CONTRARY to popular belief 'darn sarrf', the 2004/05 Premiership title race is far from over. (From Warrington Guardian)

CONTRARY to popular belief 'darn sarrf', the 2004/05 Premiership title race is far from over.

With Mike Parsons

While Londoners' money may well be on the silverware staying at Arsenal

or moving across town to Chelsea, don't write off Manchester United just yet.

As a Red, I'm confident that Sir Alex and the boys can improve on their mediocre first half of the Premiership term and, as in the past, pip the favoured sides at the death.

Lately, there seems to have been more consistency in United's games and the players appear to be gelling more and enjoying their football again. All rivals - be warned!

I'm rooting for a 2005 double - that's a success for United and one for Warrington Wolves too.

It is 14 years since the Wolves last won a trophy but, on paper, head coach Paul Cullen looks like he has assembled a side that is capable of trading punches with the big boys on a more consistent basis.

He has certainly gone out of his way to improve on last season's downfall of 'finishing power'. The arrival of Martin Gleeson, Toa Kohe- Love and Henry Fa'afili should remedy that problem and provide an all-round boost to the team and success-starved supporters.

A trip to Cardiff to see Wolves win the Powergen Challenge Cup at the Millennium Stadium on August Bank Holiday weekend would be fantastic - let's see what you can do, boys!

What else would I like to see in 2005?

Formula 1 would be more interesting to me if German driver Michael Schumacher was knocked off his pedestal. Over the past six years it has seemed pointless to watch the races to find out who would finish second.

And to beat Australia at something would be great, wouldn't it?

The English cricketers will get that chance in a Test series and I have high hopes for our boys.

Of course, I'd like to back the Grand National winner again (I have for the past two years) and all tipoffs will be gratefully received nearer the time. My £1 stakes have resulted in winnings that don't last long in the pocket and it would be magic to have the confidence of a 'dead-cert' tip to encourage me to bet a little higher.

On a personal note, I would be delighted to break my duck on my favourite lake in north Wales and land my first big carp although some people believe that miracles don't happen.

Locally, I think special memories could be created if the Halliwell Jones Stadium is filled to capacity for the four games it will stage of the UEFA European Women's Football Championship between June 5 and 19. Watch out for the draw on January 19!

And for Warrington Town to maintain their UniBond League status would be good too. The season after promotion is never an easy one in any sport and all of the hard work that is going on at Cantilever Park deserves some reward. A few more fans going through the 'gate' may give manager Glenn Walker a

little more cash to work with for next season. Why not check them out and go to a game over the next few weeks?

Beyond all of my points above, I would simply be happy to know that competitors of all ages and all levels are healthy and enjoying whatever sport they choose to play in a safe and friendly environment.