r/TheOther14

.....four managers who gives a fuck? The Reds are staying up.

Apparently we're the first team in the Premier League era to have had four permanent managers in a season and not got relegated.

You'll never sing that!

End of the season and the title is decided, most of Europe too.

Just one relegation spot to be confirmed (It’s amazing that spurs, who cannot win at home, are playing Everton, who cannot hold on to a lead, in a game that could save west ham, a team that sacked the manager of Everton, a team that seems intent on doing everything wrong, against Leeds, who have nothing to play for but keep getting points).

For those of us with little to play for other than fun or maybe one position change, what are you looking for out of the final weekend?

Forest fan here, and let me be clear, no beef with Bournemouth, who have been a fantastically entertaining club this season, I’d really love to beat them just to get that monkey off our backs.

Well I'm sitting within sight of Besitkas stadium in Istanbul where my beloved Aston Villa will play in the Europa Cup final. I have kept myself occupied throughout the day with places of interest in this city. The Villa fans have been awesome over the last few days & it has been a tremendous atmosphere.

Being an ex soldier who has served with the Army in trouble spots all over the world, I thought nothing would phase me now. However this feeling is unique & my nerves are shredded....!

The peak reached, the mountain climbed. Aston Villa bathed in euphoria in Istanbul. It was glorious.

Captain John McGinn and manager Unai Emery are legends immortalised into club folklore with the Europa League secured in Besiktas Park after victory over Freiburg.

The Villa supporters, far more than the 11,000 allocation — and who partied in the heavy rain earlier in the day — serenaded nearly every player and coach. Villa are crowned Europa League champions, winning their first major trophy in three decades and their first European trophy in 44 years.

This has been the most tumultuous season of any other under Emery, too. Defender Ezri Konsa aptly described it as a “rollercoaster”, enduring the lowest lows in his tenure and now, after a win against Freiburg, the highest of highs.

“This was like the ending of Mission Impossible,” said a senior club source, who, like others in this piece, spoke on the condition of anonymity. “Many twists against us, but we made it.”

“Unai Emery, mate… genius,” said a first-team staff member, in response to The Athletic asking how Villa recovered from the many setbacks this season.

This is the story of how Villa and Emery achieved immortality for those in claret and blue.

Now that the champions have been decided, some perspective on what is potentially a historic season for the Other 14:

1. ⁠Bournemouth - qualifying for Europe for the first time in their history. 18 years ago, they were on the cusp of administration. This is a historic occasion for a club that is defying all odds.

2. ⁠Aston Villa - qualifying for the UCL and in the Europa final, and possibly win it. Seven years ago, this club was playing for promotion to the EPL.

3. ⁠Crystal Palace - turbulent season we must be honest, but never seemed in relegation trouble and now in a European final and a European trophy in sight for the first time in their history. Even though this season has had its ups and downs, 3 trophies in 18 months is seismic.

4. Brentford - extraordinary season. Tipped for relegation after they lost their manager, their captain and their forwards. In the mix for Europe nevertheless. A tactically astute team with Thiago blossoming into a lethal centre forward. Being the second top goalscorer behind Haaland is a testament to the coaching and recruitment of this club. Edwards had defied all expectations this season. Next to Iraola, my manager of the season.

5. Brighton - also in the mix for Europe. Qualifying for Europe again, considering all the departures in the last few years. Strong position to get better.

6. Nottingham Forest - my goodness. What a ride. 4 managers. A clown show. Absolutely engulfed in disarray, but still, semi-finals of Europa. Very good season all things considered.

This has been a special season for many teams, and we should take some time to congratulate them for their achievements.