Andy Penders

Oh my goodness.

How good is the football at the moment? I mean really. Liverpool beating Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, Manchester United getting out fought in the second half at Goodison Park and Harry Redknapp joining Tottenham.

I think the Portsmouth fans have got some right to feel slightly aggrieved.

Ok, Harry leaves them in a fairly solid state with possibly the best team that they have ever had. But you have to wonder if the spirit has just been taken out of the camp? All the players there are Harry's men. You can see they play for Harry. They all left bigger clubs to play for Harry. The support at Fratten Park is good but Portsmouth is hardly deemed a big club yet they have big name players who are only there for Harry and the big money they are earning.

Arry's success rate in his second spell at Portsmouth was fantastic, avoiding defeat in 99 of the 128 games he precided over. The new manager will certainly have to have a big ego and a massive amount of flair. Although he will have to be careful not to impart too much of himself on the team as change is the last thing Portsmouth need. They need someone to continue Redknapp's good work. You need someone with the knowledge of Avram Grant and the flair of Sam Allardyce.

Perhaps the best thing to do is to give Tony Adams a few games to see how he does.

But if I was a Portsmouth fan I would feel that Harry has sent out a clear message that the club has possibly come as far as it can. And that is not good for spirits or the growth of the club.

Since the last time I blogged, I have been to the Singapore Grand Prix.

Now I have lived and worked in Singapore for almost ten years now so I can now call it home. And I have to say I was very proud of what was achieved.

I always remember it was a pretty big thing when the F1 went to KL for the first time. I went up there and the track was awesome. But having the GP on your door step was pretty special. I actually don't live too far away from the circuit. So close in fact that I could hear the cars while watching it on the TV in my lounge.

My only regret was that I did not actually go to the race, like Jamie did (she gets free tickets, I don't). I decided to stay home and watch STAR Sports' coverage which I thought was superb.

I did get in to town for the practice sessions though. PJ's company IPAC had invited special guests to their offices in Maybank Tower. The tower is the blue lit one, at turn 20 (I think). Anyway, the offices were on the 27th floor and gave a great view of the circuit as the cars came down the Padang, past the cricket club and up towards the Esplanade.

It was so surreal to hear the cars in the city.

The parties were also great over the weekend and during the week. The closest I got to the drivers was on Thursday night at the Red Bull party. David Coultard and Mark Webber were both there but I think I had too much Red Bull inside of me to notice. Good party though.

And another great weekend of football! How about Hull beating Arsenal! That was amazing, I wonder if they can do the same in North London again as they play Tottenham this weekend?

Southampton managed to get six points this week which is super news. And also a debut goal for Jordan Robertson.

Get in son!

Hope you managed to watch NFC last Thursday. If you didn't then we should have a treat for you this week. We have a new set and new song title and just a new look overall. Hope you enjoy it. We also have a lot more creative talent working behind the scenes than ever before and this year should see a real change for the show. We hope you enjoy it.

What did you think of the football in the Barclays Premier League?

I had a few stand out moments. I really enjoyed watching Johan Elmander play. Ok, his Bolton side were up against a newly promoted team but Elmander is one of those players I always used to buy in Championship Manager! So for whatever reason I feel a certain amount of loyalty to him. 

And by the way, how good was Steinsson's goal? And yes he did mean it.

Did you see the way Deco played?

How can he deemed surplus to requirements at Barcelona?! I mean the guy was unreal. I guess we need to judge him over the course of a season given injuries and fatigue but given the way he paraded his stuff at The Bridge against Portsmouth, he looks a great buy.

Well done too to Hull, who managed to come back from a goal down to a Fulham side who many fancied to come away from the KC Stadium with all three points. What a signing Geovanni could be, especially if he continues to score goals like that! Don't forget, this midfielder once cost Barcelona eleven million pounds! 

I also enjoyed watching Fernando Torres. I love the way that for 90 minutes he may hardly get a sniff of goal. But should he get the slightest glimpse he is able to punish it. That really does make him top quality. World class. Universe class.

The bet of the weekend had to be Middlesbrough beating Tottenham. Not because they were always going to win but because the bookmakers had made Spurs the favourites. I just don't get it. I mean Spurs away? 

They just do not have it going on. Nice to see them spending a lot of money though. I am sure they will be a real force to be reckoned with at WHL but opening day of the season you had to back against them on their travels.

Did you see anything funny over the weekend? 

We saw Shay Given hit in the face with the ball along with Dean Ashton. Ok it is not that funny unless you put some music to it and edit it nicely. So, on NFC this week we are putting some music on it and editing it nicely and it is sure to be funny.

How good were Newcastle by the way? How good is Jonas Gutierrez, again by the way? 

I thought with that haircut that he must be a bit dodgy but I thought he was superb.

How did your NFC Manager team go? 

