenth place in the league. The gap between us and tenth place is currently nine points, not surmountable but still substantial. For me, to finish above Manchester United and Tottenham will be a small victory in what has been a poor season. It has been a season to forget but the future could be bright on the field of play, but sadly not off it.
The attempt to grab our money early for season ticket renewals is pretty disgraceful. Yes it was good that prices have been held but the disgraceful treatment of those who travel around the country to support the team gives it all a sour taste. So to next year and one to look forward to on the field. I predict a resurgence under Potter but more disgraceful treatment by our board. But hey that’s the norm these days.
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