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Welcome to SPORTS.tv for the 2010-2011 Premier League season!

FA & PREMIER LEAGUE - ANNOUNCEMENT

In an attempt to ensure more competition in the FA Premier League from 2010-2011 onwards, a number of procedures have been implemented during the summer months. The FA and the Premier League have joined forces to purchase each of the 20 Premier League clubs and have cleared the debts of each. Each club has been given a bank balance of £75,000,000 to spend however they wish. 20 new chairmen have been appointed to run these football clubs and this should ensure a bit of a shake-up of the competition from August.

All Premier League managers have been released from their contracts and have been placed in a bidding auction to determine the clubs that they will manage this season along with several managers from Europe, the Championship and out of work English managers who expressed an interest. Each club has submitted a bid – using their £75m – for the manager of their choice and these will be revealed in due course. Each club has also released 5 of its first team squad and these players have been randomly placed at new clubs.

The FA and Premier League have also bought several players from the top clubs abroad. 50 players will be joining the Premier League clubs with the newly promoted and lower Premier League sides from 2009-2010 receiving four of these players. The top five teams from 2009-2010 will only receive one of these players.

In addition to these changes, the Premier League, FA Cup, Carling Cup, Community Shield, Champions League and Europa League competitions will be shown live and exclusive this season on only one channel. That channel is the newly formed SPORTS.tv, the ultimate experience in football viewing on the TV. With HD, 3D and the very best technology out there, SPORTS.tv will launch their new channel and show the best football action in the world!

Good luck to all the teams!

Chip Butty

Premier League Owner

ARSENAL F.C.

CHAIRMAN: Joe Referee

FINANCES: £45m

Arsenal are traditionally one of the top four teams in the Premier League and will be expected to challenge for the title again this season. Based in the tremendous, modern Emirates Stadium, the Gunners will also compete in the Champions League – entering in the Qualifying Round – where they usually make the latter stages as well. A young squad with heaps of potential but, in recent times, no silverware, Joe Referee has re-appointed Arsene Wenger as manager. However, Wenger will be expected to deliver silverware this season to end Arsenal’s barren spell.

The club released Robin Van Persie, Laurent Koscielny, Alex Song, Niklas Bendtner and Emanuel Eboue over the summer as part of the new FA Premier League’s shake up. They were assigned the following five players:

1. Moussa Dembele (Fulham)

2. Laurent Koscielny (Arsenal)

3. Leon Best (Newcastle)

4. Stephen Ward (Wolves)

5. Emanuel Eboue (Arsenal)

Two players return immediately to the Emirates Stadium whilst, out of the other three, Moussa Dembele is the only new signing who will set the pulses racing amongst the Gunners’ fans.

After their 3rd place finish last time out, Arsenal are awarded ONE European player as well. That player will be:

JEREMY TOULALAN – Lyon

Another French midfielder joins the ranks at the Emirates and he must surely be a player that Arsene Wenger has considered a move for in the past. However, a poor World Cup 2010 with France may mean that Toulalan heads for Arsenal out of sorts.

Next up: Aston Villa

ASTON VILLA F.C.

CHAIRMAN: Berg Taur

FINANCES: £71m

Aston Villa have enjoyed a renaissance in recent years as they have developed a young, talented English squad that has consistently reached the Europa League. They play in the famous Villa Park stadium and are looking to return to their glory days of the early 1980’s when they secured the league title and the European Cup. Despite their recent upturn, Villa haven’t won silverware since a League Cup win in the mid-nineties and the new chairman will be hoping that former Newcastle manager, Chris Hughton, can steer them to success this season.

The club released Gabriel Agbonlahor, Steven Warnock, Carlos Cuellar, Steve Sidwell and Curtis Davies over the summer as part of the new FA Premier League’s shake up. They were assigned the following five players:

1. Tim Cahill (Everton)

2. Hendry Thomas (Wigan)

3. Niko Kranjcar (Spurs)

4. Hereld Goulon (Blackburn)

5. Matt Gilks (Blackpool)

The Villa midfield is strengthed somewhat by the arrival of Cahill and Kranjcar, both players that are capable of scoring goals, which many people believe has been the Villa problem of recent years. Villa fans will be happy with the arrival of Cahill in particular who should score a hatful of headed goals from the crosses of Stewart Downing and Ashley Young.

After their 6th place finish last time out, Villa are awarded TWO European players as well. Those players will be:

SAMUEL ETO’O – Inter Milan

What a coup for Aston Villa, the goalscoring machine that is Sammy Eto’o will be plying his trade at Villa Park next season. The Cameroon international striker has represented the top European clubs in his time and should easily be capable of delivering the goals that Villa need to win trophies.

DANI ALVES – Barcelona

A man who many believe to be the best attacking full back in the world, Dani Alves arrives in another coup for the Villains. The Brazilian full back is excellent going forward although there are a few questions over his defensive abilities.

Next up: Birmingham City

BIRMINGHAM CITY F.C.

CHAIRMAN: Ken Company

FINANCES: £69m

The Blues of Birmingham surprised the Premier League last season as Alex McLeish led them to a top half finish when many experts predicted a return to the Championship for them. They will be hoping to avoid the dreaded ‘second season’ syndrome and establish themselves as a Premier League club this time around. However, the departure of McLeish could cause problems with the new chairman appointing former Liverpool boss, Rafa Benitez, to the managerial position, a man with no previous experiences of relegation battles. The St. Andrew’s faithful will be hoping that Benitez can lead them forward and progress the club further.

