Jeff, who's going to win the Premier League this season then? I'd have thought Manchester United were nailed on but they have the more difficult game on the final day.
Pete
Jeff's reply:
I still think Manchester United will do it although on current form I agree that Wigan away will probably provide sterner opposition than Bolton at home.
No matter what managers say, it would appear that when it does not really matter any more, players wind down. You would therefore imagine that as well as having better players than Wigan, United will be far more hungry.
Because of the way they play, I think most neutrals will want United to win the League. I can see Chelsea upsetting them in the Champions League Final however, which may not exactly be a classic.
Question Two:
Kevin Keegan said that he had concerns over the difficulties of clubs breaking into the top four. What do you make of this Jeff? Can anyone do it? Everton did it a few years back but they dropped away soon enough.
Mark
Jeff's reply:
At present I would say that it is virtually impossible for anyone to break into the top four - maybe for one year yes, but on a consistent basis no. The money difference between the clubs is too great.
In the Premier League there are now four divisions. We have the top four, then the Evertons and Villas etc. Below halfway we see the third division where Boro currently reside and then there is a fourth division where the teams with little or no chance of survival play yo-yo between the Premiership and the Championship.
It is becoming quite boring and in reality the Championship offers more competition and more excitement. Too many Premier League games are played with the fear factor taking over as teams are so scared of relegation, they defend desperately.
It would seem that the only way to progress now is via the cheque book and if a club can unearth an Abramovich they might make progress. However, foreign owners bring with them many problems - just ask Liverpool fans.
Question Three:
Jeff, who do you think was Pools player of the season? Ritchie Humphreys did well but I thought James Brown was a far more deserving winner.
Andy.
Jeff's reply:
I helped with the awards ceremony at the Player of the Year and Player of the Century Event and in the eyes of the vast majority of players, Ritchie Humphreys was the fans' favourite.
I think James Brown's season was interrupted by injury, although when he did play he did very well. It would not surprise me if next season is James's last season at the club and if he is going to be sold to a club in a higher division, then he will have to be outstanding next year.
