OUTSIDE 90

As David Moyes looks to settle into the task of succeeding Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United, he would have been hoping the release of the 2013-14 Premier League fixtures had a more modest feel to it. 

The reigning league champions are entering a new era under the 50-year-old Scot, and Moyes will be looking to get off to a strong start. 

The Old Trafford giants are traditionally slow starters, with the greatest sides of Ferguson's reign being renowned for their ability to kick on after the New Year. 

The former Everton manager, who didn't win a single trophy in his 10 years at Goodison Park, knows that failure to land silverware is not an option in Manchester. 

The added challenge of facing new Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho and Manchester City's new boss Manuel Pellegrini, will add to the pressure on the man who started his managerial career at Preston North End. 

However, all eyes have been cast to forthcoming season's fixture list, and it will leave some United fans feeling distressed.  

United start their title defence with a trip to League Cup winners Swansea City.

Whilst that game poses a number of tricky issues, the supporters will have one on their next two fixtures. 

Mourinho's Chelsea visit Old Trafford on the weekend of August 24, as the 'Happy One' will be pivotal for both managers to lay down a marker for the rest of the season.  

Moyes will undoubtedly face comparisons to the man that has won a league title in four different countries, especially considering Mourinho was the fans elect to replace Ferguson. 

He knows that a win for his side will go a long way in helping him to win over any lingering doubts over his appointment. 

However, the task should be made slightly easier by the fact it is at home, in front of more than 70,000 fans. 

The real test will arguably come in their next game, when they travel to Anfield to face traditional rivals Liverpool.   

Moyes never won at Anfield during his time as Everton boss - Daily Mirror

The fans of the Merseyside club will be counting down the days until Moyes returns to the area. As boss of Liverpool's local rivals Everton, Moyes failed to register a single win at Anfield. That is a fact that will undoubtedly play on his mind as he leads United out for what will be an entirely different experience. 

The Red Devils' next game comes in the form of newly-promoted Crystal Palace, the side from which they signed new boy Wilfried Zaha. In Ian Holloway, the Eagles' have a manager that knows the league well, but it is a game that United must win given their pedigree.

Their fifth game of the season sees them take the short trip to The Etihad for the Manchester derby against City and Pellegrini. 

The two sides have been fighting one another for the league crown in the last couple of seasons, and it should be no different this year. 

Pellegrini has already admitted that he "needs" to win the title - citing the fact City have spent heavily in recent years and they have an array of talent at the club.  

Defeat for United would lead many to question Moyes, especially if the games prior to the derby end in disappointment for United. 

The 'silly season' is upon us once again. 

Potential transfers are bandied around, whether they be genuine possibilities or fabricated stories. 

There are, however, three players who could influence the destination of the Premier League title come May, if, and it's a big-if, they seal moves to linked clubs. 

Marouane Fellaini - linked with Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United

There has been strong speculation in regards to a move to one of the supposed 'big four' clubs after his initial season, which saw Fellaini score 11 goals and provide five assists in 31 league appearances. 

Capable of performing a defensive role, as well as in central midfield and has also operated with apblom as a centre-forward - he is the ultimate utility. 

The 25-year-old has an exceptional engine, and last season it allowed him to make 82 tackles, which ranked him in the top 10 despite missing seven league games.

Arsenal are reportedly set to submit a big-money offer for the Belgium international, whilst Chelsea and Manchester United are also monitoring his situation. 

At the Emirates, he would likely be deployed as a defensive midfielder with Santi Cazorla and Jack Wilshere occupying more advanced roles in a 4-3-3 formation. 

If Chelsea secure the star then expect Jose Mourinho to rotate him through a variety of different positions in his typical 4-2-3-1 setup. 

His former manager David Moyes would use Fellaini like he did at Everton, as a devastating box-to-box midfielder that worked so well at Goodison Park. 

Edinson Cavani - linked with Chelsea and Manchester City

Reportedly only a sum of 63m will be enough to pry Cavani away from Napoli.

The Uruguayan has netted 104 times in 138 appearances for the club, and given the nature of the inflated market in the past decade, the fee comes as no surprise. 

Cavani starred against Chelsea in last season's Champions League - Zimbio. 

A natural and ruthless finisher, Cavani is also a tireless worker who has been shown to drift wide to accommodate other attacking players for both club and country.   

With the recall of Romelu Lukaku from his loan spell at West Bromwich Albion and Fernando Torres seemingly staying put in North London, Cavani may find himself in wide areas at times. 

If the 26-year-old does move to Stamford Bridge, the way in which Jose Mourinho deals with his plethora of forwards will be telling.

In the event he switches to Manchester City one could expect him to be deployed as the lone frontman in a 4-4-1-1 or playing in behind the centre-forward in 4-3-2-1, which Manuel Pellegrini used at Malaga in the Champions League.  

Kevin Strootman - linked with Manchester United

The former Utrecht and Sparta Rotterdam midfield has been linked heavily with Manchester United in the past year.

His ability to operate as a box-to-box midfielder, and perform as the deep lying playmaker with a pass success rate of over 91% last season, prompted a call up to the Netherlands national team.

At the tender age of 23, he's already notched 18 caps and is highly-rated with the Dutch media. 

If Strootman seals his dream move to Old Trafford he will be the perfect player to play in an advanced midfield role ahead of Michael Carrick. 

Moyes can choose to operate him in central midfield in either a 4-2-3-1 formation or the traditional 4-4-2. 

On the other hand, if last season's successful 4-5-1 is implemented then Strootman can be the box-to-box workhorse behind the playmaker, whether that be Shinji Kagawa or want-away star Wayne Rooney.  

World-class promise has been bestowed upon his shoulders. 

