Wally with a Brolly

1 - Reading - Liverpool. Liverpool have had a reasonably good second half to the season. Where do you see them finishing next year?

Westy: I can actually see them getting 5th next season and ousting Arsenal, who just seem to be getting worse. Like him or not, Liverpool's answer to David Brent seems to know what he's after in terms of overall strategy and personnel. The best thing Liverpool's owners and board can do is place their trust in Rodgers and actually recognise that he knows what playing staff he needs. For my money, they need to get a decent centre back (if not two!) this summer, whilst bringing in another centre mid to ease the load on Lucas, who is often most noticed when he isn't playing.

Chaka Demus: I think top 5 certainly. However, they absolutely have to strengthen this summer. They have had a very solid second half to the season but without Stevie G and Suarez they go to pieces.

Coutinho and Lucas: important pieces to the Liverpool puzzle. Better than Carroll and co anyway.

KD: I like Brendan Rodgers and I think with a couple of cheeky squad additions in the same vain as Sturridge and Coutinho (and not Downing, Henderson and Carroll), they will be finishing in the top 6. The bigger question is ‘who will be displaced?’ – I have a feeling Moyes’ time at Everton is approaching an end and see them struggling to maintain their form of recent campaigns without him.

Football Tom: Liverpool have indeed been pretty impressive over the second half of the season. Their passing philosophy is starting to bear fruit, Lucas has returned (a personal favourite of man - fab player and infinitely superior to Joe Allen) and their transfer dealings over January have brought extra offensive threat. Coutinho in particular looks an excellent signing full of flair, purposeful running and intricate combination play. His understanding with Suarez bodes well for the future.

Rodgers has had his detractors: his business management speak is undoubtedly irritating and and the facts remain that this season has brought little tangible rewards but I do feel they've made good, if not great, progress since Dalglish's disappointing stint at the helm. Instilling a new playing philosophy always requires time and the squad he inherited hardly suited possession play: passing it out from the back with Skrtel and Carragher is bound to be difficult.

Realistically, I think Liverpool will be challenging for a Champions League place next year. This depends on two factors. The first is keeping Suarez, the only Liverpool player who can claim to be amongst the top 10 worldwide. The second is signing a top class centre half to partner Danny Agger: Carragher is too old and Skrtel isn't good enough for a side with Champions League aspirations. Otherwise I think the rest of the side is strong. Reina hasn't had the best of seasons but is a proven goalkeeper, Enrique and Johnson are underrated full backs that provide threat from the flanks, a central midfield pairing of Lucas and Gerrard is impressive, and Suarez is probably the best striker in the League. Challenging for the title will definitely be beyond the Reds, but fans, manager and board should be disappointed if they don't seriously challenge for a top 4 berth in 2013-2014.

Liverpool have to hang on to the gun-toting Suarez. "The best striker in the League", according to Football Tom. Hard to debate that.

2- Southampton - West Ham. Mauricio Pochettino has quietly turned things around and helped Southampton be close to safety. What do you think of his style of management? With hindsight, a shrewd appointment?
 
Westy: From the very first game he took charge in, it was interesting to see how much more threatening Southampton looked. They've gone for the continental approach of pressing very high up the pitch and it seems to be working, with some excellent results - particularly over the top sides. Time will tell whether he's a good long-term appointment, and it is still very harsh on Adkins, but it's worked for their board so far.

Chaka Demus: With hindsight, yes, I think it was a shrewd appointment. A relative unknown. Young manager. If he had failed, it wouldn't have created as much of an uproar as if a 'big name' had come in. He seems to have weathered the storm after the initial mutiny of the players after Adkins' departure and has them playing very attractive football. Fair play amigo!

KD: Clearly, it is difficult to criticise Pochettino’s appointment on pure footballing grounds as Southampton now seem to be appear to be playing very dynamic, structured football with one hell of a goal threat. Having said that, Adkins didn’t do a bad job and I feel Pochettino has only built on the fantastic foundations laid by Big Nige’ and his team. I am still not fully sold on Pochettino though; he has a translator for every interview. Can a manager truly get all his ideas across effectively if he cannot speak the language fluently? I suppose the answer in this case so far is ‘yes’; after all, everybody can speak the language of football *cringe*

Pochettino's translator: the Premier League's new star. Pochettino: Who cares?

