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Fish & Chip Shots: Turn The Page - Part I
The 2008/09 season is officially over in England and Goal.com’s Shane Evans is back to give out his yearly awards in the latest “Fish & Chip Shots,” which will be a two part spectacle!
May 26, 2009 2:16:31 PM
By Shane Evans
The end of the season is always a sad time. As a journalist, you have to endure three months of no competitive games. Club games, anyway. You can’t experience the passion of the crowd, the amazing skill of the players, the ridiculous mid-season transfer rumors. A very sad time to say the least.
Then of course, you could be Newcastle, and you’re sad for a whole set of different reasons.
Point is, the only people who like to see the season end are the players on the team that win the trophy, ie Manchester United and their supporters. They are relieved they reached the finish line in first place and can spend the summer gloating to anyone and everyone about how great they are.
The rest of the league is forced to start preparations for the upcoming season with emphasis on what they can improve upon from the previous campaign whether there is little work to do, or if a complete overhaul is needed. The new season is the next chapter in every team’s lives. A page turning of sorts. But that is then, and we have all summer to hash out how it will go down between now and a year from now.
What we need to discuss at the moment is the season that was. Only two days removed from another exhilarating season in the English Premier League, I wouldn’t be doing you lot justice if we didn’t discuss all that happened.
In this week's helping, as discussed last week, I’m going to hand out my awards for the year. Some good, some bad, some off beat, some unnecessary. Just how you like things here at FCS. I’m going to mix up the order of things this week so that the awards go first, rather than at the end. Just makes sense, right?
First up will by my team of the season, followed by player of the year. Then we’ll flip to the dark side and discuss the worst team of the year, and worst player of the year. How excited are you? Exactly. Here we go.
Team of the Year:
A lot of thought and deliberation went into picking my top XI for the year. There are so many quality players in the league, it certainly was a tough decision. There were a few certainties and a few less obvious choices. Feel free to chime in on my selections. The second-teamers are in parenthesis.
GK: Edwin van der Sar, Manchester United (Mark Schwarzer, Fulham
Was there a better keeper in the league this year than Edwin van der Sar? Dominant for almost the entire year, van der Sar was impenetrable for stretches as he came close to breaking the world record for longest clean sheet streak. He clearly deserves his place among any team of the year, not just mine.
LB: Leighton Baines, Everton (Patrice Evra, Manchester United)
Baines was a less-obvious choice to make the team, but his play for Everton this season was sensational. Two years removed from his Wigan switch, Baines really stepped up this year for the Toffees and provided them with skill and good service from the flanks, along with quality defending in his own half.
CB: Brede Hangeland, Fulham (Jamie Carragher, Liverpool)
A relative unknown before his January switch to Fulham in 2008, Hangeland has been simply amazing this season. The towering Norwegian has shut down many of the league’s top forwards with his size and ball-hawking skills. Reuniting with his former boss Roy Hodgson has brought out the best in the 27-year-old.
CB: Nemanja Vidic, Manchester United (John Terry, Chelsea)
Slowly surpassing his English mate in the center of United’s defense, Vidic is fast becoming the league’s best center back. His tackling ability is unrivaled and what I really like about him is the mean streak he possesses. In other words, you do not mess with Nemanja Vidic.
RB: Jose Bosingwa, Chelsea (Glen Johnson, Portsmouth)
He’s up there for my transfer of the season (see below) because of what he’s done with the Blues. Brought in by compatriot Luiz Felipe Scolari, Bosingwa has flourished in England and has wrecked havoc on a whole host of not opposing wingers, but full backs as well.
LW: Robinho, Manchester City (Clint Dempsey, Fulham)
Not a natural left winger, Robinho can play practically any position in the midfield and attack. He’s been a welcome addition to the Citizens line-up, even if it cost them a record amount of ducats. Creative and slippery, Robinho netted 14 goals this campaign. Certainly a good start.
CM: Xavi Alonso, Liverpool (Steven Gerrard, Liverpool)
Played more as a defensive midfielder, Alsono has the ability to bottle up any player coming his way with the ball. He also boasts a lethal shot and can spray the ball around the park with ease.
CM: Frank Lampard, Chelsea (Marouane Fellaini, Everton)
A simply sensational season by Mr. Lampard this year. It seemed that every time he touched the ball something good or productive happened. A no-brainer to make the team. Could Lampard be my player of the year? Read on to find out.
