[retired_nevkay]

Ipswich officialy promoted. Mika please save game on a CD and send it to Simon just in case your house ends in flames ( an Kozaks attempt )

[retired_shelleneeds]

Southend finish centenary year in style

After promotion from league 1 the shock departure of much admired manager Steve Tilson was seen as a massive body blow for the club. To make matters worse a relative unknown was unvieled as his replacement in the form of young Scotsman Brian Gifford.

However he soon proved his pedigree both tactically and financially. A season destined for relegation was turned on its head and there were even some faint hopes of a possible playoff place as the Shrimpers battled their way to an impressive 10th place. The addition of a few key figures such as Jason Scotland and Chris Innes gave Southend that extra edge up front and a bit more steel at the back.

In fact Scotland was named as the Leagues bargain of the season, bought for a mere £45,000 and helping the boys from Roots Hall win the title of seasons Over-Achievers. Two of the squad were named in the division team of the year, left back Steven Hammell and talismanic striker Freddy Eastwood. It comes as great news that Freddy has finally penned a new deal with the club for 4 years although the same cant be said of Hammell who seems to desire pastures new.

Despite this the coming season should be an exciting one with some new faces entering the fray. Sharbal Touma and young frenchman Barda could be very useful on the wings, giving the attack even more threat. Hopes are high that 07/08 can start the clubs next 100 years with a bang!

[retired_trisha myette]

DREAM START FOR SUNDERLAND

Sunderland couldn't have hoped for a better start to their season in the most difficult league in the world. Their first game was away against Watford, and the Mackems thoroughly controlled the whole game. They ended up winning 1-0 but it could have been worse for relegation battlers Watford.

The second game was going to be more difficult against a strong Blackburn side. Sunderland started the game in spectacular fashion, with Irish international striker Stephen Elliott scoring a memorable hat trick within the first half. Blackburn pulled one back shortly after Elliott's third, and scored a second in the 90th minute but it was too late for an equaliser by then.

Players In: (Transfer fees in EUR)

Mario Melchiot D/WBR Free
Danny Mills DRC/WBR 450k
Roque Junior DC Free
Jens Nowotny DC 700k
Fabio Aurelio D/WBL 2.9 M
Park Ji-Sung AMRLC 6.5 M
Kristoffer Haestad MLC 2 M
Jan Koller SC 150k

Players Out:

Liam Miller --> Celtic 675k
Andy Welsh --> Kilmarnock 1.3 M
Charles-Andre Doudin --> Wigan 1.6 M

[retired_shelleneeds]

Slow start at Roots Hall

After a lot of activity in the close season, hopes were high that Southend couldnt push on from their impressive season last term and perhaps put up a real challenge for a playoff spot.

However things didnt start according to plan with the side losing 3 of their first 4 games in the championship. It was a dreadful way to start the season and the fans optimistic outlook was quickly souring.

Manager Brian Gifford blamed the poor start on a disrupted pre-season. "Basically the pre-season didnt go as well as planned. The facilities werent adequate and we couldnt train as we had hoped. This also lead to a few injuries so the season started 3 or 4 weeks to early for us."

However things have quickly turned round as the sides fitness and cohesion picked up. Victories started accumulating along with some excellent performances and a rise up the table quickly followed. Since the 4th game of the season the side have won all but 2 of their games and sit proudly in 2nd position.

This is mainly due a much meaner defence with the side keeping 4 cleans sheets in their last 4 games. Young Scot Steven Thomson from the reserves has perhaps been the most impressive of the back 4 with some outstanding displays despite his inexperience at the level. At just 19 he is certainly one for the future.

The side has also found the ability to score late on in games in order to secure points. Jay Smiths 92nd minute winner away to Crewe and a late Jason Scotland goal helped turn two draws into victories giving 4 additional points.

If the back 4 remain as solid throughout the season it seems very possible that the pacey threat of Scotland, Eastwood and new boys Wales and Fernandez from Kilmarnock can fire the side into the playoffs or beyond!

[retired_lauriecat]

Luton Achieve the impossible.

No one believed manager James Peters at the start of the season when he said 'we will do well - perhaps promote', but promote they have and now we are all wondering is Peters phycik as well as a great manager.

Peters points out the key to his success;

After last season, I had to sort away form out, so I stuck to the same tactics but learnt to play on the counter attack. This was helped by the sacking of most of the coaches and the assistant manager, and credit is due to the new members of the back room staff.

I also knew I wasn't ever going to have enough transfer money, so loaning was the only option. To do that successfully I needed more wages, so I negociated with the board for higher wages and a lower transfer budget. I'm please the players that came to us enjoyed the experience.

Now for the challenge of the premier division.....

[retired_zjx510]

NEXT SESSION: Monday 7pm uktime due to CL games this week