Football Tom: A shrewd appointment? Absolutely. A couple of weeks ago, when discussing relegation candidates, I mentioned how Southampton's new high tempo, high energy football (especially their defensive pressing) would get them out of trouble. It's done more than that. The Saints have been impressive in the majority of games under Pochettino, and haven't always got the results their performances deserved. In the past couple of weeks, they've combined performances and points in impressive fashion. Even more than his style of play, the feature that has most impressed me about Saints' new manager is the manner in which he has united his players despite his complete lack of English language skills (his Spanish translator is getting loads of face time on MOTD). Not to say that the squad lacked harmony under Adkins, but they somehow seem more determined, more assertive since the Argentine's arrival. It helps that he is managing a young side without big egos that have really embraced his philosophy. Southampton are one of my favourite sides to watch in the Premier League: Pochettino, but also Adkins, both deserve credit for their successful first season in the BPL.

3- Everton - QPR. They are probably down, but what what have you made of Harry's tenure and signings at QPR? Would he have kept them up straight from the start?
 
 Westy: Much as I dislike him, I think he would have kept them up. His major signings in Samba and Rémy have made a huge difference (then again, for an outlay of £18m and £180,000 per week, you would hope so!) and he just gets players fired up. QPR were very lucky last season, and Hughes remains an unproven manager in my eyes. Sure, he did okay with City, but it's hardly the toughest task in football. I wonder how many days into June before Harry/Samba/Rémy say they're off though...

Chaka Demus: If Redknapp had been in charge from the start of the season, I don't think they would be in the position they are now. I think a number of those primadonnas who thought themselves a bit good under Hughes will have had a good b*llocking and been taking down a peg or 5 by the 'Atchet. He has made some good signings but the Samba one still just baffles me... Am I alone in this?

KD: Without doubt QPR would not be in their current predicament if Harry had been there from the start. I know Bappo isn’t Redknapp’s biggest fan but, for me, he is one of the best man managers in the Premier League (even if he is a bit unsteady tactically). As for his signings, Loic Remy is undoubtedly talented and could play for most top flight clubs, but it does make me shudder every time Harry asks an owner to get their cheque book out, and each time they willingly and enthusiastically pay monster sums and outrageous wages despite a precarious league position. It happened at Pompey and Fernandes has followed suit at QPR. Dangerous.


 
Football Tom: Wally hasn't always been friendly to old 'Arry but he's certainly done a better job than old Sparky, who's time in charge of QPR was quite frankly a complete disaster. Mohamed Al Fayed, whose club Hughes departed because of "lack of ambition"  must be bathing in Schadenfreude as his Fulham side complete another comfortable season in the Premier League. However, outperforming Hughes, who averaged a quite pathetic 0.35 points per game, isn't exactly a shining achievement.

'Arry's signings have been a mixed bag. Remy has been impressive and scored some wonderful goals. His side footed finish against Wigan was a joy to behold, but it's his fitness rather than his quality that has previously been in doubt during spells at Nice and Marseille. If he can stay injury free he could be a 15 goal a season striker. The loan deal for Townsend can also be considered a success, as the young winger has been bright and inventive, and more importantly seems like he actually cares about helping Rangers avoid relegation (more so than some of QPR's permanent players, which is pretty worrying). However Redknapp's biggest gamble, the high fees and wages paid to bring Samba back to England, hasn't paid off as the Congo international has failed to stabilise the back four.

Remy and Townsend: definite successes proving Redknapp's know-how in the transfer market.

It's difficult to say whether Harry would have kept QPR up had he began the season in charge. For one, his summer signings would have been rather different, and although his coaching and tactical methods are famously 'hands-off', I feel his man management skills would have done enough to keep them up. But that question is slightly beyond the point: Redknapp has built his reputation on picking up teams midway though the season and dramatically improving their fortunes, and claimed he would reproduce his magic touch with the Hoops. This hasn't happened : QPR are still 7 points away from safety, one more than they were when Hughes departed. To me, the most disappointing -if not entirely unpredictable - feature of his spell in charge are his attempts to distance himself from any potential failure come the end of the season. This was done in discrete and subtle ways: referring to QPR as 'they' rather than 'we' or deliberately telling the press how overpaid his players were. This has become a bit of a trend with Redknapp: any success is thanks to the magic touch of Harry Houdini; any failure is due to external circumstances completely beyond his control.

