U2 at the O2 Arena - Live Review

FOR many bands, a crowd of 20,000 packing the O2 Arena for them is a sign of big things.
Indeed, when Las Vegas band Imagine Dragons turn up for a two night residency on November 4th and 5th, this will represent a big moment in their career trajectory, much as it has done for many bands to have rocked up at the tent with its inconsistent acoustics.

For the band here before the Vegassians, their first show of their current residency also represents their first visit to this corner of London. But its safe to say U2's career trajectory has taken them to bigger steps than their six night residency here.

The band's last full tour concert in the UK's capital was in August 2009, when they packed a record-breaking crowd into Wembley Stadium to gawp at their stadium-dwarfing 360 Claw. Here, the toys on display when the crowd arrives - no thanks to technical difficulties that meant people were still getting in after the show started - are seen as a two-sided video wall, and a solitary light-bulb.

A dash before 8pm, the show begins when Bono comes out the back of the venue and onto the smaller stage in the middle of the O2, where he applauds the crowd before chanting the opening "wooahoh" that opens The Miracle (of Joey Ramone) to a piano backing.

The rest of the band then pile in, but in truth, the song lacks a certain power as a concert opener. While some could call it fatigue of the band's comically hated Songs of Innocence and its controversial launch, the song doesn't exactly sparkle.

But before fears could be the band has lost their live chops, they then go for it. A rousing rendition of 1980's The Electric Co then gives way to a rousing Vertigo, and then that itself leads straight into the band's rousing early single I Will Follow.

That is certainly much more like it. But the show then takes a curious turn for the autobiographical through the new stuff. It could well be the case that for a band now some 39 years into their career, some would take them as a toilet break, but the tracks introduce an impressive dimension to the gig.

In many respects, the songs soon turn into confessional therapy for the band's frontman. The soaring Iris (Hold Me Close) sees the video wall flicker on with home movies of Bono's long-lost mother, who died when he was 14, while following track Cedarwood Road brings out the show-stopper moment, as Bono climbs inside the video wall and walks down an animated recreation of his home street.

The trend continues, with Song for Someone showing an animation of an 18-year-old Bono trying to write music. But what's more striking is the fact that despite the hit-and-miss nature of the record, the new songs sound very much alive in the gigantic canvas tent - quite an achievement given the nature of the room.

The detour to something of U2's older hits is a stripped down Sunday Bloody Sunday, which sees The Edge's guitar shorn of its usual effects pedals, and Larry Mullen Jr emerge from his kit to tap away on a lap-snare on the runway in the middle of the stadium. But the end is the most striking part, given it ends in '70s radio broadcasts and the almighty sounds of a car exploding.

This cascades into a pulsing Raised by Wolves, which end in cries to bring to justice the perpetrators of the 1974 Dublin bombing. It then heads into a titanic rendition of Until the End of the World, which sees trickery with the screen as Edge stands inside it, before it ends in cartoon waves while pages of books fall from the sky above the moshpit.

Screen trickery continues, as after an intermission video recalling the Zoo TV days synced to a remix of The Fly, the band re-emerge inside Berlin Wall styled-graphics to perform first Invisible and then the first half of Even Better Than The Real Thing.

The second half of the funked-up monster sees the band move to the smaller stage en masse, where they continue through a punchy one-two of Mysterious Ways and Elevation. The latter two see an audience member bought on stage, first to dance, and then to hold a phone to live stream the second song on Meerkat.

But much more stripped away to good affect is a very nice rendition of Every Breaking Wave, with just piano and vocals. This cascades into a section on the current crises on Europe's borders, which takes in sombre drone footage of deserted and destroyed Syrian cities during October, footage of refugees, extremists, and protests in a powerful Bullet the Blue Sky, and a sombre stripped-down Zooropa, which gives poignant synth backing to the song's lyrics of uncertainty.

While Bullet... is mainly dominated by the song's still relevant anti-war rant being replaced by an argument between 19-year-old Bono and the millionaire he grew into, the section does make some form of narrative sense. It particularly rings true when the sombre synths and cries of "what do you want?" segue into the classic Where the Streets Have No Name, and a still-enormous Pride (in the Name of Love).

In many respects, despite an initial misstep, the band's performance demonstrated that nearly some four decades on from when they first started playing music, the band's style still works. Mullen's drum work retains its tribal power, while Adam Clayton - very much U2's under-the-radar man - provides a titanic wall of bass that sweeps all before it, and the Edge's continuous attention to detail sees him ring out guitar lines with a simple but well-harnessed power.

Sure, the show ends a little anti-climactically in the form of a rendition of One used more as audience karaoke than traditional show-stopper. And there's a long long list of omissions that would've made the show better, although such is the catalogue they amassed that U2 can omit Bad, I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For, Running to Stand Still, Desire, Out of Control, Love is Blindness, and pretty much everything between 1991 and 2000.

But at the heart of it, U2 remain an excellent proposition live, and one that can even make a space like the O2 feel for 2 and a quarter hours like the venue its proprietors think it is. Indeed, with six nights here as part of their UK tour, the band is certainly doing well at reminding people of its powers, albeit this time with their permission.

4/5

Florence and the Machine at Alexandra Palace - Live Review

SO far, Florence and the Machine's 2015 has had a lot defined by broken limbs.

The band made its big return to the live stage at Coachella back in April, but the gig is mainly remembered for singer Florence Welch breaking her foot and having to do the following month of shows on a stool.

In some respects, a lot of people picked up on it as suiting the art. Welch had said that there was a lot of rough experiences in the gap between the end of the Ceremonials Tour and the writing of the new album, and the new LP was restrained in comparison with the first two. This lead to some saying the stripped down live shows with Welch sitting on a stool - despite being forced - suited the material.

Welch recovered in time for the summer festivals, but a different broken limb - that of Dave Grohl's leg - got the band bumped up into major UK music real estate. Florence and the Machine were initially scheduled to sub-headline Grohl's Foo Fighters on the opening night at Glastonbury, but were given the headline gig.

This has catapulted a band many held up before as good live into supernova territory, and at the same time the new album How Big How Blue How Beautiful became a chart-topper in both the UK and the USA.

Having achieved this feat, this consequent UK tour is something of a victory lap, culminating in a four night residency at Alexandra Palace. But there's no slowing down. The menacing opener What The Water Gave Me is began by an immensely assembled backing band, which includes the signature harp player, 2 keyboardists, 2 backing vocalists and a 3-piece choir/brass section. Before her cue begins, Welch jumps out from the row between the crowd and stage and races across the stage in front of a shimmery mirror-like background, before dropping in a vocal without missing a beat.

The backing band is certainly in powerful fashion, and provides an adept backing through all the respective guises. After the opener, the spry acoustic-led Ship to Wreck is confidently put forward, before a slightly re-worked version of Shake It Out emerges.

Before that one kicked off, Welch urged the crowd to "be our choir", and the sell-out London crowd rises to the challenge. They fill the room with their voices with gusto, much to Welch's delight, and it helps gives the gig a sense of being a mighty event from the very off.

Barefoot and seemingly chased by the mane of bright orange hair that adorns her head, Welch has a stage routine down and a confidently done sunter. During Rabbit Heart (Raise It Up) - itself a rabble-rousing anthem to follow the opening trio, and the first debut album cut - Welch urges crowd members to jump on someone else's shoulders.

Then comes the dive into the photographers pit, and a little bit of singing while basically on the crowd control barrier. It maybe conventional of a rock troupe to try and break down the barriers by jumping into the crowd, but its an impressive feat Welch manages not to miss a note while doing this, and while collecting a crown of roses from the crowd to wear for a bit.

In some respects, the new album was something of a way for Welch to show a versatile range, which is shown on the more restrained likes of the subtle-but-powerful title track and the sparse Long & Lost. But a very lovely moment vocally is a stripped back rendition of early track Cosmic Love, which allows Welch's voice to soar and shimmer alongside the restrained pairing of a 12-string acoustic and a harp.

For the most part the new album tracks are greeted and performed like classic anthems, and even get greeted by singalongs. A lot of them certainly shine, with a one-two of Third Eye and Delilah standing firm and strong in the arena environment.

Naturally, its the hits that get the big attention. The middle of the set sees the standard cover of You've Got The Love get a hearty singalong, but its the disco thump of number one hit Spectrum that gets the room bouncing and singing their hearts out like their lives depend on it.

This is a direct lead into Dog Days Are Over - still arguably the finest harp-rock track of recent years - which closes the main set with a mighty thump. Its also accompanied by Welch urging the crowd to hug one another, and then remove items of clothing. It maybe rehearsed, sure, but it gets the crowd involved, and it doesn't let up a manic groove.

In some respects, the slightly longer gap between the end of the main set and the encore is a necessary chill period both for crowd and performer. But the re-emergence for the final songs is a grand one, with the bleak synths of What Kind of Man building into its earworm riff and chorus of scorned cries, before ending with Welch collapsing onto the stage floor.

There is still time after that for one final run through of Drumming Song, which brings the night to a suitably large conclusion.

Its safe to say that the third album has catapulted Florence and the Machine into the stratosphere. Sure, their live sets may not contain a space for the earlier singles like No Light No Light or Kiss with a Fist, but this is a well-honed touring... er, machine operating at the top of its game, and has the live shows to match the big guns.

It'll be exciting to see where they go from here.

4/5

Acoustic sister choiral-folk sister trio The Staves is, at first glance, a somewhat unusual choice as opener. Their more relaxed folksy stylings have gained momentum in the pop charts of late, which was reflected by a healthy portion of the crowd coming in early to see them. Impressively and somewhat bravely, they open with the three sharing a central mic and singing an acapella ballad. Its an interestingly different direction to what the main event musically provide, but they provide a pleasing set nevertheless.

Newcastle United Season Preview 2015/16

It was fairly clear that something has had to change at Newcastle United.

Last season was an absolute disaster, with the team opening with no wins in the first eight league matches, and ending with a run of eight straight defeats as part of a greater run of 11 defeats in the final 13 games.

Big changes have been made off the field, with owner Mike Ashley saying he is in the helm for the long term and he wants success. Seemingly this is a change of heart from his publicly perceived ambition of harvesting the cash, although given Newcastle spent around £45million last year, its not as if he hasn't been that afraid of spending before.

Nevertheless, a new management team has been installed, while high ticket players have been purchased at a total cost of over £30million. More should be targeted, but a quick integration may negate the need.

Knowing what the results will be is a challenge given Newcastle make their lives out of unpredictability. After all (more or less) the same squad contrived to follow 5th place in 2012 with 16th and a relegation near-miss a year later.

Nevertheless, as an attempt to speculate the Mag's direction, here goes nothing.