I was awful. Torres and Fuller got me points but I have got bleedin' Joe Hart in goal. Now why did I do that. I would suggest immediately transferring out all Manchester City players right now. They are playing like a bunch of strangers, unfit ones at that.

Good luck with ya team. Go the Saints and looking forward to seeing you on Thursday.

Right everyone, answer this question very seriously ok? Have you missed us? I mean really, have you missed us at all?

Actually, wandering the vibrant streets of Singapore I get loads of people coming up to me asking where has NFC gone. I tell them that the show is not coming back and that we have all been sacked. They often leave me very disappointed.

But just imagine how happy they will be when they see us back on the TV again! There is a massive new look this season, fresh with new titles and I think a new theme tune.

So, new look, new season and new erm, erm, new hopes for every team this year. I do love the close season, I love all the transfer talk. That is basically what I used to do for a living, make up transfer talk – all fully founded of course!

The biggest transfer saga has of course been that of Ronaldo – and I am so over it. He perpetuated the rumour himself and I think as he gets older he will learn to realise what quotes can get taken out of context. Sure, every footballer wants to play for Real Madrid and he is no exception. However, perhaps he should have stayed quiet. I mean he is contracted to Manchester United. Do you hear me coming out in the press saying that I fancy a move to Mediacorp or CNN? (Do they pay better?) No, I don't because my present employers will not be too happy.

Anyway, I am glad he is staying in the Premiership, the competition is so much better with him in it.

There are other players that I am looking forward to seeing play in the Premier League. The young Welsh boy Aaron Ramsey at Arsenal is quality while I wonder how Steve Sidwell will fare at Aston Villa – do you think he can shine there?

Johan Elmander is another one that I am looking forward to see play – he cost Bolton almost a club record fee I think, not bad when you consider that they have splashed the cash on Nicolas Anelka!

Deco is going to be super in the Premier League provided he does not get battered too much and maintains that fitness.  Fulham have made so many signings this close season and it is a chance to assess Roy Hodgson on his transfer market abilities. I like Zoltan Gera and am a little upset that he left West Brom but he is sure to provide lots of ammunition for Andrew Johnson (still can't work out why he left Everton).

Fair play to Hull and their summer coups. Geovanni and Boateng are great signings – remember this is a club with money and with a cracking stadium to boot.

I never know too much about Liverpool's signings. Degen looks solid with great pedigree albeit very young. While Robbie Keane is sure to fit in seamlessly.

Mark Hughes at Manchester City has been fairly quiet but made two big signings in Ban Haim and Jo – fairplay to the millions to Thaksin but I did expect to see lots more signings! It will also be interesting to see how Peter Crouch works with Defoe at Portsmouth. Goodness knows why Redknapp felt the urge to sign Chelsea striker Ben Sahar on loan – anyway, I am sure he has a plan.

Sunderland have made some solid signings and will be extremely difficult to beat next season while I am surprised more has not been made at the millions that Tottenham have splashed out this season. Is it time for them to break into the top four – it would certainly make the Premier League an interesting place.

However, the biggest surprise I guess is that Sir Alex Ferguson has not bought anyone in this summer – I mean he may do by the time the transfer window closes but I would have liked to have seen one superstar arriving. I guess Fergie's hands have been a little tied because he did not know whether Ronaldo was staying or going. Nevertheless I demand a big name player. The best rumour I saw all close season was that Thierry Henry was going to United. I think he would do wonders there.

Anyway – looking forward to you hopefully enjoying the new season of NFC. Many thanks again to our sponsors Nokia, without whom we wouldn't have jobs!

Lots of people writing in having a laugh at my team, Southampton, as they head straight into League One! Did you know that there are 4 other teams in League One who used to play in the Premier League. Can you name them?

There is also a team in League Two that used to be in the BPL. I am not counting MK Dons though - there is another one.

Also, here is another question I will ask and will give the answer at the bottom of this page. Can you work out how many teams have been in the Premier League?

Right, to some emails: This one is from Melvin in Singapore:

I am doing a short documentary project on the English Premier League with my group. We are a group of secondary school students studying in Singapore.

We were wondering if we could have the privilege of you and your fellow pundits taking some time off from your hectic schedule to allow us conduct a short interview.

We feel that your expertise in this area would come handy in our documentary. Your contribution will go a long way in helping us for our project. We hope to hear from you soon, as any help will be greatly appreciated.

Answer: Now I cannot speak for any of the other presenters because they are all busy. But I can make myself available anytime!

Next up, from Azid,

Hey Andy, I know exactly how you are feeling about Saints dropping from one division to the next. I used to live in Sheffield .. and .. and .. I lived in Hillsborough, 5 mins walk to the Owls nest. I still don't know whether it was me or the Carbone-Di Canio duo.

