2007–08 Pittsburgh Penguins season, Playoffs, Stanley Cup Final
In Game 2, the Penguins were shut-out for a second time. Detroit's Brad Stuart and Tomas Holmstrom scored in the first period and Valtteri Filppula added a third goal in the third period. Pittsburgh struggled, failing to direct a shot on goal for the first 12 minutes of the game. Pittsburgh shuffled their lineup again prior to Game 3, replacing defenseman Kris Letang with Darryl Sydor.


2007–08 Pittsburgh Penguins season, Playoffs, Stanley Cup Final
Game 3 saw the Penguins score their first goal of the Final when Crosby netted a wrist shot 17:25 into the opening period. Crosby added his second goal of the game early in the second period. In the third, Adam Hall added the game-winning goal in the final period with assists from Maxime Talbot and Roberts. The Penguins held off a late charge by the Red Wings to win their first game of the Stanley Cup Final by a score of 3–2.


2007–08 Pittsburgh Penguins season, Playoffs, Stanley Cup Final
Entering Game 4, Sykora said the game was a must-win for the Penguins: "For us, basically, [Game 4] is a do-or-die game." Despite an early goal from Marian Hossa, the Penguins were unable to hold off the Red Wings, who got goals from Nicklas Lidstrom and Jiri Hudler. The Penguins' inability to capitalize on a 5-on-3 man advantage in the 3rd period, which lasted for 1:26, sealed the third victory of the series for the Red Wings.


2007–08 Pittsburgh Penguins season, Playoffs, Stanley Cup Final
In Game 5 of the series, Pittsburgh faced elimination in Detroit, where they had not yet won in the series. Down 3–2 with 35 seconds remaining in regulation, Talbot scored for the Penguins, who had removed goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury to gain an extra skater. The goal tied the game at three, forcing it into sudden-death overtime. In the third overtime period, Sykora scored at the 109:57 mark of the game to give the Penguins the victory and force Game 6.


2007–08 Pittsburgh Penguins season, Playoffs, Stanley Cup Final
Sykora's goal was assisted by Malkin, who had struggled in the series, and Gonchar, who was returning for his first shift in 50 minutes due to an injury. In the fifth-longest Stanley Cup game in history, goaltender Fleury stopped 55 shots, with 24 in overtime. Ryan Malone played in Game 6, despite being hit in the face with the puck in Game 5. Dave Molinari of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette wrote that the team "seemed almost in awe of the way Malone reacted to a significant facial injury the way most people would a paper cut."


2007–08 Pittsburgh Penguins season, Playoffs, Stanley Cup Final
In Game 6, Pittsburgh got goals from Malkin, his first in the Finals, and Hossa. Entering the final minute and trailing by one, Pittsburgh pulled Fleury for the second time that game, hoping to score with circumstances similar to Hossa's earlier goal. A tipped shot which passed in between Chris Osgood and the goal line as time expired did not enter the net, giving Detroit the victory. Pittsburgh's final defeat of the season was by a score of 3–2.


2007–08 Pittsburgh Penguins season, Player statistics
†Denotes player spent time with another team before joining Team. Stats reflect time with the Team only. ‡Denotes player was traded mid-season. Stats reflect time with the Team only.


2007–08 Pittsburgh Penguins season, Awards and records
Tyler Kennedy, Jonathan Filewich, Chris Minard and Alex Goligoski played in their first NHL games. Kennedy, Minard and Connor James scored their first goals, while Goligoski, Ryan Stone and Ty Conklin recorded first points. Evgeni Malkin recorded his first hat trick on January 3.


2007–08 Pittsburgh Penguins season, Awards and records
In addition, Evgeni Malkin, Maxime Talbot and Ryan Malone scored their first playoff goals. Rob Scuderi, Tyler Kennedy and Kris Letang recorded their first playoff points. Marc-Andre Fleury recorded his first playoff shutout.


2007–08 Pittsburgh Penguins season, Awards and records, Awards
Evgeni Malkin was added to the All-Star Game on January 22 as a replacement following an injury to Sidney Crosby. In the game, Malkin recorded two assists. On April 29, the NHL announced that Malkin, along with Alexander Ovechkin and Jarome Iginla, was named as a finalist for the Hart Memorial Trophy, awarded to the player most valuable to his team. With 106 points, Malkin was the Penguins' leader in scoring. He finished second in the NHL only to Ovechkin.


2007–08 Pittsburgh Penguins season, Awards and records, Awards
At one point in the season, Malkin recorded a 15-game point streak, the longest by a Russian player in the NHL. In June, he was announced as the NHL's top center and honored on the First All-Star Team alongside Ovechkin and Iginla, defensemen Nicklas Lidstrom and Dion Phaneuf and goaltender Evgeni Nabokov.


2007–08 Pittsburgh Penguins season, Awards and records, Awards
The Penguins benefited from the success of several players who were called up from the team's American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. Forward Tyler Kennedy was first recalled on October 27. Defenseman Kris Letang was recalled on November 13 and immediately contributed to the Penguins shootout, scoring on all of his first five attempts, including during the Winter Classic on January 1. Of his five shots, three won the game for the Penguins. Kennedy and Letang were selected to compete in the YoungStars competition for rookies during the All-Star break.


2007–08 Pittsburgh Penguins season, Awards and records, Awards
On April 2, following the final home game against the Philadelphia Flyers, the team announced its award winners for the season. Awards were given by the Pittsburgh chapter of the Professional Hockey Writers Association, the Penguins Booster Club, as well as voted amongst the team.


2007–08 Pittsburgh Penguins season, Transactions, Free agents
The free agency period began on July 1. The Penguins saw forward Michel Ouellet and goaltender Jocelyn Thibault leave as free agents to the Tampa Bay Lightning and Buffalo Sabres, respectively. To fill openings in the Penguins roster, the team signed goaltender Dany Sabourin, defenseman Darryl Sydor and forwards Petr Sykora and Adam Hall. The organization also signed forwards Nathan Smith, Chris Minard and Jeff Taffe, as well as goaltender Ty Conklin for their AHL minor league affiliate, the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins.


2007–08 Pittsburgh Penguins season, Transactions, Trades
On December 5, following talk of the team's future with Mark Recchi, the team placed the veteran right wing on waivers. After clearing without being claimed, Recchi was assigned to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins of the AHL the next day. The following day, before playing a game with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, Recchi was placed on re-entry waivers, where he could again be claimed by another team. On Saturday, December 8, Recchi was claimed by the Atlanta Thrashers, with whom he joined the following Tuesday. The Penguins and the Thrashers would split the remaining cost of his US$1.75 million contract.


2007–08 Pittsburgh Penguins season, Transactions, Trades
On February 26, just minutes before the trade deadline, the Penguins made a deal with the Atlanta Thrashers to acquire right wings Marian Hossa and Pascal Dupuis in exchange for winger Colby Armstrong, center Erik Christensen, prospect Angelo Esposito and a first-round pick in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft. In another trade, the Pens brought in the 6-foot-7 defenseman Hal Gill from the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for one second- and one fifth-round pick in the 2008 and 2009 NHL Entry Draft, respectively.


2007–08 Pittsburgh Penguins season, Draft picks
The 2007 NHL Entry Draft took place on June 22 and 23 at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio. With the 20th overall pick, the Penguins selected Angelo Esposito of the Quebec Remparts in the first round. The Penguins selected eight players (five forwards and three defensemen) in six of the seven rounds. All of the players remained with their junior league teams in Canada.


2007–08 Pittsburgh Penguins season, Farm teams
The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins finished first in the AHL East Division during the 2007–08 season. In the Calder Cup Playoffs, the "Baby Penguins" advanced through the Eastern Conference bracket with a record of 12–5. In the Calder Cup Final, they lost to the Chicago Wolves (ATL), four games to two.


2007–08 Pittsburgh Penguins season, Farm teams
In the ECHL, the Wheeling Nailers, a joint affiliate with the Philadelphia Flyers, finished last in the Northern Division, with a final record of 22–43–3–4.


2007–08 Plymouth Argyle F.C. season
The 2007–08 football season was Plymouth Argyle Football Club's 39th season in the Football League Championship, the second division of English football, and their 103rd as a professional club.


2007–08 Plymouth Argyle F.C. season
This article shows statistics of individual players for the football club Plymouth Argyle. It also lists all matches played by the club in the 2007–08 season.


2007–08 Plymouth Argyle F.C. season, Review and events
This is a list of the significant events to occur at the club during the 2007–08 season, presented in chronological order. This list does not include transfers, which are listed in the transfers section below, or match results, which are in the results section.


2007–08 Plymouth Argyle F.C. season, Transfers, Out
Last updated: 2 January 2008EU = if holds or not a European Union passport; Country: when 2 flags, 1st flag = country that plays for internationally, 2nd flag = country of birth; N = number on jersey; P = Position (for position name, pause mouse pointer on abbreviation); Name = Name on jersey (for more extensive name, pause mouse pointer on name); Age = age on the day of the signing; Moving from = only indicate the club the player was playing before start playing for this club in this season, for the type of the moving see Status column; Moving to = only indicates the club the player is going to play next, for the type of the moving see Status column; Ends = when the player's current contract ends; n/a = Not applicable.


2007–08 Plymouth Argyle F.C. season, Results, Matches
Last updated: 2 January 2008Source: , 2007–08 FA Cup and League Cup 2007–081Plymouth Argyle goals come first.National flags for Ground and Opponent columns are only shown when different from that of Plymouth Argyle.M = Match; Ground: H = Home, A = Away, N = Neutral, HR = Home replacement, AR = Away replacement.


2007–08 Plymouth Argyle F.C. season, Results, Pre-season
Last updated: 7 August 20071Plymouth Argyle goals come first.Country's flag depict country of foreign team to that of Plymouth Argyle.Ground: H = Home; A = Away; N = Neutral; HR = Home replacement; AR = Away replacement; GD = Goal difference


2007–08 Polish Cup
The 2007–08 Polish Cup was the fifty-fourth season of the annual Polish cup competition. It began on 1 August 2007 with the First Qualifying Round and ended on 13 May 2008 with the Final, played at Stadion GKS, Bełchatów. The winners qualified for the third qualifying round of the UEFA Cup. Dyskobolia Grodzisk Wielkopolski were the defending champions.


2007–08 Polish Cup, First qualifying round, First round
1 – Jagiellonia II Białystok withdrew from the competition and Jeziorak Iława were awarded a 3–0 walkover


2007–08 Polish Cup, First qualifying round, First round
2 – Polonia Przemyśl withdrew from the competition and Przyszłość Rogów were awarded a 3–0 walkover


2007–08 Polish Cup, First qualifying round, Second round
3 – Olimpia Elbląg withdrew from the competition and Ruch Wysokie Mazowieckie were awarded a 3–0 walkover


2007–08 Polish Cup, First qualifying round, Second round
4 – Zagłębie II Lubin withdrew from the competition and Skalnik Gracze were awarded a 3–0 walkover


2007–08 Polish Cup, Second qualifying round, First round
5 – Zawisza Bydgoszcz withdrew from the competition and Ruch Chorzów were awarded a 3–0 walkover


2007–08 Polish Cup, Second qualifying round, Second round
6 – Pogoń Szczecin withdrew from the competition and Stal Stalowa Wola were awarded a 3–0 walkover


2007–08 Polish Volleyball League
2007–08 Polish Volleyball League was the 72nd season of Polish Championship (8th season as professional league) organized by Professional Volleyball League SA (Polish: Profesjonalna Liga Piłki Siatkowej S.A.) under the supervision of Polish Volleyball Federation (Polish: Polski Związek Piłki Siatkowej).