RW: Dirk Kuyt, Liverpool (Ashley Young, Aston Villa)
I might get some flak for this selection, but to me, there was not a single player in the league who worked as hard as Kuyt this year. His efforts were unmatched and without him, Liverpool wouldn’t have made the push for the title that they did. I doubted him earlier in the year, but he’s like your least favorite record from your favorite band...he grows on you.
ST: Nicholas Anelka, Chelsea (Fernando Torres, Liverpool)
He won the golden boot. He has to be first team. The move to Stamford Bridge was an extremely positive one for Anelka (unlike some of his previous travels) and because of it was the league’s top goal-getter this season. Well done.
ST: Cristiano Ronaldo, Manchester United (Wayne Rooney, Manchester United)
Le Sulk was followed closely by Cristiano Ronaldo who scored his fair share of beauties this season. If he stays with ManU next season, he’ll be first team again, for sure. What I really like about Ronnie is his durability. How often do you hear about him getting hurt? Well, actually genuinely hurt? Never.
Player of the Year: Frank Lampard, Chelsea
I was amazed by Lampard this season. Whenever I’d watch Chelsea, you could see how important he was to their team. Early in the year they lost Michael Essien for an extended time, which was a blow. But if you had to ask Mr. Scolari or Mr. Hiddink who they’d rather have in their XI, I can assure you it’d be Lamps. What impressed me most about his play this season was the improvement over the last few years. When he shoots, it’s with purpose and is the right decision, and generally gets on target, unlike years past. He’s a difference maker, and everything he did this year was positive.
Runners-up: Nemanja Vidic, Manchester United, Edwin van der Sar, Manchester United
Not-so Team of the Year:
These guys are bad. Just hard to watch bad. They obviously aren't terrible because they play in the EPL, but they have definitely not had the best of seasons.
GK: Paul Robinson, Blackburn Rovers (Gomes, Tottenham)
Robbo didn’t have the best first season in a Rovers uniform. Once touted as England’s number one keeper for many years to come, Robinson has dropped off the radar faster than the winner of American Idol. Rovers let up 60 goals this season, topped only by Hull and West Brom. He is still young for a goalkeeper, but right now, things don’t look good.
LB - Wayne Bridge, Manchester City (Ashley Cole, Chelsea)
I was amazed by what Manchester City thought Bridge was worth when they signed him for £10 million in January. Just didn’t make sense to me. Since joining the club, he has done much to make that price-tag seem warranted. Flashes of solid play have been it. Not enough.
CB: Sol Campbell, Portsmouth (Richard Dunne, Manchester City)
Is there a player in the league who is aging worse than Campbell. Right now, I could probably beat him in a foot race. He looked like a statue most of the season, especially compared to the speedy players who join him on Pompey’s back line. I’d be amazed if he’s with them next season.
CB: Fabricio Coloccini, Newcastle (Abdoulaye Meite, West Bromwich Albion)
Coloccini was supposed to come in and plug the endless leak that is the Magpies defense. Another £10 million signing, Coloccini, if anything, helped the unrelenting flow of goals in the Newcastle net, not slow them. He was extremely error-prone and looked lazy at times.
RB: Mikael Silvestre, Arsenal (Mario Melchiot, Wigan Athletic)
He barely played for Manchester United, and apparently because he’s French, Arsene Wenger wanted him with the Gooners. Just looked lost and out of step with his teammates for most of the season.
LW: Stuart Downing, Middlesbrough (Nani, Manchester United)
Not a good season by Downing. Not at all. Between his uninspired play on the field and his whining about wanting a move to a bigger team, Downing was just poor. Supposed to be a leader on the team, Stewie did little to help save his club from relegation.
CM: Jimmy Bullard, Hull (Deco, Chelsea)
Bullard played what...35 minutes for Hull before getting hurt? He was an outstanding player at Fulham, but the money took him to Hull, where in the end, karma came out victorious.
CM: Nicky Butt, Newcastle (Owen Hargreaves, Manchester United)
Once a key member of Manchester United’s championship teams in the 90’s, Butt’s influence and contributions have dropped off sharply in recent years, and this year was no different.
RW: David Bentley, Tottenham (Jermaine Pennant, Portsmouth)
I wouldn’t say he was a total flop, but came pretty close. Should have stayed at Blackburn. Well, maybe not.
ST: Bobby Zamora, Fulham (Craig Bellamy, Manchester City)
Few players missed as many sitters and easy opportunities this season than Zamora. No wonder Fulham managed so few goals. Finishing is key, and Zamora is no good at it.
