[Poolie Exile]

Manager's Monthly View - April/May 2009

Sunderland Manager Mark Duell offers his view on the Black Cats' performances, exclusively to SAFC TV subscribers.

"Well here we are, one game to go in the season and so close to the dream. You really don't need me to tell you how much it would mean to each and every one if we can do it.

We have had a bit of a mixed bag of results since I spoke to you all but we are now into the business end of the season and with one game to go.

The highlights have obviously been for everyone, the 7-0 mauling of Reading here at the Stadium of Light and also the superb win over them lot from 12 miles away up the A19. Reading was very satisfying in the sense that it was a win over a team that have in most recent times, proved to be a bit of a bogey side whom we could not seem to overcome no matter what. However, that day as soon as we kicked off the players were so pumped up to make amends.

It was just unfortunate that Reading met us in a mood where we were going to give out a beating to someone which had been on the cards for a long time this season and in previous ones.

I was determined to also put the record straight against Newcastle, there was no way I was going to let them having the utlimate bragging rights and defeat us in front of you. We bossed the game from start to finish and even when they were reduced to ten men I didn't think we would lose at all. Therefore when the final whistle sounded your joy was mirrored by mine.

Despite unluckily losing at the City of Manchester Stadium, where I felt we deserved a point for our whole hearted efforts, we should we are made of the right stuff to overcome a very stubborn Bolton side. The start was beyond our wildest dreams, scoring inside just over half a minute and then still remaining in control even when Thomas was sent off.

The sending off did look harsh especially as Carl looked nearby, but from where I was in the dugout I couldn't really say if it warranted a red card. Thomas knows that we will be doing this for him as well as you, and you can rest assured that we are determined as ever to take Sunderland into the Champions League, a quite remarkable acheivement that nobody ever would have predicted way back in August.

I know there are thousands of you making the trip to Lancashire on Sunday and more watching proceedings live on Sky or on the club's beamback to the Stadium of Light. We will not let you down, and you have mine and the players' word on it. Together we will achieve what people try to make out we don't deserve, we won't fail anyone!"

Ewood Park: Where destiny awaits...

© SAFC TV, 2009

[RFC]

I really hope you do it.

I have been following this more than any other story, it's the best quality on here in every aspect so I hope you achieve your goal.

[Poolie Exile]

SUNDAY SHOWDOWN

by David Craig, 9 May 2009

Tomorrow sees the conclusion to another exciting Premiership with three sides in the running for the final Champions League slot.

Arsenal have been declared as deserved Champions, the talismanic Thierry Henry inspiring Wenger's squad to the title with consumate ease and few could argue that the North Londoners deserve it. Joining them in the Champions League are Davie Moyes' Everton and last season's champions Chelsea under the extrovert that is Josè Mourinho. However, one spot still remains and the final day will see who will join them.

Lying in the prime position are this season's surprise package Sunderland, managed by the manager who is gaining more and more appreciation in every passing day: Mark Duell. However, waiting for the Black Cats to slip up are Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United.

This is how the table fares going into tomorrow:

With just two points separating the sides, each side knows that one slip could prove fateful. West Ham had the chance on Friday evening to steal a small march on both Sunderland and Tottenham by winning their game in hand at the City of Manchester Stadium. However, the third game in five days showed on Alan Pardew's men as they slipped to a 2-0 defeat and kept them in 6th place.

Sunday's games for each side are as follows:

- away to Blackburn Rovers

- away to Derby County

- away to Fulham

Blackburn and Derby have been relegated, whilst Fulham are safe in mid-table. So it all points out that each side will come out as winners if normality rings true. This would mean that Sunderland will succeed but Chief Football Commentator Martin Tyler isn't so sure.

Martin Tyler said:

"Each side has a potential banana skin and I wouldn't be surprised to see one of them slip up. I don't know which one will, but I am just convinced one will do. I just hope it is not Sunderland because they have been a revelation this season and in Mark Duell, they possess a manager that is surely destined to become a world class manager in the near future."

You can catch all the action live tomorrow on Sky Sports 1 and Sky Sports HD 1 from 2pm, where the programme will be coming live from Ewood Park, Blackburn with Richard Keys and guests. Sky Sports 2 will feature coverage of Tottenham's trip to Pride Park and it's Sky Sports Xtra if you want to view Fulham and West Ham, each of these programmes however will start at 3:30pm. However, you can keep abreast of all developments via the red interactive button which will show all the principal moments that matter in all three crucial games.

