Is THIS Liverpool's Year (Again).

Well.
The Premier League is about to get underway and once again, Alan Hansen predicts that the red side of Liverpool will lift the Premier League crown.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/foot...em/8197918.stm

Since Hansen retired, he has made the EXACT same prediction year in year out....What's the difference this year? Not alot as far as i can see.

The Premier League will have the same top 4 going at it with Man City knocking on the door.

Personally, as much as i hate to say it, i think Chelsea will be too strong this year.

League Prediction:
1. Chelsea
2. Arsenal
3. Liverpool
4. Manchester United
5. Manchester City

Man U 4th?

You are not serious are you? I know they lost Ronaldo and Tevez, but 4th? lol.

City will struggle to break into the top 5.

Chelsea might win, but it will be a two horse race between Man U and Chelsea.

Arsenal should perform better this year if Eduardo is on form.

City have a bunch of decent players who have not really played together before and will not gel together this season.

Liverpool...well they are liverpool, third.

Man Utd 4th! I cant remember the last time that happened.

Anyhow I sort of agree with DeludedGuy. Chelsea and Man Utd will definitely be in the top 2. Liverpool third but if they can keep Gerrard and Torres fit for the whole season then its definitely possible for them to win the league. Arsenal will probably come 4th again mainly due to their lack of squad depth. Their first 11 are very good and on their day they play some superb football but when it comes to part of season where the fixtures start to pack up and injuries take their toll I don't see how they are going to survive. Imo they are short of about 3 or 4 players from really being able to compete with the top 3.

I am an Arsenal fan, so I'd presonally like to see them take it this year, they need some sort of silverwear at least!

I'm suprised some think Utd are bolted on for 1st or 2nd.
Ron and Tev going are HUGE let down's. Their goals clearly made up alot of points for Utd last year and with the best will in the world, Owen isn't going to have the same impact.

To be fair, Chelsea has an outstanding side, but ageing.

Arsenal........they MUST keep core players fit. If they can, they are a match for anyone.

As a premiership neutral (I am a Plymouth Argyle supporter :p) I am amazed that ANY of you think you can predict the order.

We haven't even seen a single game of the season yet, we have very little information about player form and the injuries haven't started properly yet.

All the teams mentioned will be at the top somewhere, debating the actual placing now is nothing more then fans wishing their team to the top :P (including mr Hansen!)

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Originally Posted by Blitzen

League Prediction:
1. Chelsea
2. Arsenal
3. Liverpool
4. Manchester United
5. Manchester City

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http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/j...ys/8fpezhc.gif

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Originally Posted by Blitzen

I'm suprised some think Utd are bolted on for 1st or 2nd.
Ron and Tev going are HUGE let down's. Their goals clearly made up alot of points for Utd last year

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Same thing was said when Cantona left, when Becks left, when ruud left etc...

Sir Alex always manages to find someone and brings out the best in them, I think this year we will see a lot more of Anderson and Nani, I have yet to see how the new signings will affect the team but I am confident Owen will score more than Tevez last season (5 league goals in 29 appearances).

Tevez IMO isn’t that much of a lose to united, Ronaldo is, but we will manage without him, it actually gives the other players the opportunity to shine.

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Originally Posted by Blitzen

Owen isn't going to have the same impact.

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At 12/1 I tempted to put a tenner on him finishing the season as the top scorer.


My guess for the top 6:

1) Man U
2) Chelsea
3) Liverpool (all 3 close)
4) Man C
5) Arsenal
6) Villa

With Everton, Spurs, Sunderland and Fulham rounding off the top 10, though not necessarily in that order.

At the moment it's hard to gauge the other teams and who's going to be a threat this year.

Utd have a few injuries at the moment, Van Der Saar, Nani and a few other knocks.

Man City have a few good players but how well are they going to gel together that's the main question. We've seen it before where a team full of good players doesn't fit quite right and as such it's up in the air really.

Next, Chelsea. Again, full of good names but some of them are getting on a bit now. I've visions of a few key names having injuries through key parts of the season so this might hamper their attempts to steal the trophy back from Utd.

