Chelsea champs

CONGRATULATIONS to Chelsea, who scored a truckload of goals today to secure the Premier League title.
Over the course of the season, you have to say they were the best team and deserved victors.
I have to smugly say I know how Carlo Ancellotti feels – today I was also confirmed as the winner of the Loughborough Echo league, my team racking up 2,204 points to finish first in the mini-league and 72,532 in the world.
Want to wipe that self-satisfied grin from my face? Join the Goaltastic league for next season, put together a team at http://fantasy.premierleague.com – it’s free to do – and then join the Goaltastic league by using the code 1034621-447644.

Rooting for Forest and Foxes

THIS coming week is the biggest for football in the East Midlands in a very long time.
Since Derby limped out of the top flight in 2008 licking its considerable wounds, it’s been possible for football fans to drive the length of the M1 on away days without passing by a Premiership stadium.
But this weekend, both Leicester City and Nottingham Forest could progress to the play-off final.
And fingers crossed, should they overcome Cardiff and Blackpool respectively over two legs, the East Midlands would then be guaranteed a team being promoted alongside Newcastle and West Brom – as well as a ding-dong of a play-off final to decide which.
How long they victor would stay there can be a concern for another season…

SAF knows sweet FA

FOR the past year I have been attempting to prove that SAF knows sweet FA compared to me in Football management terms.
Putting my experience of years playing Championship Manager in the wee hours of the night to good use, I have put together a pretty nifty side on the Premier League’s free Fantasy Football game.
And with a season total to date of 2,031, my Ashletico team is currently ranked 117,060 in the world out of two-and-a-half million plus players.
More importantly, it’s top of the Loughborough Echo’s in-house league with only a few games to play before glory is mine, all mine.
For the second year running, might I add.
Next term, Goaltastic will be running its own league, and all-comers are welcome.
To join, put together a team at http://fantasy.premierleague.com – it’s free to do – and then join the Goaltastic league by using the code 1034621-447644.
C’mon Sir Alex, I dare you.

Here comes the rumour mill

WITH the season drawing to a close, transfer talk is once again looming.
And aside from the usual rumours – premiership stars like Fabregas and Rooney heading to Spain, Man City looking to buy the moon on a stick as cover for Shay Given etc. – one target caught my eye.
Bovine manager Sam Allardyce is looking to bring former Liverpool and Sunderland striker to Blackburn next term – and I salute him.
The French striker, officially the Lord of Frodsham Manor, has a playing style as eccentric as his hairdos, all heads-down sprints and thunderbolt shots, and always livens up proceedings.
More players like this, please, Premiership.