2007–08 Polish Volleyball League
In season 2007/2008 PGE Skra Bełchatów and Wkręt-met Domex AZS Częstochowa played in CEV Champions League, Mlekpol AZS Olsztyn and Jastrzębski Węgiel played in CEV Cup, Asseco Resovia Rzeszów in CEV Challenge Cup


2007–08 Polska Liga Hokejowa season
The 2007–08 Polska Liga Hokejowa season was the 73rd season of the Polska Liga Hokejowa, the top level of ice hockey in Poland. 10 teams participated in the league, and KS Cracovia won the championship.


2007–08 Port Vale F.C. season
The 2007–08 season was Port Vale's 96th season of football in the English Football League, and fourth successive season in League One. Vale finished second-from-bottom, and were relegated, some twelve points from safety. Manager Martin Foyle left the club in September, and Lee Sinnott failed to improve results despite making several loan signings. Vale were also knocked out of the FA Cup at the Second Round by Southern Football League side Chasetown, a club five divisions below the Vale.


2007–08 Port Vale F.C. season
Vale also had no luck in either the League Cup or the League Trophy, exiting both competitions at the first stage after a penalty shoot-out. Throughout the season the club saw a large turnover of players, as Sinnott attempted to build a squad of players of his own choosing to prepare for a promotion push the following season.


2007–08 Port Vale F.C. season, Overview, League One
The pre-season saw Martin Foyle sign Wolverhampton Wanderers defender Keith Lowe on a season long loan, and both Paul Edwards and Craig Rocastle from Oldham Athletic. He also signed Marc Richards from Barnsley, as well as Shane Tudor and Justin Miller from Leyton Orient. Calum Willock also joined on a short-term deal, as did Southampton loanee David McGoldrick, and Chester City's veteran defender Ashley Westwood. However an audacious attempt to land Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler failed.


2007–08 Port Vale F.C. season, Overview, League One
The season started with just five points in the opening six games, with just one goal scored from open play. A few games into the season Akpo Sodje was sold to Sheffield Wednesday for an undisclosed fee. With only two disappointing mid-table finishes to his name, and with Vale lying 23rd in the league, Foyle left the club by mutual consent on 26 September. Caretaker-manager Dean Glover was disappointed with the players, comparing them to a pub team.


2007–08 Port Vale F.C. season, Overview, League One
In October, Glover signed teenage midfielder Will Atkinson joined on loan from Hull City and left-back Adam Eckersley on loan from Manchester United. On 5 November, Farsley Celtic manager Lee Sinnott was appointed as the new Vale boss. This decision caused Dean Glover to consider his position at the club, though he eventually chose to remain as Sinnott's assistant. Sinnott warned of big changes at the club. Young defender Charlie O'Loughlin was then loaned out to Nantwich Town, and Shane Tudor was sent out on loan to Shrewsbury Town. Arriving at the club were midfielders Mark Salmon (Wolverhampton Wanderers) and Marc Laird (Manchester City) on short loan deals.


2007–08 Port Vale F.C. season, Overview, League One
In January, goalkeeper Mark Goodlad was forced to retire due to injury, and young Joe Anyon faced criticism from the fans for his performances. Adam Eckersley then returned to the club after his release from Manchester United, as Sinnott's first non-loan signing. Sinnott then signed Dave Mulligan from Scunthorpe United on a short-term contract. Midfielder David Howland also arrived on loan from Birmingham City, and would join the club permanently at the end of the season. Fellow Birmingham player Krystian Pearce also signed on loan, though would impress enough to win a longer stay with Birmingham.


2007–08 Port Vale F.C. season, Overview, League One
Sinnott then raided another Birmingham club, this time Aston Villa, to bring Australian teenager Chris Herd on a one-month loan, as well as Swedish youngster Tobias Mikaelsson. He also allowed Rocastle to join Gillingham on a two-week loan. Sinnott also completed the signings of Chasetown pair Chris Slater and Kyle Perry, who left their jobs to become full-time professional footballers. In February, O'Loughlin was loaned out to Hinckley United. After the club lost a 2–0 lead at Victoria Park to lose 3–2 against Hartlepool United, club legend Jon McCarthy questioned the team's mental strength.


2007–08 Port Vale F.C. season, Overview, League One
In April, Craig Rocastle's contract was terminated by mutual consent, and he moved to play for Greek club Thrasyvoulos. Teenage goalkeeper Chris Martin made his debut on 19 April, as Vale were on the end of a 6–0 defeat by Swindon Town at The County Ground. Despite just two defeats in the final ten games of the season, Vale had long been relegated.


2007–08 Port Vale F.C. season, Overview, League One
They finished in 23rd place with 38 points, above Luton Town only because the "Hatters" were hit with a ten-point deduction. Vale were twelve points behind Crewe Alexandra, who finished one place above the relegation zone. Luke Rodgers was the club's top scorer with twelve goals in all competitions. There was a distinct lack of goals in the side, though their goals conceded tally of 81 was the highest in the league.


2007–08 Port Vale F.C. season, Overview, League One
At the end of the season there was an exodus of players: Robin Hulbert (Darlington); Colin Miles (Woking); Jason Talbot (Livingston); Mark McGregor (Altrincham); Joe Cardle (Airdrie United); Adam Eckersley (Horsens); Dave Mulligan (Wellington Phoenix); Justin Miller (Chelmsford City); Charlie O'Loughlin (Nantwich Town); as well as club captain George Pilkington (Luton Town). Sinnott claimed this cull was necessary to turn the club around. Danny Whitaker rejected Vale's contract offer, and their revised offer, to move off to Oldham Athletic. Player of the Year Paul Harsley also turned down a new deal, and instead signed with Chesterfield. Marc Richards discussed a £100,000 move to Cheltenham Town, though chose to stay in Burslem.


2007–08 Port Vale F.C. season, Overview, Finances
The club had to make monthly repayments of around £19,000 for a £2.25 million loan taken out from the local council in 2005. The club's shirt sponsorship came from Sennheiser.


2007–08 Port Vale F.C. season, Overview, Cup competitions
In the FA Cup, Sinnott's first cup game in charge saw Vale take revenge on Morecambe with a 2–0 win at Vale Park, to give the "Valiants" what seemed to be an easy Second Round tie with Southern League side Chasetown (an eighth tier team 101 league places below them). Vale sacrificed a one-goal lead over the amateurs to limp to a 1–1 draw at Vale Park, after conceding from a 40-yard free kick taken by trainee accountant Mark Branch. Chasetown then made a giant-killing with a late goal on their home ground, after Luke Rodgers missed two penalties.


2007–08 Port Vale F.C. season, Overview, Cup competitions
In the League Cup, Vale exited at the First Round after losing to League Two side Wrexham 5–3 on penalties, following a 1–1 home draw.


2007–08 Port Vale F.C. season, Overview, Cup competitions
In the League Trophy, Vale were beaten on penalties by a League Two side for the second time in the season, this time after a 2–2 draw with Morecambe at Christie Park. Caretaker-manager Dean Glover likened his side to a "pub team".


2007–08 Portland State Vikings men's basketball team
The 2007–08 Portland State Vikings men's basketball team represented Portland State University during the 2007–08 NCAA Division I men's basketball season. The Vikings, led by head coach Ken Bone, played their home games at the Peter Stott Center and were members of the Big Sky Conference. They finished the season 23–10, 14–2 in Big Sky play to finish as regular season champions by three games. They won the Big Sky Tournament to earn an automatic bid – the first in school history – to the NCAA Tournament. As No. 16 seed in the Midwest region, the Vikings were defeated in the opening round by eventual National champion Kansas.


2007–08 Portland Trail Blazers season
The 2007–08 Portland Trail Blazers season was their 38th season in the NBA. The season saw the team draft Greg Oden with the first overall pick in the 2007 NBA Draft, but he would miss his entire rookie campaign due to a knee injury that required microfracture surgery. The team would miss the season's playoffs.


2007–08 Portland Trail Blazers season, Offseason
The Trail Blazers were busy on draft day, making three trades. The first trade was with the Philadelphia 76ers. The Blazers traded second-round pick Derrick Byars and cash to the Sixers in exchange for Finnish point guard Petteri Koponen. The next trade was with the New York Knicks. The Blazers traded Dan Dickau, Fred Jones, and Zach Randolph to the Knicks for Steve Francis and Channing Frye. The last trade was also with the Knicks. The Blazers traded Demetris Nichols to the Knicks for a 2008 second-round pick (Ömer Aşık was later selected).


2007–08 Portland Trail Blazers season, Offseason
On July 11, the Blazers waived Steve Francis. They also traded cash to the Phoenix Suns for Rudy Fernández and James Jones. Fernández would not be on the team's roster during the season, but would join the team the following season. He would be selected to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team and would set the record for most three-point field goals made by a rookie (159). This season would be Jones's only season with the Blazers.


2007–08 Portland Trail Blazers season, Offseason
On July 13, the Blazers signed Steve Blake. This marked Blake's return to the Trail Blazers (he played for them during the 2006 season). This tenure would also be his longest with the Blazers, spanning from 2007 to 2010.


2007–08 Portland Trail Blazers season, Draft picks
Portland's selections from the 2007 NBA draft in New York City.


2007–08 Portland Trail Blazers season, Awards and records, Records
The Trail Blazers had the longest winning streak at 13 as of January 30, 2008.


2007–08 Portland Trail Blazers season, Transactions
The Trail Blazers were involved in the following transactions during the 2007–08 season.


2007–08 Portsmouth F.C. season
Portsmouth F.C. won its first major trophy since 1950, thanks to an FA Cup campaign that saw them beat Cardiff City in the final. The run to the final included a surprise 1–0 victory against Manchester United at Old Trafford, thanks to a Sulley Muntari penalty.


2007–08 Portsmouth F.C. season
The millions of pounds invested in the squad on players such as Glen Johnson, Lassana Diarra, Muntari and others also enabled Portsmouth to have an unprecedented run in the modern Premier League era, finishing in eighth despite losing the last few matches of the season. During the autumn, Portsmouth was involved in the battle for a Champions League spot, thanks to its surprise form. The season also saw a remarkable game, beating Reading by 7–4 at Fratton Park, following eight goals in the second half.


2007–08 Portsmouth F.C. season
However, despite the success in the FA Cup and league, the club's overspending on players would lead to a financial crisis that would see Portsmouth enter administration twice and suffer relegation to the fourth tier within five seasons.


2007–08 Portsmouth F.C. season, Players, First-team squad
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.


