There has been added hope at Old Trafford since the arrival of Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who has been tasked with finally taking Manchester United back to the top of English and European football. Not wasting any time, the Red Devils are now interested in a Premier League sporting director as their head of recruitment.
Man United's next sporting director
Having already made the headlines for their move on Dan Ashworth, who has now been placed on gardening leave by Newcastle United, and the signing of Manchester City's Omar Berrada as chief executive, United are looking to make another big appointment off the pitch.
Dan Ashworth speaking with Steve Cooper.
The Red Devils have already missed out on Michael Edwards and then Richard Hughes, who both opted to join Liverpool, with the latter confirmed by the club yesterday. But that hasn't stopped them in their tracks. Ratcliffe seems a man determined to make the change that others have failed to make since the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson, and he's certainly winning the fans over along the way.
Now, according to Ben Jacobs via GiveMeSport, Manchester United are interested in Dougie Freedman, who is currently the sporting director at Crystal Palace. And whilst an approach hasn't been made as of yet, Ratcliffe and co reportedly want to make the 49-year-old their head of recruitment.
Jacobs told GiveMeSport: "With Dougie Freeman, there's been no approach to Crystal Palace at this point. He's a recruitment expert that Sir Alex Ferguson in particular really likes and respects.
"But it looks like all the effort is being put on Dan Ashworth and then Jason Wilcox and Manchester United sources are downplaying anything at this stage being advanced with Freedman. Let's see whether that changes over the coming weeks and months. But it's an indication again, that the approach is to build from the top down."
Dougie Freedman's best Crystal Palace signings
Having experienced the world of management at Crystal Palace, Bolton Wanderers and Nottingham Forest between 2012 and 2016, Freedman returned to Selhurst Park in a sporting director role in 2017 and has enjoyed success on a budget ever since. Helping to keep the Eagles afloat, Freedman has made some impressive signings, via Transfermarkt.
Eberechi Eze
Reading
€18m (£15m)
2020
Michael Olise
Reading
€9m (£8m)
2021
Cheik Doucoure
Lens
€23m (£20m)
2022
Marc Guehi
Chelsea
€23m (£20m)
2021
Joachim Andersen
Lyon
€18m (£15m)
2021
The fact that all of those signings came at such bargain prices too just highlights Freedman's negotiation skills, which could make all the difference in Ratcliffe's rebuild of Manchester United. First, however, the Red Devils must make their approach for the Crystal Palace man if they are to secure his services in the coming months.
Liverpool have made contact with an "amazing" Premier League player over a move to Anfield in the summer transfer window, according to a fresh update.
Liverpool eyeing new centre-back
The Reds' focus last summer had to be on rebuilding the midfield, following a horribly below-par 2022/23 campaign that saw Fabinho and Jordan Henderson struggling in the middle of the park, whereas Naby Keita and Thiago continued to be dogged by injury problems.
Jurgen Klopp oversaw a fantastic transformation of the midfield, signing Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endo and Ryan Gravenberch, and it has allowed Liverpool to return to being a huge force in the Premier League again, as they still search for a legendary quadruple this season.
This summer, it could be the defence that the Reds focus on, albeit without Klopp around, with too much onus on Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate to stay fit currently. Jarell Quansah is still a young player learning his trade, while Joel Matip could leave when his contract expires at the end of the campaign.
Various defenders have been linked with joining Liverpool, including Sporting CP star Goncalo Inacio and Bayer Leverkusen ace Piero Hincapie, both of whom possess the added luxury of being able to do a job at left-back. Meanwhile, highly-rated teenage Lille defender Leny Yoro was linked with the Merseysiders in the January window, and could yet emerge as a target again in the near future.
Liverpool make contact with "amazing" ace
According to a new update from TEAMtalk, Liverpool have contacted Marc Guehi's representatives over a move to the club this summer, with the Crystal Palace centre-back potentially moving on to pastures new.
The report states that "another defensive partner for Van Dijk and Konate is the top priority for the club", and they have "now taken the first concrete step towards" signing the England international at the end of the season.
Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi.
Guehi could represent a brilliant option for Liverpool this summer, ticking so many boxes for the Reds, even though Palace will understandably demand huge money for his signature, possibly £50m as the report states.
Still only 23 years of age, the Englishman has proven himself in the Premier League over a consistent period of time now, and perhaps more importantly than anything, he is robust in terms of not getting injured often, missing just nine games across four years.
