Teams Looking to Make Changes
WINDING down after a climactic season and with the focus in the Premiership now solely on the title race, the focus of many football supporters has shifted to this summer's World Cup in South Africa. With football filling out lives for the usual bi-annual month, the gap between domestic seasons is well bridged and in a few short months fans of the twenty Premiership sides will be gearing up for the new campaign.
Although there have been unique success stories for the likes of Portsmouth, Tottenham, Fulham, and one of Chelsea or Manchester United, not all the teams in the top flight will be patting themselves on the back for their work in the 2009/10 capmaign.
Here's a look at five Premier League teams who will be looking to make changes...
Liverpool
Despite chasing the title in 2008-09, Liverpool have been way off the pace in all competitions this season. An FA Cup defeat by Reading, out of the title race by Christmas and knocked out of the Europa League by ex-Manchester United forward Diego Forlan, some of this off-season's most sweeping changes could well come at Anfield. With Rafa Benitez believed to be on his way to Juventus, and the infighting between joint Chairmen Hicks and Gillett, it seems as something has to give in the power struggle and although it is unlikely to happen in the few short months of the summer, Liverpool could be looking at a complete restructuring of their board and backroom staff before too long.
On the pitch is where things haven't been happening for the reds this term and depending on who their manager is, will dictate exactly how many of the eleven players to start Sunday's final league game against relegated Hull City. Benitez described his team as needing 'five or six' new arrivals to get themselves back into the top four, but with very little money spent since they purchased Glen Johnson for £17m it seems as though they will be looking to recruit on the cheap, at least for the time being.
Their first objective should be to secure the futures of Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres, and with Manchester City rumored to be lining up substantial offers for both, Liverpool need to act fast to show their two 'star' players that they are serious about moving forward.
Support for Gerrard in midfield seems essential as does purchasing a wide midfielder who can both score and create goals. Defensively Liverpool have been rather more shaky than in previous seasons and they should definitely aim to add a left full-back before next season.
West Ham United
Saved from relegation by their rival’s failings as much as their own fighting sprit, West Ham will certainly look to make sure that they are aimed thoroughly towards the top ten next season. Huge backing from his players might not be enough to keep Gianfranco Zola in a job, and with the entire playing staff, barring Scott Parker, effectively available for transfer exactly what West Ham do in the transfer market will be dictated by the on-going situation between their manager and the ownership duo of Sullivan and Gold.
As so often in recent seasons, West Ham's troubles have come from inconsistent form on the pitch, in part due to injuries, which has led to their manager rarely ever being able to pick a settled team. Before the transfer window Zola was limited to using the likes of Hines, Stanislas and Tomkins, all graduates of the West Ham youth academy, but all extremely inexperienced in terms of battling relegation in the Premiership. Several transfer window purchases aimed at helping take the goals burden away from Carlton Cole, but between them Jimenez, Mido and McCarthy contributed only one goal to the West Ham cause and it was left for the likes of Diamanti and Ilan chip in with vital goals.
With competition in the top have of the league extremely, West Ham have to follow the path of this season's Birmingham City side, who have demonstrated that working together and believing in yourself plays and essential part in Premiership success.
All across the pitch West Ham could do with improving their efforts and finding a central defensive partner to join Matthew Upson at the back is essential as they look to built round the spine of the England central defender, his international colleague Robert Green, and the club's undoubted player of the season; Scott Parker.
Sunderland
Residing in 13th place with one game to play, Sunderland haven't had much to play for since ending the disastrous run of results which saw them fail to win a Premiership game between November and March.
Arresting their poor form with a pressure relieving home win against Bolton, the Mackems experienced a combination of crippling injuries and rotten luck and soon saw their early season promise evapourate.
Unlike other clubs in 'transition' Sunderland will not be one of the teams waiting on a management change to dictate their next move. Chairman Niall Quinn backed manager Steve Bruce all the way though the club's bad run and even went as far as saying that Bruce's position would not change, even if the team's divisional status did.
The man in charge would do a lot worse than to sign up loanees Mensah and Hutton as an opening piece of transfer business, and he should also look to provide some support for Darren Bent who has been in sensational form throughout the season.
Kenwyne Jones' absence through injury and transfer saga with Liverpool has left Bruce's hands tied on playing the England striker up front on his own. It has highlighted Sunderland's weaknesses in attack as frequently teams have found that cutting the supply line to Bent with double marking has seen the side from the north east become significantly less effective.
In midfielder Sunderland have plenty of experience and talent in Cattermole, Marlbranque and Reid but they could do with adding a touch of pace to support their counter attacking style away from home. Improving year-by-year from their promotion under Roy Keane, Sunderland have done well to establish themselves as a good Premiership side. If they want to take the next ambitious step however and ensure they remain the top side in their region they need to put together a run of consistent form throughout a complete season.
Bolton
Looking like heading towards the Championship trapdoor in mid-season, a change of managers could be held partly responsible for securing Bolton's Premier League survival.