2007–08 Portsmouth F.C. season, Players, Left club during season
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.


2007–08 Portsmouth F.C. season, Players, Reserve squad
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.


2007–08 Premier Academy League
The 2007–08 Premier Academy League season is the tenth since its establishment, and the fourth under the current name and make-up. Aston Villa were crowned the 2007–08 Premier Academy League Champions after beating Manchester City 2–0 in the Play-off Final, with goals from James Collins and Chris Herd.


2007–08 Premier Academy League, Structure, Group A
Norwich City, Southampton and West Ham United play 20 group fixtures each, twice against all of the other teams in Group A. They also play 8 inter-group fixtures, against teams from Group B, C and D. The remaining 8 teams in the group, play 21 group fixtures - which means a single fixture in the group will be the third meeting between the teams in the season - and 7 inter-group games. Thus producing 28 games a season for all 11 teams.


2007–08 Premier Academy League, Structure, Groups B, C and D
All teams play each other in the group twice, producing 18 games. They also play 10 inter-group fixtures.


2007–08 Premier Academy League, Final league tables, Academy Group D
Pld = Matches played; W = Matches won; D = Matches drawn; L = Matches lost; F = Goals for; A = Goals against; GD = Goal difference; Pts = PointsC = Champions; R = Relegated


2007–08 Premier League
The 2007–08 Premier League (known as the Barclays Premier League for sponsorship reasons) season was the 16th since its establishment. The first matches of the season were played on 11 August 2007, and the season ended on 11 May 2008. Manchester United went into the 2007–08 season as the Premier League's defending champions, having won their ninth Premier League title and sixteenth league championship overall the previous season. This season was also the third consecutive season to see the "Big Four" continue their stranglehold on the top four spots (which mean UEFA Champions League qualification).


2007–08 Premier League
The first goal of the season was scored by Michael Chopra, who scored a 94th-minute winner for Sunderland against Tottenham in the early kick-off. The first red card of the season was given to Reading's Dave Kitson after a challenge on Patrice Evra in their opening game against Manchester United. The first hat-trick was scored by Emmanuel Adebayor in the match between Arsenal and Derby County.


2007–08 Premier League
On 29 September 2007, Portsmouth beat Reading 7–4 in the highest-scoring match in Premier League history. On 15 December 2007, both Roque Santa Cruz (Blackburn Rovers) and Marcus Bent (Wigan Athletic) scored hat-tricks during Wigan's 5–3 home win over Blackburn. This was the first occasion in Premier League history that two players on opposing teams had scored hat-tricks during the same match.


2007–08 Premier League
On 29 March 2008, Derby County drew 2–2 with Fulham while Birmingham City, who were 17th in the table at the time, beat Manchester City 3–1, to make Derby County the first team in Premier League history to be relegated in March, ending the season with an all-time top flight record low points tally of just 11.


2007–08 Premier League
On 11 May 2008, the final day of the season, Manchester United beat Wigan Athletic 2–0 while Chelsea drew 1–1 with Bolton Wanderers, thus crowning Manchester United with their tenth Premier League title, and 17th championship overall, just one behind Liverpool's total of 18. Meanwhile, despite Birmingham beating Blackburn Rovers 4–1 and Reading beating Derby 4–0, both Birmingham and Reading were relegated due to Fulham's 1–0 win over Portsmouth. This meant that Fulham avoided relegation by a goal difference of −22, compared to Reading's −25. On the same day, Middlesbrough beat Manchester City 8–1 to claim the biggest win of the season.


2007–08 Premier League
The season was notable for the return of the English league to the top of UEFA's official ranking list, overtaking La Liga for the period from 1 May 2008 to 30 April 2009. This followed the success of English clubs in the UEFA Champions League, with both champions Manchester United and runners-up Chelsea reaching the European Cup final. This was the first time that the English league had topped the UEFA rankings since the Heysel Stadium disaster in 1985.


2007–08 Premier League, Teams
Twenty teams competed in the league – the top seventeen teams from the previous season and the three teams promoted from the Championship. The promoted teams were Sunderland, Birmingham City (both teams returning after a season's absence) and Derby County (returning after a five-year absence). They replaced Sheffield United, Charlton Athletic and Watford. The previous season had seen Sheffield United and Watford both suffer an immediate return to the Championship, while Charlton Athletic were relegated after a seven-year top flight spell.


2007–08 Premier League, Teams, Personnel and kits
In addition, Premier League officials were supplied with new kit made by Umbro, replacing American makers Official Sports, and are sponsored by Air Asia, replacing Emirates. The 2007–08 season saw a new font used for the names on the back of players' shirts.


2007–08 Premier League, Awards, Annual awards, Premier League Manager of the Season
Sir Alex Ferguson picked up the Premier League Manager of the Season award for the eighth time.


2007–08 Premier League, Awards, Annual awards, Premier League Player of the Season
Cristiano Ronaldo won the Premier League Player of the Season accolade for the second season in succession.


2007–08 Premier League, Awards, Annual awards, PFA Players' Player of the Year
The PFA Players' Player of the Year award for 2008 was won by Cristiano Ronaldo for the second year in a row.


2007–08 Premier League, Awards, Annual awards, PFA Players' Player of the Year
The shortlist for the PFA Players' Player of the Year award, in alphabetical order, was as follows:


2007–08 Premier League, Awards, Annual awards, PFA Team of the Year
Goalkeeper: David James (Portsmouth)Defence: Bacary Sagna, Gaël Clichy (both Arsenal), Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidić (both Manchester United)Midfield: Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United), Cesc Fàbregas (Arsenal), Ashley Young (Aston Villa)Attack: Emmanuel Adebayor (Arsenal), Fernando Torres (Liverpool)


2007–08 Premier League, Awards, Annual awards, PFA Young Player of the Year
The PFA Young Player of the Year award was won by Cesc Fàbregas of Arsenal.


2007–08 Premier League, Awards, Annual awards, FWA Footballer of the Year
The FWA Footballer of the Year award for 2008 was won by Cristiano Ronaldo for a second successive season. The Manchester United winger saw off the challenges of Liverpool striker Fernando Torres and Portsmouth goalkeeper David James, who finished second and third respectively.


2007–08 Premier League, Awards, Annual awards, Premier League Golden Boot
Cristiano Ronaldo was named the winner of the Premier League Golden Boot award. The Manchester United winger's 31 goals from 34 league appearances helped see off stiff opposition for this award from Arsenal's Emmanuel Adebayor and Fernando Torres of Liverpool. This was the first Premier League season that a player has scored more than 30 goals since Alan Shearer's 31-goal haul for Blackburn Rovers twelve years prior.


2007–08 Premier League, Awards, Annual awards, Premier League Golden Glove
Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina claimed the Premier League Golden Glove award for the third season in succession. Clean sheets in 18 out of the 38 games meant Reina kept more clean sheets than any other goalkeeper in the top flight during the 2007–08 campaign.


2007–08 Premier League, Awards, Annual awards, Premier League Fair Play Award
The Premier League Fair Play Award is a merit given to the team who has been the most sporting and best behaved team. Tottenham topped the Fair Play League, ahead of Liverpool, Manchester United and Arsenal. The least sporting side was Blackburn Rovers who finished in last place in the rankings.


2007–08 Premier League, Awards, Annual awards, LMA Manager of the Year
The LMA Manager of the Year award was won by Sir Alex Ferguson after leading Manchester United to back-to-back league title wins. The award was presented by Fabio Capello on 13 May 2008.


2007–08 Premier League, Awards, Annual awards, PFA Fans' Player of the Year
2007 winner, Cristiano Ronaldo, was named the PFA Fans' Player of the Year again in 2008. Liverpool striker Fernando Torres finished second, with Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fàbregas finishing third.


2007–08 Premier League, Awards, Annual awards, PFA Merit Award
BBC broadcaster and former England and Blackpool full-back Jimmy Armfield received the PFA Merit Award for his services to the game.


2007–08 Premier League, Awards, Annual awards, Premier League Merit Award
Cristiano Ronaldo, the Portuguese winger, collected the Premier League Merit Award for reaching 30 league goals this season.


2007–08 Premier League of Bosnia and Herzegovina
The 2007–08 Premijer Liga season, the eighth since its establishment and the sixth as a unified country-wide league, began on 4 August 2007. FK Sarajevo are the defending Premijer Liga champions, having won their first Premijer Liga title and fourth league championship overall the previous season.


2007–08 Premier League of Bosnia and Herzegovina
The 2006–07 season saw Borac and Radnik relegated to the Prva Liga RS. They were replaced by Laktaši and Travnik from the Prva Liga RS and FBiH respectively.


2007–08 Premier League of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Premijer Liga All-Star Team (1st Half Season)
Coaches of each team in the league decided to vote for players who have impressed the most in the first half of the season. The only twist is that the coaches couldn't vote a player from their own team.


2007–08 Premier League of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Premijer Liga All-Star Team (1st Half Season)
Coaches that participated in the votes are: Slaviša Bižičić (FK Modriča), Husref Musemić (FK Sarajevo), Enver Hadžiabdić (FK Željezničar), Pavle Skočibušić (NK Žepče), Dušan Jevrić (Slavija Sarajevo), Mirza Golubica (NK Travnik), Sakib Malkočević (Sloboda Tuzla), Anel Karabeg (FK Velež Mostar), Vlado Jagodić (FK Laktaši), Mario Ćutuk (NK Široki Brijeg), Ivo Ištuk (NK Čelik Zenica), Ahmet Kečalović (NK Jedinstvo Bihać), Dragan Jović (HŠK Zrinjski Mostar), Srđan Bajić (FK Leotar Trebinje), Vinko Jurišić (NK Posušje) and Bakir Beširević (HNK Orašje).


2007–08 Premier League of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Premijer Liga All-Star Team (1st Half Season)
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.


2007–08 Premier League of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Premijer Liga All-Star Team (1st Half Season)
Vasilj, Tripic, Lukačević, Matko, Šabić, S. Nikolić, Hasanović, Mikelini, Mulalić, Vugdalić, Rajović, Stojanović, Marković, Bajić, Karadža, Stjepanović, Krstanović, Režić, Rogulj, Ronielle, Admir Raščić, Celson, Landeka, Kordić 1, A. Joldić, Mulina, Pejić, Ančić, Barišić, Bajić


2007–08 Premier Reserve League
The 2007–08 Premier Reserve League season is the ninth since its establishment. The events in the senior leagues during the 2006–07 season saw Watford, Charlton Athletic and Sheffield United all relegated and replaced by the promoted teams Birmingham City, Derby County and Sunderland.


2007–08 Premier Reserve League
Northern Champions Liverpool beat Southern Champions Aston Villa 3–0 in the Premier Reserve League Play-off Final and were crowned the National Champions.


2007–08 Premier Reserve League, Final league tables, Premier Reserve League South
Pld = Matches played; W = Matches won; D = Matches drawn; L = Matches lost; GD = Goal difference; Pts = PointsC = Champions


2007–08 Premier Reserve League, Relegated and Promoted teams
These three teams were relegated from the Premier Reserve League at the end of this season:


2007–08 Premier Reserve League, Relegated and Promoted teams
These three teams will promote to the Premier Reserve League at the start of next season:


2007–08 Premier Soccer League
The following is the final results of the 2007–08 Premier Soccer League football season in South Africa.