The greatest managers of modern times (Ferguson, Mourinho, Guardiola, Klopp) shift blame, criticism and media attention away from their players and onto themselves. Throughout his time at Loftus Road, Redknapp has been intent on doing the exact opposite to preserve his reputation. This, more than their inevitable relegation, has been the most disappointing aspect of QPR's campaign.

4- Aston Villa - Fulham. Fulham are the epitome of an underrated team despite impressive achievements with their low budget. What have you made of Martin Jol?
 
Westy: He's been quietly effective, much as he was at Spurs. Jol tends to buy and develop players very well and generally makes Fulham pretty tricky to beat. The struggle will be to keep this up, as there's only so many times you can sell players of Dembelé's calibre and hope to improve. Here's hoping that Fayed gives him the opportunity to make his own 'Steve Marlet' transfer, just hopefully with better success...

Chaka Demus: Firstly, I would like to say that Martin Jol terrifies me. How is his voice so low?! Does he live in a cave in Mordor?! Questions that need answers. I like the fact that he keeps himself to himself and just gets on with things. Simple but effective football. Also, anyone that plays Philippe Senderos as a starting centre back must have nuts the size of a pumpkin

One ring to rule them. And in the darkness, bind them.

KD: Martin Jol is one of the most dour managers to have graced the Premier League (emphatically out-done by Avram Grant, though, may I add). I can only imagine his personality and management style is one of level-headedness and calm. Perhaps this inspires the players to try to play football without the fear of criticism from the manager. I don’t know, but it seems to work. Indeed Bappo, you are right, Fulham are under-rated. As are, in my opinion, Wigan. I really like the support and adoration Dave Whelan has for Roberto Martinez and hasn’t joined the manager-merry-go-round culture. I feel Wigan are batting well above their weight at the moment and probably belong somewhere near midtable Championship. Keep it up Robby and DW
 
Football Tom: As a Fulham fan, I feel positively about Martin Jol's time at the club and optimistic about the future. He was the best man for the job when appointed two years ago and is still the best man to take the club forward for the foreseeable future. I am particularly impressed by the way he is overseeing three key challenges facing the Whites:  the first, a change of playing style to a more continental and attacking system, the second, the loss of several key players from the Hughes/Hodgson era and the third, an ageing squad in need of rejuvenation.

Since replacing Hughes, Jol has slowly moved away from the rigid 4-4-2, which brought the Whites European success under Hodgson, to a more continental and flexible 4-2-3-1. The focus has slowly shifted away from soaking up pressure to trying to dictate matches. I certainly feel Fulham are now more dangerous and likely to pick up away wins than they have been in the past. Attempting to alter a club's playing style can be famously difficult, even for distinguished managers - just ask AVB about his high line at Chelsea, or Tony Pulis about his failed attempts to inject Stoke with a semblance of technique- but the transition at Fulham has been fairly seamless.

Jol has also dealt well with the loss of several key players from the Hodgson/Hughes era. Murphy, Zamora, Dempsey and most disappointingly Dembele (a wonderful, wonderful player) have all recently left the Cottage for higher salaries (Zamora), longer contracts (Murphy) and the chance of Champions League football (Dembele and Dempsey) . Lesser managers might have bulked and sulked at the departure of their most dangerous players but Jol reacted well, filling these gaps with short term signings and  a less direct, more intricate style of play.

Finally, Jol has also made the biggest effort of recent years to inject Fulham's ageing squad with youthful players fresh from the club's ever-improving academy. Kerim Frei had a breakthrough season last year, and Kacaliniclic started this season on fire. They are both bright prospects for the future and if Fulham can unearth some additional gems to complement their ageing stars then the future looks bright.

Senderos demonstrates his tackling 'expertise'. Why Martin? Why?

Martin Jol's time at Fulham hasn't been completely faultless. His insistence on playing Senderos rather than the criminally underrated Hughes baffled many Fulham fans, and there's no doubt that the change in system has made the teams less defensively sound than in previous years. But overall he's proved to be yet another astute appointment by Chairman Mo (lets just forget the Sanchez debacle -most of his choices have been spot on). Besides, if it wasn't for Jol, Dimitar Berbatov's delicate, artistic touches would be gracing Florence or Turin rather than the Premier League. For that alone, the bearish Dutchman deserves a round of applause.

