We’ve all sat in our living room, watching football on the television and listening to ‘experts’ analysing the beautiful game. We have also, at one time or another, stated we could do a much better job; Carlsberg’s People’s Pundit has given everyone a chance to have a go.

FootballFanCast.com had the opportunity to speak to the legendary anchor man of Soccer Saturday and Champion’s League football to get some of his opinions, predictions and tips for budding pundits.

Jeff Stelling is supporting Southern finalist Kevin Clarke in The People’s Pundit, championed by the Carlsberg Fan Squad, and came to visit him in his local pub to give him some top tips on punditry.

FFC: How do you prepare for Soccer Saturday, when do you start?

JS: It starts on a Saturday night usually, pretty much straight after the show, there’s no rest! I read everything that has happened that day. Then I’ll sit down and watch Match of the Day and The Football League Show and then from the Sunday I will use any resources I can to build up all the stats that mean I will never get caught out.

FFC: How do you remember all those stats every week?

JS: I’m old fashioned, or just old! I write down everything about every club. It sounds silly but I start with very basic stuff, for example I will write Manchester United down then I’ll write Old Trafford and Louis van Gaal down. It sounds so basic but you never know when you will have a blank moment so you can never be too careful!

FFC: What advice would you give to someone starting out in the industry?

JS: Well things like the People’s Pundit are perfect. It’s all about making your opinion heard. It used to be so hard but now everyone can have a voice. It’s really important to be a pundit, not a parrot. Don’t just repeat what you’ve heard a commentator or someone else has said, formulate your own opinion.

Be like the Neville’s and Carragher’s of the world, they are opinionated  but can back up everything they say. Also have an interesting turn of phrase, look at Merson, ‘He’s like a fish up a tree’, things like that make people interested in what you are saying.  Finally, and most importantly, be yourself and stick up for what you believe in.

FFC: What have you noticed during covering Champions League football that has led to English teams struggling?

JS: Well it’s partly cyclical of course, but mainly I feel it’s down to the intensity of the league. Just look at Chelsea against Burnley a few weeks back, top against one of the bottom teams and it’s still a hard slog. That would never happen in Spain for example; they scored nine against Granada, that never happens in England. I know it sounds a cliché but it really is the most fantastic league to watch, it’s so entertaining. Maybe not the strongest, but it’ still the best.

FFC: Do you still find watching a game on a wet and cold afternoon at Victoria Park, more entertaining than a game at the Bernebau?

JS: Simply put, no. I went Hartlepool v Newport a few weeks ago and it was horrible; nerve wracking and nail biting, but nothing beats it. For european football I watch it as neutral, I enjoy the quality in Europe, but for me, Hartlepool is a great deal more enjoyable.

FFC: Who are your shouts for promotion from the Championship?

JS: It’s hit and miss really, it’s so hard to call, but I fancy Bournemouth to get over the line – they just score too many goals. Don’t get me wrong it will be an amazing story, but they’re not a Cinderella club, they’ve spent some money, not that there’s anything wrong with that of course. Along with them I’m going with my heart and saying Middlesbrough, but it will be desperately close, it’s been such a good league and any of the teams have a real chance of staying up next year.

FFC: And finally, who will go down from the Premier League?

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JS: Again, this a total pick and mix, it really could be anyone. You look at Leicester and a few weeks ago they were gone, now they are right back in the mix with a good run-in. You’ve got to look at the remaining fixtures. Sunderland and Hull’s are horrendous, whilst Burnley’s is difficult. I think I would say Leicester, QPR and for the third I would say… I’m really not sure, but I do think Burnley will get out of it and I hope they do. Sean Dyche has done an unbelievable job and if he does keep them up he should win Manager of the Year.

The mission of the Carlsberg fan squad is to make football better for fans. That’s why, If Carlsberg did Pundits…they’d probably be just like you. Jeff Stelling visited Southern finalist, Kevin Clarke, at The Beach House Bar in Worthing to help him prepare for Boot Camp in the People’s Pundit, championed by Carlsberg – the official beer of the Premier League.

To find out how Kevin and all of our other pundits get on in the race to secure their big break on talkSPORT, or to find details of a regional heat near you, head to ThePeoplesPundit.co.uk. Plus, if you’d like to show your support to Kevin, follow him @KevinClarke_ #PeoplesPundit.

