Every year, for the past few seasons, we’ve done a Premier League prediction table where I and you, the readers, make our picks on how the final Premier League table will look at the end of the season. The picks are made in August, so it’s often a tough call to make especially since new transfer signings haven’t had much time to bed in at all. Plus, managerial changes don’t often happen until late in the year.

Nevertheless, here’s how we did. My predicted end of the season table was as follows:

1. Manchester United (C)
2. Manchester City
3. Chelsea
4. Liverpool
5. Arsenal
6. Sunderland
7. Tottenham Hotspur
8. Fulham
9. Everton
10. Newcastle United
11. Aston Villa
12. Stoke City
13. West Bromwich Albion
14. Swansea
15. Norwich City
16. Wolverhampton Wanderers
17. Bolton Wanderers
18. Wigan Athletic (R)
19. Queens Park Rangers (R)
20. Blackburn Rovers (R)

And here were your picks.

I came close to predicting the champions correctly — if Aguero hadn’t scored, I would have had my first and second pick correctly. Chelsea finishing in sixth instead of third place was a shock, but who could have predicted that Andre Villas-Boas would have done so badly at Stamford Bridge? Liverpool’s eighth place finish was a shock. I really thought that Dalglish could have steered them to fourth based on the talent at their disposal. Arsenal took advantage of Chelsea and Liverpool’s poor league form by finishing in third, despite me picking them to finish in fifth position.

I thought Sunderland was going to be the surprise team this season based on the amount of money that Ellis Short spent in the transfer window, but who could have predicted that Steve Bruce could have done so badly at the Stadium of Light? I should have swapped Sunderland and Newcastle around for a better prediction.

At the bottom of the table, most of us could see the writing on the wall that Blackburn Rovers was doomed under Steve Kean, so I predicted they would finish in last place. Under Neil Warnock, I didn’t rate QPR, and based on the way they were playing, they would have gone down if it wasn’t for Mark Hughes. I also predicted Wigan would get relegated, but I was wrong on that one.

I believed in Swansea and Norwich, so I put them at 14th and 15th position — yet they did even better than my predictions by finishing 11th and 12th. I’m particularly proud of my Swansea prediction because almost everyone — pundits and fans — predicted that Swansea would get relegated.

Here’s the final Premier League table to compare.

As for the picks from you, the readers, many of you predicted that Newcastle would get relegated, Liverpool would finish in first, second or third place, and Swansea would finish bottom. Manchester United, like me, was the most predicted champion.

Of the readers who made their prediction between August and September, the person who came the closest was a reader named Bob.

Interestingly, very few people picked Manchester City to win the title before the end of August, and we all (myself included) were all over the place regarding the bottom three. No one who posted a comment in August or September predicted the correct three relegated sides.

If you have some time to go back through the 156+ comments, they make for some very interesting reading.

I hope you enjoyed the Premier League table prediction game. We’ll open a new one up for the 2012-13 season in early August.

So despite finishing fourth in the Premier League, Tottenham Hotspur will miss out on Champions League football because Chelsea won it all in Munich. Because they will only be playing in the Europa League, the strategy for this summer’s transfer dealings will have to be less ambitious then they will have hoped.

Had they been playing Champions League football next season, Tottenham probably would have been able to hold on to Luka Modric and Gareth Bale. Now, one if not both of them will most likely depart for pastures new and Spurs will have to look to the transfer market to fill the void that their departures will create.

As a replacement for Modric, Tottenham may go after playmaker Dorlan Pabon. The midfielder, who plays in Colombia for Atletico Nacional, has attracted attention from Malaga, Marseille, Porto, Roma and Udinese. Should Modric leave, he could be the answer to Spurs’ problem and an offer of around £7 million could see him playing at White Hart Lane come August.

A more tried and tested option would be to go after Clint Dempsey. The American midfielder has proven his Premier League worth at Fulham and now may seek out a fresh challenge, not to mention higher wages and the chance to play alongside more illustrious colleagues. He may not be a like-for-like replacement though, as he plays in a more advanced role than Modric.

Gareth Bale’s boots will be harder to fill. When they thought they would be playing in the Champions League, Spurs were planning a swoop for Lille winger Eden Hazard. Tottenham was believed to be in advanced talks with the Ligue 1 Player of the Year, but now that deal looks like it may fall through.

Milos Krasic’s name was another being bandied about in Tottenham transfer talk. The Serbian winger can play on both flanks, ideal for Redknapp who loves to let his players roam around. Krasic’s style of play means he would fit right in to the system, but again the question must be raised: why would a player leave a Champions League club (not to mention Serie A champions) for a team only playing in the Europa League?

