It's _______'s Year!

Big statement, one would think. Once upon a time, the obvious concensus would have been that it is indeed. Today the phrase, being thrown around by random fans of clubs in the Championship, probably has as much significance as "What's for dinner, Hon?". 

One "fact" I can assure you of is that at the end of the season we're going to have our annual ceremony of Liverpool fan's saying "Next year is ours'. For sure."

Then whose year is it anyway? Seeing that I've ticked Liverpool off of this (not so) long list of possibilities, we're left with Chelsea, Arsenal and - the reigning champions from last year; and the year before that; and the year before that as well - Manchester United.

Lets start with Chelsea. Anyone writing about the title race next season would have a lot to talk about with Chelsea's ban possibly beginning to take it's toll then, but what will put them behind this year is their lack of a Rooney-type player: a player willing to sweat blood for the team and one who isn't playing for the money. There could be a lack of commitment from the established superstars such as Ballack, and this may eventually implode the football club's chances. A dedicated player in the "Rooney" mould can make a significant and Chelsea could be unbeatable if they acquire a player like that. But FIFA has put paid to that.

Next in line are the Gunners, Gooners or plain bad loosers- call them what you will. Over the past few years Arsene has developed a mind set which makes him happy to "field an under-14 team and be happy to lose evry match for the sake of youth development" as Chris Toy so rightly suggests. It's been a while since they've won the Premiership , in case their fans haven't noticed.

And now of the Devils'. Manchester United have sold Cristiano Ronaldo and they still sell tickets. Now why in the world are you surprised? United have been here before. And as Sir Bobby Robson says in his autobiography, "Sir Alex always has 19 good players on his squad, so he was never afraid to sit out people like Beckham". And then Sir Alex pulled a rabbit out of a hat (or should I say Owen out of an early retirement?)! I never thought I would ever get used to Owen wearing a United jersey, but when I found out that he had once  (when in Liverpool) said that "Liverpool is the greatest club in the area. Manchester is a good 50miles away." I knew he was determined to be here subconsciously if not consciously.

So, seeing the world with my red tinted glasses like all other Mancunians  (is that a word?) I have  come to a conclusion that Manchester United - Not Chelsea, norArsenal, never Liverpool - will win the premiership. Again.

To top it off, a joke I stole from someone at Mancunia:

Giggs: hey, mikey! Which is the only ship never to dock at Liverpool?

Owen: I don't know, Oh mighty Giggsy! Wich is the only ship never to dock at Liverpool?

Giggs: The premiership!

Owen: HAHAHA HOHOHO! aww Ryan, you are as funny as you are left leged!