League One XI: team of the year

The league season is coming to a close, and many players have enjoyed fantastic seasons for their clubs. Here is my League One team of the season, but do you agree? Leave a comment and let us know.

Goalkeeper: Bartosz Bialkowski (Notts County)

 Notts county have the fourth best defense in the league this season, conceding a miserly one goal per game on average. This is mainly thanks to Bialkowski, who pulls off some phenomenal saves and is the base this county team is built around.

Honourable mentions: Foderingham (Swindon), Murphy (Coventry)

Right Back: Cyrus Christie (Coventry)

Coventry are pushing hard for a play-off spot and part of the reason they are so high up is because of Christie. He has helped keep their defense solid, conceding only 1.2 goals per game, and has provided an extra attacking option with his surging runs down the wing. He would be sorely missed if he were to leave.

Honourable mentions: Ribiero (Scunthorpe), Mcmahon (Sheffield Utd)

Centre Back: Rob Jones (Doncaster)

Jones has been the rock at the back for league leaders Doncaster, he has marshalled the whole defense with his senior leadership skills and has halted many attacks with his brutal tackling. He also offers height at offensive set pieces, causing chaos in opposition areas.

Centre Back: Harry Maguire (Sheffield Utd)

Behind Jones, Maguire has been the second best Centre Back this season. As part of the second best defense in the league, he has protected his keeper extremely well, ensuring they only concede 0.87 goals a game, a very stingy statistic at this level of the game. He also provides options when it comes to corners or attacking free kicks, scoring vital goals from them.

Honourable mentions: Mcfadzean (Crawley), Hinds and Webster (both Yeovil), Baudry (Leyton Orient)

Left Back:Jay McEveley (Swindon)

McEveley is the sole member of the best defense in the league represented here. He has helped to make sure  that Swindon only let in 0.75 goals per game by pressuring and tackling opposition players with ease. As well as that, he presents another pathway forward, bombing down the wing like a man possessed. From this he often puts in great crosses for assists.

Honourable mentions: Daniels (Bournemouth), Buchanan (Preston)

Matt Ritchie features as the league's player of the season

Right Midfield: Matt Ritchie (Swindon/Bournemouth)

He wasn't player of the season for jokes, Ritchie had been the outstanding performer early season at the county ground and now for the cherries. His work rate and effort is faultless and the precision of his crosses is unbelievable. And as if that wasn't enough, he has also chipped in with some vital goals for both sides in their pushes for promotion.

Honourable mentions:  Baker (Coventry), Cotterill (Doncaster), Adams (Crawley), McAllister(Sheffield Utd)

Centre Midfield:Harry Arter (Bournemouth)

Arter has pulled the strings for Bournemouth all season, spreading the play or finding the precise through ball that was needed. He has also protected the defense with some heavy tackles and never goes in half heartedly. As well as creating chances, he has also scored a few and would be sorely missed if he weren't there.

Centre Midfield:Luke Chadwick (MK Dons)

Chadwick has been the key player for MK Dons this year, dictating the play and helping out in defense as well. He has not only got the assists but also the goals as well, scoring some stunners along the way.

Honourable mentions: Mccormack (Swindon), Potter (MK Dons), Murphy (Crewe), Tansey (Stevenage)

Left Midfield: Marc Pugh (Bournemouth)

Pugh has been outstanding this year for the cherries. Defenders haven't been able to deal with his pace as he just roars past them, and then, after that, he's still able to put in a great ball for his strikers. He also scores goals, not just creating them, with eight goals already to his name this season.

Honourable mentions: Forrester (Brentford), Husband (Doncaster), Monakana (Preston)

Striker: Clayton Donaldson (Brentford)

Donaldson just can't stop scoring, with 17 in the league this year. He is the club's top scorer by a country mile and will be looking to pick up the league one golden boot at the end of the season. As well as that, he gives his team mates opportunities as well, holding the ball up well in the process. Another key player for their respective clubs.

Striker: Paddy Madden (Yeovil)

Madden is the league's top scorer this season and when you play for a playoff chasing team, that's some feat. It would be amazing to see what he could do for a top of the table team. As well as that, he performs under pressure, with many fans relying on him to come back with the goods - a sign of a classy player.

