Left Back: Liam Ridgewell, Birmingham FC
Since his £2 million transfer from arch rivals Aston Villa in 2007, Ridgewell has settled comfortably into his left back role as well as gaining the blessing of the fans. Naturally a centre half, his ability to cover on the flanks and aerial threat during set pieces have brought 4 goals to his name this season along with 9 clean sheets
Right Back: Stephen Carr, Birmingham FC
A back line completely composed of Blues players really says it all, but the man calling the shots is the Irish full back. Carr not only captains the side, but runs the defense like a drill sergeant. Setting the standard with 10 clean sheets, he tried his best to hold the team together during the slump they experienced in the latter half of the season.
Central Midfield: Scott Parker, West Ham United
Winner of the Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year award and the only man in the national team to have won a cap with four different clubs. Not only an inspiration on the pitch, but a captain that pushed his team all the way taking the relegation battle all the way to the end. Carlton Cole’s description of Parker’s half time speech pretty much paints the picture. 3-0 down to West Brom, it was Parker who stepped up to give the team talk that inspired a comeback to earn the Hammers a point. Just as a guide, West Ham have failed to win a single game when Parker has not started.
Right Midfield: Charlie Adam, Blackpool FC
The second most fouled player this season leading a team that scored the most goals for any side to be relegated since the conception of the Premier League. Sir Alex Ferguson said that his corners are worth £10 million alone, most likely in reaction to the insulting bids that Blackpool received for their Scottish star during the January window. 12 goals and 9 assists to his name, Adam would walk comfortably into any Premier League side.
Left Midfield: Thomas Hitzlsperger, West Ham United
Six feet of German muscle with a keen eye for a left footed drive from outside the box, Hitzlsperger has been an asset for the Hammers during the latter half of the season. Only managing 11 appearances due to injury, you cannot help but wonder if West Ham would have captured enough points to stay up had he been fit for the whole season.
Left Wing Forward: DJ Campbell, Blackpool FC
Leading the line with 13 goals this season, DJ Campbell has been a vital contribution to the thrilling Blackpool attack, finding the back of the net in wins against Liverpool and Tottenham this season. Not a bad bit of business on Holloway’s part, breaking the club record transfer fee and securing his services for a reported £1.25 million.
Right Wing Forward: Gary Taylor-Fletcher, Blackpool FC
Another key part of Blackpool’s attacking lineup, Taylor-Fletcher opened his Premier League account with a goal in the 4-0 win away at Wigan. Scoring a vital goal in the 2-1 win against Liverpool, he has 6 goals and 7 assists to his name this season.
Centre Forward: Demba Ba, West Ham United
For a player signed in the January transfer window, Ba has not exactly struggled with life in the Premier League with 7 goals this season. After falling out with management at Hoffenheim, Ba’s transfer to West Ham eased the Hammers’ inability to find the back of the net. His two goals against Wigan in the penultimate game of the season gave them a 2-0 lead at half time, yet his attacking threat was not enough and West Ham were relegated after 90 minutes, eventually losing the game 3-2.
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Spot on… almost, I’d replace Hitzlespeger with David Vaughan. If this were a real team they look decent enough for a mid table finish. Still in shock that Birmingham actually went down!
It was pretty difficult to leave out Vaughan, he plays so well with Charlie Adam and is such a massive part of Blackpool’s attacking game. I reckon Birmingham probably could have stayed up if they played Kevin Philips a bit more during the season, he’s always one for a good finish.