2008–09 Serie A, Rule changes
The 2008–09 season saw new rules relating to the transfer of player registration introduced. Clubs without non-EU players in their squad were allowed three incoming non-EU player transfers (whereas previously only newly promoted clubs could have three). Clubs with one non-EU player were allowed two such transfers and clubs with two non-EU players were permitted one transfer and a further one if they cancelled the registration of one of their non-EU players or that player gained EU nationality. Clubs with three or more non-EU players were given two conditional quotas with the caveat that the release (as opposed to transfer) of two non-EU players as free agent would only allow for one further non-EU signing.


2008–09 Serie A, Teams
Three teams were promoted from Serie B: Chievo, Bologna, and Lecce. The first two earned direct promotion, while Lecce won the promotional playoffs, defeating AlbinoLeffe 2–1 on aggregate in a two-legged playoff final.


2008–09 Serie A (futsal)
The 2008–09 season of the Serie A is the 26th season of top-tier futsal in Italy, began October 25, 2008 and finished on June 2009.


2008–09 Serie A (ice hockey) season
The 2008–09 Serie A season was the 75th season of the Serie A, the top level of ice hockey in Italy. Eight teams participated in the league, and HC Bolzano won the championship by defeating Ritten Sport in the final.


2008–09 Serie A1 (men's water polo)
The 2008–09 Serie A1 is the 90th season of the Serie A1, Italy's premier Water polo league.


2008–09 Serie B
The 2008–09 Serie B season was the seventy-seventh since its establishment. A total of 22 teams will contest the league, 15 of which will be returning from the 2007–08 season, four of which will have been promoted from Serie C1 (now Lega Pro Prima Divisione), and three relegated from Serie A.


2008–09 Serie B, Teams
Noted teams featured in the league include Parma F.C., who last played Serie B in 1989–90 when under coach Nevio Scala they won their first promotion to the top flight.


2008–09 Serie B, Teams
U.S. Sassuolo Calcio, promoted to Serie B as Serie C1/A champions, are competing at the highest level in the club's history. A vacancy created by the withdrawal of Sicilian squad F.C. Messina Peloro was filled by the federation by including U.S. Avellino, who were the best team slated to be relegated in 2007–08.


2008–09 Serie B, Events
Following the end of the 2007–08 season, rumours spread out regarding Messina's financial struggles which might lead the team to insolvency and following exclusion from the Serie B teamlist. This was implicitly confirmed by the fact that Messina has not organized a pre-season camp as of 10 July, and the team being still without a coach. On 14 July 2008 the club board announced their intention to resign from the Serie B due to financial difficulties, also stating their intention to start again from amateur league Serie D.


2008–09 Serie B, Events
On 25 July 2008 the Italian Football Federation confirmed that Avellino had been readmitted to Serie B to replace Messina.


2008–09 Serie B, Events
On 31 July 2008 Treviso was penalized 3 points; however it ultimately changed to €15,000 fine by Camera di Conciliazione e Arbitrato per lo Sport of CONI.


2008–09 Serie B, Events
Brescia and Parma were the first clubs to sack their managers. The rondinelle sacked Serse Cosmi, with past UEFA Champions League experience at Udinese, replacing him with well-experienced 67-year-old boss Nedo Sonetti, whereas Parma opted to dismiss Luigi Cagni from the coaching post and appoint former Palermo boss Francesco Guidolin. Brescia completed its replacement prior to the two club's meeting in Brescia in Week 6, Parma the day after.


2008–09 Serie B, Events
Several other coaching dismissals soon followed, regarding Avellino (former Foggia boss Salvatore Campilongo replacing Giuseppe Incocciati), Ascoli (former Juventus youth team coach Vincenzo Chiarenza taking over from Nello Di Costanzo) and Mantova (with former AC Milan assistant Alessandro Costacurta replacing Giuseppe Brucato). Chiarenza and Salernitana gaffer Fabrizio Castori went in December, but Castori was soon reinstated after Bortolo Mutti's inconsistency. The shortest reign was former Argentina striker Abel Balbo, who resigned after only 4 weeks in the job. Castori was sacked again after a 2–2 draw with Treviso, and Grosseto, Modena, Pisa and Mantova also lost their coaches.


2008–09 Serie B, Events
On 8 May 2009 Livorno 0–1 home loss to Triestina ensured Bari to be mathematically promoted to Serie A in advance of four weeks. The galletti, coached by former Juventus player Antonio Conte, will therefore make their return to the top flight after eight years in the Italian second division. On 11 May, Treviso was mathematically relegated to Lega Pro Prima Divisione following a 0–1 home loss to Veneto rivals Vicenza after being in the Serie A as late as the 2005–06 season.


2008–09 Serie B, Events
On 16 May, Parma joined Bari by ensuring automatic promotion to Serie A in Week 40, following a 2–2 tie with Cittadella that left a gap of seven points between Francesco Guidolin's team and closest rivals Livorno with only two games remaining.


2008–09 Serie D
Serie D, the fifth level of Italian Football, is usually composed of 162 teams divided into nine 18-team divisions. Special relegation of four teams from the professional leagues above Serie D after the team list had been set increased the total number of teams for this season to 166. One division will have 20 teams, two will have 19, while the other six will remain at 18 teams.


2008–09 Serie D
The regular Serie D season started September 7, 2008. Each team will play two matches against every other team in its own division; a total of 34 matches for 18-team divisions, 36 matches for the 19-team divisions, and 38 matches for the 20-team division. The nine division winners are automatically promoted to Lega Pro Seconda Divisione for the 2009-10 season, while the two last-placed teams are automatically relegated to Eccellenza.


2008–09 Serie D
After the regular season is complete, teams placed 6th-last through to 3rd-last in each division play a double-leg series (6th-last vs 3rd-last, 5th-last vs 4th-last) where the winners remain in Serie D the following season and the two losers are also relegated to Eccellenza for a total of 4 relegations in each division, 36 in total for the league.


2008–09 Serie D
The nine division winners enter a tournament to determine the over-all Serie D champion and is awarded the Scudetto Dilettanti.


2008–09 Serie D
Teams placed second through fifth in each division enter a playoff tournament after the regular season as well. Eventually, a final game determines which team finishes first and which teams comes in second in this 36-team playoff, and these teams may be bumped up to Lega Pro Seconda Divisione if one or more current Seconda Divisione teams runs into financial difficulties or is penalized.


2008–09 Serie D, Events, Start of season
Given a normal season where there are no team failures and special promotions, Serie D would feature 9 teams that had been relegated from Lega Pro Seconda Divisione, 36 teams that had been promoted from Eccellenza, and 117 teams had played in Serie D the year before. Due to nine bankruptcies and non-admissions in the professional leagues above Serie D, the 2008-09 season was to feature only 5 teams that played in 2007–08 Serie C2, 36 teams that played in 2007–08 Eccellenza, and 121 teams that played in 2007–08 Serie D.


2008–09 Serie D, Events, Start of season
After the 162-team list was set, the league admitted four of the teams that had failed in the senior leagues. Messina & Spezia, both of whom played in 2007–08 Serie B, were placed in Girone I & Girone A respectively. Sporting Lucchese & Massese, both of whom played in 2007–08 Serie C1, were both placed in Girone E.  The schedule in those 3 divisions needed to be expanded to accommodate these extra teams.


2008–09 Serie D, Events, Promotions
On March 29, 2009 Siracusa became the first team to get promoted from Serie D in the season, winning the Girone I in advance of six weeks after a 2–0 home win to Rosarno that mathematically guaranteed a spot in the 2009–10 Lega Pro Seconda Divisione for the Sicilian side. They were followed one week later by Tuscans Sporting Lucchese, heir of AS Lucchese-Libertas, club formerly of Serie A and Serie B who was excluded from professional football only twelve months earlier. On April 26, Brindisi also obtained promotion to the fourth tier, after winning the Girone H in advance of three weeks.


2008–09 Serie D, Events, Promotions
On May 10, with only one weeks remaining in the league, four more teams mathematically won promotion to Lega Pro Seconda Divisione: Biellese (Girone A), Pro Belvedere Vercelli (Girone B), Sacilese (Girone C) and Villacidrese (Girone G). Seven days later the league winners list finally became complete, with Girone D winners Crociati Noceto (in a historical first promotion into professional football for the Emilian club) and Girone F champions Pro Vasto.


2008–09 Serie D, Scudetto Dilettanti, Semi-finals
First legs played June 6 & 7, 2009; return legs played June 13, 2009


2008–09 Serie D, Tie-breakers
Girone B - 12th-13th place - played May 24, 2009


2008–09 Serie D, Tie-breakers
Casteggio Broni saved, Olginatese forced to play in relegation playoffs


2008–09 Serie D, Tie-breakers
Girone D - 16th-17th place - played May 24, 2009


2008–09 Serie D, Tie-breakers
Castellana to play in relegation playoffs, Comacchio Lidi directly relegated


2008–09 Serie D, Tie-breakers
Girone F - 5th-6th place - played May 24, 2009


2008–09 Serie D, Tie-breakers
Girone G - 12th-13th place - played May 24, 2009


2008–09 Serie D, Promotion playoffs, Semi-finals
First legs played June 17, 2009; return legs played June 21, 2009


2008–09 Serie D, Relegation playoffs
Played May 31 & June 7, 2009in case of aggregate tie score, higher classified team winsteam highlighted in green saved, other is relegated to Eccellenza


2008–09 Sheffield Shield season
The 2008–09 Sheffield Shield season was the 107th season of official first-class domestic cricket in Australia. After nine seasons of being named the Pura Cup, it was announced that the Australian interstate trophy would return to its previous name of the Sheffield Shield as part of a new sponsorship agreement with Weet-Bix. The season began on 10 October 2008 when the Queensland took on Tasmania at the Brisbane Cricket Ground. The Victorian Bushrangers claimed the title following a draw with Queensland in the final at the Junction Oval.


2008–09 Sheffield Shield season, Table
The top two teams after each round is played will compete for the Sheffield Shield final. The match will be contested at the home ground of the side that finishes first. For an explanation of how points are rewarded, see Sheffield Shield Points System.


2008–09 Sheffield United F.C. season
During the 2008–09 English football season, Sheffield United F.C. competed in the Football League Championship.


2008–09 Sheffield United F.C. season, Season summary
Despite the sale of the previous season's top scorer, James Beattie, to Premier League newcomers Stoke City during the season, Sheffield United improved on the previous season's unsatisfactory form and were unlucky to finish the season in third place, three points behind Birmingham City. With this third-place finish came qualification for the playoffs: after narrowly defeating Preston North End 2–1 over two legs in the semi-final, United reached the playoff final, against Burnley, at Wembley. United lost 1–0, to a 13th-minute strike from Wade Elliott, which saw United consigned to a third consecutive season in the Championship.