Five goals from deep from midfield, an innate ability to win the ball and great vision all strong reasons for the acclaim. 

Manchester City have taken their first major step towards wrestling back the league title and improving their fortunes in the Champions League with the signings of Sevilla winger Jesus Navas and Fernandinho from Shaktar Donestk.

Many pundits attributed a large part of last season's lacklustre title tilt to the club's summer transfer failings.

Axed boss Roberto Mancini aired his grave disappointment at missing out on the services of Robin Van Persie.

The Dutch star went on to score 26 goals for fierce neighbours Manchester United – as many as Sergio Aguero and Edin Dzeko combined – and in the end it proved decisive.

City's biggest capture, Javi Garcia, failed to justify the £18m price-tag, while Jack Rodwell's persistent injuries saw him spend lengthy periods on the sidelines. Maicon and Scott Sinclair were also unable to make a reasonable impact for the first-team, limited to appearances off the bench.

As the season progressed, the side's ineptitude was evident with a lack of width and guile in midfield. 

Furthermore, the situation was worsened by Mancini's stubborn approach.

High expectations meant last campaign's results could be labelled as nothing but dismal.

Finishing 11 points behind league leaders United, eliminated from the Champions League group stage for the second successive year and humbled by Wigan in the FA Cup final – the fact file told a grim picture.

City and newly instated manager Manuel Pellegrini will be determined not to make the same mistakes again.  

Business done late in the previous transfer window – and done badly – has clearly been learnt from with new faces already drafted into the squad.

A fee in the region of £21m is a hefty sum for the creative right-winger Navas, but the 27-year-old has a fine record for the Spanish outfit, scoring 34 goals and providing 77 assists in 388 appearances in all competitions.

The diminutive playmaker has mesmerised defences for almost a decade now.

He has blistering pace, excellent crossing ability, deft touch and is technically gifted – all attributes that will serve him well in the Premier League.

The only major concerns surface around his poor finishing, evident by just a solitary goal last season.

Creating chances for teammates is at the heart of his game, if he can provide opportunities for City's star-studded forwards, the scoring woes will be cast to the side.

It reportedly cost the club a sizeable £30m for 28-year-old Fernandinho, but he arrives with speed and power that can help rejuvenate the midfield department along with the imperious Yaya Toure.

Fernandinho is an excellent piece of business by City - The Independent

His well-rounded game could prove to be one of the shrewdest purchases in recent years.

The Brazil international can drive at opponents, is strong in a tackle, has an astute reading of the game and is capable of turning defence into attack in an instant.

He possesses similar qualities to that of Chelsea's lightening-quick Ramires, but has a more reliable passing range than his compatriot. 

Fernandinho's high-tempo game should free up Toure to assume a more attacking role, whilst also allowing him to help aid the defence.

The introduction of Fernandinho is a real statement of intent for the season ahead, and if they can successfully swoop for highly-rated Spanish youngster Isco, confidence within the camp should be at a premium.

With Pellegrini also closely monitoring the availability of Real Madrid's central defender Pepe, it appears City are attempting to reinvigorate their squad with serious quality.

James Ward-Prowse.

Take note of the name and don't forget it. 

Not a well known player to the wider football community just yet, but nonetheless he is a highly regarded youngster at St Mary's Stadium. 

A diminutive 18-year-old midfielder with plenty of natural ability; is he set to become the next gem to emerge from the famed Saints academy?

Looking at the history of youngsters who have come through the youth system on the South Coast would suggest he may well be. 

Club greats Mick Channon (17), Matt Le Tissier (18) and Alan Shearer (18) all made their first teams bow as teenagers, as did more recent graduates – Wayne Bridge (18), Theo Walcott (16), Gareth Bale (16), Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (16) and Luke Shaw (16).

All of these players have then gone on to win full international honours for their respective countries, with the exception of Shaw, the most recent debutant.

Ward-Prowse made his first team debut at just 16 years and 358 days old, playing the entirety of a 2-0 reverse versus Crystal Palace in October 2011, and has since gone on to score his solitary goal for the club to date, in an FA Cup victory against Coventry City.

But just how ready is he for the immediate rigours of regular first-team football?

He has recently gone on record and stated he doesn’t want to continue sitting on the substitutes bench, where he's made the majority of his appearances, despite starting the first league fixture of the campaign.

There is clearly belief from within the club he has what it takes, with 19 appearances in all competitions, plus England caps at both under 17 and under 19 level confirming he's beginning to stake a strong claim to be included in the starting lineup. 

Ward-Prowse has all the qualities to become a leading midfielder - Football 365

But as in any walk of life there is a pecking order.

In a recent interview the ambitious Portsmouth-born player said “Now I’m almost established and I need to make that next step and challenge Jack (Cork) and Morgan (Schneiderlin) for a place in the team and hopefully establish myself in the side as I did at the start of last season.”

However, Schneiderlin and Cork played nearly 70 times between them during 2012-13, so will clearly take some budging.

Then throw into the mix Guly Do Prado, Steven Davis, Jason Puncheon, Gaston Ramirez and club captain Adam Lallana, and his task becomes even more greater.  

The one thing this precocious teenager does have on his side though is time, and also an environment in which youngsters are trusted to do a job.

For now, therefore, it may be a case of biding his time and waiting for the opportunities to arise - either in the league or in the cup competitions - and when they do there is every chance his natural skill will shine through.

Whatever happens over the coming season though, he will do well to bear in mind the old football adage.

If you are good enough, you are old enough.

Michael Laudrup’s future as Swansea City manager is hanging in the balance after the club severed all ties with the Dane’s agent, Bayram Tutumlu.

It is understood Swansea are angry at the role Tutumlu has played in the breakdown in relations between Laudrup and chairman Huw Jenkins over the club’s transfer policy.

