Sports Ladder (12th-18th August)

A new weekly blog I intend to do as often as possible. The point of the blog will be to revisit the weeks top stories and see who has gone up and down in the opinion of the public. I shall try to incorporate as many sports as possible and do it every week but this shall not always be possible (For instance, next weekend I shall be at Reading Festival so I will not be able to write one). ENJOY!


UP - Mo Farah - What a week for the British athlete. Completing the Double-Double (5,000 and 10,000 metre Olympic and World titles) and being described as Britain's greatest ever athlete by Brendan Foster, Farah can relax and spend time with his ever-supportive wife and children. Watch out for Farah vs Murray at this years Sports Personality of the Year.

UP - England Cricket Team - England had already retained the Ashes but this week they won it. Outstanding bowling from Stuart Broad, gaining himself eleven wickets in the fourth test, was the main reason for the victory. Now Cook and the boys will be looking to win the fifth and final test and claim a 4-0 Test victory.

UP - Rickie Lambert - The week of his life. Not only did he score a 90th minute winner for Southampton yesterday, he also scored with his first touch on his England debut midweek. He described it as a 'dream come true' and will be looking to retain his place in the England team. The 'rags-to-riches' striker gained a lot of public support this week.

UP - Barclays Premier League - After the relentless tedium of the Bale/Suarez/Rooney transfer sagas over the last month or so, the Premier League finally regained my attention on the opening weekend. A weekend full of penalties, debut goals and a few upsets has certainly reminded us why the Premier League is the greatest League in the world.

UP - Anna Nordqvist - As Europe head towards their first Solheim Cup victory on American soil, a special mention must go to Anna Nordqvist. On the par three 17th, Nordqvist scored the first ever Solheim Cup hole-in-one to win the four ball 2&1 and give Europe momentum on a fantastic Saturday. They go into the final singles day on 10 and a half points to America's 5 and a half.


DOWN - Marion Bartoli - Only 40 days after winning her maiden Wimbledon title, Bartoli announced a shock retirement, claiming that physical pain was the reason for her decision. After troubles with the French Tennis National body over the last few years it will be a shame to lose Bartoli's unorthodox style from the sport.

DOWN - Lee Westwood - After finishing way off the pace at the PGA last weekend, Westwood went on a rather embarrassing tipsy outburst on twitter, attacking 'girly boy trolls'. A rather sad way to end what has been a relatively successful year. Come on Lee, you don't need to get sucked in by the twitter trolls, you are an excellent golfer and your time will come.

DOWN - Farnborough FC - I couldn't ignore my local team Farnborough FC. This week they took part in the most bizarre sponsorship deal I have ever seen, with all the players and managers changing their names, by deed poll, to that of a famous player. What a lesson in why not to let your club go into administration. Farnborough FC are now a national joke club.

DOWN - Arsene Wenger - Oh Arsene, don't make promises you can't keep. Despite promising to spend big this summer, he has spent less than I did in Tesco's earlier today and paid the price with a 3-1 defeat to Aston Villa yesterday. With fans restless and Wenger into the last year of his contract, are we seeing the end of Arsene's Arsenal?

DOWN - Yelena Isinbayeva - Russia's athletics sweetheart dropped considerably in the opinions of many Britons  this week after her verbal disapproval with other athletes protest against new 'anti-gay' laws in Russia. Despite saying she was misunderstood she has not apologised for her remarks and her inspirational role-model status may be dropping with many Global fans.

Premier League Preview: West Ham

Last, but certainly not least, comes West Ham. After a strong first season back in the Premier League, Sam Allardyce will be looking to press on and push for a top half finish. Last season Allardyce confounded the critics by performing well and will be looking to build on that this year.

The squad has been strengthened over the summer with the permanent signing of Andy Carroll as well as his Liverpool compatriot Stewart Downing. As well as these two, West Ham also signed Razvan Rat as a bolster in defence. They sold very few players so their has hardly been a dent in the squad and Allardyce will be looking to kick-start the season well. A lot will be reliant on the performance of Andy Carroll up front but with support from the wings as well as Nolan he will certainly get plenty of chances.