Honourable mentions: Grigg (Walsall), Clarke and McGoldrick (both Coventry), Grabban (Bournemouth)

So that is my team of the year, but the season isn't over yet and there is still a chance for some players to stake a claim for themselves to be in the official XI, which will be announced once the season finishes.

Malaysian GP - a tale of two team orders

After last weeks first GP in Melbourne, it was over to Sepang to see if Lotus could continue their good start to the season. After a surprising first two sessions in qualifying, Red Bull finally delivered what was expected of them as Vettel picked up pole for the second race running.  It was then time for the race and there were good starts for Webber and Alonso, however Alonso's good start was wasted when he pushed too hard, clipped the back of Vettel's car and chose not to pit, with his front wing falling off before he even reached turn one. The Brazilian was out, and he may live to regret that come the season's end. The race continued without much incidence until the first set of pits. At this time Vettel led from team mate Webber and then Hamilton and Button. However, during the pits, Hamilton took a trip back in time as he pulled into the Mclaren box, only to be ushered out again by his former mechanics. It didn't prove to be so costly though, as he pulled out ahead of Button and his team mate Rosberg. As well as that, there was a coming together in the pit lane between a Toro Rosso and Caterham with carbon fibre flying everywhere. But the main incident in the first set of pits was a change in the lead, with Webber overtaking his team mate by pitting a lap later. The race went on with not much to report apart from the retirements of both Force Indias. Then came another big moment for the championship contenders as Button, who had been leading the race at one point, pitted and, as he pulled away, his wheel came loose as it hadn't been put on properly. He was forced to retire a couple of laps later. At this point team orders become the talk of the town as Vettel, charging like a bull to a rag, bore down on his team mate and Rosberg (although behind) was much the quicker out of the two Mercedes. However, the difference between the two situations was, although they were both told to stay behind, Vettel ignored team orders to over take Webber coming very close to taking them both out of the race in doing so; whereas Rosberg, though considerably annoyed, followed Brawn's orders and let Hamilton claim the final podium spot behind the two Red Bulls. Unsurprisingly, all the media wanted to ask about post race was whether anything would happen to Vettel for disobeying. Webber was obviously annoyed and Horner had said on team radio "stop being stupid Seb", suggesting a punishment in hindsight would be implemented. However, the points are his and he now leads the championship, so on to China in three weeks...

Speed XI V Strength XI

The best teams are often made up of a mix of fast and strong players. Here is the fastest XI and the strongest XI - comment which one you think would win in a match.

Speed XI:

Goalkeeper: Iker Casillas (Real Madrid and Spain)

As well as being relatively fast to the ball when leaving his area, he has the reflexes of a ninja, clawing away many point blanc shots that were destined to be goals.

Right Back: Dani Alves (Barcelona and Brazil)

Probably the fastest right back in the world at the moment, a real speedster when bombing down the wing, mainly to attack but also sometimes to track the runs of wingers.

Centre Back: Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid and Spain)

The fact that he used to be a full back helps when it comes to pace, he can keep up with almost all centre forwards when they are charging down on him.

Centre Back: Giorgio Chiellini (Juventus and Italy)

Chiellini is a really pacy centre back, he can beat many strikers in a foot race and when they have the ball, it justs becomes even easier for him to dispossess them.

Left Back: Jordi Alba (Barcelona and Spain)

Alba can really put his foot down, whether attacking or defending he can breeze past opposition full backs and keep up with their wingers.

Centre Defensive Midfield: Thiago Silva (PSG and Brazil)

Another player converted to being a defensive player, Silva used to be a winger and so is used to turning on the after burners as he bursts down the pitch.

Right Midfield: Theo Walcott (Arsenal and England)

He may or may not be a striker, but he will always have a wingers pace, easily able to get past opposition defenders without even reaching top speed.

Centre Attacking Midfield: Giovinco (Juventus and Italy)

Not only can he spread the ball around but he can also take on defenders and get past them with his speed.

Left Midfield: Gareth Bale (Tottenham and England)

Just watching him skin Maicon in the champions league a few years back explains why he has to be in the speed XI, perhaps the fastest player in the Premier League, he can play anywhere, drag in all the defenders and still get past them!

Striker: Christiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid and Portugal)

A converted winger, Ronaldo possesses the pace and skill to get past a whole team on his own.

Striker: Seydou Doumbia (CSKA and Ivory Coast)

Doumbia can skip past any defender with ease, when he puts the pedal to the metal, not many players in world football can catch up with him.

That's the Speed XI, now for the Strength one:

Goalkeeper: Julio Cesar (QPR and Brazil)

Cesar has the reflexes to deal with shots, but also the strength to come out on top in one on one situations.

Right Back: Maicon (Man City and Brazil)

Maicon may not have the pace of other full backs, but he can certainly outmuscle many wingers.

Centre Back: Chris Samba (QPR and Congo)

Samba is the definition of strength, I wouldn't like to meet him in a dark alley!

Centre Back: Van Buyten (Bayern and Belgium)

Van Buyten may not look the strongest but he can oust any player off the ball with ease, and he never gives up.

Left Back: George Elokobi (Wolves and Cameroon)

Elokobi looks like a tank, and acts like one too, he can tackle any player without much effort at all, justs muscles them off it.

Right Midfield: Alexis Sanchez (Barcelona and Chile)

Sanchez has the ability to work a defender off the ball but he aslo has technical ability and he can put in wonder crosses.

Centre Midfield: Yaya Toure (Man City and Ivory Coast)

Yaya works tirelessly from box to box, marauding forward straight through players but also protecting his defense with strong tackles and pressure.

Centre Midfield: Bastian Schweinsteiger (Bayern and Germany)

Schweinsteiger may be past his prime, but he is still strong enough to easily win tackles and he can pass the ball with incredible precision.

Left Midfield: Alex Oxlade Chamberlain (Arsenal and England)

Ox by name, Ox by nature, he can get passed defenders with his strength, and to make things worse, he's also very fast.

Striker: Hulk (Zenit and Brazil)

Hulk looks like a monster (what a name), he is by far the bulkiest striker there is and he uses his strength to good effect, putting the defenders under considerable pressure as we saw against Liverpool.

Striker: Emenike (Spartak and Nigeria)

Emenike is another young striker who has incredible footballing talent but also the physical presence to scare many defenders.

Now that the teams are done, it is time to decide to which team would win in a match.

In my opinion, the speed XI would win as they can make much more of an impact on the slow Strength XI defenders. What do you think - who would win - comments below!

League two XI of the year

The league season is coming to a close, and many players have enjoyed fantastic seasons for their clubs.

Here is my League two team of the season:

Goalkeeper: Scott Brown (Cheltenham)

Brown has been a brick wall in goal for Cheltenham. He has kept them in games they should have been thrashed and made vital saves to keep them ahead. Without him, Cheltenham would be struggling to fight for promotion. He is the solid base their team relies on.

Honourable mentions: Ingham (York), Krysiak (Exeter), Lewington (Dag and Red)

Left Back: Femi Ilesanmi (Dagenham and Redbridge)

Ilesanmi has been Dagenham's star player this year. He has been dogged in defense and curbed his natural attacking instincts when necessary, but also has the ability to provide an attacking outlet when it is needed. He has pooped up with some vital goals but has succeeded in his main job, to defend, as well. A must in the team of the year.

Honourable mentions: Jombati (Cheltenham), Martin (Gillingham)

Centre Back: Ryan Cresswell (Southend)

Cresswell has been a rock at the back this season for Southend. He has marshalled the defense throughout the season, not only in the league but also the Johnstone Paint trophy, and kept it secure. As well as that, he provides an attacking option from set pieces, putting the opposition defense under pressure and causing havoc in the area. He is constantly putting in outstanding performances to guarantee himself a place in the side.

Centre Back: Chris McCready (Morecambe)

McCready is the main positive this season for Morecambe. The veteran has had one of his best seasons this year and thoroughly deserves his place in this side, not only for his leadership skills, but also for the way he has hassled and harried opposition strikers. He also provides a physical presence in opposition areas.

 Honourable mentions: Mullins (Oxford), Diamond (Burton), Brown (Aldershot), Purse (Port vale)

Right Back: Stephen Darby (Bradford)

Darby has performed with exceptional maturity for a relative youngster. This season the 24 year old has kept experienced attackers at bay as well as handling premiership quality wingers with ease in Bradford's dream run to the league cup final at Wembley. He has also provided multiple assists for team mates and even some vital goals in their bid for promotion. A definite future star in the making.

Honourable mentions: Hird (Chesterfield), Herd (Aldershot)

Left Midfield: James O'shea (Chesterfield)

Another relative youngster, O'Shea has done exceptionally well in his debut season at Chesterfield. He has scored many valuable goals and protected his left back as well. He has the ability to play the killer pass but also the finesse and composure to hold his nerve under pressure. Another definite star of the future.

Honourable mentions: Maghoma (Burton), Andrade (Wycombe)

Centre Midfield: Marlon Pack (Cheltenham)

Pack has been the star of the show at Whaddon road this season, dictating the play and inputting goals and assists as well as protection of the defense. He has dominated any opponent by stringing the play left or right and even through the middle. At the moment, you would consider him the one irreplaceable player for the robins.

Centre Midfield: Luke Howell (Dagenham and Redbridge)

Howell is the other driving force at Victoria road, leading his team in most offensive moves whilst dictating the space and plan of attack. He also has the ability to bully the opposition into conceding possession with his pest-like approach, providing protection for his team's defense.

Honourable mentions: Byrne (Barnet), Morsy (Port vale)

Right Midfield: Ben Pringle (Rotherham)

Pringle has been the leading light for Rotherham this season, consistently providing assists for the likes of Nardiello and Odejayi. He gets into positions that make it awkward for opposing defenders to mark him, leading to him creating chances for his team mates. His main attribute however, is his work rate; he never stops chasing and always gives 110% to the cause.

Honourable mentions: Cowan-Hall (Plymouth), Myrie-Williams (Port vale)

Striker: Adebayo Akinfenwa (Northampton)

Akinfenwa has torn opposition defenders to threads at times this year, bullying them physically and mentally as he has led the Northanmpton line with incredible ability. He has scored almost every match including a hat-trick against Accrington and has also provided many chances for his team mates to score. It is fair to say he has done his job as the lead man at Sixfields.

Tom Pope makes the team as the league's top scorer

Striker: Tom Pope (Port vale)

Pope has to be included, not only because he is the league's top scorer but also because he has led Vale with immense skill the whole season. He has scored a massive 27 league goals this season, including four against former club Rotherham and a hat-trick against Bristol Rovers. As well as that, he has created many opportunities for his colleagues this season, resulting in Port Vale being the leading scorers in the league. Pope is a necessity in the team of the year.

Honourable mentions: Wells, Hansen (both Bradford), Richards (Chesterfield), Hylton (Aldershot), Assombalonga (Southend), Zola (Burton)

So that is my team of the year, but the season isn't over yet and there is still a chance for some players to stake a claim for themselves to be in the official XI of the year which will be announced after the season finishes.

Championship XI of the year

The season is almost over and so it is time to start looking at potential teams of the year. Here is my Championship XI of the season:

Goalkeeper: Kasper Schmeichel (Leicester city)

Leicester's success has been built on a mean defense, conceding the least in the league. They would be fighting for the title if their strikers could find more goals but as it is, Schmeichel's defense is keeping them in the playoffs. Having conceded 34 all season, Schmeichel is a must for the championship XI.

Honurable mentions: Ankergren (Brighton and Hove albion), Marshall (Cardiff city)

Right Back: Matthew Connolly (Cardiff)

Part of a Cardiff defense that has been the backbone of a title charge, leaving everyone else in their wake. Connolly has been particularly effective, both as an attacking option but also when Cardiff's backs were against the wall fighting for a result and digging their heels in.

Honourable mentions: Alonso (Bolton), Trippier (Burnley)

Centre Backs: Wes Morgan and Richard Keogh (Leicester and Derby respectively)

Wes Morgan is also part of the reason why Leicester have the best defense in the league. He has marsalled his troops and led his team mates with great authority, and, as if that wasn't enough, he has chipped in with some valuable goals. Keogh has defended for his life and led the Derby defense to some important points. He has also scored a few vital goals such as the opener against Leicester in their 2-1 win.

Honourable mentions: Smith (Ipswich), Hanley (Blackburn), Johnson (Wolves)

Glenn Murray is the Championship's top scorer

Left Back: Stephen Warnock (Leeds Utd)

He may be a veteran, but this season has reminded everyone why Warnock was in the 2010 world cup squad. Many would have exscused him from losing his spirit after going from an international player to a second tier one in the space of two years, but Warnock has kept his high level if not improved it since his demotion. This season he has defended like a terrier and provided a valuable outlet of attack for his Leeds team.

Honourable mentions: Caddis (Birmingham), Shittu (Millwall)

Right Wing: Wilfried Zaha (Crystal Palace)

How could Zaha not be in the team? He has been the talk of the championship for two years and the league will miss him when he joins Man Utd. But this year he has been as good as ever, and despite securing the big money move in January, has continued to perform for Palace by scoring and providing assists for his team mates. If Palace fail to be promoted, they may feel they have lost the opportunity, having given up a definite star of the future.

Honourable mentions: Sigurdarson (Wolves)

Centre Mids: Will Hughes and Almen Abdi (Derby and Watford respectively)

Hughes is a real promising player and he has been influential for Derby this year. The majority of Derby's good things have had something to do with the young midfielder and the only negative this season is that he's been so good, big clubs will want to buy him. Arsenal are already rumoured to be interested. Abdi has strung together the whole Watford side. His free kicks have provided much needed goals and his vision has gifted many assists to team mates. As well as that, he has held the ball up well and crafted the killer pass or bit of genious that has been needed to see of opponents.

Honourable mentions: Lopez and Orlandi (both Brighton and Hove), Chalobah (Watford), Whittingham (Cardiff), Lansbury (Nottingham Forest)

Left Wing: Thomas Ince (Blackpool)

Ince has again had a memorable season. He has been nominated for Championship player of the year and has led his Blackpool side superbly, whether through his goals or assists. It was a bit of a surprise no-one snapped him up in January but there will be plenty of potential suitors this summer - thats for certain! The only thing stopping him joining a big club now is his father being his manager.

Honourable mentions: Reid (Nottingham Forest)

Strikers: Glenn Murray and Matej Vydra (Crystal Palace and Watford respectively)

These two strikers just couldn't stop scoring this season. Murray is the league's top scorer and has also provided an incredible supply of assists for his Crystal Palace side. He has been the difference between a win and a draw, with those extra goals going a long way to seeing them potentially being promoted. If not, he may be forced to leave Selhurst. Vydra has come on loan this season to Vicarage and has scored a phenomenal amount of goals. He has covered for his strike partner Deeney, when he was unavailable and has led the promotion chasing charge from the hornets. He has also provided an outlet when his team were under the cosh.

Honourable mentions: Austin (Burnley), Rhodes (Blackburn), Ulloa (Brighton and Hove), Ward (Derby), Wood (Leicester)

So that is my team of the year, but the season isn't over yet and there is still a chance for some players to stake a claim for themselves to be in the official XI of the year which will be announced after the season finishes.

Why Wilshere is England's future - despite his constant injuries

Jack Wilshere is only 21 but some people are already proclaiming him England's next captain and leader.

Some are already envisaging Wilshere as England's saviour

However, Wilshere, who has come through the Arsenal academy to star for their first team, has been plagued by injury for most of his career, resulting in him missing the majority of last season.

It can not be denied, though, that the boy has considerable talent, and as a centre midfielder, could be a direct replacement (if that is possible) for Steven Gerrard. His potential has been recognised by many a pundit or fan, and it has resulted in him winning the PFA young player of the year, as well as making the team of the year in 2010-11, the same year as he was voted Arsenal's player of the year. This was also his the year he made his debut start for the first team!

He made his international debut against Hungary on August 11, 2010, coming on as a sub for the aforementioned Gerrard (a sign of what's to come perhaps) and since then he has made a total of seven international appearances without breaking his scoring duck as of yet. Even more impressive is the fact that, in his first match back for England since his horrific ankle injury, he won the man of the match award for a dominant display during England's win against Brazil.

All seems well with regards to being a future captain, but many people are worried that the constant niggles and knocks he picks up could prevent him from having a prolonged international and even club football career, already evident from his whole season out in 2011-12. It is even more worrying then, when you consider the fact that since then he has many a recurrence of that same ankle aggravation (although these had less of an effect on his career and only resulted in a minimal reduction of games). There is hope however, as he has had surgery on his ankle and since then there have been no concerns to report... until now, with rumours circulating that their has been another ankle niggle, resulting in him missing the world cup qualifiers against San Marino and Montenegro.

Overall, though, if he can find a way to avoid the injury continuously recurring, then his large potential could shine through and maybe, just maybe lead him, and England to glory!

Finny guides England to draw after Compton's debut ton starts comeback

The Watford Wall to the rescue! Steven Finn will be used to match saving performances, but not usually with the bat. His 2nd innings 56, coming from 203 valuable balls, prolonged the innings and provided support to Trott (52) whose runs came off almost a run a ball. However, the headlines will  go to Compton, who has answered his critics in sumptuous style, with a well controlled century coming when it was needed most. Let it not be ignored that Cook produced a captain's innings to secure his 24th international test century and was desperately unlucky to be dismissed just before the close of day 4 - cue nightwatchman Finn.

However, the tale of the test was completely different in the first two days. After the first day was completely rained out, day 2 brought a collapse from the England batsmen and it was left to Trott and the lower order to give some respectability to the total, finally finishing on 167 all out. This wouldn't have been so bad if the bowlers could have provided a breakthrough, but at the close, the NZ openers had eased to 131-0. Day 3 was a masterclass of how to bat on your debut by Hamish Rutherford, descendant of Ken. He was eventually out for 171 but by then the damage had been done, with NZ eventually declaring on the morning of Day 4 on 460 -9. From then on, it was all England, led by Cook, Compton, Trott and Finn. In the end, the result is what counts, but New Zealand will be desperately disappointed they couldn't make the most of their great position and England can be thankful to be heading to Wellington and Napier still on level terms. 

Who knows, the momentum could be shifting?

Who will be the heir to Sir Alex's throne?

After their controversial loss to Real Madrid in the Champions League, Sir Alex was lost for words. He couldn't even do his post match interview. This didn't seem like such a big loss to arguably the best club in the world (though not according to La Liga), but is there some deeper meaning; perhaps that was Sir Alex's last Champo match? If he does go, here are my five most likely managers to replace him at Old Trafford:

1. Jose Mourinho

Jose was very respectful after his team's victory on Tuesday. Could it be because he does want to offend his future supporters (unlike Rafa)? He is the most likely successor  after all, he has said he wants his next managerial job to be in England. Also, he is not enjoying his life at Real, despite recent defeats of arch-rivals Barca, meaning he will be open to a move away from 'los galacticos'. 

2. David Moyes

It seems fellow Scot, Moyes had been hand-picked by Fergie to replace him eons ago. Since then Moyes has done exceptionally well with limited resources at Everton, achieving European qualification and managing to finish ahead of the red team from across Stanley Park last season. However, Moyes is committed to the Toffees' cause and may not want to leave, although many would like to see what he can do with the right support and money.

3. Pep Guardiola

Guardiola was a front runner for the Chelsea job this season, but he went to Bayern instead. This is the same problem with him joining United, if he were, it would have to be in three seasons when his Munich time is up. However, he is a great manager; he plays the right way and can get the most out of his squad. This could entice the owners to pay compensation in order to get him in, which could win over the fans support.

4. Michael Laudrup

Laudrup has just signed a contract keeping him at Swansea until 2015, which could hinder him joining any bigger clubs, like United, who are certain to want him after what he has done this season with an average Swansea team. He is clearly a good manager, who gets on well with his players and supporters, so he could fulfill the needs of United.

5. Ryan Giggs!

Despite just signing a one year deal to play some more, he could be enticed to hang up his boots and take up the managerial role at his adopted home. The players would love him, Sir Alex would advise him from the wings and he would be backed by the board. However, it is a big risk hiring someone who has never managed before in order to try and win the most hotly contested league in Europe, and he may want a break with his family before putting his whole life on the line again.

There are certainly some top quality managers waiting in the wings should Fergie retire, but ultimately, that could be in another few years and until then, we will just have to wait and see if any more managers put themselves in position to take over from the great man.

Watford loan policy transfer saga runmbles on

Watford football club aren't usually in the papers. This season they've been at the centre of a massive news story - the rules on loan signings.

This season Watford are playing beautiful football, currently lying second in the championship, only behind Cardiff City; the only problem is, the majority of their first 11 players won't be here next season, regardless of whether they are promoted or not. 

Watford are owned by Italian Gino Pozzo, who is also the owner of Italian side, Udinese. His plan is to loan out the young and upcoming Udinese players to Watford, giving them a chance to earn valuable experience whilst helping Watford to perhaps gain promotion.

Matej Vydra is one of 13 loan signings done by Watford this season; ten have come from Udinese

This has created uproar throughout the leagues as other teams feel it is unfair for Watford's team to be mainly made up loan signings, such as top scorer, Matej Vydra. Crystal Palace manager Ian Holloway has expressed his views on the matter, stating that it is "ludicrous". 

Watford have loaned in 13 players this season, 10 have come from Udinese and one from Chelsea - the only one to count towards the maximum of four loan signings from inside the same country.  However, they have not broken the rules as the only rule regarding loan signings is that only four can come from the same country and two from any one team in the same country. This means that what Gianfranco Zola's side has done is technically allowed.

In my opinion, they have not done anything wrong however to prevent people taking advantage of a system like this, rules should be implemented and a limit of foreign loanees should be created, otherwise no young, English footballers will get a chance to further develop their skills and potential.

Players Arsenal wish they hadn't sold - the transfers that came back to haunt them

Some players always have impacts against their former teams, making them wish they hadn't sold them in the first place. This happens a lot on the red side of North London. Here are my top four 'I really wish we hadn't moments':

1. David Bentley - Tottenham V Arsenal

He may not have had the most successful spell at the White team in North London, but he will always be remembered fondly by their fans for his sensational strike against bitter rivals, and his original club, Arsenal. The match was as exciting as the goal, finishing 4-4 with two late goals for spurs. However, the goal of the match came from the right foot of the English man who lashed in a volley from a full 40 yards, lobbing the keeper in the process. It was a stunner!

2. Emmanuel Adebayor - Man City V Arsenal

The match finished 4-2 but it will always be remembered for Adebayor's goal and the subsequent celebration. At the time it was 2-1, Clichy (who now plays for City) lost the ball deep in his own half, it was crossed and Adebayor leapt well to head home. He then ran the whole pitch in order to celebrate in front of his "tormentors", the Arsenal fans. Since then he has played for Tottenham and scored against the gunners, before being sent off and giving Arsenal a 5-2 win.

3. Robin Van Persie - Man Utd V Arsenal

This summer, Arsenal's captain and talisman left to join bitter rivals, Utd. In his first match against his old team, he scored the opener, capitalising on a mistake by new Arsenal leader, Thomas Vermaelen. He cooly finished between the defender's legs and into the far corner. Arsenal will really value him at more than 24million now!

4.Sebastian Larsson - Sunderland V Arsenal

Larsson's goal ultimately didn't make much difference to the eventual outcome of the match, but it ensured there was a nervy half hour of the match before Arsenal retook the lead and won 2-1. Arsenal had gone 1-0 up thanks to a 28 second goal from RVP but minutes before HT, Sunderland won a free kick in a dangerous position and Larsson duly stepped up to slot an unstoppable effort past the keeper. That effort would then be matched by a late RVP free kick to win the gunners the game but Larsson will be pleased to have shown his former employers what he could have done for them.

For Arsenal's sake, they hopefully won't let any more players go that will come back to haunt them!

Which teams will drop out of the football league this season?

This year is closer then ever in the relegation dogfight. There are seven teams fighting for football league survival. Here is the lowdown on each of them and who is more likely to get relegated:

18th - York; played 36; points 40

York are really struggling for form of late. They haven't won in 11 games including a loss to fellow strugglers Barnet and a draw against Aldershot, however they should just do enough to avoid the drop but if this poor run of form continues, they could see themselves slide below the dotted line.

19th - Aldershot; played 36; points 39

Aldershot are really drawing themselves away from the drop, unbeaten in five and playing well. However, their poor start means they're still in big trouble and one loss puts them back in the botton 2.

20th - Torquay; played 35; points 38

Torquay are on a terrible run of form, losing seven of their last eight and all seven before their last game draw (at least they didn't lose!); but their team is good enough to survive and shouldn't be in this position in the first place.

21st - Barnet; played 35; points 37

Barnet are always going to be in this position at this time in the year, and they always find a way to survive, and this year should be even easier as they have the experienced Edgar Davids at the helm. They are on an average run of form but if they can pick it up slightly, their league status will be prolonged for another season.

22nd - Accrington Stanley; played 35; points 37

Accrington are just one point and place from the drop so they will need a strong finish to avoid relegation. Their form is decent as well so it could be close.

23rd - Plymouth; played 35; points 36

Plymouth really need to pick up the points and a win against rivals Barnet on the weekend will go a long way to help but they're still in deep trouble and their form wasn't great before the recent win so they could be in trouble.

24th - Wimbledon; played 35; points 36

Wimbledon's poor goal difference could prove the difference between survival and the drop. They are on decent form so it might come down to the final day.

This year might be the closest one for a while and it will probably come down to the final day, so who will survive?

F1 season approaches...

Ok everyone, time to get out your helmets and wheels from the shed, the Formula 1 season is back - and could it be the tightest season yet?
Title teir: Red Bull, (long gap) Mercedes, Mclaren, Ferrari, Lotus
This year I feel there are 5 teams with a fighting chance to get the title but ultimately, the constructors will probably go to Red Bull as they are the only team with two, proven world class drivers. Ferrari are let down by their one sided approach, favouring Alonso over Massa and making it increasingly difficult for the Brazilian to avoid the mid-grid teams. Mclaren are taking a risk picking up a relative newcomer to the sport and this season could be a transitional period, giving them time to develop the car and Perez time to settle in at his new team; Button will be hoping for a good base to attack the title though. Mercedes were really struggling last year, despite having major resources of money and a good mix of a talented young driver and an experienced old head behind the wheel, they will be hoping that Hamilton can change their fortunes and move them away from the mid-grid teams and closer to the title - maybe not this year though. Lotus were a real surprise last year, they fought really well last year with Kimi marking a very successful comeback season with a win, they were slightly let down by the youthful Grosjean's inability to control his car though.
Middle of the pack tier: Force India, Saber, Williams, Toro Rosso
This group of teams will be looking to cut some of the gap to the big teams like Lotus have done over the past few seasons. Leading the way is Force India with masses of wealth and two very talented young drivers in Di Resta and the returning Sutil. Next is Sauber who punched way above their weight last year but with two new drivers at the helm it could be a disappointing year. Williams had one exceptional result last year but were too inconsistent to really make a name for themselves, this year they will hope to give Maldonado and his new partner Bottas, a more reliable car, Toro Rosso were really showing some pace towards the conclusion of last season, but their early season form was poor, expect them to be more regular points scorers this year.
Back Row: Caterham, Marussia
Caterham are really trying to catch up with the rest of the pack and after HRT's pull out, it leaves just two teams scrapping it out to not come last. Caterham have chucked out their drivers from last year and it is a risk, instead going for youth in Pic and Van Der Garde, their car should be good enough to beat the Marussia's though. Marussia have also got two new drivers, Chilton and Bianchi, they will hope their drivers can settle in fast without the safety net of HRT behind them.
So, I feel Red Bull will pick up the constructors but something's telling me Vettel might not get it all his own way.