DFA Spring 2010 Season Review

And now for our traditional look back upon the season that was the DFA's Spring 2010. Join me won't you...

Liverpool FC & Germany
League: Champions
Champions Cup: Champions
International Cup: Runners-Up
DFA Cup: 1st Round
League Cup: Champions

Another successful year for the DFA's most decorated manager, Liam Pruitt, saw Liverpool claim three pots- one of which being their third consecutive league title. Liverpool finished their league campaign unbeaten, the first time a club has ever achieved that feat. Their League Cup run could be considered a stroll (They did not concede until the final), but their DFA Cup showing was less than impressive (knocked out by eventual runners-up, Roma in the opening round).
There was heartbreak in the International Cup, losing in the final due to dubious circumstances; but a second best finish with an atypically weak side is no major cause for concern. Once again, the most ruthlessly consistent manager of the season.

Manager Grade: A-
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Chelsea FC & England
League: Runners-Up
Champions Cup: Eliminated in Group Stage
International Cup: Champions
DFA Cup: 2nd Round
League Cup: 2nd Round

Once again, (the self-appointed) "Sir" Burns has mixed the high(s) of success with crushing lows. For every trophy acquisition, there's a Champions Cup abomination. For every good performance, there's a tantrum-laden strop. Whilst it is maddening, success coupled with failure is still successful (especially in the DFA). He may be the second most successful manager overall, but there are three others nipping at his heels. Perhaps if he wishes to shed his less-than-desirable reputation, a decent title challenge may be long overdue. It will take more than pre-season posturing and one trophy a season to prove he is not just riding his highly-paid (and highly-rated) show ponies to occasional glory.
That said, a trophy is still a trophy. Especially when only three managers have won one this season.


Manager Grade: B-
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Bayern München & Brazil
League: 3rd
Champions Cup: 3rd
International Cup: Semi-Finals
DFA Cup: Champions
League Cup: 3rd Round

Solid in the league, solid in cup competitions. Thompson is now being considered as one of the managers to be 'there or thereabouts' in every competition. One of the few managers to get himself up to speed in his first two seasons, Thompson has proven himself to be a contender for future top honors with his DFA Cup win. The only question mark is how he will handle the heightened pressure of expectation. Will he rise to the occasion(s) or wither and die (as his critics have insinuated in the past)?


Manager Grade: B-
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AS Roma & Spain
League: 4th
Champions Cup: Runners-Up
International Cup: Eliminated in Group Stage
DFA Cup: Runners-Up
League Cup: 2nd Round

A disappointing season on all fronts for Mr. Crittenden this Spring. Another manager that tasted success early into their DFA career, he must now be judged accordingly. Two cup finals appearances may not seem disastrous, but the manner of exit may well be. Roma only managed one goal in those two massive matches, a far cry from their free-scoring earlier season form. Most would consider the Wolves better than their fourth place league finish, as well; another example of under-achievement.
No shame in an early exit from the International affair however, being drawn into a group with the eventual champion and runner-up.
When held up against his earlier efforts, this season pales in comparison.


Manager Grade: C-
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AC Milan & Italy
League: 5th
Champions Cup: N/A
International Cup: Eliminated in Group Stage
DFA Cup: 1st Round
League Cup: 3rd Round

Another year, another let down for Ingoglia fans. One of the founding fathers and a former mainstay of DFA limelight, the Italian has stumbled in recent seasons. Unable to maintain any kind of consistent form, Milan bounded about in the nether regions of the table all season. They paired that ineptness with two cup performances that ended seemingly at the first hurdle.
The group stage exit in the International Cup can be forgiven, as the group of death lived up to its dramatic moniker.
It has been difficult for Milan in recent seasons, and unless they can make some changes to their playing style, things may very well get worse before they improve.


Manager Grade: D
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Arsenal FC & France
League: 6th
Champions Cup: N/A
International Cup: Eliminated in Group Stage
DFA Cup: 1st Round
League Cup: 1st Round

"Mid-table mediocrity" may sadly be a bit lofty of a term in this case, but that seems to be the limit of Arsenal's ambition in the DFA. A baffling "tactician", Tindle has taken a shine to the dark arts of digital football. Shooting from corners and kick-offs, coupled with a healthy dose of bookings has not won him any friends. Fortunately for those who believe in a bit of football karma, it has not won him many games either.


Manager Grade: F
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FC Barcelona & Argentina
League: 7th
Champions Cup: N/A
International Cup: Semi-Final
DFA Cup: Semi-Final
League Cup: 2nd Round

It all began so promisingly for Mr. Murphy: Barcelona was performing well in the league, and Argentina was absolutely rolling through Group B. Flash forward several weeks, and it's all gone pear-shaped. He cashed in a 2nd round performance in the League Cup for 11 bookings and 8 goals conceded; and Argentina had lost out to Germany in the semi-finals.
It will be argued that a more fluid and consistently-paced season would have seen Murphy continue his early season form. If he decides against early retirement, next season's strict attendance rules will give him a chance to prove that.


Manager Grade: C-
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Internazionale & Holland
League: 8th
Champions Cup: N/A
International Cup: Eliminated in Group Stage
DFA Cup: 1st Round
League Cup: 1st Round

A difficult first season in the DFA, but that is to be expected. Cushing never really found his feet until the bitter end, but by then it was too late to save his managerial post at Inter. Falling at the first hurdle in each cup competition is also considered par for the first time manager, and he did nothing to buck this trend.
Next season he faces a stern test at Villa Park, especially against the more power-oriented players (you know who you are), but at least his form is improving.


Manager Grade: D-




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