West Ham have had a hugely successful pre-season, winning every game but two. I fear for West Ham should they suffer an injury to key men such as Andy Carroll or any of the defence. Their squad has quality but perhaps lacks a bit of depth, but with the right signings before the end of the season, they will definitely be pushing for the top half.

Key Man: Andy Carroll - Plenty of players are vital for West Ham but the team really is built around Carroll. He has had a rough couple of seasons in and out of different teams but finally looks like he could be settled at West Ham. If he can remain injury free his powerful presence up front will create havoc in opposition defences.

One to Watch: Ravel Morrison - A difficult character but an undoubted talent, Morrison spent last season on loan at Birmingham. After being dismissed from Manchester United for his attitude and it also being questioned by Lee Clark at Birmingham, Allardyce will no doubt need to whip him into shape. However, with the right treatment, Morrison could easily be one of the most influential players in the side.

Best Summer Signing: Stewart Downing - Downing has been the butt of plenty of football related jokes over the last few years, however he actually had a much better season last year than the year before. I would consider £5 million for Downing an absolute coup, especially considering the style of football West Ham play. With the target man up front, Downing's crossing ability will be vital to the team.

Last Season: 10th

Pre-Season Prediction: 9th - I believe West Ham will make it into the single figure positions this year, but only just.

Premier League Preview: West Brom

Last season West Brom were the best of the rest, coming in at a great 8th place, however with the loss of top West Brom goalscorer Romelu Lukaku back to Chelsea, West Brom are in for a harder season this year. However, under Steve Clarke they have a strong manager and will still be right in the mix for a top half finish.

West Brom have strengthened their squad with three experienced players. The replacement for Romelu Lukaku is journeyman Nicolas Anelka and they have also signed defenders Goran Popov and Diego Lugano to add plenty of experience to the defensive line. Selling a few squad players, I feel like West Brom have a slightly weaker squad than last season but their experiences will allow them a top half finish.

West Brom has a really small scale pre-season although it was successful enough. Anelka scored a couple of goals and will be instrumental if Clarke's team are to replicate last season's form. Sadly I feel as though they may fall away a little bit this year. Don't get me wrong they won't be in the relegation battle but they won't be in the top half like they were last year.

Key Man: Gareth McAuley - Last season's Player's Player of the Year and Supporters Player of the Year, 33 year old McAuley has his best season in a West Bromwich Albion shirt. As well as being a rock at the back he also supplied three goals for the team last year, showing his importance all over the park. If he can replicate his defensive form then West Brom will be pushing for the top half.

One to Watch: James Morrison - James Morrison is one of the most talented players in the League who has never quite reached his potential. After looking solid in pre-season, along with scoring a goal against England in the 3-2 friendly defeat on Wednesday, Morrison will be looking to really fulfill his potential and have a better season than last year.

Best Summer Signing: Nicolas Anelka - The journeyman returns to the Premier League once again. This time at his twelth club and his sixth different Premier League game, Anelka joins West Brom to fill the boots of last seasons talisman Romelu Lukaku. Anelka looked strong in pre-season and will be looking to, well, re-make his name in the Premier League.

Last Season: 8th

Pre-Season Prediction: 14th - A tougher season for West Brom with the loss of Lukaku but safe enough.

Premier League Preview: Tottenham

Bale, Bale, Bale - three words that have dominated Tottenham this summer. In amongst all the Welsh drama, Tottenham have actually made solid signings. After missing out so narrowly on Champions League football once again, Andre Villas-Boas will be looking to correct that, with top four the top priority.

Putting the Bale saga aside, Tottenham have still had a busy summer. Finally they have signed a clinical striker in Roberto Soldado as well as strengthening their midfield with three midfielders, Nacer Chadli, Paulinho and Etienne Capoue. Alongside that is the return of long-term absentee Sandro to bolster the midfield. With another defender they really do have a lot of quality in depth and, with or without Bale, will be no lower than fifth.