Marc Guehi's Premier League stats this season
Total
Appearances
22
Starts
22
Clearances per game
3.9
Aerial duel wins per game
1.3
Tackles per game
1.2
Interceptions per game
0.8
Pass completion rate
86.9%
It could be argued that Guehi deserves to start for England alongside John Stones at Euro 2024 this summer, and he has been hailed by Harry Maguire, who said:
"Marc has done amazing. I think he left Chelsea at an amazing time when he had to play football. When you watch him play he doesn't look like a young boy playing football.
"He's a captain of Crystal Palace. He’s going to have a long career in the game. He has all the attributes you need to be a centre-back. The friendly in the first half at Scotland unfortunately he had to come off. He's such a young boy playing with so much maturity."
That being said, the English premium that can happen when signing homegrown players could mean that Inacio and Hincapie represent greater value for money, but the Palace ace has the advantage of knowing the Premier League inside out.
Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz could hold the keys to any of Unai Emery's transfer plans this summer, it has been revealed.
UCL qualification to ease Villa's FFP woes
Though the Villans are flying in the Premier League, they are looking over their shoulder when it comes to financial fair play. The Midlands outfit posted losses of £119.6m after tax compared to a £0.3m profit last season in their latest accounts, which has sparked concerns that they may be forced to sanction departures this summer, despite reassurances from the board that 'these figures are in line with the strategic business plan'.
NSWE ready to make Aston Villa bid for "warrior" Emery has signed before
Could it be a return to the Premier League?
ByBen Browning Mar 6, 2024
Qualifying for Europe's Premium competition would certainly help, with the Champions League offering an excellent financial incentive to its participants. For comparison, the Conference League offers just £500,000 for a group stage win and £5m for winning the entire competition, which pales in comparison to £2.4m for a Champions League group stage win and £18m for winning the whole thing.
Villa are well placed to reach that competition, currently five points ahead of Tottenham in fifth and a massive 11 points clear of 6th placed Manchester United. Though Tottenham have a game in hand on the Villans, the pair meet at Villa Park on Sunday, which will give Emery's side the chance to stretch their lead even further and all but book their place in next season's Champions League.
The run in
Gameweek
Aston Villa
Tottenham
Manchester United
28
Tottenham (H)
Aston Villa (A)
Everton (H)
29
West Ham (A)
Fulham (A)
Brentford (A)
30
Wolves (H)
Luton (H)
Chelsea (A)
31
Man City (A)
West Ham (A)
Liverpool (H)
32
Brentford (H)
Nottingham Forest (H)
Bournemouth (A)
33
Arsenal (A)
Newcastle (A)
Newcastle United (H)
34
Bournemouth (H)
Man City (H)
Burnley (H)
35
Chelsea (H)
Arsenal (H)
Crystal Palace (A)
36
Brighton (A)
Liverpool (A)
Arsenal (H)
37
Liverpool (H)
Burnley (H)
Brighton (A)
38
Crystal Palace (A)
Sheffield United (A)
Sheffield United (H)- date TBC
Luiz part of NSWE's big transfer plan
With major signings planned though, even qualifying for the Champions League may not be enough to balance the books, and sales may be required. As per Football Insider, Douglas Luiz will be the man most likely to make his departure from Villa Park. Unai Emery values his midfield maestro around £100m and there is thought to be interest from Manchester City and Arsenal, with the latter having made three bids for the Brazilian back in 2022.
Should Luiz depart and Villa qualify for the Champions League, it is added that the powers that be in the Midlands would be willing to sanction a massive £200m spending spree this summer, with the ultimate aim of joining the likes of Liverpool, Manchester City and Arsenal in the elite bracket in the Premier League.
Whether any club would be willing to splash out £100m on Luiz is another matter, with both Arsenal and City having spent extensively on their midfield in recent years.
تحدث وائل جمعة، نجم الكرة المصرية الأسبق، عن فوز منتخب مصر على موريتانيا في المباراة التي أقيمت اليوم الجمعة، في تصفيات كأس أمم إفريقيا 2025.
وحقق منتخب مصر فوزًا صعبًا على منافسه موريتانيا بنتيجة 2-0، في الجولة الثالثة من التصفيات المؤهلة لبطولة كأس الأمم الإفريقية 2025 في المغرب.
طالع..موعد مباراة مصر القادمة بعد الفوز على موريتانيا في تصفيات كأس أمم إفريقيا
وقال وائل جمعة، في تصريحات تلفزيونية عبر قناة “بي إن سبورتس”: “مبروك لمنتخب مصر على الفوز وعلى العناصر الجديدة، وهذا هو مكسب المباراة، حصلنا على 3 نقاط وشارك لاعبو المنتخب الأولمبي”.