It's a Sunday that certainly doesn't want to be missed.

[Poolie Exile]

Last Updated: Saturday 9 April 2009, 15:00 GMT
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Blackburn Rovers v Sunderland

FA Barclays Premiership
Date: 10 May 2009 Venue: Ewood Park, Blackburn Kick-Off: 4:00pm Coverage: Live commentary on Sky Sports 1 and HD1, BBC Radio Five Live, BBC Radio Wear 93.4 and BBC Radio Lancashire 95.5 Highlights on Match of the Day 2, 10:00pm on BBC TWO

It's Sunderland's biggest game of the season and they full well know that a win for them, regardless of whatever anyone else does, will see them into Europe next season. However, they must do this without Thomas Gaardsøe who is suspended for one game after his red card against Bolton last weekend.

Blackburn are however without any key players so Mark Hughes' men will prove to be a stern test for the potential European candidates. However, former Sunderland defender Stephen Caldwell is in the squad.

Last meeting:

At the Stadium of Light, Liam Lawrence's 37th minute equaliser secured a share of the points after Benni McCarthy had given Rovers the lead after 8 minutes. Sunderland secured their survival last season with a 2-1 win after Tobias Hysèn had equalised another McCarthy goal, the winner came in added on time by Hysèn - in what was Mark Duell's first game back after his unforced absence.

Probable Teams:

Blackburn (from): Friedel, Hale, Brown, Knol, Taylor, Nelsen, Caldwell, Neill, Khizanishvili, Sivok, Ruud, Bentley, Savage, Reid, Gamst Pedersen, Vierihina, Mpenza, McCarthy, Roberts, Farfàn, Borhani
Sunderland (from): Alnwick, Luzi, Carson, Stalteri, Hoefkens, Delaney, Mtiliga, Nosworthy, Dorman, Kavanagh, Lawrence, Eagles, Hysèn, Benchenaa, Fredheim Holm, Elliott, Connolly, Sonck, Sutton

Make your Premiership Predictions

[Poolie Exile]

Watch this space, final day decider post coming soon! Will we do it or will we fall at the final hurdle? Tune in....

[Poolie Exile]

SUNDAY SHOWDOWN - CLOCKWATCH (PART ONE)

10 May 2009

16:00 - The games kick off at Ewood Park, Pride Park and Craven Cottage
16:06 - :ball: Pascal Chimbonda has the ball deep in the Derby half, swings in a deep cross. Dimitar Berbatov chests it down and fires it home past Lee Camp! What a superb start for Tottenham, just what they needed. Derby County 0 Tottenham Hotspur 1
16:13 - :ball: Robbie Savage in midfield for Blackburn, feeds out to a willing Morten Gamst Pedersen. Pedersen picks out Benni McCarthy, and he fires it across Ben Alnwick. Blackburn have scored. Just what Sunderland didn't want. Blackburn Rovers 1 Sunderland 0
:ball: Kamil Vacek for Derby, weighted pass into Lee Miller who shrugs off Lee Young-Pyo with ease and drills the ball past Paul Robinson for a leveller. Derby County 1 Tottenham Hotspur 1
16:14 - Javier Mascherano to take this free-kick for West Ham. Good hit but Antti Niemi is in the right place at the right time to hold on.
16:20 - Jimmy Bullard with a chance for Fulham, great save from Robert Green to keep the scores goalless here at Craven Cottage.
16:21 - :ball: Brad Friedel clears the ball upfield. Carl Hoefkens heads it out to Liam Lawrence, Lawrence with a deep cross. Tobias Hysèn has peeled away, unmarked and fires Sunderland level. They're back in pole position again. Blackburn Rovers 1 Sunderland 1
16:22 - Robbie Keane picks out Berbatov with good cross. The Bulgarian shoots, and scores! Tottenham are back in front. Oh no they're not, the assistant on the far side is flagging for offside - Tottenham's celebrations are muted here in Derby.
16:29 - Kevin Thornton with a chance for Derby, good save from Paul Robinson. Looked a certain goal there for the Rams.
16:38 - Vacek with a shot, saved by Robinson, back to Vacek again and what a block from Jermaine Jenas. Derby and Vacek denied a second goal and Tottenham supporters can breathe a bit easier now.
16:45 - Sunderland are having to make an enforced change here at Ewood. Danish speedster Patrick Mtiliga is limping off, Nadir Benchenaa is on as his replacement.
16:46 - It's half time here at Pride Park, Derby County 1 Tottenham 1. What an exciting half that was.
16:47 - Half time at Craven Cottage, Fulham 0 West Ham 0. Surely West Ham will have to get better?
16:48 - The whistle goes here at Ewood to signal the end of the first half. Blackburn Rovers 1 Sunderland 1. Sunderland have one foot in the race for 4th place.