Bale staying could be the difference between top four and missing out again. Either way though, Tottenham have strengthened and, should Bale be sold, they will have plenty of money to reinvest in the squad. Expect Tottenham to push on again this year and do not be surprised if they make it into the top four. That, however, would also be largely dependent on Arsenal's dealings before the end of the transfer market. 

Key Man: Jan Vertonghen - With Bale's future in doubt, the key man status falls to the Belgian Vertonghen. Making the PFA Player of the Year last year, Vertonghen is one of the League's best defenders who also has goals in his system. Last season the media were frequently describing Tottenham as a one man team, but Vertonghen did everything possible to prove this wrong.

One to Watch: Paulinho - Whilst Soldado has stolen the limelight for solving the striker problem, Paulinho is a very good signing. Alongside Sandro in midfield Paulinho is a strong a powerful player. Scooping the third place player award at the Confederations Cup as well as making the Brazilian League Team of the Year in 2011 and 2012, his presence will certainly add another dimension to the team.

Best Summer Signing: Roberto Soldado - The missing link to Tottenham over the last few years has been a clinical striker and Soldado solves this problem. With twenty-four goals last year in La Liga he is a proven goalscorer and will provide guaranteed goals. With the creative potential in the midfield, Soldado could be one of the top goalscorers in the League as he will definitely have the chances.

Last Season: 5th

Pre-Season Prediction: 5th - The battle for fourth will remain in North London. I think Arsenal will just pip it if they make some marquee signings.

Premier League Preview: Swansea

I'm very excited for Swansea this season. I think if anyone is going to break into last season's top seven teams it will be them. After playing fast, attractive football and with the signing of the season, Michu, knocking the goals in, Swansea were a great asset to the Premier League last year.

Their summer activity has been busy, signing no less than eight players. Plenty of these players will also make a positive difference to the team and, in particular the signing of Wilfried Bony really stands out as one of the players to watch in the whole Premier League. With Bony up top and Michu in his preferred role of just behind a striker, Swansea could have a formidable strike force next year. Losing no players and signing plenty, Swansea have a squad full of depth.

Their pre-season has been equally impressive, conceding one goal and scoring thirty-two, including four in their third round qualifying match in the Europa League. With a large squad full of plenty of talent and a great manager guiding them I would love to see Swansea have a strong run in Europe and basically, not do a Newcastle in the League at the same time.

Key Man: Michu - Last seasons Player and Fans Player of the Season, Michu was a Spanish revelation. Michu burst onto the scene with a series of goals early in the season and almost earned himself a call up to the National side. With Bony as support up front, Michu should remain in great form and expect another strong season from the talisman.

One to Watch: Wilfried Bony - Already with two competitive goals under his belt for Swansea, Bony is one of this seasons players to watch. A powerful striker, Bony was the top scorer last season in the Eredivisie with 31 goals in 30 games. If he can replicate that form with the support of Michu, he is going to terrorise defences, starting with Manchester United later today.

Best Summer Signing: Jordi Amat - I can't claim to know a whole amount about Amat but he looked solid enough in his debut against Malmo. However, what makes him more interesting is where he has just come from. He just spent a season on loan at Rayo Vallecano, the same club Laudrup signed Michu from. Has he unearthed another hidden gem? We shall have to wait and see.

Last Season: 9th

Pre-Season Prediction: 8th - In amongst a tough league, Swansea will definitely improve.

Premier League Preview: Sunderland

Sunderland are no doubt in for an eventful season with the charismatic Paolo Di Canio in charge but I don't think that makes them safe. Under Di Canio their form was largely hit and miss last year so it will be interesting to see if he has stabilised the squad over the summer.

Somehow, with ten new signings and eleven players leaving I doubt Sunderland will have a whole lot of stability for the opening of the season. A lot of relatively unknown players have been signed but there are also a number of strong signings, in particular Jozy Altidore and Emanuele Giaccherini are strong signings. However, Simon Mignolet will be a huge loss to the side and they will most likely concede more goals this year.