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After Norwich sauntered to playoff glory against Middlesbrough this week, the twenty teams who will battle it out in next year’s Premier League were decided. So joining Norwich in replacing relegated QPR, Burnley and Hull will be champions Bournemouth and runners up Watford.

After two of the three promoted teams were sent back from where they came this season, can this year’s crop fare better? Will they follow the example set by Leicester City or will all three be readying for a return to the second tier in twelve months’ time?

Bournemouth were the surprise package of the Championship this year, few expected them to challenge for the playoffs, almost no-one pre-empted them lifting the title. They played a brand of football that earned them admirers nationwide, their free flowing football will be a welcome addition to the top flight.

It will be interesting to see whether Eddie Howe and The Cherries will approach next season in the vein of Burnley; they have a solid team spirit which has born so much of their success and splitting that up could cause problems. However, for all of their dynamism and attacking prowess, next year they will still need to improve on quality. Callum Wilson notched 19 times last term and appears central to their hopes of survival, their resolve may be tested if rumours are to be believed with a number of potential suitors interested in the former Coventry man.

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If Bournemouth can add some Premier League experience and Wilson can translate his Football league form to Premier League form, then The Cherries could once again confound the critics.

Many will expect to make an instant return to the Championship but they have momentum, something which can be so vital and if Howe gets it transfer policy right, as he so often does, then they could ensure their Premier League journey is not a short one.

Watford timed their run to promotion perfectly, winning ten of their last 14 fixtures to steal an automatic spot right under the noses of Middlesbrough and Norwich. However, as is becoming a traditional custom at Vicarage Road, the managerial dugout is once again empty. Slavisa Jokanovic’s departure ensures that The Hornets are set for their fifth boss in a year. The constant upheaval and lack of longevity is surely not a set up for success.

In Troy Deeney they do have a player that has flourished in the lower leagues and deserves his crack at the top level. But past Deeney they have few standout players, they were a side that were a sum of all parts and for them to succeed next year they will surely need heavy investment.

Although they finished second, Watford at this point are arguably the weakest of the three promoted clubs and they could face a struggle next year.

The final club Norwich made an instant return to the top flight following their win at Wembley and they still have the look of a Premier League team. Nathan Redmond was undoubtedly a Premier League talent plying his trade in the Championship and in Bassong they have a defender of immense talent and experience.

Of course it is inconceivable that Norwich can expect to stay up without investment and they do need a number of players to ensure they can truly compete with the ‘big boys’ next year. Manager Alex Neil recognises that it will be an extremely tough task, whether they will be ready is yet to be seen.

At this point in time for one reason or another all three will start the season as the bookmaker’s favourites for the drop, but critics are there to be wronged and they will all fancy their chances at achieving their number one task of staying in the top flight.

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In the post-Big-Sam era at West Ham there has been a fresh sense of optimism.

Slaven Bilic has arrived amongst a wave of investment from the board andthe move to the Olympic Stadium has brought about a feeling of ambition to the Claret and Blue part of London.

The arrivals of Enner Valencia, Diafra Sakho and Alex Song last summer were just a taster of what we were to expect for the summer of 2015. Angelo Ogbonna, Dimitri Payet and Carl Jenkinson have all arrived this summer  and, by all accounts, this will not be the end of a potentially seismic change in the threat of West Ham.

It is also reported that Alex Song is due to join on a permanent deal this summer.

The fans of the club  were demanding a winger or striker, with Stewart Downing seemingly on his way back to the north-east. So here are five ‘star names’ West Ham could still sign this summer…

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Javier Hernandez

Fresh from a loan spell with Real Madrid, a signing of Hernandez’s stature would be massive for West Ham. The Mexican international would bring welcome competition for Diafra Sakho for the central striking berth.

His goal scoring record at both club and international level is up with some of the best finishers in the game, but limitations make a move to a top European club unlikely unless Chicarito is willing to sit on the bench once more.

For West Ham to bring in a player from the Bernabeu and Old Trafford would be yet another statement of intent going into the new season.

Adrien Rabiot

Amazingly, Rabiot is still just 20 and the PSG man has been around the highest level of the European games for several seasons now. Unfortunately for him, the emergence of Marco Verratti and continued class of Thiago Motta have made any progress to the first team very challenging.

Rabiot boasts an exceptional pass percentage from last season and at his age will be looking for a move where he can guarantee starts throughout the season. The potential of the Frenchman is still unquestionably high and would bring an extra layer of class to the West Ham midfield.