2007–08 Premiership Rugby
The 2007–08 Guinness Premiership was the 21st season of the top flight of the English domestic rugby union competitions, played between September 2007 and May 2008. Round 1 included the London Double Header at Twickenham, between the four London teams.


2007–08 Premiership Rugby
Due to the 2007 Rugby World Cup the season started a week later than usual, as England were trying to defend their title. Leeds Tykes, which renamed themselves Leeds Carnegie shortly after the 2006-07 season, were promoted from National Division One 2006-07, taking the place of Northampton Saints who were relegated.


2007–08 Premiership Rugby
During the course of the season, London Wasps went from 10th in the league during October, to beat Leicester in the Guinness Premiership Final.


2007–08 Premiership Rugby, Teams
Leeds Carnegie, having won the 2006–07 National Division One, replaced Northampton Saints, who were relegated last season after finishing bottom of the table.


2007–08 Premiership Rugby, Table
If teams were level at any stage, tie-breakers applied in the following order:


2007–08 Premiership Rugby, Top scorers
Note: Flags to the left of player names indicate national team as has been defined under World Rugby eligibility rules, or primary nationality for players who did not earn international senior caps. Players may hold one or more non-WR nationalities.


2007–08 Preston North End F.C. season
During the 2007–08 English football season, Preston North End competed in the Football League Championship.


2007–08 Preston North End F.C. season, Season summary
After losing key player David Nugent, Preston North End made a bad start to the 2007–08 season with just three victories from the opening 16 matches, which resulted in manager Paul Simpson being sacked on 13 November. Everton assistant manager Alan Irvine took over as manager seven days later and guided Preston to a 15th-place finish.


2007–08 Preston North End F.C. season, Players, First-team squad
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.


2007–08 Preston North End F.C. season, Players, Left club during season
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.


2007–08 Primeira Liga
The 2007–08 Primeira Liga was the 74th edition of the Primeira Liga, the top professional league for Portuguese association football clubs. It started on 17 August 2007 and ended on 11 May 2008, with the fixtures announced on 12 July 2007. Porto were the two-time defending champions, having won their 22nd title the previous season, and secured a third consecutive title for the second time in their history.


2007–08 Primeira Liga
Porto and Sporting CP were both qualified for the 2008–09 UEFA Champions League group stage; Benfica, Marítimo and Vitória de Setúbal qualified for the 2008–09 UEFA Cup;  in opposite, Boavista and União de Leiria were relegated to the Liga de Honra. Lisandro López was the top scorer with 24 goals.


2007–08 Primeira Liga, Promotion and relegation, Teams relegated to Liga de Honra
Desportivo das Aves and Beira-Mar were both consigned to Liga de Honra following their final classification in 2006–07.


2007–08 Primeira Liga, Promotion and relegation, Teams promoted from Liga de Honra
Desportivo das Aves and Beira-Mar will be replaced by two promoted teams from the Liga de Honra. The first is Leixões, who clinched the second level title, and are returning to the top level since their last participation in 1989. The other was Vitória de Guimarães, who managed to return to the Liga after a brief spell in the Liga de Honra.


2007–08 Primera B Nacional
The 2007–08 Argentine Primera B Nacional was the 22nd season of second division professional football in Argentina. A total of 20 teams competed; the champion and runner-up were promoted to Argentine Primera División.


2007–08 Primera B Nacional, Promotion/Relegation Playoff Legs Primera División-Primera B Nacional
The 3rd and 4th placed of the table played with the 18th and the 17th placed of the Relegation Table of 2007–08 Primera División.


2007–08 Primera B Nacional, Relegation
Note: Clubs with indirect affiliation with AFA are relegated to the Torneo Argentino A, while clubs directly affiliated face relegation to Primera B Metropolitana. Clubs with direct affiliation are all from Greater Buenos Aires, with the exception of Newell's, Rosario Central, Central Córdoba and Argentino de Rosario, all from Rosario, and Unión and Colón from Santa Fe.


2007–08 Primera Divisió
The 2007–08 Primera Divisió season was the 13th since its establishment in 1995. The first matches of the season were played on 23 September 2007. FC Rànger's are the defending champions, having won their 2nd title the previous season.


2007–08 Primera División (Costa Rica)
In both the Invierno (winter) and Verano (summer) of the 2007-08 season, there are 2 groups of 6 teams. They will play twice (home and away) with the teams of their own group (10 games). They will also play once with the teams of the other group (6 games), for a total of 16 games. The 3 top teams of each group qualify for the playoffs. The winners of group A and B get a bye week, while the 2nd of group A plays the 3rd of group B and the 2nd of group B plays the 3rd of group A. The winners of these series move to the semi-final series.


2007–08 Primera División (Costa Rica)
The home field advantage in the playoffs is given to the team with the best record in the group stage.


2007–08 Primera División (Costa Rica)
The winner of the playoff series played between the Invierno and Verano champion will gain entry into the group stage of the 2008–09 CONCACAF Champions League. The playoff runner-up will gain entry into the 2008-09 CONCACAF Champions League preliminary round. If the same team wins both the Invierno and Verano tournaments then the preliminary round spot will be awarded to the team with the next best regular season record in the Verano tournament.


2007–08 Primera División (Costa Rica), Verano 2008, Group stage
Note: Saprissa and Alajuelense switched groups at the end of Apertura 2007.


2007–08 Primera División A season, Torneo Apertura 2007, Tournament Format, Promotion
One team is promoted to the Primera División each year (two short tournaments). After the Clausura 2008 tournament, the champions of the Apertura 2007 and Clausura 2008 tournaments will play a home and home series to determine which team will be promoted. If the same team wins both tournaments it will be promoted automatically. In order for a team to be promoted it has to obtain a certification from the Federación Mexicana de Fútbol Asociación. If the winner of the promotional final is not certified for promotion a home and home series is played between the highest placed certified team and the club being relegated to the Primera División A to determine which will be in the Primera División.


2007–08 Primera División A season, Torneo Apertura 2007, Tournament Format, Relegation
One team is relegated to the Segunda División each year (two short tournaments). The team that has the worst points to games played ratio over the previous three years (Apertura 2005, Clausura 2006, Apertura 2006, Clausura 2007, Apertura 2007, Clausura 2008) is relegated to the Segunda División.


2007–08 Primera División A season, Torneo Clausura 2008
Primera División A (Méxican First A Division) Clausura 2008 is a Méxican football tournament – one of two  tournaments held in one year. It began Friday, January 11, 2008. Reigning champions Indios could not defend their title, as León won their 3rd title in Primera División A, and earned the right to battle Indios in a two-leg aggregate to try to earn promotion to the Primera División de México.


2007–08 Pro A season
The 2007–08 LNB Pro A season was the 86th season of the French Basketball Championship and the 21st season since inception of the Ligue Nationale de Basketball (LNB). The regular season started on September 29, 2007 and ended on May 14, 2008. The play-offs were held from May 20, 2008 till June 15, 2008.


2007–08 Pro A season
Nancy, after finishing at the second top seed of the regular season, won the French Pro A League by defeating Roanne in playoffs final (84-53).


2007–08 Pro A season, Promotion and relegation
Due to the change of the Pro A league format from 18 clubs to 16 between the 2006–07 and 2007–08 seasons, only 1 club is promoted from 2006 to 2007 Pro B league (French 2nd division) and 3 clubs are sent to 2007-08 Pro B league.


2007–08 Providence Friars men's basketball team
The 2007–08 Providence Friars men's basketball team represented Providence College in the 2007–08 NCAA Division I men's basketball season. The Friars, led by tenth-year head coach Tim Welsh, played their home games at the Dunkin' Donuts Center as members of the Big East Conference. They finished the season 15–16 with a 6–12 record in the Big East, before losing in the first round of the Big East Tournament to West Virginia.


2007–08 Providence Friars men's basketball team, Previous Season
The Friars finished the 2006–07 season with an 18–13 record with an 8–8 record in Big East play. They were the 10th seed in the 2007 Big East Tournament and lost to the West Virginia Mountaineers in the first round. The team earned an at-large bid to the 2007 NIT as a 5-seed and lost in the first round.


2007–08 Purdue Boilermakers men's basketball team
The 2007–08 Purdue Boilermakers men's basketball team represented Purdue University. The head coach was Matt Painter, then in his 3rd season with the Boilers. The Boilers did well at home, going 9-0 in the Big Ten and losing only a single home game overall (16-1). Purdue finished second in the Big Ten with a 15–3 record. They lost to Illinois in the first round of the Big Ten Tournament despite having a #2 seed. The Boilers accepted a bid to the NCAA Tournament where they made it to the second round before losing to Xavier, 78–85.


2007–08 Purefoods Tender Juicy Giants season
The 2007–08 Purefoods Tender Juicy Giants season was the 20th season of the franchise in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).


2007–08 Purefoods Tender Juicy Giants season, Key dates
August 19: The 2007 PBA Draft took place at Market! Market! in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.


2007–08 QMJHL season
The 2007–08 QMJHL season was the 39th season in the history of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. At the season-opening press conference, the QMJHL announced in partnership with Telus that all 630 regular season games would be available by Internet broadcast. The regular season started on September 13, 2007, and concluded on March 16, 2008. Eighteen teams played seventy games each. The Rouyn-Noranda Huskies finished first overall in the regular season winning their first Jean Rougeau Trophy. They would go on to win 12-straight playoff games before losing in five games in the finals to the Gatineau Olympiques, who captured their seventh President's Cup, and third in the last six seasons.


2007–08 QMJHL season, Final standings
Note: GP = Games played; W = Wins; L = Losses; OTL = Overtime loss; SL = Shootout loss; PTS = Points; GF = Goals for; GA = Goals against; x = Clinched playoff berth; y = Clinched division title


2007–08 QMJHL season, Scoring leaders
Note: GP = Games played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points; PIM = Penalty minutes


2007–08 QMJHL season, Goaltending leaders
Note: GP = Games played; Mins = Minutes played; W = Wins; L = Losses; GA = Goals allowed; SO = Shutouts; GAA = Goals against average


2007–08 QMJHL season, Canada-Russia Challenge
The 2007 ADT Canada-Russia Challenge was hosted by the Chicoutimi Saguenéens and the Gatineau Olympiques. On November 19, 2007, the Russian Selects defeated the QMJHL All-stars 6–4 at the Centre Georges-Vézina. On November 21, 2007, the QMJHL All-stars defeated the Russian Selects 3–2 at the Robert Guertin Centre. Since the tournament began in 2003, the QMJHL All-stars have won six games, the Russian Selects have four wins.


2007–08 QMJHL season, Playoffs
The top nine teams from the Telus division, and top seven teams from the Eastern division qualified for the playoffs. The ninth place team in the Telus division qualified in the Eastern division, and ranked by regular season points. All series will be best-of-seven. Divisions will cross over in the semifinals.