One particular point of contention is the agent's involvement in the potential sale of Wales defender Ashley Williams.

Arsenal are reportedly on the verge of agreeing terms for the transfer of the Swansea centre-back, in a move which could also see the departure of Thomas Vermaelen from the Emirates.

However, chairman Huw Jenkins is believed to have told Tutumlu that he has no intention of allowing Williams's move out of the Liberty Stadium. 

Jenkins and the Swansea board have worked closely with Tutumlu during Laudrup’s first season, which saw the Welsh club win the League Cup, and there have been major issues between the two parties in recent weeks.

It led to Laudrup’s claim last week that the responsibility for not making significant additions to last season’s squad lay with the Premier League club and not the manager.

Now, Jenkins is understood to have told Tutumlu he will not deal with him any more over transfers, in or out of the club.

This leaves Laudrup with split loyalties, as he has known Tutumlu since he was a Barcelona player and the latest disagreement appears to make the Dane's position at Swansea even more tenuous, given the close ties between the two men.

Sources at Swansea suggested the club believed Tutumlu had attempted to recruit players behind the boards back since the end of the season in May, even though they had reiterated their preferred transfer policy.

Jenkins wanted to continue working closely with the manager in an attempt to strengthen the squad, in particular by signing at least two new strikers rumored to be Wigan’s Aroune Koné and West Bromwich Albion striker Peter Odemwingie.

Holding aloft Swansea's first major trophy in their 101-year history - The Times

However, they will no longer include Tutumlu in any negotiations with potential targets, which could be a huge stumbling block.

The move is likely to lead to an uneasy truce and Laudrup might eventually have to choose between his adviser or continuing in his current role at the Liberty Stadium. 

It is understood Jenkins remains in contact with Laudrup and the Dane has offered up a fresh list of potential transfer targets he believes will help the club consolidate on last season’s top-half finish.

Laudrup has been linked with half a dozen European clubs in recent weeks, including Roma, Fenerbahce and Paris St-Germain.

The 48-year-old, who in March signed an extension to his initial contract, has maintained he wants to remain at Swansea.

Tutumlu claims there is only an issue between himself and the Swans chairman Huw Jenkins.

Tutumlu told the BBC: "There is no problem with Michael Laudrup and Swansea City."

"He is staying. It is my problem, my problem with Huw Jenkins."

Following Swansea’s recent success, which saw Brendan Rodgers guide the club to promotion to the Premier League in 2011 and the trophy success in February, it would undoubtedly be a significant loss if the Welsh side were to lose Laudrup.

Hull City returns to the top-flight after a three-year exodus and bring with them a sense of optimism for the season ahead.

Finishing on 79 points, with 24 victories from a possible 46 games, the Tigers' claimed automatic promotion along with Cardiff City.

Hull may not of produced scintillating football like other teams around them last season, but they have a good mix of youth, experience, an excellent defence and an astute manager in Steve Bruce.

Attacking left-back Robbie Brady is the unsung hero of the youth brigade with excellent technical ability and lightening-quick overlapping runs.

The former Manchester United youth graduate scored four goals and provided 13 assists, which accounted for 28% of the side's goals – the highest percentage for the team. 

At 21, the youngster is destined for big things, and it will be intriguing to see how he competes at the highest level.

Robert Koren is at the heart of Hull's creative play, with the vice-captain responsible for 23% of the team's goals last term, scoring nine goals and providing five assists.

The former West Bromwich Albion midfielder was the club's top scorer, which is an issue Bruce and the coaching staff must address before the start of the campaign.

The major key to Hull's success was their supremely marshalled defence.

Last season they ranked third in the Championship, conceding 52 goals and keeping 16 clean sheets in the process. 

24-year-old James Chester was the defensive lynchpin that kept things tight at the back.

Chester was immense for the Tigers' last season - Give Me Goal

The durable centre-back made 44 starting appearances for the Tigers, and is arguably the side's most important player.  

Bruce adopted a rotation policy to play alongside Chester, with Abdoulaye Faye, Alex Bruce, Paul McShane and captain Jack Hobbs, who collectively averaged 31 league games. 

On the field Hull's defence is undoubtedly their strongest attribute, but the side's boss will be key to their survival aspirations.

The former Manchester United captain took charge of Hull last summer after an eighth placed finish the previous season.

Bruce's man management and unwavering belief is a standout feature of his coaching repertoire, and Hull have certainly been receptive to his methods.

His shrewd tactical change from a conventional 4-4-2 to a reworked 3-5-2 enables him to accommodate for Koren's creativity and Faye's lack of pace.

The ex-Sunderland boss has made a big impact in the dressing room, and that sense of unity should not be underestimated as they strive for top-flight safety. 

Nonetheless, the Hull squad is thin on quality compared to the rest of the premier division, and new acquisitions are a must this summer.

Strong central midfielders will be required and they must try to draft in some proven goalscorers, at least a striker capable of scoring 12 goals.

Sone Aluko was the team's leading forward with eight goals in 22 appearances, while Jay Simpson managed just six goals in 43 outings, but failed to convince Bruce of his top-flight credentials and was released by the club.

Reports suggest Bruce is monitoring the services of Celtic talisman Garry Hooper, who would be a wonderful addition to the team. 

With over 14 years managerial experience spread across England's top two divisions, Hull's team is in capable hands.

With Brendan Rodgers preparing for his second season in charge of Liverpool, fans of the Anfield club have been pondering what the immediate future will bring for their great club.

