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Some difficult choices ahead for the Premier League’s elite… Part Two

Published by Ian John on March 10, 2010

…Continued from yesterday’s article…

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR : Harry’s problem this year has been dropping crucial points at key times, both against the Premier League’s elite and some shocking results against the lesser lights. Redknapp needs to find a greater level of consistency for his young Spurs team, as well as a greater belief that they can really sustain a serious challenge over the course of the season. The biggest choice Redknapp faces is arguably what to do with the returning Robbie Keane and whether he needs to bring in a goalkeeper, but his most pressing need seems to be a top quality centre half to cover for the injury prone duo of King and Woodgate. There will be changes at the Lane, but it will be how well Harry handles them that decides whether Spurs build on this promising season, or as they have done in the past, flatter to deceive.

ASTON VILLA : Martin O’Neill’s young side may well be set to make real strides next season with little changes. A predominantly young squad, packed with pace, a superb defensive unit and a team that should only improve in the next five years or so, O’Neill has done a remarkable job at Villa Park. The big decision he faces in the coming months is whether he can afford to bring in a player or two who has the ability to catapult Villa into the upper eschelons of the league on a regular basis. For all their talent, Villa have always shopped at a lower level than the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea. That needs to change, perhaps for only one or two players and if Villa can take the final Champions League qualification spot at the end of this season, they will never be in a better position to attract the player(s) of the calibre they need to take the next step.

EVERTON : David Moyes is as good a man manager in the Premier League as there is, but the canny Scot will know that he needs a bit of luck to go with his excellent judgement if he is to keep his Everton side moving towards that top four spot. Off the field issues, such as a lack of funds and a lack of new ground, have severely hampered Everton this season in terms of having the finance to bring in players to bolster their squad. Money needs to be found from somewhere and sadly if this doesn’t come from the board our external investment, it may well have to come from selling the likes of Jack Rodwell. For Moyes it is a balancing act, he needs to strengthen his squad in key areas, but with his limited finances, he may have to sell before he can buy and that is where the Scot’s managerial acumen will really be tested.

FULHAM : Roy Hodgson has done an incredible job at Craven Cottage. Using his vast knowledge of European football he has brought in some fantastic players and turned Bobby Zamora from the Premier League laughing stock into a player with genuine England potential. In Brede Hangeland he has unearthed the best central defender playing outside the top six and his purchase of Damien Duff from Newcastle at the start of the season is up there with Martin O’Neill’s purchase of Richard Dunne as one of the signings of the season. Hodgson’s next step is to build on Fulham’s fantastic campaign at home and in Europe and push on towards the top six. Don’t expect Hodgson to be splashing million’s domestically, the Fulham boss will once again be searching Europe’s bargain clubs for another gem or two and if he can get them and turn around his sides away form, then Fulham will be well set once again next season.

and although they are not the Premier League elite this season, they may well be again next…

NEWCASTLE UNITED : It all depends very much on owner Mike Ashley. A season in the Championship will have hopefully seen the Toon Army revise their expectations somewhat and Ashley will know that manager Chris Hughton is going to need funds in order to bolster his squad for a Premier League campaign. If that money is forthcoming, and Hughton spends it wisely, then Newcastle should do well if they return. However if Ashley can’t find the cash to give Hughton the ability to sign the Premier League quality players he will need next season, it could well be another painful season for the Geordie faithful.

Image Courtesy of ***Oz Sean*** on Flickr.com

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