By Chris Wright
2011/12: The Year of the Cat
Nothing like a bit of timely self-aggrandisation, eh? As part of their celebratory ’20 Seasons’ awards push, The Premier League have conveniently seen the 2011/12 season (i.e, the current campaign about to come to it’s climax at the weekend) voted as the top flight’s greatest ever season – despite it not even featuring on the original shortlist.
Yes, yes. I know. Forest’s gargantuan efforts and unprecedented third-place finish back in 1994/95 (after being promoted from Division One the season before) has been cruelly overlooked. For shame, for shame.
Anyway, the original shortlist consisted of but six seasons; 1994/95 (Champions: Blackburn), 1995/96 (Man Utd), 1997/98 (Arsenal), 1998/99 (Man Utd), 2004/05 (Chelsea) and 2007/08 (Man Utd) – but 2011/12 was tagged on several days after the polls were opened and still managed to fend off the competition thanks to its ‘mix of wonderfully memorable matches, unbelievable drama and continuing excitement at both ends of the table.’
Ain’t it funny how things work out sometimes? Sure 2011/12 has been a decent old ding-dong, but the best to date? We ain’t so sure.