21) Berahino needs the right manager
A terrific young talent on his day, it has been an up-and-down season for West Bromwich Albion forward Saido Berahino. The England hopeful has definitely stood out at the Hawthorns, but has also had his fair share of off-the-field problems and disciplinary issues. Tony Pulis has done a good job with him and it may be that he should really stay and learn more from the Welshman before rushing off to a big club. Wherever he does go, Berahino needs a manager who will handle his temperament and channel that raw ability into something more.
22) Ings looks overrated
Why so much hype over Burnley striker Danny Ings? The 23-year-old is being linked with a whole host of top clubs ahead of the summer despite scoring only 11 goals in all competitions and going ten games before the end of the season without a goal at all. As usual, this looks like a typical case of an English youngster being hugely over-hyped, particularly given his contract situation at Turf Moor which means he can leave for a cheap compensation fee this summer. Still, is he Liverpool or Manchester United quality? No chance.
23) Pardew hugely underrated
With Newcastle United needing a last-day win to avoid relegation, it’s clear just how much Alan Pardew had them punching above their weight. Crystal Palace are also now celebrating a 10th place finish when they’d looked slightly doomed earlier in the season. Whatever your opinion of Pardew, he clearly has a great track record and is under-appreciated at Premier League level.
24) Aston Villa need fixing
Tim Sherwood may be a good appointment and could even still be lifting the FA Cup at the weekend, but Aston Villa’s finish of 17th shows just how badly they need change. Paul Lambert looked the wrong man for the job ever since he walked into Villa Park, and it took until things got desperate for him to be shown the door. Randy Lerner needs to invest more in this squad and show some ambition for one of English football’s historically biggest clubs.
25) QPR still not learning
More big spending on players who aren’t really good enough, more questionable management decisions, it’s no surprise to see Queens Park Rangers go down and finish rock bottom of the Premier League. This once-great club is another being dragged down by an owner who doesn’t know enough about the game and who doesn’t have the team’s best interests at heart. Chris Ramsey seems a good guy and his appointment will be an interesting one in the context of playing in the Championship, but this is another side that needs major rebuilding without spending the ludicrous amounts it has in recent years.