Nevertheless, supporting Wednesday was purely for the fact of staying there. I will still Never Walk Alone. Azid. p/s - by the way are you guys interested to find out about Flag Football?? Answer: What the hell is Flag Football - can we feature it on the show?

Next up from Achinthya JS

hi all u crazy ppl........u ppl are rockin d show specially Haikel n PJ......... This msg goes 2 all chelsea fans......they r d most borin team on earth.....take a look at arsenal n manu's match.....they are entertainin, played at a good pace n goals r always assured........i being a ManU's fan just love 2 watch their matches and also enjoy watchin arsenal matches but i would rather watch a sum other league or some other match then watch chelsea's match because they play 4 results not 4 fans entertainment.....but d weekend carling cup finals was good and entertainin because CHELSEA LOST.......

Answer: Now, first thing, who are PJ and Haikel and why do they rock so much? What's wrong with 'Hi Football Crazy - love the show, Andy Rox....'?

Anyway I have to agree on the entertainment factor with Chelsea. They are a dogged side who defend well and take their chances. I must admit I would rather watch Aston Villa play than Chelsea just because of the pace and excitment of Agbonlahor and Young...

Right, the answers to the questions at the start of the blog.

4 other teams in League One who used to play in the Premier League. Answer: Nottingham Forest, Leeds, Oldham and Swindon.

There is also a team in League Two that used to be in the BPL. I am not counting MK Dons though - there is another one. Answer: Bradford City.

Also, here is another question I will ask and will give the answer at the bottom of this page. Can you work out how many teams have been in the Premier League?

Answer: 40, including Wimbledon - go on then, impress your friends with that!

Kevin from Goa, India wrote in:

hey guys, this is kevin and i am a huge manchester united fan.listen guys i love ur show n i watch it on thursday and saturday.

From: Haseeb Jan

hi all you all are doin a gr8 job keep up the good work can you guys give me some info about phlip lahm the player who played for germany in the worldcup like which club is he playin for now.

Dear Crazy, watched the FA, you guys? (of course you did)

Firstly, three out of the four sides taking part in this weekend's FA Cup semi-finals are from England’s second tier. Cardiff are joint favourites to win the competition and they must see off Barnsley on Sunday who have already knocked Liverpool and Chelsea out of the competition.

Bristol City - who are now top, one point ahead of Stoke. Now, what is interesting about Bristol City is that they are top with a goal difference of +2 (sic). Which leaves the question, how can the league's best team have a positive goal difference of just two goals? Bristol City have only scored 49 goals. The bottom side, Colchester have scored six more goals!

NOT Bristol City - they have too many tough fixtures including Stoke, Wolves and Sheff Utd to worry about.

I have long mentioned in this article that the Saints could have 99.99% of possession and still lose a game 5-0. Every match report I read says that we play superbly well for large periods of a game yet lose out to some sloppy goal. Well we need to wake up now because we could well be relegated to League One. Sure it is tight down there and a win changes things but the two sides immediately above us (Barnsley and Sheff Weds) have a game in hand and could further pull away.

Well there you go for another season - I think it has been one of the best ever from a footballing point of view and in terms of Nokia Football Crazy.

I have loved watching Manchester United play their football this season - it is full of attacking flair with rigidness at the back. Accompanying that is solid tactics and significant strength in depth to cater for injuries and suspensions.

Fair play too to Chelsea who lost both the Barclays Premier League and the Champions League on the flip of a coin. I'll have to be honest, I am not the biggest Chelsea fan only because I am jealous of the spending power they have. I am glad they are working hard on their academies and grass roots football.

Chelsea are one of the scariest teams I have ever seen! It reminds me of playing for the under 10 team side and coming up against a team full of fifteen year olds. The Blues are strong, powerful and fierce and any side that can match them in this physical department is doing a wonderful job - that is why it is a big 'hats-off' to Manchester United for handling that.

As far as Nokia Football Crazy goes, I have loved this season. We launched a two hour live version on Saturday mornings which has allowed us to come up with more ideas. I have really enjoyed Jien getting out and about in Asia and reporting back on his findings. Jamie has been funny all season long with the girl power she brings to the show while PJ and Haikel are the best guests ever.

We will be continuing Nokia Football Crazy for another season and would love your input to how the show can move forward next season. Please give us your thoughts on what you would like to see on the show - email us at feedback@footballcrazy.tv

Have a great summer, cheer on England for the Euro championships!!!

A day when Southampton went into the final day of the Championship season in the relegation zone and took on a high-flying Sheffield United side who were entertaining play-off hopes.

I was sitting in the business centre of La Meriden in KL as I had a press conference for Celcom the next day. I was alone and with no one else in the business centre I ordered myself a couple of beers and watched the game via live text on the internet (they were not streaming the game live).