What Would Be A Great Season?: Making good on the noises that Newcastle United are targeting a top 8 position in the Premier League, and a trophy run. Even better would be a run like in 2011/12, even if that's perhaps unlikely.
What Would Be A Horrible Season?: The defensive issues resurface, leading to a limp in form and yet more relegation dangers and/or consistent defeats.
What's The Likelier Outcome?: Had it not been for a cataclysmic run of eight defeats in a row, Newcastle would have most likely finished midtable, and that seems a fairer bet than either extreme. Or at least should - predicting anything related to Newcastle can be a fallacy.
Key Player: Georgino Wijnaldum. The Dutch league Player of the Year was the club's first signing of the summer, with £14.5million pocketed by Dutch champions PSV Eindhoven. The attacking midfielder looks like being a key option, and has had a lively pre-season. The hope is that he can provide some attacking energy and impetus.
Needs To Improve: Once again, question marks have to be raised on Newcastle's defenders. Only relegated QPR conceded more than the Magpies' 63 concessions last year, and with Newcastle only keeping two clean sheets in pre-season, its fairly clearly that more has to be done to tighten up the back.
Will Be Missed: Jonas Gutierrez. The Argentine was seemingly on a single-minded mission to keep Newcastle in the league on the final game of last season, with his all-action display yielding an assist and a goal. Plenty of those who coasted through the second half of the campaign could learn a lesson from him.
Good That He's Still Here: Ayoze Perez had been linked with moves away after a fantastic first campaign on Tyneside. The youngster will be a great asset in the future for Newcastle, and it will be exciting to watch him progress.
Why Is He Still Here: Mike Ashley is the obvious one, but bodging him is unlikely to happen for the moment. In terms of players, there is a wide playing field. The utterly inept Mike Williamson, aimless Yoan Gouffran and hopeless Emmanuel Riviere lead the way in the awful stakes. Questions can also be raised over other performs, be it captain Fabricio Coloccini, wantaway midfielder Moussa Sissoko, ball-donater Chieck Tiote, injury-prone Steven Taylor and even last year's top scorer Papiss Cisse, who is out of contract in May and missed 10 games last year through unnecessary suspensions.
Incoming: As well as the new face of Steve McClaren in the dugout and a whole new backroom team, Newcastle have been active in the transfer maket. Only 3 players have moved to the North East, but big fees have been spent. At £14.5million, Wijnaldum is the third most expensive purchase in the team's history, and the priciest that isn't an England international striker. The midfielder is no doubt key to the attack strategy. A big fee has also been spent on Alexsandar Mitrovic, who moves from Anderlecht for £13.5million. The Serbian striker arrives with a big reputation for goalscorer and lunacy, and will be interesting to watch. Also moving from the Belgian capital to the North East is Congolese defender Chancel Mbemba, who is an £8.5million capture. Northampton youngster Ivan Toney has also joined, although he will presumably be in the development squad for now.
Outgoing: The big out was Jonas, who was released less than a month after his heroics. Also leaving on a free is Ryan Taylor, who had spent most of the time out with injury since 2012. Taylor joins Championship side Hull City. Davide Santon has made his loan at Inter Milan permanent, while highly rated on FM young'uns Adam Campbell and Remie Streete are released. John Carver and Steve Stone - widely regarded as the architects of the awful form that nearly relegated the Toon - are also gone.
The Manager: Steve McClaren is the new Newcastle manager, having previously turned down the Mags three times last season. This has been seen by some fans of Derby County as providing a distraction that ultimately cost them promotion last year under McClaren.
Something To Keep From Last Year: In all truth, nothing.
Something To Improve: The hideous excuse of a defensive unit.
Pre-Season:
Gateshead (A) 2-1 win
Club Atlas (Milwaukee) 2-1 defeat
Sacramento Republic (A) 1-0 win
Portland Timbers 2 (A) 4-3 defeat
Sheffield United (A) 2-2 draw
York City (A) 2-1 defeat
Borussia Monchengladbach (A) 1-0 defeat
A Word On The New Kits: The new home strip was unveiled shortly before the decisive game with West Ham on the final day of last season. Like a number of Puma kits unveiled this summer, its aesthetically poor, with the worst part being blue lines over the black stripes in the same colour as the (outdated) wonga logo. Poor effort. The away kit is in Puma's diamond design, with a white/grey main colour and blue detailing, while the third kit is a dark blue number with a broken sash that is one half pink and one half white. A word also on the training wear, which is pretty hideous.

Personal Starting XI:
Krul - Janmaat, Mbemba, Taylor, Haidara - Sissoko, Colback - Wijnaldum, de Jong/Cisse, Aarons - Mitrovic
Likely Starting XI:
Krul - Janmaat, Mbemba, Coloccini, Dummett - Tiote, Colback - Sissoko, de Jong, Wijnaldum - Mitrovic

So, the all important final question...
Where Will We Finish?
McClaren and the players have been making noises about a top 8 league spot and a cup run, possibly a trophy. The latter might be achievable - Capital One Cup Quarter Finals reached last night, while the FA Cup is a trophy Newcastle are overdue a tilt at. The league however is an odd one, given eight teams fancy themselves in the "best behind the top 6" spot. Newcastle can easily beat and lose to many of these squads, and in truth, a middle of the road spot seems likely enough.

Premier League 2015-16 Season Preview

After a tournament-less summer, rampant speculation and all the rest, the Premier League roadshow is back in town.

Ten months of convoluted sporting storylines and feats of sporting prowess (or stupidity) loom, set to dominate the Saturdays for the majority of time. With any luck, these will be improvements on last season, which is widely regarded as a season that failed to truly ignite.

Last year's title race was more or less decided by the end of February, while the relegation dogfight was fairly straight-forward, save for Leicester City's late dash for freedom, and Newcastle's late plunge to the bottom.

With a busy summer window underway - and still not done - the teams have been keen to strengthen, while three enter the campaign with new faces at the helm. All 20 teams have no doubt set their goals, and here, we run the rule over them, and whether or not they're achievable goals.

Arsenal
Last Season In Four Words: Title form too late
What Do They Want?: A title challenge. Again. Arsenal may have won a pair of FA Cups, but questions remained over Arsene Wenger after a slow start. Arsenal fans are aching for a title challenge, and they're assembling a squad for the job. The goal now is to make good on that promise.
Transfers: A quiet window at the Emirates Stadium has seen only one signing, but its a big one in the form of the £11million Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech. Jose Mourinho did not want to lose him to a potential title rival, and he could be an excellent candidate. Midfielder Jeff Reine-Adelaide signed from Rennes and has excited in pre-season. Lukas Podolski has joined Galatasary, while Abou Diaby has been released. Wojciech Szczseny, Carl Jenkinson, Yaya Sanogo and Chuba Akpom have left on loan.
Ones To Watch: Cech will be eager to prove he can still be a title-winning number one. Olivier Giroud also has to demonstrate he can lead the line, after criticism he is little more than a flat-track bully. With Alexis Sanchez set to miss the opening games, he has to hit the ground running. Francis Coquelin also has a big season after being a key lynchpin in the second half of last season
The Gaffer: Arsene Wenger was the target of some criticism last season but English football's longest serving manager has still won a pair of FA Cup trophies, and is still in place. Nevertheless, it is now time to see if, some 11 years on from The Invincibles, he has a full blown title run in him.
Prediction: This season is a big one for the Gunners, who expect a title challenge and have the playing squad to match. Whether or not they have enough to overhaul Chelsea and Manchester City is a moot point, but they should at least build on last season's impressive late form.

Aston Villa
Last Season In Four Words: Gratefully took Sherwood bailout
What Do They Want?: It has to be scraping survival once more. This has been an eventful summer at Villa Park, and the team that opens their campaign at Bournemouth will be substantially different to the one that was mauled by Arsenal in the FA Cup Final. Whether or not too much has changed too quickly is another matter.
Transfers: Villa's summer has been defined by a topsy-turvy Fabian Delph saga, who signed a new deal in January, turned down Manchester City, and then signed for them anyway. Christian Benteke has also left, with Liverpool snapping him up. Shay Given, Andreas Weimann, Darren Bent, Matt Lowton and Yacob Sylla have also left. Villa have been busy with incomings. Scott Sinclair and Micah Richards moved from the Etihad to the West Midlands. Sherwood has turned to France to replace Delph and Benteke, with Lille's Idrissa Gueye and Lorient's Jordan Ayew incoming. Defenders Jordan Amavi and Jose Angel Crespo also come in, while Norwich's Mark Bunn arrives as back-up.
Ones To Watch: The new look forward line means Ayew and Sinclair have to hit the ground running. So to does Gabby Agbonlahor, who only has 10 goals in his last two campaigns. After being dropped for the now-gone Given, Brad Guzan has to reclaim his lost 2012-13 form, while Micah Richards has a great chance to show he is not a spent force.
The Gaffer: Tim Sherwood was not a universally popular choice to replace Paul Lambert, but his attacking football has pleased Villa fans. The team spirit looked improved, but essentially he's starting again with a newly composed side.
Prediction: Villa have known nothing but struggle since 2011, and in truth, are likely to face it once more. They might show signs of improvement, but the base goal is once more to be staving off a stint in the Championship. In theory, they should manage it, but it won't be a comfortable ride.

Bournemouth
Last Season In Four Words: Dramatic rise reaches top
What Do They Want?: Prolong the top flight stay. The Cherries' first ever campaign in the top level of English football will be a surreal feeling regardless of whether or not they stay in the top flight. But it would an excellent sign of progress if they can manage to keep themselves in the Premier League for more than a season.
Transfers: The biggest signature at Dean Court is Tyrone Mings, who reportedly turned down moves to Aston Villa, Newcastle and West Ham to move to the South Coast in an £8million deal. Money has also been spent on Middlesbrough midfielder Lee Tomlin and Saint Etienne's ex-Leeds winger Max Gradel, while Blackburn winger Josh King signed in a deal that will require a tribunal. Artur Boruc, Adam Federici and Sylvain Distin arrive on freebies, while winger Christian Atsu and defender Fillipo Costa move in on loan deals. Brett Pitman and Ryan Fraser both move to Suffolk, while Ian Harte has been released.
Ones To Watch: It will be interesting to see how the Cherries' big names adapt to the top level of English football. Striker duo Callum Wilson and Yann Kermorgant scored a lot to get the Cherries into the top flight, while the likes of Harry Arter and Matt Ritchie will be keen to show they can adapt to the top flight. Also looking to adapt is Mings, who will be seeking to prove good on his reputation.
The Gaffer: Eddie Howe now has legendary status among Bournemouth fans thanks to his efforts in the last few years taking the Cherries from the brink of armageddon to the top. The man crowned Football League Manager of the Decade now has the big test.
Prediction: Bournemouth will be looking to make a lovely impression in their debut campaign and will likely shock a number of the big teams. But the big test is making sure they can adapt to the fact they will be winning less outings. They will be in the battle to avoid an immediate return from whence they came, but they don't need to fear the mission.

Chelsea
Last Season In Four Words: Dominated from the start
What Do They Want?: To be the first champions to retain the title since Manchester United won three in a row in 2007-09. This season is likely to be a tighter run than last year, which saw Chelsea zoom to the top on day one and (six days in August aside) stay there. But the goal remains retention.
Transfers: Chelsea undertook their big renovation this time last year, with this summer seeing the priority on replacing back-ups. Petr Cech's somewhat surprising departure to Arsenal sees him replaced by Stoke goalkeeper Asmir Begovic. Meanwhile, Didier Drogba's second exit is replaced by the surprise loan of Radamel Falcao, who was a target of Chelsea's in 2012 but flopped at Manchester United. Youngsters Nathan and Danilo Pantic are also in, while Patrick Bamford, Marco van Ginkel, Christian Atsu, Tomas Kalas and Pantic are on the club's annual loan cavalcade. Perennial loanees Gael Kakatu and Josh McEachran make their permanent exits. Chelsea have been in a high-profile pursuit for Everton defender John Stones, but nothing yet after 2 rejections.
Ones To Watch: The key core of last year's Chelsea team are still around and still about to ensure they can retain their success. Thibaut Courtois, John Terry, Eden Hazard, Cesc Fabregas, Nemanja Matic and Diego Costa represents the core trusted by Jose Mourinho, and he will be aiming for big things from the lot. Falcao also has a big campaign, as he seeks to prove he is not a spent force.
The Gaffer: Jose Mourinho's 8th title was achieved in impressive fashion, and he will be keen to ensure his team once more take a spot of dominance. The key goal is also improvement in Europe, after Chelsea's away goals exit in last year's Champions League first knockout round.
Prediction: The bookies' favourites for the title are Mourinho's boys again, and they retain something of the formidable streak that got them to the top last season. Its probably not going to be as smooth, but the fact remains that the Premier League is likely to go to either the Blues, or the team that can finish above them.

Crystal Palace
Last Season In Four Words: Pardew inspires remarkable resuscitation
What Do They Want?: A smoother ride. Both of Palace's last two seasons were tales of a relegation battle, a mid-season managerial alteration, and a late burst into midtable positions. Top 10 is an excellent platform for Alan Pardew to build on, and the Eagles will be eager to continue their streak.
Transfers: Palace's summer has been somewhat quieter than most expected, but the club have pulled off something of a coup in the signing of Yohan Cabaye. The former Newcastle playmaker is an impressive signature, not least given he'd been linked with clubs in the Champions League. After successful loan spells with MK Dons, Derby and Middlesbrough, Patrick Bamford gets his chance in the top flight in a loan move, while QPR goalkeeper Alex McCarthy signs. Sunderland striker Connor Wickham has also arrived, while more are expected. Shola Ameobi and Owen Garvan are the highest profile departures.
Ones To Watch: The new boys bring intrigue, with Cabaye looking to get back into the French squad's reckoning ahead of Euro 2016 and Bamford looking to prove he can cut it in the Premier League. Yannick Bolasie and Jason Puncheon will be looking to follow up excellent campaigns, while Glenn Murray will be seeking to build on his line-leader status in the second half of last season.
The Gaffer: After a chaotic time at Newcastle, Alan Pardew has taken to life like a duck to water in South London. His exploits even saw him suggested as an outsider for Manager of the Year, and he knows he now has to build on it.
Prediction: A second successive top 10 finish is the goal, and while Palace have to avoid complacency, they have the quality and talent to challenge for the position. The hope is also they avoid getting sucked into yet another demotion battle, which they should do.