I think Sunderland will start slowly due to the massive squad overhall this summer. However, with Di Canio at the helm expect some big giant killing results. You can be guaranteed that Sunderland will be all over the newspapers with all of his antics but it will be results on the pitch which are important. I think Sunderland will just about survive but it'll be by a pretty fine line.

Key Man: Stephane Sessegnon - Sessegnon was slightly off-par last season but is still instrumental in the Sunderland line-up. His quick feet and trickery make him a nightmare for defences, especially playing just behind the striker. He is a handy playmaker to have, especially with Steven Fletcher as a front man and, should he hit some form, will be a great player in the team.

One to Watch: Jozy Altidore - Signed from AZ and 4th highest goalscorer in the Eredivisie last year. He had a disappointing loan spell at Hill a few years ago but since then has upped his game, scoring regularly for AZ. With Altidore back in England after a good few years abroad, can he raise his game and make an impact in the Premier League.

Best Summer Signing: Emanuele Giaccherini - What a coup this is for Sunderland. Signed from Juventus and with fifteen Italy caps his career highlight was probably scoring an international goal against Brazil in this years Confederations Cup. A tricky playmaker, who can play on the wing or behind the striker, Giaccherini will be a handful for defenders.

Last Season: 17th

Pre-Season Prediction: 16th - The unpredictability of Di Canio means anything could happen this year.

Premier League Preview: Stoke

After a strong start to last season, Stoke set themselves a New Years Resolution target of making winning matches difficult. 2013 has been a tough year and with Tony Pulis departing after seven years to be replaced by Mark Hughes, it is going to be a very tough season for them.

After spending plenty last year it has been a quiet summer for Stoke, signing just two defenders. Signing Marc Muniesa from Barcelona and Erik Pieters from PSV, Hughes is clearly looking to build from the back and holding onto Asmir Begovic is certainly a fine piece of business. Getting rid of plenty of fringe players has also reduced the wage bill but plenty more quality is needed across the park if Stoke are going to avoid the relegation zone.

I see trouble ahead for Stoke this season. Whilst most teams around them have strengthened in depth, Stoke have not, and looked extremely poor towards the back end of last season. A largely uninspiring signing of manager Mark Hughes did nothing to appease fans concerns and I honestly see nothing but relegation for Stoke. They lack any sort of creative spark in the team and I'm fairly sure a lot of neutral supporters will have few issues in seeing them crash out of the Championship.

Key Man: Asmir Begovic - If Stoke are to remain in Premier League this year then they need to keep hold of their star goalkeeper. Winning Stoke's player of the season last year and playing in every Premier League game, Begovic was instrumental in Stoke staying clear of the relegation zone.

One to Watch: Charlie Adam - A few seasons ago Adam was one of the best players in the Premier League for Blackpool. However, last season he was fairly average for Stoke. If Adam can re-find his form from his Blackpool days then he could be the playmaker that Stoke need.

Best Summer Signing: Marc Muniesa - Yet another product of the Barcelona Academy, Muniesa is a talented defender. Sadly he missed most of last season with an injury despite being on the fringes of the first team. After the injury he was deemed surplus to requirements and it will be interesting to see how he gets on after a season out of action.

Last Season: 13th

Pre-Season Prediction: 20th - Bye, bye Stoke. With Hughes at the realm Stoke are destined for the drop.

Premier League Preview: Southampton

Southampton made a strong start to their new Premier League era last season, finishing in a respectable 14th and playing attractive football on the way. However the next challenge for a recently promoted side is the dreaded second season. Southampton's aim should be top half football and, although I see them achieving this, I also have a bad feeling they may struggle.

Their summer activity has been quiet but expensive, splashing a reported £21 million on Victor Wanyama and Dejan Lovren. Both are great prospects as they are 22 and 24 respectively but Southampton need to strengthen their attack if they are to really push on in the league. Whilst they boast a gifted midfield and solid enough defence, their strike force is largely reliant on Rickie Lambert. Whilst Jay Rodriguez is a solid enough second striker there is no one to reinforce these two should either suffer an injury. This needs to be strengthened before the end of the transfer window.

