IT'S the time of year that sees almost a traditional return to the trusty crystal ball.
For the first time in years, the normal two-horse Premiership race has seen the introduction of a third runner. Will Liverpool have the stamina to retain top spot or will Steve Gerrard's alleged nightclub "activities" ultimately cost the Reds their
first title since 1990?
And whilst Chelsea continue to wobble as questions are asked about Big Phil, to borrow a racing analogy from the 1973 Grand National, are Liverpool Crisp to Manchester United's Red Rum?
Down at the bottom, well currently it's any three from about 12.
With all due respect to both West Brom and Stoke, it's those two and one other. Who that is remains to be seen, but all appears to be not well in the House of Fratton, 40 miles or so west of Worthing, and that could ultimately see Hampshire's Premiership interest disappear – perhaps never to return.
In fact, that would be an interesting bet. If Pompey were to get relegated, what would the odds be on Sussex hosting a Premiership game at Falmer, before top-flight football returned to either Portsmouth or Southampton?
On the subject of wagers, once again many thanks to Stewart Peskett and his staff down at Ladbrokes in Lancing. It's fair to say that the Albion each way charity bet in League One, in aid of the Chestnut Tree House, will remain in the South Street till for at least another 12 months.
There is no way of dressing it up, the Albion have disappointed so far this season. Thankfully they start 2009 outside the relegation places, and I still believe they will remain above the dreaded drop zone.
My continued support for the manager has attracted a fair amount of criticism but remains unrelenting. I think if fans understood the full situation, there would be far less negativity. Who knows, perhaps Dick Knight will come on my radio show and enlighten fans a bit more about the goings on at the Albion over the last 12 months?.
Micky Adams, to my mind, will get it right. Mid-table mediocrity, with a Wembley day out thrown-in, beckons. Perhaps the expectation level, brought about by the return of the legendary Adams was too high?
One thing is for certain, the years come and go, but it's never dull supporting the Albion.
- Many thanks to everyone at Littlehampton FC for the hospitality on Saturday afternoon, as well as a £350 cheque for St Barnabas House, courtesy of their early season veteran's tournament.
As for the football, it was almost a breath of fresh air, all be it cold, with a very healthy crowd witnessing a traditional local derby against Rustington, who eventually ran out deserved 2-0 winners.
Special mention must go to the Marigolds' 40-something trio of Micky Phillips, Richie Hellen and player-boss Gary Young, all still enjoying the beautiful game.
And finally a little comment, passed on to me by one of the aforementioned trio, to the Littlehampton Sports and Social club: perhaps the temperature outside shouldn't be matched by that of the showers.
- One final question as we bid farewell to 2008. If the Albion do overcome Luton and make it to Wembley in the final of the Johnstones Paint Trophy, will all of Micky Adams' critics, some of whom have subjected the manager to some of the worst abuse, both verbal and written, I have witnessed in nearly 40 years of supporting the Albion, be in the queue for their Wembley tickets?
The answer is, of course, they will. A fickle breed the football fan . . .