While Spurs do have depth at the centre-half position, they are far from assured at the back. William Gallas, while still a very useful player, is the wrong side of 30, and the fitness of both Michael Dawson and Ledley King is a constant worry for Harry Redknapp. Ryan Nelsen and Sebastien Bassong are both industrious enough, but are unfortunately not up to the standard Spurs demand. That leaves Younes Kaboul as the only top-class player at the position who is able to play week in week out. That is unsatisfactory for a team who are looking to cement their credentials as a top four team.

The buzz seems to be that Chairman Daniel Levy is close to beating Arsenal to the signature of Jan Vertonghen, the 25-year-old Belgian defender who this season helped Ajax win the Dutch Eredivisie. Tottenham has reportedly bid £10 million for him but he may be tempted by AC Milan’s attempts to snag him. Failing this, Tottenham may make a bid for Ryan Shawcross. The Stoke captain may not set the world alight, but he is solid.

Harry Redknapp is said to be very keen on bringing Emmanuel Adebayor back for another season. After impressing this season for Spurs, the Togolese forward may return on another loan deal from Manchester City. Failing that, Spurs may be able to talk him down from his current demand of £175,000 per week, but don’t count on it. To heap further misery on the Spurs, it would seem as though missing out on the Champions League will also cost them the signature of Loic Remy as well. The Marseille striker was supposed to be Adebayor’s replacement, but now it looks like Spurs will miss out on him.

A viable alternative would be to sign either Papiss Cisse or Demba Ba, both from Newcastle. Both have impressed this season for their club and the Magpies are known to offload their premier talent in search of profits (see Andy Carroll, Joey Barton). Another name in the mix is Leandro Damiao, who may follow the path set by midfielder Sandro from Brazilian club Internacional to White Hart Lane.

Another option for the Lilywhites is to buy Giuseppe Rossi from recently-relegated Villareal. Once one of the most highly sought-after players in Europe, Rossi may now be available on the cheap, albeit with a huge risk attached. Having suffered two cruciate ligament injuries this season, it is a doubt whether he will ever return to the high standard of football he once reached. However, at a price further reduced because of Villareal’s desperation to sell, Redknapp may feel he’s worth a £10 million punt, especially as is side is in tremendous need of a goal-scorer.

Finally, Tottenham may look to bring in another keeper as cover for the ageing Brad Friedel. Friedel has played well at times this season, but at others has looked all of his 41 years. Kasper Schmeichel has been very closely linked to the club and he may be one for the future.

Missing out on the Champions League this season won’t mean Spurs are doomed to fall back into the days of perennial mediocrity. It will mean however, that their ambitions for the summer and possibly the next few seasons will have to be revised. Instead of building on their recent successes, they may have to settle for consolidation of their overall position. This will be a long and testing summer for the North London club.

The 2011-12 Premier League season has ended, but in several weeks many of the top Premier League sides will be playing friendly matches across North America on their pre-season tours, to help promote their clubs in the United States and Canada, as well as gaining much needed practice and training in the lead-up to the 2012-13 Premier League season that begins in August.

Here’s the latest list of Premier League clubs that will be touring the United States and Canada, including ticket information.

If you haven’t purchased your tickets yet, hurry and order them today before you’re disappointed. This is a golden opportunity to see these Premier League clubs in person.

Chelsea

Chelsea, 2012′s Champions of Europe, will be hitting the United States this summer with four high-profile friendlies, going from the far-flung corner of Washington State all the way down to Florida to finish their tour. This will not be one to miss.

• Wednesday, July 18, 2012 versus Seattle Sounders — CenturyLink Field, Seattle — 6:30pm PT — Order tickets.
• Sunday, July 22, 2012 versus Paris Saint-Germain — Yankee Stadium, New York — 7pm ET — Order tickets.
• Wednesday, July 25, 2012 versus MLS All-Star Team — PPL Park, Philadelphia — 8:30pm ET — Order tickets.
• Saturday, July 28, 2012 versus AC Milan — Sun Life Stadium, Miami — 6pm ET — Order tickets.

Liverpool

With a new manager and a new kit for next season, Liverpool supporters will be optimistic that next season will see more silverware being won by one of the most famous English football clubs in the world. This is the first time that Liverpool has played in North America since 2004. Don’t miss them this time!

• Saturday, July 21, 2012, versus Toronto FC — Rogers Centre, Toronto — 4pm ET — Order tickets.
• Wednesday, July 25, 2012, versus AS Roma – Fenway Park, Boston — 6:30pm ET — Order tickets.
• Saturday, July 28, 2012, versus Tottenham Hotspur — M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore — 1pm ET — Order tickets.

Tottenham Hotspur

After narrowly missing out on qualification for the Champions League, Tottenham will be very motivated to reach new heights next season. With a team of world-class players, the Lilywhites have the foundation to push on. Let’s see how they do in pre-season, in front of their very passionate and loyal supporters, to warm up for the new season.

