Goalkeeper - There are a few options for Goalkeeper, with the likes of Westwood, Gomes, Schwarzer and Speroni being released by their clubs and it is the latter who I choose to make my starting 11.
Julian Speroni has left Crystal Palace this season after 10 years as their number one, joining them back in 2004 from Dundee. Having had a brilliant season back in the top flight he was named their Player of the Year, and he should have no problem finding another club.
Right Back - Released by West Brom, Steven Reid gets my nod at right back having shared the role with Billy Jones last season. A player who seems to have been around for ages, he is past his peak but can probably do a decent job. Wouldn't be surprised to see him drop down a division next season, mind you, and play for a team looking to fight their way up to the big time.
Centre Back - My centre back pairing is one that very few could argue with. Starting with Rio Ferdinand, we have a player who has been the most expensive defender in the world and has won virtually everything playing at the heart of a Manchester United defence. It's hard to say where he'll end up next season, though I wouldn't be surprised if he makes a move to the MLS before too long.
Centre Back - Joleon Lescott is my other centre back, playing alongside Ferdinand in a defence that would've lined up for England a few years back. A strong defender who is good in the air, he has found options limited as Manchester City, but is definitely still Premier League material and I can see him heading back to Everton or somewhere similar.
Right Wing - There aren't many options on the right hand side, and so I've gone for a player who I don't know much about. Marc Albrighton had a few eye catching performances for Aston Villa 2 or 3 years back, but I haven't really seen him since - he spent some time on loan at Wigan last season only managing 4 appearances, and has signed a contract with newly promoted Leicester City. It'll be interesting to see how he does.
Central Midfield - I have to go with a Hastings boy for this position, so Gareth Barry gets the nod. He's been a Premier League player now for a number of years and played a key role in Everton's cracking season this time round. If I were Martinez, I would snap him straight back up but I'm not sure they can cover his wages. I think he'd do a good job anywhere, and I think he'll stick around in the Premier League. Arsenal could do with a bit more experience in their midfield, and I hear they were interested in him last season...
Central Midfield - Alongside Barry is another player who has been around for a number of years. A surprise to some, Frank Lampard was on Chelsea's released list this summer and after the World Cup will have some thinking to do. He may yet be offered a new contract, though the general consensus is that he is going to move on. Could he go to the MLS? Or would he stick around and play a season with West Ham, QPR, Crystal Palace or someone else in the Premier League? A move to QPR would put him back with the Manager who gave him his first tastes of professional football, and his Uncle Harry Redknapp. Could the family ties and a stay in West London be enough to take him to the Premier League new boys?
Left Wing - I'm torn here between a couple of players past their prime. Damien Duff and Joe Cole were terrorising defenders as teammates back in their Chelsea days, but have drifted from the limelight in recent seasons. Duff was relegated this season with Fulham, and although Cole didn't play too many games for West Ham, he started the season brightly and that is why I pick him for the left wing role.
Striker - Another player who seems to have been around forever is Samuel Eto'o. I've always considered him overrated, but given what he has achieved in his career it is difficult to ignore him. Arguably the best Chelsea striker last season, he has been released following claims of a fallout with Mourinho. He makes my 11 based on the fact that he is basically a legend of the game, and he will most likely be playing in one of the top European leagues again next season.
Striker - My other forward in this lineup is Federico Macheda. He burst onto the scene at Manchester United a few seasons ago, scoring the winner against Aston Villa. He then scored on his second game for the club and was labelled to be the next big thing - but unfortunately things didn't really go his way after that, and he was loaned out to a few clubs. Quite capable of finding the back of the net, he is one of the more youthful options available. He has already signed a contract at Cardiff, so will be seen playing Championship football next season.
And there it is! My Released XI. A team full of experience, with a solid defence and a strong spine - and one I reckon would give a lot of teams a run for their money in the Premier League.
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