5- Arsenal - Norwich. Even if Arsenal finish in the top 4, would you keep Arsene at the club?
 
Westy: I think you have to trust in him, but he needs to hear a few home truths, namely:
1) Buy some players who are proven. Signing two Gervinhos rather than 1 Cazorla just doesn't cut it...
2) Be harsher on your team and admit when you got it wrong - it's hard to respect a manager who doesn't blame anyone for anything.
3) GET A DECENT CENTRE BACK!

Chaka Demus: I think it is time for a change for Arsenal. Martin O'Neill recently went from being 'In a relationship' to 'Single' on Facebook - worth a poke? I think so.

KD: I have been harshly critical of Arsene Wenger at the moment and, recently, I have had a slight change of heart. I think if he can pick up a couple of players in the summer, they could be a relatively strong force next year. Having said that, I don’t see them challenging for the title because they are up against some absolute behemoths of owners who are willing to splash hundreds of millions of pounds (which doesn’t even make a dent, by the way) each window. I say, keep Wenger; after all, he is a legend, and one of my favourite Frenchmen (you know who tops this list)

Football Tom: Big question, and one that's been weighing on Arsenal fans' minds for a while now. First of all, despite talk in the media and elsewhere, I think Arsene will still be at the club next season. He has a good relationship with his board, and I'd personally like to see him leave with a trophy and a final hurrah. Arsenal would be nowhere without him, and one shouldn't underestimate how much he has brought to the club and the Premier League.

Good managerial succession at a football club is based on coherence and a long term strategy (take note Chelsea....). In recent years, Swansea have proved adept at making changes to suit the club's philosophy, and have made progress with every new manager. Martinez established them as a ball playing side, Rodgers took them up to the Prem and Laudrup won them their first trophy, all following the 'Barca-lite' mould. Similarly, Arsenal's new coaching must fit the club's passing philosophy and emphasis on player development.

One name immediately springs to mind. Juergen Klopp has taken Dortmund from sleeping giant to one of the most exciting young sides in the world, with a real shot at champions league glory. His leadership qualities, the quality of his football, and the faith he places in young, hungry players fits the Arsenal mould. However, one could rightly question why the manager of one of the top 4 sides in Europe would want to join a team that isn't in the top 4 in England.

Remi Garde: remember the name. Wenger's successor?

There are other more realistic options available on the continent. Remi Garde has done excellent work with a depleted Lyon squad, and is still challenging moneybags PSG for the Ligue 1 title. He also knows the north London club inside out having been there both as player and as coach. There will be shouts of 'who?', but Arsenal could do a lot worse. Another name touted by the media is David Moyles. I m not so sure he would work: the core of his teams has always been British, and I think he'd struggle to fit in with the culture at Arsenal. Manuel Pellegrini has also done fantastic work at Malaga and rebuilt his reputation after the Real Madrid years. His thinking man's approach (Pelligrini has an engineering degree) matches le Prof's (Wenger has an Economics degree) and would fit in nicely at the Emirates. Finally, my personal 'choix du coeur' would be all round nut case Manuel Bielsa. You might remember the Chilean's young Bilbao side ripping United to shreds last year in a breathless display of high intensity, fearless offensive football. This year hasn't t gone so well for the crazy Chilean, who is renown for bust ups with his top players, but the bemused faces of Gervinho, Theo et al as they receive a bollocking in highly accented Spanglish would be a joy to behold. Sign him up Uzmanov!

6- Newcastle - Sunderland. What have you made of the O'Neill sacking and Di Canio appointment? And do you think the crazy Italian will succeed?
 
Westy: Sunderland have hit rock-bottom and as much as I think you need to trust the manager, with the new TV deal coming in next year, you can't really blame the chairman for pulling the plug. He's given Martin a lot of money: Graham, Fletcher, Johnson etc. and thinking back over the season, I'm actually surprised that they aren't deeper in trouble. As for Di Canio, he should certainly bring the 'honeymoon effect' in that he'll spark an immediate reaction from the players. It's a big leap though from Swindon to Sunderland, and it'll be interesting to see how tactically astute he really is.