From his time at Swansea, where he helped to mould the Welsh side into a mid-table Premiership side that took the league by storm, it was clear that flowing football would be Rodgers' mantra in Merseyside. The 40-year-old Northern Irishman inherited the difficult task of returning the Reds to their former glory, and there have certainly been signs of improvement under the former Reading manager. Improved performances have led to a more clinical Liverpool side - last season's fourth highest scorers - although a seventh placed finish saw Liverpool miss out on Europe. But Rodgers knows where they need to improve. Luis Suarez broke the 30-goal mark in 2012-13 and earned the title of 'world class' in some corners of the football world but the Reds' boss is not content.

Discussing his transfer plans, he said, "I'm looking to bring 20 more goals into the team." January's signing of Daniel Sturridge proved an instant hit with the Kop faithful as he scored 10 goals in his 14 games for the club, providing optimism for next season.

The pair have been instant Kop hits for the team - Liverpool Echo

In addition to the potential for a fantastic first full season for Sturridge, the impending transfer of Iago Aspas from Celta Vigo promises to add more guile and firepower to the squad. But the biggest concern for those at the club is the possible departure of the side's Uruguayan talisman. The striker would definitely command a figure in the region of £40-50million, only replacing him would be a tough task. Without the lure of European football at England's most successful football club, attracting star names is a difficult job. Liverpool have been linked with 20-year-old Sevilla winger Luis Alberto, French QPR striker Loic Remy, and even Blackpool's England under-21 winger Tom Ince. Whilst these players all have certain qualities, none of them are in the class of Suarez. Liverpool's record signing Andy Carroll is also on his way out, with the former Newcastle forward deemed to be surplus to requirements, and Rodgers will need to ensure Liverpool start quickly next season, with or without Suarez. Another pressing issue for Rodgers to address is the lack of creativity in the side, evident by 13 draws last campaign - only three teams had more in the division. 

Phillipe Coutinho, another January signing, improved the club's fortunes but they need depth in that area of the pitch, with £20m plus moves for Christian Eriksen of Ajax, and highly rated Shakhtar Donetsk playmaker Henrikh Mkhitaryan being touted. Rodgers certainly feels that attack is a position that needs improving and it would appear Liverpool have set the ball rolling early this summer, in order to avoid the mistakes of previous transfer windows. Despite the obvious need for more offensive potency in the side, there is one void that desperately needs filling and that is the void left by retiring centre half Jamie Carragher. The 35-year-old retired after 508 competitive appearances in 17 years for Liverpool and his experience and passion for the cause is something that will need to be emulated.

Mark Hughes was fortunate enough to play for some of Europe's finest football clubs, and a host of other credible sides in England. 

As a youth product of Manchester United youth academy, he would go on to grace some of the world's most famous stadia in a career that spanned more than two decades.

There was a two-year stint at Barcelona, a brief spell with Bayern Munich and then a famous return to Old Trafford where he etched himself into folklore.

He was a member United's historic team in 1992-93, claiming the club's first league title in 26 years.

The following campaign he would play a vital role in securing a cup double.

Trophies were a hallmark of his days as a flourishing centre-forward at Old Trafford.

After the glory days he still had the pleasure of playing for Chelsea, Southampton, Everton and Blackburn Rovers.

Not many, if any, can boast such a classy variety of teams to represent.

An older Hughes would have nothing but pride when he looks back on his career as a player.

In stark contrast one could suggest – and with a fair degree of confidence – he would struggle to view his managerial career with similar positivity.

Again, in his switch from player to manager he's been granted head coaching roles with some of England's esteemed clubs.

Handed a temporary position as the coach of Wales' national side in 1999, Hughes was instated to the tenure on a full-time basis. 

During his five-year stint he took the country's average squad to within a whisker of the Euro 2004 Championships.

It prompted Blackburn Rovers to acquire his services in 2004 where spent almost four years at the helm, enjoying his finest period as a top-flight manager.

Jury still out over Hughes' managerial credentials - The Daily Mirror 

Hughes oversaw commendable cup success along the way and steered the Rovers to a UEFA Cup qualification with a sixth place finish.

Working within the club's transfer limitations he built a formidable team, one renowned for their hard-nosed approach.

With an enhanced coaching CV the temptation of a big-money contract at Manchester City was an offer he could not refuse.

Despite achieving his highest winning ratio as a boss at City of 46.75%, it masked his side's incompetence on their travels. 

The Etihad Stadium became a fortress, winning 19 games from a possible 28 games in all competitions.

That form could not be replicated on the road, with just six wins from 28 outings and only two in the league.

He had an array of talented players at his disposal, but appeared to lack the tactical prowess to gain results against dogged away sides – his sacking from City was inevitable. 

Fulham handed him a reprieve and he guided the club to a highly respectable eighth place and UEFA qualification via Financial Fair Play in 2010-2011. 

After reinvigorating himself as a capable top-flight boss, he surprisingly resigned and in January 2012 his topsy-turvy coaching career took another twist.

Queens Park Rangers instated him as their new manager and owner Tony Fernandes handed Hughes sufficient funds to reshape the team.

A whole host of second-string and average players were shipped out and replaced by a mixture of youth and experience. 

The group of purchases includes: Andy Johnson, Djibril Cisse, Bobby Zamora, Jose Bosingwa, Fabio, Esteban Granero, Park Ji-Sung, Julio Cesar, Ryan Nelsen, Junior Hoilett, Sam Magri and Stephane M’bia. 

In that group are Champions League winners, six who have participated in the continental competition, Premier League titles, La Liga titles and Serie A titles – a host of them with proven English top-flight football quality. 

The outfit resembled a team fit for mid-table honours at the very minimum.

A net outlay of £30.2 million during Hughes' tenure was a sizeable figure for a club daring of greater heights.

Yet he lasted just 10 months at Loftus Road, gaining a feeble four points from the club's opening 12 games last season. 