Southampton are a nice side to have in the Premier League because they play attractive football and are not afraid to have a go at the big sides. I don't think this philosophy will have changed under Pochettino and I look forward to watching them progress as a side this year. Their aim will be to finish top-half but I think the curse of the second season will unfortunately drag them closer to the relegation zone than they would like. Don't fear though, they will survive.

Key Man: Morgan Schneiderlin - Whilst many argue Lambert is Southampton's star man I would completely disagree. Schneiderlin's work in central midfield went largely unnoticed by neutral fans but with the most tackles and interceptions in the League, the young Frenchman has emerged as one of the most underated players in the Division. Undoubtedly a superb talent, I hope he goes on to have another fantastic season and obtains wider recognition.

One to Watch: Luke Shaw - It's a shame that most of the depth in the England squad lies in the left-back position. Luke Shaw is no exception to this and, at only 17, is one of the hottest prospects in English football. Described by many as the 'next Gareth Bale', this wonderkid will be looking to maintain his regular spot and continue down the path he is going, as that path can only lead to success.

Best Summer Signing: Victor Wanyama - Wanyama, a Scottish Premier League record sale at around £12.5 million, is a great addiction to the Southampton side. A powerfully built player, Pochettino will be looking to slot Wanyama next to Schneiderlin to build a strong midfield to push for top-half football.

Last Season: 14th

Pre-Season Prediction: 15th - As the Premier League goes from strength to strength Southampton will not quite get a foothold in this season.

Premier League Preview: Norwich

Norwich are my dark horse for this season. I'm not quite sure how they will perform but their summer spending has certainly given them the potential to shoot up the table. Last year Chris Hughton's side were never fully dragged into the relegation scrap, but still only finished eight points clear of the drop, and he will be looking to better that this year.

Norwich have spent plenty of money during this transfer window but it has all been very wise. Two European standard strikers in the form of Ricky Van Wolfswinkel and Gary Hooper have been brought in to replace the loss of Grant Holt to Wigan. Leroy Fer will also provide some support in central midfield whilst the permanent signing of Javier Garrido, on loan last season, and Martin Olsson from Blackburn will boost their defence. Lastly, they have signed young English winger Nathan Redmond from Birmingham, an interesting prospect and, if treated right, a star for the future. Whilst also shifting plenty of fringe players, Norwich have really created a squad littered with quality.

With their several new signings it will no doubt take a while for the squad to find the right blend. However, if players like Van Wolfswinkel and Hooper are able to form a successful partnership, who knows how high Norwich will fly. They will be aiming to push into the top half after two successful seasons in the Premiership. Sadly, I think they may fall short of the top half but will be well clear of the relegation zone and will certainly be a team to keep an eye on.

Key Man: Sebastien Bassong - Bassong was a rock at the heart of the Norwich defence last year and as a result of his work last year he has scored himself the vice-captaincy at the club. Not only that, but Bassong also earned himself Player of the Year award at Norwich. The Cameroon international will be looking to replicate last seasons fine form as he looks to take his team to the top half.

One to Watch: Nathan Redmond - The tricky winger arrived for a small fee from Birmingham and is certainly one to watch. He has plenty of caps for England at various levels excluding senior and is a hot prospect. Often played on the flank and already with one goal in the Europa League two years ago, the 19 year old will be looking to prove himself on the big stage.

Best Summer Signing: Ricky Van Wolfswinkel - A real coup for Norwich, Van Wolfswinkel is a proven goalscorer. Finishing in the top four scorers two season running at Sporting, Van Wolfswinkel has been linked with numerous Premier League clubs over the years and it will be a pleasure to watch him play in England.

Last Season: 11th

Pre-Season Prediction: 13th - Not sure why but I see them being leapfrogged by some teams, despite their undoubted squad quality. Could and probably should do better than this though.

Premier League Preview: Newcastle

After their outstanding 5th place two years ago, Newcastle struggled last year. Their Europa League run hampered their League form leaving them fighting off relegation throughout much of the year. This season with no European commitments to think about, they will be looking to retain a spot in the top half of the table.