Everton
Last Season In Four Words: Endured regression at home
What Do They Want?: A return to the higher end of the league. Everton still have a core of players that saw them to their highest Premier League-era points total two seasons ago, and now free of Europa League-related distractions, fans can be expecting an improvement. Whether or not that improvement is top 5 again remains to be seen.
Transfers: Two years after his loan spell, Gerard Deulofeu returns on a £4.25million deal from Barcelona, which will no doubt help an Everton attack that was stodgy at times. Tom Cleverley turned down the chance to join Aston Villa and re-unites with Martinez, but the club were frustrated in a deal to sign Aaron Lennon. Sylvain Distin and Antolin Alcaraz have left on free transfers, while highly rated young full-back Luke Garbutt has moved to Championship side Fulham on loan.
Ones To Watch: Romelu Lukaku was Everton's top scorer last season but questions about his attitude and temperament regularly appeared last season. He faces a big campaign to get himself back in the big leagues. The same can also be said for Kevin Mirallas, who had an inconsistent season, while Cleverley will seek to justify his move amid Everton's crowded central midfield. John Stones will also seek to continue his growing reputation, provided he doesn't move to Chelsea first.
The Gaffer: After a decent time, Roberto Martinez stalled last year, and some fans were openly calling for his dismissal at points. He remains at Goodison Park, but a big season looms as he seeks to silence his growing chorus of critics.
Prediction: The Toffees should improve on last year's below-par 11th spot, and they have a playing squad that should be among the many different challengers for the top 10. Despite that, a return to the heady heights of the top 6 currently looks beyond them.

Leicester City
Last Season In Four Words: Final weeks' best side
What Do They Want?: After a chaotic summer, survival remains the big requirement. Nigel Pearson's sacking came out of the blue the day before pre-season training was meant to start, although in truth felt inevitable after his son was among those caught in a racist orgy on a post-season Thailand tour. New boss Claudio Ranieri was the surprise choice, and as well as facing a battle to convince supporters, he needs to hit the ground running to convince he can still manage in the top flight after 11 years.
Transfers: The big signing is Japanese international Shiniji Okazaki, who has signed from Mainz for £7.5million and is their third big striker signing in as many transfer windows. After his impressive campaign last season, Robert Huth makes his loan from Stoke permanent, while Austrian defender Christian Fuchs signs on a free from Schalke. Midfielder N'Golo Kante and defender Yohan Benalouane also move to the East Midlands. Leicester were frustrated in an approach for Charlie Austin, but will have been more upset by the departure of Esteban Cambiasso. Last season's player of the year failed to agree a new deal at the King Power Stadium. In terms of other outs, Chris Wood leaves for Leeds, Paul Gallagher makes his loan at Preston permanent, Ben Hamer has been loaned to Nottingham Forest, and the high-profile exits of both Pearsons has already been discussed.
Ones To Watch: Leicester's frontline boasts a wealth of options, and it will be interesting to see how Okazaki fits in with Leonardo Ulloa, David Nugent, Jamie Vardy and Andrej Kramaric. This will also be a big season for Andy King, Danny Drinkwater and Dean Hammond, with Leicester yet to get more central midfielders despite Cambiasso leaving and Matty James picking up a major injury that will keep him out for the bulk of the campaign.
The Gaffer: Claudio Ranieri was the surprise choice as Leicester manager after Pearson's sacking. His first role in England since being sacked by Chelsea in 2004 comes after spells with a lot of Italian sides, and Leicester fans will be hoping the positive experiences of his time with the likes of Juventus and Monaco is here, rather than his disastrous spell as manager of the Greek national side.
Prediction: Leicester's almost miracle-like run to survival is an interesting fore-run for the Foxes to set themselves. Ranieri faces a challenge to get the team on the right side of the bottom line. They have the talent and the options to manage it, but its too early to out-and-out predict survival.

Liverpool
Last Season In Four Words: Completely wasted Suarez cash
What Do They Want?: The top four is the height of ambition. Liverpool have spent big in an effort to cope with the departure of Steven Gerrard and the unceremonious exit of Raheem Sterling. The team that takes to the field at the Britannia Stadium on the opening day will be a different one to the one mauled there on the final day of last season, but whether or not its an improvement is a tricky one to know.
Transfers: The big in at Anfield is £32.5million Belgian striker Christian Benteke, who signs from Aston Villa. Joining him in a new-look frontline are Brazilian international Roberto Firmino from Hoffenheim and Burnley striker Danny Ings. James Milner arrives on a free from Manchester City, while £12.5million Nathaniel Clyne is the latest to move from Southampton. Young Charlton defender Joe Gomez and Bolton keeper Adam Bogdan complete the ins. The outs is headed by the big names, with Gerrard's long-term association with the Reds ending in a move to MLS side Los Angeles Galaxy. His out lead to a lot of eulogising and marking his career, while Raheem Sterling had a less marked one when his arguments over a whole range of topics ended in a £49million move to Mancheter City. Glen Johnson joins Stoke on a free-transfer, while Sebastian Coates and Brad Jones also leave, and Andre Wisom makes yet another loan move.
Ones To Watch: The departures of Gerrard and Sterling leaves room for some new heroes on Merseyside. Benteke has to hit the ground running to justify the huge fee, while Daniel Sturridge will also need to chip in, provided he can ever stay fit for more than a few games at a time. Phillipe Coutinho is also looking to build on a decent season, while Jordan Henderson will look to step in as the club's new captain.
The Gaffer: Brendan Rodgers said he would leave if the owners wanted him out, but no desire for his exit is yet coming. But he needs to show that 2013/14's title challenge was not a Suarez-fuelled over-achievement, and also needs a trophy. Whether or not he can get either is another matter.
Prediction: Liverpool's ambition has to be getting a Champions League place and a trophy. Whether or not they're capable of matching these ambitions with a new look arguably star-less squad is another matter. In all probability, the former is beyond them, while the latter is a question of holding their nerve better in semi-finals.

Manchester City
Last Season In Four Words: Aguero masked many sins
What Do They Want?: A return to trophy winning. Last year was a difficult year for the Citizens, but they have to try and challenge again. To do that requires tighter defending and better performances from an at-times weak midfield, which was particularly poor in games away from home.
Transfers: The big money arrival in east Manchester is Raheem Sterling, who arrives from Liverpool for £49million after a frequently controversial and at times rather tedious transfer saga. So far, the Citizens' transfers have largely been on boosting their homegrown player quote, with Fabian Delph joining from Aston Villa after a bizarre series of U-turns, while Fulham's highly rated Patrick Roberts joins for £11million. Youngster Enes Unal also joins from Turkey, although he will be loaned to Belgium for the next two years. James Milner leaves on a free transfer after 5 years at the club, while Villa made the signings of Scott Sinclair and Micah Richards. Dedryck Boyata joins Celtic, while John Guidetti leaves for Spain on a free transfer. Stevan Jovetic has moved to Inter, despite his move seemingly being mainly Instagram posts, while Edin Dzeko currently remains, although probably not for much longer, given Roma have agreed a fee.
Ones To Watch: Last year's top scorer Sergio Aguero is still the man Man City will rely on for momentum and goalscoring, and certainly has the high quality attributes. After an inconsistent season, all of Man City's centre-backs need to show signs of improvement, including captain Vincent Kompany, while Fernando and Fernandinho need to provide better protection to Yaya Toure's marauding persona.
The Gaffer: Questions were asked about Manuel Pellegrini but the Chilean remains in post at the recently expanded Etihad Stadium. His goal is to ensure more silverware is delivered for the billions invested, and to stave off the background rumours that Pep Guardiola is being lined up as a replacement.
Prediction: Manchester City's squad is one of top 4 quality and will no doubt remain there. In terms of title challenging, it has the experience and quality, and in Sterling it has one of Europe's finest young attackers. Whether or not that's enough to translate into overhauling Chelsea is another matter, and it may be that as yet, their defensive deficiencies are too much of a handicap.

Manchester United
Last Season In Four Words: Heading back towards top
What Do They Want?: A title challenge is the ultimate goal. After two years where the thought of challenging for the top spot were never likely, Louis van Gaal will now most likely be tasked with challenging for honours. The team has spent big in his tenure, and has still held on to key individuals, but they must now be meshed into a squad worthy of the high honours.
Transfers: The big signing at Old Trafford is PSV attacker Memphis Depay, who joins for £30million and reportedly turned down Liverpool before signing. Strengthening midfield has been the key area, with Bastian Schweinstiger and Morgan Schneiderlin undoubted improvements on their old squad. Full-back Matteo Darmian joins from Torino, while Argentine international keeper Sergio Romero join as competition for David de Gea, or possibly a replacement. The Spanish goalkeeper has been continually linked with an exit for Real Madrid, with talk even including a swap for Sergio Ramos, but no move has happened and talk has recently cooled. A year on him from his British record transfer fee, Angel di Maria is set to leave for PSG, while Falcao's loan has ended and Robin van Persie moves to Fenerbache. Nani has also moved to the yellow corner of Istanbul, while Rafael joins Lyon and Tom Cleverley moves to Everton. Saidy Janko, Ben Amos and Angelo Henriquez have also left.
Ones To Watch: With van Persie and Falcao gone and Javier Hernandez injured/set to leave, Wayne Rooney starts the campaign as the only senior centre-forward at Old Trafford. He needs a big goalscoring run, or at least stronger competition than the youngster James Wilson. The adjustment of Depay and Schweinstiger will also be crucial to the team's title hopes, while de Gea will also be expected to follow up his goalkeeping heroics last year, even after his "will-he-won't-he" saga. Phil Jones also needs to prove he can actually defend.
The Gaffer: Louis van Gaal had a good, if at times not entirely convincing, maiden campaign in England. He clearly wants to win titles before ending his distinguished career, and is at a club with a similar silverware desire. Whether or not he has enough talent at his disposal for that is another matter.
Prediction: Manchester United are back in the top 4 and should have the quality to maintain a spot there. They also have enough to give the trophy hunt in the cups a good go. But with the centre of defence still quite soft and the options in attack limited, a true run at the highest place still looks a step too far.

Newcastle United
Last Season In Four Words: Narrowly avoided self-inflicted catastrophe
What Do They Want?: A less unbearable finish. After only winning 5 from 20 in the second half of 2013/14, Newcastle only won 3 from 19 in the second half of 2014/15 and only avoided relegation by grabbing the third of those on the final day. New boss Steve McClaren could also avoid repeating last season's run of taking eight games to get a win, although he could've used a more generous opening fixture list than the one he has been given.
Transfers: Mike Ashley hinted at a change of policy to buying high-end players and big money has been spent. At £14.5million, Dutch midfielder Georgino Wijnaldum is the third highest buy in the club's history, while £13million was spent on Serbian international Alexsandar Mitrovic. As yet, Newcastle have not turned the constant rumours of signing Charlie Austin into reality, but an £8.5million move for defender Chancel Mbemba has been done. Jonas Gutierrez has been released despite beating cancer and essentially single-handedly getting Newcastle the win that kept them up, while Ryan Taylor has joined Hull after his own release. Sammy Ameobi has moved to Cardiff City on loan.
Ones To Watch: The onus is on all 3 of Newcastle's buys to improve a squad that includes players who lost their way alarmingly last season. Wijnaldum looks an astute buy, while Mitrovic needs support from pacy wingers, which puts the onus on Gabriel Obertan, Remy Cabella and Rolando Aarons to deliver. After a wretched 2014/15, the likes of Fabricio Coloccini, Mike Williamson and to some degree Tim Krul need to show they can keep out more goals.
The Gaffer: After reportedly turning the Magpies down on 3 occasions last year, and on more occasions in the previous 10 years, Steve McClaren has wound up in the Tyneside hotseat. Fans remain cynical,
Prediction: The target for the Magpies is a top 8 finish and a cup run. The latter can be done if they take tournaments seriously for the first time in too long, but the former is a competitive field given half the league has a similar target. An improvement on last year's struggles is at least a start.