2008–09 Sheffield United F.C. season, Kit
Sheffield United continued their kit manufacturing agreement with French company Le Coq Sportif, who produced a new kit for the season, designed by United season ticket holder Ben Frost. A black away kit with silver trim, chosen by the club's players, was also introduced. The previous season's black and fluorescent green away kit was retained as the third kit.


2008–09 Sheffield United F.C. season, Kit
The club ended their kit sponsorship agreement with American bank Capital One at the end of the previous season. The new kit sponsor for the season was visit Malta.com.


2008–09 Sheffield United 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.


2008–09 Sheffield United 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.


2008–09 Sheffield United 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.


2008–09 Sheffield Wednesday F.C. season
The 2008–09 season was Sheffield Wednesday's 107th season in The Football League since being elected to the Football League First Division in 1892.


2008–09 Sheffield Wednesday F.C. season, Season summary
Sheffield Wednesday achieved their first league double over city rivals Sheffield United in 95 years, but that was the highlight of a mediocre season for the Owls. Still, a final 13th-placed finish was an improvement from the relegation struggle of the previous season.


2008–09 Sheffield Wednesday F.C. season, Kit
Italian manufacturers Lotto remained kit manufacturers for the season, as did Sheffield-based internet service provider Plusnet for the kit sponsorship. A new kit was introduced for the season.


2008–09 Sheffield Wednesday 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.


2008–09 Sheffield Wednesday 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.


2008–09 Sheffield Wednesday 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.


2008–09 Sheffield Wednesday F.C. season, Notes
This article about an English association football club season is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by .


2008–09 Shrewsbury Town F.C. season
The 2008–09 season was the 109th season of competitive association football and 58th season in the Football League played by Shrewsbury Town Football Club, a professional football club based in Shrewsbury, Shropshire, England. Their eighteenth-place finish in 2007–08 meant it was their fifth consecutive season League Two. The season began on 1 July 2008 and concluded on 30 June 2009.


2008–09 Shrewsbury Town F.C. season
Paul Simpson, starting his first full season as Shrewsbury Town manager, made six permanent summer signings. They finished seventh in the table, and after beating Bury in the play-off semi-final, they lost 1–0 to Gillingham in the final at Wembley Stadium. Shrewsbury lost in their opening round matches in both the 2008–09 FA Cup and the League Cup, and were eliminated in the Southern section semi-final of the Football League Trophy.


2008–09 Shrewsbury Town F.C. season
32  players made at least one appearance in nationally organised first-team competition, and there were 17 different goalscorers. Grant Holt finished as leading scorer with 28 goals, of which 20 came in league competition, one came in the FA Cup and seven came in the Football League Trophy. Holt was recognised for his contribution to the season receiving the League Two Player of the Year award and was included in the PFA Team of the Year for League Two.


2008–09 Siena Saints men's basketball team
The 2008–09 Siena Saints men's basketball team represented Siena College in the 2007–08 college basketball season. This was head coach Fran McCaffery's fourth season at Siena. The Saints competed in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference and played their home games at Times Union Center. They finished the season 27–8, 16–2 in MAAC play to capture the regular season championship. They also won the 2009 MAAC Men's Basketball Tournament for the second consecutive season to earn the conference's automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament as No. 9 seed in the Midwest Region. After an opening round win over No. 8 seed Ohio State, the Saints lost to No. 1 seed Villanova in the second round.


2008–09 Skeleton World Cup
The 2008–09 Skeleton World Cup is a multi-race tournament over a season for skeleton. The season started on November 28, 2008, in Winterberg and ended on February 12, 2009, in Park City, Utah. The World Cup is organised by the FIBT who also run world cups and championships in bobsleigh.


2008–09 Sloboda Užice season
The 2008–09 season was Sloboda's seventh consecutive season in Serbian League West.


2008–09 Slovak 1. Liga season
The 2008–09 Slovak 1.Liga season was the 16th season of the Slovak 1. Liga, the second level of ice hockey in Slovakia. 16 teams participated in the league, and HC Spisska Nova Ves won the championship.


2008–09 Slovak 1. Liga season, Playoffs, Quarterfinals
HK Spišská Nová Ves – HC 46 Bardejov 3:0 (10:3, 6:1, 2:1p)


2008–09 Slovak 1. Liga season, Playoffs, Quarterfinals
ŠHK 37 Piešťany – HC Dukla Senica 3:0 (2:1, 9:1, 5:0)


2008–09 Slovak 1. Liga season, Playoffs, Quarterfinals
HC 07 Prešov – MHK Dolný Kubín 3:0 (5:3, 1:0, 7:1)


2008–09 Slovak 1. Liga season, Playoffs, Semifinals
HK Spišská Nová Ves – HC 07 Prešov 3:1 (4:0, 3:1, 2:3p, 5:3)


2008–09 Slovak 1. Liga season, Playoffs, Semifinals
ŠHK 37 Piešťany – HK Trnava 3:0 (4:0, 4:2, 5:1)


2008–09 Slovak 1. Liga season, Playoffs, Final
HK Spišská Nová Ves – ŠHK 37 Piešťany 3:1 (1:3, 5:2, 2:1, 3:0)


2008–09 Slovak Cup
The 2008–09 Slovak Cup was the 40th season of Slovakia's annual knock-out cup competition and the sixteenth since the independence of Slovakia. It began on 5 August 2008 with Round 1 and ended on 20 May 2009 with the Final. The winners of the competition earned a place in the third qualifying round of the UEFA Europa League. Artmedia Petržalka were the defending champions.


2008–09 Slovak Cup, Round 3
The games were played on 24 September 2008 (1 game), 30 September 2008 (4 games), 1 October 2008 (2 games) & 21 October 2008 (1 game).


2008–09 Slovak Cup, Quarterfinals
The first legs were played between 21 and 29 October 2008. The second legs were played on 4 November 2008 with the exception of Slovan – Žilina, which was played on 18 March 2009.


2008–09 Slovak Cup, Semifinals
The first legs were played on 22 April 2009. The second legs were played on 5 May 2009.


2008–09 Slovak Extraliga season
The 2008–09 Slovak Extraliga season was the 16th season of the Slovak Extraliga, the top level of ice hockey in Slovakia. 13 teams participated in the league, and HC Kosice won the championship.


2008–09 Slovak First League
The 2008–09 season of the Slovak First League (also known as 1. liga) is the ninth season of the league since its establishment. It began in late July 2008 and ended in June 2009.


2008–09 Slovak Superliga
The 2008–09 Slovak Superliga (known as the Slovak Corgoň Liga for sponsorship reasons) was the 16th season of first-tier football league in Slovakia, since its establishment in 1993. This season started on 19 July 2008 and ended on 30 May 2009. FC Artmedia Petržalka were the defending champions.


2008–09 Slovak Superliga, Teams, Promotion and relegation
FK AS Trenčín were relegated after concluding the last season in 12th and last place. They were replaced by the champions of the 2007–08 1. Liga, 1. FC Tatran Prešov. Also DAC Dunajská Streda, who were Western Group champions of the 2007–08 2. Liga, merged with FC Senec and took their place in Superliga.


2008–09 Slovak Superliga, Results
The schedule consists of three rounds. The pairings of the first round were set according to the 2007-08 final standings. Every team played each opponent once for a total of 11 games per team. The remaining two rounds consist of a conventional home and away round-robin schedule.


2008–09 Slovak Superliga, Results, First round
Key numbers for pairing determination (number marks position in final standings 2007-08):


2008–09 Slovenian Basketball League
The 2008–09 Slovenian Basketball League (official: 2008–09 UPC League) was the 18th season of the Premier A Slovenian Basketball League, the highest professional basketball league in Slovenia. Union Olimpija won its 15th national championship.


2008–09 Slovenian Basketball League, Regular season
P=Matches played, W=Matches won, L=Matches lost, F=Points for, A=Points against, Pts=Points


2008–09 Slovenian Basketball League, Champions standings
P=Matches played, W=Matches won, L=Matches lost, F=Points for, A=Points against, Pts=Points


2008–09 Slovenian Basketball League, Relegation league
P=Matches played, W=Matches won, L=Matches lost, F=Points for, A=Points against, Pts=Points


2008–09 Slovenian Basketball League, Relegation Playoffs
P=Matches played, W=Matches won, L=Matches lost, F=Points for, A=Points against, Pts=Points


2008–09 Slovenian Football Cup
The 2008–09 Slovenian Football Cup was the 18th season of the Slovenian Football Cup, Slovenia's football knockout competition. It started on 2 August 2008 and ended on 30 May 2009 with the final. The defending champions were Interblock, who successfully defended the title by defeating Koper 2–1 in the final.


2008–09 Slovenian Football Cup, First round
In this round entered 19 teams from Slovenian second and third division. Since Izola withdrew from the competition before the beginning, Adria received a bye to the Second Round. The matches were played on 2 and 19 August 2008.


2008–09 Slovenian Football Cup, Second round
In this round entered winners from the previous round as well as one team who had received a bye. The matches were played on 3 September 2008.


2008–09 Slovenian Football Cup, Round of 16
In this round entered winners from the previous round as well as all teams from the Slovenian PrvaLiga. Livar also entered in the Third Round. They got relegated to the second division at the end of the last year's PrvaLiga. The matches were played on 16 and 17 September 2008.


2008–09 Slovenian Football Cup, Semi-finals
The first legs were played on 15 April 2009. The second legs were played on 29 April 2009.


2008–09 Slovenian Hockey League season
The 2008–09 Slovenian Hockey League was the 18th season in Slovenia. The competition was mostly made up of teams from Slovenia, but there were two teams from Croatia too.


2008–09 Slovenian Hockey League season
The regular season was the first such season where a non-Slovenian team placed in first.


2008–09 Slovenian Hockey League season
At the end of the regular season the playoffs were held. It was the first time, that playoffs featured a non-Slovenian team. In the end Jesenice won the title.


2008–09 Slovenian Hockey League season, Play-offs, Round 1
Medveščak defeated Slavija 2–0 in a best of three series.


2008–09 Slovenian Hockey League season, Play-offs, Round 1
Maribor defeated Mladost 2–0 in a best of three series.


2008–09 Slovenian Hockey League season, Play-offs, Round 1
Triglav Kranj defeated Bled 2-1 in a best of three series.


2008–09 Slovenian Hockey League season, Play-offs, Round 1
HK Olimpija defeated Mladi Jesenice 2–0 in a best of three series.


2008–09 Slovenian Hockey League season, Play-offs, Quarter-finals
Maribor defeated Triglav Kranj 2–1 in a best of three series.


2008–09 Slovenian Hockey League season, Play-offs, Quarter-finals
Medveščak defeated HK Olimpija 2–0 in a best of three series.


2008–09 Slovenian Hockey League season, Play-offs, Semi-finals
Jesenice defeated Maribor 2–0 in a best of three series.