ST: Robbie Keane, Tottenham (Michael Owen, Newcastle)
His dream move to Liverpool didn’t last long, did it? Even when he was back at Spurs for the second half of the year, Keane didn’t accomplish that much. He’ll find his form next season, if Harry Redknapp can stick with a partner for him.
Bench: Gomes, Dunne, Nani, Deco, Bellamy, Pennant, Melchiot
Not-so Player of the Year: Fabricio Coloccini, Newcastle
I wonder if he has a deal with Sunderland to let people get by him and score, thus dooming hated Newcastle to eventual relegation. Nah, that can’t be it. Regardless he was not a good pick-up for the Magpies and it showed all season long. Maybe that long goofy hair of his got in the way and made him screw up so many times. Yeah, Carles Puyol didn’t have that problem, so why did he? Good question. I wonder if he’ll be able to stop Matty Fryatt next season. Nope, doubt it.
Runners-up: Paul Robinson, Blackburn, Stuart Downing, Middlesbrough
Signing of the Year: Jose Bosingwa, Chelsea
As stated above, Bosingwa was influential up and down the right side of the pitch for Chelsea and gave them another angle to work with. He looked dangerous every time he touched the ball and constantly gave defenders fits. Was worth every penny of his £16.3 million transfer.
Runners-up: Mark Schwarzer, Fulham, Marouane Fellaini, Everton
Not-so Signing of the Year: David Bentley, Tottenham
Just didn’t look right in a Spurs uniform, and played the same way. Had few strong games, and can’t be considered one of the players who helped Spurs get where they are now. His one goal was certainly brilliant, but not worth the £15 million that was paid for him.
Runners-up: Deco, Chelsea, Robbie Keane, Liverpool
Ok folks, that’s the first half of my awards. I’ll bring the other, more light-hearted half to you tomorrow so it can get buried under all the Champions League coverage. Luckily for me, I have faith all my loyal readers out there like you will be able to dig it out! Until then, enjoy the final.
For more on the English game, visit Goal.com's England page!
Shane Evans is an Associate Editor of Goal.com. His feature, "Fish & Chip Shots" appears weekly. Contact Shane at shane.evans@goal.com with questions, comments and concerns or follow him on Twitter.
The end of the season is always a sad time. As a journalist, you have to endure three months of no competitive games. Club games, anyway. You can’t experience the passion of the crowd, the amazing skill of the players, the ridiculous mid-season transfer rumors. A very sad time to say the least.
Then of course, you could be Newcastle, and you’re sad for a whole set of different reasons.
Point is, the only people who like to see the season end are the players on the team that win the trophy, ie Manchester United and their supporters. They are relieved they reached the finish line in first place and can spend the summer gloating to anyone and everyone about how great they are.
The rest of the league is forced to start preparations for the upcoming season with emphasis on what they can improve upon from the previous campaign whether there is little work to do, or if a complete overhaul is needed. The new season is the next chapter in every team’s lives. A page turning of sorts. But that is then, and we have all summer to hash out how it will go down between now and a year from now.
What we need to discuss at the moment is the season that was. Only two days removed from another exhilarating season in the English Premier League, I wouldn’t be doing you lot justice if we didn’t discuss all that happened.
In this week's helping, as discussed last week, I’m going to hand out my awards for the year. Some good, some bad, some off beat, some unnecessary. Just how you like things here at FCS. I’m going to mix up the order of things this week so that the awards go first, rather than at the end. Just makes sense, right?
First up will by my team of the season, followed by player of the year. Then we’ll flip to the dark side and discuss the worst team of the year, and worst player of the year. How excited are you? Exactly. Here we go.
Team of the Year:
A lot of thought and deliberation went into picking my top XI for the year. There are so many quality players in the league, it certainly was a tough decision. There were a few certainties and a few less obvious choices. Feel free to chime in on my selections. The second-teamers are in parenthesis.
GK: Edwin van der Sar, Manchester United (Mark Schwarzer, Fulham
Was there a better keeper in the league this year than Edwin van der Sar? Dominant for almost the entire year, van der Sar was impenetrable for stretches as he came close to breaking the world record for longest clean sheet streak. He clearly deserves his place among any team of the year, not just mine.
LB: Leighton Baines, Everton (Patrice Evra, Manchester United)
Baines was a less-obvious choice to make the team, but his play for Everton this season was sensational. Two years removed from his Wigan switch, Baines really stepped up this year for the Toffees and provided them with skill and good service from the flanks, along with quality defending in his own half.