Norwich City
Last Season In Four Words: Turned things around expertly
What Do They Want?: Survival. Norwich's late dash into and then successful victory in the play-offs was impressive, but they need to hit the ground running. The good news is a lot of the key players from their previous top-flight stint remain, but this is new territory for a some of the people in the set-up, including boss Alex Neil, and the Canaries still need to avoid the ghosts of their largely self-inflicted demotion in 2014.
Transfers: Norwich boss Neil said 5 or 6 new boys were needed, and has reached it. One of the signings had already been there, with Graeme Dorrans making his loan permanent. Following him from West Brom is midfielder Youssuf Mulumbu, who signs on a free, while Andre Wisdom - a loanee at the Hawthorns last year - signs on a season long loan from Liverpool. After a long pursuit, Robbie Brady arrives for £7million from Hull City. Blackburn goalkeeper Jake Kean has also arrived. The only first teamer to leave so far is back-up keeper Mark Bunn, who joins Aston Villa. More signings are expected before the deadline.
Ones To Watch: Nathan Redmond was a key player during last season's promotion push, and will need an excellent campaign in the top flight. Cameron Jerome also needs to prove he can still cut it in the top flight, while record signing Ricky van Wolfswinkel has returned to the fold after a year on loan in France. The defence also faces a testing year, while John Ruddy will want to show the form that earned him England call-ups in the past.
The Gaffer: Alex Neil enjoyed an excellent first half-campaign in England, taking a Canaries side struggling in mid-table to third and an instant return. The Premier League is a huge step up for the Scotsman, and he will be eager to make the most of his rise into the top tier.
Prediction: The basic goal for the Canaries is ensuring they knock up consecutive campaigns. They have the on-pitch experience to get it, but need to make sure they can, and a number of players need to make things right after poor campaigns in the relegation of two years ago. They will most likely be spending a campaign battling it out at the lower end, but have enough to stay out of trouble.

Southampton
Last Season In Four Words: Exceeded expectations once again
What Do They Want?: In all truth, its a bit of a strange one. Since the start of the 2010/11 campaign, which ended in promotion from League One, Southampton have constantly defied expectations and had a fantastic campaign that saw them spend most of the time challenging for the top 4. The next step for the rise would be a top 4 spot, but with the added Europa League challenge, and more key exits, that won't be easy.
Transfers: Last year was not an easy on on the South Coast, while several exits. This one hasn't been so brutal, but Morgan Schneiderlin and Nathaniel Clyne have still flown the nest. Their replacements are Feyernoord midfielder Jordy Clasie and Sporting Lisbon full-back Cedric Soares. Cuco Martina also joins to strengthen the full-back part, while Spanish striker Juanmi arrives from Malaga. With Fraser Forster a long-term absence, Maarten Stekelenburg arrives on loan from Fulham, while Steven Caulker is borrowed from QPR. As well as Schneiderlin and Clyne, Saints' record buy Dani Osvaldo leaves, albeit on a freebie. Artuer Boruc, Jos Hoovield and Cody Cropper are also among the leaving freebies.
Ones To Watch: Southampton will be hoping many of last year's key men retain their form. Graziano Pelle is still searching for the form that had him as the league's top scorer at one point, while Dusan Tadic and Saido Mane will also be key. With Jay Rodriguez back after injury hell, and Juanmi a highly rated prospect, there is plenty of competition up top. Forster's absence means that Stekelenburg and Kelvin Davis will be competing for the de facto number one spot.
The Gaffer: Ronald Koeman 's first campaign in English football was a definite success. The goal now is keeping that momentum moving, and also juggling the demands of a Europa League position, which is something a wide variety of English clubs have found an issue of late.
Prediction: Southampton do have a squad that is good quality for the 7th/8th positions in the Premier League. But as far as the aspiration of higher goes, the team still feels like it could use further acquisitions to make the top 4/5.

Stoke City
Last Season In Four Words: Continued excellent recent progression
What Do They Want?: To continue their climb up the league places. Stoke have had some good form and now feel like they belong among the upper tier of the top flight. But they now need to keep going, and bridge the gap between themselves and the European spots - an ambition seemingly shared by a large number of league teams.
Transfers: Its been a busy summer for the Potters, who welcome eight new faces. The one that could make fans extremely excited is former Barcelona winger Ibrahim Afellay, who arrives from the Nou Camp on a free. Also moving from the Spanish and European champions is Moha El Ouriachi, who is another wing option, while former Spanish U21 Joselu signs from Hannover. Phillipp Wollscheid also moves from Germany to the Potteries after a successful loan spell last season. Chelsea midfielder Marco van Ginkel arrives on loan, while Glen Johnson signs on a free from Liverpool. With Asmir Begovic leaving for Chelsea, the goalkeeping area receives attention, with veteran Shay Given and Danish keeper Jakob Haugaard signing for the club. Steven Nzonzi leaves for Europa League winners Sevilla, while Victor Moses' loan has not been continued. Robert Huth, Thomas Sorensen, Wilson Palacios and Andy Wilkinson are also among the outs.
Ones To Watch: Spanish attacker Bojan was coming into excellent form before suffering a long-term injury in January, and will be keen to pick up where he left off. Afellay is also an excellent signing, while Marko Arnautovic will seek to improve after a somewhat disappointing campaign last time. There will also be an intriguing battle between Haugaard, Given and Jack Butland for the number one spot.
The Gaffer: We're a world away from the protests that greeted Mark Hughes' arrival in 2013. Hughes has been the architect of consecutive top 10 finishes for the Potters, and will love to continue his increasingly impressive streak with a further rise.
Prediction: Despite the recent finishes and the playing squad available, Stoke will be tricky to predict. They have got some good looking new acquisitions into the club and have kept most of their key individuals, but have lost key men in Begovic and Nzonzi, while Ryan Shawcross' fitness is a concern. The team should be good enough for midtable, and will no doubt fight to retain their top 10 spot.

Sunderland
Last Season In Four Words: Yet another late escape
What Do They Want?: To finally avoid a season of struggle. The last few seasons have all seen Sunderland maintain survival with a late accumulation of points, and a high success rate in clashes with Newcastle. But Sunderland fans would undoubtedly prefer it if they just had a boring drift in midtable rather than needing a late bailout.
Transfers: Sunderland have been quieter than anticipated but have still made signings, with defence a particular focus. Younes Kaboul signs from Spurs, while right-back Adam Matthews moves from Celtic. Sebastian Coates makes his loan move from Liverpool permanent. The biggest signing is midfielder Jeremain Lens, who has arrived for £8.5million from Dynamo Kiev. Sunderland had been quiet on outs, with only El-Hadji Ba and Santiago Vergini making (loan) exits in the early part of window, but a deal was made to take Connor Wickham to Crystal Palace. More signings are likely, with midfielders Yann M'Villa and Leroy Fer likely to move in.
Ones To Watch: Dick Advocaat's teamsheets have seen an attacking look, and much is expected of Jermaine Defoe, Steven Fletcher and Danny Graham in order to find greater goalscoring feats than last season. They also need to tighten up at the back, which means the likes of John O'Shea and Wes Brown need to be tighter than they recently have been.
The Gaffer: Dick Advocaat was initially planning to leave Wearside after last season, and officially left at one stage, but was persuaded to stick around at the Stadium of Light. Advocaat is yet to be relegated in his long career in professional football management, and will at the very least want to see that streak continue.
Prediction: In all truth, Sunderland still lack the bodies and quality to increase their distance from the relegation fight and could be set for another brush with it. Nevertheless, they have the management and some key options to keep them out of trouble come the end, although presumably the hope is that this time it won't take a panic button press to keep them in it.

Swansea City
Last Season In Four Words: Significant improvement on previous
What Do They Want?: More of the same. Swansea had an excellent 2014/15, which ended in their best finish and points total since the early 1980s. The Welsh side's goal is therefore to continue that, and close down the gap on the top 6, or at the least in continuing their top half positions.
Transfers: The biggest and most exciting signing is French winger Andre Ayew, who signs from Marseille on a free transfer. Franck Tabanou also moves from France to South Wales, with the Saint-Etienne defender signing for £3.25million. Swansea have also signed striker Eder from Portuguese side Braga, and goalkeeper Kristoffer Nordfelt from Heerenveen. Young striker Oliver McBurnie has signed from Bradford. The highest profile outs are defender Jazz Richards, who joins Fulham, and back-up keeper Gerhard Tremmel, who leaves on a free.
Ones To Watch: Bafetimbi Gomis had a good second half of the campaign after Wilfried Bony left for Manchester City, and the onus is on him to lead the line. Ayew also provides an excellent counterpoint, while Jefferson Montero and Gylfi Sigurdsson are anticipated to be contributing as they did last year. After a summer of links away, Ashley Williams will also look to deliver.
The Gaffer: Former captain and centre-back Garry Monk was somewhat thrown in at the deep end to replace Michael Laudrup, but had a fantastic first season as full manager. This campaign will have undoubtedly raised the hopes the Swans have emerged a gem, and the top-brass will hope he can continue.
Prediction: Swansea will certainly look to push on and look in a good place to do so. The team are arguably among the best place of the cavalcade of league teams aiming for a top 8 spot in the division, although its still a tall order for them to gatecrash the top 6.

Tottenham Hotspur
Last Season In Four Words: Champions League remained elusive
What Do They Want?: Champions League football is still the goal, although how they will achieve that is still a question without an answer. The likes of Kane, Lloris and Eriksen may remain despite links away, but a lack of back-up quality is an issue. Equally so is the problem of throwing away points at home, and Spurs need to sort that out.
Transfers: All of the focus on incomings is on defence. Toby Alderweireld is the biggest incoming at £11.5million - much to Southampton's irritation - while full-backs Kieran Trippier and Kevin Wimmer also move in. Much is expected of Dele Alli and Alex Pritchard, who are anticipated to have first team roles after time out on loan. This is even more so with 3 central midfield departures, with Paulinho moving to China, Ettiene Capoue joining newboys Watford, and Benjamin Stambouli returning to France. Younes Kaboul joins Sunderland, while Lewis Holtby makes his loan at Hamburg permanent. As yet, Emmanuel Adebayor and Roberto Soldado remain at the club, although both are expected out by the end of the window.
Ones To Watch: Spurs' success story of 2014/15 was Harry Kane, who became the first Spurs player since Gary Lineker to score 30 in a season. The homegrown hero needs an excellent season to prove it was not a one-off, and to justify an ever-escalating pricetag. After being linked with Manchester and Paris moves, Hugo Lloris will look to continue his impressive moves between the sticks, while the defensive unit needs to convince after letting Spurs down at various points last season.
The Gaffer: Mauricio Pochettino had an odd season last year. 5th was a decent finish, but came after doubts over his selections and tactics at times, and frequent dropping of points at home. Nevertheless, he remains highly rated, and it will be interesting to see if he can help the North Londoners progress.
Prediction: If Spurs can get the top 4, then they will have undeniably had an excellent campaign, and their defensive unit is more convincing this time. But in attack, it feels like Spurs are over-reliant on Kane, and if they fail to strengthen their attacking options, they're likely to come up short in the top four pursuit yet again.