وتابع: “كنا قد تحدثنا عن أهمية العرضيات بسبب التكتل الدفاعي، وهدفا منتخب مصر سُجلا من العرضيات، الأول جاء بسبب تمركز تريزيجيه الممتاز وتوقعه في التوقيت المناسب عندما سدد الكرة، والهدف الثاني جاء من عرضية محمد حمدي التي تجاوزت التكتلات الدفاعية”.
وواصل:” تراجع أداء المنتخب في آخر 10 دقائق بسبب اللياقة البدنية لكن الفوز مهم، وعلى الأقل نتعادل في مباراة الإياب أمام موريتانيا حتى لا نغضب الموريتانيين، ونضمن التأهل”.
واختتم: “حسام عبد المجيد لاعب الزمالك يستحق التواجد في منتخب مصر، هو لاعب واعد وقدم مباراة جيدة في السوبر الإفريقي أمام الأهلي، وأيضًا محمود صابر، وأسامة فيصل، وهذه نقطة إيجابية عند حسام حسن الدفع بلاعبي المنتخب الأولمبي”.
Liverpool are reportedly closing in on the appointment of a key off-field role, with an announcement coming as soon as next month.
Liverpool transfer news
The Reds sealed EFL Cup glory on Sunday afternoon, as Jurgen Klopp's final season at Anfield threatens to be a legendary one, with a quadruple still possible in the coming months.
It is important that there is plenty of focus on new signings in the summer, however, and it could even be that FSG have already lined up their next manager, with Xabi Alonso and Julian Nagelsmann both believed to be in the running.
A number of players have been linked with moving to Anfield at the end of the season too, with centre-back an area of the pitch that could be bolstered. Crystal Palace and England ace Marc Guehi has emerged as a target, being seen as a potential replacement for Joel Matip.
Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso.
Meanwhile, Sporting CP star Goncalo Inacio continues to be linked with Liverpool, with the Portuguese a wanted man among numerous Premier League clubs, including Manchester United.
There is also the small matter of the Reds nailing the appointment of a new sporting director after the January exit of Jorg Schmadtke, bringing in an individual who can work seamlessly alongside the next manager. West Ham's highly-rated ace Tim Steidten has been backed to take the club, as has Alonso's colleague at Bayer Leverkusen, Simon Rolfes, and now a new claim has emerged.
Liverpool set to appoint sporting director in March
According to an update from Football Insider, Liverpool will appoint a new long-term sporting director as early as March, with FSG keen on completing a deal in good time.
"Liverpool want to appoint a new sporting director in the next month, sources have told Football Insider. It is believed that the Reds are keen to announce a new chief recruiter by the end of March and will then push ahead with their search for Jurgen Klopp’s managerial replacement.
It is great to see that FSG are looking to act quickly when it comes to hiring a new sporting director, rather than allowing it to drag on and hamper the club's summer transfer business.
It remains to be seen who the standout candidate is to come in, but there would be real sense in Rolfe being the choice, should Alonso be named the new manager. They have clearly worked well together at Leverkusen, so to have people who already know each other's qualities can only be a good thing.
FSG chiefs have “strong relationship” with “unbelievable” Liverpool target
The Reds are reportedly interested in signing him.
ByHenry Jackson Feb 26, 2024
Whoever comes in, it is essential that the right decision is made, with the role so influential in the modern game, during a period in which the likes of Michael Edwards and Dan Ashworth have rightly been hailed for their influence at their respective clubs.
أعلن الاتحاد المصري لكرة القدم عن بدء المدرب البرازيلي روجيرو ميكالي، المدير الفني الجديد لمنتخب مصر مواليد 2005، مهمته في تطوير اللاعبين الشبان استعدادًا للمشاركة في أولمبياد لوس أنجلوس 2028.
وجاء تعيين ميكالي بعد النجاح الكبير الذي حققه مع منتخب مصر الأولمبي، حيث قاد الفراعنة لتحقيق الميدالية الفضية في بطولة أمم إفريقيا تحت 23 عامًا، وتحقيق المركز الرابع في أولمبياد باريس 2024.
وعلم “بطولات”، أنه ومن أبرز القرارات التي اتخذها ميكالي في بداية مشواره مع منتخب الشباب، هو عدم استمرار الدكتور طارق سليمان، طبيب المنتخب الأولمبي السابق، ضمن الجهاز الفني الجديد، وسيقوم ميكالي بتعيين طبيب آخر لتولي هذه المهمة.