2008–09 Slovenian Hockey League season, Play-offs, Semi-finals
Olimpija defeated Medveščak 2–1 in a best of three series.


2008–09 Slovenian Hockey League season, Play-offs, Final
Jesenice defeated Olimpija 4–0 in a best of seven series.


2008–09 Slovenian PrvaLiga
The 2008–09 Slovenian PrvaLiga was the 18th season of top-tier football league in Slovenia. The competition is officially called PrvaLiga Telekom Slovenije for sponsorship reasons. The season started on 19 July 2008 and ended on 23 May 2009.


2008–09 Slovenian PrvaLiga, Promotion and relegation
Livar were relegated to the Slovenian Second League after just one year in the PrvaLiga, finishing last with only 17 points. Drava Ptuj successfully avoided relegation by beating Bonifika in the relegation play-offs.


2008–09 Slovenian PrvaLiga, Promotion and relegation
Promoted to Slovenia's top football league were Second League champions Rudar Velenje, returning to Prva Liga after a two-year absence.


2008–09 Slovenian PrvaLiga, Relegation play-offs
The 9th placed team played a two-legged relegation play-off against the runners-up of 2008–09 Slovenian Second League, played on 31 May and 7 June 2009. Drava won 9–3 on aggregate and thereby secured a spot in the 2009–10 season of Slovenian PrvaLiga.


2008–09 Slovenian PrvaLiga, Results
Every team plays four times against their opponents, twice at home and twice on the road, for a total of 36 matches.


2008–09 Slovenian Second League
The 2008–09 Slovenian Second League season started on 10 August 2008 and ended on 24 May 2009. Each team played a total of 26 matches.


2008–09 Slovenian Third League
The 2008–09 Slovenian Third League was the 17th season of the Slovenian Third League, the third highest level in the Slovenian football system.


2008–09 Solomon Islands National Club Championship
The 2008–09 Solomon Islands National Club Championship was the 6th season of the National Club Championship in the Solomon Islands. Marist F.C. won the league for the second time. All matches were played at the hillside ground called Lawson Tama Stadium, with an approximate capacity of 20,000.


2008–09 South Carolina Gamecocks men's basketball team
The 2008–09 South Carolina men's basketball team represents University of South Carolina. The head coach is Darrin Horn who is in his first season with the Gamecocks. The team plays its home games in the 18,000-seat Colonial Life Arena in Columbia, South Carolina.


2008–09 South Carolina Gamecocks men's basketball team, Regular season
On November 14, 2008, Carolina defeated the Jacksonville State Gamecocks 89–76 to win the first game of the Darrin Horn Era at USC.


2008–09 South Carolina Gamecocks men's basketball team, Regular season
On December 2, 2008, Carolina defeated Princeton 84–58, handing the Tigers their worst defeat in Jadwin Gym since it opened in 1969.


2008–09 South Carolina Gamecocks men's basketball team, Regular season
On January 31, 2009, Carolina defeated #24 Kentucky, 78–77, the Gamecocks' second win in history at Rupp Arena.


2008–09 South Carolina Gamecocks men's basketball team, Regular season
On February 25, 2009, Carolina defeated Kentucky 77–59, setting a school-record for blocked shots with 16, and sweeping the season series with the Wildcats for only the second time (1997) since joining the SEC.


2008–09 South China AA season, Coolpoint Ventilation First Division League
Note 1: Due to waterlogged pitch at the stadium, the match was postponed from 5 October to 8 October. Note 2: Despite TSW Pegasus won by 3-2, the team used more than the allowed maximum of 6 foreign players at a time during the match. As a result, TSW Pegasus was sentenced a 0-3 loss and penalized for HK$10,000. Note 3: For the consideration of the maintaining the pitch quality, the match was postponed from 29 March to 30 March.


2008–09 South China AA season, HKFA Sheffield United FA Cup
Note * : The match was postponed from 24 May due to weather condition.


2008–09 South China AA season, Squad statistics
Statistics accurate as of match played on 23 June 20091. Wong Chin Hung was on loan at TSW Pegasus from 23 September 2008 to 15 January 2009. 2 . Ho Kwok Chuen joined the team on loan from TSW Pegasus since 23 September 2008. 3. Sidraílson rejoined the team in September 2008. 4. Li Weijun, Monteiro and Maxwell left the club in early January 2009. 5. Kim Yeon-Gun joined the team in January 2009. 6. Li Zicheng was not registered for this season until January 2009. 7 . Cacá and Fernando joined the club on 23 January 2009. 8. Lee Wai Lun joined the club on 24 January 2009. 9. Liu Songwei joined the club in February 2009. 10. Leung Hinson was promoted from youth team in February 2009. 11. Players not registered in the AFC Cup are indicated by NA.


2008–09 South Florida Bulls men's basketball team
The 2008–09 South Florida Bulls men's basketball team represented the University of South Florida Bulls in the 2008–09 NCAA Division I men's basketball season. This was the 4th season in the Big East Conference and was the 38th season in school history. The team is coached by Stan Heath in his second year at the school. USF played its home games in the USF Sun Dome. The Bulls finished the season 9–22, 4–14 in Big East play, and lost in the first round of the 2009 Big East Men's Basketball Tournament in their first ever appearance.


2008–09 South Florida Bulls women's basketball team
The 2008–09 South Florida Bulls women's basketball team represented the University of South Florida in the 2008–09 NCAA Division I women's basketball season. The Bulls ended the season with 27 wins and the 27th win of the season for the Bulls was the best in USF history - for men or women - and the highest win total by any Division I team in the state of Florida. USF capped their sixth postseason appearance by winning the 2009 WNIT Tournament.


2008–09 South Florida Bulls women's basketball team, Team players drafted into the WNBA
No one from the Bulls was selected in the 2009 WNBA Draft.


2008–09 South Pacific cyclone season
The 2008–09 South Pacific cyclone season was a below average tropical cyclone season, which featured six named tropical cyclones compared to an average of about nine. Ahead of the season officially starting on November 1, 2008, the Island Climate Update tropical cyclone outlook predicted that the season, would feature an average risk of tropical cyclones impacting the South Pacific between 160°E and 120°W. The first tropical disturbance of the season developed to the northeast of the Samoan Islands on December 1, however, it remained weak and was last noted during the next day.


2008–09 South Pacific cyclone season, Seasonal forecasts
Ahead of the cyclone season formally starting on November 1, 2008, New Zealand's MetService and National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA), the Fiji Meteorological Service (FMS), as well as various other Pacific Meteorological services, all contributed towards the Island Climate Update tropical cyclone outlook that was released during September 2008. The outlook took into account the ENSO neutral conditions that had been observed across the Pacific, as well as analogue seasons that had a similar climate background.


2008–09 South Pacific cyclone season, Seasonal forecasts
The outlook noted that on average eight to ten tropical cyclones occur between 135°E and 120°W during seasons, with neutral ENSO conditions. It was also predicted that there was a normal risk of tropical cyclones occurring over most of the Pacific and that the first named tropical cyclone would occur before the end of December. The outlook also assessed the risk of a tropical cyclone affecting a certain island nation or territory and noted that several tropical cyclones, usually occurred in the region between Vanuatu, New Caledonia, Fiji and Tonga.


2008–09 South Pacific cyclone season, Seasonal forecasts
Most areas including Vanuatu, New Caledonia, Fiji, Tonga, Niue and Tuvalu, were thought to have an average risk of being impacted by one or more tropical cyclones. The Northern Cook Islands and the Tuamotu Islands were thought to have reduced risk, while it was thought unlikely that Pitcairn Island, Kiribati and the Marquesas would be impacted by a tropical cyclone.


2008–09 South Pacific cyclone season, Seasonal forecasts
During January 2009, a revised Island Climate Update tropical cyclone outlook was issued, which stated that La Niña conditions had redeveloped in the tropical Pacific and were expected to persist. As a result, they noted that on average six or seven tropical cyclones, could be expected to develop over the Pacific Ocean, during a season characterised by a weak La Niña. They also noted that the risk of a tropical cyclone impacting a certain island nation or territory had changed with an increased risk for areas to the west of the International Date Line.


2008–09 South Pacific cyclone season, Seasonal forecasts
In particular, the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, New Zealand, New Caledonia now had an increased risk, while Fiji had a variable risk of being affected by one or more tropical cyclones. The Northern Cook Islands, Tonga, Niue, Wallis and Futuna, Samoa and Tokelau were thought to have a reduced risk of being impacted, while other areas such as the Southern Cook Islands, Tuvalu and Papua New Guinea had an average risk of being affected by a tropical cyclone.


2008–09 South Pacific cyclone season, Season summary
During the season, a total of fifteen significant tropical disturbances were monitored and numbered by the Fiji Meteorological Service (FMS), within the South Pacific basin between 160°E and 120°W. Off these tropical disturbances, six became named tropical cyclones, while none developed into severe tropical cyclones for the first time since the 1994–95 season. The first tropical disturbance of the season developed on December 1, while the final system Tropical Disturbance 15F was last noted in the basin during April 10.


2008–09 South Pacific cyclone season, Season summary
Notable Tropical depressions include Tropical Depression 04F, which caused Fiji's second worst natural disasters. Tropical Depression 08F, which intensified into Cyclone Hettie becoming the first tropical cyclone to form this season. Tropical Depression 10F brought heavy rains to Vanuatu and before making landfall on New Caledonia intensified into Category One Tropical Cyclone Innis. After it made landfall Innis became the first Tropical Depression to move into TCWC Brisbane's Area of responsibility since Cyclone Larry. Cyclones Joni and Ken both threatened the Southern Cook Islands however the only impact they had was minimal. Cyclone Jasper then moved into the region early on March 24 at peak intensity, having developed inside TCWC Brisbane's area of responsibility two days earlier. The final Tropical Depression this year to develop was Tropical Cyclone Lin near to the Lau Group of Fiji and Tonga.


2008–09 South Pacific cyclone season, Systems, Tropical Depression 02F
Early on December 3, RSMC Nadi reported that a Tropical Disturbance had formed near the Southern Cook Islands and was located in a moderately sheared environment and was moving towards the southeast. Deep Convection had been present around a well-defined cyclonic circulation for the previous 24 hours. Over the next day the disturbance gradually developed with RSMC Nadi upgrading it to a Tropical Depression later that day whilst it was moving between Niue and the Southern Cook Islands.


2008–09 South Pacific cyclone season, Systems, Tropical Depression 02F
Over the next couple of days the depression gradually weakened with convection which was located in the southern and eastern quadrants became sheared and the low level circulation centre became exposed as it moved into an area of cooler sea surface temperatures. Late on December 6 RSMC Nadi issued their final advisory on the depression as it moved into TCWC Wellingtons area of responsibility and was expected to become a mid latitude low-pressure system within 12 hours.