Chaka Demus: Hilarious! What a character. Much like the sacking of McDermott and hiring of Adkins, I just don't understand why this has happened with so few games left. Other than spreading Mussolini-esque propaganda what is he going to be able to do with that group of players?! Needless to say I am looking forward to his post-match interviews.

Watch what you do with that right arm Paolo!

KD: Forget crazy Italian, the sacking of O’Neill was crazy and embarrassing. I don’t know quite how much I should write here for fear of becoming too outraged and vocal (I don’t want any complaints against the Brolly!). I do think Di Canio will do better than the likes of Ince at Blackburn and I’m sure they will probably stay up this year, but I can see Newcastle outperforming them next season, which I wouldn’t have said if Martin O’Neill was still in his post (p.s. I also love Yohan Cabaye – but he is still isn’t top of the list)
 
Football Tom: More so than the sacking, I was taken aback by how difficult O'Neill found his spell in charge of Sunderland. MON was once the next England/United manager, destined for great things, but his enthusiasm seems to have deserted him at Sunderland. I still rate him highly as a manager though and hope to see him back in the Prem shortly. The Di Canio scandal has been huge, with coverage spanning both front pages and back pages of the national press. Many of us football folk were aware of Di Canio's controversial political views, but few of us would have predicted this. After all, he's been playing in England for ages: did people not care about his political views when he was a player?

The whole controversy began when Milliband resigned as Sunderland's exec chairman. Whilst I do not doubt that Labour's ex-next leader was deeply offended by Di Canio's stated views, I also feel this was an opportune moment for him to cut all ties with the UK - he had only a week previously declared that he was leaving the UK to take up a position in New York. Had Milliband not resigned, I doubt the furore surrounding the Italian's appointment would have reached current heights.

7- Stoke - Man Utd. Stoke are on a downwards spiral at the moment. Has Tony Pulis taken them as far as he can?
 
Westy: Yes. Teams in the Premiership have sussed Stoke out at the moment and the Britannia has lost that fear factor that used to result in Arsenal practically giving them 3 points before kickoff. You have to say that the major disappointment has been their midfielders, as you would expect more from Adam and Nzonzi than they have given. Equally, their wingers, a source of so much creativity in Pulis' rigid system, have been poor, with Kightly providing nowhere near the number of assists that Pennant used to. I think they'll stay lower midtable (12th-14th) for the next season or so, but could struggle after that.

Pennant: Stoke's Superman, and strangely missed. Never thought I'd type that!

Chaka Demus: With the style of football they play and with the players they have, I don't think there is any more to be done. And let's face it; their best player is about to hang up his boots. They need more money - maybe they can increase their production of pottery.

KD: In short, yes. They have been found out – it’s about bloody time by the way – and I feel they need a fresh approach and, therefore, a new man. Martin O’Neill for Stoke? I would. Having said that, this would mean I am condoning another management change. I suppose, at the end of the day, ad football fans we always feel we know what’s best and we always want a bit of controversy. It’s in our blood.
 
Football Tom: Stoke are an interesting case study: Pulis' incredibly direct style of play has brought them success, but has also left them trapped . Any attempts to inject technique into the team have failed miserably - Tuncay or Owen are good cases in point - and means that the Welshman just sticks to his template: 'forceful' defenders, scrappy midfielders, wingers who hug the touchline, and physical centre forwards. This model has worked well for them, but I do believe there is a limit to what it can achieve. It's a system that can gain promotion from the Championship and keep you up, but it won't win you trophies. Valencia's comfortable dismissal of them in the Europa League last year silenced claims that Barcelona would struggle on a rainy night at the Britannia (seriously, who first mooted that ridiculous argument?)
To a certain extent, Stoke and Pulis are victims of their own success. Having taken direct football as far as it cash go, they are now struggling to push on to the next level. Problematically, this physical approach is so imbedded into the club that it's hard to see any manager coming in and changing the culture. Stoke will live or die the Pulis way.

8- Arsenal - Everton. Nikica Jelavic has struggled this year after being on fire last season. Which version of Jelavic is a fluke, and which one is the real one?
 
Westy: Somewhere in the middle. You'd rather do it that way round though, unlike poor Diego Forlan who was sold just as he started to play well for Man Utd! Strikers need confidence though and it can be tricky when things aren't falling for you, but hopefully he'll get back to his best. He has a number of very good players around him and if Moyes can get him firing then they should easily secure a European place for next season. Deservedly so too.

