It was an FFL formality, but etiquette demands that we wait for the proper end to the season before handing the trophy over to Mike. Commiserations to Nick who appeared to be running away with it at one point, only to falter when it really counted.
Looking back on the season, you have to say that the acquisition of Robbie Keane was crucial. He scored 53 points since his transfer and was arguably the best striker in the Premiership in the last couple of months. Cech also played his part but some might rue letting Mike get him back so easily after his injury. Overall, a solid defence (Cech, Finnan and Ferdinand especially) and an excellent, consistent forward line (Rooney and Keane) made up for a very poor midfield. Once again, Mike has proved a determined and prescient manager and thoroughly deserves his third trophy [round of applause].
As for Nick, the transfers didn't quite work out (apart from Downing perhaps). Agger and Riise were excellent buys (especially since no one really fancied Agger) and Arteta was an astute choice too. Yakubu was raking in the points up until Easter, then gave up. If you want to blame anyone it has to be him, although Ballack was the laziest cunt in the league.
James's team hung around for much of the season and looked like launching a challenge for a while. Although nearly all his players were consistent, only Pedersen hit a really big score. Taylor was a great buy but the rest hit the 20s and 30s. Had Johnson and Bent been fit for the whole season though, he would probably have taken it.
As for the rest of us,
not good enough is the verdict. That's why this game is so great. The final table looks like this:
|
| Total Points | Diff |
| 1st | Mike | 404 |
|
| 2nd | Nick Ach | 395 | 9 |
| 3rd | James | 387 | 17 |
| 4th | Nick Ath | 349 | 55 |
| 5th | Sid | 341 | 63 |
| 6th | Steve | 336 | 68 |
| 7th | Rico | 310 | 94 |
| 8th | Donald | 288 | 116 |
| 9th | Theo | 266 | 138 |
| 10th | Stathi | 243 | 161 |
Incidentally, my spreadsheet died again after the last Premiership week. If it had happened a week earlier, there would have been no final table. Not from me anyway.
Also, I really can't be fucked with the scores again next season. Someone else's turn methinks.
LFC's new stadium plans have been announced. Gone are the toilet design and the wheely bin and in comes........................the 'padlock' (again very in keeping with its surroundings!!)