The club released Jean Beausejour, Cameron Jerome, Craig Gardner, Sebastien Larsson and Colin Doyle over the summer as part of the new FA Premier League’s shake up. They were assigned the following five players:

1. Pablo Barrera (West Ham)

2. Thomas Hitzlsperger (West Ham)

3. Winston Reid (West Ham)

4. Steve Sidwell (Villa)

5. Danny Simpson (Newcastle)

Three players from the lowly West Ham squad arrive at St. Andrew’s, one being a former Villa player, in a poor draft for the Blues and Benitez. The arrival of Sidwell, also from their bitter rivals, Villa, looks the high point of the draft and he will hope to add some bite to the Blues midfield.

After their 9th place finish last time out, Birmingham are awarded TWO European players as well. Those players will be:

YOANN GOURCUFF - Lyon

The creative French midfielder, Gourcuff, arrives from Lyon with a high reputation and should improve the Blues’ midfield by quite a margin. Excellent on dead balls, he comes with the baggage of being involved in the French World Cup debacle but, on his day, he is one of the better midfielders in Europe.

PER MERTESACKER – Werder Bremen

The experienced German centre back arrives to bolster the Blues’ defence although it could be argued that this is their strongest position. However, Benitez is known to like a solid defence so the arrival of Mertesacker should be one than pleases him.

Next up: Blackburn Rovers

BLACKBURN ROVERS F.C.

CHAIRMAN: Charles Beams

FINANCES: £50m

Like Birmingham, Blackburn Rovers also surprised many by finishing in the top half of the table despite relegation fears at the start of the season. With a squad of decent players but no stars, Rovers are always struggling to get anywhere near their mid-nineties glory days but will be looking to push on and reach Europe in the coming years. Ewood Park is rarely full but it could soon be with the arrival of the ‘Special One’ himself, Jose Mourinho, as the new manager of the club. Mourinho has led every team he has managed to silverware and Rovers will be hoping he keeps that run up.

The club released Nikola Kalinic, Phil Jones, El-Hadji Diouf, Hereld Goulon and Amine Linganzi over the summer as part of the new FA Premier League’s shake up. They were assigned the following five players:

1. ‘Pepe’ Reina (Liverpool)

2. Alexander Kolarov (Man C)

3. Emanuel Adebayor (Man C)

4. Wilson Palacios (Spurs)

5. Roman Bednar (WBA)

An excellent draft for Mourinho and Rovers as they secure four major stars from the top clubs in English football. The highlight names of Reina and Adebayor will stand out but the arrival of Kolarov and Palacios are also major coups for Rovers. Bednar will provide a goal threat when he gets chance as well.

After their 10th place finish last time out, Blackburn are awarded TWO European players as well. Those players will be:

ROBINHO – AC Milan

Another man who was at Manchester City last season, the Brazilian midfield maestro Robinho links up with Rovers and will look to inspire them to greater things. Majestic at home but questionable away from home, the Rovers’ fans will be hoping to see all of the Brazilian’s tricks at Ewood Park this season!

LUIS SUAREZ - Ajax

Most people look at Luis Suarez and remember that handball in the World Cup Quarter Final against Ghana. However, take a look at his goalscoring record at Ajax and you’ll see why Rovers’ fans will be dancing in the Ewood Park aisles over this draft. The Uruguayan is young, powerful and is a natural goalscorer.

Next up: Blackpool

BLACKPOOL F.C.

CHAIRMAN: Plucka Duck

FINANCES: £67m

The Tangerines were many people’s tip for relegation from the Championship to League 1 this time last year yet after an astonishing season, the Bloomfield Road side managed to defy all the critics and win promotion to the Premier League with a Play Off Final win over Cardiff City at Wembley. The manager, Ian Holloway, performed miracles with the seaside club but now he has moved on and last season’s Premier League title winning manager, Carlo Ancelotti, has moved to the coast for the salt air, fish and chips and a stick of Blackpool rock. He has a massive job on his hands though if he is to keep the Seasiders in the Premier League.

The club released Alex Baptiste, Gary Taylor-Fletcher, Stephen Crainey, Keith Southern and Matt Gilks over the summer as part of the new FA Premier League’s shake up. They were assigned the following five players:

1. Jean Beausejour (Birmingham)

2. Phillippe Senderos (Fulham)

3. Dean Whitehead (Sunderland)

4. Milan Jovanovic (Liverpool)

5. Jermaine Beckford (Everton)

If any team needed a big draft, it was Blackpool and their fans may be a tad disappointed by it. The stand-out name is that of Milan Jovanovic, on his day a terrific left winger, and the Seasiders will hope he can supply the bullets for Jermaine Beckford. The former Leeds man is unproven in the Premier League but has scored for fun at League 1 level – and he did score the winner at Old Trafford last season.

After their Play Off victory last time out, Blackpool are awarded FOUR European players as well. Those players will be:

MARKO ARNAUTOVIC – Werder Bremen

A name unfamiliar to many in England, the Austrian is capable of playing as a right winger or up front and possesses terrific speed. Only 21, he made his name with Steve McLaren at FC Twente in Holland and actually spent time at Inter Milan last season on loan.

