Bah! Hamburg!

This Christmas, Hamburg find themselves in almost exactly the same position as at the same stage last season - one game to go, and just about to miss out on the playoffs. Which got me to thinking about the posts (and ghosts) of Christmases (and other times) past, present and future. In no particular order, and these are of course just a small selection...

Christmas Past

Two years ago, the Youth Cup was born in a table and knockout round format, conceived in a bizarre love triangle comprised of three wise men, bearing gifts of Beddows, and Frank 'In' Hirst and DP91.

Tom Parfitt was battling relegation.

Stephen Beddows was looking forward to relieving himself of the pressure of managing Milan's second best club, so that he could spend more time with his Youth Cup.

Doug Earle was peddling a 'new and improved' Espanyol.

Arsenal chief Michael Bowes was exchanging Christmas gifts with Roy Keane and Joe Jordan.

Norman Little had big plans for the Baggies.

New Hertha boss Mark Stewart was patiently waiting for a decent offer for Demba Ba.

Bruin was fanny bashing his Christmas Turkey and getting in his excuses for relegation early doors.

Ruts was looking forward to improving on predecessor Jens McJockitch's 61 points for Celtic in D5.

I was hopeful of great things from Hatem Ben Arfa and new signing Demba Ba, and everyone thought Junior Stanislas was a good signing.

Christmas Present

The Youth Cup (and Shield) is still going strong. Beddows has handed over the running of it to me now, and I hope that I can continue to organise it in a much better and more timely fashion, er, I mean carry on his great work and legacy, especially with continued help from some of the rest of the Top 100 community.

Tom Parfitt is battling relegation.

Beddows has been tying himself in knots talking himself into and out of the Real Madrid job he so desperately covets.

Doug Earle has improved Espanyol beyond recognition, and they really do look like a brand new team. But they are still in Division Five.

Michael Bowes hasn't blogged since signing Luke Shaw and Phil Jones for Anthony Martial. To be fair, he is about to lead Arsenal to fifth in Division One, which - as all Gooners will no doubt appreciate - is just like a trophy.

Nuno Bento has big plans for the Baggies.

Mark Stewart is planning a third successive title and promotion, and is probably going to stick with Luis Muriel for the time being.

Bruin is back in the USSR, and taking his new club back down to Division Three.

Ruts is just completing his first reasonably satisfactory season as Bayern boss, and his old club Celtic have just been promoted to Division Two.

I'm hopeful of great things from Raul Garcia (again) and new signing Mathieu Valbuena, and everyone thought Ahmed Hegazi was a good signing.

Christmas Future

What is the future of the Youth Cup? I'll try to write another post soon, but in short, I wonder if there are any things about the competition we might want to look at changing? And if so, I would really welcome people's ideas and suggestions.

A Division Five team for Tom.

To be honest, for all he's done for the game world, I think Stephen deserves a crack at Madrid.

Doug gets promoted. (I still feel guilty for telling him Demba Ba would get him promoted.)

Michael comes out of blog retirement to write about his latest trophy.

Nuno will get drunk on New Year's Eve and sign 57 youths no one has ever heard of. Once his six month transfer ban is up, they will all be world beaters and he will be crowned King of Top 100.

Mark will win a third successive promotion.

Bruin will be proving how tough he is by focusing on beating the drop into Division Four.

Ruts will win Division One, while Celtic will get relegated.

I'm hopeful of great things for Issa Diop. But I need a new defensive midfielder to replace Santiago Ascacibar, who has been fantastic on loan for us this season. And I really want to get Hamburg - a massive club - into Division Two, at least.

Merry Xmas all.