The good, the bad and the purple

The inaugural UFL is over and Al Ahli have been crowned champions. Ivan Hasek's team have surprised everyone by holding their nerve and winning the league.

The 3-1 victory against last season's champions Al Shabab meant that high spending Al Jazira finished second.

Al Ahli have the double bonus of a place in the AFC Champions League and a potential match against the European Champions in the World Club Cup in Abu Dhabi in December. The other end of the table saw a shock with Al Shaab relegated despite being one of the larger clubs in the UAE with resources to back it.

They may well look to the youth for next season as the age groups below the first team squad have done well. As this is the last column of the season, here are my 10 highlights of the season.

1. Al Ahli's Brazilian Bare cracking two goals in a match, being substituted and heading straight to the stand to chat to the only two ladies in the stadium. I liked that man's style.

2. Car decorations including red hearts all over an Al Ahli fan's car and the Al Ain fan whose Range Rover Sport was sprayed purple, thus instantly devaluing it by 50 per cent.

3. Andre Diaz of Al Ain's second half to the season. Outstanding from the Brazilian who managed almost 20 goals in all competitions.

4. Winfried Schaefer's record of getting sent to the stands of almost every UFL ground. I don't know if he was on a mission, but it seemed like all the referees were more than willing to help his quest.

5. Ajman's scaffold stand installed after early season success to allow extra fans in. The installation coincided with an alarming drop in form and the scaffold was soon gone.

6. Al Ain's luxury changing rooms. I was lucky enough to see inside and it was the first time I have ever seen leather couches and a TV for players to relax after a game. 7. Romy Gai's management of the league this season. He has had a tough time but always manages to put a positive spin on things.

8. Sharjah taking their ball home and dropping out of the AFC Champions League. Unbelievable, and could cost a place in next season's edition.

9. The two cups Al Ain won ending a trophy drought of over three years.

10. The fans, I have rarely seen such co-ordination and musicianship among any fans in the world. Special mention to Al Jazira, Al Wahda and the Bani Yas supporters. We hopefully can look forward to more English coverage next season including TV and the long-awaited website.

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