MAURO ZARATE - Lazio

The Argentine attacking player is probably best remembered in England as an unpredictable player than Birmingham had on loan a few seasons back. Devastatingly good on his day, Zarate will be hoping to become an instant hit with the Blackpool faithful!

BALAZS DZSUDZSAK – PSV Eindhoven

Another unfamiliar name to the English fans, Dzsudzsak is a 23-year old Hungarian winger who has spent the last few seasons at the Dutch giants, PSV. A left winger with great crossing and dribbling skills, watch out for him out wide at Bloomfield Road this season.

SILVESTRE VARELA – Porto

A fourth unknown name and another attacking player, the Portuguese right sided forward player, Varela, is another with pace and good crossing ability. With four wingers brought in during this draft, Blackpool should create plenty of chances this season.

Next up: Bolton Wanderers

BOLTON WANDERERS F.C.

CHAIRMAN: Al Moldo

FINANCES: £72m

After the boring reign of Gary Megson, the Trotters’ fans were relieved to see former striker Owen Coyle arrive at the club, change the style of football and lead the club to safety and a 14th placed finish. However, he is now on his way out of the club and former Everton and Ipswich manager, Joe Royle, returns to the game to take over at the Reebok Stadium. Can he continue the good work started by Coyle?

The club released Lee Chung-Yong, Matty Taylor, Zat Knight, Sam Ricketts and Sean Davis over the summer as part of the new FA Premier League’s shake up. They were assigned the following five players:

1. James Milner (Man C)

2. Matty Taylor (Bolton)

3. Carlos Cuellar (Villa)

4. Manuel da Costa (West Ham)

5. Colin Doyle (Birmingham)

A steady draft for the Trotters with the stand out name of midfielder, James Milner, the highlight for their fans. Matty Taylor returns immediately and Bolton will still be able to call on his set piece speciality whilst Carlos Cuellar is a reliable defender that Royle will like.

After their 14th placed finish last time out, Bolton are awarded THREE European players as well. Those players will be:

MARCELO – PSV Eindhoven

A young Brazilian defender, Marcelo is a 23 year old centre back previously at Santos and Wisla Krokow in Poland. Strong and good in the air, he will improve the Wanderers back line considerably.

OLA TOIVONEN – PSV Eindhoven

A second player from PSV, Toivonen is a 24-year old Swedish striker who is a good all-round forward player. A decent finisher and good in the air, Toivonen suits the current Bolton style: a footballing side that remain capable of hitting it direct.

NICOLAS BURDISSO – AS Roma

Experienced defender, Burdisso, brings a strong defensive outlook to the squad. The Argentine is good in the air, strong and hard in the tackle and will be an excellent addition to the squad.

Next up: Chelsea

CHELSEA F.C.

CHAIRMAN: Snake Exceed

FINANCES: £74m

With Roman Abramovic and his millions out of the door, Stamford Bridge welcomes Snake Exceed as the new chairman charged with replicating the Russian’s success. The Premier League champions and FA Cup winners have also lost their manager, Carlo Ancelotti, and have replaced him with what many could term a ‘cheap option’ in former Wigan boss, Roberto Martinez. The Spaniard will be hoping to continue the excellent work of his predecessor with a high quality but aging squad.

The club released Frank Lampard, Didier Drogba, John Obi Mikel, Alex and Saloman Kalou over the summer as part of the new FA Premier League’s shake up. They were assigned the following five players:

1. Karl Henry (Wolves)

2. Didier Drogba (Chelsea)

3. John Heitinga (Everton)

4. Jon Walters (Stoke)

5. Sean Davis (Bolton)

With the way the Premier League has been transformed, the top clubs can expect to take a hit with their squads in the draft – it is designed to even things out. Chelsea fans will be delighted to see Drogba returning to the club though and the signing of Heitinga will replace the departed Alex in defence.

After their 1st placed finish last time out, Chelsea are awarded ONE European player as well. This player is:

DIEGO FORLAN – Atletico Madrid

The former Manchester United striker returns from sunny Spain where he has been a revelation since his poor scoring record in the Premier League. With bucketloads of goals for Villarreal and Atletico as well as Uruguay in the World Cup, Forlan is a superb addition to the Blues’ squad as they look to retain their title.

Next up: Everton

EVERTON F.C.

CHAIRMAN: Paulo Eight-Five

FINANCES: £65m

Is this Everton’s chance to become the dominant team on Merseyside? Their fans will certainly hope so and with their rivals, Liverpool, potentially on the decline and the evening out of the squads in the Premier League, this could be the Toffee’s chance to get on top if they get a good draft. New chairman, Paulo Eight-Five, has certainly made a good start with a great managerial appointment in Harry Redknapp. The wily, veteran manager guided Tottenham, a similar stature club to Everton, to the Champions League last season and will hope to repeat the trick this time round.

The club released Tim Cahill, Yakubu, John Heitinga, Leon Osman and Jermaine Beckford over the summer as part of the new FA Premier League’s shake up. They were assigned the following five players:

1. Nemanja Vidic (Man U)

2. Gary Taylor-Fletcher (Blackpool)

3. Alex Song (Arsenal)

4. Scott Carson (WBA)

5. Joleon Lescott (Man C)

The centre back pair from Manchester, Vidic from United and the returning Lescott from City, will take all the headlines and with Phil Jagielka and Sylvain Distin at the club already, Everton now look well-stocked in defence. Carson will be a good addition as will Alex Song and Everton could improve on last season.