CB: Brede Hangeland, Fulham (Jamie Carragher, Liverpool)
A relative unknown before his January switch to Fulham in 2008, Hangeland has been simply amazing this season. The towering Norwegian has shut down many of the league’s top forwards with his size and ball-hawking skills. Reuniting with his former boss Roy Hodgson has brought out the best in the 27-year-old.
CB: Nemanja Vidic, Manchester United (John Terry, Chelsea)
Slowly surpassing his English mate in the center of United’s defense, Vidic is fast becoming the league’s best center back. His tackling ability is unrivaled and what I really like about him is the mean streak he possesses. In other words, you do not mess with Nemanja Vidic.
RB: Jose Bosingwa, Chelsea (Glen Johnson, Portsmouth)
He’s up there for my transfer of the season (see below) because of what he’s done with the Blues. Brought in by compatriot Luiz Felipe Scolari, Bosingwa has flourished in England and has wrecked havoc on a whole host of not opposing wingers, but full backs as well.
LW: Robinho, Manchester City (Clint Dempsey, Fulham)
Not a natural left winger, Robinho can play practically any position in the midfield and attack. He’s been a welcome addition to the Citizens line-up, even if it cost them a record amount of ducats. Creative and slippery, Robinho netted 14 goals this campaign. Certainly a good start.
CM: Xavi Alonso, Liverpool (Steven Gerrard, Liverpool)
Played more as a defensive midfielder, Alsono has the ability to bottle up any player coming his way with the ball. He also boasts a lethal shot and can spray the ball around the park with ease.
CM: Frank Lampard, Chelsea (Marouane Fellaini, Everton)
A simply sensational season by Mr. Lampard this year. It seemed that every time he touched the ball something good or productive happened. A no-brainer to make the team. Could Lampard be my player of the year? Read on to find out.
RW: Dirk Kuyt, Liverpool (Ashley Young, Aston Villa)
I might get some flak for this selection, but to me, there was not a single player in the league who worked as hard as Kuyt this year. His efforts were unmatched and without him, Liverpool wouldn’t have made the push for the title that they did. I doubted him earlier in the year, but he’s like your least favorite record from your favorite band...he grows on you.
ST: Nicholas Anelka, Chelsea (Fernando Torres, Liverpool)
He won the golden boot. He has to be first team. The move to Stamford Bridge was an extremely positive one for Anelka (unlike some of his previous travels) and because of it was the league’s top goal-getter this season. Well done.
ST: Cristiano Ronaldo, Manchester United (Wayne Rooney, Manchester United)
Le Sulk was followed closely by Cristiano Ronaldo who scored his fair share of beauties this season. If he stays with ManU next season, he’ll be first team again, for sure. What I really like about Ronnie is his durability. How often do you hear about him getting hurt? Well, actually genuinely hurt? Never.
van der Sar
Bosingwa - Vidic - Hangeland - Baines
Alonso
Kuyt - Lampard - Robinho
Ronaldo - Anelka
Bosingwa - Vidic - Hangeland - Baines
Alonso
Kuyt - Lampard - Robinho
Ronaldo - Anelka
Bench: Schwarzer, Terry, Johnson, Torres, Gerrard, Evra, Dempsey
Player of the Year: Frank Lampard, Chelsea
I was amazed by Lampard this season. Whenever I’d watch Chelsea, you could see how important he was to their team. Early in the year they lost Michael Essien for an extended time, which was a blow. But if you had to ask Mr. Scolari or Mr. Hiddink who they’d rather have in their XI, I can assure you it’d be Lamps. What impressed me most about his play this season was the improvement over the last few years. When he shoots, it’s with purpose and is the right decision, and generally gets on target, unlike years past. He’s a difference maker, and everything he did this year was positive.
Runners-up: Nemanja Vidic, Manchester United, Edwin van der Sar, Manchester United
Not-so Team of the Year:
These guys are bad. Just hard to watch bad. They obviously aren't terrible because they play in the EPL, but they have definitely not had the best of seasons.
GK: Paul Robinson, Blackburn Rovers (Gomes, Tottenham)
Robbo didn’t have the best first season in a Rovers uniform. Once touted as England’s number one keeper for many years to come, Robinson has dropped off the radar faster than the winner of American Idol. Rovers let up 60 goals this season, topped only by Hull and West Brom. He is still young for a goalkeeper, but right now, things don’t look good.
LB - Wayne Bridge, Manchester City (Ashley Cole, Chelsea)
I was amazed by what Manchester City thought Bridge was worth when they signed him for £10 million in January. Just didn’t make sense to me. Since joining the club, he has done much to make that price-tag seem warranted. Flashes of solid play have been it. Not enough.
