Which of West Ham United, Reading and Southampton will stay up? Can all three do it?
The season that has just finished saw something happen that hasn’t happened in Premier League history for a decade; all three promoted clubs stayed up.
The last time was in 2001/02 when Blackburn, Bolton and Fulham stayed safe. All three went onto have long spells in the top flight, with two dropping out only this year.
If Norwich, Swansea, and QPR can have similar runs, supporters will be very happy.
Swansea and Norwich with ease compared to my team; but we’re still there for another campaign.
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Here’s the question, Do I think it will happen twice in a row?
Southampton football club have a great Manager who seems to avoid all the arguments and ‘what if’s’ in the game. Nigel Atkins has the South Coast club on a real roll and they deserve their chance to play with the elite after back-to-back promotions.
The football they play is easy on the eye; simple passing and some great finishing adding a bit of style to it. I for one am looking forward to the challenge of QPR playing them. If anyone thinks they are here to make up the numbers, think again.
In their first season I predict they will finish about 14th or 15th with a little cup run to help along the way.
Brian McDermott is one of the best young managers in football today. He hasn’t got a team of superstars but what he has is a very hard working side.
They had to cope with the departure of Shane Long but getting in Jason Roberts was a master stroke, and Adam Le Fondre has scored some key goals.
I’m so pleased for a couple of our old players, in particular, Kaspars Gorkss. It’s the second season in a row he’s been promoted and in my opinion he wasn’t given a chance in the Premier League under Neil Warnock. At 31 he is more than ready to meet the challenge.
Reading will be happy with 17th; I think it will be as tight as it was for us last season.
Last but not least the old warhorse himself, big Sam Allardyce. He got them up via the play offs in a game that could have gone either way to be honest.
West Ham’s form hasn’t been that great and they really need to spend; but that’s where I think the problem will be.
Messers Gold and Sullivan like to keep their hard earned cash in their pocket. To me the investment needs to be made in every part of the team; out of the three that have come up West Ham I feel are the weakest and by some distance.
It is early days, much will depend on who signs who in the transfer market, Southampton had a bid accepted for Jay Rodriguez yesterday.
I’d love to see back to back promoted clubs staying up but I’m afraid I can’t see it happening twice in a row; just my opinion.
Let us know your opinion. Which promoted sides will stay up?
image: © joncandy
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