After their 8th placed finish last time out, Everton are awarded TWO European players as well. These player are:

CRISTIANO RONALDO – Real Madrid

Possibly the best player in the world, Cristiano Ronaldo is back in England with the Goodison Park outfit! The former Manchester United winger/forward needs no introduction due to his incredible goalscoring exploits of the past seasons when he led United to Premier League and Champions League glory.

KARIM BENZEMA – Real Madrid

Another Real Madrid star and another excellent addition to the Everton squad, the French striker Karim Benzema is a young man who has the potential to score goals for fun if supplied with the chances. Benzema has attracted interest from many clubs in his short career so far and will be eager to impress the Goodison Park crowd when he arrives for the new season.

Next up: Fulham

FULHAM F.C.

CHAIRMAN: Wizard Wales

FINANCES: £63m

There remains some confusion over the new chairman of Fulham FC with prospective owner William Hall not heard from since the announcement of the new Premier League format this summer. As a result, the Premier League decided to leave manager, Mark Hughes, in charge at Craven Cottage and fine the club the average amount spent on managers by the other clubs, £12m. The players to leave were also randomly determined by the Premier League and there are rumours that unless William Hall gets in contact soon, his position as chairman will be filled by another name.

The club released Moussa Dembele, Phillippe Senderos, Stephen Kelly, David Elm and Fredrik Stoor over the summer as part of the new FA Premier League’s shake up. They were assigned the following five players:

1. Nikola Kalinic (Blackburn)

2. Kieran Richardson (Sunderland)

3. Javier Hernandez (Man U)

4. Sebastien Larsson (Birmingham)

5. George McCartney (Sunderland)

The arrival of the young Mexican, ‘Chicharito’ Javier Hernandez, from Manchester United should excite the Craven Cottage faithful and give the Europa League Finalists a chance to improve on last season’s Premier League performance this time out. The Cottagers will be hoping to make the top half again this season and challenge for a new European adventure in the coming years.

After their 13th placed finish last time out, Fulham are awarded THREE European players as well. These player are:

HULK – Porto

The Portuguese striker, Hulk, brings his unique name and style to the Premier League and to Craven Cottage. With 83 goals in 146 career appearances so far, he certainly knows the route to goal and his strong, pacy play will frighten many defenders to death this season.

DAVID VILLA – Barcelona

A second Iberian striker arrives at the Cottage and this time it is the well known name of David Villa, the Spanish striker who dazzled us at the summer’s World Cup in South Africa as Spain won the trophy. Villa is a natural goalscorer and will link well with the likes of Hernandez and Hulk in the season to come.

LISANDRO LOPEZ – Lyon

Another big name forward signing for Fulham comes in the shape of Lisandro Lopez from Lyon. The Argentine striker scored almost 1 goal in every 2 games for Lyon last season and is an all-round forward: good on the floor, good touch, good finishing and good in the air. He will be a real asset to the Cottagers this season.

Next up: Liverpool

LIVERPOOL F.C.

CHAIRMAN: Toon Balmy

FINANCES: £74m

With Rafa Benitez out and the American owners gone, Liverpool’s new chairman Toon Balmy will be looking to improve on last season’s poor 7th place and take the Reds back into the Champions League next season. His managerial choice is a controversial one with former legendary Liverpool player, John Barnes, given the nod despite his questionable managerial efforts with Tranmere and Celtic in the past. Barnes will certainly know the place inside out though and will be hoping that he can inspire them to their first title in almost 20 years.

The club released ‘Pepe’ Reina, Raul Meireles, Ryan Babel, Milan Jovanovic and Christian Poulsen over the summer as part of the new FA Premier League’s shake up. They were assigned the following five players:

1. Marc Wilson (Stoke)

2. Sylvain Ebanks-Blake (Wolves)

3. Ryan Babel (Liverpool)

4. Danny Guthrie (Newcastle)

5. Curtis Davies (Villa)

The phrase ‘It could have been a lot better’ could be used to sum up Liverpool’s draft as their additions leave the Pool fans uninspired. The stand out name is the name of a winger that has already ‘failed’ at Anfield in Ryan Babel although the signing of Curtis Davies will add potential to their backline. Liverpool might need a decent European draft if they are to challenge next season.

After their 7th placed finish last time out, Liverpool are awarded TWO European players as well. These player are:

DIEGO – VfB Wolfsburg

A young attacking midfielder or forward player, Diego leaves Germany to ease the pressure on the over-relied upon Steven Gerrard at Anfield. Diego is a 25-year old Brazilian who had an excellent record at Werder Bremen but a big money move to Juventus didn’t work out. He will be hoping for better at Anfield.

THOMAS MULLER – Bayern Munich

The young German striker wowed everyone in the World Cup Finals in 2010 and he has the potential to be a first-class striker for Germany and Liverpool in the coming years. The scorer of the fatal goal against England, Muller is only 20 and may not be ready immediately but will provide Fernando Torres with the partner he needs given time.

