Chelsea gamble on Villas-Boas

Chelsea have finally ended their search for a new manager by signing Andre Villas-Boas from Porto.

The suprising move shows a change of approach from Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich. Many of the managers that Abramovich has recently employed have been proven managers with good experience in Europe has he attempted to increase Chelsea's chances of winning the Champions League. Sir Alex Ferguson described Chelsea's bid to end their Champions League wait as an 'obsession' last season so it is understandable why Abramovich has gone for Villas Boas who became the youngest manager to win a Eurpean title last season.

However, despite the impressve job he did at Porto, it is definitely a gamble. Chelsea had to pay over £13 million in compensation to Porto in order to complete the deal making him the most expensive manager ever. He is young, has very little experience and doesn't have the big reputations that the likes of Guus Hiddink or Carlo Ancelotti. Furthermore, he doesn't have any playing experience so it will be interesting to see how he manages some of the big egos in Chelsea's squad.

Getting the right manager in was particularly important for Chelsea this season with some big decisions to made regarding transfers in and out of the club. There could be some significant changes at Chelsea this summer as they look to overhaul an ageing squad and possibly bring in some younger players.

This is a risky but exciting appointment for Chelsea fans. He is clearly lacking in terms of experience but that didn't seem to hold him back at Porto where he was beginning to build an impressive reputation. If he is backed properly by Abramovich, is given the full control of transfers and given the time to build a new Chelsea side, he could prove to be a huge success.

Why Big Sam can take West Ham back

Sam Allardyce has been confirmed as the new manager of West Ham United. The Hammers, recently relegated from the Premier League, will look to Allardyce to secure an immediate return to the top flight. Allardyce has an impressive track record, particularly at Bolton where he guided them to a League Cup Final and secured UEFA Cup qualification. He also helped Blackburn to stay in the top flight and was beginning to bring stability to Ewood Park before the club's new owners intervened.

In spite of this success, it’s fair to say that this appointment hasn’t proved to be a popular one with all West Ham fans. West ham are a team with a tradition of playing attractive football and their academy has been responsible for producing players such as Rio Ferdinand, Frank Lampard and Joe Cole. In complete contrast, all of Allardyce’s success has been based on more direct tactics and with a greater emphasis put on set pieces.

Premiership Awards 2010/11

Yet again, the Premiership has entertained us all and this season has proven to be one of the most unpredictable seasons ever. Man Utd were successful in securing their 19th title but West Ham, Birmingham and Blackpool weren't so lucky. Here is my view on the best this season had to offer.

Best Goal: Wayne Rooney v Man City

Wayne Rooney produced one of the best moments of the season with a jaw-dropping overhead kick to settle the Manchester derby at Old Trafford. The goal reminded us all of his phenomenal technique after he had endured a tough season up to that point. The goal helped to turn Rooney's season around and lead United to another title.

Best Player: Nemanja Vidic

In my view, there hasn't exactly been a stand out player this season. However, Man Utd's title winning captain has produced some superb displays at the heart of the defence and has been consistently good throughout the season.