طالع أيضًا | مستشار اتحاد الكرة يٌعلن موعد إقامة السوبر المصري ويكشف تفاصيل تجديد عقد ميكالي
وسيشمل الجهاز الفني الجديد لمنتخب مصر 2005، بالإضافة إلى ميكالي، مجموعة من الخبراء البرازيليين في مختلف المجالات، حيث سيتواجد مساعد، ومدرب حراس مرمى، ومعد بدني، ومحلل أداء.
ووقّع الاتحاد المصري لكرة القدم عقدًا مع ميكالي لمدة أربع سنوات، وذلك بعد الحصول على الموافقات اللازمة من وزارة الشباب والرياضة.
ويهدف هذا العقد إلى بناء فريق قوي قادر على تحقيق نتائج إيجابية في البطولات القادمة، وعلى رأسها أولمبياد لوس أنجلوس 2028.
West Bromwich Albion could be about to make their first January signing, with a reliable reporter sharing an exciting transfer update from The Hawthorns.
West Brom transfer rumours
The Baggies and Carlos Corberan were relatively quiet in the summer, bringing in Josh Maja on a free transfer and Jeremy Sarmiento and Pipa on loan deals.
EFL Championship done deals: Every January 2024 transfer
As the January transfer window closes, FFC has you covered for every in and out involving your club in the EFL Championship.
By
Luke Randall
Feb 1, 2024
However, Sarmiento’s temporary spell from Brighton has been cut short, with the 21-year-old joining Ipswich Town for the rest of the campaign. Corberan has since admitted that the club will need to replace Sarmiento this month.
"Without any type of doubt we're going to need a winger, because we have lost, let's say, the two first XI wingers we've been using in the games – they were Phillips and Jeremy.
"We have a gap in this position. After, when you cover the gap, you can evaluate the different possibilities, to see if it's better to add another winger, or to add a player who can give you more than one position.
"That's what I'd like to do. Add a specific winger – and then someone who can play in a couple of positions. Let's say he can play as a playmaker and winger, playmaker and striker, winger and striker. In my mind, we'll go for someone who can go for more than one position because it will protect us better for the rest of the season."
There have been a number of players who have been linked with a move to the Midlands, including Fenerbahce forward Umut Nayir and AFC Bournemouth striker Kieffer Moore, and it looks as if the club want to wrap up a first signing very soon.
According to Baggies writer Joseph Chapman of Birmingham Live, ‘West Bromwich Albion are seeking to be proactive in the transfer market and are aiming to conclude a deal to secure one arrival before this weekend's visit of Blackburn Rovers’, in what is an exciting update.
The journalist doesn’t say specifically who the arrival could be, but following Corberan’s previous comments, it may well be an attacking addition.
What's next for the Baggies?
All things considered, the Baggies are enjoying a solid season in the Championship, with Corberan guiding West Brom into the top six at this moment in time after 26 rounds of fixtures.
West Bromwich Albion manager Carlos Corberan.
A place in the FA Cup fourth round was also secured at the weekend with a win over non-league Aldershot Town, so the January window is now the perfect chance for the Baggies to bolster their squad as they target a return to the Premier League.
West Brom fixtures
Date
West Brom vs Blackburn Rovers
13th January
Norwich City vs West Brom
20th January
West Brom vs Brentford/Wolves
FA Cup TBC
West Brom vs Birmingham City
3rd February
Ipswich Town vs West Brom
10th February
West Brom vs Cardiff City
13th February
West Brom vs Southampton
16th February
Hull City vs West Brom
24th February
As can be seen, the games continue to come thick and fast for West Brom, so adding one or two quality attacking options could help guarantee a playoff place, especially as 11 Championship sides have outscored the Baggies so far.
Rangers are in a three-way tussle to acquire the signature of an "absolutely brilliant" Premier League player, according to a new transfer update.
Rangers transfer targets
Philippe Clement is looking to bring in some fresh faces during the January transfer window, as he gets his first opportunity to sign individuals who he feels are right for his style of play. Various players have been linked with a move to Rangers before the end of the month, with the club's interest in Hearts striker Lawrence Shankland refusing to go away. Hellas Verona left-back Josh Doig, formerly of Hibernian, is also seen as an option to come in and be a key player.
Everton's Ben Godfrey has been backed to move to Ibrox in the recent past, too, should Clement feel the need to further add to his defence, and Michy Batshuayi is another name who has been thrown into the hat, though that one looks to have hit a wall.