Next up: Manchester City

That’s the halfway stage, the other ten clubs to come soon. Stand by for a big announcement about the England team though!

THE FUTURE OF THE ENGLAND FOOTBALL TEAM

After their dismal showing in the 2010 World Cup, England have parted company with manger, Fabio Capello. The owner of the Premier League, Chip Butty, has taken over running the England team and will lead the team in their upcoming Euro 2012 qualification group. He has promised to listen carefully to the chairmen of the 20 Premier League clubs when picking his squad and has confirmed that a minimum of 12 teams will be represented in every England squad.

England’s first game under Butty will be at Wembley against Hungary on August 11th and will be followed by the Euro 2012 qualification games. England are in Group G alongside Bulgaria, Switzerland, Montenegro and Wales and need to top the group to guarantee their place in Poland and the Ukraine.

MANCHESTER CITY F.C.

CHAIRMAN: Fergus Sunderland

FINANCES: £74m

The Arab Sheikhs have left the City of Manchester Stadium and it is now in the hands of Fergus Sunderland to take City to the next level and challenging for Champions League football and the Premier League title. With many excellent players in the squad, City will be hoping to get a useful draft and challenge for the title this season. Sunderland has decided that unproven Premier League manager, Ian Holloway, deserves the chance to manage City after his heroics at Blackpool last season.

The club released James Milner, Alexander Kolarov, Emanuel Adebayor, Shaun Wright Phillips and Joleon Lescott over the summer as part of the new FA Premier League’s shake up. They were assigned the following five players:

1. Lee Cattermole (Sunderland)

2. Steven Warnock (Villa)

3. Frazier Campbell (Sunderland)

4. Leon Osman (Everton)

5. Zavon Hines (West Ham)

A steady draft for City as they bring in another defensive midfielder in Cattermole and squad members in Warnock, Campbell and Osman. The youngster from West Ham, Zavon Hines, could be the jewel in this draft as he has excellent potential to be a star in the future for City if they can develop him further.

After their 5th placed finish last time out, City are awarded ONE European player as well. This player is:

GIANLUIGI BUFFON - Juventus

The Italian veteran keeper arrives at the City of Manchester Stadium with a battle on his hands to make the team even with Joe Hart and Shay Given already established. This could create some interesting friction at the club with three big name keepers competing for one spot. Probably not the draft that City wanted.

Next up: Manchester United

MANCHESTER UNITED F.C.

CHAIRMAN: Dudley Max

FINANCES: £40m

New Manchester United chairman, Dudley Max, decided that the most important signing he could make this summer, as United looked to begin their preparations to wrestle the Premier League crown back from Chelsea, would be to ensure that United’s legendary manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, remained at the club. It took £35m of his budget to do so but Sir Alex remains in position at Old Trafford despite the interest of several other teams. With a strong squad already in place, United should be able to cope with the losses they suffer in the draft but will hope for a big name in the European player draft.

The club released Nemanja Vidic, Darren Fletcher, Javier Hernandez, Michael Carrick and Anderson over the summer as part of the new FA Premier League’s shake up. They were assigned the following five players:

1. Jermain Defoe (Spurs)

2. Yakubu (Everton)

3. Zat Knight (Bolton)

4. Keith Southern (Blackpool)

5. Emmerson Boyce (Wigan)

A boost for United with the signing of Jermain Defoe as they get a player that actually improves them in one area of the pitch. With Owen, Rooney and Berbatov also in place as well as Yakubu as well, United shouldn’t struggle for goals. The other signings are likely to be squad members but that is what the draft was all about – weakening the top teams and strengthening the lower teams.

After their 2nd placed finish last time out, United are awarded ONE European player as well. This player is:

IKER CASILLAS – Real Madrid

Another top class goalkeeper arrives in Manchester. Following City’s drafting of Buffon, United get Real Madrid legend Iker Casillas who will battle with Edwin Van Der Sar for the number 1 jersey. However, United fans might be disappointed not to get a defender or a midfielder in this draft.

Next up: Newcastle United

NEWCASTLE UNITED F.C.

CHAIRMAN: Nott Forest

FINANCES: £68m

Newcastle United return to the Premier League this season after a year long hiatus in the Championship with a more settled outlook and a number of off-field problems behind them. However, there is a return of a bittersweet legend ... Alan Shearer’s goalscoring feats at Toon were without equal but he was the man in charge of the Magpies as they were relegated as well. He returns to the club, thanks to new chairman Nott Forest, and will be desperate to show he is a quality manager as he looks to restore Newcastle to the upper echelons of the Premier League.

The club released Jones Gutierrez, Xisco, Leon Best, Danny Guthrie and Danny Simpson over the summer as part of the new FA Premier League’s shake up. They were assigned the following five players:

1. Jonas Gutierrez (Newcastle)

2. James Morrison (WBA)

3. Stephen Crainey (Blackpool)

4. Sam Ricketts (Bolton)

5. Saloman Kalou (Chelsea)

Toon fans will be disappointed with their draft with only the return of their winger, Jonas Gutierrez, and Saloman Kalou likely to rise a smile on their faces. The other players brought in are probably not good enough to survive in the Premier League so Newcastle will need a good European draft and Shearer to be on form in the transfer market as well.