CB: Sol Campbell, Portsmouth (Richard Dunne, Manchester City)
Is there a player in the league who is aging worse than Campbell. Right now, I could probably beat him in a foot race. He looked like a statue most of the season, especially compared to the speedy players who join him on Pompey’s back line. I’d be amazed if he’s with them next season.
CB: Fabricio Coloccini, Newcastle (Abdoulaye Meite, West Bromwich Albion)
Coloccini was supposed to come in and plug the endless leak that is the Magpies defense. Another £10 million signing, Coloccini, if anything, helped the unrelenting flow of goals in the Newcastle net, not slow them. He was extremely error-prone and looked lazy at times.
RB: Mikael Silvestre, Arsenal (Mario Melchiot, Wigan Athletic)
He barely played for Manchester United, and apparently because he’s French, Arsene Wenger wanted him with the Gooners. Just looked lost and out of step with his teammates for most of the season.
LW: Stuart Downing, Middlesbrough (Nani, Manchester United)
Not a good season by Downing. Not at all. Between his uninspired play on the field and his whining about wanting a move to a bigger team, Downing was just poor. Supposed to be a leader on the team, Stewie did little to help save his club from relegation.
CM: Jimmy Bullard, Hull (Deco, Chelsea)
Bullard played what...35 minutes for Hull before getting hurt? He was an outstanding player at Fulham, but the money took him to Hull, where in the end, karma came out victorious.
CM: Nicky Butt, Newcastle (Owen Hargreaves, Manchester United)
Once a key member of Manchester United’s championship teams in the 90’s, Butt’s influence and contributions have dropped off sharply in recent years, and this year was no different.
RW: David Bentley, Tottenham (Jermaine Pennant, Portsmouth)
I wouldn’t say he was a total flop, but came pretty close. Should have stayed at Blackburn. Well, maybe not.
ST: Bobby Zamora, Fulham (Craig Bellamy, Manchester City)
Few players missed as many sitters and easy opportunities this season than Zamora. No wonder Fulham managed so few goals. Finishing is key, and Zamora is no good at it.
ST: Robbie Keane, Tottenham (Michael Owen, Newcastle)
His dream move to Liverpool didn’t last long, did it? Even when he was back at Spurs for the second half of the year, Keane didn’t accomplish that much. He’ll find his form next season, if Harry Redknapp can stick with a partner for him.
Robinson
Silvestre - Coloccini - Campbell - Bridge
Bentley - Butt - Bullard - Downing
Zamora - Keane
Silvestre - Coloccini - Campbell - Bridge
Bentley - Butt - Bullard - Downing
Zamora - Keane
Bench: Gomes, Dunne, Nani, Deco, Bellamy, Pennant, Melchiot
Not-so Player of the Year: Fabricio Coloccini, Newcastle
I wonder if he has a deal with Sunderland to let people get by him and score, thus dooming hated Newcastle to eventual relegation. Nah, that can’t be it. Regardless he was not a good pick-up for the Magpies and it showed all season long. Maybe that long goofy hair of his got in the way and made him screw up so many times. Yeah, Carles Puyol didn’t have that problem, so why did he? Good question. I wonder if he’ll be able to stop Matty Fryatt next season. Nope, doubt it.
Runners-up: Paul Robinson, Blackburn, Stuart Downing, Middlesbrough
Signing of the Year: Jose Bosingwa, Chelsea
As stated above, Bosingwa was influential up and down the right side of the pitch for Chelsea and gave them another angle to work with. He looked dangerous every time he touched the ball and constantly gave defenders fits. Was worth every penny of his £16.3 million transfer.
Runners-up: Mark Schwarzer, Fulham, Marouane Fellaini, Everton
Not-so Signing of the Year: David Bentley, Tottenham
Just didn’t look right in a Spurs uniform, and played the same way. Had few strong games, and can’t be considered one of the players who helped Spurs get where they are now. His one goal was certainly brilliant, but not worth the £15 million that was paid for him.
Runners-up: Deco, Chelsea, Robbie Keane, Liverpool
Ok folks, that’s the first half of my awards. I’ll bring the other, more light-hearted half to you tomorrow so it can get buried under all the Champions League coverage. Luckily for me, I have faith all my loyal readers out there like you will be able to dig it out! Until then, enjoy the final.
For more on the English game, visit Goal.com's England page!
Shane Evans is an Associate Editor of Goal.com. His feature, "Fish & Chip Shots" appears weekly. Contact Shane at shane.evans@goal.com with questions, comments and concerns or follow him on Twitter.
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