Watford
Last Season In Four Words: Only needed four managers
What Do They Want?: The basic goal is getting consecutive top flight campaigns for the first time since a six year stint in the mid-1980s. The Pozzo family will be very eager to see it done, given they have spent lots of time, money and player shuffling between their European clubs to get the Hornets into the top 20. Maintaining a spot among them has to be the goal.
Transfers: No team has more incomings than Watford, who so far have 10 in, although the face of Matej Vydra will no doubt be the most familiar. He finally makes a permanent move to Vicarage Road after two loan spells. A reported club record fee of £6million was paid for Spurs midfielder Ettiene Capoue, while former West Ham winger Valon Behrami has also arrived. Steve Berghuis signs from AZ Alkmaar, while Jose Manuel Jurado signs from Spartak Moscow, and goalkeeper Giedrius Arlauskis signs as back-up to Gomes. Watford have been paying focus on strengthening their defence, with Jose Holebas, Sebastian Prodl, Essaid Belkalem, Allan Nyom and Miguel Britos all signing. The biggest out is Lewis McGugan, who joins Sheffield Wednesday, while Juanfran was loaned out to Deportivo less than 3 weeks after signing from Real Betis.
Ones To Watch: For certain key men, its a chance to get acquainted with the top flight. This includes Troy Deeney, who has been repeatedly linked with the likes of Newcastle and Aston Villa after continually impressive form. Scotsman Ikechi Anya is also looking to impress in the top flight, while Joel Ekstrand will seek to come good on his good form. Gomes is also looking to impress on his return to the top tier after inconsistency at Spurs, while of the new boys, Jurado, Behrami and Berghuis could provide excellent signatures.
The Gaffer: In keeping with the rotational wheel that saw Watford change manager three times before Christmas, they begin with a new man. Replacing Slavisa Jokanovic is Quique Flores, who comes to England for the first time. He has previously enjoyed success with Valencia, Benfica and Atletico Madrid, while Watford's board presumably hope will be more long-lasting than he was at Getafe earlier this year, whom he quit after less than a month in charge.
Prediction: Watford will be looking to survive, and in truth, much of that revolves around how quickly they adjust to having new management and an entire new team of players being on board. Flores faces a complex balancing act in Hertfordshire, but the club do seem very well placed to at least attempt it. Nevertheless, it will be a tricky mission.

West Bromwich Albion
Last Season In Four Words: Pulis to the rescue
What Do They Want?: A greater barrier from the bottom battle. West Brom were lucky to avoid demotion in 2014 and looked likely for it until Pulis' arrival last season. Pulis is certainly more than capable of yielding survival, and while he's head a quieter summer than he would've liked, he will nevertheless like his chances at ensuring WBA do not go down.
Transfers: In contrast to their somewhat scattergun recruitment this time last year, West Brom have been content to make a small number of additions. James McClean was first in and signed from Wigan, although has already caused controversy by refusing to acknowledge the Union Jack during a game in America. Centre-back James Chester is a big money buy at £8million from Hull City, while Rickie Lambert signs after a disappointing year at Liverpool. The Baggies had previously targeted Demba Ba, but the Senegal striker opted to move to China instead. Duo Graeme Dorrans and Youssuf Mulumbu have made moves to newly promoted Norwich City, while Chris Baird has joined Derby.
Ones To Watch: Despite some poorly thought-out comments and links with moves to Spurs, Saido Berahino remains in the Midlands. Holding on to him will be key to WBA's ambitions. Brown Ideye will also look to improve after a slow adjustment last year. Chester represents a big step in defence, but it remains to be seen if he can fit in with the likes of Craig Dawson, Joleon Lescott and Jonas Olsson, while Craig Gardner will look to continue after a promising first year.
The Gaffer: Tony Pulis remains without a relegation in his management career, and admitted that the job was one of the toughest he has so far done. Provided he doesn't walk out on the edge of the season again, whomever owns the Baggies should stick behind him.
Prediction: West Brom seem likely to make a grab for more secure ground after some recent travails. It won't necessarily be smooth or enitrely free from fears of the drop, but they should make it into those receiving the TV mega-deal next year.

West Ham United
Last Season In Four Words: Allardyce drifted into exit
What Do They Want?: The basic goal is ensuring the first year at the London Olympic Stadium is not as a Championship side. This will be the last of West Ham's 112 years at Upton Park, and while in theory new manager Slaven Billic has a squad that looks capable of more than simply avoiding the drop, it would be a major blow to the club if they managed to get a second demotion in the last 15 years and ended up in the lower tier.
Transfers: The big arrival is Marseille winger Dimitri Payet, who was the second highest chance creator in Europe last season. He arrives from Marseille for just shy of £11million, and will be keen to impress. Defender Angelo Ogbonna signs from Juventus, while Pedro Obiang signs from Sampdoria - most likely as a replacement for Alex Song, whose loan was not renewed. Carl Jenkinson's loan from Arsenal is renewed, while Darren Randolph signs on a free from Birmingham City and Manuel Lanzini signs on loan from the Middle East. Stewart Downing returns to Middlesbrough for £5.5million, while Carlton Cole, Jussi Jaaskelainen, Guy Demel and Nene are among those releassed.
Ones To Watch: All eyes are on Payet, who seeks to justify his big fee and big reputation. Diafra Sakho is also looking for a good campaign after starting with 6 in 6, and being the Hammers' top scorer last season, while Enner Valencia and Andy Carroll seek to improve their positions up top. New boy Ogbonna moved from the Italian champions and should provide steel at the back.
The Gaffer: Former Hammers centre-back Slaven Billic was the name chosen to replace Sam Allardyce, who was sacked within minutes of the final game of last season. His first job in English football is an interesting one, and he will be keen to help the Hammers show form closer to that which got them into the top 4 at Christmas, as opposed to the site who only won three league games in 2015 and imploded at West Brom in the FA Cup.
Prediction: In truth, the Hammers shouldn't be in the demotion battle, and have a squad to get midtable comfortably enough. But they're yet to get the squad right for a tilt at the top 7, and remain somewhat unbalanced in key areas. If their Europa League Fair Play qualifying run is a sign of indication, there could be a fair few red cards involved too.

With the teams ready to go, all eyes will be on stadia up and down the country. Here's hoping the season produced is a great one.

Newcastle United 2014/15 Season Review

For a lot of football fans, the end of a campaign is a time for reflection and anticipation for the start of the next one.

The same can also be said of the boardroom, with clubs' owners toasting successes and considering the failures, before deciding to try and enact on them. The aspiration for Newcastle fans is that for once, the failures are considered and acted on in the manner a football team might, rather than a franchise extension of Sports Direct.

The reason for the hope of some came when, for the first time since buying the club in 2007, Mike Ashley spoke to the sporting media. Admittedly it was to one Sky journalist who is also represented by Ashley's PR Keith Bishop, but it was more than anything so far. Ashley said the club had done a lot wrong in the last few years, and the goal is to invest to get Newcastle in a trophy winning situation.

With any luck, he'll stick to his word, or else the growing protest industry around Newcastle United will continue to evolve in stature. This was a campaign dominated by protestation from the get go, with a lot of it beginning in hangovers from the previous year.

The final home game of 2013/14 was a mass protest against Cardiff City that saw a walkout of around 10,000 people, and after a dreadful start to the campaign, a home clash with Hull City saw a concentrated protest by the SackPardew.com protest group.

Despite a bizarre warning that he was one defeat from the sack - and he managed to lose the game in question - Pardew remained, and even more surreally, Pardew went on a six game winning run, which included victory at Manchester City in the Capital One Cup.

This weird rise and fall nature continued - victory over Chelsea was then followed by hammerings by Arsenal and Spurs, and a home defeat by Sunderland. But it soon seemed as though Newcastle fan's disquiet may soon be solved by its sacrificial lamb moving, and without the threat of dismissal ever been moved - it was later revealed that Ashley never had any intention of sacking Pardew.

Its tricky to pin-point what turned Newcastle's season from middle of the road to near-Armageddon. But everything did not start to turn when the Magpies' season was not necessarily the decision to accept an offer by Crystal Palace to let Pardew move to South London. It wasn't even the dismissal of Neil Warnock by the Eagles. But in many respects, this had a severe changing effect. Many at the time thought Pardew was crazy for moving from a then-9th placed Magpies to a Palace team labouring in the Premier League's bottom 3.

The immediate aftermath was hoped to be temporary, even if it was an ambling shame. Assistant manager John Carver and first team coach Steve Stone failed to win any of their first four games in temporary charge, including the throwing away of three points to a hardly prolific Burnley, and then bowing out of the FA Cup following an attacking-free performance at Leicester where 4,500 travelling fans booed the team off in a stunning display of vitriol and hatred.

What changed everything was a series of moves over the course of the week when the decision to effectively not replace Pardew was rubber stamped. True, Newcastle were stuck when various preferred candidates opted not to walk away from their employers, or break TV commitments. But it was not a helpful choice to appoint Carver, whose record in sole charge in both England and Canada was not exactly stellar.

Seemingly not content with that, a feeble playing squad crying out for reinforcements was weakened further. Italian international full-back Davide Santon was carted off back to Inter Milan, while 5 reserves were carted into a Sports Direct lorry to Rangers, as part of Ashley's attempts to grab power at Ibrox. This was ultimately a bit of a wasted trip for some, with Remie Streete and Kevin Mbabu virtually irrelevant, Gael Bigirimana ruled out through an unspecificed illness, and Shane Ferguson only appearing after the play-offs had gone.

Only Haris Vuckic made an impression, and its highly likely this will convince someone else to take a punt on him. But with six players leaving in a week, this was always a risky strategy, and one that quickly fell to bits, much like the limbs and muscles of a disappointing large quantity of first teamers.

But even then, things didn't look desperate, and a 1-0 win over Aston Villa in February seemed to have the team in position for a fine end, and with it, a fairly predictive drift to the end. But then the bottom fell out in dramatic and histrionic fashion.

The following eight games will forever be remembered as some of Newcastle's worst ever form. Awful performances yielded some pathetic results, as the Magpies lost eight in a row for the first time since 1977. This fatal implosion was ended with a draw, before another defeat at already-doomed QPR seemed to send Newcatle into an apocalyptic slipstream.

With everything going wrong, many were actively hoping for the Magpies to fall through the trap door to spite Ashley. This even included a quantity of fans inside the black and white wall, although many were still on side - even those who had attempted to re-start the protest fires with a boycott of a home clash with Spurs.

Ultimately, the prayers of demise went unheeded, with a slick win against West Ham seeing Newcastle through after the major near-miss story. But its clear for all that after several years of pursing a transfer policy centered on cheap, young, foreign imports with a high re-sale value overseen by local coaches, the enterprise is breaking down.

Whether or not Ashley is willing to deviate course is a question that is yet unanswered. The early signs post-season are yet to hint otherwise, and with the new season already looming very large, something has to change soon or else the aimless drift towards more profits will re-start all over again.

With everything now done, a few observations:

Player of the Season: Ayoze Perez. Its a weird one to think that Newcastle's initial plan was to loan out the Spanish youngster. For a lot of the campaign, Perez was Newcastle's most lively presence, and in a season where black and white shirted players looked woeful and uninterested, it was refreshing to see him offer a lively striking presence.
Most Improved: Steven Taylor. The most secure Newcastle's defence looked in the entire campaign came with the academy graduate in the side - a far cry from a number of shaky displays in the 2012/13 and 2013/14 seasons. This is even in spite of another laughable injury record - keeping him fit is a must.
Worst Player: Emmanuel Riviere. Picking a winner for this "award" is a tricky ask. The woeful Mike Williamson at centre-back, Yoan Gouffran's inept wing-work, Fabricio Coloccini's worrisome defending, and more are fair candidates. So what did Riviere do to justify his place ahead of such lofty competition? Well, nothing. Which for a £6.5million French striker, is not a great return for his investment. One goal in 23 appearances in the league was a pitiful return, and half the time, he looked nothing like gaining further ones.
Most Regressed Player: Tim Krul. Newcastle's goalkeeper was an unexpected World Cup star, with his only appearance in last summer's Brazil showpiece being a decisive penalty shoot-out. But this campaign saw him deliver a number of sins, with his lamentable distribution of the ball a constant problem. A special mention goes out to Moussa Sissoko, who was hyped as the Magpies' Yaya Toure after a good November, then promptly drifted.
Best Signing: Perez. The free signing of Jack Colback was perhaps Newcastle's best signing by economics, while Daryl Janmaat was the best of the big money signings, and was an impressive performer, but Perez was one that the fans took to hearts very quickly, and he looks like a very nice find.