2007–08 Qatar Stars League, Overview
It was contested by 10 teams, and Al-Gharafa Sports Club won the championship.


2007–08 Quaid-e-Azam Trophy
The 2007–08 Quaid-e-Azam Trophy was one of two first-class domestic cricket competitions that were held in Pakistan during the 2007–08 season. It was the 50th edition of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, contested by 22 teams representing regional cricket associations and departments, and was followed in the schedule by the Pentangular Cup, contested by five teams representing the four provinces and the federal areas.


2007–08 Quaid-e-Azam Trophy
There were substantial changes from the previous season, with the regions and departments being merged into a single competition by the Pakistan Cricket Board. The previous four (and 15 of the preceding 17) seasons had seen them compete in separate competitions, regions in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy and departments in the Patron's Trophy.


2007–08 Quaid-e-Azam Trophy
The 22 teams, thirteen regions and nine departments, were divided into two groups; four-day matches in the group stage were played in a round-robin between 20 October and 29 December 2007, with the top team in each group contesting the five-day final from 7 to 11 January 2008 to determine the winner.


2007–08 Quaid-e-Azam Trophy
The final round of group matches were disrupted by the assassination of Benazir Bhutto, former prime minister of Pakistan. All in-progress matches were suspended and after initially indicating that they would be resumed or replayed, the Pakistan Cricket Board later decided that the results would stand.


2007–08 Quaid-e-Azam Trophy
Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) won the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy for the first time by defeating Habib Bank Limited in the final; the match resulted in a draw, with SNGPL emerging victorious by virtue of securing a first-innings lead.


2007–08 Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, Group stage
The top teams in the round-robin group stage (highlighted) advanced to the final.


2007–08 Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, Group stage
Position determined by total points, most matches won, fewest matches lost, followed by adjusted net run rate (matches with no result, i.e. those where both teams did not complete their first innings, were disregarded); matches finishing in a draw were decided on first innings scores, with points awarded as follows:


2007–08 Queens Park Rangers F.C. season
During the 2007–08 season, Queens Park Rangers were playing in the Football League Championship.


2007–08 Queens Park Rangers F.C. season, Review, Pre-season
Manager John Gregory began rebuilding the squad before the new season, bringing in Daniel Nardiello, Chris Barker and John Curtis on free transfers. Andrew Howell, Kieron St Aimie and Aaron Goode all signed one-year professional contracts after impressing in the youth team under Joe Gallen, who was later sacked, despite his under 18s winning the league. Gregory also signed more backroom staff, including Paul Hunter as the new physio, Mick Harford as assistant manager, Ed de Goey and Warren Neill as coaches and Steve Brown and Keith Ryan as youth team coaches.


2007–08 Queens Park Rangers F.C. season, Review, Pre-season
Creative left winger Lee Cook was sold to rivals Fulham for a deal reported as potentially worth between £2.5 million and £4.5 million. Michael Mancienne also extended his loan for a further season. On 26 July, QPR completed the loan signing of Ben Sahar for three months (subsequently extended until January 2008). The signings of Lee Camp and Simon Walton followed the day after on 27 July, totalling £500,000.


2007–08 Queens Park Rangers F.C. season, Review, Pre-season
During pre-season, new signing Simon Walton fractured his leg in a non-competitive 2–1 victory against Fulham and was side-lined for several months.


2007–08 Queens Park Rangers F.C. season, Review, Tragic start
The season began turbulently, with a draw against recently promoted Bristol City, a loss in the League Cup 2–1 at home to League One Leyton Orient followed by a further 2–0 defeat at home by Cardiff City. The match against Burnley on 25 August was postponed after promising teenage player Ray Jones was killed in a car crash in the early hours of the morning. A week later QPR crashed to a 3–0 defeat at home to Southampton, followed by a draw with Leicester and a further home defeat by Plymouth (0–2) before picking up only their second point of the month (and the third of the season) at home to Watford on 22 September.


2007–08 Queens Park Rangers F.C. season, Review, New manager
On 1 October it was announced that John Gregory had been sacked after 13 months in charge. This came after a comprehensive 5–1 defeat in front of the Sky Sports cameras against West Bromwich Albion on 30 September. First-team coach Mick Harford was placed in temporary charge. Three consecutive  fixtures against East Anglian opposition saw Rangers defeated at the hands of Colchester before earning their first win of the season at home to Norwich and salvaging a draw with Ipswich at Loftus Road. After a goalless draw at Preston and a rare victory away to Charlton, Harford left the club later in the month and was replaced by Luigi De Canio. His first game in charge was a 2–0 victory against Hull City.


2007–08 Queens Park Rangers F.C. season, Review, Signs of recovery
Following the arrival of De Canio, Rangers endured defeats at the hands of Coventry, Stoke, Blackpool and Crystal Palace before a brief run of four games without defeat in mid-December indicated signs of a recovery. On 11 December 2007 QPR were drawn away from home at Chelsea in the third round of the FA Cup, a tie due to be played on 5 January 2008. The fixture would be the first competitive West London derby between the two sides since 1996.


2007–08 Queens Park Rangers F.C. season, Review, Signs of recovery
The Christmas and New Year period was largely successful for the club with Rangers bouncing back from a defeat at Plymouth on Boxing Day and picking up wins away from home at second-placed Watford (4–2) and at Loftus Road against fellow strugglers Leicester (3–1).


2007–08 Queens Park Rangers F.C. season, Review, Investment
Shortly prior to the traditional Christmas fixture period on 20 December 2007 it was announced that the family of Lakshmi Mittal had purchased a 20 per cent shareholding in the club. As part of the investment Lakshmi Mittal's son-in-law took a place on the board of directors. Continuing the theme of previous seasons a number of loan signings featured for the club including Gavin Mahon, Ákos Buzsáky and Rowan Vine. The investment potential of the club's new backers resulted in a number of speculative storylines in the football press throughout the season, including rumoured signings of former World Player of the Year winners Luís Figo and Zinedine Zidane, the latter as a possible manager.


2007–08 Queens Park Rangers F.C. season, Review, New recruits
Rangers signed several players during the January transfer window: Ákos Buzsáky who had previously been on loan from Plymouth Argyle, Hogan Ephraim from West Ham, Kieran Lee on loan from Manchester United, Gavin Mahon on loan from Watford, Matthew Connolly from Arsenal, Patrick Agyemang from Preston and Fitz Hall from Wigan. Early in January QPR also managed to secure striker Rowan Vine in a permanent move following his brief loan spell which had ended in December.


2007–08 Queens Park Rangers F.C. season, Review, January onwards
Around 6,000 Rangers fans made the short trip to Stamford Bridge on the first weekend in January to see QPR put up a determined effort against their Premier League neighbours Chelsea in the FA Cup third round. Ultimately the R's lost 1–0 to an unfortunate deflected own goal from Lee Camp. The Cup defeat was followed by defeat away to Sheffield United. The month ended for Rangers with a 2–0 home win over Barnsley followed by a defeat at Cardiff.


2007–08 Queens Park Rangers F.C. season, Review, January onwards
As the January transfer window closed, QPR secured American goalkeeper Matt Pickens and Northern Irish defender Damien Delaney and parted ways with a number of players including Marcus Bignot, Danny Cullip, Nick Ward, Dominic Shimmin, Sampsa Timoska, Shabazz Baidoo, Kieron St Aimie, Stefan Moore and Pat Kanyuka. Adam Bolder, Daniel Nardiello and Simon Walton were also put out on loan.


2007–08 Queens Park Rangers F.C. season, Review, January onwards, February
The club started February well defeating third-placed Bristol City 3–0 at Loftus Road followed by a 3–2 away win at Southampton. Showing some signs of a recovery from the start to the season, the Southampton victory left QPR 6 points off the playoffs and 8 points above the relegation zone. At the same time, Flavio Briatore took over from Alejandro Agag as the chairman of QPR's holding company. Briatore's arrival also signalled the demise of the club mascot, 'Jude the stadium cat'.


2007–08 Queens Park Rangers F.C. season, Review, January onwards, February
According to newspaper reports, the black cat was incompatible with Briatore's superstitions and the matchday programme on 2 February subsequently announced Jude the Cat had "gone on holiday". On 12 February the club's erratic form then saw them fall to a 6th home defeat of the season, losing to Burnley 2–4 after at one stage leading 2–0.


2007–08 Queens Park Rangers F.C. season, Review, January onwards, February
Taking advantage of their next league fixture opponents Barnsley playing Liverpool in the FA Cup on 16 February, QPR organised a mid-season training camp to the Vale de Lobo resort in the Algarve region of Portugal. Gareth Ainsworth was appointed club captain in place of Adam Bolder following his loan move to Sheffield Wednesday. Rangers closed out February with draws against Sheffield United (1–1) at home and away in the rearranged fixture with Barnsley (0–0).


2007–08 Queens Park Rangers F.C. season, Review, January onwards, March
A televised fixture at home to Stoke on 2 March saw QPR convincingly defeat the second-placed side 3–0, continuing the club's successful form against the top sides in the division. In contrast, Rangers' following game against relegation-zone Coventry City ended in a hard-fought 0–0 draw with Coventry dominating much of the play, acknowledged by the praise directed at Lee Camp for his goalkeeping performance.


2007–08 Queens Park Rangers F.C. season, Review, January onwards, March
Similarly their next game against a struggling Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough saw them lose 2–1, before returning to winning ways at home to Blackpool (3–2); a result which left them 12th in the league, 8 points outside the play-offs and 7 points above the relegation zone. Reflecting the increasingly high profile of the club, the mid-week Blackpool match was watched from the Directors' Box by Asantehene King Otumfuo Nana Osei Tutu II as well as Real Madrid's president, Ramón Calderón accompanying the club's three owners Mittal, Ecclestone and Briatore.


2007–08 Queens Park Rangers F.C. season, Review, January onwards, March
Continuing their solid home form in which Rangers had lost just once in their previous ten games at Loftus Road and scored 22 goals, the club ran out 3–1 winners against a Scunthorpe side battling relegation. With only seven fixtures remaining, the victory meant QPR remained 12th in the Championship, 7 points from the play-off positions and 8 points clear of relegation. Continuing speculation around the level of new investment in the club fuelled rumours of the possible signing of Luís Figo, although they were promptly dismissed by the player's representatives.


2007–08 Queens Park Rangers F.C. season, Review, January onwards, March
Rangers travelled to play-off hopefuls Wolves on the Easter weekend (22 March) and squandered the lead three times, twice in injury time periods at the end of each half and ultimately conspiring in a 3–3 final score. On 25 March the board announced a five-year kit sponsorship deal with Lotto Sport Italia, which could be worth up to £20 million should QPR win promotion to the Premier League. The contract comes into effect for the 2008–09 season and is the most financially rewarding in the club's history. On 29 March Rangers frustrated Ipswich's play-off ambitions by holding them to a goal—less draw at Portman Road – principally as a result of Lee Camp's goalkeeping heroics. Following the match approximately 15 QPR supporters caused an affray at Manningtree station prompting three arrests.