Chaka Demus: Hard to say really. He really was outstanding last year and his significant drought this year has only been covered up by the fact that his team mates have all raised their game. I would like to say that last year was his true self and he is just having a bit of a Fernando this season. Let's hope things pick up for him as he is a very supportive team player.

Jelavic: "having a Fernando". Don't know who that insults the most.

 
KD: The fluke is the bad one!!! What’s happened Nikica?! I still feel he has enough to succeed at Everton and in the Prem. As for Kevin Mirallas, he got absolutely rinsed by Moyes in the press did he not? That was enough to destroy the confidence of any player, let alone a European ;-) I hope Big Kev takes it the right way, but I can see him being the new Van Der Meyde if not!
 
Football Tom: The curse of the Everton forward strikes again. For as long as I can remember, the Toffees have been waiting for a 20 goal a season striker, the final missing part of the puzzle that would nudge them into the top 4. The Chosen one. The Messiah.

Many strikers have tried to fill this void, many have failed (Beattie…), but it seemed like Moyes had finally, finally found his special one. Jelavic was on absolute fire last season scoring 11 goals in 16 games, and seemed well placed to become the first Everton player to score over 20 league goals in a season since Gary Lineker in 1986 (I told you they've been waiting forever). But alas it wasn't to be. The croatian has been out of sorts this season, eclipsed by prolific 'goal machine' Anichebe (joke - Victor averages a goal every seven games).

Jelavic is your archetypal poacher: getting on the end of things, bundling in the rebound, scoring off his arse etc.. The problem with these right place - right time strikers is that once they stop being in the right place at the right time, they become rather useless. See Owen at Stoke, Bent at Villa, or Van Nistelrooy at Malaga for further examples . And so it has been for Jelavic: he has less goals this year than the much maligned Torres and I'm afraid that his time in the sun has ran out.

And so Moyes' quest for the mythical goalscorer goes on, and like a mad, Scottish Miss Havisham, he is destined to wait forever until his face is wrinkled with age and he becomes bitter and twisted and looks to destroy the dreams of young aspiring centre forwards throughout the land. One day your prince will come David, one day…

A very elegantly dressed David Moyes.

9- West Ham - Man Utd. West Ham have quietly managed to stay up without sweating. Which players would you take from that team? And what do you make of their proposed move to the Olympic Stadium?
 
 Westy: The biggest coup West Ham pulled off was attracting Big Sam to the Championship. Not so much for getting out of that division, but for keeping them in the Premiership when they got there. What he has done should be admired in that he started building a squad for the Premiership last season so that they didn't require too many new personnel to survive (take note QPR). As for players, I've been impressed by Nolan and Diamé out of their current crop whilst Collins has also been very good at centre back. They just need a bit of flair now to improve further.

Chaka Demus: Players that I would take: Juicy in goal - terrific all rounder. Winston Reid - really has impressed me this year. James Collins - just because he is a monster and doesn't mess around. Diame, Taylor and Jarvis from midfield. The forwards are another matter - Andy Carroll on a good day and Carlton Cole on a very good day. I think it's great the Olympic Stadium will be put to good use. Football is the only sport that will fill it week by week.

Diame: bringing all the Wally pundits together.

KD: Who would I take? Good question. Obviously, if Andy Carroll was a Hammers player he’d be my first pick but Liverpool are the fortunate owners of this talisman’s contract! Otherwise I read the other day that Matt Jarvis had the best completed crosses ratio in the league and Diame isn’t a bad player. I think the move to the stadium can only be good for the club, especially as they aren’t footing the bill. Lucky buggers!
 
Football Tom: - Winston Reid: great name, and an impressive first season in the Premier League. The New Zealand international is a imposing physical presence and a threat from set pieces. An underrated centre half with a bright future ahead.
- Momo Diame: he hasn't been the same since his return from injury, but when the Senegal international is on form, he's an absolute ram in the middle of the bark, both offensively and defensively. If rumours of a cheap buy out clause are true, then top 6 clubs could be sniffing around in the summer
- Mark Noble: an established premier league midfielder who is loved by his Hammers fans for his combative nature. He can also play a bit, and is an Englishman who an actually take penalties, heaven forbid!