Team of the Season:
Tim Krul - Daryl Janmaat, Fabricio Coloccini, Steven Taylor, Paul Dummett - Moussa Sissoko, Jack Colback - Gabriel Obertan, Ayoze Perez, Jonas Gutierrez - Papiss Cisse

Best Individual Performance: Jonas Gutierrez has now left Newcastle after seven years in black-and-white, but his individual performance in his final appearance against West Ham is a memory that will last a lifetime. It was an emotional season for the Argentine, who revealed in September he was fighting cancer and only received the clear two months later to return. But an all-action performance against the Hammers that yielded an assist and goal that kept the Magpies in the top flight showed a player in impressively full flight.
Best Goal: Perez's backheel flick against West Brom in November was voted Goal of the Month, with a delightful finish to turn a cross that was going behind him into the goal. It was an excellent goal at the heart of Newcastle's best month. Second goes to Ameobi's thunderbolt at Hull in January, although Gutierrez's strike against West Ham was perhaps the goal with the greatest cheers of all this season.
Best Game: If it was crazy at the time that Newcastle ended Chelsea's 4 month unbeaten start to the Premier League season, it looked even more absurd that it was the case during the late season drift. But in sheer ability, it was a great performance, and a result deservedly achieved after a crazy game that saw third choice keeper Jak Alnwick thrown in at the deep end for a first team debut, and Steven Taylor sent off.
Best Moment: Gutierrez's strike against West Ham on the final day. Newcastle fans everywhere cheered the goal like few others this campaign, with the goal effectively securing Premier League survival ten minutes before it was confirmed by the end of the season.
Worst Game: Virtually all of the worst matches can be found in the eight game losing streak, where Newcastle seemed engaged in a fatal cataclysm and needlessly dragging themselves in the race to face trips to Bristol City and MK Dons in August. But by far the worst offender was a 3-0 hiding at euphoric Leicester City, which saw the Foxes score inside the opening 35 seconds. A humiliating day in the East Midlands ended in accusations of deliberate dismissal and rumours of a bust-up on the way home, with Newcastle looking in fatal danger.
Worst Moment: For a long time, it looked like being another pair of Tyne-Wear Derby defeats, with the late sucker punch at home followed by a feeble performance on Wearside. But nothing really compared with the sheer depressing misery of when Leroy Fer hit a 35-yard bolt past Tim Krul in Newcastle's last away match, which gave already relegated QPR a lead they ultimately held onto. At that point, all looked lost, and had the cards fallen a different way, it would have been.
Manager Musings: For all the postulation that Newcastle fans regretted their protests against Alan Pardew, its worth noting Newcastle fans were not expecting the club to fail to replace him. It was fairly clear in 2013/14 that the relationship had gone, but it remained in an impasse beyond the surreal afternoon against Cardiff in May 2014, and on through to his December move to South London. But Newcastle fans did expect a replacement to be sourced. Instead, John Carver was thrown in at the deep end, with lamentable consequences. Even with injuries, suspensions, and players that didn't care, a run of 3 wins in 20 should automatically disallow him from the top job.
What Does The Team Need?: Everything. After being merely preferable this time last year, a new manager is now essential. On the playing field, he will need a renovation, with players needed in most positions. Top of the list are two/three new central defenders, a new striker, one (maybe two) new wingers, and a left back.
What Will The Team Get?: Its difficult to say. A new manager is close, with Steve McClaren the overwhelming favourite until the surprise name of Patrick Viera turned up. As for players, the likes of Charlie Austin, Alexander Mitrovic and Patrick Bamford have been linked early to solve the striker conundrum, but more is still required.
What Is The Aim for 2015-16?: Avoiding a similar disaster has to be the basic enterprise. Beyond that, its a job to know. Ashley's surprise final day interview said he wanted either a trophy or regular Champions League football, but Newcastle need to built if they're going to be in such a position. Anything less will spell trouble.

With the entire enterprise now on hold for a few weeks, and the season of rampant transfer speculation free to hog the football pages - or at least those not occupied by FIFA's scandals - fans now have to hope some kind of lesson is learned. By the time the weekend of August 8th and the opening game of the season arrives, the stakes will have risen in intensity, and something has to be ready.

But with no input, all Newcastle fans must do is wait and see what ridiculous plans will be curated...

Premier League 2014-15 Season Review

AND so the curtain has gone down on another Premier League season.

In truth, the more exciting battle in the season was the race to get into the league, with Bournemouth, Watford and Norwich eventually being those who got in ahead of a chasing swarm. This one may not have been an exciting vintage, but has nevertheless held moments of excitement, as all good football season should. With it now over, all the 20 teams that fought it out have some interesting stories to tell of their campaign, and will certainly be preparing to see how they can duke it out better next season.

So, without further adieu, let's crack on with it...

Chelsea
Final Position: 1st (Champions)
Can they be happy with their season?: They most certainly can. Chelsea set out to get the title and swept to the top quickly, before easily holding on. No team came close to stopping Jose Mourinho from lifting the Premier League title, and they were also Capital One Cup winners. The team may've disappointed in the Champions League again, but they got what they wanted, and comfortably.
Star Players: Diego Costa and Cesc Fabregas were major successes in the opening half of the campaign as Chelsea assembled their advantage. Eden Hazard was also consistently impressive, while Thiabult Cortouis and Nemanja Matic were more unsung heroes.
Need To Improve: Its hard to find anyone specific that disappointed. Full-back Filipe Luis is perhaps the nearest, but with Cesar Azpilicueta proving an adept left-back, he didn't really play anyway. Loic Remy could also have played more, but scored a healthy total when he did, including vital winners against Hull and Stoke.
Best Moments: Most of Chelsea's season was fairly effortless, but they had plenty of delightful results along the way. Nevertheless, the sweetest moments for Blues fans will be the victories over Spurs and Crystal Palace respectively that confirmed their two trophies.
What's Next?: Chelsea will be happy enough to have won their first two trophies of the second Mourinho era. Now that is done, the goal is now to get some more shiny trinkets, with Roman Abrahmovic's dreams surely focused on bringing another Champions League title to Stamford Bridge. No doubt he will provide Mourinho a handsome treasure chest with which to do so.

Manchester City
Final Position: 2nd
Can they be happy with their season?: Not especially, although it could've been more disastrous. The Citizens finished eight points behind Chelsea in the end, with a fairly terrible start to 2015 ending their title hopes after they had managed to reel Chelsea in over the Christmas period. In truth, they could've done a lot better, but they ultimately showed more to get a runner-up spot, although its clear it will be a busy summer.
Star Players: Sergio Aguero ended the campaign as the Premier League's top scorer and among them, racked up some extremely impressive strikes. Its no secret that Manuel Pellegrini's team would've done better had Aguero not sustained injuries and a blank patch. Elsewhere, Joe Hart looked impressive, while David Silva had another nicely productive campaign.
Need To Improve: Yaya Toure received a pasting from pundits at various points in the campaign, but in truth, Man City were worse with him out of the team. The central player who disappointed was Vincent Kompany, who had an underwhelming campaign by his standards. Eliaquim Mangala did not look stable alongside him, although he did have his moments. Wilfried Bony also needs to start producing goals to justify his big money transfer.
Best Moments: The best performances were usually away, with a thumping 3-0 demolition of Southampton at St. Mary's arguably the team's best showing of the lot. Similarly resounding successes at Stoke and Sunderland were also achieved in a pleasing manner, while the biggest away day victory was at Roma to qualify for the last 16 of the Champions League.
What's Next?: Whether or not Pellegrini remains will have to be determined quickly. After that, its most likely the management team will be engaged in a clear out, with the next step being attempts at challenges for further silverware. A Champions League campaign that goes beyond the round of 16 is a must.

Arsenal
Final Position: 3rd
Can they be happy with their season?: More happy than not. In truth, most of it is down the final months, with Arsenal's title challenge being effectively over by Bonfire Night and Monaco dumping the Gunners out of the Champions League. But the team's league form was more consistent than not, and a very proficient run to the end of the campaign saw them secure an automatic Champions League spot for the first team in three seasons, another FA Cup Final appearance, and a suggestion of a squad that can challenge next year.
Star Players: Alexis Sanchez was widely seen as a big capture when he moved from Barcelona in the summer, and the Chilean was a delightful star in his first campaign in the Premier League. Francis Coquelin proved a surprise key cog in the run-in despite failing to play regularly in a loan spell at Charlton, while Olivier Giroud delivered a very healthy goal total.
Need To Improve: Despite delivering a good goal total, Giroud's game still falters against bigger opposition, as proved following a horror show against Monaco, and the Frenchman needs more consistency. Wojeich Szczesny had an error-strewn campaign that was ended after his pain relief for gifting Southampton two goals was a cigarette in the showers afterwards.
Best Moments: For many, the catalyst for Arsenal's improved showing in the second half of the campaign was a deserved victory at Manchester City in the kind of game the Gunners have had a reputation for losing. Sandwiched by comprehensive wins over Stoke and Villa, it certainly helped, as did mauling Liverpool in a close attempt at getting payback on their defeat at Anfield last year. Edging out Manchester United and a sprited Reading to make the Cup final for a second successive year also helped.
What's Next?: The next step for Arsenal is making more of an impression in the Premier League title race and in the Champions League. A few further additions in key areas would certainly help - particularly up front, and perhaps between the goalposts.

Manchester United
Final Position: 4th
Can they be happy with their season?: A little, but not by much. The goal for Louis van Gaal's first season in the hot seat at Old Trafford was to right the wrongs of the failed Moyes experiment and restore a top four placing. After a ridiculous start that included a mauling by MK Dons and a defeat from 3-1 up at Leicester, the Red Devils put together some wins, but it took them quite a while to really look like a team with anything like the swashbuckling verve of old, and in truth, they never really looked like showing it over consistent stretches.
Star Players: David de Gea is pretty much single-handedly responsible for getting the Red Devils as many points as he did. The Spanish goalkeeper made some beautiful saves that helped the team gain a myriad of points, and its vital that van Gaal keeps him in England. Further forward, Wayne Rooney again lead the line well, while Marouane Fellaini and Ashley Young proved to be unexpectedly key cogs.
Need To Improve: Much was made of the troubles of Angel di Maria, who in truth didn't have that bad a campaign, but was perhaps expected more of given he cost a British transfer record. Saying that, he was of more use than Falcao, who cost a ridiculous fee for a loan and did barely anything, while Robin van Persie was also disappointing more often than not.
Best Moments: After being dismantled at home by Liverpool and Manchester City last season, it will have been of immeasurable satisfaction for Red Devils fans that they handed out some heavy beatings to these two rivals in this campaign. A pair of quickfire jammy victories away at Southampton and Arsenal where Manchester United were largely dominated also proved delights, not to mention vital in that top 4 chase.
What's Next?: For many, the rebuild was a two-step process, with the first being a return to the Champions League revenue streams, and then a title chase. For some, next year is seen as a year for the chase at the top, but the Red Devils need some key additions to stay close, not to mention keeping De Gea at the club. Holding onto a top 4 place is probably the starting point, although that's not to say a title chase is entirely beyond them.

Tottenham Hotspur
Final Position: 5th
Can they be happy with their season?: Not really. To some degree, fifth put a layer of gloss on another transition season at White Hart Lane. This is not to say that Mauricio Pochettino's first season at White Hart Lane was a disaster, and they will be relieved to avoid the dreaded Europa League qualifiers. But in truth, a top 4 challenge rarely looked likely, and some poor home form in the first half of the season did not help.
Star Players: "Harry Kane, he's one of our own", was the popular chant from the Spurs fans. He wrote himself into the club folklore with a brace on his first North London Derby start on his way to 21 Premier League goals, and lead the line in an unexpectedly impressive manner. Hugo Lloris also looked high quality in the goal and kept Spurs in several games, while Christian Eriksen and Nabil Bentaleb were key men in the midfield. 
Need To Improve: Defensively, Spurs need reinforcements in the summer. Vlad Chiriches and Federico Fazio were particularly inept, Kyle Walker has had his progress stalled, while even the better Eric Dier and Jan Vertonghen have had moments of brain fades. Further forward, Erik Lamela and Andros Townsend require greater consistency next year.
Best Moments: The first half of the campaign saw Spurs become late-in-the-day specialists, with late winners at Villa, Hull, Swansea and Leicester picking up three points. But things looked to change after a tremendous result on New Year's Day at home to Chelsea, where Spurs came from behind to net five. A very impressive comeback win over Arsenal lead by Kane was a tremendous result.
What's Next?: Pochettino has already said that the goal of next year will be Champions League qualification. Whether or not they get it depends on keeping Kane in the goals and/or finding someone else to rack them up alongside him, while bringing in defenders that can do their jobs more consistently.