Arsenal... Have they got any decent players left or are they all going to Eastlands?

Liverpool? Well... I'll reserve judgement as we saw them last year play good against the big names, but bottle it when playing teams from the lower half of the division.

Ask me again at Christmas once we've seen a few games played and found who is playing well and which star players are pulling a strop and not pulling their weight and I might hazard a guess at the top 5 :)

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Originally Posted by Blitzen

Arsenal........they MUST keep core players. If they can, they are a match for anyone.

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Corrected for you :)


1) Chelsea
2) Liverpool
3) Man U
4) Man C
5) Arsenal

What i predicted with workmates yesterday.

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Originally Posted by beanbandit

Corrected for you :)


1) Chelsea
2) Liverpool
3) Man U
4) Man C
5) Arsenal

What i predicted with workmates yesterday.

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That's pretty much what i recon for this year.

It's quite a frustrating time as an Arsenal fan, biggest problem last year was the lack of depth in defence, that's still not addressed. And only signs of Wenger trying to buy a striker(which we could do with aswell)
The top 3 will all be close with Man City a distance behind in 4th.
Of course with the transfer window open this is all likely to change by Monday :)

I see Manchester City round about 6th/7th, it's hard to put a team together just like that. I don't see how people can see them in the top 4. It'd be like me taking my home team, Bradford City and revamping the whole team, new staff, the lot with like £100,000,000 and expect them to get promoted within the first season.

Mark Hughes had a fairly decent squad last season in all fairness, but he didn't do fantastically well with them.

I reckon between Liverpool, Chelsea and Man U. Too tight to choose between them this season.

Not going to big up the prospects for Liverpool right now, depends on how Aqualani turns out, and if Lucas can make a good step up.
Man Utd look thinner without Ronaldo, but Nani and Valencia would be the key to whether they are more potent upfront.

Arsenal had it easy against a Lescott-less Everton, not convinced their form will last.

I would say its between Chelsea, Liverpool and Man Utd (in that order).

We should of won it last year, we had too many draws at home and it cost us. Any of the top four teams could win the title this year

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Originally Posted by Baggio18

Not going to big up the prospects for Liverpool right now, depends on how Aqualani turns out, and if Lucas can make a good step up.
Man Utd look thinner without Ronaldo, but Nani and Valencia would be the key to whether they are more potent upfront.

Arsenal had it easy against a Lescott-less Everton, not convinced their form will last.

I would say its between Chelsea, Liverpool and Man Utd (in that order).

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I see......
So, Arsenal spank Everton (and Portsmouth), and they are still a 'dodgy' side.

Liverpool look weak and they are still the best title challengers are they?

Time will tell, but it is highly amusing how Arsenal are always written off before the league even starts. Especially considering you have a Liverpool team that hasn't won a title in over 20 years, and even last year were given it on a plate by Utd on at least 3 occassions and bottled it badly.

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Originally Posted by Blitzen

I see......
So, Arsenal spank Everton (and Portsmouth), and they are still a 'dodgy' side.

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Burnley outplayed and beat Everton. Does that mean you've just got back from the bookies sticking a wad on them for a Europa Cup place? Or does their name not resemble 'Arsenal' enough?

Portsmouth, save for some hugely influential signings this week, are going down.

While Arsenal have enjoyed a fantastic start to the season in all 3 games, I wouldn't get your hopes up too much yet. Everton have been defensively woeful in all games so far, Portsmouth are **** and Celtic are on a level with Newcastle. Give it a bit more time.

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Originally Posted by this_is_gav

Burnley outplayed and beat Everton. Does that mean you've just got back from the bookies sticking a wad on them for a Europa Cup place? Or does their name not resemble 'Arsenal' enough?

Portsmouth, save for some hugely influential signings this week, are going down.

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You missed the point of my post entirely........(and i knew it would happen).

