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Geoff Shreeves' diary: From Leicester's title party to drama at Man Utd v Bournemouth

Geoff Shreeves with Jamie Redknapp (L), Alan Smith (2nd L) and Jimmy Frith
Image: Geoff Shreeves with Jamie Redknapp (left), Alan Smith (second left) and Jimmy Frith

From Leicester's title party to the final-day drama at Old Trafford, it was another busy week for Geoff Shreeves.

Whether he was chatting to Foxes captain Wes Morgan or interviewing Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal, our reporter was right at the heart of the action. 

Here, Geoff gives us an insight into his working week as he shares his daily diary...

Saturday, May 7 - Leicester 3-1 Everton

To Leicester for the trophy presentation. I have been fortunate enough to be at most of the previous dishing out of silverware in 25 years of the Premier League but can honestly say this was the best of the lot.

A big statement, I know, but the sheer unbridled joy of fans, players and owners was unprecedented in my eyes.

Geoff Shreeves chats pitch-side at the King Power Stadium
Image: Geoff Shreeves chats pitch-side at the King Power Stadium

Pre-match, I pull Wes Morgan to one side and warn him not to let emotions get the better of him and let out any expletives just prior to lifting the trophy. A previous skipper did, so the moment is rarely shown and when it is, it's clipped so you don't see him.

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Post-match, when the Foxes are lining up in the tunnel awaiting their prize, I catch Morgan's eye and he starts to repeat mantra style "Don't swear, don't swear" and of course he didn't. For many different reasons, in a team full of unlikely lads, he is probably my favourite.

 Captain Wes Morgan and manager Claudio Ranieri of Leicester City lift the Premier League Trophy
Image: Wes Morgan and Claudio Ranieri lift the Premier League trophy

Sunday, May 8 - Manchester City 2-2 Arsenal

I'm not alone in that whenever I interview Manuel Pellegrini, I feel he has not really given himself in the answers, never shown any human side or revealed his personal feelings.

It was something of a surprise therefore when pre-match he came over as quite emotional and sentimental at the thought of addressing the fans and saying goodbye to them after the game.

When the moment came there were barely any fans left in the stadium who had stayed to hear his adios and thank him for his services. For the first time, I did feel sorry for him as a bloke.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MAY 08:  Manuel Pellegrini, Manager of Manchester City acknowledges the fans followin the Barclays Premier League match between Manch
Image: Manuel Pellegrini says goodbye to the Manchester City fans

Tuesday, May 10 - West Ham 3-2 Manchester United

Farewell the Boleyn. Alan Smith, our co-commentator, and I live nearby to each other so often travel together and we decide to set off for Upton Park early, just in case. It wasn't rocket science.

Not that I'm blaming Manchester United for being late, they were in fact going to be at the ground early. Had there been a sufficient police escort to sweep them through the congested area, the whole problem would have been avoided.

I'm relieved to hear that Mr West Ham, to many former players and managers, Jimmy Frith will be moving to the new ground too. He's been around the club for decades and is always waiting for you with a glass of wine and a bite to eat in the manager's office. People like Jimmy are the soul of a club.

Wednesday, May 11 - Sunderland 3-0 Everton

Commiserations to Norwich and Newcastle, but I send hearty congratulations to my old pal Sam Allardyce.

Having chatted to Ellis Short recently, I know how much more than an owner he is, he really feels it. I got a sense too that he has learnt from his own mistakes and still has the desire to make Sunderland a real success.

SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND - MAY 11:  Sam Allardyce, manager of Sunderland celebrates staying in the Premier League after victory during the Barclays Premier Leag
Image: Sam Allardyce celebrates keeping Sunderland in the Premier League

Friday, May 13 - Louis van Gaal interview

Interview with Louis van Gaal. A difficult task in some ways as there are so many ifs, buts and maybes riding on the outcome of Sunday's games.

He is as bullish and defiant as ever. No surprise there.

Sunday, May 15 - Manchester United A-A Bournemouth 

What a huge let down. Hoping for a day of excitement and all we got was match abandoned.

I was among the last to be evacuated and then, instead of being pitch-side, I continued with live news updates from the car park. All that because one guy couldn't count his training aids.

Beyond a joke and I'm not even one of those who had travelled thousands of miles and can't make the rearranged date.

One of the most bizarre rumours doing the rounds on the day was that the match would go ahead that night behind closed doors!

Shreeves outside Old Trafford following the abandonment of Manchester United v Bournemouth
Image: Shreeves outside Old Trafford following the abandonment of Manchester United v Bournemouth

Tuesday, May 17 - Manchester United 3-1 Bournemouth

Manchester United versus Bournemouth part two. Surreal atmosphere before, during and after at a half full at best Old Trafford. Even the jeers for LVG when he made his address to the crowd were half-hearted.

Post-match, the United manager stated that his team are one in "transition" which, after two years and £250m spent, went down a storm with their fans. So season 25 for me finishes on a low note, which is a shame because it was probably the best of the lot.

Louis van Gaal
Image: Louis van Gaal addresses the Manchester United fans after their final game of the Premier League season

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