Liverpool
Final Position: 6th
Can they be happy with their season?: Not at all. Matching last season's 2nd place was always going to be a hard ask even before Luis Suarez left and Daniel Sturridge spent the majority of the campaign injured. But a poor first half of the season left them up against it for the entire campaign, amid serious rumours over Brendan Rodgers' future. An impressive winning run at the turn of the year left them in a decent spot, but defeats in the FA Cup semi-final and to top 4 rivals saw Steven Gerrard's final campaign at Anfield end on a whimper. An inexplicable thrashing by Stoke on the final day has certainly made Liverpool fans even more scathing on the way out.
Star Players: Phillipe Coutinho and Jordan Henderson were somewhat overlooked heroes during Liverpool's 2nd place run, but here, both were cornerstones for Liverpool, and provided the consistency that some of their more decorated contemporaries lacked. After being a public whipping boy in the opening half of the campaign, Simon Mignolet also delivered an improved second half of the season.
Need To Improve: Liverpool's attack was part of the reason their 2013/14 campaign sizzled. Equally, their attack was part of the reason why this one was a disappointment. Rickie Lambert and Mario Balotelli failed to convince they were anywhere near replacing the goals gone, while Raheem Sterling didn't always look comfortable in the myriad of positions he was asked to play, and faded badly amid a contract furore that quickly went sour.
Best Moments: A 3-0 victory over Spurs in August was a great result, albeit a false dawn of one. The start of 2015 was nevertheless an impressive one, with some high quality football and impressive victories picked up against the likes of Spurs, Southampton and Manchester City that had given themselves hope of the top 4.
What's Next?: Next season will be something of an unknown, with Gerrard gone, Sterling likely to also be gone, and Sturridge still looking for fitness. The goal nevertheless remains the same that it was 24 months ago - Champions League football. Whether or not Brendan Rodgers is overseeing that remains to be seen.

Southampton
Final Position: 7th
Can they be happy with their season?: Very much so. Doom mongers were out in pre-season for Southampton after the Saints sold £90million worth of talent. But while relegation fears as some suggested were always over-the-top, very few predicted their tremendous start, with the team spending the majority of the campaign in the top six. In truth, the team slowed down a little towards the end, but Ronald Koeman's first season in England was certainly excellent.
Star Players: Jose Fonte was a colossal presence in the centre of the Saints backline, and looked very strong in a defensive unit with Nathaniel Clyne, Toby Alderweireld and Ryan Bertrand. Despite fading badly after January, Graziano Pelle and Dusan Tadic have adjusted to England very nicely, while Morgan Schneiderlin shrugged off his early transfer wrangle to be a dominant midfield presence.
Need To Improve: The Saints squad was largely trimmed of fat and was filled with players giving their all. You could argue some of the less-often used defenders could've made a greater impression, but such was the form of those ahead that they couldn't. Maybe Eljero Elia could've done more after a bright start, but he will be an asset if his loan becomes permanent.
Best Moments: The memories will presumably last a lifetime of the eight goal mauling of Sunderland, which was the pinnacle of attacking class for most teams. A 6-1 win against Aston Villa to round off the home campaign was also delightful, while maiden away day triumphs of this century at Manchester United and Newcastle were achieved by impressive back-to-back away displays.
What's Next?: Its not entirely surprising that the Saints have been linked with another mass exodus. Koeman's goal is strengthening this collection and preparing for a tilt at continuing with the Saints' five years of flight up the football pyramid, which will most likely include requiring a new striker.

Swansea City
Final Position: 8th
Can they be happy with their season?: Indeed they can. This is Swansea's second highest league position in their history, as pre-season fears of a relegation fight were quickly eroded. In truth, the second half of the campaign was not as impressive, but a remodelled Swans team coped impressively well even after losing Wilfried Bony in a big money move, and they remain an asset to the division.
Star Players: Gylfi Sigurdsson's second spell in South Wales has been excellent, with the Icelandic attacking midfielder slotting in extremely nicely. Lukasz Fabianski has also stepped up very nicely after moving from North London in the summer, with the Polish keeper making some fantastic saves along the way, while Ki Sung Yeung has formed an excellent pairing with Jonjo Shelvey.
Need To Improve: The nearest you could argue is French striker Bafetimibi Gomis, who struggled during the first part of the campaign, but bagged a number of vital goals after top scorer Wilfried Bony joined Manchester City in January.
Best Moments: The big highlight for some is a first ever league double over Manchester United, with the Swans party-pooping van Gaal's arrival in style on the opening day and then doing as well at home. The South Welsh club also picked up 6 points from Arsenal, and also had a very pleasing style once more on their way to some impressive home results.
What's Next?: After getting along reasonably well, the big challenge is now replacing the goals of Bony in order to keep themselves in a high-riding fashion. Manager Garry Monk is expected to sign a new contract soon and wants to bring in five or six players as the Swans seek to continue their upwards trajectory.

Stoke City
Final Position: 9th
Can they be happy with their season?: Yes, even if it took a little bit to get going. Stoke started off surprisingly inconsistently, as they lost early home games to Aston Villa, Leicester and Burnley. Despite the blow of losing new attacking lynchpin Bojan to injury in January, Mark Hughes was able to galvanise runs that got the team a second top 10 position in a row.
Star Players: A re-modelled strike force of Mame Biriam Diouf and Bojan provided plenty of impressive and enterprising attacking play throughout the campaign, while loan signing Victor Moses also proved useful. But the biggest surprise was Charlie Adam, who belied his love-him-or-hate-him nature with some excellent displays and wonderful goals - not least his 65-odd yarder at Chelsea and a sumptuous volley against Sunderland.
Need To Improve: Considering how integral he had been, it was a surprise to see Stoke goalkeeper Asmir Begovic give away some easy goals. The Bosnian was still a key presence, but his form wavered a bit more than previous seasons. Marko Arnautovic could also have contributed a few more strikes than his one Premier League goal in the entire campaign.
Best Moments: Stoke's seemingly annual home win over Arsenal was this time secured with an impressive attacking first half. But one of the big results was an excellent away display at Manchester City that saw them secure their first win of the campaign. There were also some delightful displays against QPR and Spurs as Stoke continued their attempts to divorce themselves of their long ball reputation. The icing on the cake was the final game, as Stoke demolished Liverpool.
What's Next?: The long game for Mark Hughes is trying to get Stoke towards the top seven or even an outside chance of a top 6 challenge. One aim is a new goalkeeper, amid rumours Asmir Begovic is a set to depart and concern over Jack Butland, while a long term successor to Peter Crouch in attack should also be sourced.

Crystal Palace
Final Position: 10th
Can they be happy with their season?: Very much so in the end. It could all have been so different. Tony Pulis' resignation on the eve of the first game was not a great start, and Neil Warnock struggled to get results before leaving just after Christmas. In came Alan Pardew, who immediately turned things around. The victories saw them zoom up the league, with Palace ultimately ending in their highest league placing since 1992.
Star Players: Goalkeeper Julian Speroni entered his 10th season at Palace and was once again responsible for keeping Palace in games with some excellent stops. A reformatted front group also worked wonders for Jason Puncheon and Yannick Bolasie, while Glenn Murray provided an unexpected impression up top in the home straight.
Need To Improve: Until Pardew arrived, goalscoring proved problematic. Marouane Chamakh's goal on the final day was his first league goal since August, Fraizer Campbell has stalled, Dwight Gayle has proved inconsistent and Yaya Sanogo has not impressed in his loan from Arsenal. Palace could use a new face or two up top.
Best Moments: Before Pardew arrived, the big highlight looked like being a deserved victory over Liverpool in early November. Palace continued to be a thorn in Liverpool's side by then winning at Anfield in Steven Gerrard's last game, and deservedly so with a very impressive performance. The biggest result was arguably coming from 2-0 down to win at Burnley in Pardew's third game, which hinted that the players and manager had got something in motion..
What's Next?: Some new faces to consolidate their presence in the top half will be sought, with Pardew presumably relishing freedom on transfers after being restrained at Newcastle. One, possibly two strikers are a must.

Everton
Final Position: 11th
Can they be happy with their season?: They won't. Even accounting for the Europa League adding extra games, Everton have gone backwards during the campaign and will finish in the bottom half for the first time in 9 years. Things could have been worse, with an error-prone defence leaking goals and giving them away at an alarming rate, and were it not for some late form, the Toffees could have found themselves in a relegation battle.
Star Players: The Toffees did have consistent performers in spite of their problems. Seamus Coleman had another impressive season his full-back bomber role, while Phil Jagielka and James McCarthy have the makings of a good spine. Aaron Lennon was also impressive, both for good showings in his loan spell and for his unimpressed look in his publicity photos after his signature.
Need To Improve: Romelu Lukaku is a curiosity. He did extremely well to get 20 goals and was his usual combative self, but for most of the season, his form was patchy, and he was dropped on a surprisingly regular basis for a club record signing. Tim Howard and Sylvain Distin underperformed, while Ross Barkley was also a surprise disappointment.
Best Moments: Phil Jagielka's thunderbolt at Liverpool in the final minute of the Merseyside Derby was a sumptuous strike that deserved greater recognition in the end of season goal awards. The best team performances came in the Europa League, with the Toffees thumping Bundesliga high fliers Wolfsburg home and away, and doing similar to Swiss side Young Boys - a result that meant Everton were the last English team standing in a disappointing European season for Premier League teams.
What's Next?: This was a very disappointing campaign and Roberto Martinez knows the most important part is adaptation. The Toffees need some strength in depth at the back, and perhaps a new partner for Jagielka, while some further reinforcements are required in the attacking quadrant.

West Ham United
Final Position: 12th
Can they be happy with their season?: The first half, yes, but the second half, no. Seemingly with a point to prove at the start of the campaign, West Ham begun extremely nicely, and were in the Champions League places by mid-December. But after that, the team bottled it. West Ham only won three league games after New Year' Day, and an FA Cup mauling by West Brom seemed to signal an end to Sam Allardyce long before his exodus was confirmed within five minutes of the final game of the Premier League season.
Star Players: Diafra Sakho had been a relatively unheralded arrival, but his early season form was magnificent, and 11 goals for his first campaign in England is a good haul. Full-backs Carl Jenkinson and Aaron Cresswell proved to be excellent signings, while Adrian was again very good between the posts.
Need To Improve: Kevin Nolan has been a whipping boy for Hammers fans for quite a while, but this season proved to be one where his inclusion was in spite of his merits. Andy Carroll again spent more time with the physio than with a ball, while Mauro Zarate proved to be a massive disappointment - both at Upton Park and at QPR, who tried to return him almost immediately after loaning him in.
Best Moments: The early form will be the most fondly remembered of this campaign, with impressive early successes over Liverpool and Manchester City among their most successful early conquests. The most comprehensive victory was over Hull City, although that masked a few cracks given the Hammers were booed off before the Tigers' second half disintegration.
What's Next?: The quickfire removal of Allardyce has set a mandate for change at the Hammers, with the replacement likely to start by jettisoning of Allardyce favourites like Nolan and Joey O'Brien. Beyond that, the Hammers have to avoid botching it and ending up in the Championship for their first season at the Olympic Stadium. The post-Allardyce record of his former Premier League clubs does not make comforting reading.