• Tuesday, July 24, 2012, versus LA Galaxy — Home Depot Center, Carson, (CA) — 7:30pm PT — Order tickets.
• Saturday, July 28, 2012, versus Liverpool — M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore — 1pm ET — Order tickets.
• Tuesday, July 31, 2012, versus New York Red Bulls — Red Bull Arena, Harrison, (NJ) — 7pm ET — Order tickets.

Swansea City

One of the most entertaining teams of the 2011-12 Premier League season will be traveling from Wales to America for their first ever US tour. The attractive, free-flowing soccer from Swansea will be a delight to watch, as the Swans prepare for an important new season where the pundits will probably mention the sophomore curse about one hundred times!

• Tuesday, July 24, 2012, versus Colorado Rapids – Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, Commerce City (CO) — 7pm MT — Order tickets.
• Tuesday, July 31, 2012, versus San Jose Earthquakes — Buck Shaw Stadium, San Jose — 7:30pm PT — Order tickets.

Stoke City

Stoke City has a lot of close ties to the United States including one of their board members owning a USL team in Florida, as well as an academy in the States. And now The Potters, who have one of the most vocal sets of supporters in the Premier League, will be touring the United States, coming soon to a city near you.

• Tuesday, July 24, 2012, versus Columbus Crew — Crew Stadium, Columbus — 7:30pm ET — Order tickets.
• Saturday, July 28, 2012, versus Orlando City — Citrus Bowl, Orlando — 7:30pm ET — Order tickets.
• Wednesday, August 1, 2012, versus Sporting Kansas City — Livestrong Park, Kansas City — 7:30pm CT — Order tickets.

Aston Villa

Aston Villa will have a new manager and probably a more attacking style of soccer by the time they come to the United States on tour in July. With American owner Randy Lerner in charge, it’ll be a good test for Villa to see how they do against three strong MLS sides especially given the poor season Villa had under Alex McLeish in 2011-12.

• Wednesday, July 18, 2012, versus Philadelphia Union — PPL Park, Philadelphia — 7:30pm ET — Order tickets.
• Saturday, July 21, 2012, versus Chicago Fire — Toyota Park, Chicago — 7:30pm CT — Order tickets.
• Tuesday, July 24, 2012, versus Portland Timbers — JELD-WEN Field, Portland — 7:30pm PT — Order tickets.

The 2011/2012 Premier League season has been full of twists and turns, and will go down as one of the best campaigns in the recent memory. From the heart-warming story of Swansea and Norwich, to the season-long scramble to climb out of the relegation spots, to Liverpool’s woodwork woe and the topsy-turvy seasons of the top six teams, it has been a thrilling campaign.

With all to play for on the final day, the best was saved for last. Two last-gasp stoppage time Manchester City goals sealed the Etihad Stadium club’s first top-flight success since 1968, and broke Manchester United fans’ hearts, as their team lost out on goal difference. United threw away an eight-point lead to relinquish their title, whilst City have played some fantastic football this term.

Arsenal sealed third place with victory at West Brom, Spurs took fourth with a 2-0 win over Fulham, whilst Newcastle came unstuck against the Toffees and ended up in fifth. Harry Redknapp and his men must now watch on as Chelsea do battle with Bayern Munich in the Champions League final, knowing that a Blues victory would rob them of participation in next season’s competition.

With Roberto Di Matteo rejuvenating the Stamford Bridge club, most will not chance their free bets in writing off Chelsea, but the final against Bayern at the Allianz Arena will be a fitting end to the club season before Euro 2012 gets under way.

At the bottom, Wolves and Blackburn’s fates were confirmed before the last day of the season, and Bolton joined the pair in being relegated to the Championship. QPR survived by the skin of their teeth despite throwing away a win at City, whilst Wigan’s unexpected heroics see them stay up to fight another day.

Here’s our snapshot, team-by-team preview of the 2011/2012 season, looking briefly at what each team has achieved this season and their plans for the summer transfer window. Feel free to leave your own review of your team (or of the season) in the comments section at the end.

Arsenal

Arsenal fans feared the worst after the sale of Cesc Fabregas, Samir Nasri and Gael Clichy last summer, and a shaky start to the campaign hit rock bottom with an unthinkable 8-2 humbling at Old Trafford. However, Arsene Wenger’s transitional side have fought back to capture third place and Champions League football once more for next term.

The highlight for the Gunners faithful was the turnaround 5-2 victory over Tottenham at the Emirates in February, with the respective sides heading in different directions after the result. PFA Player of the Year Robin van Persie has inspired the march up the league with 30 goals in the campaign, whilst the continued progression of Alex Song and rise of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain stand out in a good campaign. A new attacker in the shape of Lukas Podolski will reinforce Arsenal, who will look to push on and challenge for the title next term.