Rangers want Ben Johnson
Now, according to Football Insider, Rangers are interested in signing West Ham defender Ben Johnson, but they aren't the only club keen on snapping him up.
Leeds United transfer target Ben Johnson before a Premier League game with West Ham.
"Rangers, Leeds United and Sheffield United are among the sides keen on landing West Ham star Ben Johnson this month, sources have told Football Insider. It is believed Southampton are also in the mix for the 23-year-old – who could leave the London Stadium on loan before the 1 February deadline.
"Johnson is entering the final six months of his West Ham contract and is keen to play regular first-team football after struggling for game time with David Moyes’ side. He has rejected several offers from the Irons over a potential new deal. It is believed Johnson has lots of interest from clubs in England and north of the border – with Rangers, Leeds, Sheffield United and Southampton the most keen on a deal."
Johnson could jump at the opportunity to move to Rangers this month, having fallen almost completely out of favour under David Moyes at West Ham, only featuring twice in the Premier League this season, just one of which was a start.
At 23, the Englishman is a key point in his career, in terms of not wasting some of his best years, and he could add both quality and versatility to the Gers' defence, capable of playing at centre-back and in either full-back role, as well as in midfield. Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson has hailed him in the past, too, saying: "Johnson’s performances have been of such merit that he deserves to be in the team. There is no doubt about that in my eyes. He has been absolutely brilliant since he has come in."
Rangers officials now battling to bring in-demand defensive gem to Ibrox
The Gers could land a defensive boost…
ByTom Cunningham Jan 11, 2024
There is the threat that Johnson could want to remain in England, potentially giving Leeds United and Sheffield United an advantage, but a move to Rangers would give him a chance to win the Scottish Premiership title this season, and hopefully in the coming years as well.
Karunaratne, Sri Lanka’s Test captain, was granted bail, having been taken into custody at roughly 5:40am Sri Lanka time on Sunday morning
Andrew Fidel Fernando31-Mar-2019Dimuth Karunaratne, Sri Lanka’s Test captain, was arrested for drink driving in Colombo on Sunday morning after he was involved in an accident that put the driver of a three-wheeler in hospital. According to police, the injured driver has sustained only minor injuries.Karunaratne has been granted bail, having been taken into custody at roughly 5:40am Sri Lanka time on Sunday in the Borella neighbourhood. He is expected to appear in court some time this week – perhaps as early as Monday.Beyond the immediate consequences of the accident, particularly with regards to the condition of the injured driver, the arrest may also have professional ramifications for Karunaratne. Sri Lanka Cricket is likely to await further details, but may impose its own sanctions, depending on the outcome of court proceedings. In a press release the SLC said it will “follow the due process as per Karunaratne’s ‘Player Contractual Obligation’ and conduct an inquiry in order to take necessary action.”Karunaratne not only led Sri Lanka to an outstanding Test series win in South Africa in February, he was also being talked about by the national selectors as Sri Lanka’s prospective World Cup captain.Although the Sri Lanka team has been grappling with disciplinary problems over the last year, Karunaratne himself had avoided serious controversy.
As the Christmas fixtures come thick and fast, the clubs at the bottom end of the table need to start seriously thinking about the threat of relegation. Yes, there have been a few great escapes over the years, but more often than not, if you’re bottom at Christmas, you’re going down.
It has become fashionable for one of the promoted clubs to bring up the rear when Christmas comes around, and 2024/25 saw an extremely predictable relegation battle – if you could call it one – with all three eventually going down. But has this always been the way?
Football FanCast is here to take a look at every club at the bottom of the Premier League at Christmas since December 1992. Just four clubs can claim to be bottom at Christmas and live to tell the tale…
1992/93 Nottingham Forest (relegated)
Roy Keane Nottingham Forest
Sheffield United
20
21
Wimbledon
20
19
Nottingham Forest
20
15
With the original Premier League format being made up of 22 teams, each of the clubs that went down had over 40 points. Sheffield United and Wimbledon escaped, but Brian Clough’s Nottingham Forest would end up going down along with Middlesbrough and Crystal Palace – the latter of whom went down on goal difference despite a haul of 49 points.
Every club top of the Premier League at Christmas in history
Football FanCast breaks down every club top at Christmas in Premier League history.
