Look Forward to the Champions League Final by Paul McIndoe

The Champions League, Europe's premier club competition, starts off with 32 teams competing to become the best club team in Europe. The competition begins in September, but it's really only when the competition enters the phase consisting of 16 teams in February and March that supporters begin to dream - and plan - the possibility of their team lifting the coveted trophy.

In 2009, the Champions League Final will be held in the Stadio Olimpico, which takes place in what is considered one of Europe's most prestigious cities: Rome. The stadium itself is synonymous with major sporting events. In fact, it is the location where Andreas Brehme scored from the penalty spot to ensure victory for West Germany in the FIFA World Cup Final in 1990.

It is also home to the Italian National team, as well as two of Rome's top football teams - S.S. Lazio and A.S. Roma. With a capacity of just over 72,000, its historical significance and superb atmosphere ensure it will be the perfect setting to host the 2009 Champions League Final.

Of course, following your team to a Champions League Final provides a great excuse for a trip away, but when do you start planning? The quarter-final draw presents each team with their potential semi-final and final opponents; and whilst planning your trip at such an early stage may seem optimistic, it may prove beneficial.

The added attraction for supporters is that the 2009 Champions League Final will be contested in Rome, which is a popular tourist destination for visitors to Italy. Therefore, supporters can extend their visit to take in the delights of this historic and romantic city.

And whoever plays out the final this year is sure to draw a significant following of football and sports fans alike to the city. Therefore, it is important to remember that leaving the planning of your flights - and even organising to stay at one of the Rome hotels - to the last kick of the semi-final may be risky, and likely to prove more expensive.

Such risks need to be weighed up against the possibility of being the only Manchester United fan in Rome during a Chelsea v Arsenal final, for example. The logistics will ultimately depend on your optimism as a supporter, and of course your team's ability! But with the final being contested in a city renowned for gladiatorial battles, if dreams do turn into reality then it is sure be a night to remember.

Manchester United

Manchester United is one of the most successful Premiership football groups ever and the most successful of up to date years. Even in notwithstanding of Chelsea's cash Manchester United have still been the best football team of latest years winning the Premiership and Champs League last season and due to this they've a large worldwide fanbase.

There is a big quantity of product that you can purchase from Manchester United and the hottest must be the Manu Replica Shirts.

As well as the Manchester United replica shirts there are shorts, socks, coaching kits and Manchester United casual clothing and so it is easy to get that Manu look.

Manchester United is a football club which has experienced the common highs and lows that are related to the game. Along the way they've had decades of fantastic years where they led a just about charmed existence frequently followed by decades where they passed into near obscurity. Whatever it is about them it is troublesome to debate the indisputable fact that their fans have showed an amazing quantity of longevity and faithfulness.

For several fans, it is one moment in one game that sealed their destiny and solidified their constant love for the experience that is Manchester United. Sharing the memories with their children is very like reliving the memory once again and sharing it with their boys, and now girls is like passing down a dear family heirloom.

These fans are fans based entirely on the merit of the team or certain players in the club instead of the lengthy and time honoured custom that Manchester United represents.

People who have been groomed as Manchester United fans since long before they could support their own weight or scream their own cheers supporting their team look on these types of fans with a not so little degree of scorn.

But I have fears about the longevity of their revival and if they can sustain their challenge for the top honours. I am not at all impressed with Carrick notwithstanding all the daft hype that follows him around, and I consider him dead weight both for club and country. With Scholes and Giggs coming to the end of their superb careers I suspect the midfield area may become a heavy area for them to fill.

Whether you could be a lifetime Manchester United fan or this is your first season supporting them, I believe you'll be able to find the experience that is Manchester United is unusual and rare. by Steven Wishaw