Aston Villa

Villa fans were dubious at best when former Birmingham City boss Alex McLeish was hired in the summer, and the Scot has done little to inspire confidence at the Midlands club. A lowly seven wins this term is the second worst in the league, and Villa have lacked potency in attack, whilst looking short of concentration in defence. McLeish’s men avoided relegation by two points, and the manager’s position will come under jeopardy in the summer.

The final blow of a disappointing campaign was the news of captain Stiliyan Petrov being diagnosed with leukaemia, which has knocked the side for six. Villa must keep Darren Bent in the summer, and spend some money to avoid a frustrating 2012/13.

Blackburn

Steve Kean has had to deal with a barrage of criticism from both the media and a section of his own fans, as Blackburn spent the majority of the season in the bottom three and were relegated before the last day. The sales of defenders Christopher Samba and Phil Jones have blighted the Ewood Park side’s backline, and Rovers fans have had to watch the ball hit the back of their net 78 times this term.

The positives for the Lancashire club are the emergence of young stars such as Junior Hoilett and Grant Hanley, and the return to form of seasoned attacker Yakubu. Hoilett is out of contract and sure to move to bigger and better things in the summer, whilst the future of Hanley, Kean and owners Venkys is still undetermined.

Bolton

Bolton have suffered a downturn in confidence and form over the last 12 months, with Owen Coyle’s men going from a tough team to beat last term to a soft touch this season and suffering relegation. Wanderers have been another side that have looked odds on for the drop throughout the campaign, and their traditional stubbornness, especially at the Reebok Stadium, has been lacking.

The club has been rocked by the health issues of Fabrice Muamba, who suffered a cardiac arrest back in March. Mark Davies has impressed in an under-performing team this year and is likely to leave the Reebok Stadium in the summer. The Trotters should back Coyle in trying to get them back to the top flight, but may have to sell a sizeable chunk of their playing squad.

Chelsea

The promise offered by talented coach Andre Villas Boas failed to come to fruition for Chelsea this term, but a rejuvenation under interim boss Roberto Di Matteo could result in a memorable season for the Blues. Unexpectedly through to the final of the Champions League after heroics against Barcelona, they must beat Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena to qualify for next season’s competition and seal a memorable turnaround. An FA Cup triumph against Liverpool at Wembley was the domestic highlight for the west London club after a sixth place finish in the Premier League.

Di Matteo has reinvigorated the at-times failing old guard, who have proved that they are not ready for the scrapheap just yet. The ability of attackers Juan Mata and Daniel Sturridge has stood out, but one feels that Roman Abramovich must get his selection of manager right for the club to consistently challenge.

Everton

A season of two contrasting halves, Everton has recovered from a below-par start to the campaign to rediscover form and beat some of the leading teams in the league in the process. David Moyes has celebrated ten years in charge at Goodison Park with another top-half finish and the Scot has excelled given limited resources. Finishing in seventh, ahead of Merseyside rivals Liverpool, gives the club’s supporters local bragging rights, even if they were beaten three times by the Reds this term.

The January signing of Nikica Jelavic has been an inspired one, and the Croat marksman looks to have given the Merseysiders a cutting edge up front. The permanent resigning of Steven Pienaar would be a good move, but Moyes needs to ensure the likes of Leighton Baines and Marouane Fellaini do not leave this summer.

Fulham

Martin Jol took a while to get back into the swing of English football, but the Dutch maestro has ensured that Fulham have been competitive at worst and impressive when they hit their straps. A ninth place is no mean achievement, and they ended up joint on points with Liverpool; the Craven Cottage outfit will look at a top half finish as a strong season.

Clint Dempsey has been the standout player for the Cottagers, who will face a battle to hold onto the United States international this summer. Bryan Ruiz has improved after a slow start to life in England, whilst an attempt to make Pavel Pogrebnyak’s move permanent is expected.

Liverpool

Despite Carling Cup success and the progression to the FA Cup final, this term has not been one Liverpool will look back on fondly. Inconsistent form in the league, especially disappointing results at Anfield, saw the Reds finish in eighth place, with a woeful second half of the campaign threatening the Merseysiders with even dropping out of the top half.

Luis Suarez has shown his best and worst sides this term, with stellar individual performances being counteracted by his racism scandal. The Fenway Sports Group need to further invest in the playing squad if the Reds are rediscover former glories, it needs to select a worthy successor to Dalglish.

Manchester City

Last-day drama brought Manchester City their first title since 1968, with two goals in stoppage time against QPR proving the small margins between success and failure. The new champions have been the most consistent and impressive team this term, and despite winning the league on goal difference are worthy victors. Roberto Mancini’s men have been scintillating at times this term, and the likes of Sergio Aguero, David Silva and Yaya Toure are some of the country’s best.