Once a brilliant on-field exponent to an indifferent manager, Hughes is an intriguing and ultimately erratic proposition.

His next chapter begins at Stoke City this summer, after he replaced the sacked Tony Pulis.

The club's decision to employ the 49-year-old is undoubtedly a risk. 

The one-man team.

The common football phrase is somewhat of a media fad to assume a teams' success is purely down to the form of a solitary player – inferring a side would struggle significantly without the vital contribution from the player in question.

Speculation is rife over the potential transfers of Luis Suarez, Gareth Bale, Edinson Cavani, Isco and host of others, who have all built up a formidable reputation as being their respective side's talisman.

It raises the pressing question: just how vital are these stars to the longevity, identity, but ultimately the success of their team?

Clubs like Athletico Madrid, Tottenham Hotspur, FC Porto, Wigan Athletic, Arsenal, Ajax, Southampton and Borussia Dortmund have all experienced the loss of influential figures.

Yet not one organisation has ever capitulated to miserable depths from the departure of just one player.

The aforementioned clubs have gone on to improve their standing in recent years – Arsenal being the only exception. 

Even despite the Gunners domestic slide, they have still managed to reach Champions League on a regular basis.

When a star heads for the exit doors the supporters' heartache and disappointment will ensue.

But selling key personnel is less important than scouting philosophy and club's transfer market management.

Before UEFA Financial Fair Play rules are finally implemented, the financial powerhouses will be exception to the rule.

For the vast majority who do not possess the money there have been shrewd examples of retaining quality on the pitch.

Porto have used their unique position of buying cheap players from the South American pool of players due to their access via work permits other European countries do not have.

Southampton propelled themselves from football obscurity in League One to a comfortable position in the top-flight through a world-class youth academy setup. Young starlets like Theo Walcott, Gareth Bale and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain have moved on and academy graduates Luke Shaw, Nathaniel Clyne, Adam Lallana and James Ward-Prowse have filled the void.

Bale's potential loss can be overcome if Spurs' are clever - The Daily Mirror

Relegated Wigan remained a competitive unit for eight seasons with a far an inferior squad, but with an onus placed on acquiring attacking talent for their losses it worked in their favour.

Anton Valencia's exit was lessened by the introduction of Charles N'Zogbia and Callum McManaman filled the void left by Victor Moses.

Even when you assess Liverpool's disastrous transfer dealings in recent times, it adds further weight to the argument. 

Large amounts of money were spent on players who were statistically proven, instead of drafting in players who could be cohesive to the style and game plan.

Superstar departures can hurt all connected with a club, but in fact they generally do not have a detrimental effect.

What seems to be definitive is how prepared clubs are for the inevitable turnover of players.

The culture and identity of a football organisation can be maintained through board and financial means – two things fans often disapprove of, and feel can taint a club's tradition.

Too often than not, the future of a club is bound to the potential destiny of their best player.

In many cases, despite what media will have you believe an array of clubs have go on to succeed after selling assets.

Setting the foundations of a club through the use of shrewd transfer policy and acquiring talented youngsters will remain a proven method of success.

Jose Mourinho has completed his move back to Chelsea, but returning to a former lover is not a good idea at the best of times.

What makes this different for the self-proclaimed: "Special One"?


Mourinho took the English Premier League by storm during his three-and-a-half-year stint between 2004 – 2007, winning two League titles, two League Cups and the FA Cup.

Owner Roman Abrahmovich hired him after the famous European Cup triumph with FC Porto.

Under the Portuguese tactician, the Blues won their first top-flight title since 1954, achieving it with a record points tally of 95 and the few goals (15) ever conceded in the league.   

Chelsea successfully defended their crown the following season, finishing eight points clear of Manchester United and nine clear of London rivals Arsenal.

The power shift in English football was now complete.

Title challengers were forced to alter their game as Mourinho raised the bar with a mixture of defensive solidity and attacking prowess.   

Despite their domestic heroics, Champions League glory proved to be far too allusive for the side.

The club’s ruthless Russian owner’s patience wore thin and in mid-September 2007 he wielded the axe.

Since his exit, the 50-year-old has gone on to claim the Serie A title, Coppa Italia and European Cup at Inter Milan.

Real Madrid became his new employers where he oversaw a league triumph, Copa Del Rey and European Super Cup.

His managerial credentials have been enhanced since he departed Stamford Bridge and with a club that boasts big spending capabilities and an extremely talented squad, then there’s no reason to suggest Mourinho cannot replicate his first spell at the helm. 

Mourinho enjoying the club's league title success in 2005 - The Sun

The weight of expectation he carries with him will mean no margin for error – trophies will be expected with immediate effect.

Abrahmovic will inevitably make funds available for the acquisition of a fresh injection of the world’s leading players to compliment a squad which already has leading international stars in Juan Mata, Eden Hazard and David Luiz.

Reports circle surrounding the availability of Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso and former lynchpin during his initial Chelsea tenure, Michael Essien.

It all makes for a stunning welcome parade, but is Mourinho actually making the right decision, and more importantly can he propel the side back into domestic ascendancy?

His relationship with Milan owner Massimo Moratti was a major key to the club’s success.

At Chelsea a similar approach must be implemented by Abramovich, to ensure the club finally reaches a period of stability – something they have rarely achieved over the past decade.

Many of the club’s supporters have both welcomed and aired their disapproval of Abramovich’s introduction.  

Without the multi-billionaire the club would not assume such a prominent position, but his lack of patience and quick managerial turnover rate has been a primary reason for the side’s failure to reclaim domestic supremacy.

One would argue both egotistic personalities could struggle to work effectively again, but even Abramovich could not turn down the return of arguably world football’s finest head coach.