2007–08 Queens Park Rangers F.C. season, Review, January onwards, April
On 1 April QPR fan website Vital QPR declared an exclusive that Microsoft founder Bill Gates was to invest in the club, which, despite being an apparent April Fools' Day joke, was repeated on general news and QPR fan sites. Striker Rowan Vine fractured his leg in a training incident on 3 April 2008 and was ruled out for the rest of the season. Two days later on 5 April, Rangers narrowly avoided a 2–0 home defeat to an in-form Preston side by dramatically scoring twice in injury time at the end of the second half.


2007–08 Queens Park Rangers F.C. season, Review, January onwards, April
After a Friday which saw Briatore promote his vision of QPR as a global super brand, and with both relegation and promotion now an irrelevance QPR travelled to Hull City on 12 April to face a team who had netted five and kept two clean-sheets in their previous two games. A contentious first-half goal by Rangers was cancelled-out late in the game by Hull's Michael Turner. The 1–1 result left QPR 14th in the Championship and ten points adrift of the play-offs with just 3 games (9 points) remaining.


2007–08 Queens Park Rangers F.C. season, Review, January onwards, April
Rangers nevertheless continued to contribute to the fate of the Championship's promotion hopefuls, despite being unable to affect their own playoff chances, consigning fellow-Londoners Charlton Athletic to a further season in the second tier after beating them 1–0 at Loftus Road courtesy of Dexter Blackstock. A heavy defeat to Norwich at Carrow Road (0–3), where Damion Stewart was sent off after just 4 minutes, drew April to a disappointing close.


2007–08 Queens Park Rangers F.C. season, Review, End of the season
QPR's final game of the season on 4 May was at home against Championship title hopefuls West Brom, the team who's comprehensive defeat of Rangers in September signalled the end of John Gregory's reign. Prior to the game QPR unveiled a new badge which was introduced to signify a new era for the club, although newspapers had earlier erroneously speculated that the announcement would reveal Zinedine Zidane as the new manager.


2007–08 Queens Park Rangers F.C. season, Review, End of the season
Following a red card for Martin Rowlands, Rangers fell to a 2–0 defeat and suffered the indignity of seeing the Championship title trophy presented to West Brom at Loftus Road. The result meant QPR finished 14th in the Championship table with 58 points, 12 points below the play-off zone and 6 points from relegation.


2007–08 Queens Park Rangers F.C. season, Review, End of the season
Following the game Martin Rowlands was named both the club's Ray Jones Players' Player of the Year and the Supporters' Player of the Year. Chelsea loan player and England U21 international defender Michael Mancienne was awarded the Supporters' Young Player of the Year award. Akos Buzsaky won the Kiyan Prince Goal of the Season award for his goal against Blackpool at Loftus Road on 11 March. Zesh Rehman was also awarded for his Community Commitment.


2007–08 Queens Park Rangers F.C. season, Review, End of the season
On 8 May, QPR announced that Luigi De Canio had left the club "by mutual consent" and that a further announcement regarding a new manager for the following season would be made in due course.


2007–08 Queens Park Rangers F.C. season, Players, First-team squad
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.


2007–08 Queens Park Rangers F.C. season, Players, Out on loan
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.


2007–08 Queensland Roar FC season
The 2007–08 Queensland Roar season was the club's third season participating in the A-League where they would finish in fourth place in the regular season.


2007–08 Queensland Roar FC season, 2007–08 season
Failure to qualify for the 2006–2007 finals series resulted in the release from contract of defenders Chad Gibson (the club's first captain and A-league pin-up boy) and Swiss import Remo Buess. Both left on good terms with the club during January 2007 stating that the team had to be altered to make it more competitive in the future.


2007–08 Queensland Roar FC season, 2007–08 season
In further evidence of "spring cleaning" in preparation for Season 3, Chinese signing Yuning Zhang was released from an inauspicious contract with the Roar. Billed as the Chinese David Beckham, Zhang underwhelmed Roar supporters and will return to China in search of a club within the local scene there.


2007–08 Queensland Roar FC season, 2007–08 season
Danny Tiatto has signed a two-year contract with Queensland Roar, becoming Frank Farina's first 07/08 signing . Tiatto, who has played in England for the past 11 years for Leicester City and Manchester City, agreed to terms with Queensland after Melbourne declined to sign him.


2007–08 Queensland Roar FC season, 2007–08 season
Farina has highlighted his favoritism toward young Queensland and indeed Australian players with the signings for the 2007–08 season of highly rated Queenslanders and Youth International Strikers Robbie Kruse and Tahj Minniecon, as well as attacking Midfielder Mitch Nichols. Also, the contracts of highly rated 20-year-olds Chris Grossman and Ben Griffin have been renewed, while Farina has given two-year contracts to Queenslanders Under-17 International Striker Tahj Minniecon and Under-20 and AIS Scholarship holder Robbie. These signings have all made the Roar a team of bright, young talent, predominantly Queenslanders which is Farina's focus.


2007–08 Queensland Roar FC season, 2007–08 season
Queensland Roar's German import Marcus Wedau has been released from the remaining year of his contract by the A-League club on compassionate grounds. Wedau, 31, will return to Germany to be with his pregnant partner who is expecting their first child in October.


2007–08 Queensland Roar FC season, 2007–08 season
On 25 July 2007, Craig Moore was unveiled as the new marquee player for the Roar, returning to his native home state of Queensland, Australia, to play in the 2007/2008 Hyundai A-League Season and the 2008–2009 season


2007–08 Queensland Roar FC season, Squad
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.


2007–08 R.S.C. Anderlecht season
RSC Anderlecht compete in the Belgian League, Belgian Cup, Belgian Supercup and UEFA Cup. (They were knocked out of the UEFA Champions League in the third qualifying round) in Season 2007-08.


2007–08 R.S.C. Anderlecht season, Transfers 2007-08, Players out
Last updated: 19 January 2007EU = if holds or not a European Union passport; Country: when 2 flags, 1st flag = country that plays for internationally, 2nd flag = country of birth; N = number on jersey; P = Position (for position name, pause mouse pointer on abbreviation); Name = Name on jersey (for more extensive name, pause mouse pointer on name); Age = age on the day of the signing; Moving from = only indicate the club the player was playing before start playing for this club in this season, for the type of the moving see Status column; Moving to = only indicates the club the player is going to play next, for the type of the moving see Status column; Ends = when the player's current contract ends; n/a = Not applicable.


2007–08 R.S.C. Anderlecht season, Transfers 2007-08, Loaned out
Last updated: 19 January 2007EU = if holds or not a European Union passport; Country: when 2 flags, 1st flag = country that plays for internationally, 2nd flag = country of birth; N = number on jersey; P = Position (for position name, pause mouse pointer on abbreviation); Name = Name on jersey (for more extensive name, pause mouse pointer on name); Age = age on the day of the signing; Moving from = only indicate the club the player was playing before start playing for this club in this season, for the type of the moving see Status column; Moving to = only indicates the club the player is going to play next, for the type of the moving see Status column; Ends = when the player's current contract ends; n/a = Not applicable.


2007–08 R.S.C. Anderlecht season, Matches, Competitive
Last updated: 18 May 2008Source: sporza.be1Anderlecht goals come first.National flags for Ground and Opponent columns are only shown when different from that of Anderlecht.M = Match; Ground: H = Home, A = Away, N = Neutral, HR = Home replacement, AR = Away replacement.


2007–08 R.S.C. Anderlecht season, Matches, Friendly
Last updated: 21 May 20081Anderlecht goals come first.Country's flag depict country of foreign team to that of Anderlecht.Ground: H = Home; A = Away; N = Neutral; HR = Home replacement; AR = Away replacement; GD = Goal difference


2007–08 RCD Mallorca season
The 2007–08 season was the 91st season in the existence of RCD Mallorca and the club's 11th consecutive season in the top flight of Spanish football. In addition to the domestic league, Mallorca participated in this season's edition of the Copa del Rey. The season covered the period from 1 July 2007 to 30 June 2008.


2007–08 RK Zamet season
The 2007–08 season was the 51st season in RK Zamet’s history. It is their 7th successive season in the Dukat 1.HRL, and 31st successive top tier season.


2007–08 Racing de Santander season
During the 2007–08 Spanish football season, Racing de Santander competed in La Liga.


2007–08 Racing de Santander season, Season summary
Santander enjoyed the club's best season since 1934, finishing in sixth place and qualifying for the UEFA Cup for the first time in their history.


2007–08 Racing de Santander season, First-team squad
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.


2007–08 Racing de Santander season, First-team squad, Left club during season
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.


2007–08 Radivoj Korać Cup
The 2008 Radivoj Korać Cup is the 6th season of the Serbian men's national basketball cup tournament. The Žućko's Left Trophy was awarded to the winner Partizan Igokea from Belgrade.


2007–08 Radivoj Korać Cup, Qualified teams, Draw
The draw was held in Belgrade on 16 January 2008.


2007–08 Raith Rovers F.C. season
Raith Rovers finished the 2007–08 season third in the Scottish Second Division with 47 points. Graham Weir was the top scorer with 12 goals. The club were involved in the Scottish First Division play-offs against Airdrie United with the second leg on 3 May ending 2–2. Raith lost the home leg 2–0 on 30 April.


2007–08 Raith Rovers F.C. season, Match results
Raith Rovers have played a total of 42 competitive matches during the 2007–08 season,. The team finished third in the Scottish Second Division and are currently involved in the Scottish First Division play-offs.


2007–08 Raith Rovers F.C. season, Match results
In the cup competitions, Rovers lost in the second round of the CIS Cup to Motherwell. St Johnstone knocked Rovers out of both the Scottish Cup and Challenge Cup, in the fourth and first rounds respectively.


2007–08 Raith Rovers F.C. season, Player statistics
During the 2007–08 season, Rovers have used 26 different players on the pitch. Craig Wilson is the only player to have played in every match. The table below shows the number of appearances and goals scored by each player.


2007–08 Raith Rovers F.C. season, Player statistics, Goalscorers
Thirteen players have scored for the Rovers first team with the team scoring 70 goals in total so far. The top goalscorer is Graham Weir with 12 goals.


2007–08 Raith Rovers F.C. season, Player statistics, Discipline
During the 2007–08 season, three Rovers players have been sent off and 18 have received at least one caution. In total, the team have received three red cards and 52 yellows.


2007–08 Raith Rovers F.C. season, Transfers, In
Raith Rovers signed three players on loan during the season:


2007–08 Rangers F.C. season
The 2007–08 season was the 128th season of competitive football by Rangers.


2007–08 Rangers F.C. season, Overview
Rangers played a total of 68 competitive matches during the 2007–08 season. It was Walter Smith's first full season at the club since 1997–98. The early season priority was qualification for the group stages of the Champions League and this was secured with hard-fought victories over FK Zeta and Red Star Belgrade.


2007–08 Rangers F.C. season, Overview
Rangers were drawn in Group E with Barcelona, Lyon and Stuttgart. The group stage started well, with the first two matches resulting in victories, over Stuttgart and Lyon. A home draw with Barcelona left Rangers with seven points after three games, but the last three matches all resulted in defeat, meaning Rangers finished third in the group and entered the UEFA Cup. However, the European adventure continued for Rangers as they progressed to the semi-finals of the competition by beating Panathinaikos, Werder Bremen and Sporting Lisbon. They then reached the final with a penalty shootout victory against Fiorentina.