2008–09 South Pacific cyclone season, Systems, Tropical Depression 04F
Tropical Depression 04F formed late on January 4, as a weak tropical disturbance near to the eastern edge of RSMC Nadi's responsibility. The disturbance then rapidly organised itself sufficiently to be classified as Tropical Depression 04F early the next morning. Over the next couple of days the depression moved towards the southeast, before on January 8 as it started to bring heavy rainfall to Fiji. RSMC Nadi then issued their final advisory on it later that day, as it was now an extratropical depression. However late the next day RSMC Nadi started to reissue advisories on the depression and immediately passed primary warning responsibility for it to the Tropical Cyclone Warning Center in Wellington, who issued warnings on the depression until early on January 12 when they issued their last advisory.


2008–09 South Pacific cyclone season, Systems, Tropical Depression 04F
Floods and mudslides caused by the depression killed at least eleven people in Fiji. Several towns and rural areas on Viti Levu were flooded.


2008–09 South Pacific cyclone season, Systems, Tropical Depression 05F
On January 11, RSMC Nadi reported that a tropical depression had formed to the south of the Solomon Islands and was just inside TCWC Brisbane's area of responsibility, and started issuing Tropical Disturbance Summaries on it. As the depression moved into RSMC Nadi's area of responsibility it was designated as 05F. Nadi reported at this time that whilst the depression had a low to moderate chance of forming into a tropical cyclone within 48 hours, there was an upper trough of low pressure that could provide an opportunity for the depression to either rapidly or explosively develop. Despite fair conditions, it dissipated without ever becoming a cyclone.


2008–09 South Pacific cyclone season, Systems, Tropical Depression 06F
Late on January 19, RSMC Nadi reported that a tropical disturbance had formed in a monsoonal trough of low pressure about 940 km to the north west of Papeete, in French Polynesia. Convection was confined to the northeast of the low level circulation and was disorganised. Late the next day whilst the disturbance was moving to the east and into an area of higher vertical wind shear, RSMC Nadi upgraded the disturbance to a tropical depression despite its low level circulation centre being exposed and lying to the west of the deep convection.


2008–09 South Pacific cyclone season, Systems, Tropical Depression 06F
During the next morning as it interacted with another disturbance to the northwest the depression reached its peak wind speeds of 55 km/h, (35 mph) Over the next couple of days th depression moved towards the south before late on January 23 RSMC Nadi issued their final advisory on the depression as it was expected to become a hybrid system within 24 hours.


2008–09 South Pacific cyclone season, Systems, Tropical Depression 07F
On January 23, RSMC Nadi reported that a Tropical Depression had formed, to the southwest of American Samoa. Later that day as the Depression moved towards the east they downgraded the Depression to a Tropical Disturbance as the Low Level Circulation Center was exposed and located in an environment of moderate to strong vertical wind shear. During the morning of January 24 the Tropical Disturbance was reupgraded to a Tropical Depression and assigned the Tropical Depression the designation of 07F. Later that day the tropical depression reached its peak wind speeds of 65 km/h (40 mph). Early the next day RSMC Nadi released their final Tropical Disturbance Summary as the Tropical Depression had lost all tropical characteristics.


2008–09 South Pacific cyclone season, Systems, Tropical Cyclone Hettie
On January 24, RSMC Nadi reported that Tropical Disturbance 08F had developed within the monsoon trough and an area of minimal vertical windshear to the north of the Fijian dependency Rotuma. During the next day the disturbance moved towards the southeast and developed into a tropical depression while it was located near Rotuma. Over the next 3 days, the depression continued to move south-eastwards between Fiji and Tonga while intensifying slowly against stronger vertical windshear. before RSMC Nadi and the JTWC reported that the depression had developed into a tropical cyclone during January 28.


2008–09 South Pacific cyclone season, Systems, Tropical Cyclone Hettie
Cyclone Hettie did not directly affect any inhabited land areas.


2008–09 South Pacific cyclone season, Systems, Tropical Depression 09F
On February 1, RSMC Nadi reported that Tropical Depression 09F had developed within the monsoon trough about 575 km (355 mi) to the northeast of Port Vila, Vanuatu.


2008–09 South Pacific cyclone season, Systems, Tropical Depression 09F
Late on February 1, a Tropical disturbance formed about 645 km (401 mi) to the west of Vanuatu and was embedded in a monsoonal trough. It quickly organized itself and thus later that day, it was upgraded to Tropical Depression 09F. At this time the Low Level Circulation Center was exposed as strong vertical wind shear and deep convection was displaced to the north of Low Level Circulation Center. The next morning the JTWC reported that deep convection, was located over the western boundary, of the depression's low level circulation center. Strong shear also still existed over the system, with deep convection still being displaced to the north of the system. The next morning RSMC Nadi reported that the Low Level Circulation Center was obscured with indications of good inflow bands flowing into the depression from the north and west.


2008–09 South Pacific cyclone season, Systems, Tropical Depression 09F
Early on February 5, RSMC Nadi issued its final advisory on the depression, as the systems low level circulation centre had become sheared and exposed.


2008–09 South Pacific cyclone season, Systems, Tropical Cyclone Innis
On February 13, the FMS reported that Tropical Depression 10F had developed within an active convergence zone, about halfway between Fiji and Vanuatu. Over the next two days, the system gradually developed further as it moved westwards, before it passed over Vanuatu during February 15, with hostile environmental conditions influencing the depression's chance of becoming a tropical cyclone. As 10F left Vanuatu, the system turned towards the southwest and started to move towards New Caledonia, as outflow over the depression developed, while atmospheric convection started to wrap around the centre.


2008–09 South Pacific cyclone season, Systems, Tropical Cyclone Innis
During February 16, as the system approached New Caledonia, the FMS issued their final advisory as future prospects of the system becoming a tropical cyclone, were being undermined by increasing vertical windshear and land interaction. However, during the next day, the FMS resumed issuing advisories on the depression after it had crossed New Caledonia and moved into an area of low vertical windshear. Later that day after the system had become a Category 1 tropical cyclone on the Australian Scale, the FMS named it Innis, while the JTWC initiated advisories on the system and designated it as Tropical Cyclone 15P.


2008–09 South Pacific cyclone season, Systems, Tropical Cyclone Innis
After a brief period of further development, both the JTWC and the FMS reported that Innis had peaked with sustained windspeeds of 75 km/h (45 mph), before vertical windshear over the system increased as an upper-level low encroached on Innis from the west. Later that day the primary responsibility for warnings was passed to MetService, as the system moved below 25°S and into their area of responsibility. Innis was subsequently declared an extratropical cyclone early on February 18, as it briefly moved into the Australian region and MetService issued their first warning.


2008–09 South Pacific cyclone season, Systems, Tropical Cyclone Innis
The system was subsequently absorbed by a low that was moving between Australia and New Zealand, and had caused flooding within the Australian state of New South Wales. There was no significant damage reported within New Caledonia, after Innis had affected the island and dropped over 100 mm (3.9 in) of rainfall. During February 19–20, the low containing Innis remnants brought high winds, heavy rain and some minor flooding to several parts off New Zealand including from Auckland to Stewart Island. The heaviest rain was recorded in Taranaki, Canterbury and Otago, while 1 indirect death was reported after a car rolled over near Opotiki.


2008–09 South Pacific cyclone season, Systems, Tropical Cyclone Joni
On March 10, the FMS reported that Tropical Depression 11F had developed out of an area of low pressure that had spun down from the upper levels of the troposphere, about 380 km (235 mi) to the northeast of Rarotonga in the Southern Cook Islands. During the next day, shear decreased sufficiently to allow significant overall development. On the evening of the 11th, with the system moving into minimal shear, and outflow aloft becoming well-established, its probability of becoming a tropical cyclone in the next 12 hours was raised to high.


2008–09 South Pacific cyclone season, Systems, Tropical Cyclone Joni
At 111200 UTC, it was named Joni with 35 knots close to the centre and whilst located about 40 nautical miles west-northwest of Mangaia and about 70 miles east-southeast of Rarotonga. With favourable conditions, the cyclone continued to intensify and attained storm intensity 18 hours later. Joni reached peak intensity as it neared 25 South latitude, the Nadi and Wellington border. Wellington accepted primary responsibility for further warnings beginning at 130000 UTC as the cyclone moved into their area of responsibility. Joni remained a cyclone for another day before it was downgraded to a low. As Joni was a small and compact system only minimal impact was reported in the Southern Cook Islands while some heavy rainfall was reported in Mangaia.


2008–09 South Pacific cyclone season, Systems, Tropical Cyclone Ken
Early on March 16, a tropical disturbance formed to the south of a convergence zone which was located to the east of Palmerston Island, in the Cook Islands. Early that afternoon the JTWC reported that the disturbances low level circulation centre had rapidly consolidated and issued a Tropical Cyclone Formation Alert on the developing system. Later that day, RSMC Nadi reported that the disturbance had organised enough to be classified as Tropical Depression 12F.


2008–09 South Pacific cyclone season, Systems, Tropical Cyclone Ken
Early the next morning, as the depression was moving towards the southeast, RSMC Nadi reported that outflow was good to the south of the depression and upgraded it to a Category 1 Cyclone, assigning the name Ken to the cyclone. Later that day, the JTWC started to issue advisories on the storm and designated it as Tropical Cyclone 21P.


2008–09 South Pacific cyclone season, Systems, Tropical Cyclone Ken
Late on March 18, RSMC Nadi reported that Ken had reached its peak intensity with winds of 95 km/h, (60 mph), which made it a Category 2 Cyclone. RSMC Nadi then passed primary warning responsibility of Cyclone Ken to TCWC Wellington who, downgraded Ken to a Category 1 Cyclone early the next day. Ken then re-intensified into a Category 2 Cyclone later that day; however it was quickly downgraded to a Category 1 Cyclone within their next advisory and then was declared extratropical by both TCWC Wellington and the JTWC early on March 20.


2008–09 South Pacific cyclone season, Systems, Tropical Cyclone Ken
As an extratropical cyclone, Ken reached 1-minute windspeeds of 110 km/h (70 mph). TCWC Wellington then issued their final advisory early on March 22, as it moved out of their eastern area of responsibility and was tracked by the Bureau of Meteorology for three more days as it crossed the Antarctic Peninsula into the Weddell Sea.


2008–09 South Pacific cyclone season, Systems, Tropical Cyclone Jasper
During March 24, Cyclone Jasper moved into the South Pacific from the Australian region, while it at its peak intensity as a category 2 tropical cyclone with 10-minute sustained windspeeds of 95 km/h (60 mph). At this time, convection erupted about the centre and well-corroborated by the corresponding microwave data which showed good and intense low-level circulation. Outflow over the system was good to the south but inhibited elsewhere. However, overnight, convection warmed considerably with shear tearing the cold tops to the south of the low-level centre. Later on the 25th, increasing shear and dry air entrainment caused its demise and was subsequently downgraded to a depression at 251200 UTC.