[Poolie Exile]

SUNDAY SHOWDOWN - CLOCKWATCH (PART TWO)

10 May 2009

17:03 - Off we go again at all three grounds, each game kicking off at the same time to ensure nobody has any advantage.
17:08 - Vieirhina crosses for Blackburn, headed away by Hoefkens as far as Ruud Knol. Over the bar, but a half chance there for Blackburn.
17:11 - Keane with a cross, Leacock gives it straight to Berbatov who must score..no, Camp denies him with a superb block and it stays 1-1 here at Pride Park.
17:12 - Vieirhina with another superb cross. Powerful header from Pedersen - great save from Alnwick. Rovers are really up for this game.
17:13 - Savage with a free-kick for Blackburn, parried by Alnwick as far as Pedersen. It must be, but no Alnwick denies with an instinctive block and Benchenaa clears. Terrific double save from Alnwick, he's kept his side in it there.
17:19 - Corner to Blackburn, to be taken by Vieirhina. Comes in, Hoefkens with the header back and what a save from Alnwick to spare his skipper's blushes. Carl Hoefkens looks mightly relieved out there.
17:26 - Jefferson Farfàn with a chance, and Alnwick again denies Rovers. If Sunderland do win the race for 4th, then surely they have to thank their keeper. He's been exceptional this second half.
17:32 - Mascherano brings down Bullard, free-kick. Zat Knight steps up, and thuds it against Robert Green's crossbar! What a strike that was, West Ham have been very lucky there.
17:33 - Jenas brings down Thijs Slujiter, free-kick to Derby. Seth Johnson takes, and that's a brilliant save from Paul Robinson to turn the ball over. The England keeper has really excelled today, and how the Tottenham fans know it.
17:36 - :ball: Long ball forward from Hoefkens, picked up by Andy Taylor. Taylor plays it back to Friedel, but oh no that's sold the American short. Stephen Elliott intercepts, feeds Wesley Sonck and the Belgian taps home his 21st and easiest goal of the season! What a calamity for Blackburn! Blackburn Rovers 1 Sunderland 2
17:37 - Sunderland are making a tactical change here, Dean Whitehead is coming on for Elliott as the Black Cats aim to hold onto this oh so precious lead.
17:40 - Taylor crosses to the far post, Emile Mpenza with the header and it's there! Blackburn are level and it's all in the balance again. Another goal for them or one for Tottenham at Derby will give the North Londoners 4th. Whitehead cannot believe it, he thought Mpenza was offside! Blackburn Rovers 2 Sunderland 2
17:46 - Tevèz with a chance, brilliant block by Knight. And is that the end of West Ham's hopes, they have been very disappointing here at Craven Cottage today.
17:48 - The fourth officials at the grounds indicate the added on time periods. There is going to be three minutes at Craven Cottage and four each at Ewood and Pride Park. Time for any heroes out there.
17:49 - Lee Young-Pyo goes in late on Derby sub Frederik Winsnes and sees red. Is that the end of Tottenham's hopes? Can their ten men overcome this handicap and score an improbable winner...
17:51 - Final whistle goes at Craven Cottage, it's ended goalless here between Fulham and West Ham.
:ball: Lucas Neill with the throw in for Blackburn, well intercepted by the solid Damien Delaney and he sends the ball down the line for Hysèn. Majestic crossfield pass by the Swede to Whitehead who's in acres of space. The former Oxford man takes it into the area and drills it beyond Friedel into the far corner! What a time to score your first goal of the season! Sunderland are going to secure 4th, and those fans behind Friedel's goal are going bonkers! Blackburn Rovers 2 Sunderland 3
17:52 - Full time, Derby County 1 Tottenham Hotspur 1.
17:53 - Time is up at Ewood, Blackburn Rovers 2 Sunderland 3 and Mark Duell and his men are 4th. They're dreaming of the Champions League!

[Poolie Exile]

Monday 11 May 2008

PFA AWARDS WINNERS 2008-09

Last night at London's prestigious Grosvenor Hotel, the PFA announced their annual award winners.

PFA Premiership Team of the Year 2008-09:

Antti Niemi (Fulham)

Hatem Trabelsi (Manchester City), Ibrahima Sonko (Reading), Micah Richards (Manchester City), Benoit Assou-Ekotto (Tottenham)

Cristiano Ronaldo (Man Utd), ANDY DORMAN (SUNDERLAND), Michael Ballack (Chelsea), TOBIAS HYSÈN (SUNDERLAND)

Eddie Johnson (Everton), Thierry Henry (Arsenal)

Substitutes: Jelle Ten Rouwelaar (Ipswich Town), Zat Knight (Fulham), Esteban Cambaisso (Chelsea), Tim Cahill (Everton), WESLEY SONCK (SUNDERLAND)

Winner of the PFA Player of the Year award for 2008-09:

Thierry Henry (Arsenal)

Winner of the PFA Young Player of the Year award for 2008-09:

Micah Richards (Manchester City)

Copyright © PA Sport 2009, All Rights Reserved

[Mr Willy]

Lovely work mate.

[Poolie Exile]

CATS ENJOY THE EURO DREAM

12 May 2009, by Mark Douglas

On Sunday, Sunderland clinched a place in Europe with a thrilling 3-2 triumph at Ewood Park in Blackburn. 4,000 Black Cats supporters made the journey there, with plenty more watching events unfold in pubs and clubs across Wearside and on the Club's official beamback at the Stadium of Light. Now two days on, the mood is still celebratory and even the Manager is excited.

When Dean Whitehead's shot from just inside the penalty area with just seconds left ripped past Brad Friedel into the far corner, Sunderland position in the table was confirmed and the most unlikely dream had been realised. Seconds later, those same fans were jumping around as news came around that Tottenham, Sunderland's closest rivals for that coveted position, could only manage a draw and that was enough to secure 4th - a startling improvement on last season's 15th. Manager Mark Duell takes up the story:

Mark Duell said:

"It was and probably still will remain in my lifetime, one of those amazing days in football. Admittedly, I was a bit nervous inside but trying to show no emotion. I had to be professional and do the right thing for Sunderland.

When Tottenham scored early on, I just wondered how the players would react. They might have been on pitch, but you could taste the feeling amongst those fantastic supporters we have - they were feeling rather gutted. Even though Derby bounced back, we then conceded at the same time and that was no what we were planning. I just looked at Tony (Loughlan) my assistant as if to say, who said this is going to be easy - those fans are going through hell.

However, we managed to get our heads on it and when Toby netted - great play from him to peel away and a superb cross from Liam - our fans went barmy, but I remained cool. I knew I had to. Our game was an amazing one, with Blackburn controlling the second period and Ben proving time and time again how much he deserves that new contract we have handed to him. It certainly wasn't good for the old heart rate.

Then we needed a lucky break and we got it with just 12 left. It was comical how it came about but we didn't care - perhaps that's what you need in those situations. So once the goal went in from Wesley, terrific season he has, we knew we had to protect so that's why we unselfishly took off Stevie and brought on Deano. But within four, they were level with a dubious goal and it was in the balance again. If Spurs scored and it then remained like that, they had 4th and not us.

I constantly looked at my watch and those fans, counting things down and praying for it to end. Then what a time of the season to score your first goal this season from Deano - that's why I was running down the touchline in joy. It meant so much. At the final whistle I was drained, it had been a remarkable end and I think Sparky (Mark Hughes) knew how much it meant to us. If asked why did I look up to the sky, well it was for Dad - whose support I have had in the past and the fact he wasn't able to see this. Now we all have to look forward to Europe, it's really unreal."

The European campaign will be the Black Cats first since they competed the 1973-74 European Cup Winners Cup when they lost 3-2 on aggregate in the Second Round to Sporting Lisbon of Portugal. Now if Chelsea overcome Manchester United in the Final of this season's Champions League, Sunderland will compete in this prestigious competition. One fan, Chris Turnbull, doesn't care:

Chris Turnbull said:

"Europa League or Champions League? I don't really care, we're in Europe and that's the fact of it. It's the best part of my Sunderland supporting life and I cannot thank Mark Duell and those players so much. It's amazing!"

Things are certainly bright and who could argue considering the Club have pocketed a cool £10 million for this high finish, Sunderland are on the up in more ways than one.

[Mr Willy]

Very nice update.

[Poolie Exile]

Last Updated: Wednesday 13 May 2009, 09:30 GMT
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Johnson lands Writers' Top Gong

Everton and United States international striker Eddie Johnson is in a buoyant mood today after landing the prestigious Football Writers Association (FWA) Player of the Year award at a lavish ceremony held in London last night.

The American impressed enough to hold off the competition from Arsenal's talismanic Thierry Henry and Manchester City's promising Micah Richards and become the first ever American winner of this trophy and also the first Everton player since Gary Lineker in 1986.

Johnson was humble in his acceptance speech:

Eddie Johnson said:

"I am not going to make a massive speech to you all. However, this is a great honour to have bestowed on me. I would like to thank my boss David Moyes for bringing me here to UK as an Everton player, my team-mates and most of my family who have supported me all through my career. I feel so proud."

Also at the same dinner, Arsenal's Arsenè Wenger was named the LMA's Manager of the Year, and also the Gunners captured the Premiership's Golden Boot with Henry. Henry has netted a phenomenal 40 goals in 44 games this season, and is on the principal reasons why they have been declared such worthy champions.

In conclusion at the ceremony, Manchester United's Wayne Rooney scored the Goal of the Season. His strike against Chelsea on 15 September 2008 was deemed the best of them all.

[Poolie Exile]

TOBY JOY AS SCHEMER SIGNS NEW DEAL

by Bryan Swanson, 15 May 2009

On top of the European excitement, things have got better and better for Sunderland supporters this afternoon when we are pleased to confirm that Swedish schemer Tobias (commonly known by the fans as Toby) Hysèn has agreed terms on a new 4 year deal.

Hysèn's new contract takes him until the end of the season in 2013, and he admits he so pleased to have signed on the dotted line after much speculation about his future:

Toby Hysèn said:

"I am very pleased to sit here at the side of my coach here and sign a new contract at Sunderland until 2013. I have just had the best season of my life with Sunderland, and next season we are in Europe so you can imagine that what was an inspiration to me.

Me and my agent talked, Mark and Sunderland talked - we couldn't get an agreement but we all knew that we could finalise something soon. Then we sat again, Mark pointed out another deal and I looked at my agent and yes, this was what I needed. I had no hesitation to snatch the pen from Mark and sign it, it was all I have asked for. Now I am pleased to commit to Sunderland and together with the great team we have here then who says what we can go on and achieve."

Hysèn's signing of a new deal recently follows that of Ben Alnwick a few days previous. Obviously Mark Duell is delighted:

Mark Duell said:

"I always thought we would finally keep Toby. We never wanted him to leave under freedom of contract, far from it. It was just a case of negotiating and negotiating until we could reach common ground, and today we found that common ground.

I am sure Sunderland fans will be more than happy, and they have yet to see the best out of Toby yet. It's fantastic for all connected with this illustrious club of ours."

[Shedender]

Well done on qualifying for the Champions League, hope you do well in Europe pal.

[Poolie Exile]

Shedender, on Apr 15 2009, 03:23 PM, said:

Well done on qualifying for the Champions League, hope you do well in Europe pal.

Well that depends if Chelsea win the CL, otherwise it's the UEFA Cup/Europa League for us. Stay tuned as I will be putting a report of the CL final up on here in the story.

[Poolie Exile]

Last Updated: Saturday 16 May 2009, 17:15 GMT
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SPRING OF JOY AS HORNETS CAPTURE CUP

CHAMPIONSHIP side Watford pulled off an astonishing shock by beating Premiership Ipswich Town in the FA Cup Final at Wembley Stadium this afternoon. Tamàs Priskin gave the Hornets the lead early in the second half, only for Richard Naylor to draw the Suffolk side level. Then with the game poised for extra time and potential penalties, Matthew Spring stepped up the mark and score the winning goal. It was a fantastic result for the Hertfordshire side considering Jorge Vargas had seen red for two bookable offences in the first half.

As expected, Ipswich started the brighter and nearly took the lead as early as the 6th minute Vargas brought down Billy Clarke and from the free-kick Radek Dousodil fed David Vaughan but the Welshman's shot was superbly denied by a fingertip save from keeper Mark Brown.

Four minutes later, Town missed a clearcut chance to open the scoring. Clarke found himself clear on goal and with just Brown left to beat, somehow the Irish striker screwed his shot wide of goal much to great derision from the Watford support behind that goal.

With half time approaching, Watford's task got worse when they were reduced to ten men. Chilean central defender Vargas had already been booked for a 22nd minute foul on Clarke, and so when he pushed Danny Haynes off the ball in clear view of referee Chris Foy then the official had no hesitation to dismiss him and give the dreaded walk of shame down the tunnel.

Ipswich almost took advantage in first half added on time when left-back Zak Whitbread picked out his skipper Owen Garvan with a nice pass. Garvan took the ball on before firing in a shot on goal but once again Brown came to Watford's rescue with a superbly save turned around the post.

Watford hadn't offered much really, but six minutes into the second half they were ahead. A gem of a through ball from Spring found Priskin, and the Hungarian peeled away from Dousodil to fire the ball beyond Jelle Ten Rouwelaar. Remarkably enough, it was also his first goal of the season.

With their tails firmly up, Watford gained new heart. Yet with just 15 minutes to go they could have doubled the lead and possibly put the match beyond Ipswich. A great move involving substitute Oscar Wendt, Spring, skipper Al Bangura and Anthony McNamee saw the ball finally come back to Bangura but his shot flashed inches over the crossbar.

Two minutes later, Ipswich made it level. Right-back David Donald's throw in was laid back to him by Haynes and from the cross made, Naylor got himself the highest of the them all to plant a header beyond Brown and send the Tractor Boys delighted.

The game had one last twist in itself and that came with just four minutes left to play. Dousodil tripped Priskin 20 yards out, and Spring stepped to take the set piece. The midfielder curled the ball around the wall and off the post before nestling in Ten Rouwelaar's net to restore the Hornets' lead.

Ipswich were left chasing again despite their numerical advantage and in the final seconds had a good chance to force an addtional thirty minutes play. Vaughan's corner was only by Jan Simak to Haynes who was given the break but before he could pull the trigger Bangura stepped in to intercept and clear. Seconds later, the final whistle sounded and Watford enjoyed their first win in a Final since losing to Everton in 1984.

Watford: Brown, Mahon, Vargas, Hutton, Boussaïdi (Pavey 45'), McNamee (Simak 75'), Bangura ©, Spring, Park, Vuceonvic (Wendt 64'), Priskin.
Subs Not Used: Dudek, Bloomfield

Booked: Vargas
Sent Off: Vargas

Goals: Priskin 51', Spring 86'

Ipswich: Ten Rouwelaar, Donald, Naylor, Dousodil (Campbell 89'), Whitbread, Meulens (Sionko 64'), Vaughan, Garvan ©, Ääritalo, Haynes, Clarke (Lund 64').
Subs Not Used: Amos, Seanla

Man of the Match: Alan Hutton (Watford)

Attendance: 89,973

Referee: Chris Foy (Merseyside)

[ChiccO]

Europe for Watford then as well eh?

Well played in getting the club to fourth mate. I'm waiting to see if Duell will walk away from the Black Cats when his contract expires though.

Also hope that the result in the CL is favourable for you mate.

Excellent reading, KIU.

[Poolie Exile]

Last Updated: Wednesday 20 May 2009, 21:45 GMT
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CHELSEA ARE JUST FOUR-MIDABLE CHAMPIONS!

CHELSEA picked up another piece of silverware under the reign of Josè Mourinho with a comprehensive Champions League rout of Carlo Ancelotti's Manchester United in a very rainy Trondheim. Michael Ballack, Adriano and a double from Andriý Shevchenko secured the win whilst Alan Smith scored United's solitary effort. United were further handicapped by the sending off picked up by Park Ji-Sung midway through the first half but they had no answers to a far superior Chelsea side.

Chelsea almost opened the scoring after only seven minutes which served intent. Mikäel Silvestre held back Frank Lampard but Ballack's free-kick was well held by Edwin Van Der Sar in the sodden conditions.

The Londoners continued to control proceedings, and missed another chance ten minutes later. Paulo Ferriera's through ball picked out Shevchenko and he dribbled past Silvestre with consummate ease but screwed the shot well wide of goal.

Park picked up a yellow card in the 22nd minute for holding back Ashley Cole, but three minutes committed the same offence albeit on Joe Cole and referee Pasquale Rodomonti had no option to send the Korean packing for an early bath.

Chelsea took the lead in the 32nd minute when from Ferriera's cross, Gerard Piquè brought down Lampard for a clearcut penalty. Ballack assumed responsibilty and coolly slotted his 15th goal of the campaign from the spot.

Three minutes later, the lead was doubled. Ballack began the move with a nice pass out to the wing and the ever getting forward Ferriera whose cross came off Smith to unmarked Adriano who has the simple task of netted his 20th goal of the season past the exposed Van Der Sar.

United needed something to get back into the game, and they got it with the game's third goal in six minutes. Argentine Gabriel Heinze's long ball saw Smith break a flimsy Chelsea offside trap and as Cech approached, bent the ball around him from fully 30 yards out and into the empty net.

Three minutes after half time, Chelsea added a third goal. Adriano picked out Esteban Cambiasso and he left Piquè for dead before centering an inch perfect cross which Shevchenko had the simple task of nodding past Van Der Sar.

The Ukrainian international skipper had a second and Chelsea's fourth three minutes later. A long ball forward from Ashley Cole picked him out and with United's defence nowhere, he had the easy job of slotting it beyond Van Der Sar and heap more misery on Ancelotti's men.

It was just a case now of how many more Chelsea would score as they were coming forward with relish and at every opportunity. They should have scored a fifth after 55 minutes when Lampard picked out Shevchenko and his cross found Adriano unmarked but the Brazillian scooped it over the bar with the goal gaping. Then Van Der Sar denied Ballack a second after Lampard's corner was met by the German with a powerful header.

United's night was getting worse when they had a chance to reduce the deficit to 4-2 with four minutes left on the clock but missed. John Terry's clearance went straight to Kieran Richardson but from his pass, fellow substitute Febian Brandy shot into the side netting.

A minute later, Chelsea thought they had added their fifth goal. Ashley Cole's cross picked out substitute Didier Drogba who shot past Van Der Sar but an assistant's flag quickly dampened the Ivorian's celebrations. Chelsea then comfortably ran down the clock with ease, and ensure United would join Liverpool in not qualifying for Europe next season.

Chelsea: Cech, Ferreira, Terry ©, Bouhlarouz, Ashley Cole, Ballack, Lampard, Cambaisso, Joe Cole (Kahlenberg 64'), Shevchenko (Drogba 78'), Adriano (Aimar 84').
Subs Not Used: Ma Kalambay, Rosina, Carvalho, Zaccardo

Booked: Shevchenko

Goals: Ballack pen 32', Adriano 35, Shevchenko 48' and 51'

Man Utd: Van Der Sar, Neville ©, Ferdinand, Heinze, Silvestre, Piquè, Smith, Jones (Brandy 75'), Park, Ronaldo (Lee 65'), Saha (Richardson 65').
Subs Not Used: Zieler, Fletcher, Brown, Scholes

Booked: Piquè, Park
Sent Off: Park

Man of the Match: Ashley Cole (Chelsea)

Attendance: 21,147

Referee: Pasquale Rodomonti (Italy)

[Poolie Exile]

Manager's Journal

Thursday 22 May 2009

Season is now over end and last night I watched the Champions League Final with a chilled bottle of Jacob's Creek and the presence of my Uncle too. Well, my Auntie told him that if he wanted to watch the football then he would have to come over here, so he did. Since I now live on me own (oh and Toby the Dog), missus and I spilt towards end of the season, it was welcome company.