It comes at an opportune time for the Blues’ after the departures of Sir Alex Ferguson and Roberto Mancini from Manchester United and Manchester City respectively.

There is no doubt Chelsea have the quality and depth to compete for the highest honours in England.

The pressing question remains, will the club’s coldblooded owner allow Mourinho time?

Theo Walcott was at the tender age of 17, when he was thrust into the national spotlight when named in Fabio Capello’s England squad for the 2006 World Cup. 

He quickly became the country's youngest ever player, aged 17 years and 75 days, in a pre-tournament friendly, but four years later his shock exclusion from selection for the 2010 finals in South Africa gave weight to accusations his Arsenal career had stagnated. 

However, the 2012-2013 Premier League season was his best yet and even saw the 24-year-old sign a new long-term contract at the Emirates.

Walcott was signed from Southampton as a raw 16-year-old in January 2006 for £5 million – increased to £12 million due to add-ons – having made 21 appearances, scoring four goals.

His rapid rise to fame led him to be named amongst the top three finalists for the prestigious BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year award in December 2005.

Walcott had not made a senior appearance for the Gunners when Sven-Goran Eriksson took him to Germany in 2006.

Even with first-choice strikers Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen both recovering from injury, Walcott was selected over established Premier League strikers Darren Bent, Andrew Johnson, Dean Ashton and Jermaine Defoe.

He did not make an appearance at the World Cup but his inclusion saw him naturally labelled as the next big thing in English football.

The forward broke into the Arsenal first-team squad the following season and opened his account for the club in a 2-1 defeat to Chelsea in the final of the 2007 League Cup.

He also made his Champions League debut, coming on in the second leg of Arsenal's qualifier against Dinamo Zagreb, where Walcott became the youngest ever Arsenal player to appear in a European competition – a record previously held by Cesc Fàbregas, and since beaten by Jack Wilshere.

However, a persistent shoulder injury limited his performances.

Sporadic starts followed over the next two seasons as the youngster was assigned the number 14 shirt, previously worn by Arsenal legend Thierry Henry.

Comparisons were automatically made between the two, however Arsene Wenger largely used him as a winger.

The legend fans will be hoping he can emulate one day - London 24

Fitness problems began to take their toll on the starlet, particularly in the 2008-09 and 2009-10 campaigns, as he was restricted to only 28 league starts over the two seasons, which restricted his development.

Nine goals in 86 appearances from his first three seasons for the first-team did not match somewhat lofty expectations.

Last season marked the year Walcott began to blossom.

One of his finest displays was against Reading in a League Cup tie, when he helped Arsenal complete a famous comeback from 4–0 down to draw 4–4.

Arsenal went on to win 7–5 in extra time, in which Walcott completed his hat-trick and backed up his own personal sentiment of playing as a striker – the best was yet to come.

In a 7-3 thriller against Newcastle United, the England international scored a stunning hat-trick and provided two assists.

It was undoubtedly the attacker's greatest personal performance for the club.

Walcott went on to score 21 goals,  and provide 11 assists in 43 appearances in all competitions.

Flashes of brilliance have been the hallmark of his career to date.

The lightening-fast forward's run against Liverpool in the Champions League, a hat-trick for England against Croatia and a breakout campaign last term have showcased the immense talent of the 24-year-old.

It is not unusual for an incoming manager to bed in a host of youngsters, but it is difficult to remember a transformation as dramatic as Paul Lambert’s at Aston Villa. 

In the Scot's first season at the helm he ruthlessly cast aside £18 million striker Darren Bent, Shay Given and former skipper Richard Dunne.

Instead he opted to draft in talents such as Christain Benteke, Brad Guzan, Matt Lowton, Andreas Weimann, Ashley Westwood and Ciaran Clark.

Lambert’s faith in youth eventually paid off after a difficult season that finished strongly with five wins, two draws and three losses.

The former Norwich manager gave several Villa youngsters a chance to make their mark using academy graduates, whilst also injecting some foreign flair.

After enduring a rough start the players began to shine towards the end of the campaign, with European clubs monitoring their services. 

However, just three months ago it was hard to envisage the situation for the Villains.

A series of demoralising defeats in the first half of the season classed the side as genuine relegation fodder. 

The club record 8-0 drubbing at the hands of Chelsea, and defeat to Bradford City in the League Cup were two of the biggest lowlights in the club's history.

It was inevitable mistakes would be committed by such a young side - conceding 69 goals, 41 of them away from home the most in the league - but it is all the more reason to admire Lambert's bravery.

In the end the team finally found a cohesive edge, the key moment was the unforgettable 6-1 annihilation of Sunderland courtesy of a second half hat-trick from Christian Benteke.

Ending the season in the safety of 15th position is hardly inspiring.

There was, however, a degree of satisfaction regarding their finish, which was three points and a position better than the season previous.

All the plaudits stemmed from the fact Lambert never wavered from his youth policy and has set the foundations for the future of Villa.

The club's official player of the season was goalkeeper Brad Guzan.

It raised some eyebrows for a team who conceded such a staggering amount of goals, but the American custodian could not be faulted directly.

Bringing the American back to the club was a masterstroke - Football 365

Lambert said: "Good goalkeepers are like gold dust and without Guzan we could have lost more games." 

A new contract is on the horizon for the 28-year-old who left Villa as a free agent at the end of last season but Lambert re-signed him shortly after his appointment.

What is the way forward for the former European powerhouse?

There is simmering optimism under the stewardship of Lambert and the supporters will be buoyed by some classy displays in the remaining months.

Anyone who watched the side throughout the season can recognise the team is improving and maturing into a solid outfit.

Lambert will need to address issues in defence – the Achilles heel of the team – and find some resolute, strong and commanding central defenders.