I am in no way saying that Arsenal are good enough to win anything.
What i will push though is that they are just as likely to as Man Utd/Liverpool. Chelsea are a different animal at the moment and do look on a higher level.

Unfortuantely, because we have had a rough few years, people dismiss Arsenal instantly and that is very foolish.
The point i made earlier that was missed is that Liverpool can't get a Premier League title if their lives depended on it, but, for some reason, just on the back of last year, and nothing more i might add, they are all of a sudden second only to United.

This is so off the mark.

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While Arsenal have enjoyed a fantastic start to the season in all 3 games, I wouldn't get your hopes up too much yet. Everton have been defensively woeful in all games so far, Portsmouth are **** and Celtic are on a level with Newcastle. Give it a bit more time.

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Sorry but that is such a biased and unthoughtout (if there is such a word) opinion.

Any team can only beat what is put in front of them and we did that convincingly.
Man Utd have lost to Burnley.
Liverpool lost to the Spuds.
In that case then, by your logic, Utd and Liverpool have been more convincing even though they have lost a game each? Makes no sense.

Also, if Utd or Liverpool would've played 2 Premier League games, regardless of the opposition, Lawro, Hansen and Gray would now both be sat squirming in their own reproductive fluids and telling us all how great both sides are.
As it's Arsenal though, the wins were meaningless as both teams were just poor and should've been beaten by more.

Can you see the absence of the logic?

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Originally Posted by Blitzen

In that case then, by your logic, Utd and Liverpool have been more convincing even though they have lost a game each? Makes no sense.

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My logic, as stated in the post using exactly these words, was give it a bit more time and don't get your hopes up too much yet. :rolleyes:

Where's the bias?

Lfc 1
villa 3

lol

Thread title = LOL

Liverpool had alot of chances today but failled to convert them. Again I will agree with Blitzen regarding the gunners. 6:1 at Goodison Park? 2:0 at Parkhead on a EUROPEAN NIGHT? 4-1 to Pompey at home! I've been saying for weeks: all those stupid pundits have been writing off Arsenal at their peril. Adebayor and Toure are no big loss. I'm not saying that Arsenal will do the treble, but surely if Arsenal had lost 2 games already then the pundits and tabloids would have been full of doom and gloom regarding the club.

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Originally Posted by fezfezed

Liverpool had alot of chances today but failled to convert them. Again I will agree with Blitzen regarding the gunners. 6:1 at Goodison Park? 2:0 at Parkhead on a EUROPEAN NIGHT? 4-1 to Pompey at home! I've been saying for weeks: all those stupid pundits have been writing off Arsenal at their peril. Adebayor and Toure are no big loss. I'm not saying that Arsenal will do the treble, but surely if Arsenal had lost 2 games already then the pundits and tabloids would have been full of doom and gloom regarding the club.

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I admit Arsenal are looking good, but its all about whether they can keep it up for the whole season. If they can avoid injuries and maybe buy 1 or 2 players either now or in January then I see them up there in May.

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Originally Posted by shadowmaster

I admit Arsenal are looking good, but its all about whether they can keep it up for the whole season. If they can avoid injuries and maybe buy 1 or 2 players either now or in January then I see them up there in May.

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Spot on :)
I still dont think we are good enough to win the league.
Then again, i dont think United are either.

Liverpool were SO flattered last season by coming second as none off the other top four played well at all last year.
That is the irritating thing for me though. Liverpool have one good season and the scouse pundits, Phil Thompson in particular think they are the best in global football. The idiot even had the gaul to say that it is now a TOP 3 (It is now Liverpool aren't in it :D ).

No one can deny that Liverpool will 'probably' pick their game up and charge on. Thing is, this is the first season for a long long time where it looks MAHOOSIVELY important to get a good start.
We cannot rely anymore on teams like Totteringham faultering because, as painful as it is to say, they look half decent (still smell of wee though).
Man City will also be there and there abouts. Especially is Adebaywhore keeps scoring.

Lets also remember, its a VERY big game at the weekend. Manchester UTD vs Arsenal. The three points can really spur Arsenal on or bring them back down to earth.