Owen Coyle and Gary Megson were statistically similar in terms of points won, but it is the former Burnley managers more aesthetically pleasing football that has the fans at the Reebok Stadium cautiously optimistic. Inconsistencies have largely dogged Bolton throughout the last couple of seasons and whilst beating those around them has been enough to save Wanderers in 09/10, it was their intimidating home atmosphere and physical play that saw them capable of beating top six sides on a regular basis in Sam Allerdyce's tenure.
Bolton must first decide what style they want to play football with. A change of mentality under Coyle indicates that the 'footballers' in their squad such as Wilkshire (if he returns on loan), Lee and Taylor will flourish but a hybrid team of playing the ball with personnel of their current squad, which is more adept at playing a more direct style, seems doomed to fail.
Coyle's men need a player who can break up the play of the opposition in midfield if they want to at least begin to move up the league. A defensive midfielder or talent would provide their defensive with an excellent screen and would mean that there was constantly an outlet for their forward players to work in tandem with.
Whilst Kevin Davis is undoubtedly a talented player who is good in the air and also equally adept with the ball at his feet, Bolton also need to add a forward to their team who can get them a goal out of nothing. A six-yard box poacher should also be on Coyle's radar if he intends to lead Bolton back into the top ten.
Championship Playoff Winners
The identity of the league's 20th team may not yet be known but as sides like Burnley, Derby, Palace and Watford have shown in recent seasons, unless you get the personnel in your team right, then your teamwork will count for little less than a nearly-miss.
Whether it's Forest, Cardiff, Leicester or Blackpool in the top flight of the English game next season, changes will need to be made to their teams if they want to make it as more than one season wonders. It is the balance of those changes that needs to be adopted carefully as overspending and wayward planning can cause financial crises like at Leeds, Southampton and Charlton.
Although being relegated from the Premiership is an indication of not being good enough for the league, the playoff contenders could start their search for survival by purchasing the players from already relegated clubs. With Portsmouth and Hull sharing financial problems there may be the possibility of scooping a real bargain. Wolves made a move for Kevin Doyle last summer and the former Reading man, capable of finding the target when he was with the Royals has earned a huge number of plaudits for his work this season.
Scoring goals is always the most difficult task for a newly promoted team, as the number of chances which are created against the better teams are few and far between, and with a player who has played in the league and who is a good finisher, the promoted sides could win valuable points by taking note of Wolves' success.
Another method could be to go for an experienced pro who has been in the league before and will be able to pass on their knowledge to those around them. Birmingham City have relied on the experience of players like James McFadden, Liam Ridgewell and Sebastian Larsson, all of whom have experienced the league and know what it takes to survive.
Whichever strategy they choose to adopt it is likely they will relish the challenge.
Here's a look at five Premier League teams who will be looking to make changes...
Liverpool
Despite chasing the title in 2008-09, Liverpool have been way off the pace in all competitions this season. An FA Cup defeat by Reading, out of the title race by Christmas and knocked out of the Europa League by ex-Manchester United forward Diego Forlan, some of this off-season's most sweeping changes could well come at Anfield. With Rafa Benitez believed to be on his way to Juventus, and the infighting between joint Chairmen Hicks and Gillett, it seems as something has to give in the power struggle and although it is unlikely to happen in the few short months of the summer, Liverpool could be looking at a complete restructuring of their board and backroom staff before too long.
On the pitch is where things haven't been happening for the reds this term and depending on who their manager is, will dictate exactly how many of the eleven players to start Sunday's final league game against relegated Hull City. Benitez described his team as needing 'five or six' new arrivals to get themselves back into the top four, but with very little money spent since they purchased Glen Johnson for £17m it seems as though they will be looking to recruit on the cheap, at least for the time being.
Their first objective should be to secure the futures of Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres, and with Manchester City rumored to be lining up substantial offers for both, Liverpool need to act fast to show their two 'star' players that they are serious about moving forward.
Support for Gerrard in midfield seems essential as does purchasing a wide midfielder who can both score and create goals. Defensively Liverpool have been rather more shaky than in previous seasons and they should definitely aim to add a left full-back before next season.
West Ham United
Saved from relegation by their rival’s failings as much as their own fighting sprit, West Ham will certainly look to make sure that they are aimed thoroughly towards the top ten next season. Huge backing from his players might not be enough to keep Gianfranco Zola in a job, and with the entire playing staff, barring Scott Parker, effectively available for transfer exactly what West Ham do in the transfer market will be dictated by the on-going situation between their manager and the ownership duo of Sullivan and Gold.
As so often in recent seasons, West Ham's troubles have come from inconsistent form on the pitch, in part due to injuries, which has led to their manager rarely ever being able to pick a settled team. Before the transfer window Zola was limited to using the likes of Hines, Stanislas and Tomkins, all graduates of the West Ham youth academy, but all extremely inexperienced in terms of battling relegation in the Premiership. Several transfer window purchases aimed at helping take the goals burden away from Carlton Cole, but between them Jimenez, Mido and McCarthy contributed only one goal to the West Ham cause and it was left for the likes of Diamanti and Ilan chip in with vital goals.
