Relegation Looming

By Andy Baggott
April 27 2004

Are we doomed? A win for Man City this weekend, coupled with a defeat for us against Bolton on Sunday, would effectively see us relegated...

However, a Newcastle win, and us beating Bolton, would leave everything to play for. We are in an awful position, and we are there because we don't have enough quality, plain and simple. Take out Smith and Viduka, and the rest are average players, and youngsters making their way in the game - it was always going to be a struggle replacing the likes of Kewell, Rio, Woody, Bowyer, Dacourt, Keane, Fowler etc with free transfers, loan signings and kids - and it shows. It may yet, all come down to the last game, and we are away to Chelsea. Therefore, Chelsea's Champions League semi final against Monaco could prove decisive. If Chelsea were to get through to the final, thjat would be played the week after we play them in the league, and Tinkerman Ranieri is unlikely to risk injuries to key men in that last game. Are we going to be left hoping that Chelsea do us a favour???