Newcastle's summer has been fairly quiet in terms of transfers, with the main drama being focused on Papiss Cisse and his initial unwillingness to wear the shirt due to the sponsor, 'Wonga', clashing with religious beliefs. However with this sorted, Newcastle's only signing of note has been the loan signing of, unsurprisingly, the Frenchman Loic Remy. With a young squad, Newcastle does not need a lot of strengthening but a couple more players could prove handy before the 2 September deadline.

There can be little doubt that Newcastle will improve this year. Their European run hampered them massively last season and Pardew will be looking for a much stronger season from his squad. Their pre-season wasn't perfect but certainly would have left Pardew feeling relatively confident in his squad depth for the upcoming season. Newcastle will by no means be among the front runners but they might push for a top half finish if they can string a solid group of results together.


Key Man: Hatem Ben Arfa - Despite suffering from frequent injuries Ben Arfa is still a key player for Newcastle. His ability on the ball is second-to-none and if Newcastle can get a full season out of him they can definitely push into the top half. Ben Arfa has the ability to make something happen from nothing and that unique attribute makes him a key man.

One to Watch: Davide Santon - As a young full-back Santon is maturing every year and has established himself as a regular starter in the Newcastle side. I think this is the year he starts to stand out as the impressive talent he is. He is a very attacking full-back and with a few more assists could develop into one of the best in the league.


Best Summer Signing: Loic Remy - Not a particularly taxing choice as he is the only first team signing but nevertheless Remy is a good signing. His pace will provide something different up front and he is a nice striker to accompany Cisse.

Last Season: 16th

Pre-Season Prediction: 12th - An improved season for Newcastle but nowhere near where they were two seasons ago.

Premier League Preview: Manchester United

End of an era, start of an era, call it what you want, this is a very different season for Manchester United fans. With the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson leaving his post after nearly twenty seven years in charge, Everton's David Moyes takes the reigns and will have a lot to do to live up to his predecessor. However, only yesterday he made a strong start with a 2-0 victory in the Community Shield.

Where Moyes has drawn slight criticism in his early days in the job is in the transfer marker. Despite attempts to sign Thiago and Cesc Fabregas showing the kind of calibre of player Moyes is looking for, the fact that neither have, or will sign is slightly disconcerting for United fans. The other fact that no one, other than a youngster Guillermo Varela, has been signed will be a cause for concern with the season starting in five days, especially with Chelsea and Manchester City spending big money. Expect signings at Old Trafford before the end of the transfer window.

Manchester United's pre-season form has been sketchy but with such a vast quantity of games in such a variety of countries they were never going to have it perfect. Plenty of fans would like to be patient with Moyes but at the end of the day they are used to success, and if that does not come there may be a backlash. Moyes has an incredibly tough job to emerge out of Ferguson's shadow but if he does things his own way he should be alright. He would certainly have appeased the fans with his victory in the Community Shield.

Key Man: Robin Van Persie - Van Persie's two goals in the Community Shield only reinforced the fact that he is instrumental at Old Trafford. Van Persie was the turning point in last season's title race and with Rooney potentially on the way out he will be even more important this year. Last year's League top scorer, Van Persie will be looking to replicate that feat and United will need him if they are to push for the title.

One to Watch: David De Gea - After a rocky start to his Manchester United career David De Gea has emerged as one of the best goalkeepers in the league. His incredible shot stopping has obtained him a regular starting spot ahead of Lindegaard. His strength has improved over the last few years but he still struggles to deal with balls in the air and if he can conquer this flaw he will emerge as one of the most promising goalkeepers in the world.

Best Summer Signing: Wilfried Zaha - A bit of a cheat on this one as Zaha was technically a Ferguson signing earlier in the year but my knowledge of Varela is as rich as my knowledge of nuclear physics. Zaha, signed straight from the Championship and already with England caps under his belt, is a technically gifted winger with the ability to run with the ball. After making the step up from the Championship how will Zaha cope with the increased pressure on him?

Last Season: 1st

Pre-Season Prediction: 3rd - A season of change will see United slightly off the pace, especially with their rivals spending big.