With competition in the top have of the league extremely, West Ham have to follow the path of this season's Birmingham City side, who have demonstrated that working together and believing in yourself plays and essential part in Premiership success.
All across the pitch West Ham could do with improving their efforts and finding a central defensive partner to join Matthew Upson at the back is essential as they look to built round the spine of the England central defender, his international colleague Robert Green, and the club's undoubted player of the season; Scott Parker.
Sunderland
Residing in 13th place with one game to play, Sunderland haven't had much to play for since ending the disastrous run of results which saw them fail to win a Premiership game between November and March.
Arresting their poor form with a pressure relieving home win against Bolton, the Mackems experienced a combination of crippling injuries and rotten luck and soon saw their early season promise evapourate.
Unlike other clubs in 'transition' Sunderland will not be one of the teams waiting on a management change to dictate their next move. Chairman Niall Quinn backed manager Steve Bruce all the way though the club's bad run and even went as far as saying that Bruce's position would not change, even if the team's divisional status did.
The man in charge would do a lot worse than to sign up loanees Mensah and Hutton as an opening piece of transfer business, and he should also look to provide some support for Darren Bent who has been in sensational form throughout the season.
Kenwyne Jones' absence through injury and transfer saga with Liverpool has left Bruce's hands tied on playing the England striker up front on his own. It has highlighted Sunderland's weaknesses in attack as frequently teams have found that cutting the supply line to Bent with double marking has seen the side from the north east become significantly less effective.
In midfielder Sunderland have plenty of experience and talent in Cattermole, Marlbranque and Reid but they could do with adding a touch of pace to support their counter attacking style away from home. Improving year-by-year from their promotion under Roy Keane, Sunderland have done well to establish themselves as a good Premiership side. If they want to take the next ambitious step however and ensure they remain the top side in their region they need to put together a run of consistent form throughout a complete season.
Bolton
Looking like heading towards the Championship trapdoor in mid-season, a change of managers could be held partly responsible for securing Bolton's Premier League survival.
Owen Coyle and Gary Megson were statistically similar in terms of points won, but it is the former Burnley managers more aesthetically pleasing football that has the fans at the Reebok Stadium cautiously optimistic. Inconsistencies have largely dogged Bolton throughout the last couple of seasons and whilst beating those around them has been enough to save Wanderers in 09/10, it was their intimidating home atmosphere and physical play that saw them capable of beating top six sides on a regular basis in Sam Allerdyce's tenure.
Bolton must first decide what style they want to play football with. A change of mentality under Coyle indicates that the 'footballers' in their squad such as Wilkshire (if he returns on loan), Lee and Taylor will flourish but a hybrid team of playing the ball with personnel of their current squad, which is more adept at playing a more direct style, seems doomed to fail.
Coyle's men need a player who can break up the play of the opposition in midfield if they want to at least begin to move up the league. A defensive midfielder or talent would provide their defensive with an excellent screen and would mean that there was constantly an outlet for their forward players to work in tandem with.
Whilst Kevin Davis is undoubtedly a talented player who is good in the air and also equally adept with the ball at his feet, Bolton also need to add a forward to their team who can get them a goal out of nothing. A six-yard box poacher should also be on Coyle's radar if he intends to lead Bolton back into the top ten.
Championship Playoff Winners
The identity of the league's 20th team may not yet be known but as sides like Burnley, Derby, Palace and Watford have shown in recent seasons, unless you get the personnel in your team right, then your teamwork will count for little less than a nearly-miss.
Whether it's Forest, Cardiff, Leicester or Blackpool in the top flight of the English game next season, changes will need to be made to their teams if they want to make it as more than one season wonders. It is the balance of those changes that needs to be adopted carefully as overspending and wayward planning can cause financial crises like at Leeds, Southampton and Charlton.
Although being relegated from the Premiership is an indication of not being good enough for the league, the playoff contenders could start their search for survival by purchasing the players from already relegated clubs. With Portsmouth and Hull sharing financial problems there may be the possibility of scooping a real bargain. Wolves made a move for Kevin Doyle last summer and the former Reading man, capable of finding the target when he was with the Royals has earned a huge number of plaudits for his work this season.
Scoring goals is always the most difficult task for a newly promoted team, as the number of chances which are created against the better teams are few and far between, and with a player who has played in the league and who is a good finisher, the promoted sides could win valuable points by taking note of Wolves' success.
Another method could be to go for an experienced pro who has been in the league before and will be able to pass on their knowledge to those around them. Birmingham City have relied on the experience of players like James McFadden, Liam Ridgewell and Sebastian Larsson, all of whom have experienced the league and know what it takes to survive.
Whichever strategy they choose to adopt it is likely they will relish the challenge.