We shall see. Give it 2-3 months and the waters will be less muddy.

It was just stupid of anyone to write Arsenal off before a ball was kicked.

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Originally Posted by Blitzen

Lets also remember, its a VERY big game at the weekend. Manchester UTD vs Arsenal. The three points can really spur Arsenal on or bring them back down to earth.

We shall see. Give it 2-3 months and the waters will be less muddy.

It was just stupid of anyone to write Arsenal off before a ball was kicked.

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Cant wait for the match this weekend. If we had not scored 5 past wigan I would be putting Arsenal as favourites but now I think a draw is probably most likely (hopefully a score draw, 3-3 would be nice :D)

Did you see the 'Spanish Waiter's' face last night after the final whistle?
It looked like he had dropped someones trifle :D

Regardelss of how Liverpool are playing, i cannot see how a club of their size thinks players such as Lucas/Babel/N'Gog/Voronin are worthy to even play in the Premier league, let alone a club the size of Liverpool.
Those four, and a few others wouldnt, get into ANY other side in last years Premier League top 10 yet the waiter sticks with them.

Voronin, imho the worst of the four of them, has the control of a double decker bus, full of lead, trying to trip the light fantastic across the Arctic Ocean on stilts. In fact, he is that bad, he makes Lucas look like a footballer.

People slate us about Bendtner but he has more skill in his left plum than those three have put together.


Taxi for Rafa maybe?

they are looking poor but Liverpool do take a while to get going (they lose the Premership in the first month of the season)

I very much doubt that they would get rid of Rafa, in fact I am starting to think they will struggle to keep hold of him if he isn't given any money to spend.

it wont be liverpools year if they keep losing

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Originally Posted by j.o.s.h.1408

it wont be liverpools year if they keep losing

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very true... :)

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Originally Posted by j.o.s.h.1408

it wont be liverpools year if they keep losing

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And long may it continue :)
Just wish Totteringham would get a good beating aswell and put them back where they belong.

My boss who is a liverpool fan thinks liverpool wont even challenge for the title let alone this season being their year.

the reasons for his opinion is because if you look at liverpools bench, its shockingly bad and makes arsenal's bench look better.

Liverpool need to buy some players and start investing on youth. Liverpool atm dont have nothing going on in their youth system from what i have heard.

Liverpool struggle when gerrard and torres have a off day. thats unacceptable.

LFC to win it, early days yet.

i voted for arsenal as i want them to win, but i think it will be

1. Chelsea
2. Arsenal
3. Man Utd
4. Liverpool
5. Man City
6. Fulham

Liverpool will pip Utd this year, with Chelsea a close 3rd.

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Originally Posted by ajones

Liverpool will pip Utd this year, with Chelsea a close 3rd.

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and England will win the World Cup:rolleyes:

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Originally Posted by Blitzen

and England will win the World Cup:rolleyes:

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That's the spirit! :p

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Originally Posted by beanbandit

Corrected for you :)


1) Chelsea
2) Liverpool
3) Man U
4) Man C
5) Arsenal

What i predicted with workmates yesterday.

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:innocent:

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Originally Posted by ajones

Liverpool will pip Utd this year, with Chelsea a close 3rd.

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I hope you didn't waste any money on a wager with that one.

As i said in the opening post a few months ago, Liverpool were very flattered last season with their finish.
This season, so far anyway, is having a more truthful ring to it.

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Originally Posted by Blitzen

:innocent:


I hope you did waste any money on a wager with that one.

As i said in the opening post a few months ago, Liverpool were very flattered last season with their finish.
This season, so far anyway, is having a more truthful ring to it.

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11 points behind chelsea and a team looking no better than west ham when they play without torres and gerrard

It's all gone quiet over there.

Come on LIverpool fans.......where is the overwhelming optimism we are so used to?

Wait
Wait
Can you hear it?

'It'll be our year next year' i hear them saying :p (again)

On a different note, I think Southampton will get promoted this year.