2007–08 Rangers F.C. season, Overview
They played Zenit Saint Petersburg, managed by formed Gers boss Dick Advocaat, in Manchester on 14 May. Rangers lost the match 2–0, with over 200,000 fans in the city to see the game. When asked if the SFA should have extended the season to benefit Rangers, Ally McCoist said: "They were a disgrace. It was embarrassing. I think the Russian federation cancelled Zenit's three or four games previously. I think we played something like eight games in eighteen days. It might just sound like sour grapes, but no: any other country in the planet, the association would have helped the team. If you're asking me if it was wrong, it was completely and utterly wrong."


2007–08 Rangers F.C. season, Overview
On the domestic front, the race for the Scottish Premier League continued until the final matchday of the season. Both Celtic and Rangers were tied on 86 points going into their games (against Dundee United and Aberdeen respectively) on 22 May 2008, but Celtic were top of the table due to having a better goal difference of 57, six ahead of Rangers. This did not prove to be decisive, as Rangers surrendered their hopes of landing the championship with a 2–0 defeat away to the Dons, while Celtic beat Dundee United 1–0.


2007–08 Rangers F.C. season, Overview
The club had had a ten-point lead in late March, although their nearest rivals, Celtic, had games in hand at the time. However having to play four competitive matches (including a UEFA Cup Final) in the last eight days of the season proved just too much of a problem for Rangers to overcome.


2007–08 Rangers F.C. season, Overview
The club appeared in its first final since 2005. They played Dundee United on 16 March 2008 and won the League Cup on penalties. The match was tied 2-2 after extra time, with both goals coming from Kris Boyd who also scored the winning spot kick.


2007–08 Rangers F.C. season, Overview
They also reached the final of the Scottish Cup for the 49th time. They beat St Johnstone 4–3 on penalties in the semi-final after the score was tied at 1-1 after extra time. The club played Queen of the South in the final on 24 May 2008 and won the match 3-2 thanks to goals from DaMarcus Beasley and a double from Kris Boyd.


2007–08 Rangers F.C. season, Matches, Scottish Premier League
Last updated: 22 May 2008Source:1Rangers goals come first.National flags for Ground and Opponent columns are only shown when different from that of Rangers.M = Match; Ground: H = Home, A = Away, N = Neutral, HR = Home replacement, AR = Away replacement.


2007–08 Rangers F.C. season, Matches, UEFA Champions League
Last updated: 12 December 2007Source:1Rangers goals come first.National flags for Ground and Opponent columns are only shown when different from that of Rangers.M = Match; Ground: H = Home, A = Away, N = Neutral, HR = Home replacement, AR = Away replacement.


2007–08 Rangers F.C. season, Matches, UEFA Cup
Last updated: 14 May 2008Source:1Rangers goals come first.National flags for Ground and Opponent columns are only shown when different from that of Rangers.M = Match; Ground: H = Home, A = Away, N = Neutral, HR = Home replacement, AR = Away replacement.


2007–08 Rangers F.C. season, Matches, Scottish Cup
Last updated: 24 May 2008Source:1Rangers goals come first.National flags for Ground and Opponent columns are only shown when different from that of Rangers.M = Match; Ground: H = Home, A = Away, N = Neutral, HR = Home replacement, AR = Away replacement.


2007–08 Rangers F.C. season, Matches, League Cup
Last updated: 16 March 2008Source:1Rangers goals come first.National flags for Ground and Opponent columns are only shown when different from that of Rangers.M = Match; Ground: H = Home, A = Away, N = Neutral, HR = Home replacement, AR = Away replacement.


2007–08 Rangers F.C. season, Matches, Friendlies
Last updated: 28 July 2007Source:1Rangers goals come first.National flags for Ground and Opponent columns are only shown when different from that of Rangers.M = Match; Ground: H = Home, A = Away, N = Neutral, HR = Home replacement, AR = Away replacement.


2007–08 Rangers F.C. season, Competitions, Scottish Premier League, Results summary
Last updated: 24 May 2008. Source: Scottish Premier League 2007–08


2007–08 Ranji Trophy
The 2007–08 Ranji Trophy was the 74th season of the Ranji Trophy. Delhi defeated Uttar Pradesh by nine wickets in the final.


2007–08 Reading F.C. season
The 2007–08 Reading F.C. season was only the second top-flight campaign in the club's history. The team suffered an extremely poor run of form in January and February 2008, losing a club-record eight league games in a row. The club was relegated on the final day of the season after Fulham's victory at Portsmouth saw Reading finish in 18th place.


2007–08 Reading F.C. season, Review and events, Pre-season
Reading travelled to South Korea to play in the 2007 Peace Cup. Reading lost to River Plate, won against Lyon and Shimizu S-Pulse, and came second in Group B on goal difference.


2007–08 Reading F.C. season, Review and events, Pre-season
In Didcot, a Reading XI won 2–0, followed by a 6–1 hammering of Brentford. Reading went away to Brighton & Hove Albion and won 3–1, then a Reading XI drew 1–1 at a rescheduled game at Tooting & Mitcham United. Reading's final pre-season game was against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux, which Reading won 3–2.


2007–08 Reading F.C. season, Review and events, August
A tough start to the Premier League season saw Reading travel to Old Trafford to play Manchester United. Reading secured a creditable 0–0 draw, despite losing Dave Kitson to a red card just seconds after the player had entered the game as a substitute; Kitson was dismissed for a lunge on Patrice Evra.


2007–08 Reading F.C. season, Review and events, August
Reading's first home game of the season was a midweek fixture against reigning Premier League champions Chelsea. Reading dominated the first half and led at half-time through André Bikey's first goal for the club, smashed home after Petr Čech and Steve Sidwell collided in the Chelsea penalty area. Chelsea scored two quick goals, however, in the second half, to win the game 2–1, and Reading again had a player sent off, Kalifa Cissé, this time for two yellow cards.


2007–08 Reading F.C. season, Review and events, August
The following Saturday, Reading gained a badly-needed win against Everton. Stephen Hunt converted from a looping throw-in in the first-half, and Reading secured a 1–0 victory. In their final league fixture of the month, an injury-hit Reading, without Nicky Shorey and Graeme Murty in defence, lost 3–0 at Bolton Wanderers.


2007–08 Reading F.C. season, Review and events, August
On 28 August, Reading began their League Cup campaign with a 1–0 victory away to League One Swansea City. Reading again played some of the match with only ten men, after Sam Sodje was red-carded in the 58th minute, but Leroy Lita struck the winning goal in extra-time, converting a Dave Kitson cross.


2007–08 Reading F.C. season, Review and events, September
Reading fans could have been forgiven for expecting a victory from the opening league fixture in the month at home to West Ham United, having won last season's corresponding fixture 6–0. Two goals from Matthew Etherington, however, helped West Ham to a 3–0 victory, as Reading's defence continued to struggle. Another defeat followed at newly promoted Sunderland, Dave Kitson scoring a late consolation from a Nicky Shorey cross, as Sunderland won 2–1.


2007–08 Reading F.C. season, Review and events, September
Reading returned to winning ways on 22 September, and moved out of the relegation places with a 2–1 home victory over Wigan Athletic, Dave Kitson becoming the first Royal to score multiple times in the season, and James Harper with a late winner. The next league match was an away loss to Portsmouth in an 11-goal thriller, the highest goal scoring game in the history of the Premier League to date. While the two sides were equal at 2–2 early in the second half, Pompey went on to a decisive 7–4 victory. Benjani scored a hat-trick for the home squad in this wild match, which included a missed penalty by Nicky Shorey and scoring by Dave Kitson, Liam Rosinor, Shane Long and Nicky Shorey (later given as a Sol Campbell own goal).


2007–08 Reading F.C. season, Review and events, September
Again, Reading played one cup fixture in the month. Despite a spirited showing by a number of reserves, they lost 4–2 to Liverpool at home in the Carling Cup third round, with Fernando Torres scoring a hat-trick. John Halls and Bobby Convey scored Reading's goals.


2007–08 Reading F.C. season, Review and events, October
Reading began the month with a home game against Derby County on 7 October. In what proved to be a scrappy affair, Reading came out with a 1–0 victory through a Kevin Doyle goal; Derby did not manage a shot on target the whole game.


2007–08 Reading F.C. season, Review and events, October
Next followed an away game against Blackburn Rovers on 20 October after the international break. Reading's defensive frailties away from home showed once again as they went down 4–2. Kevin Doyle netted twice after coming on as a substitute while Benni McCarthy scored twice with Roque Santa Cruz and Tugay Kerimoğlu getting the other two goals for Blackburn.


2007–08 Reading F.C. season, Review and events, October
Reading finished October with a home game against Newcastle United. Reading took the lead courtesy of a 53rd minute Dave Kitson goal but a clumsy Michael Duberry own goal in the 76th minute looked to have rescued a point for the Magpies, however a moment of tactical brilliance by Steve Coppell resulted in the winning goal. Shane Long was brought on in the 84th minute to promptly score the winning goal on his second touch of the ball.


2007–08 Reading F.C. season, Review and events, November
Following its victory over Newcastle, Reading travelled to Craven Cottage with hopes of a second consecutive league win for the first time in the season. A laboured performance, however, saw Fulham win the game 3–1, after Kevin Doyle's second-half equaliser had put the Royals back in it.


2007–08 Reading F.C. season, Review and events, November
On 12 November, Reading hosted unbeaten Arsenal under the Madejski Stadium floodlights, and were soundly beaten 3–1, Nicky Shorey slotting home a late consolation after substitute Shane Long had headed against the bar. The result ended a run of three consecutive home victories, and cemented the five-point gap in the table between Newcastle in 11th (on 18 points), and Reading in 12th (on 13 points).


2007–08 Reading F.C. season, Review and events, November
Reading rounded up November with an away trip to Manchester City, many saw this game as a certain victory for the home team considering both City's home record and Reading's away record. City took the lead thanks to an 11th-minute goal by Martin Petrov only to be cancelled out just before half time by a well struck James Harper goal in the 43rd minute. Reading looked set to earn a hard-fought point but their hopes were dashed by a 94th minute Stephen Ireland strike. This result was Reading's sixth consecutive away defeat as they remained winless on the road.


2007–08 Reading F.C. season, Review and events, December
The month of December saw an improvement for Reading. They met Middlesbrough at home on 1 December; after an entirely forgettable first half, Dave Kitson gave Reading the lead, superbly lobbing Ross Turnbull. But with seven minutes remaining, Middlesbrough's Tuncay headed home Luke Young's cross for his first goal for Boro. The game concluded with a 1–1, just enough for Reading to stay out of the relegation zone.