Villa's emphatic victory over Sunderland will serve as a tonic for the off-season and provided a snapshot of what Lambert's trying to achieve on the pitch.

Benteke was undoubtedly the club's star man, with 23 goals in all competitions – 19 in the league.

The Belgium international is vital to ensuring the short-term success of the club but as Athletico Madrid, Manchester City and Borrusia Dortmund all circle it will be a fraught task holding onto the side's prized weapon.

If they retain the 22-year-old and youngsters Westwood, Lowton and Weimann continue to develop the side will have every chance of pushing towards the top-half of the table 

Lambert may have passed the rigours of his first term in charge, but this summer will be equally as challenging.  

Johnny Haynes, George Cohen, Bobby Robson, Rodney Marsh and Alan Mullery.

All of these greats have played for what many perceive as the other football club in West London.

But what about today’s crop of players, where do they rank in the history of Fulham Football Club?

A well run and likeable outfit, they made a meteoric rise through the lower leagues after being purchased by famous owner Mohamed Al-Fayed in 1997.

Three promotions in five years capped a stunning turnaround for the Cottagers. 

After more than a decade top-flight English football, what progress has really been made since they got to the promised land of the English Premier League?

Should the fans, who spend their hard earned cash on watching their side week in week out, be simply happy that they are now established in the top division after years in the doldrums or are they entitled to hope for a little bit more?

They have once or twice flirted with the top half of the table, but these fleeting moments have been sandwiched in between mid-table mediocrity and relegation battles.

The one major highlight was of course a Europa League final appearance in the spring of 2010, but since the subsequent departure of then boss Roy Hodgson, they seem to be a club very much in transition and unsure of its own ambitions.

Aside from the Bulgarian hitman, Dimitar Berbatov, and the talented yet frustrating Bryan Ruiz, their squad lacks any real star quality, and is made up mainly of players past their prime or purchased from various backwaters of world football.

£5 million for Berbatov has turned out to be a real steal - Sports Mole

The spine of the first team is honest and hardworking enough, but has an ageing and stagnant feel about it, due to the lack of competition for places.  

Depth and ability could become a serious issue when you analyse the age of key members. 

Berbatov himself is 32, and teammates Mark Schwarzer (40), John Arne Riise (32), Brede Hangeland (31), Giorgos Karagounis (36), Damien Duff (34) and Aaron Hughes (33) are no spring chickens.

So where does the club's manager Martin Jol go from here?

Can he turn them into European contenders once more, or are they destined to spend the foreseeable future in mid-table obscurity?

With a lack of any real talent emerging from the youth team at present, the only option is seemingly to go out and buy.

Will the ex-Tottenham boss be granted sufficient funds to strengthen the squad?

In the last ten years Fulham have a net spend of just £45,368,400 on players.

Local rivals Chelsea average £51,545,560 per season for the same decade, and have won 11 trophies in the process - Jol could have his work cut out.  

Moreover the side is not yet in a position to challenge for honours or offer the lure of European football. 

It is somewhat ironic and unthinkable to suggest Fulham may need the man who bought the club to sell up after 17 years of immeasurable financial and administrative input. 

However, if the club want to progress in the current football climate it could be their best, and only real option.  

‘What a difference a year makes’ – the common cliché to label a football club, year after year.

Last season, it was Newcastle United's tagline, and for all the wrong reasons.

Fifth place the year previous and the fans optimism was at a premium, and a return to the Champions League a slight possibility – a feat not achieved since the days of the late Sir Bobby Robson back in 2003.

Instead Newcastle found themselves battling it out at the foot of the table, almost falling victim to relegation.

What led to their malaise?

Below are some of the reasons why they faltered throughout the campaign.

Summer transfer window

The club could not add enough quality to the squad with only Vurnon Anita, signed for £6 million from Ajax the only major signature – the capture could not even gain a spot in the side who were embarrassed by Liverpool 6-0.

Fellow summer buys in Romain Amalfitano, Curtis Good and Gael Bigirimana all showed very little – the latter perhaps the exception.

All in all, the transfer business in the summer was poor and did nothing to help Newcastle's cause.

Perplexing deal for Pardew

Alan Pardew was handed an eight-year contract extension, which was one of the more flabbergasting decisions ever made at board level.

The fact he has never come close to winning a trophy for the club, but was rewarded with such a lucrative contract was as bemusing as it is comical. 

The board was clearly trying to create a platform of stability in order to gain success.

One cannot begrudge the hierarchy from doing so, only the former Charlton Athletic and West Ham United boss was still somewhat of a raw prospect at St. James Park, despite his early success.

The 51-year-old's position would be safe regardless of poor results.

Even if they wanted to sack him they would face a hefty buy-out clause.

Having the safety of such a deal may have drawn a complacent attitude from the team's manager.

Bye, bye Ba

When Demba Ba signed from West Ham no one expected him to make such a stirring impact, hence the feeble £7.5million buy-out clause in his contract.

After every goal the big suitors would be increasingly linked with the Senegal international.

It became evident the side's striker would be lured by the likes of Chelsea, and the Londoners got their man in January. 

Newcastle's top scorer with 13 goals in 20 league appearances departed - a real crushing blow for the club. 

With Leon Best and Peter Lovenkrands departing in the summer, Pardew found himself thin on striking options. 

Ba's exit compounded the Magpies' woes - Give Me Football 

Cisse's loss of form

Papiss Cisse failed to replicate his goalscoring prowess to rub salt into the wounds, and when the club failed to draft in a replacement for Ba matters got even worse.

In his first introduction to English football the frontman scored an incredible 13 goals in 14 league appearances.

His goalscoring rate dropped dramatically, with just eight goals in 36 outings.

Operating as the lone forward for most of the season, Cisse suffered a torrid run. 