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Originally Posted by KIAEddZ

On a different note, I think Southampton will get promoted this year.

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No mate i think newcastle will.:)

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Originally Posted by j.o.s.h.1408

No mate i think newcastle will.:)

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Southampton might be, remember they are in the league below! With Charlton.

Edit: Now having looked at League one, there is no way in hell Southampton will go up.

I think it might well be...Liverpool's year to go down ;)

zinger5

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Originally Posted by ajones

Liverpool will pip Utd this year, with Chelsea a close 3rd.

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Liverpool at the moment are only just 'pipping' some teams at the wrong end of the table.

Take a look........they are only 8 points off relegation spots.(and long may it continue) :innocent:

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Originally Posted by Blitzen

Liverpool at the moment are only just 'pipping' some teams at the wrong end of the table.

Take a look........they are only 8 points off relegation spots.(and long may it continue) :innocent:

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It's on!

Liverpool down with Portsmouth and Hull.
As Keegan ud say! id luv it.

There's only 3 teams that will challenge the title this season and thats chelsea, man utd and arsenal.
Liverpool have played some shocking football so far this season and will be lucky to make the top four.

At this point, between spurs, city, villa and liverpool, liverpool looks the least likely to be in that last CL spot come may.

I hope Liverpool do make in the last four!

Have a bad feeling United may snatch it again.

unless rooney gets injured. his single handedly winning games for united

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Originally Posted by thrustmaster

Have a bad feeling United may snatch it again.

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If Arsenal beat the Spuds at the Lame i think they are in.

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Originally Posted by thrustmaster

Have a bad feeling United may snatch it again.

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Not sure about that yet, if we manage to beat both Liverpool and Chelsea then I feel we will go onto winning it. But at the moment I would say Arsenal are slight favourites in my opinion.

@ the above, theyre getting worse by the day...

Its interesting how Arsenal have gone back into a decent position after they're defeats to us and Chelsea and are quite the dark horse.

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Originally Posted by Terbinator

@ the above, theyre getting worse by the day...

Its interesting how Arsenal have gone back into a decent position after they're defeats to us and Chelsea and are quite the dark horse.

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It was more interesting how united lost to us and chelsea twice last year yet won the league :)

here's hoping its the same for arsenal :)

btw, liverpool were awful yesterday. shocking

I think Barcelona on the 31st March will shape the last few for Arsenal aswell.

If they hump us, the heads may go down.
If we get a result, they will be on fire with confidence.

To be fair, as it stands, there is only 2 ways Arsenal will have a chance.

1. If Utd v Chelski is a draw
2. If Rooney gets injured as, even if you are a Utd fan, he has been the difference.

If someone injured Rooney they would probably get put into witness protection so close too the WC.

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Originally Posted by Blitzen

2. If Rooney gets injured as, even if you are a Utd fan, he has been the difference.

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Without a doubt.

Park has risen to the challenge twice this year and given us goals when they've been needed and Fletcher played very well indeed.

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Originally Posted by Blitzen

I think Barcelona on the 31st March will shape the last few for Arsenal aswell.

If they hump us, the heads may go down.
If we get a result, they will be on fire with confidence.

To be fair, as it stands, there is only 2 ways Arsenal will have a chance.

1. If Utd v Chelski is a draw
2. If Rooney gets injured as, even if you are a Utd fan, he has been the difference.

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Also got to bear in mind thath Utd have a hard CL clash too, and if they progress further than you, they will no doubt be worse for wear come the last few games. Last years CL final was not Man Utd at their best, but a tired team imo.

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Originally Posted by Lee @ SCAN

Without a doubt.

Park has risen to the challenge twice this year and given us goals when they've been needed and Fletcher played very well indeed.

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Arguably our two most improved players this season.

Anyhow its looking like a tight finish to the season, I don't like it though I'd rather win with a couple of games in hand :D

I don't know about "most improved" with regard to Fletcher, he was immense last season.

I think he meant Neville.

How do you work that one out?

Yep, it's looking good again this year.

FonZy = Really :rolleyes: