Flying with the Eagles

As Chelsea were already crowned before their Champions League Semi-Final triumph over Real Madrid, most of the drama was at the foot of the table. Sunderland knew their fate heading into the final day. As they prepare for life in the Sky Bet Championship, it was between Norwich, Watford, Leicester and Crystal Palace who would join them. Unfortunately for Leicester and Palace fans it was a day they would like to forget as neither could get the points they needed despite Norwich's loss which could have seen them escape the drop.

It is understood that Claudio Ranieri and Alan Pardew will step down before the day is out. Early reports claim Pardew has already been spotted leaving the King Power Stadium. Both clubs are understood to already have a shortlist of managers lined up for the job, it has even been suggested Pardew had recommended who he feels should take over at Selhurst Park. It is not yet known if caretaker manager Andy Welsh will take over the reigns at Sunderland permanently as his tenure was as successful as he would have hoped.

Just a day after Crystal Palace were relegated and Alan Pardew resigned, Jamie Carragher was unveiled as their new manager. Pardew had decided along with chairman Steve Parish that he would step down despite the fate of the club next season.

Carragher played as a defender for Premier League club Liverpool for 17 years. His most recent role was a pundit on Sky Sports MNF. A one-club man, he was Liverpool's vice-captain for 10 years, and is the club's second-longest ever serving player, making his 737th appearance for Liverpool in all competitions on 19 May 2013. Carragher also holds the record for the most appearances in European competition for Liverpool with 150. His honours with Liverpool include two FA Cups, three League Cups, two Community Shields, one Champions League, one UEFA Cup, and two Super Cups.

We were well over our wage budget so I had a massive clear-out of anyone who didn't want to be there or wasn't in my plans for next season. I managed to cut over £200k p/w of the wage bill and still have about £5m to invest.

Miguel Ángel Moyà: I wanted to bring in a keeper who, if we go up, could also do a job in the Premier League. At 3 just 32 he still has a fair few years left in him between the sticks. For the wages and fee I paid, this might just turn out the be the bargain of the season. It should take some special Championship strikers to get past him.
James Wilson: As most of my forwards left I was desperate for a bargain to booster my strike force. He looks clinical and has the pace to play off the last defender. If the loan works out and circumstances permit I would like to take him permanently.
Jordan Rhodes: I needed a striker to replace Connor Wickham and with 97 goals in 179 Championship appearances Rhodes seemed like the obvious choice. He could fire us to promotion and make an impact in the Premier League.
Sergi Samper: Talk about a bargain. We pay nothing to take Samper on loan for the season and he added some much needed depth to our small squad.

Transfer In
Jamaal Lascelles: I was desperate for another centre back so snapped him up on loan from Newcastle, will probably be a starter this season and I will look to keep him if he plays well.
Kyle Bartley: Not the best or most exciting signing I could have made but he's big strong and relatively quick for a centre back.

Superbly presented Sean, really like this idea, something different to your usual celtic and everton saves!

Cheers Dan. Most results etc will just be a standard post however most of the major events will have a small news article or extended post.

Wage reduction since my takeover. The savings of over £350k p/w in wages should reduce the impact of relegation.