Kevin Mirallas

One who looks to be on the move this summer, with Spurs interested, Mirallas could be the extra winger that Hammers fans are crying for. The Belgian is another from this incredible generation and brings goals from a wide position whilst offering a direct dribbling threat to his full-back.

The Everton man is comfortable moving into the channels to create space for an overlapping full-back, whether it be Aaron Cresswell or Jenkinson, and his eye for goal could see him used as a second striker.

Mirallas would not be an extortionate purchase and his Premier League experience should reduce any potential settling in time.

Paul Georges-Ntep

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This tricky dribbler from Rennes has shown great promise in Ligue 1. His contribution of nine goals and five assists last season would be a welcome addition to the West Ham side and additional depth with a Europe League campaigning looming.

Ntep can play on either side of the pitch and frequently looks to cut in for a shot at goal. At the tender age of 22, there will be inconsistencies in Ntep’s game and any fan base or manager will need to be patient, but if they were to see the Frenchman reach his potential he would be one of the danger men in the Premier League.

Gervinho

Despite nearly leaving Roma this summer, Gervinho is still available as the Italians look to strengthen.

Many English fans will not have best memories of the Ivorian, but he re-found his form whilst in Italy and begun to look like the player that made Arsenal initially invest in him. The ex-Gunner found some goal scoring form with the Italian giants and his pace finally became of use to stretch games.

The 28-year-old is significantly more experienced than many of the alternatives and would bring valuable European experience for the impending Europa League campaign.

Gervinho would not offer too much in the creation of chances, but as a supporting striker could be quite an asset.

Tottenham Hotspur revealed on Friday that key midfielder Victor Wanyama was back in first-team training following a lengthy absence.

The 26-year-old, who was excellent for Spurs last season, has not featured since the second weekend of the 2017-18 Premier League campaign due to a knee problem.

Wanyama had been tipped to return to action in November, but it is understood that he suffered a series of mini-setbacks in his recovery from the issue.

The former Southampton midfielder is now closing a return to the first team, however, after taking part in a training session for Tottenham.

It is unlikely that Wanyama, who is rated at £22.5m by transfermarkt.co.uk, will be available for Tottenham’s trip to Swansea City on January 2, but he could be involved against West Ham United two days later.

There is no question that Tottenham have missed Wanyama’s bite in the middle of the park, and the club’s fans have revealed their delight at the Kenyan’s return.

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A selection of the best Twitter reaction can be seen below:

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Nobody can fault the efforts of Dale Stephens and Davy Propper this season. The midfield duo have featured in every minute of Brighton’s Premier League campaign, contributing three top flight assists amid all of their tireless work in the middle of the park.

That dependence though, suggests Chris Hughton would be open to signing another midfielder before the end of the January transfer window, should an opportunity allow.

Judging by Beram Kayal’s performance against Crystal Palace last night, however, Hughton already has at least one solid alternative to fall back on in the form of the 5 foot 10 midfielder.

The 29-year-old is only just coming back into the side after being sidelined through injury at the start of the campaign but appeared to be up to full speed last night, providing a Man of the Match display in the FA Cup Third Round clash.

Indeed, the 30-cap Israeli international made the most tackles and completed the most dribbles of any player on the pitch, produced the second-most created chances of any Brighton player and completed a whopping 94% of his passes in an impressive all-round midfield display from the former Celtic man, which was central to the Seagulls progressing to the Fourth Round by beating their fierce rivals 2-1.

Having been at the Amex since 2015, Brighton fans and Hughton will already be aware of what Kayal can offer the team – he made 43 appearances as they achieved promotion last season. But returning to form after an injury layoff just as the January window opens, Kayal’s performance last night was a timely indicator that Hughton doesn’t need to spend big on another midfield option and can focus his funds on other departments this month.

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As reported by The Daily Mail, midfielder Callum McGregor believes the Celtic squad will be hoping that Moussa Dembele stays on in Glasgow beyond the January transfer window.

What’s the story?

The paper say that the Frenchman is a £20m target for English Premier League trio Everton, West Ham and Brighton, meaning that Dembele’s days at Celtic Park could be numbered.

Receiving a figure like that would smash the outgoing transfer record at the Hoops, potentially money unable to be refused if offered this month.

However, like supporters, Celtic midfielder Callum McGregor is hoping that Dembele isn’t coming to the end of his career in Scottish football.

