The winners may have been predictable, and many of the owners dodgy, but there was plenty to enjoy in 2016-17.
CHAMPIONSHIP
There is a very talented and healthy mix of homegrown and foreign managers in the Championship, many of whom would flourish in the Premier League, and over 2016-17 the professionalism, consistency and quality of football has been as good as I can remember in this league.
This season predictability was the winner as the top four remained pretty constant and no one was overly surprised at the three clubs to be relegated. Teamwork shone through rather than individual stars, so managers and club owners took centre stage.
Of the relegated Premier League teams, Newcastle’s title win was met with a collective shrug by the rest of the league but Rafa Benítez’s quiet dignity in completing the job belies the question of why Mike Ashley seems so adept at smashing the Championship yet so inept in the Premier League.
QPR boss Ian Holloway was heard asking a Norwich fan “how on earth haven’t you been promoted?” as the Canaries stylishly thrashed his team 4-0 at Carrow Road on the last day of the season, a not uncommon question asked by myself and fellow fans across Norfolk. Lack of any structure to support the inexperienced and eventually sacked Alex Neil, and more goals conceded than anyone except Forest and last placed Rotherham, is the answer.
Denne historien er fra July 2017-utgaven av When Saturday Comes.
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Denne historien er fra July 2017-utgaven av When Saturday Comes.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Pirate Transmission
Broadcasters around the world are paying huge sums to screen football, but they will not be willing to invest if they cannot be protected.
Scandi Drama
Years before it was screened live in the UK, England’s Football League was building a cult following abroad thanks to a visionary broadcaster.
Pot Of Gold
A rare meeting between two local rivals brought FA Cup fever – and a useful financial boost – to one corner of Hertfordshire
Digital Divide
From earnest post-match punditry to being used in actual players’ matchday preparations, the virtual game is becoming increasingly blurred with reality.
Haringey Ladder
The decision to walk off in the face of abuse has shone a national spotlight on a community club with a progressive approach
Bournemouth 0 Norwich City 0
Dean Court may have received a Premier League facelift but against today’s visitors the home team fail to live up to their status, although the low-quality draw they play out is still somehow reassuring.
Room With A View
Hampden Park
Not In The Script
ARSENAL FILM
Out Of Place...
After another unsuccessful qualifying attempt Martin O’Neill is under pressure, while a poor Republic of Ireland squad is only getting weaker
Uncomfortable Truth
At the end of April Sheffield United surprised many people by re-signing Ched Evans, who, following a retrial, has now been found not guilty of the rape charge for which he spent two-and-a-half years in prison.