2008–09 South Pacific cyclone season, Systems, Tropical Cyclone Jasper
Flooding, triggered by heavy rains in northern New Caledonia, forced the evacuation of 25 families. Rough seas produced by the storm caused beach erosion along the coastlines of New Caledonia. High winds caused localized structural damage and knocked down a few power lines, leaving some residents without power.


2008–09 South Pacific cyclone season, Systems, Tropical Cyclone Lin
During April 1, the FMS reported that Tropical Disturbance 14F had developed within a monsoon trough to the north of Fiji. During the following day, the system moved south-eastwards and developed into a tropical depression, while a shallow tropical disturbance developed within the monsoon trough to the south of Futuna. 14F subsequently absorbed this shallow tropical disturbance, as it struggled to consolidate and organise to the north of Fiji, under the influence of vertical wind shear. During April 3, the FMS reported that 14F had developed into a Category 1 tropical cyclone and named it Lin.


2008–09 South Pacific cyclone season, Systems, Tropical Cyclone Lin
The JTWC subsequently initiated advisories on Lin and designated it as Tropical Cyclone 25P, while it was located about 382 km (235 mi) to the northwest of Nuku'alofa. This was after atmospheric convection had developed over the systems low-level circulation centre and rapidly consolidated within favourable conditions. During April 4, Lin intensified further within favourable conditions and was classified as a Category 2 tropical cyclone, as it moved southeastwards towards the Tongan island of Tongatapu.


2008–09 South Pacific cyclone season, Systems, Tropical Cyclone Lin
During the next day, after Lin had passed directly over Tongatapu, the FMS reported that the system had peaked with estimated 10-minute sustained wind speeds of 110 km/h (70 mph), while the JTWC estimated 1-minute sustained wind speeds of 100 km/h (60 mph). During that day the cyclone weakened and started to transition into an extratropical cyclone, as it interacted with drier air and vertical wind shear surrounding the system increased.


2008–09 South Pacific cyclone season, Systems, Tropical Cyclone Lin
This prompted the JTWC to issue their final warning on the system, before MetService declared it extratropical, as they took over the primary warning responsibility of Lin from the FMS. MetService continued to track Lin's extratropical remnants for a couple of days, before they were last noted near 35°S 163°W during April 8. There was no major damage reported within Fiji from Lin, while it brought storm-force winds, heavy rain and flooding to parts of Tonga.


2008–09 South Pacific cyclone season, Systems, Tropical Cyclone Lin
Within Tonga, there were no reports of any casualties or structural damage, however, it did cause some damage to root crops, fruit bearing trees, gardens and power lines. The Tonga Meteorological Service also sustained some damage to their guttering, as well as various pieces of meteorological equipment which was valued about T$ 2,000 (US$1000).


2008–09 South Pacific cyclone season, Systems, Other systems
On December 1, the FMS reported that the first tropical disturbance of the season, had developed to the northeast of the Samoan Islands in an area of moderate vertical wind shear. The system subsequently moved westwards, before it was last noted during the next day. Tropical Disturbance 02F subsequently developed during December 3, to the northeast of Rarotonga in the Southern Cook Islands. Over the next couple of days the system moved towards the south-west, between Niue and the Southern Cook Islands and was classified as a tropical depression during December 4.


2008–09 South Pacific cyclone season, Systems, Other systems
The system was last noted during December 6, as it moved into TCWC Wellington's area of responsibility and transitioned into a mid latitude low-pressure system within 12 hours.


2008–09 South Pacific cyclone season, Systems, Other systems
During December 10, the FMS reported that Tropical Disturbance 03F had developed about 300 km (185 mi) to the northeast of Honiara in the Solomon Islands. However, the system had no definite low level circulation center, while atmospheric convection surrounding the system was confined to the north quadrant of the disturbance. As a result, the system was last noted during the next day, with the FMS speculating that a cyclonic circulation to the northwest of 03F might have absorbed the disturbance.


2008–09 South Pacific cyclone season, Systems, Other systems
Tropical Disturbance 15F was first noted within a monsoon trough by the FMS on April 7, while it was thought to be located to the northeast of the Solomon Islands. Atmospheric convection surrounding the disturbance was poorly organised, while it was reported to be hard to find the system's low-level circulation. Over the next few days, the system moved south-westwards and remained poorly organised, before it was last noted by the FMS during April 10.


2008–09 South Pacific cyclone season, Season effects
This table lists all the storms that developed in the South Pacific to the east of longitude 160°E during the 2008–2009 season. It includes their intensity on the Australian Tropical cyclone intensity scale, duration, name, landfalls, deaths, and damages. All data is taken from RSMC Nadi and or TCWC Wellington. The damage figures are all 2009 USD.


2008–09 South West Peninsula League
The 2008–09 South West Peninsula League season was the second in the history of the South West Peninsula League, a football competition in England, that feeds the Premier Division of the Western Football League. The league had been formed in 2007 from the merger of the Devon County League and the South Western League, and is restricted to clubs based in Cornwall and Devon. The Premier Division of the South West Peninsula League is on the same level of the National League System as the Western League Division One.


2008–09 South West Peninsula League
The champions for the second season running were Bodmin Town.


2008–09 South West Peninsula League, Premier Division
The Premier Division featured 20 teams, increased from 18 the previous season. Two new clubs joined the league:


2008–09 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season
The 2008–09 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season was a slightly above average event in tropical cyclone formation. It began on November 15, 2008, and officially ended on April 30, 2009, with the exception for Mauritius and the Seychelles, for which it ended on May 15, 2009. These dates conventionally delimit the period of each year when most tropical cyclones form in the basin, which is west of 90°E and south of the Equator. Tropical cyclones in this basin were monitored by the Regional Specialised Meteorological Centre in Réunion.


2008–09 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season
As predicted by the sub regional office of Mauritius ten named storms formed in this basin. It officially began on November 15, but began 1 month earlier when Tropical Storm Asma formed on October 16. Most of the storms that formed this year were weak or stayed at sea. Only two storms reached hurricane strength this year, both of which were Category 3 or higher, and only 3 storms made landfall in the entire season. Overall, the impact of this season was relatively minor, but damaging for Madagascar, due to the heavy rains from Eric, Fanele, Izilda and Jade.


2008–09 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season, Systems, Zone of Disturbed Weather 01
On October 6, the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) began monitoring an area of persistent convection about 575 km (355 mi) southeast of Diego Garcia. Although the center of circulation (CoC) was elongated, the system was located within an area of low wind shear and development of the low was possible. At 12:00 UTC later that day, the Regional Specialized Meteorological Centre (RSMC), Météo-France (MFR), began issuing advisories on "Zone of Disturbed Weather 01". Despite a banding feature developed around the CoC, significant development was not anticipated. The low gradually weakened throughout October 7, and dissipated the next day.


2008–09 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season, Systems, Moderate Tropical Storm Asma
On October 16, MFR designated an area of low pressure north-west of Diego Garcia as Tropical Disturbance 02. Later that evening the JTWC issued a Tropical Cyclone Formation Alert on the system. At 2100 UTC on October 16, the JTWC issued their first advisory and designated it as Tropical Cyclone 01S. Early the next day the disturbance intensified into a tropical depression, but on October 18 MFR downgraded the system to a tropical disturbance, noting that the near gale-force winds that were near the center are now several hundred kilometers away from the center.


2008–09 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season, Systems, Moderate Tropical Storm Asma
The next day MFR re-upgraded the system to a tropical depression due to a slight decrease in vertical wind shear that had inhibited the disturbance and a slight re-location of the center. Later that day MFR upgraded the depression to a Moderate Tropical storm, so the Sub-Regional Tropical Cyclone Advisory Centre in Mauritius assigned the name Asma to the tropical storm. Early on October 20, Asma reached its peak intensity with winds of 85 km/h (55 mph) with a minimum pressure of 985 hPa (mbar).


2008–09 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season, Systems, Moderate Tropical Storm Asma
The storm featured good outflow and was situated over warm waters; however, moderate wind shear was forecast to prevent the cyclone from intensifying any further. Shortly after reaching peak intensity, the combination of cooler waters and higher wind shear caused the storm to weaken slightly. Continued weakening took place throughout the day as deep convection associated with Asma dissipated and the strongest winds were displaced from the center. By the morning of October 21, Asma was downgraded to a tropical depression as the low became further disorganized.


2008–09 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season, Systems, Moderate Tropical Storm Asma
Later that day, the depression degenerated to a tropical disturbance as only an exposed low remained. The final advisory was issued at 0600 UTC on October 22 as no redevelopment took place. However, only 12 hours after the final advisory was issued, the disturbance began to regenerate and MFR began issuing advisories on the regenerated system. The redevelopment was short lived and Asma dissipated less than 24 hours later.


2008–09 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season, Systems, Moderate Tropical Storm Asma
Officials in Madagascar issued storm warnings as Tropical Storm Asma was forecast to make landfall in the northern portion of the island on October 23. Despite warnings, residents did not take precautions before the storm. Following the regeneration of Asma, the storm produced heavy rains over northern Madagascar which caused flooding in eight rural communities. One person was killed in Doany common rural district of Andapa. A total of 448 hectares of farmland were also inundated by floodwaters. Six oxen and 24 pigs were also killed and three bridges were damaged.


2008–09 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season, Systems, Moderate Tropical Storm Asma
Following the damages caused by the storm, officials provided first aid kits, nine tons of rice, 100 cartons of soap, 60 cartons of clothing, 120 mosquito nets, 20 bags of pulses and 30 tents to the affected population. The heavy rains were accompanied by winds gusting up to 70 km/h (45 mph). After brushing Madagascar, Asma brought unseasonable heavy rains to parts of Mozambique and Tanzania.


2008–09 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season, Systems, Moderate Tropical Storm Bernard
On November 15, a low-pressure area was located about 795 km (495 mi) east-southeast of Diego Garcia, accompanied by persistent convection. It was centered east of a ridge and was within an area of moderate vertical wind shear. Over the next several days, the system moved slowly eastward with little development. On November 19, convection developed around the circulation after being nearly stationary for a few days. At 0600 UTC, MFR designated the system as Tropical Disturbance 03, about 695 km (430 mi) east-southeast of Diego Garcia. As rainbands and outflow developed, the JTWC issued a Tropical Cyclone Formation Alert.


2008–09 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season, Systems, Moderate Tropical Storm Bernard
Later that day, MFR upgraded the disturbance to a tropical depression. About three hours later, the JTWC began issuing advisories on Tropical Cyclone 03S, although wind shear was forecast to prevent significant intensification. Located to the northeast of a low to mid-level trough and to the southwest of a near-equatorial ridge, the system began to accelerate to the east. At 0600 UTC on November 20, the JTWC assessed the system to have reached its peak intensity with winds of 75 km/h (45 mph 1-minute winds). Shortly after, MFR upgraded the depression to Moderate Tropical Storm Bernard, with peak winds of 65 km/h (40 mph).