As the day started with everyone drawing, it meant that Southampton were going down. Eyes were also on the proceedings at the Britannia Stadium where Stoke were entertaining Leicester, the team immediately above Southampton. If we drew and Stoke beat Leicester then we would stay up.

Anyway, Sheffield United scored against the run of play to send the Blades into the play-off spots and Southampton down in the live table. I was gutted. Leicester fans were picking up the information on their radios and were going crazy!

Saints hit back with an equaliser through Saganowski and for a moment I let out an almighty cheer as we got ourselves back into the game. Nevertheless, we were still going down on goal difference as Leicester were still drawing at Stoke.

Saints then amazingly took the lead through Stern John who got booked for celebrating while taking his shirt off. It meant we were safe, even if Leicester beat Stoke, because Coventry were being well beaten by Charlton and the Sky Blues would then be relegated.

I was a nervous wreck. Hiding behind the computer screen, waiting for updates on the website and hoping that we would hold on. I kept all my superstitions of refreshing the page at the right point and looking at the different websites in the same order but to no avail as Sheffield United equalised through Jon Stead.

All of a sudden, the Saints were down and the Leicester fans were going crazy at the Britannia despite their team still drawing 0-0 with Stoke.

Then, amazing scenes as Stern John got his second goal of the afternoon. The business centre I was in received its first and loudest football cheer as I went crazy. All we had to do now was hold on to this improbable lead. Leicester fans were gutted and were cheering their side on to score as that would send Coventry down.

But Saints never do things the easy way. Oh no. With ten minutes to go Stern John got his second yellow card of the afternoon for a slack challenge and it meant the Blades were peppering the Southampton goal for the final ten minutes. It was agony. Really. Agony.

But we held on to secure a massive day in the club's history of staying in the Championship - ha ha, how funny does that sound?! Such drama and one of the reasons why I love England's second tier - it is so exciting!

Well, as it stands, West Brom are top of the table and deserve to be promoted. Tony Mowbray has got them playing some wonderful football, as well displaying the grit and determination needed to get out of the division.

Well done though to Hull who are currently second in the table. They are on a right tear at the moment and have a great goal difference that is sure to serve them well. Both teams have lost eleven games this season which seems a crazy amount for two teams who are top of the table - but then again, this is the Championship when, on their day, any team can beat any team!

The best home record award goes to Ipswich who have recorded a staggering 14 home wins this season, losing just once. (West Brom have won twelve times and lost three). Perhaps more startling is the fact that Watford can lose six games at home all season and still find themselves three points off the top of the Championship. However, their away form is superb having won ten times.

Make no mistake, it is going to be one of the closest finishes in the Championship for some time and it’s sure to provide plenty of entertainment.

At the bottom, we know that Scunthorpe and Colchester are already relegated. Who joins them is anyone's guess. Take your pick from Leicester (the current relegation place incumbent), Coventry and Sheffield Wednesday (both one point above Leicester), Southampton and Blackpool (two points above the drop zone), Barnsley and Norwich (who are four points above 22nd place).

As a Southampton fan I am obviously hoping that we do not go down and at least the season will go to the wire, keeping it interesting all the way.

In the Premiership, the race is all good.

On Saturday, Arsenal will beat Reading and Blackburn could well get a draw with Manchester United at Ewood Park. After Chelsea’s Thursday win at Everton, the gap at the top would then be three points.

And so on to Chelsea versus Manchester United on the 26th - it is a massive game and one that is too tough to call. Surely United cannot win the thing at Stamford Bridge! Surely, Chelsea's home record will not be lost to United! Let's say that it won't be, and plump for the draw again. Meanwhile, Arsenal pummel Derby on the Monday night game.

The gap is still three points at the top of the table.

Then West Ham United visit Old Trafford and given the Hammers' recent poor form, this looks to be an easy one for the Red Devils. Arsenal then beat Everton at home while the Monday night game could see Newcastle getting a draw against Chelsea at St. James' Park, especially as Newcastle are showing some good form of late.

That means we are into the final day of the season with the table looking like this:

1 Manchester United 85pts

2 Arsenal 80pts

3 Chelsea 80pts

And so it is all over!

Now let's change a few things. Let's say I have over estimated Newcastle and Chelsea manage a win in the North East. That puts Chelsea into second, three points behind Manchester United but with an inferior goal difference.

So, to make things interesting, let's say Chelsea beat Manchester United at Stamford Bridge - by two goals to one.

Both are now tied on 84 points. As a result, Chelsea have to do better than Manchester United on the final day of the season to win the Premier League.

Chelsea are at home to Bolton - three points there you would have thought. But what about Manchester United? They are away to Wigan - the same Wigan that just drew with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge - the same Wigan who may have something to play for. What if the Latics draw with United! Then Chelsea win!

But then again, you know it will not happen like this at all!