West Bromwich Albion
Final Position: 13th
Can they be happy with their season?: The second half of it, yes. WBA gambled by appointing Alan Irvine in the summer and letting him bring in 13 new players, but it was fairly quickly evident that he was not the man to keep them in the Premier League. Tony Pulis arrived on New Year's Day and despite taking some time to adjust, he was able to take the Baggies to convincing survival.
Star Players: Despite various quit threats, Saido Berahino proved key up front and bagged several key goals along the way. A new midfield pairing of Craig Gardner and Darren Fletcher proved to be very consistent after Fletcher's arrival in January, while Boaz Myhill proved to be an unsung hero when he stepped in for Ben Foster after the ex-England international's injuries.
Need To Improve: Defensively, WBA could use some tightening up, with left back seemingly an issue given their most consistent player in the position was winger Chris Brunt. £9million striker Brown Ideye also proved disappointing, even if he did chip in with vital goals against Burnley and Stoke shortly after Pulis' arrival.
Best Moments: The icing on the cake for the Baggies after securing survival was a 3-0 win over Chelsea. A 1-0 win at Old Trafford a few weeks earlier was also an impressive success story. Irvine's time by contrast peaked with double success over Spurs and Burnley, but while he did beat Aston Villa - something Pulis failed to do in two meetings - WBA showed more than enough to justify the change.
What's Next?: Uncertainty could be part of the scenario. Chairman Jeremy Peace wants to sell the club but has said he will stay if a buyer cannot be found quickly. Provided that's resolved quickly, the next step is strengthening the squad, and with it, attempts at better after consecutive seasons fighting the drop.

Leicester City
Final Position: 14th
Can they be happy with their season?: Ultimately, yes, albeit mainly the start and the end. Leicester had started quite brightly, but after the undeniable high of putting five past Manchester United, they tanked to the bottom and for the majority of the campaign, Leicester looked doomed. But after breaking a winless streak against West Ham, Leicester roared up the league, beating demotion rivals West Brom, Burnley and Newcastle on their way to safety.
Star Players: Esteban Cambiasso has proved to be magnificent in his debut Premier League season, who has bought some Champions League class to proceedings. Striker Jamie Vardy has proved a livewire, and proved particularly useful in the second half of the season, as demonstrated by his England call-up. Robert Huth and Marcin Wasilewski have also proved to be a secure defensive unit.
Need To Improve: In truth, most of the players have done what they needed to when they needed. But more could probably have been expected of some. Striker Andrej Kramaric has only scored two Premier League goals since a big money January move, while Anthony Knockeart has failed to adjust in the same way Riyad Mahrez has. Nigel Pearson's PR skills could also be bolstered a tad, although he won't care too much given he's achieved what he set out to at the start of the campaign.
Best Moments: For a long period, it looked like the 5-3 win over Manchester United in September would stand alone as a highlight. But the impressive run at the end provided a myriad of highlights - the late winner over West Ham, deserved wins over Swansea and Southampton, a thumping win over Newcastle - that Leicester fans will watch on the highlights DVD over and over again.
What's Next?: The goal for the first PL campaign in Leicester in ten years was survival and that has been achieved. The next step is strengthening and consolidation, although the Foxes have to avoid the second season syndrome trap that many have been recently fallen into.

Newcastle United
Final Position: 15th
Can they be happy with their season?: Certainly not. Newcastle's season started badly with no wins in the opening two months, and after the end of February, the bottom fell out of the club's world. One point from ten games is some of the worst form in the team's history, and John Carver proved incapable of being anywhere near replacing Alan Pardew. The Magpies did eventually do just enough to maintain their top flight status, but must do better.
Star Players: Ayoze Perez and Jack Coblack proved to be the best of Newcastle's summer overhaul, with the former proving impressive on his first campaign in England and the latter looking consistent - something his teammates lacked. Papiss Cisse also scored some vital goals, even if receiving 10 games in suspension for off the ball incidents was idiotic. The big cheers were also made for Jonas Gutierrez, after the Argentine came back following testicular cancer treatment and proved to be a key player in the home straight.
Need To Improve: Pretty much everyone else. From owner Mike Ashley underfunding the team, to director Lee Charnley looking woeful, to John Carver's appalling management, and into a large number of players looking disinterested, incapable or woeful, the club is in dire straits and requires large scale alteration in the summer.
Best Moments: If it was crazy at the time that Newcastle ended Chelsea's unbeaten start, it looks even more so now the season is done. But that was a deserved victory, even with Newcastle playing their third choice keeper. Victory at Manchester City in the Capital One Cup was also very impressive. But perhaps one of the big defining images will be a shirtless Jonas running around St. James' after his goal secured victory over West Ham and survival.
What's Next?: Root and branch reform is an absolute necessity. The club's structure has clearly failed everyone supporting it, and if Ashley stands any chance of bringing irritated fans back on side, fundamental changes in model have to be done. This include a new manager that is professionally capable and new players.

Sunderland
Final Position: 16th
Can they be happy with their season?: Not especially, but it could've been worse. Sunderland proved to be the draw specialists, with no other team coming near their 17 stalemates. But with victories proving elusive, the defeats threatened to be hammer blows, and while nothing matched the 8-0 humiliation at Southampton in terms of ineptitude, all looked lost after a humiliation at home to Aston Villa in March. That proved the end for Gus Poyet, but not for the Black Cats, as Dick Advocaat performed an impressive act of heroism to maintain their survival.
Star Players: The giant frame of Costel Pantilimon struggled to get ahead of Joe Hart at Manchester City, but proved to be an adept presence between the sticks for the North East side. Centre half Sebastian Coates has done well in a loan spell from Liverpool, while Lee Cattermole and Seb Larsson are a pair of quietly efficient and useful midfielders.
Need To Improve: Sunderland's attacking players have a consistency problem. Danny Graham only scored his first goal in the final month, Steven Fletcher remains frustrating, Connor Wickham hasn't followed through his late 2014 form, Jermaine Defoe didn't score as many as perhaps hoped - even if he got vital ones - and Will Buckley and Ricky Alvarez underwhelmed. The best attacker was Adam Johnson, who made more headlines for an off-field underage sex scandal than his football.
Best Moments: For many Black Cats supporters, a second successive pair of Tyne-Wear Derby triumphs is the highlight of the season, with Adam Johnson and Jermaine Defoe writing themselves into Sunderland folklore. This is particularly the case for the latter, whose winner was a goal of the season contender. A proficient sweeping aside of Southampton and impressive rearguard win at Everton also justified the Advocaat change.
What's Next?: It largely depends on the manager situation. Advocaat has confirmed his intentions to retire when he leaves Wearside, but is yet to confirm how far in the future that is. Players will be arriving regardless, but the philosophy will no doubt change if someone else is in the hotseat.

Aston Villa
Final Position: 17th
Can they be happy with their season?: Moreso than the position suggests. Villa looked doomed with Paul Lambert in the manager's seat, with a desperate surrender at Hull in February the nadir. Former Spurs boss Tim Sherwood was put in charge, and pulled off some significant results to keep Villa's heads above water, and even take them to their first FA Cup final since 2000. The less said about a mauling at Southampton and slump to defeat on the final day to end the league campaign, the better.
Star Players: Fabian Delph has proved a consistent powerhouse in claret and blue, and it will have been an immeasurable benefit that he chose to extend his contract. Sherwood was then able to coax performance out of Tom Cleverley as a strong midfield centre. Christian Benteke also improved following the change of management.
Need To Improve: Defensively, questions have to be answered about the Villains. Ron Vlaar is a strong presence, but various members of the back four all seemed to be going through their own inconsistent patches independent of others. Brad Guzan also had a fairly underwhelming campaign, with the veteran Shay Given looking like the better keeper after his recall.
Best Moments: Lambert peaked with a surprisingly impressive start that saw Villa win three of their opening four matches, including a deserved win at Liverpool, but for many Villa fans, a moment that saved them was showing him the door. Impressive free-flowing football shone against Everton, while Sherwood will be particularly happy to have returned to Spurs by leaving with a win. The FA Cup semi-final win over Liverpool and a late winner against West Brom in the league would also have proved very satisfying.
What's Next?: Having begun off well enough, Sherwood has to try and prevent Villa's seemingly endless flirtation with the drop. To that end, Villa need a few extra quality players, particularly in defence.

Hull City
Final Position: 18th (relegated)
Can they be happy with their season?: Hell no. Hull begun the season optimistic and hopeful of big things, with pundits suggesting the Tigers for a top half challenge after a big spending summer. But in truth, Hull struggled with their revamp, and soon enough, they began sinking. Despite coming close to saving themselves a few times, the Tigers fell through the cracks in the end.
Star Players: Nikica Jelavic was Hull's top scorer and the Croatian was a lively presence when fit. Ahmed Elmohamady was also a lively presence, even despite a handball goal and a comic dive. David Meyler and Paul McShane were put in the team for the run-in, and put some of their more wealthy teammates to shame.
Need To Improve: Its too easy to criticise Hatem Ben Arfa, even if the loanee from Newcastle was a failure. But Hull had bigger problems as well as that. The physio room had problems given Hull had an improbably large injury list for most of the season. On the pitch, Abel Hernandez proved to be a waste of £10million, while Tom Huddlestone was pedestrian, and Jake Livermore was disappointing even before his ban for a positive drug test.
Best Moments: Hull fans thought they had it done when a twin success over Crystal Palace and Liverpool with less than a month to go seemed to have got them clear of danger. This was ultimately a false dawn, and not the only one in a campaign full of them for long-suffering Hull fans.
What's Next?: Hull have go down riddled with divisions, with owner Assem Allam's "Hull Tigers" re-brand plot still irritating them, along with the Tigers owner kicking community teams out of a sports facility by the stadium. When it comes to the team, Hull will be a different looking team by the time they wander onto the field for the opening day of next season, although Steve Bruce will be hopeful of trying again to get promoted.

Burnley
Final Position: 19th (relegated)
Can they be happy with their season?: Not particularly. But few people had Burnley down to survive and they did nicely enough to keep their fight alive for so long. The team was full of hard workers and graft, but ultimately, they did not score anything near enough to keep them in the Premier League.
Star Players: A hard-working front pair of Danny Ings and Ashley Barnes proved to be a lively presence, while Tom Heaton looked at home as a Premier League goalkeeper. But one of the big stars was George Boyd, who grabbed vital goals and looked excellent out wide.
Need To Improve: In truth, Burnley lacked options in attack. Ings and Barnes may have been lively, but they needed to score more, while the likes of Lukas Jutkewicz, Sam Vokes and Marvin Sordell didn't score a single Premier League goal.
Best Moments: Taking four points off champions Manchester City was an excellent memory, including the very nicely won victory over the Citizens in March. The team also provided some pleasant memories throughout, with impressive victory over Southampton an impressive day.
What's Next?: Burnley's net spend was very low and even despite the likely departure of Ings, the team should have a squad already capable of returning to the top flight. Whether or not Sean Dyche can keep them there is a tricky one, but instant promotion back to the Premier League is certainly the goal.

Queens Park Rangers
Final Position: 20th (relegated)
Can they be happy with their season?: No. This was an unmitigated disaster, with heroically terrible away from pre-Christmas and equally terrible home form after Harry Redknapp left in February. Chris Ramsey took the reigns but the QPR side never looked like staying out of the bottom 3 after slipping below the line of doom, and they cannot complain they're heading back to the second tier from whence they came.
Star Players: Two players can really come out of this debacle with credit. Charlie Austin bagged a very impressive 17 goals in his debut Premier League season, including some important victories in the early half of the season. At the other end, goalkeeper Robert Green pulled off some beautiful stops that bailed out his inept defensive unit.
Need To Improve: With the exception of those two and possibly Leroy Fer, Joey Barton and Matty Phillips, QPR have been abysmal. The purchasing strategy has left QPR filled with uninspiring heavily moneyed mercenaries yet again, and the Hoops need to shed as many of them as quickly as possible.
Best Moments: It looked for a brief moment like two exhilarating and well-earned victories against Leicester and West Brom would get QPR somewhere. Both games were impressively earned wins, and are perhaps as good as it got for the Hoops.
What's Next?: Provided the Football League don't fine them £50million+ as has been rumoured, whoever takes the reigns needs to desperately rebuild. But the Championship is an unforgiving league, with the likes of Fulham, Cardiff, Wigan, Blackpool and Wolves all recently finding it a struggle, and QPR have to be wary of avoiding a plummet.

With everything now done and dusted for the campaign, we now have a tournament-free summer to focus on what most football fans consider one of the fundamental parts of football supporting - rampant transfer speculation.

There's a full 75-odd days before everything starts back up again, with the FA Cup Final and the European finals the final things wrapping us all up before the summer, and then eventually going back into the groove of league football.

All we can do now is wait up for the next chapter to be written.