Packed physio room

The Newcastle treatment table almost saw every player at some point in the season!

Core players of the 2011-12 side included: Tim Krul, Fabricio Coloccini, Yohan Cabaye, Cheick Tiote, Jonas Gutierrez and Hatem Ben Arfa.

All players were injured for large parts of the season and astonishingly those six players started together just once for the term.

Losing key players to injury is a nightmare for any club, but losing them for considerable periods of time can cripple any chance of gaining momentum.

Monday, March 24th 2008 - the first time I watched a Roberto Martinez team.

The Swans' were playing against Bristol Rovers at the Liberty Stadium.

The match finished 2-2, with the home side recovering from two goals down to claim a point.

The result wasn't ideal for either side at the time, but I'll never forget how impressive Swansea were.

Short, incisive passing and movement at the forefront of their game.

There always seemed to be a man in space, and it was clear Martinez's side were a class above the rest of the league.

That particular style of play Swansea exhibited was about hours of practice and fine-tuning from their managerial tactician.

Lower English league teams tend to employ a long-ball approach with a big man up front as the focal point.

Martinez was brave enough to use a different method and he got his due reward with the Welsh outfit promoted to the Championship and the Spaniard gaining a promotion of his very own to Wigan Athletic a year later.

At Wigan people really started to take notice of his work, despite the club toiling near the bottom of the table most seasons.

The club's resources were miniscule compared to the likes of West Ham Unitd or Sunderland, let alone Arsenal or Manchester United.

Year after year, the Latics' were tipped for relegation but they continued to defy the odds under Martinez.

The 39-year-old never budged from his attacking brand of football.

He typically had two ball playing central midfielders along with two advanced midfielders supporting a lone striker.

Wing backs complimented a back three to supply the width for the team.

The setup was bold, but it bore significant defensive drawbacks.

Shambolic defending contributed to some severe losses for Wigan, and it was these inadequacies at the back which saw them go down this season. 

How much blame can be attributed to Martinez is questionable.

One could argue he doesn't have any defensive nouse or lament the club's limited transfer budget.

Wigan were blighted by injuries throughtout their relegation term.

Defensive trio Ivan Ramis, Antolin Alcarez and Paul Scharner collectively spent 70 games on the sidelines – a crushing blow to the side's depth.

Instead they had to rely on Emmerson Boyce to play a makeshift role alongside skipper Gary Caldwell.

After securing a fairtyale FA Cup triumph against Manchester City – undoubtedly the club's greatest achievement – Martinez looks set to part ways with the club and fill the vacant post at Everton.

Martinez has the pedigree to replicate Moyes' fine efforts - Liverpool Echo

Can he fill the void left by the David Moyes?

The Scot has transformed the squad into an exciting group and Martinez appears to be almost the perfect fit for the role.

Retaining key duo Leighton Baines and Marouane Fellaini will be his first task.

Besides those two players' he will be delighted to work with attacking talents Steven Pienaar, Seamus Coleman and Kevin Mirallas.

The Toffee fans will also be encouraged by the fact Martinez has never worked with quality defensive players.

Centre-back's Phil Jagielka and Sylvain Distin are a formidable pairing and the new boss shouldn't have any concerns prolonging their form.

Pundits are skeptical about life after Moyes, but with some shrewd transfers and trying to implement his style as quickly as possible, there's no reason why Martinez can't do a stirring job.

Crystal Palace have been promoted to England’s top flight after defeating Watford in the Championship promotion play off-final.

Veteran Kevin Phillips’ penalty in extra time decided this year’s final, billed the ‘richest game in football’. 

The result will be one to savour for local audiences with thirty-eight time Australian international Mile Jedinak leading the charge as captain of the Premier League’s newest arrival.

He was handed the captain’s armband for the 2012-13 season after regular club captain, Paddy McCarthy, succumbed to a long term injury.

An outstanding achievement for a player who has only been at the club for two seasons, coming in as a relative unknown to the English game.

He has also been awarded the club’s ‘Player of the Season’ award, perhaps surprisingly, as he edged out top-scorer Glenn Murray and Manchester United-bound Wilfried Zaha. 

The defensive midfielder joined the Eagles from Turkish side Genclerbirligi in 2011 after switching from A-League side Central Coast Mariners two-and-a-half years prior.

He was a prominent component in the Gosford side's charge for the 2007-8 premiership, winning the Mariners Medal in the process.

Jedinak has provided the steel in midfield for Palace - Football 365

The 28-year-old Jedinak, renowned for his combative spirit, is strong both in the tackle and in the air and plays a key role fortifying Palace's midfield.

His contributions for the south London side both on and off the field has warranted praise from fans and pundits alike, however, it is with  the manager where the highest praise lies.

"It's hard to put into words what this man brings to our club. Have I seen anyone like him in my time? No," said Ian Holloway.

This season's promotion is arguably the greatest achievement of his career to date.

“Immensely proud,” said Jedinak following the victory over Watford.

“It means everything, it means the world to be honest”

The next season however will be his greatest challenge, leading his team into the Premier League; a far different ball game altogether.

Crystal Palace, managed by the ever-vocal Ian Holloway, have much work ahead of them if they are to be a competitive force next season - their first in the top flight since 2005.

Holloway led Blackpool to top-flight promotion in 2010 on a shoestring budget but was not able to keep the Seasiders up although they won plaudits for their entertaining brand of football.

The departure of star-man and 2012-13 PFA Championship Player of the Year, Wilfried Zaha, to Manchester United will certainly not help their cause.

There is of course the possibility of the England starlet returning for another season on loan however Ian Holloway believes this to be an unrealistic expectation. 

"I'm scratching my head and wondering how are we going to stay in the Premier League without him," he said.