FPLH's Premier League Manager of the Year

FPLH's Premier League Manager of the Year

With the season coming to a close we are pleased to announce our Premier League Manager of the Year.  It was a tough decision to make as many teams have done better than expected by bucking pre-season predictions.  Notable mentions must to go to Brendan Rodgers for Swansea's Barcelona Lite type football, as well as Paul Lambert's dogged Norwich.  Many slated these two newly promoted teams for the drop yet both are expected to secure comfortable mid-table places.  Wigan's recent improved form has not gone unnoticed under Martinez either.  In addition, credit to Roy Hodgson for continuing his rejuvenation with West Brom and being on the cusp of a Top 10 finish, as the FA finally come calling for him.

But despite the aforementioned names, one manager has truly defied expectation more than most.  Alan Pardew came to Newcastle United following the notorious sacking of Chris Houghton.  This was followed by sales of Carroll, Nolan and Barton during 2011.  Yet the players he bought in to replace the former Geordie favourites has proved to be successful.  Pardew's "French Revolution" signings inspired an unbeaten start to the season.  They proved it was no fluke as they maintained a Top 6 position through out the season.  Newcastle United are now close to securing 4th place and a Champions League spot, following their remarkable 0-2 victory at Stamford Bridge.  Time will tell whether Pardew can retain the same calibre of players and continue the Geordies' fantastic run into the 2012/2013 season.  But for the time being he has done enough to win FPLH's inaugural Premier League Manager of the Year award.  Congratulations.

FPLH's Manager of the Year:

1st - Alan Pardew (Newcastle United)

2nd - Brendan Rodgers (Swansea City)

3rd - Roy Hodgson (West Bromwich Albion)

One for the Future Series – Part III: Martin Kelly (Liverpool)

One for the Future: Martin Kelly

With Jamie Carragher on borrowed time as a first team regular at Liverpool, young Martin

Kelly may be looking to become the new Kop hero of Dalglish’s back four. Born in Whiston,

Merseyside, Kelly is a local boy who made his way through the academy ranks, before

breaking into the senior side in 2008.

A versatile defender who can play at either right back or centre half, Kelly has all the
ingredients to mould himself into a successful Premier League player. He has pace, strength,
and great positional awareness. However, with an unfortunate string of injuries during his
short time at Anfield, Kelly is yet to make the right back position his own.

But even in his brief Liverpool career, Kelly has demonstrated that he does not shy away
from the big occasion; having produced man of the match performances against Everton
and Chelsea in the 2010/11 season. These accolades were a credit to his attacking surges.
They were also evidence of the quality of his attacking play, having dislodged regular attack
minded right back Glen Johnson during this period.

His attacking style is from the Bale school of football – the knock and run tactic. With the
full back beaten, Kelly will then whip in a cross for one of his teammates to fire home from
inside the box. It is a simple, yet effective form of attacking play; one that brought him to the
attention of former England boss Fabio Capello.

The young defender has already played at Champions League level, proving his worth against
tough opposition in Lyon and PSV. Coupled with this, Kelly has represented England at
Under21 level, scoring a headed goal on his debut against Uzbekistan.

Liverpool has a wealth of top quality defenders at their disposal. With Kelly learning his
trade under the watchful eyes of the likes of Carragher, Skrtel, Agger and Johnson, Kelly
is sure to develop into a very assured defender. If he can steer clear of injury woes, Martin
Kelly is definitely one to watch for the future.

Written by Sam Balls

Brief Biography:

I am a final year English student at the University of Portsmouth. I am extremely passionate about sport, and my burning ambition is to write for a national newspaper. You can find my blog at: samuelballs.wordpress.com or follow me on twitter: @Sam_Balls