More big names are expected to join the revolution this summer, with Eden Hazard reportedly the club’s number one transfer target. The future of talented troublemakers Mario Balotelli and Carlos Tevez is still up in the air, but Mancini’s men will look to retain their title and make an assault on the Champions League next term.

Manchester United

The defending champions had the Premier League title in their hands, but surrendered an eight-point lead to be beaten into second place on the last day. Sir Alex Ferguson’s men have not shown the panache and ruthlessness of previous sides, and the Scottish coach will be livid at the nature of relinquishing their crown.

United have undoubtedly missed injured senior campaigners Nemanja Vidic and Darren Fletcher, and have relied on Wayne Rooney for goals. Antonio Valencia has impressed and Paul Scholes coming out of retirement has provided a short-term fix in the centre of the park. The summer should see a couple of players leave, with a full-back and attacking midfielder on the transfer wishlist and needed if United are to wrestle the title back from their noisy neighbours.

Newcastle

The surprise package of the season, Newcastle should be praised for their considerable efforts this term in exceeding expectations and challenging for a top four spot. Although they ended up in fifth place after a last-day defeat to Everton, Alan Pardew and his team should be saluted for an excellent campaign.

Although the Tyneside club will look to strengthen in the transfer window, the real battle will be to hold onto their stars, with Yohan Cabaye, Demba Ba and Cheik Tiote in particular not short of suitors. The January signing of Papiss Cisse has been inspired, and the Senegal international has been one of the stars of this year’s campaign.

Norwich

Newly-promoted Norwich have abided fears that they could be instantly demoted back to The Championship with a no-fear approach and some excellent football along the way. Paul Lambert has his team believing in their abilities; the Carrow Road club finished in 12th place and were never in danger of the drop.

Grant Holt has been the club’s talisman by leading from the front, whilst Anthony Pilkington has looked accomplished and by no means out of his depth. The Canaries will look to be sensible and astute in this summer’s transfer market to ensure another competitive season in 2012-13.

QPR

QPR have had a tough season back in the top flight, and although they got markedly better since Tony Fernandes’ takeover and under Mark Hughes’ tutelage, they needed to wait to the last day of the season to guarantee Premier League football for next term. Excellent home form has been the reason for survival, with victories over Arsenal, Liverpool and Tottenham sticking out in the memory.

QPR have added some real quality since the turn of the year, with the likes of Djibril Cisse, Bobby Zamora and Taye Taiwo contributing to better performances. If the Londoners can sort out their form on the road, Fernandes’ money could power Rangers into a comfortable Premier League club next term.

Stoke

Stoke have flown under the radar slightly this season in the Premier League, with Tony Pulis’ men continuing to prove tricky customers without threatening the top half or risking relegation. The Potters had their first adventure in Europe, beating some established sides before they were eliminated from the Europa League by Spanish giants Valencia.

Peter Crouch has been a fans’ favourite since moving to the Britannia, and alongside Jonathan Walters has proved a handful for most defences this term, but not scored enough goals. However, for Stoke to really progress you feel added creativity in the centre of the park is needed this summer.

Sunderland

Again a tale of two halves of the season, Sunderland have avoided a relegation-threatened campaign with the replacement of Steve Bruce with Martin O’Neill. The Northern Irishman has added a steel to the Black Cats that was previously missing, but the honeymoon period started to rub off towards the end of the campaign. Despite this, a 13th placed finish will be satisfactory after a poor start to the campaign.

James McClean and Stephane Sessegnon have been the club’s standout performers this term, and O’Neill will look to add his own feel to the club this summer in the transfer market. A commanding central defender is needed to banish lapses in concentration at the back, whilst Nicklas Bendtner’s return to Arsenal will leave a gap in attack.

Swansea

First-time Premier League team Swansea have been arguably the team of the season, playing excellent football and surprising the footballing community with an assured debut campaign in the top flight. Brendan Rodgers employs an attacking brand of football that has to be admired, and the Liberty Stadium outfit will take pride in their wins over Arsenal and Manchester City in particular this term.

A gifted midfield of Leon Britton, Joe Allen and loan star Gylfi Sigurdsson has been the side’s heartbeat, and the Swans will look to make the latter’s move to Wales permanent and add a few more experienced heads to excel next term. An 11th placed finish is an outstanding achievement, in what has been a dream season for the Liberty Stadium club’s fans.

Tottenham

From title contenders to potentially missing out on European qualification altogether, Tottenham fans have been delighted and frustrated in equal measures this season. An at-times scintillating attacking style has seen Spurs within a couple of points of the top this term, but a loss of form since February threatened to destroy a promising campaign.

Spurs finished in fourth but are not assured Champions League football next term, as they must wait to see whether Chelsea will snatch their place by winning this term’s competition. Holding onto stars Luka Modric and Gareth Bale is crucial, whilst a new striker, central defender and in the long-term goalkeeper is needed to continue the White Hart Lane club’s charge for recognition.