ByAlex Roberts Dec 23, 2023 1993/94 Swindon Town (relegated)
Chelsea
19
15
Southampton
21
14
Swindon Town
21
14
Swindon Town’s only season in the Premier League ended in heartbreak as they were sent back down immediately, while Chelsea and Southampton both made it out of the relegation zone, with Oldham Athletic and Sheffield United taking their places. Where would Chelsea be now if they went down in 1994? Unfortunately, it’s safe to say the Robins never recovered themselves.
1994/95 Ipswich Town (relegated)
Everton
19
19
Aston Villa
19
16
Leicester City
19
14
Ipswich Town
19
12
As the league looked to switch to a 20-team format, four teams went down in the 1994/95 season. A late surge from Aston Villa saw them narrowly avoid relegation, with Ipswich Town, Leicester City, Norwich City and Crystal Palace the unlucky sides to get relegated.
Palace again seemed to be hard done by amid the changes to the league, with the Eagles finishing fourth-bottom despite having the joint-second-best defence in the bottom half. In fact, only 7 of the other 21 clubs conceded more often than Alan Smith’s side, but their lack of goals did for them in the end.
1995/96 Bolton Wanderers (relegated)
Wimbledon
19
15
Coventry City
19
15
Bolton Wanderers
19
10
There may now only be 20 teams in the league, but three teams still had to go down. Wimbledon and Coventry City managed to battle their way out of the bottom three, as QPR and pre-state-funded Manchester City went down. Along with Southampton, Coventry escaped by the skin of their teeth, having amassed the same points tally as their fellow Sky Blues, but with a kinder goal difference. Bolton would stay dead last.
1996/97 Nottingham Forest (relegated)
Middlesbrough
18
15
Blackburn Rovers
17
13
Nottingham Forest
18
13
Blackburn Rovers were the only club in the bottom three on Christmas Day 1996 to stay in the Premier League. Nottingham Forest remained rock-bottom with Middlesbrough and Sunderland rounding off the bottom three come May, heading down to Division One in the process.
Middlesbrough may have stayed up but for their infamous points deduction, which was ultimately the difference between staying up and going down.
To Rovers’ credit, they recovered to finish 13th, albeit by a margin of two points above the drop.
1997/98 Barnsley (relegated)
Tottenham Hotspur
19
19
Everton
19
17
Barnsley
19
14
It would have been a huge shock if either Tottenham or Everton ended up going down – less so for Barnsley. Despite their poor seasons, both ‘big’ clubs managed to stay up, eventually being replaced by Crystal Palace and Bolton Wanderers. It wasn’t all bad for Barnsley as they didn’t finish last, that dubious honour belonged to Crystal Palace.
Everton still took it to the final day as they scraped a draw with Coventry City to stay afloat at the Trotters’ expense.
1998/99 Nottingham Forest (relegated)
Blackburn Rovers
18
14
Southampton
18
13
Nottingham Forest
18
12
Blackburn Rovers had been Premier League champions in 1994/95, but in 1998/99 they went down. Five years is a long time in football. Nottingham Forest once again remained rock bottom after being in the same position at Christmas.
Southampton escaped and were replaced by Charlton Athletic – the Saints’ survival helped by a commendable haul of 28 points post-Christmas.
1999/00 Sheffield Wednesday (relegated)
Derby County
18
15
Watford
18
11
Sheffield Wednesday
17
6
Six points at Christmas is dire, by anyone’s standards. Sheffield Wednesday would go on to get an impressive 25 points after the big day, but it wasn’t enough to keep them in the league. They were joined by Watford and Wimbledon.
Derby managed to escape the drop relatively comfortably as it was Bradford City made to sweat for their Premier League lives come the final day.
2000/01 Bradford City (relegated)
Bradford City 2000/01
Coventry City
19
16
Middlesbrough
19
15
Bradford City
19
12
Middlesbrough were lucky enough to escape the relegation zone before the season ended, as it was Manchester City who suffered relegation. Boro would nearly triple their pre-Christmas tally to stay in the top flight, while City couldn’t even repeat their halfway total of 18 as they went down with Coventry and Bradford, neither of whom have been seen in the Premier League since.
2001/02 Ipswich Town (relegated)
Ipswich Town 2001/02
Derby County
18
16
Leicester City
18
15
Ipswich Town
18
12
The same bottom three that were there at Christmas ended up going down, although the order was a little different. Ipswich made a valiant effort, making it from 20th to 18th, but they weren’t good enough in the end. Leicester City finished bottom, with Derby County just two points above them at the end of the campaign.
Yet another campaign when the bottom club at Christmas couldn’t make it out…