2008–09 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season, Systems, Moderate Tropical Storm Bernard
Just six hours after being named, Bernard was downgraded to a tropical depression as all associated deep convection dissipated. The sudden decrease was caused by the storm's unusually fast movement of 50 km/h (30 mph) towards the east-southeast over cooler waters. At the same time MFR downgraded Bernard to a depression, the JTWC issued their final advisory on Tropical Cyclone 03S as it had weakened below tropical storm status. Early the next morning, MFR downgraded the system to a tropical disturbance and issued their final advisory on the dissipating cyclone. The remnants of Bernard entered the Australia region, where it was briefly designated as Tropical Low 01U before dissipating.


2008–09 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season, Systems, Severe Tropical Storm Cinda
On the evening of December 16, the JTWC issued a Tropical Cyclone Formation alert on a rapidly organizing disturbance located west of Diego Garcia. The low level centre continued to improve with convection wrapping into the centre and the JTWC upgraded the disturbance into a tropical storm, at the same time MFR designated the system a tropical depression. Under low shear and favourable upper-level outflow, 04S was upgraded to Moderate Tropical Storm Cinda by MFR early on December 18. Soon after, Cinda was upgraded to a severe tropical storm as it moved south-southwestwards away from Diego Garcia. Later that same day, Cinda was downgraded to a moderate tropical storm. The wind shear kept the eye north of the convection. On the morning of December 21, Cinda degenerated into a remnant low about 250 miles off the coast of Madagascar amongst heavy wind shear.


2008–09 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season, Systems, Severe Tropical Storm Dongo
The origins of Dongo can be traced back to an area of low pressure that formed far from land late on January 7. At 06:00 UTC, MFR designated it as a Zone of Disturbed Weather 1,530 km (950 mi) northeast of Mauritius. However, strong wind shear was expected to inhibit short-term development. A few hours later, MFR further upgraded the low to a tropical disturbance. At 1500 UTC, the JTWC issued a Tropical Cyclone Formation Alert. Situated along the edge of a low-mid level ridge, the disturbance tracked towards the southwest.


2008–09 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season, Systems, Severe Tropical Storm Dongo
Despite a brief decease in convection, at 0600 UTC on January 9, MFR upgraded the disturbance to a tropical depression. Shortly after, the depression was upgraded to Moderate Tropical Storm Dongo. At the time of the upgrade, Dongo began to turn more towards the south as further development of the storm was anticipated. Roughly three hours later, the JTWC began issuing advisories on Tropical Cyclone 06S . After weakening slightly early on January 10, Dongo began to turn towards the southeast. Subsequently, convection rapidly decreased, leaving the center partially exposed even though conditions were favorable for intensification.


2008–09 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season, Systems, Severe Tropical Storm Dongo
Six hours later, however, Dongo intensified into a severe tropical storm while reaching its peak intensity with winds of 95 km/h (60 mph 10-minute winds) with a minimum pressure of 984 hPa (mbar) according to MFR. Furthermore, Dongo peak with winds of 100 km/h (65 mph 1-minute winds) according to the JTWC about 1,240 km (770 mi) east-southeast of Mauritius.


2008–09 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season, Systems, Severe Tropical Storm Dongo
Tracking towards the south-southeast, Dongo approached cooler waters and began to transition into an extratropical cyclone. Wind shear was also increasing over the storm in response to an approaching upper-level trough. Despite moving over cooler waters, the storm remained a severe tropical storm until being declared extratropical at 0600 UTC on January 12. Several hours later, the JTWC issued their final advisory on the system Early on January 13, MFR followed suit, though it was later believed to have completed such transition earlier.


2008–09 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season, Systems, Moderate Tropical Storm Eric
On January 17, the MFR identified a Zone of Disturbed Weather northeast of La Réunion. The following day the disturbance organized quite significantly west-northwest of Madagascar and MFR classified it as a tropical disturbance. The disturbance intensified into a moderate tropical storm on the 19th. Eric crossed the coastline around Toamasina, which reported a surface low pressure of 992 hPa, mid morning on that day and skitted along the eastern Madagascar coast for much of the day before tracking southeast away from the coast on January 20. On January 20, the JTWC issued its final advisory on Eric, as it had been torn apart by the shear from the strong Fanele. MFR downgraded Eric to a tropical depression on January 21, noting it could re-deepen as it transitioned into an extratropical cyclone.


2008–09 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season, Systems, Moderate Tropical Storm Eric
Eric killed two people, injured 24, left 992 homeless, and affected an additional 7,606 in eastern Madagascar. A total of 32 classrooms were destroyed by the storm, mainly UNICEF tents and 42 other classrooms were damaged.


2008–09 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season, Systems, Intense Tropical Cyclone Fanele
On January 17, the JTWC identified a rapidly organizing tropical low just off the coast of Madagascar, near Antananarivo, in the Mozambique Channel. The system showed signs of a quickly developing surface low, and evidence of an upper-level Anticyclone creating a favorable environment for the system. Later that day, the JTWC assessed the possibility of the system becoming a tropical cyclone in 24 hours as Poor. As the system continued to organize, the JTWC issued a Tropical Cyclone Formation Alert early the next morning. Soon afterward, the MFR designated the system as Tropical Disturbance 07.


2008–09 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season, Systems, Intense Tropical Cyclone Fanele
The system was predicted to organize at regular speed and remain quasi-stationary within the next 24 hours and then recurve toward the Malagasy coast as a moderate tropical storm. Six hours later, MFR upgraded the system to Tropical Depression 07. The next day, the tropical depression was upgraded to Moderate Tropical Storm Fanele and the JTWC upgraded it to Tropical Cyclone 09S. Later that day, Fanele continued to rapidly organize as it strengthened into a Severe Tropical Storm. Late on January 19, Fanele strengthened into a high-end Tropical Cyclone.


2008–09 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season, Systems, Intense Tropical Cyclone Fanele
It strengthened into an Intense Tropical Cyclone on the morning of January 20 with an intensity of 100 knot winds. Fanele made landfall between 00:00 and 02:00 UTC on January 21 and weakened to a Category 1  with 75 knot winds. Early in the morning of January 22, Fanele weakened to tropical depression as it exited into the Indian Ocean. It restrengthed back into a Moderate Tropical Storm, but it became extratropical the next day.


2008–09 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season, Systems, Intense Tropical Cyclone Fanele
At least eight people were killed, two were left missing, and over 20,000 others were left homeless due to Fanele.


2008–09 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season, Systems, Intense Tropical Cyclone Gael
On February 1, MFR began issuing advisories on an area of disturbed weather newly formed in the central Indian Ocean. JTWC assessed the potential for the development of a significant tropical cyclone within next 24 hours as "poor". JTWC upgraded the disturbance's chances of forming into a tropical cyclone to "fair". On February 2, RSMC designated the area of disturbed weather as "Zone of Disturbed Weather 08. " Later that day JTWC upgraded the disturbance's chances to "good" and issued a Tropical Cyclone Formation Alert. Later that day MFR upgraded Zone of Disturbed Weather 08 into Tropical Disturbance 08.


2008–09 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season, Systems, Intense Tropical Cyclone Gael
On February 3, JTWC was upgraded the system to Tropical Cyclone 13S, MFR re-designated Tropical Disturbance 08 to Moderate Tropical Storm Gael. Early next day on February 5, MFR upgraded it to Severe Tropical Storm Gael. The system quickly intensified that morning into a Tropical Cyclone north of Réunion Island in the early afternoon. Gael was upgraded to an Intense Tropical Cyclone in the evening on February 6. It held that strength for the next couple of days before weakening back to a Severe Tropical Storm. On February 10, the JTWC issued its final warning on Gael as it had transitioned into a cold-core system over the Southern Ocean which then merged with the extratropical remnants of Innis.


2008–09 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season, Systems, Intense Tropical Cyclone Gael
On February 3, Metéo-France issued a pre-cyclone alert (yellow alert) for the islands near Réunion. The next day, Mauritius Meteorological Services issued their Cyclone Warning Class II as Gael approached northeast of the island. Two fatalities occurred on Réunion as a result of heavy rain produced by Gael. A motorcyclist was swept away after trying to cross a submerged road. The other death occurred after a man, who was reportedly drunk, attempted to swim across a flooded road. He was overcome by the waters and swept away. Officials in Madagascar warned the public about the possibility of torrential rains, mudslides, and significant property damage from Gael.


2008–09 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season, Systems, Severe Tropical Storm Hina
On February 20, the Joint Typhoon Warning Center began issuing advisories on an area of disturbed weather newly formed in the central Indian Ocean. Later that day, JTWC assessed the disturbance's potential for the development of a significant tropical cyclone within next 24 hours as Poor. Early on February 21, JTWC upgraded the disturbance's chances of forming into a tropical cyclone from Poor to Fair. In the afternoon, JTWC upgraded the system to Good and issued a Tropical Cyclone Formation Alert.


2008–09 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season, Systems, Severe Tropical Storm Hina
The JTWC then upgraded the disturbance to a Tropical Cyclone 16S, and it is forecast gradually move southwestward and strengthen for the next couple of days. It already began to show a defined organization with some convective banding that same day. Mauritius Meteorological Services upgraded the Zone of Disturbed Weather 09 intensifying to Moderate Tropical Storm and named it Hina. The next day, it became a Severe Tropical Storm. Later on February 25, Hina weakened to a Moderate Tropical Storm and then weakened to a tropical disturbance as wind shear removed all convection from the centre. Early on February 24, JTWC issued their final warning on 16S for the same reason.


2008–09 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season, Systems, Tropical Depression 10
On March 6, the JTWC began monitoring a newly formed area of disturbed weather in the central Indian Ocean, and two days later, they issued a Tropical Cyclone Formation Alert on the disturbance and upgraded it to Zone of Disturbed Weather 10. On March 9, the disturbance was upgraded to a depression and was reclassified as Tropical Cyclone 19S. Wind shear strongly affected the system and caused it to dissipate in the early morning of March 10. The depression did not intensify to a tropical storm, it was the first to do so since the first disturbance of the season formed on October 6.


2008–09 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season, Systems, Severe Tropical Storm Izilda
A Tropical Disturbance formed in the Mozambique Channel around March 21 and on March 24 the JTWC issued a Tropical Cyclone Formation Alert and designated the system Tropical Cyclone 24S. The system is expected to drift very slowly south then south-west, remaining quasi-stationary. Around midday on the 25th, Izilda was upgraded to a severe tropical storm with 65 mph winds. It remained at that intensity throughout the day, but land interaction with Madagascar and wind shear caused Izilda to dissipate later on the 27th.


