Scudamore hails 'greatest' Premier League season

Premier League's Chief Executive says he does not want 2011/12 season to end

Scudamore says the 2011/12 Barclays Premier League season has been 'compelling'

It has been a season of twists and turns, ups and downs, dazzling goals and remarkable turnarounds. And like most fans, Premier League Chief Executive Richard Scudamore does not want it to end.

For the first time in the history of the competition, the title, the relegation places and UEFA Champions League qualification will all be settled on the final day of the season.

"There have been so many compelling stories"
- Richard Scudamore

It is no wonder an expert panel picked the 2011/12 season as the best in the competition's history.

"I've never known a season like this," Scudamore said of the thrilling Barclays Premier League campaign.

"There's never been a day with so much riding on it.

"There have been so many compelling stories, it's been so exciting. I don't think we ever want it to end - although I'm sure the players would welcome a rest!"

Manchester City host Queens Park Rangers knowing a win will almost certainly put their name on the famous trophy for the first time.

Tension

But if City slip up, 12-time champions Manchester United are only trailing on goal difference as they travel to Sunderland.

QPR need a point to ensure they prolong their Premier League stay for more than one season, with Bolton Wanderers needing a win at Stoke City to have a chance of escaping the drop.

Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United are all eyeing third place, knowing fourth might not be enough to make it into the UEFA Champions League.

"Every single weekend there was always a big story, a big match or a high-scoring match"
- Richard Scudamore

And in what Scudamore describes as "a rather fantastic twist," Chelsea could qualify for the UEFA Champions League by winning the final against Bayern Munich on May 19th - meaning the fourth-place Premier League would enter the UEFA Europa League.

It is a fittingly unpredictable end to a season which has featured so many unlikely twists.

"The underlying memory of the season is how every single weekend there was always a big story, a big match or a high-scoring match," Scudamore said.

"We all pride ourselves on being pundits and being able to forecast. This year, you got to the end of each weekend and you thought 'how has that happened?'

"There were so many turnaround matches: Everton's 4-4 draw against Manchester United that could ultimately be the game that decides the title, and then Arsenal's game against Tottenham at the Emirates. 2-0 up after 20 minutes, and then it ends up 5-2..."

And Scudamore said that whatever happens on Sunday, it will be the perfect end to a memorable season.

"It's going down to the wire and it'll be great."

The final day: What is up for grabs? >