Football Focus

[jimmy two times]

Fingers crossed we'll pip the Gooners for third. We'd surely have to invite Atila back if that happens just to see the fireworks. ;-)

[Ladygooner]

Don't both 3rd and 4th places have to qualify for Champions League or is it just 4th now?

[jimmy two times]

Third place is automatic qualification to group stages. 4th means you go into a play off, and there are some good teams that you can up against. Everton and Newcastle have both been knocked out at this stage before. You then automatically go into UEFA (Europa) cup.

[????]

I think it's a massive win for Tottenham - realistically next year the big '5' look like being Man U, Arsenal. Chelsea, Spurs now and, with their money, Man City...Liverpool fans must be worried.

[jimmy two times]

I have to hold my hands up as I didn't think Harry was capable of getting us into top four. He's done a great job and must be a consideration, along with Roy Hodgson, for manager of the year. Who would have thought Spurs would have taken maximum points from the games against Arsenal, Chelsea and City?

[Ladygooner]

I am sure we will get 3rd spot - playing against a weakened Fulham side on Sunday. Only have to draw and we still get third with goal difference

[????]

I think Harry's always been a decent manager. However, some of his previous clubs would argue at times he's put his own personal wealth above his clubs best interests and has 'alledgedly' done this illegally...I believe he was quoted a few years back as saying something like "Any Premiershop manager who hasn't got a few bob is a bit stupid". Certainly West Ham fans by and large believe that he cheated West Ham for his own personal gain vis a vis the players he signed with the Rio money. Now standards have at least improved thanks to scrutiny then he's once again shown he is a decent manager.

Interesting to hear Ratty's view if he's about.

[jimmy two times]

Fair point. Let's not forget he's got his court case coming up soon as well.

[matthew123]

Big 5... worried!?

My only worry is L.F.C. do not get rid of Rafa. Assuming we have a new Manager (whoever that maybe) and we retain current squad we should be very competitive next season especially without CL distraction.

[????]

Rafa goes so does Torres/Mascherano and probably Gerrard....

[matthew123]

Yup but as soon as they've dropped him off at the airport and made sure he gets on the plane to Turin they'd head straight back to Anfield to welcome their new Manager ;-)

[Jah Lush]

Massive win for us last night. Absolutely brilliant. I think that was the best I've seen Peter Crouch play for us and Ledley King and Michael Dawson were absolutely immense when they had to be. If they don't get into the England squad for the World Cup above inept plodders like Matthew Upson I'd be horrified.

[ruffers]

matthew123 Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> Big 5... worried!?

>

> My only worry is L.F.C. do not get rid of Rafa.

> Assuming we have a new Manager (whoever that

> maybe) and we retain current squad we should be

> very competitive next season especially without CL

> distraction.

Disagree - Europa League distraction is worse if anything, Thursdays mean every game is Sunday and it goes on forever. And I don't think Liverpool's squad is good enough to contend, they're finishing where they are because that's how good they are.

[matthew123]

Look at Chelsea under Scolari and then under Hiddink - the Manager is the most influential man at any Club.

Poor morale, negative football is a poor recipe for success - and that is what Liverpool have suffered this season.

I am sure if City had a decent Manager they'd have been competing for PL title this season not because they have a squad only marginally better than A.Villa.

[ruffers]

Assuming Mancini stays which seems likely (today anyway) we'll get the chance to see how good he is; bear in mind he's not had a proper transfer window yet to build his own squad, which is a major part of the manager's job, to play the way he wants to.

[Peckhamgatecrasher]

Bugger Bristol!

Oh golly, alliteration after an afternoon's passion got the better of me.

[citizenED]

Hard luck Stevenage Borough in the FA Trophy Final at Wembley.

Couple days ago I was chatting to a lad I used to teach a few years back, who I knew was a footballer, and found out in the course of conversation that he played for Stevenage. Was on the bench for today's match.

[titch juicy]

???? Wrote:

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> Rafa goes so does Torres/Mascherano and probably

> Gerrard....

other way round i would've thought

if rafa stays torres and gerrard will go

[clare]

Well done Leeds ! Got there in the end. That cup run nearly did for us.

[????]

Unlucky Millwall....no, really.......>:D

[clare]

Good luck to them in the play offs.....and Charlton.......

[ruffers]

And Blackpool are doing just fine.

Blackpool?!?!?!

[SimonM]

Well done Leeds! Nice to know we'll still have a (sort of!) derby game to win next season!

[matthew123]

That was some performance from Chelsea today, clinching title was an eight nil win. They have been the best this season no doubt about that - collecting maximum points home & away against Liverpool, Man U and Arsenal. Drogba and Lampard seem to just get better with age. Whether they go and sign anyone in the summer you still have to, as always, make them favourites for next season. But what did the animated Ancelloti belt out at the end with microphone in hand to the crowd, was it by any chance the Italian for, 'F*** MOURINHO!' ?!!

[ratty]

Hope they used up all their goals yesterday!