After their promotion last time out, Newcastle are awarded FOUR European players as well. These player are:

SERJIO AGUERO – Atletico Madrid

A real coup for the Geordies as the Spanish striker, Aguero, second only to Villa and Torres in the World Cup winners team, arrives on Tyneside to pull on the black and white stripes. Aguero has great technical ability and has scored goals consistently for the last few years in the Primera Liga – can he do so again here?

PATO – AC Milan

It gets better for Newcastle as the Brazilian ‘Little Duck’ arrives from Milan and ready to partner Aguero up front. Pato is a young striker, like Aguero, and has great feet that should guarantee goals in the Premier League if he is given the chances.

EDIN DZEKO – VfB Wolfsburg

If you’ve not heard of this guy, check out his goalscoring record. The Bosnian striker has scored 48 goals in 66 appearances for Wolfsburg in the past two seasons as well 15 goals in 26 appearances for Bosnia. A 24-year old striker who simply knows where the back of the net is – the new Shearer maybe?

THIAGO SILVA – AC Milan

Milanese striker, Pato, is joined by defender Thiago Silva who will help to shore up the Newcastle defence that leaked goals last time they were in the Premier League. The defender is a rock solid presence and will improve Toon – after all, Milan don’t buy poor defenders do they?

Next up: Stoke City

STOKE CITY F.C.

CHAIRMAN: Whoopy Dee

FINANCES: £70m

In the past two seasons, Tony Pulis has taken Stoke City into the Premier League and established them as a Premier League club thanks to their direct tactics and set piece danger. However, the time has come for Pulis to depart and new chairman, Whoopy Dee, has appointed a new manager in former Everton boss, David Moyes. Moyes has long been famous for doing an excellent job on a small budget and will be able to prove that once more at Stoke. Can they keep up their seasonal improvement?

The club released Marc Wilson, Matt Etherington, Dean Whitehead, Jon Walters and Danny Pugh over the summer as part of the new FA Premier League’s shake up. They were assigned the following five players:

1. Ishmael Miller (WBA)

2. Cameron Jerome (Birmingham)

3. Craig Gardner (Birmingham)

4. Niclas Bendtner (Arsenal)

5. Amine Linganzi (Blackburn)

Not the greatest draft for Stoke but they do increase their firepower with the captures of Miller, Jerome and Bendtner. However, this will leave them with a lot of strikers at the club now! Craig Gardner will provide some bite in the Potters’ midfield.

After their 14th placed finish last time out, Stoke are awarded THREE European players as well. These player are:

ARJEN ROBBEN – Bayern Munich

The tricky winger makes a move to the Brittania Stadium after single handedly (seemingly) guiding Bayern Munich to the Champions League Final last season. The Dutch winger should provide the chances for the Potters to score goals galore this season.

LUIS FABIANO – Sevilla

The Brazilian striker from Sevilla joins Stoke as well to add to their forward line. He has an excellent goalscoring record for the Spanish side and will be hoping to carry that on in the Premier League this season.

LUCHO GONZALEZ - Marseille

The Argentine will bring a touch of class to the Potters’ midfield as he arrives from French club, Marseille. A creative midfielder with a fine pass, he should complement the tough tacklers already in place at the Britannia and add to their options significantly.

Next up: Sunderland

SUNDERLAND A.F.C.

CHAIRMAN: Ben Arsenal

FINANCES: £60m

A new chairman at Sunderland and the Stadium of Light as Ben Arsenal arrives hoping to move Sunderland into the top half of the Premier League and to challenge for a place in Europe. The Black Cats have opted to keep Steve Bruce at the club and he will continue to manage them as they seek to make the desired progress that would satisfy the 40,000+ fanatical fans that show up every week on Wearside to support their team.

The club released Lee Cattermole, Kieran Richardson, Frazier Campbell, Anton Ferdinand and George McCartney over the summer as part of the new FA Premier League’s shake up. They were assigned the following five players:

1. Alex Baptiste (Blackpool)

2. Ledley King (Spurs)

3. Stephen Hunt (Wolves)

4. Chris Kirkland (Wigan)

5. Anderson (Man U)

A solid draft for Sunderland as they bring in players with potential to improve. Anderson from Manchester United is the most eye-catching signing but Stephen Hunt and Chris Kirkland should improve them further as well. When Ledley King is fit, they will have an internationally renowned central defender – but the problem will be keeping him fit.

After their 13th placed finish last time out, Sunderland are awarded THREE European players as well. These player are:

ANDRE-PIERRE GIGNAC - Marseille

The powerful French striker will be looking to put his World Cup torment behind him and score the goals that the Stadium of Light crowd will demand. He should provide Darren Bent with less pressure to score all of Sunderland’s goals this season!

CHRISTIAN ABBIATI – AC Milan

Probably not the player that Sunderland wanted – an experienced and very good goalkeeper to add to Craig Gordon, Chris Kirkland and Simon Mignolet who are already at the club. However, the Italian is an excellent keeper should Steve Bruce decide to use him this season.

FILIPE – Atletico Madrid

A young, Brazilian attacking left full back, Filipe has good pace and forward skills but is questionable going backwards. However, the 24-year old has time to improve further and should provide an adequate replacement for George McCartney who left the club.

Next up: Tottenham Hotspur

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR F.C.