2008–09 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season, Systems, Severe Tropical Storm Izilda
Due to the proximity of Izilda to Madagascar, storm warnings were put in place for coastal areas between Morondava and Toliara. Fishermen were advised to remain at port due to large swells produced by the storm. Officials in Mozambique feared that the storm would bring heavy rains to areas already suffering from severe flooding which has left over 4,000 people homeless. Fishermen in the country were also advised not to leave port due to the dangerous conditions. As a tropical depression, Izilda passed near Europa Island; however, no damage was reported. Izilda brought moderate rainfall to parts of southwest Madagascar and Europa Island. Waves up to 8 m (26.2 ft) impacted coastal areas of Mozambique and Madagascar as Izilda stalled on March 25.


2008–09 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season, Systems, Severe Tropical Storm Jade
On April 4, an area of disturbed weather formed northeast of Réunion. JTWC reported the disturbance's chance of forming into a tropical cyclone as "good" and issued Tropical Cyclone Formation Alert, and MFR began designating the system as Zone of Disturbed Weather 12. Later that day, JTWC upgraded the system to Tropical Cyclone 26S. Early next day, the disturbance intensified into Tropical Depression 12 as predicted by MFR. Later on that afternoon, MFR upgraded the tropical depression to a moderate tropical storm, naming it Jade. Later that evening, Jade was upgraded to a severe tropical storm.


2008–09 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season, Systems, Severe Tropical Storm Jade
Jade made landfall near Antalaha, Madagascar between 06:00 and 08:00 UTC on April 6 and weakened to a moderate tropical storm. Soon after, Jade weakened to an overland depression. On April 7, Jade exited the coast of Madagascar. However, later that day, Jade reintensified into a moderate tropical storm. Then, on April 8, Jade was again upgraded to a severe tropical storm by La Réunion. The storm became nearly stationary southeast of Madagascar later that day. It became extratropical soon afterwards but was quite powerful reaching a central air pressure of 948 millibars.


2008–09 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season, Systems, Severe Tropical Storm Jade
Heavy rains from the cyclone in northern Madagascar caused a home to collapse, killing three people. At least 800 others were left homeless due to the storm in northern Madagascar. Five other people were killed in a mudslide near Mananjary and another 3,320 were left homeless. A ninth person was killed on April 9 during a landslide in Nosy Varika. In all, Jade killed 15 people and left 22,900 others homeless throughout Madagascar.


2008–09 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season, Storm names
Tropical disturbances were named upon reaching moderate tropical storm strength. When a tropical disturbance reached this intensity west of 55°E, then the Sub-Regional Tropical Cyclone Advisory Centre in Madagascar assigned the appropriate name to the storm. If it reached moderate tropical storm strength between 55°E and 90°E, then the Sub-Regional Tropical Cyclone Advisory Centre in Mauritius named the storm. New name lists are used every year, so no names are retired. The naming list for the 2008–09 South-West Indian Ocean was announced by Météo-France on August 20, 2008 and is as follows:


2008–09 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season, Season effects
This table lists all the storms that developed in the Southern Hemisphere during the 2008–2009 South-West Indian Ocean cyclone season. It includes their intensity, duration, name, landfalls, deaths, and damages. All data is taken from Météo-France. The damage figures are all from 2009 USD.


2008–09 Southampton F.C. season
The 2008–09 season was Southampton's fourth consecutive season in the Football League and their fourth also in the Championship.


2008–09 Southampton F.C. season, Season summary
Having narrowly avoided relegation the previous season, Southampton looked to improve their position in the league in 2008–09. The season was even more disappointing, however, as the Saints finished second from bottom to be relegated to League One, which they would start with a ten-point deduction as a result of its parent company, Southampton Leisure Holdings PLC, entering administration.


2008–09 Southampton F.C. season, Season summary
The season was equally unsatisfactory in the cup tournaments, as the club were knocked out of both the FA Cup and the League Cup in the third round, losing 0–3 to Premier League champions Manchester United and 1–3 to League Two side Rotherham United. The season was worsened still by a change in management – head coach Jan Poortvliet resigned from the club on 23 January 2009, and youth academy manager Mark Wotte took over for the remainder of the season.


2008–09 Southampton F.C. season, Championship
Pld = Matches played; W = Matches won; D = Matches drawn; L = Matches lost; GF = Goals for; GA = Goals against; GD = Goal difference; Pts = Points


2008–09 Southeastern Conference women's basketball season
The 2008–09 SEC women's basketball season began with practices in October 2008, followed by the start of the 2008–09 NCAA Division I women's basketball season in November. Conference play started in early January 2009 and concluded in March, followed by the 2009 SEC Women's Basketball Tournament at the Alltel Arena in North Little Rock, Arkansas.


2008–09 Southern Football League
The 2008–09 season was the 106th in the history of the Southern League, which is an English football competition featuring semi-professional and amateur clubs from the South West, South Central and Midlands of England and South Wales.


2008–09 Southern Football League
At the end of the season Division One Midlands was renamed Division One Central.


2008–09 Southern Football League, Premier Division
The Premier Division consisted of 22 clubs, including 17 clubs from the previous season and five new clubs:


2008–09 Southern Football League, Premier Division
Corby Town won the Premier Division and along with play-off winners Gloucester City got a place in the Conference North next year.


2008–09 Southern Football League, Premier Division
Mangotsfield United, Yate Town and Hitchin Town relegated to the divisions One, while Banbury United were reprieved from relegation after two Conference South clubs folded.


2008–09 Southern Football League, Division One Midlands
Division One Midlands consisted of 22 clubs, including 14 clubs from previous season and eight new clubs:


2008–09 Southern Football League, Division One Midlands
Nuneaton Borough, finished 7th in the Conference North went into liquidation due to financial difficulties, were immediately reformed under the name Nuneaton Town and placed two divisions below in Midlands division.


2008–09 Southern Football League, Division One Midlands
Leamington won the division in the second attempt and got a place in Premier Division along with play-off winners Nuneaton Town. Dunstable and Malvern finished bottom of the table and were relegated to the lower leagues. At the end of the season Division One Midlands was renamed Division One Central.


2008–09 Southern Football League, Division One South & West
Division One South & West consisted of 22 clubs, including 15 clubs from previous season and seven new clubs:


2008–09 Southern Football League, Division One South & West
Truro City won the division in an inaugural season and got a place in Premier Division along with play-off winners Didcot Town. Bracknell Town finished second bottom but were reprieved from relegation due to higher league clubs' problems. Winchester City finished bottom of the table and were relegated to the lower league.


2008–09 Spartan South Midlands Football League
The 2008–09 Spartan South Midlands Football League season is the 12th in the history of Spartan South Midlands Football League a football competition in England.


2008–09 Spartan South Midlands Football League, Premier Division
The Premier Division featured 19 clubs which competed in the division last season, along with three new clubs:


2008–09 Spartan South Midlands Football League, Division One
Division One featured 16 clubs which competed in the division last season, along with five new clubs.


2008–09 Spartan South Midlands Football League, Division Two
Division Two featured 13 clubs, which competed in the division last season, along with five new clubs:


2008–09 Speedcar Series
The 2008–09 Speedcar Series was the second Speedcar Series championship. The championship consisted of five meetings, starting on December 5, 2008 at the Dubai Autodrome in the United Arab Emirates and finishing at the Bahrain International Circuit on April 25, 2009. Gianni Morbidelli finished as champion, pipping defending champion Johnny Herbert by just two points.


2008–09 Speedcar Series, Teams and drivers
All of the teams used the Speedcar V8 vehicle with tyres supplied by Michelin.


2008–09 Speedcar Series, Championship Standings, Drivers
Points were awarded to the top eight classified finishers using the following structure:


2008–09 Sporting de Gijón season
The 2008–09 Sporting de Gijón season was the first season that the club played in La Liga, the highest tier of football in Spain, eleven years after its last time.


2008–09 Sporting de Gijón season
In the previous season, the club promoted as third qualified of Segunda División.


2008–09 Sporting de Gijón season, Overview
Sporting established a new record in La Liga of consecutive games without draws. It earned its first draw in the matchday 34 against Athletic Bilbao, but it lost a possible win in the 92nd minute.


2008–09 Sporting de Gijón season, Overview
The club avoided relegation after winning its last three season games against Málaga, at Real Valladolid and Recreativo de Huelva, all of them by 2–1 scorelines.


2008–09 Sporting de Gijón season, Overview
In the Copa del Rey, Sporting was eliminated in quarter-finals by Athletic Bilbao. The club had not reached this round since 1995.


2008–09 Sporting de Gijón season, Squad
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.


2008–09 Sporting de Gijón season, Squad, From the youth squad
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.


2008–09 Sri Lankan cricket season
The 2008–09 Sri Lankan cricket season featured a Test series between Sri Lanka and India.


2008–09 Sri Lankan cricket season, Test series
Sri Lanka won the Test series against India by 2–1:


2008–09 Sri Lankan provincial council elections
Sri Lanka has held several rounds of Provincial Council elections in 2008 and 2009 to elect members to eight of the country’s Provincial Councils. The decision to hold elections in different parts of the country on separate days was a break in the usual practice, which is to hold elections for the whole country on the same day. For each provincial council, members are elected to serve a five-year term. A chief minister for the province is chosen by the elected members.


2008–09 Sri Lankan provincial council elections
The first election was held in May 2008 to elect members to Sri Lanka's Eastern Provincial Council. In August 2008, elections were held in the North Central and Sabaragamuwa Provinces. In 2009, elections were held for Central and North Western Provincial Councils in February, for the Western Provincial Council in April, for the Uva Provincial Council in August and for the Southern Provincial Council in October. No election was held for the ninth provincial council, Northern, which had been governed directly by the national government since it was demerged from the North Eastern Provincial Council in January 2007.


2008–09 Sri Lankan provincial council elections
The elections were largely seen as a referendum on the handling of the civil war by Sri Lanka's President Mahinda Rajapakse. Rajapakse's United People's Freedom Alliance and its allies registered resounding victories over the opposition United National Party in all the elections.


2008–09 Sri Lankan provincial council elections, Background
In an attempt to end the Sri Lankan Civil War the Indo-Lanka Accord was signed on 29 July 1987. One of the requirements of the accord was that the Sri Lankan government to devolve powers to the provinces. Accordingly on 14 November 1987 the Sri Lankan Parliament passed the 13th Amendment to the 1978 Constitution of Sri Lanka and the Provincial Councils Act No 42 of 1987. On 3 February 1988 nine provincial councils were created by order. The first elections for provincial councils took place on 28 April 1988 in North Central, North Western, Sabaragamuwa, and Uva provinces. On 2 June 1988 elections were held for provincial councils for Central, Southern and Western provinces. The United National Party (UNP), which was in power nationally, won control of all seven provincial councils.