West Brom

Roy Hodgson has turned West Brom’s season round since the new year, with a run of positive results moving the Baggies away from the relegation dogfight and comfortably into mid-table; they finished 10th. Such has been the progression of the Hawthorns club, that Hodgson has left the club to assume the England manager’s position.

Peter Odemwingie is arguably the most talented of an enthusiastic group, but has been linked with a move away from the club in the summer. West Brom have missed injured captain Chris Brunt, and need to solidify at the back to finish in the top half next year. Their search for a new manager will begin in earnest now that the campaign has finished.

Wigan

Perennial basement boys Wigan have again had an arduous journey in 2011-12, with the Latics seemingly leaving any resistance to the second half of the season when in danger of the drop. Roberto Martinez’s men have shown that they have what it takes to play in the top flight however by beating Manchester United, Newcastle and Arsenal this term and ended up in 15th place, seven points above the bottom three.

Victor Moses has been a revelation his season and captured the imagination with progressive displays. The DW Stadium club have done well given limited resources, and will look to add a few more lesser-known stars to the squad this summer.

Wolves

Wolves will play in The Championship next term, after a poor decision by the club’s board effectively ended their season. The sacking of Mick McCarthy, despite a bad run of form, has deflated the squad and Terry Connor has not been backed by the players, resulting in a woeful five wins in total this season.

The club will most likely lose their star players such as Steven Fletcher, Wayne Hennessy, Matt Jarvis and Kevin Doyle, and will look to regroup and bounce straight back after demotion to English football’s second tier. Stale Solbakken is set to be announced as the club’s new manager, and the Molineux outfit fans will look to put this season’s disappointments behind them.

For more EPL news, follow EPLTalk.com on Twitter.

Commentary is something that I think and talk about a lot. I host the EPL Talk podcast and whilst that isn’t live commentary, it does make you think about what you’re going to comment on: goals, incidents, opinions. There are 1,000 things that we could and should comment on. Potentially, 1,000 thoughts when it comes to helping someone understand a game. After all, that is what a commentator does; they synthesise the game to make it more enjoyable or easier to understand.

So, when I got the opportunity to commentate one of my favourite goals of all time I jumped at the chance. Even though I was painfully aware of how difficult commentary can actually be. As an official sponsor of Euro 2012, Coca-Cola is teaming up with talkSPORT to offer budding young sports reporters the chance to become the Coca-Cola Fan Reporter for this summer’s tournament. Not only that, but the winner will get a six-month paid internship at talkSPORT learning how to become a top sports reporter.

I am not one of these sports reporters, but you could be. How, you say? Well:

• Visit talksport.co.uk/coke
• Select your favourite goal of all time and video yourself commentating on it.
• They’re not looking for imitations of existing commentary; it’s time to be unique and offer the insight that you want to hear.
• Competition closes on Wednesday May 16th so get your Motty Jacket on and climb up to the gantry.

I have always been aware of how difficult it could be to commentate on a game. We all spend hours chatting or opining every day, so try speaking for 90 minutes. To get it right must be incredibly rewarding. Think of it this way, you are part of a special footballing moment, whether it be for one person or millions, possibly completing their memory of a game, or laying the foundations for an immortal player. Everyone knows: “Take a bow son” or “Remember the name…” even “GoooooooooooaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaAaaaaaaaal!” Okay…

So I sit in talkSPORT studios, not far from Southwark station. Lovely. Next to me, Teddy Sheringham, a United and Spurs legend. Smiling, in the handsome way that he does, Teddy nodded towards the screen and asked: “What goal have you picked then?” Why didn’t I know which goal I’d picked? I couldn’t pick one, because I thought it was a bit strange to commentate on a goal that had already happened a long time before today. I did pick one though, Heskey to make it England five, Germany one.

Teddy seemed happy with the pick, it wasn’t too much pressure and we all knew the outcome. Others had done preparation, and I mean preparation: unless you know the England squad from 2006 off the top of your head. I was starting to wish that I had done the same as Mr Sheringham sat, expectantly, next to me. Nevermind, I was here and ready to pretend to be a commentator.

As we pressed play, I tried to clear cliches and stock phrases out of my mind. Goodbye “Sensational”. Hello, intelligent comments.

No. I imagine that a similar look went across Teddy’s face at about 4.55pm on Sunday, May 13th. Of the three attempts, it would take some kind editing and some re-dubbing to make the piece broadcast worthy. I wasn’t the worst, frankly, I quite enjoyed it. Given the chance again I would do a little preparation and avoid alluding the England’s ultimate demise. What it did make me realise is that we might all be capable of commentary in some form or another, so if you are reading this and would never consider yourself as a commentator, well, you might be the perfect candidate.