CHAIRMAN: S. J. Numbers

FINANCES: £56m

Harry Redknapp led Tottenham Hotspur into the Champions League last season for the first time ever and new chairman, S. J. Numbers, will be hoping to see success in Europe this season. With the Premier League crown also now a possibility for Spurs, the new manager will be Guus Hiddink, a man with the experience and know how to get Tottenham edging closer and closer to the top spots.

The club released Jermain Defoe, Ledley King, Niko Kranjcar, Wilson Palacios and Sebastien Bassong over the summer as part of the new FA Premier League’s shake up. They were assigned the following five players:

1. Frank Lampard (Chelsea)

2. Darren Fletcher (Man U)

3. El-Hadji Diouf (Blackburn)

4. Anton Ferdinand (Sunderland)

5. Danny Pugh (Stoke)

Tottenham’s weakness has always been suggested to be the centre of the midfield and now they have a midfield that should address that problem. Frank Lampard and Darren Fletcher were both first choice midfielders at the top two clubs in England, Chelsea and Manchester United, so they should improve Spurs. The other signings are solid and dependable and will improve the depth of the squad.

After their 4th placed finish last time out, Spurs are awarded ONE European player as well. This player is:

OSCAR CARDOZO - Benfica

The experienced Paraguayan striker, Oscar Cardozo, will provide Tottenham with something a little different in their forward line. He will be hoping to score goals in the Champions League for Spurs and set the White Hart Lane crowd talking about him.

Next up: West Bromwich Albion

WEST BROMWICH ALBION F.C.

CHAIRMAN: Nos Ikee

FINANCES: £73.5m

West Brom returned to the Premier League yet again last season as they finished second in the Championship to secure an instant return. The ‘yo-yo club’ from the West Midlands will be desperate to survive this season and establish themselves in the Premier League and new chairman Nos Ikee will be hoping that he has chosen the right manager in Owen Coyle to ensure that happens. The former Bolton boss should help the Baggies to keep their footballing style but will not be afraid to change it should it need changing.

The club released Ishmael Miller, James Morrison, Paul Scharner, Scott Carson and Roman Bednar over the summer as part of the new FA Premier League’s shake up. They were assigned the following five players:

1. Gabriel Agbonlahor (Villa)

2. Phil Jones (Blackburn)

3. Stephen Kelly (Fulham)

4. Shaun Wright-Phillips (Man C)

5. Fredrik Stoor (Fulham)

Two established Premier League stars in Agbonlahor and Wright Phillips as well as the enormous potential of former Blackburn defender, Phil Jones, make this a very good draft for the Baggies as they prepare for their Premier League return.

After their promotion last time out, West Brom are awarded FOUR Europeans player as well. These player are:

LIONEL MESSI – Barcelona

Lionel Messi is heading for the Hawthorns! The little Argentine with the superb passing vision and the deadly finish leaves the Nou Camp and heads for West Brom looking to inspire the Baggies. The Hawthorns could well be the place to be next season!

VICTOR VALDES – Barcelona

Joining Messi will be his former Barcelona team-mate, Victor Valdes. The Spanish keeper will likely take over from the recently departed Scott Carson and is a more than reliable last line of defence.

PHILLIPPE LAHM – Bayern Munich

Another stellar draft pick for the newly promoted Baggies as they get the German international right back, Phillippe Lahm, the man who scored the first goal of the 2006 World Cup Finals and captained his side in the 2010 championships.

SERGIO RAMOS – Real Madrid

Could the draft have gone any better for the Baggies? Right back at the Hawthorns could be interesting now as Sergio Ramos joins Phillippe Lahm in battling for a place in the West Brom team. These draft picks could make the Baggies a real dark horse to do well this season!

Next up: West Ham United

WEST HAM UNITED F.C.

CHAIRMAN: Cookie Fifteen

FINANCES: £40m

For the past few seasons, it seems that the East London club have done nothing but fight relegation battles and no doubt their supporters are sick of seeing their team in the bottom five of the Premier League. Cookie Fifteen will take over as chairman at the Hammers who will be hoping to make their Upton Park home a fortress again. In order to do this, Cookie has appointed Pep Guardiola as the manager of the club although it has cost the club dearly to the tune of £35m! For this investment, West Ham will definitely expect to see a positive impact on the pitch.

The club released Pablo Barrera, Thomas Hitzlsperger, Winston Reid, Manuel da Costa and Zavon Hines over the summer as part of the new FA Premier League’s shake up. They were assigned the following five players:

1. Robin Van Persie (Arsenal)

2. Xisco (Newcastle)

3. Paul Scharner (WBA)

4. Alex (Chelsea)

5. Sebastien Bassong (Spurs)

A successful draft for the Hammers as they raid several of their London rivals for top talent that should ease them closer to the mid-table comforts than the bottom end of the division this time out. Maybe this time they’ll be able to leave illegal Argentine players alone?

After their 17th placed finish last time out, West Ham are awarded FOUR Europeans player as well. These player are:

JUAN MANUEL MATA – Valencia

The Spanish winger is 22-years old and already has 9 caps for the Spanish national team. His left foot creates chances from wide on a regular basis and he is capable of playing up front as well with an excellent finish for a winger. Big things should be expected from this fella.