Hell didn't Chelsea look awesome last night? Made Man Utd look like a bunch of schoolboys they did. Full credit to old Josè (Mourinho) he knows how to do it. Safe to say I would like to be as good as he is in a few years. I was about to change channels after the presentation to JT, when the commentator comes out with the quote:

Clive Tyldesley said:

"And that secures Champions League football for Sunderland as well next season..."

I'm gonna have a ferret around the house, something's just gone off in me head!

Friday 22 May 2009

I found it, I knew I had a bet this season....

Talk about having faith in your own squad, eh? £25,010 in the old sky rocket. I'm soooo happy, gonna feel like I am flying with wings down to that bookies soon. Oh, that name on the slip who took it for me...Kayleigh! She's a real nice lass, tidy as well. I wonder if she will go on a date, can only but try eh? She'll be spoken for knowing my luck. Wait and see....

Saturday 23 May 2009

Well I have collected them winnings, and Kayleigh even cashed in for me with a smile. Safe to say before I cashed it in, I walked into the bookies to a loud crescendo of cheers, just like being at the Stadium of Light it was. Mind you, most of the punters in there are SoL season book holders - no wonder they were cheering me then! Meanwhile, back to Kayleigh - I've given me mobile number to her and she says she will give me a ring tomorrow. Chances are in, chances are in...

Club news, Robbie Fowler is retiring at end of his contract. Well, saves me one free transfer - got an idea who to release though. Shame it never worked out for him, good pro though. Also we got £20K from Crewe as part of the Neill Collins deal, this was because they got promoted. Extra cash funds...woo-hoo!

Sunday 24 May 2009

Kayleigh's phoned me! And she is....single! Marvellous and I have arranged a date out tomorrow night too, might spend some of those winnings on her: treat her like a princess. I do know one thing though, her father and brother are season book holders, am sure I will go down well when she introduces me to them. I must still have that charm I reckon, yeah definitely.

Club news, still no news from Niall about a new contract yet. Less than a week to go before this expires too. Think I will get Rob (as in Romans, my agent) and ask what he thinks I should do. Also, Ivica Skiljo wants to stay now - no chance sunshine. He'd be better looking for a new club now, can't see him forcing his way into my thinking. It's a cruel, cruel world in which we live in when it comes to football.

[Poolie Exile]

Manager's Journal

Tuesday 26 May 2009

Still no contact from Niall, and it's starting to get to me. I know I have a rolling contract type deal from when my last deal expired, but he can terminate it if he so wants and despite what we have achieved, I feel he doesn't want me. Rob's thinking I am stupid and I will get a new deal. It's the way these type of contracts work he says - just hope it gives me a bit more of a salary.

One thing I need is a holiday and I think that the Bahamas is looking tempting to say the least. I was looking in the travel agents yesterday and I can see a nice deal for me and Kayleigh. Yes, it went so damn good so much so that I have asked if she would like to go on holiday with me and she said she would.

Just wanna get me contract sorted out then I'm offski - need those rays of sunshine for sure.

Taino Beach, Bahamas perhaps?

Friday 29 May 2009

Friday is a good day for me as I have finalised a new rolling contract here at Sunderland. Niall said he preferred it to be this way, makes it better for both parties in the end. Gonna sort that holiday now, and a relaxing break with Kayleigh at my side.

I can start to chill out loads, well until the 22nd of next month when the players return from their holidays. Mind you I will be back a week earlier than them. Such is the life of a modern football manager these days, not much rest at all...constantly on the go in more ways than one.

Monday 1 June 2009

Holiday booked, fly out later this afternoon. With a new deal in my back pocket, I have made a cheeky bid to see if Rangers will sell me Kris Boyd since they didn't win the SPL League again. Of course Celtic won it, and that's all good isn't it?

Boyd's an excellent all round striker and could be a good player if we can get him on board. Just wondered if those in Ivory Towers at Ibrox will be willing to do business for a player who is unhappy with the terms on offer they are offering him? Worth a chance however, probable a long shot...

Boyd: One of my targets, but will Rangers sell him to me?

Tony is out of contract at end of the month and cannot agree terms on a new deal. This is all I need, my assistant manager on the verge of leaving? Ah well, taxi's beeping outside and Kayleigh inside it. Bahamas here I come!