I do have a copy of the attempts, I am aware that the internet holds these kinda things forever. Instead, why not take a look at Adrian Durham of talkSport trying his hand at it:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-jZXlwhV_Kg

If you think that you can do better or have always been a closet-commentator then why not enter? talksport.co.uk/coke

Coca-Cola, official sponsor of the UEFA European Championships, is offering a lucky fan the chance to become a Fan Reporter at UEFA Euro 2012 as well as a six-month paid internship at talkSPORT learning how to become a top sports reporter. It’s all part of Coca-Cola’s goal to leave a positive legacy and create happier futures for young people. To take part in the competition visit talksport.co.uk/coke (closing date Wednesday May 16)

More than 61,000 votes cast by soccer fans worldwide to recognize the best of the 2011-12 English Premier League (EPL) season

We’re proud to announce today the winners of our 4th annual EPL Awards, sponsored by Football Media. The 2012 winners are chosen by the readers and editors of EPL Talk, and honor the best soccer content and performances of the 2011-12 Premier League season.

“We rely on the EPL Talk readers to drive our annual readers choice awards, because they are among the most demanding and knowledgeable soccer fans on the planet,” said EPL Talk Editor and Publisher Christopher Harris. “Websites, podcasts and blogs are critical to keeping soccer fans constantly updated throughout the season, so when a nominee earns recognition in our awards, it really means something.”

The EPL Awards are based on the responses of thousands of EPL Talk readers, who voted from May 2 to May 13, 2012. The online ballot, which was compiled by the editors of EPL Talk, included more than 400 nominees. In addition to the readers choice awards, the editors of EPL Talk selected an Editor’s Choice Winner for each category.

Here’s the list of winners for each individual category:

Best EPL Blogs, Websites and Books

Best EPL Blog

• Dirty Tackle (Yahoo), Readers Choice and Editors Choice Winners

Best EPL Blogger

• Brooks Peck (Dirty Tackle), Readers Choice Winner
• Kieron O’Connor (The Swiss Ramble), Editors Choice Winner

Best EPL Club Blog

• ToffeeWeb (Everton), Readers Choice Winner
• ArseBlog (Arsenal), Editors Choice Winner

Best EPL Coverage Online

• The Guardian, Readers Choice Winner and Editors Choice Winners

Best EPL Writer

• Jonathan Wilson (The Guardian), Readers Choice Winner
• David Conn (The Guardian), Editors Choice Winner

Best EPL Forum

• Grand Old Team (Everton), Readers Choice and Editors Choice Winners

Best EPL Tweeter

• ArseBlogger (ArseBlog), Readers Choice and Editors Choice Winners

Best New Football Book

• The Smell Of Football (Mick Rathbone), Readers Choice Winner
• Brian Clough: Nobody Ever Says Thank You (Jonathan Wilson), Editors Choice Winner

Best Online Football Game

• Top Eleven, Readers Choice Winner
• I AM PLAYR, Editors Choice Winner

Best EPL TV, Radio and Podcast Coverage

Best EPL TV Feature Show

• Fox Soccer Report (FOX Soccer), Readers Choice and Editors Choice Winners

Best EPL Goal Highlights Show

• Match Of The Day (BBC), Readers Choice and Editors Choice Winners

Best EPL TV Commentator

• Martin Tyler (Sky Sports), Readers Choice and Editors Choice Winners

Best EPL TV Co-Commentator

• Gary Neville (Sky Sports), Readers Choice and Editors Choice Winners

Best EPL Video Site

• 101 Great Goals, Readers Choice and Editors Choice Winners

Best EPL Podcast

• Men In Blazers, Readers Choice and Editors Choice Winners

Best EPL Podcast Presenter

• Alan Davies (Tuesday Club), Readers Choice Winner
• James Richardson (The Guardian), Editors Choice Winner

Best EPL Podcast Pundit

• Keith Dover (Tuesday Club), Readers Choice Winner
• Roger Bennett (Men In Blazers), Editors Choice Winners

Best EPL Club Podcast

• The Anfield Wrap (Liverpool), Readers Choice Winner
• The Spurs Show (Tottenham), Editors Choice Winner

Best EPL Radio Show

• 606 Football Phone-In (BBC), Readers Choice Winner
• World Football Phone-In (BBC), Editors Choice Winner

Best EPL Players and Managers

EPL Player of the Year

• Robin van Persie (Arsenal), Readers Choice and Editors Choice Winners

Best EPL Manager

• Sir Alex Ferguson (Manchester United), Readers Choice Winner
• Roberto Mancini (Manchester City), Editors Choice Winner