As quoted by The Daily Mail, the Scotland international said:

It’s just about him wanting to be here to kick on, work hard and be part of this group. Obviously all the boys love him and want him to stay and to be part of it. I don’t think he’ll be thinking of going anywhere. In the main, everyone is focused on being here and I don’t think they are thinking about getting away. They just want to keep being successful and staying part of this group.

Should the Hoops sell their star striker or is it time to cash in on his transfer value?

Stick or twist?

There are massive benefits to selling Dembele this month. Not only is the player likely at the peak of his value at Celtic right now, the cash rich clubs of the English Premier League notoriously enjoy a January spend during a period of mid-season panic, further driving up the potential fee.

The striker has had his fair share of injury problems this season and he has failed to replicate the consistent scoring of his first term in Celtic colours, perhaps tempting the club into taking the money.

However, keeping him at Celtic Park for another six months has its own upsides, not least helping the Hoops secure a second domestic treble in a row and progressing in Europe past FC Zenit. Dembele is undoubtedly still the best striker at the club and has the quality to make an impact in the knockout stages of the UEFA Europa League.

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While selling him right now makes sense from a financial point of view, selling him is a risk in playing terms, especially without a replacement lined up.

On Tuesday morning, Marca claimed that Newcastle United were prepared to listen to offers for Spanish midfielder Mikel Merino.

However, Magpies boss Rafael Benitez denied the rumours during his press conference on Tuesday afternoon.

Benitez insisted that the 21-year-old would not be leaving on deadline day despite what had been widely reported by the Spanish media.

The Newcastle fans are unconvinced, however, with many believing that the midfielder could still be sold before the winter transfer window slams shut on Wednesday night.

Merino only made his loan move from Borussia Dortmund permanent in October – signing a five-year contract with the Premier League club.

Merino, who is valued at £9m by transfermarkt.co.uk, has made 18 Premier League appearances this season, but just 12 of those have been starts.

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There is no question that the Spaniard is a popular figure with the Newcastle fans, and many are extremely fearful that he will be sold on transfer deadline day.

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According to reports in The Telegraph on February 5, former Watford manager Marco Silva is reportedly a target for West Ham United if they don’t keep David Moyes on at the end of the season, but Irons fans are not convinced that he would be a good appointment for them.

The Telegraph reported that the east London outfit had already decided that their Scottish boss wouldn’t be kept beyond his current contract even if they stay up – a story which has since been denied by the club – highlighting the currently unemployed Silva as a potential target.

The 40-year-old was sacked by Watford last month following a breakdown in the relationship between the Portuguese boss and the board – as well as with his players – after he was denied the opportunity to speak to Everton about their vacant managerial job back in November.

West Ham supporters were quick to have their say on Silva via social media, and while one said “I’d much rather have Eddie Howe”, another said “never understood the obsession people have with Marco Silva”.

Here is just a selection of the Twitter reaction…

Aston Villa got back to winning ways in the English Championship on Saturday, defeating Sheffield Wednesday 4-2.

It was a hugely important three points, especially after poor results in recent matches, and Steve Bruce’s side showed tremendous spirit to come from behind twice to secure victory in the final five minutes of the match.

With the match poised at 2-2 heading into the closing moments, Conor Hourihane popped up with a fierce shot to put them ahead before Robert Snodgrass slotted home a penalty in injury time.

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Fans were delighted with the performance and result for the most part, but did have criticism for midfielder Josh Onomah, whose substitution on the hour mark was the catalyst for the comeback.

Supporters are now calling for him not to be selected in future, believing that the likes of Callum O’Hare would be a far better option.

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Is it time to stop playing the Tottenham Hotspur loan star?

Fans took to Twitter to share their thoughts…

Steven Pienaar announced his retirement from football this week, and needless to say Everton fans are missing him already.The 35 year-old made 189 Premier League appearances for the Toffees, scoring 20 league goals along the way.His announcement left some fans yearning for the good old days, reminiscing about the passion and fight players like Pienaar and Tim Cahill showed for the Blues every match.Everton have hit a wall this season. This was supposed to be the season where they break into the league’s elite, but none of the summer’s big money signings have made the desired impact. Sandro Ramirez has been loaned out to Sevilla, Davy Klaassen has hardly played and Michael Keane has been a disappointment.The club posted several tributes to Pienaar, which was met with mixed responses from the fans. While some had nothing but positive things to say, others couldn’t miss the opportunity to have a dig at their club’s current condition.A selection of the responses can be seen below…

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