2008–09 Sri Lankan provincial council elections, Background
The Indo-Lanka Accord also required the merger of the Eastern and Northern provinces into one administrative unit. The accord required a referendum to be held by 31 December 1988 in the Eastern Province to decide whether the merger should be permanent. Crucially, the accord allowed the Sri Lankan president to postpone the referendum at his discretion. On September 2 and 8 1988 President Jayewardene issued proclamations enabling the Eastern and Northern provinces to be one administrative unit administered by one elected council, creating the North Eastern Province. Elections in the newly merged North Eastern Province were held on 19 November 1988. The Eelam People's Revolutionary Liberation Front, an Indian backed paramilitary group, won control of the North Eastern provincial council.


2008–09 Sri Lankan provincial council elections, Background
On 1 March 1990, just as the Indian Peace Keeping Force were preparing to withdraw from Sri Lanka, Annamalai Varatharajah Perumal, Chief Minister of the North Eastern Province, moved a motion in the North Eastern Provincial Council declaring an independent Eelam. President Premadasa reacted to Permual's UDI by dissolving the provincial council and imposing direct rule on the province.


2008–09 Sri Lankan provincial council elections, Background
The 2nd Sri Lankan provincial council election was held in 1993 in seven provinces. The UNP retained control of six provincial councils but lost control of the largest provincial council, Western, to the opposition People's Alliance. A special election was held in Southern Province in 1994 after some UNP provincial councillors defected to the opposition. The PA won the election and took control of the Southern Provincial Council.


2008–09 Sri Lankan provincial council elections, Background
The 3rd Sri Lankan provincial council election was held in 1999 in seven provinces. The PA, which was now in power nationally, managed to win the majority of seats in two provinces (North Central and North Western). It was also able to form a majority administration in the other five provinces with the support of smaller parties such as the Ceylon Workers' Congress (CWC) . The UNP regained control of the Central Provincial Council in 2002 after the CWC councillors crossed over to the opposition.


2008–09 Sri Lankan provincial council elections, Background
The 4th Sri Lankan provincial council election was held in 2004 in seven provinces. The United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA), the successor to the PA, won all seven provinces.


2008–09 Sri Lankan provincial council elections, Results, Southern Province
Results of the 6th Southern provincial council election held on 10 October 2009:


2008–09 Sri Lankan provincial council elections, Results, Uva Province
The Uva Provincial Council was prematurely dissolved on 29 May 2009 by governor Nanda Mathew. The term of the council was due to expire in August. The Election Commissioner subsequently announced that nominations will be received from June 17 to June 23, to elect 21 members from the Badulla District and 11 members from the Monaragala District. After the close of nominations, the date of the elections was announced as 8 August 2009.


2008–09 Sri Lankan provincial council elections, Results, Uva Province
Results of the 5th Uva provincial council election held on 8 August 2009:


2008–09 St Mirren F.C. season
St Mirren competed in the Scottish Premier League, after finishing in tenth place in 2007–08. The 2008–09 season also saw the club leave Love Street for the new St Mirren Park in Greenhill Road.


2008–09 St. Francis Terriers men's basketball team
The 2008–09 St. Francis Terriers men's basketball team represented St. Francis College during the 2008–09 NCAA Division I men's basketball season. The team was coached by Brian Nash, who was in his fourth year at the helm of the St. Francis Terriers. The Terrier's home games were played at the  Generoso Pope Athletic Complex. The team has been a member of the Northeast Conference since 1981.


2008–09 St. Francis Terriers men's basketball team
Nash's team finished at 10–20 overall and 7–11 in conference play for an 8th-place finish.


2008–09 St. John's Red Storm men's basketball team
The 2008–09 St. John's Red Storm men's basketball team represented St. John's University during the 2008–09 NCAA Division I men's basketball season. The team was coached by Norm Roberts in his fifth year at the school. St. John's home games are played at Carnesecca Arena and Madison Square Garden and the team is a member of the Big East Conference.


2008–09 St. Louis Blues season
The 2008–09 St. Louis Blues season, the 42nd season for the NHL franchise in St. Louis, Missouri, resulted in the team returning to the NHL Playoffs for the first time since 2004.


2008–09 St. Louis Blues season, Summary
Before the regular season, started the Blues were hit hard with an injury to defenseman Erik Johnson. Johnson suffered a leg injury in a golfing accident that put him out for the season. Despite this the Blues had a good start to the regular season, winning their first opening day game in years, and going 5–3–0, before injuries to Manny Legace and Andy McDonald, coupled with poor defensive play, placed the team in last place in their division at 5–8–1. The Blues would win three games in a row to make their record 9–8–1.


2008–09 St. Louis Blues season, Summary
On November 24, 2008, Blues President John Davidson announced the Blues had traded Lee Stempniak to the Toronto Maple Leafs for defenseman Carlo Colaiacovo and center Alexander Steen. On November 30, Keith Tkachuk became the sixth American-born hockey player, and 72nd overall, to score 1,000 points in a career. The point came on a goal scored in his 1,077th game. He now has 511 goals and 489 assists. The goal helped the Blues to a 4–2 victory over the Atlanta Thrashers. It was his 362nd point in a Blues' uniform, ranking him eighth all-time.


2008–09 St. Louis Blues season, Summary
The Blues would lose their next three games before winning 4–3 over the Phoenix Coyotes. St. Louis would then lose three straight games against teams on the West Coast. The Blues would follow up by losing their next two games to extend their losing streak to five. In that period, defenseman Jay McKee would become another victim of unfortunate injuries for the Blues. The Blues ended the month of December with a poor 4–10–1 record. Just before the All-Star Game break (January 22 to 28), the team gained seven points in their last four games. On February 6, two days after his 36th birthday, goaltender Manny Legace was placed on waivers, and the Blues recalled Chris Holt.


2008–09 St. Louis Blues season, Summary
Andy McDonald returned to active status on February 10 after almost three months out with a broken left leg (since November 16) and promptly made his presence felt with an assist on the Blues' first goal, and then later added a goal of his own, against the Vancouver Canucks, although they ultimately lost the game.


2008–09 St. Louis Blues season, Summary
A 6–2–4 surge in February pushed the Blues (60 points on Feb. 24) to an even 26–26 (eight overtime loses) record, and to within five points of the eighth and final playoff spot.


2008–09 St. Louis Blues season, Summary
In a dramatic and wild 3–1 win, with the final two goals from the youngsters T. J. Oshie and Patrik Berglund late in the wide-open third period, plus 41 saves from Chris Mason, against the Dallas Stars on February 26, pushed the Blues into 12th place in the Western Conference, only three points from a playoff spot and over .500 for the first time since December 8.


2008–09 St. Louis Blues season, Summary
A crucial 6–1 run from March 20 to April 2 pushed the Blues into eighth place, capped off by a stunning 5–4 win on April 2 over the Detroit Red Wings, their first victory over Detroit all season. The game was highlighted by David Backes' career-high four-goal night. It was the first four-goal night by any Blues' player since Scott Mellanby did it on March 6, 2003.


2008–09 St. Louis Blues season, Summary
A key player in the team's late-season surge was the play of fan favorite T. J. Oshie, who was named NHL Rookie of the Month for March (April 2) after earning 13 points (four goals and nine assists) in 14 games, with the Blues going 9–4–1 in the month. From January 1 through the game on March 29, Oshie scored 11 goals and recorded 20 assists for 31 points in 37 games, leading all rookies, save for Bobby Ryan of the Anaheim Ducks, in that span. His play garnered praise from several Blues veterans, including goaltender Chris Mason: "T. J. is such a tenacious player. In every game he seems to create scoring chances out of nothing." Oshie was also listed #8 on "Hockey's Future Top 50 prospects."


2008–09 St. Louis Blues season, Summary
The Blues clinched a playoff spot in their second-to-last game of the season (#81), and their last home game, on April 10, in front of a raucous, standing-room-only crowd of 19,250, beating the Columbus Blue Jackets 3–1 in their 40th win of the season. The defense was superb, giving up only 17 shots, their lowest of the season. This is the first season since 2003–04 the Blues have made the playoffs. In the 2005–06 season, the Blues were in last place overall, and in 2007–08, they were tied for the fourth-worst record in the NHL. The Blues completed one of the greatest late-season playoff surges in NHL history.


2008–09 St. Louis Blues season, Summary
On the same day the Blues clinched a playoff spot, their first-round draft pick in 2008, Alex Pietrangelo, 19, was assigned from the Niagara IceDogs in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) to the Blues' top minor-league affiliate, the Peoria Rivermen of the American Hockey League (AHL).


2008–09 St. Louis Blues season, Summary, Conference standings
bold – qualified for playoffs, y – division winner, p – Presidents' Trophy winnerCE – Central Division, NW – Northwest Division, PA – Pacific Division


2008–09 St. Louis Blues season, Playoffs
The St. Louis Blues returned to the NHL Playoffs for the first time since 2004 with a sixth-place finish in the Western Conference. They were swept in four straight games in the first round by the Vancouver Canucks in large part due to the goaltending of Roberto Luongo. It was the first time the Blues were swept in a playoff series since the Dallas Stars did it to them in 1994


2008–09 St. Louis Blues season, Player statistics, Goaltenders
†Denotes player spent time with another team before joining Blues. Stats reflect time with Blues only. ‡Traded mid-season. Stats reflect time with Blues only.


2008–09 St. Louis Blues season, Draft picks
St. Louis's picks at the 2008 NHL Entry Draft in Ottawa, Ontario, June 20-June 21, 2008.


2008–09 St. Louis Blues season, Farm teams, Peoria Rivermen
The Peoria Rivermen are the Blues American Hockey League affiliate in 2008–09.


2008–09 St. Louis Blues season, Farm teams, Alaska Aces
The Alaska Aces are the Blues affiliate in the ECHL.


2008–09 Stade Rennais F.C. season
The 2008–09 season was the 108th season in the existence of Stade Rennais F.C. and the club's 15th consecutive season in the top flight of French football. In addition to the domestic league, Angers participated in this season's edition of the Coupe de France and the Coupe de la Ligue. The season covered the period from 1 July 2008 to 30 June 2009.


2008–09 Standard Bank Pro20
The 2008–09 Standard Bank Pro20 was the sixth running of Standard Bank Pro20 Series. It saw the Cape Cobras win their first title having previously lost in two finals. For the first time in the competition's history the semi-finals were best of three contests, both semis went to the third match and both were tied, the finalists were decided by a super over tie breaker. The series began on 21 January 2009 and finished with the final on 21 February 2009.


2008–09 Standard Liège season
Standard Liège won their tenth ever league title thanks to a playoff victory against Anderlecht. They finished on the same point as them with the same number of games won. Following 1-1 away from home in Brussels, Standard won 1-0 at home thanks to a penalty scored by Axel Witsel.