Most Improved EPL Manager

• Alan Pardew (Newcastle United), Readers Choice and Editors Choice Winners

Best EPL Striker

• Robin van Persie (Arsenal), Readers Choice and Editors Choice Winners

Best EPL Midfielder

• Antonio Valencia (Manchester United), Readers Choice Winner
• Clint Dempsey (Fulham), Editors Choice Winner

Best EPL Defender

• Jonny Evans (Manchester United), Readers Choice Winner
• Vincent Kompany (Manchester City), Editors Choice Winner

Best EPL Goalkeeper

• David De Gea (Manchester United), Readers Choice Winner
• Joe Hart (Manchester City), Editors Choice Winner

A complete list of nominees and winners can be found at www.epltalk.com/awards
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New leaked images of Tottenham Hotspur’s away and third kits for the 2012-13 season have been released, courtesy of Under Armour who included screenshots of the new shirts on a promo video on YouTube (fast forward to the 5:11 minute mark).

The following images are screengrabs from the video. As you can see above and below, the new Tottenham away kit will be navy blue with white trim. The shirt features a v-neck collar and white cuffs. The shoulders have a light blue or grey motif.

See a close-up below:

The back of the new Spurs away shirt features a light blue or grey design to break up the navy blue color (see sketch below).

Meanwhile, Tottenham’s new third kit will be another departure for the club. This one features small traces of yellow trim, but the main color scheme appears to be charcoal and an off-white color. The shirt design is busy, but it’s certainly like nothing else I’ve seen a Premier League club wear before, so people will probably either love it or hate it.

What do you think of the new Tottenham away and third kits? Share your opinions in the comments section below.

H/T to EPL Talk reader FatFish for the news tip.

If you’re like me, Sunday was a blur. There were so much going on during the 90 minutes of Premier League action, that it was often very difficult to catch everything. If you missed any of the goals or action, here are highlights from all ten matches (for US readers only — sorry).

Manchester City vs Queens Park Rangers

Sunderland vs Manchester United

Tottenham Hotspur vs Fulham

West Bromwich Albion vs Arsenal

Stoke City vs Bolton Wanderers

Chelsea vs Blackburn

Norwich City vs Aston Villa

Everton vs Newcastle United

Swansea City vs Liverpool

Wigan Athletic vs Wolves

Sunday is going to be one of those days that will live in history. Either Manchester City will win their first top flight trophy in 44 years, or Manchester United will stage a surprise 20th league title. And those are just two of the ten live matches that soccer fans in the United States will be able to watch across television and the Internet.

With Manchester City and Manchester United tied on the same number of points, but with City having a +8 goal difference, all Manchester City has to do today is win to lift the title unless Manchester United — against all odds — can win and overcome the gulf in goal difference. Needless to say, this is one of the closest finishes to the English Premier League season in recent memory.

Read our comprehensive guide to all of the Premier League season finale matches, and what they mean to each club that is still playing for something.

All ten Premier League matches kick off at 10am ET on Sunday, May 13, but coverage begins at 9:30am ET for those of you who want to soak up the atmosphere. Here are all of the channels and websites that will be televising the games on US television and Internet websites:

• Manchester City versus Queens Park Rangers: ESPN2, ESPN3.com and ESPN Deportes,
• Sunderland versus Manchester United: FX, FOX Deportes and FOX Soccer 2Go,
• West Bromwich Albion versus Arsenal: FSN (FOX Sports Net)* and FOX Soccer 2Go,
• Tottenham Hotspur versus Fulham: FOX Soccer,
• Everton versus Newcastle United: FOXSoccer.com and FOX Soccer 2Go,
• Stoke City versus Bolton Wanderers: FOX Soccer Plus and FOX Soccer 2Go,
• Swansea City versus Liverpool: FUEL and FOX Soccer 2Go,
• Chelsea versus Blackburn Rovers: SPEED and FOX Soccer 2Go,
• Wigan Athletic versus Wolverhampton Wanderers: FOX Soccer 2Go, and
• Norwich City versus Aston Villa: FOX Soccer 2Go

Is this Tottenham Hotspur’s new home shirt for the 2012-13 Premier League season?

Thanks to eagle-eyed EPL Talk reader Dust, he’s provided us with the above shirt as well as a description of the Under Armour technology that is supposedly integrated into the new shirt design:

“The E39 shirt is outfitted with a ‘bug’ sensor that contains a triaxial accelerometer, a processor, a Bluetooth and two gigabytes of storage. The bug uses this things to measure heart and breathing rate, skin-surface temperature, as well as force and direction and shoot it to laptops or smart phones, according to the NFL.

“The bug can measure acceleration and change in direction allowing coaches to dissect a player’s movement yard-by-yard. The players, however, are happy to run and turn around to see how much G-force they can generate.”

What do you think? If this is the new Tottenham Hotspur shirt from Under Armour for 2012-13, once the sponsor name is added, will you be pleased with it? Share your opinions in the comments section below.