West Brom clinch promotion the the Premier League

April 28, 2008

A draw against Southampton tonight effectively promoted West Brom to the Premier League after a two year absence. Albion will be promoted due to their superior goal difference with Hull three points behind with one game to play.

Substitute Adam Lallana put Saints ahead late on with a goal against the run of play, Southampton are fighting for relegation and point gives them hope going into the last game of the season against Sheffield United.

Winger Chris Brunt grabbed the all important goal, with six minutes to go the winger slammed the ball home for the goal which sent the baggies boinging.

WBA now have to equal or better Stoke’s result on the last day of the season to clinch the title. WBA play at QPR and Stoke take on Leicester who could do a win to help then stay in the division.

Written by JPC · Filed Under Championship, Southampton, WBA | Leave a Comment

Former England International joins Southampton

March 12, 2008

Former England forward Michael Ricketts has moved quickly following his release by Oldham Athletic by joining Championship side Southampton on trial.

Ricketts has also turned out for Bolton Wanderers, Middlesborough, Preston and most recently Walsall, but has struggled to cement a regular first team place.

The striker made is England debut against Holland back in 2002 but has found it difficult to recapture anything like the form which led to his call up since.

Speaking to BBC Sport, Saints boss Nigel Pearson stated –

“It never hurts to have a look at players and with his record he’s worth it,”

The Pieman thinks that Ricketts is passed his best, certainly at Championship level, and is not the answer at St Mary’s. Pearson has every right to look at the striker but my guess is that he is better spending his time elsewhere.

Written by The Pieman · Filed Under Championship, Southampton | Leave a Comment

Burley to lead the Scots

January 24, 2008

A news conference have been called this afternoon at Hampden park to announce the new Scotland manager, George Burley.

The Scottish FA have agreed compensation with Southampton where Burley had been manager. Burley takes over the role from Alex McLeish who left the post for the Birmingham City job. George Burley, a former Scottish international with 11 caps

Speculation has already started about his successor at Southampton with former player Matthew Le Tissier and current chief scout John Gorman both ruling themselves out of the job. The front runner is Glenn Hoddle who left the Saints as manager in 2001 to join Spurs.

Written by JPC · Filed Under Championship, Scotland, Southampton | Leave a Comment