JULIO CESAR – Inter Milan

A Champions League winning goalkeeper joins the Hammers as Julio Cesar arrives to challenge the England keeper, Rob Green, for his place in the starting line-up. Cesar commands his area well and can make world class saves look easy.

JESUS NAVAS - Sevilla

Another young Spanish star who was in the squad that won the World Cup this summer, Jesus Navas is an attack minded midfielder that has an eye for a goal as well. Capable of playing in the middle or wide right, he is another young talent that West Ham fans should be drooling over in the coming months.

GIORGIO CHIELLINI - Juventus

With all the attacking talent arriving at Upton Park, a solid, dependable defensive rock is a must and Giorgio Cheillini fits the bill perfectly. The left sided defender is a real powerhorse who is rarely beaten in the air and will be the cornerstone of Pep Guardiola’s side.

Next up: Wigan Athletic

WIGAN ATHLETIC F.C.

CHAIRMAN: Jack Browne

FINANCES: £69m

For Wigan Athletic, the idea of being an established Premier League side was – up until about five years ago – a distant dream. The minnows from Lancashire have risen up and earned a Premier League place that they have hung onto and scraped to safety season after season since. The Latics might not have a full stadium week in and week out but they do have heart that matches any fanbase in the division. They will simply hope that the new manager, Roberto Mancini, can keep the side floating along nicely and possibly finishing in the top half sometime.

The club released Hugo Rodallega, Hendry Thomas, Steve Gohouri, Chris Kirkland and Emmerson Boyce over the summer as part of the new FA Premier League’s shake up. They were assigned the following five players:

1. Hugo Rodallega (Wigan)

2. Raul Meireles (Liverpool)

3. John Obi Mikel (Chelsea)

4. Michael Carrick (Man U)

5. Ronald Zubar (Wolves)

A strong midfield gained by the Latics in the draft although it could be accused of being a little defensive with Mikel, Meireles and Carrick in there. The return of Hugo Rodallega will split fans who see a very inconsistent player at the DW Stadium in the Ecuadorian.

After their 16th placed finish last time out, Wigan are awarded FOUR Europeans player as well. These player are:

MIRKO VUCINIC – AS Roma

The Montenegran striker will provide the Premier League with entertainment should he score – he is the man who pulls his shorts down and waddles along as a celebration. Will it earn him a yellow card? He should provide Wigan with goals that they normally miss.

HANS-JORG BUTT – Bayern Munich

The veteran German keeper will provide a reliable replacement for the departed Chris Kirkland and should enable Wigan to keep the goals out. A low profile signing but it could be very significant to the club.

DANIELE DE ROSSI – AS Roma

The Italian midfielder jets in from Rome and could be the bite that Wigan need in their midfield alongside the likes of Carrick and Mikel. A player that creates goals and has an eye for a finish as well, De Rossi could be the final piece of Wigan’s midfield jigsaw.

WESLEY SNEIJDER – Inter Milan

The Dutch midfielder was influential last season as Inter Milan marched to the Champions League title and the Italian League and he could have a massive effect at the DW Stadium as well. Wigan will have to decide on his best position as he can play anywhere in the midfield and could even play just off the strikers as well.

Next up: Wolverhampton Wanderers

WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS F.C.

CHAIRMAN: Sergio Five

FINANCES: £64m

After a successful first season in the Premier League under Mick McCarthy, Wolves will be looking to avoid the drop more comfortably this season as they look to improve their squad. New chairman, Sergio Five, has decided that the new man to lead the side at Molineux should be Alex McLeish, the man who guided a similar Birmingham City side to the top half of the Premier League last season. A good draft is essential for Wolves as many of their expected rivals have improved significantly as well.

The club released Karl Henry, Sylvain Ebanks-Blake, Stephen Hunt, Stephen Ward and Ronald Zubar over the summer as part of the new FA Premier League’s shake up. They were assigned the following five players:

1. Lee Chung-Yong (Bolton)

2. Matt Etherington (Stoke)

3. Steve Gohouri (Wigan)

4. David Elm (Fulham)

5. Christian Poulsen (Liverpool)

That doesn’t look to be the greatest draft and that could lead to Wolves being a struggler this season. They will be hoping to pick up quality in the European draft to add to the quality from the Danish midfielder, Poulsen. Etherington and Chung-Yong are capable of doing damage on their day but Wolves will know that they cannot rely on these players to create things out of nothing.

After their 15th placed finish last time out, Wolves are awarded THREE Europeans player as well. These player are:

MAICON – Inter Milan

One of the best attacking full backs around and a solid defensive player as well, this Brazilian must be good if he keeps Dani Alves out of the national team. Maicon has a excellent finish for a defensive player and the Wolves fans must be drooling at the thought of Maicon strutting out in the famous old gold.

AARON HUNT – Werder Bremen

A young German forward player, despite his English name, Hunt can play anywhere across the midfield or strike line and is full of potential. At just 23, Hunt needs to develop more strength but he has all the technical attributes he needs to fire Wolves up the table.

ALOU DIARRA – Girondins Bordeaux

Alou Diarra is a solid French defensive midfielder that regularly appears for the French national side. A short spell at Liverpool early in his career produced no Premier League appearances but since then, Diarra has played for the top French sides in Lens, Lyon and Bordeaux. Solid and dependable, he should prove an asset for Wolves.