Any Canadian EPL players next season?

[Timotas]

Well with the English season slowly coming to an end... Jim Brennan's, Norwich, are in dead last, 6 points away from second last place Crystal Palace. It seems quite apparent that Norwich will be heading back down to the League Championship, unless they pull off some big wins in the last few games. Also, despite Fulham's win today, they have be dreadful over the last few months, and are only 6 points clear of relegation. For example, all it takes is Fulham loosing 4 out of 5 games to have a greater chance of relegation. So our two Premiership players, Brennan and Radzinski may be in danger of playing lower quality football. I don't see Brennan being picked up by a Premiership team, nor do I see Radz if Fulham are relegated.

Our hopefuls from the League Championship, DeVos and Peters from 3rd place Ipswich, and perhaps Pesch with Derby may be our Premiership players for next season. Hopefully Ipswich will get on a good winning streak and not have to play a playoff for the third spot of promotion. A slim chance is Derby County to get into a playoff round for promotion, but even if they do get into the Premiership next season, it isn't for sure that Pesch will be brought up with the team; example, when Fulham was promoted and Pesch was left behind.

So the overall question is; will Canada have any English Premiership players playing in the 2005-2006 season. Personally, I obviously hope they do, considering that I believe that the Prem is the best league in the world and is the most shown in Canada. My basic prediction is that, Fulham will stay up in the Prem with Radzinski and that Ipswich will bring DeVos and Peters to the Premiership. Any thoughts on this issue?

[Peschfan]

Brennan and Norwich look doomed for the drop. Wouldnt be surprised to see Brennan leave Norwich either but likely to anohter Championship club. Fulahm should stay up but if they go down i dont see Radz going down with them. he has had interst from Aston Villa, Blackburn, Bolton, and even Birmingham City. I think Radz could find another club in the Prem. As for Ipswich, they are fighting for automatic Promotion. If they dont get it, i dont think they will win the playoffs. because teams finishing 3rd have been cursed with not going up. but De Vos a defiante possibiltiy for the Prem and Peters if he makes the first team.

Derby also in a playoff place, and if they are promoted there is no reason why Pesch wont go with them. He still has another year on his contract, and will prolly be destined to his supersub role. His future at fulahm was decided long before they were promoted, Tigana didnt like him, and brought his own french players in. Pesch was leaving regardless.

QPR and Bircham have an outside chance at making the playoffs but its a long shot.

Who knows still an outside shot a premiership club could scalp Iain Hume too. we likely will have a couple in the premiership next season. Most likely Radz and De Vos but still a possibility for more.

[LMW]

Unfortunately Norwich City seem to have a history of going up to the top flight for a year or two then going back down for a number of years. This pattern has been happening for quite a few years now. I remember back in the eighties and nineties when they would always finish in the middle of the pack, in what was then, just Division 1 of English soccer. They probably should get new ownership with deeper pockets. I like Norwich City especially their yellow uniforms, used to have one, when I was younger. Used to live about 20 miles away from Norwich in Hingham, Norfolk. Would like to see them stay for awhile in the EPL. oh well.

[canadiankick97]

Don't forget we could see Stalteri move to the Prem. next season, too.

[Cheeta]

As poorly as things have gone at Norwich this season they'll be in go shape for a return. Club will likely make some pretty good coin this year.

Fulham's been a big disappointment. Just bled way, way too many goals and Craven's Cottage isn't exactly proving to be Fortress Fulham either. They'll be okay I think. Not exactly drowning in red ink and with a couple of young players looking to be good sellable assets in the near future can't see them repeating another horrible season like this one past.

(By the by, did anyone catch Radz getting used as a wide forward today? Surprising how much of the middle those touchline greyhounds can open up isn't it?)

Ipswich going up? As good a chance as anyone I'll guess. JDV will get his chance at the EPL, finaly. Think he'll make an absolute meal of it if he dose. Should make for some good watching. Unless Peters improves by some very big steps can't see him on the bench never mind the pitch.

Boy oh boy. Diesel in the EPL. Think he could find his way into most formations and they'd just love him over there. Energy, speed, and bite. Think he'd look grand playing out of Villa Park, no matter what Gordon says.

[Ivan]

As a longshot, Ryan Gyaki's Sheffield United is a point or so out of a playoff spot. According to An Observer's earlier post, he is playing well and scoring regularly for the reserves. He could possibly be in for a callup. Although it may be better for him if the Blades stay down. He could see first team action earlier.

[CanadianSoccerFan]

I was really hoping Norwich could stay up. My family lives there and I'm visiting in August. Would've liked to see a prem' fixture. The club will be in promotion territory again next year as their financial status is improving. Season ticket sales are the highest ever i hear so far. Oh well, I guess a trip to Anfield will be a nice consolation