2007–08 Reading F.C. season, Review and events, December
8 December saw an impressive and unexpected win for Reading over Liverpool. With a controversial penalty after Jamie Carragher fouled Brynjar Gunnarsson in the corner of the box, Stephen Hunt put the ball into the back of the goal, with Pepe Reina not standing a chance. Steven Gerrard eventually equalised after many failed Liverpool attacks before and after from Fernando Torres. A free kick was eventually awarded to Reading following an unsuccessful tackle by Gerrard, which Nicky Shorey floated into the area, and Kevin Doyle headed in. James Harper scored a fine third and Reading, with the help of the post, kept the Reds at bay for the remainder of the match.


2007–08 Reading F.C. season, Review and events, December
Following a 1–1 draw away to Birmingham City, in which Stephen Hunt earned Reading a point with his second goal from the penalty spot in two games. Reading scraped a controversial victory over Sunderland at the Madejski Stadium. Leading through an Ívar Ingimarsson goal, Reading conceded a penalty when Ibrahima Sonko appeared to trip Kenwyne Jones. In the final minute, Stephen Hunt poked a Shane Long cross towards goal, and Sunderland goalkeeper Craig Gordon appeared to palm the ball away. The assistant referee gave a goal, however, and Reading celebrated a 2–1 victory.


2007–08 Reading F.C. season, Review and events, December
On Boxing Day, Reading travelled to West Ham, leaving Upton Park with a creditable 1–1 draw. Dave Kitson equalized Nolberto Solano's opener after Brynjar Gunnarsson had been sent off for a two-footed challenge on West Ham's Hayden Mullins.


2007–08 Reading F.C. season, Review and events, December
Reading's final game of 2007 was against Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane, where the teams threatened to eclipse the 11 goals in Reading's match at Portsmouth earlier in the season. Tottenham won the match 6–4, although Reading led three times in the second half with goals from Kalifa Cissé and Ívar Ingimarsson and two from Dave Kitson. Tottenham controversially regained the lead after Jermain Defoe headed home Robbie Keane's saved penalty, Defoe having been two yards inside the penalty area when the kick was taken.


2007–08 Reading F.C. season, Review and events, January
2008 started badly for Reading, as Ibrahima Sonko was sent off after only four minutes of a home match against Portsmouth on 1 January, for fouling Benjani in the penalty area. Niko Kranjčar missed the resultant penalty, but Sol Campbell bundled the ball over the line a few minutes later after a mistake from Marcus Hahnemann. Reading failed to make much impact against Portsmouth after that, and the extra work-rate required due to being a man down showed in the second half when John Utaka outpaced Nicky Shorey for a second goal after 66 minutes to give the visitors a 2–0 victory.


2007–08 Reading F.C. season, Review and events, January
Just a week after losing 6–4 to Tottenham Hotspur in the league, Reading had an opportunity to give a better account of themselves in a FA Cup Third Round match at White Hart Lane. Fielding effectively a reserve team, Reading earned a replay at Madejski Stadium through a 2–2 draw and another two goals for Stephen Hunt.


2007–08 Reading F.C. season, Review and events, January
Reading returned to league action at Villa Park, and despite an injury to Michael Duberry, and the absence of Ibrahima Sonko and André Bikey to the African Cup of Nations, Steve Coppell opted to play Brynjar Gunnarsson in defence in first half, and Kalifa Cissé in the second half, despite the availability of reserves team captain Alex Pearce. Reading fell to a disappointing 3–1 defeat to Villa, James Harper scoring a late consolation goal for the Royals.


2007–08 Reading F.C. season, Review and events, January
Soon Reading played Tottenham again in the third round replay at home. Robbie Keane scored the only goal as Tottenham Hotspur went to win 1–0 and go into the hat in the fourth round draw.


2007–08 Reading F.C. season, Review and events, January
Next, Reading played Manchester United at the Madejski Stadium. Despite a spirited performance, Manchester United broke the deadlock on 77 minutes with a goal from Wayne Rooney. In injury time, Cristiano Ronaldo wrapped up the points after a second goal, condemning Reading to their fifth-straight defeat.


2007–08 Reading F.C. season, Review and events, January
Reading then played Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea dominated the match and took a deserved 1–0 lead on a 33rd-minute goal from Michael Ballack, despite numerous chances, that was the final score.


2007–08 Reading F.C. season, Review and events, February
February started miserably for the Royals. First, they lost against fellow strugglers Bolton Wanderers at home 0–2 with the goals coming from Kevin Nolan and Heiðar Helguson. After a seventh-straight Premier League loss to Everton, Reading dropped into the relegation zone.


2007–08 Reading F.C. season, Review and events, February
Reading went to Everton trying to get a win. Everton proved too strong and beat Reading 1–0 through a Phil Jagielka goal just after the hour mark.


2007–08 Reading F.C. season, Review and events, February
Reading's next game was at home to Aston Villa. Shorey scored Reading's first goal in five matches in the 90th minute for the Royals, but it was all too late—Villa had scored two goals earlier on in the match through Ashley Young and Marlon Harewood, condemning Reading to 2–1 defeat.


2007–08 Reading F.C. season, Review and events, March
March began well for Reading, making a complete turn-around. Their first match was against Middlesbrough at the Riverside, a hard-fought match that seeming looked to finish in a draw. In injury time, however, James Harper scored the winner, making the final score 1–0. The victory took Reading out of the relegation zone and into 14th place.


2007–08 Reading F.C. season, Review and events, March
Reading beat Manchester City 2–0, at home, to make it six points out of six. Shane Long and substitute Dave Kitson scored for Reading.


2007–08 Reading F.C. season, Review and events, March
Reading then travelled to Liverpool, going up 1–0 up after a screamer from Marek Matějovský. Liverpool, however, won the game 2–1 in the end. In their next game, Reading beat Birmingham 2–1, as Bikey scored both goals for Reading, making Mauro Zárate's equaliser trivial. Reading then drew against Blackburn in their final game in March, with Matějovský being controversially sent off for two yellow cards.


2007–08 Reading F.C. season, Review and events, April
Reading went to St James' Park to play Newcastle in the Premier League. The Royals were beaten 3–0 with goals from Obafemi Martins in the 18th minute, Michael Owen in the 43rd and Mark Viduka in the 57th. This was only the start of a bad month for the Royals. Reading played fellow relegation rivals Fulham at home. 24,221 fans saw a 2–0 defeat as Brian McBride scored within 25 minutes. The Royals' day was over after Fulham substitute Erik Nevland scored a 90th-minute goal to see the Reading's hopes of staying up getting harder by the game.


2007–08 Reading F.C. season, Review and events, April
Arsenal away was next. The Royals were not on form on the road and it showed. Reading lost 2–0 to the Gunners, with Emmanuel Adebayor and Gilberto Silva scoring. Wigan away was next for the Royals, which finished in a fair 0–0 draw. If Reading lost their next game, they could have been in the drop zone.


2007–08 Reading F.C. season, Review and events, May
Reading's goal drought continued into May, as the club slipped into the relegation places following a 1–0 home defeat to Tottenham. Robbie Keane's first-half goal was enough to seal all three points for Spurs, for whom Radek Černý made an important late save from a Liam Rosenior shot.


2007–08 Reading F.C. season, Review and events, May
Reading were officially relegated to the Championship on the final day of the season, despite securing a 4–0 victory away to Derby. Reading's strikers found their form a little too late, as Dave Kitson, Kevin Doyle and Leroy Lita all added to James Harper's first-half goal. Fulham beat Portsmouth 1–0 in their final game of the season to condemn Reading to relegation.


2007–08 Reading F.C. season, Squad, First-team squad
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.


2007–08 Reading F.C. season, Squad, Reserve/Academy squad
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.


2007–08 Reading F.C. season, Squad, Left club during season
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.


2007–08 Reading F.C. season, Team kit
Reading's kit for the 2007–08 was manufactured by Puma, and the main sponsor was Kyocera.


2007–08 Real Betis season
During the 2007–08 season, Betis finished 13th in the La Liga.


2007–08 Real Betis season, Squad
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.


2007–08 Real Madrid CF season
The 2007–08 season was Real Madrid Club de Fútbol's 77th season in La Liga. This article shows statistics of the club's players in the season, and also lists all matches that the club played in the 2007–08 season. Bwin.com became their new kit sponsor.


2007–08 Real Madrid CF season, Transfers, Out
Last updated: 2008-01-31EU = if holds or not a European Union passport; Country: when 2 flags, 1st flag = country that plays for internationally, 2nd flag = country of birth; N = number on jersey; P = Position (for position name, pause mouse pointer on abbreviation); Name = Name on jersey (for more extensive name, pause mouse pointer on name); Age = age on the day of the signing; Moving from = only indicate the club the player was playing before start playing for this club in this season, for the type of the moving see Status column; Moving to = only indicates the club the player is going to play next, for the type of the moving see Status column; Ends = when the player's current contract ends; n/a = Not applicable.


2007–08 Real Madrid CF season, Club, Kit
† Only used against Alicante CF during Copa del Rey Round of 32 first leg.


2007–08 Real Madrid CF season, Club, Other information
Updated to match played 24 Sep 2007Source: , ,Santiago Bernabéu Stadium and


2007–08 Real Madrid CF season, Statistics, Disciplinary record
Last updated: 18 May 2008Source: Competitive matches and Only competitive matches = Number of bookings;  = Number of sending offs after a second yellow card;  = Number of sending offs by a direct red card.


2007–08 Reggina Calcio season
Reggina Calcio managed to save its Serie A berth at the last minute, for the sixth consecutive season. Nicola Amoruso delivered 12 goals, which was five goals fewer than in the previous season, but enough to land a deal with Torino for the next season.


2007–08 Regionalliga
The 2007–08 Regionalliga season was the 14th season of the Regionalliga at tier three of the German football league system. It was contested in two geographical divisions with eighteen teams in the south and nineteen in the north. The champions, Rot Weiss Ahlen and FSV Frankfurt, and the runners-up, Rot-Weiß Oberhausen and FC Ingolstadt 04, of every division were promoted to the 2. Bundesliga.


2007–08 Regionalliga
With the introduction of the 3. Liga for the 2008–09 season, 2007–08 was the final season of the Regionalliga as the third tier of German football. Qualification for the new league was determined through this 2007–08 season's 2. Bundesliga and the Regionalliga. Because of the introduction of the 3. Liga above and a third regional division of the Regionalliga, the Regionalliga West, only one club was relegated from the league after declaring insolvency.


2007–08 Richmond Spiders men's basketball team
The 2007–08 Richmond Spiders men's basketball team represented the University of Richmond in National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I college basketball during the 2008–09 season. Richmond competed as a member of the Atlantic 10 Conference (A-10) under third-year head basketball coach Chris Mooney and played its home games at the Robins Center.


2007–08 Rochdale A.F.C. season
The 2007–08 Rochdale A.F.C. season was the club's 87th season in the Football League, and the 34th consecutive season in the bottom division of the League. Rochdale finished the season in 5th place in League Two, but missed out on promotion to League One after losing in the play-off final against Stockport County.


2007–08 Romanian Hockey League season
The 2007–08 Romanian Hockey League season was the 78th season of the Romanian Hockey League. Eight teams participated in the league, and SC Miercurea Ciuc won the championship.