With regards to the move to the Olympic stadium, this was a no brainer for West Ham. I can't help feel they've got a real bargain there, with the vast majority of funding picked up by the government. A rational business decision, but one that will impact negatively on the atmosphere of West Ham's home fixtures.

10- Man City - Wigan. Roberto Mancini: should he stay or should he go?

 Westy: Monday's victory over Man Utd showed that he can get it right on a match-by-match basis, but this season has proved that he can't come close to Ferguson from a man-management point of view. Their performance in Europe was pitiful, and the excuses that have followed even more so. Worst was Mancini's comment that City haven't won the title because their ideal signings turned them down. Honestly, it's like Chris Hughton deciding to bemoan the fact that Norwich are struggling to avoid relegation because they couldn't sign Messi, Robben and Cavani. It's not like Roberto hasn't spent money this summer - and look how wisely he used that. Rodwell, Garcia and Sinclair have hardly proved inspired signings for the £50m outlay (double what United spent on Van Persie)...

Rant over.

Chaka Demus: I think he'll stay. In fact I think it's ridiculous people are calling for his head. His club will finish second in one of the best league's in the world and is with a very good shout of winning the FA Cup. Most clubs, and managers for that matter, would call that a very good season.

Bobby Mancini: can we at least agree he's got glorious hair?

  
KD: Mancini should stay, without doubt. I cant even believe his future is being questioned and it is very depressing that his position is in doubt. I am certain they will be challenging extremely competitively on all fronts next season and Mancini’s job so far has, in my opinion, been nothing short of impressive. I hope he stays, I also like him as a character. Falcao for City!


Football Tom: After the breathtaking finish to last year's title race, this season has undoubtedly proved disappointing for City fans, who would have expected a more robust defence of their title and especially a less dismal showing in the Champions League. It's now been two successive years in which City have been abjectly eliminated at the group stages, and for a chairman with aspirations of European glory, it might be this, rather than their domestic performance, which constitutes the final straw.

Mancini's dealings in the transfer market were ill advised and he started the season with a weaker squad than he finished with last year. The 3-5-2 experiment has also failed and the Italian has seemed jaded and increasingly irritated in press conferences. City's Emirati owners have been patient and supportive with their Italian manager, but I can't help feel his position is more precarious than Wenger's, discussed in one of the questions above. I can't see Mancini staying if he fails to lift the FA cup in May.

11- Fulham - Chelsea. How damaged do you think Rafa Benitez's reputation has been? And how highly do you rate him?
 
 Westy: I actually think he's coming out of this Chelsea debacle rather well. Think back to when he was appointed and the outrage that ensued. He's done extremely well to keep his head and turn Chelsea around since then. They have a decent chance of winning the FA Cup if they can get past Man City and he's kept them in Europe whilst pushing them into a solid 3rd place. His signing of Demba Ba has looked more and more like an excellent piece of business, and Torres is slowly getting there. I think my feelings on Rafa are quite easily summed up by this one contradictory statement: He's a good manager, but I wouldn't want him anywhere near my club. Figure that one out!

Chaka Demus: If anything, I think his reputation has improved. That's my opinion anyway. To have put up with as much sh*t as he has and just shrugged it off is highly commendable. I don't know what will happen at the end of this year or where he will go next but few managers have thick enough skin to be able to handle what he has over the past few months.

Mr Potato Head: might be a douche bag, but he's displayed great resilience.

KD: Rafa Benitez’s reputation in my eyes has actually improved since he joined Chelsea. I had previously thought he was a major douche bag – mainly due to his Fergie rant and over-criticism of other clubs during his Liverpool spell (hence the Chelsea fan hatred!) I think he has handled himself admirably in the face of severe criticism and, whislt Chelsea’s season hasn’t been a major success, I do not feel that is Rafa’s fault as any club will struggle with constant change (unless that club is managed by Jose Mourinho – what a man).

Football Tom: His passage at Inter was a massive flop, and it's been about 4 years since he's had a decent season, but he undoubtedly has know-how when it comes to cup competitions. It would be pretty hilarious to see him pick up the only two trophies that were realistically available to him when he joined Chelsea, if only to see the conflicted reaction of confused Chelsea fans.