New Year's Resolutions For Premier League Stars And Managers

A sideways look at what might happen in the next 12 months

Wayne Rooney – I must spend more time with my family

Far be it for us to comment too much on Wayne Rooney’s private life as it has been well documented throughout 2010, but we just wanted to give the Manchester United striker a gentle nudge into the New Year – one in which he will hopefully put a messy 12 months behind him and find a return to form for club and country.

Glen Johnson – I will learn a new language

Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson may have patched things up with Glen Johnson, but rumours of the player’s departure from the club in January persist.

While the possibility of joining Inter may no longer be on the cards after Rafael Benitez’s recent exit, Juventus are believed to be interested, meaning Johnson should have a look at that Italian phrasebook he got for Christmas.

Sam Allardyce – I will explore new career opportunities

Former Blackburn Rovers boss Sam Allardyce ruled himself out of the running for the vacant managerial position at Burnley on Thursday, suggesting the ex-Bolton man is holding out for bigger and better things.

However, we doubt Real Madrid or Barcelona are going to come calling for Big Sam, so we suggest a foray into pastures new – like gardening.

Mario Balotelli – I will learn to smile more

Would it be too much to ask Mario Balotelli to at least act like he cares? The Manchester City striker has clocked up eight goals in 11 games this season and sports a fantastic line in knitted headwear, but could barely manage to muster an ounce of excitement after scoring a hat-trick against Aston Villa.

Balotelli is a precocious talent and a unique personality, but we hope he lightens up a little in 2011.

Roman Abramovich – I must be more charitable

The Chelsea hierarchy decided to trim the fat from the squad in the summer – Joe Cole, Deco, Ricardo Carvalho and Michael Ballack were all allowed to leave – while simultaneously deciding to curb spending, as Ramires was the only notable player added to the squad.

After defeats to Arsenal and Sunderland and draws with Tottenham and Everton, Chelsea’s season is in danger of coming off the rails, and owner Roman Abramovich may have to put his hand in his pocket and give generously to Carlo Ancelotti if the club is to successfully defend their Premier League crown.

Roy Hodgson – I will learn some new tactics

Let’s face it, it is an extremely complicated situation at Anfield this season and for several reasons, it just hasn’t worked out for Roy Hodgson.

Part of the problem lies in the former Fulham boss’s rigid approach and insistence on sticking with the tactics that brought him success at Craven Cottage. Such style isn’t going to fly in 2011 for Hodgson, and he needs to learn how to set up his side to take the game to opponents, or risk facing the axe.

Carlos Tevez – I will go on a detox

Like Rooney before him, Manchester City striker Carlos Tevez performed a transfer u-turn over the space of just a few short days, which proved to be an ultimately unnecessary exercise when he committed his short-term future to the club.

Tevez would do well to rid his life of the toxic influence of the likes of advisor Kia Joorbachian if he is to get his head down and concentrate on repeating his early season form into the New Year.

Michael Owen – I must exercise more

Believe it or not, Michael Owen is just 31 years of age and, believe it or not, is still a player with a few years to offer to a club at the highest level. Owen’s free transfer to Manchester United raised eyebrows and could have been a masterstroke by Sir Alex Ferguson, but injuries have limited his contribution.

If Owen is to enjoy a renaissance period in his career, he needs to shake off the knocks and stay fit – only then can he remind us all what a prolific striker he is, whether it be with Manchester United or not.