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Monday 3 January 2011

Premier League: The Season So Far

Half the season has been completed in the 2010/11 Premier League Season and it has already has it's high's and lows.
The season started off with the introduction of the 25 man squad.  Clubs had to declare a squad of no more than 25 players (obviously) by the time the summer transfer window shut. Players aged 21 and under could be selected without being registered in the 25.
Also being introduced this season was the "home grown players" rule, which aimed to encourage the development of young footballers at Premier League clubs. The new rule required clubs to name at least eight players in their squad that had been registered domestically for a minimum of three seasons prior to their 21st birthday.
As for the season itself, well even before the season began we had out first managerial casualty.  Martin O'Neill decided his tenure at Villa Park should come to an end and decided to resign.
Playoff winners Blackpool have surprised many this season with their attacking football leading to a mid table position and another surprise has been the appalling state at Liverpool Football Club.
After appointing manager Roy Hodgson in the summer Liverpool have failed to make any sort of title challenge, in fact their only battle so far has been to stay out of the relegation zone and already there are calls for Hodgson to leave the club.  Their new owner, John W Henry, said when taking over he would listen to the fans, the only thing now is to see whether he is a man of his word.
Owners seem to be making headlines this season.  Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley saw his side make a decent start to the season including the 5-1 drubbing of rivals Sunderland and how did he show his appreciation, he sacked Chris Hughton and replacing him with Alan Pardew much to the disgust of the Toon Army.
Another surprise came at Ewood Park where there was a cry of foul player when Chicken Meat company Venkys took over Blacburn Rovers and sacked Sam Allardyce replacing him with Steve Kean in a caretaker role.
West Ham manager Avram Grant has been facing the sack all season.  He made history by spending the calendar year in the relegation zone while managing Portsmouth and West Ham yet the West Ham owners Gold and Sullivan have stuck by their man and it will take a dramatic turn of events in 2011 if the Hammers are to be playing in the Premier League next season.
Chelsea have struggled and it is rumoured Carlo Ancelotti could be the next manager heading to the job centre while Manchesters United and City, Arsenal and Tottenham seem to be the main contenders for this season's title.
The first half of the season has certainly had a fair share of controversy and high points lets just hope this continues into the new year and if anything happens that you should know about we will be sure to get it on here first and fastest at www.worldwidefootball.co.uk

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