Welcome to the grand stage of the third Football Daily Christmas Awards! Here, we leave behind the days of jadedness and are now refreshed and ready to celebrate the footballing moments that made 2024 truly special. Pour yourself a drink, relax, and join us on this journey through the footballing world.

Celebrating Football's Festive Moments

The Noel Edmonds Cookability Roadshow Award for Gaslighting

At Stockley Park, there were those slack-jawed yokels making up things as they went along. Their rulebooks were upside down, tape snagging in video machines, and rulers all floppy. We could list their egregious decisions, but instead, print out this page and fill in examples of your club being done over by these clowns. It's a tale of mismanagement and confusion that left many questioning the fairness of the game.The clubs had a chance to vote these lot out of existence but missed it. This is a missed opportunity for a brighter future that puts other ballot-box fiascos in the shade. It's a story that shows the power of collective action and the consequences of inaction.

The Philippe Petit Award for Balance

In a world where we long for the days before certain technologies and AI overlords, the Tin robot at Crystal Palace stands as a significant advancement. Perfectly poured and with no queues, it gives us the chance to enjoy a drink at half-time before the second period starts. It's a reminder that sometimes, the simple things in life can bring us the most joy.

The Bruce Forsyth Award for Nearest Approximation of ‘Not in This Game’ Catchphrase

Mike Dean's brazen admission during the Manchester derby was a sight to behold. He claimed that Rúben Dias's clothes-lining of Rasmus Højlund wasn't enough for a penalty because of "vibes." His off-the-cuff thinking and improvisation left many scratching their heads. He also admitted to letting players get away with bookable offences and handing out "free" ones. It's a case of the law being applied in a way that seems inconsistent and unfair.

The Dimitar Berbatov Award for Most Velvety First Touch

Those Diego Maradona and Ronaldinho warm-up videos go viral for a reason. A perfectly cushioned first touch can set up a goal on a free-flowing move. Josh Tymon, the Swansea City left back, showed this skill in April at Huddersfield. He collected a route-one pass with finesse and trapped the ball on the run like a meteorite. His simple pass set up a goal and proved that sometimes, the little things can make a big difference.Kyogo Furuhashi also demonstrated this skill with his wild touch and finish in Celtic's 3-0 win over Hibs. It's a testament to the artistry of football and the players who can make it look effortless.

The Casemiro Award for Waking One Morning to Find Yourself Aged 74

Kevin De Bruyne is a prime example of this award. His skills on the pitch are undeniable, but his team's performance often leaves them feeling like they've aged overnight.Manchester City, on the other hand, seems to have more than one member of their team waking up to find themselves aged 74. Their long runs of success are often interrupted by unexpected setbacks, leaving them wondering what went wrong.

The Stone Roses Wendy & Lisa* Award for Cascading H2O

Manchester United's long run of success in the Waterfall category came to an end. Their new stadium at Goodison Park seems to have drainage issues, with water sluicing down stairwells in a log-flume style. It's a reminder that even the grandest of stadiums can have their flaws.However, they've promised to fix the drainage problem at some point. In the meantime, the rest of the place looks tinder dry and super funky. It's a story of hope and perseverance in the face of adversity.

The Sillett & Curtis Award for Moral Fa Cup Victors

Coventry City came within an inch of the greatest semi-final comeback of all time and lifted our karmic kup. Manchester United, on the other hand, were an inch away from the slapstickiest pratfall and should be ashamed of themselves. Their success in the cup run delayed the inevitable sacking of Erik ten Hag and allowed the suits time to work on Ruben Amorim. It's a story of luck and misfortune in the world of football.

The Clive Allen Award for Goalscoring Futility

Clive Allen scored 49 goals for Tottenham Hotspur in 1986-87, but all his efforts were in vain. Spurs should have won the league but came third in a two-horse race with Everton. They also lost a League Cup semi-final marathon to Arsenal and suffered a painful defeat in the FA Cup final. Harry Kane's move to Bayern Munich in search of silverware is a reminder that even the best strikers can struggle to achieve their goals.

The Pete Best Award for Mistiming Your Exit

Jürgen Klopp led Liverpool to impressive point totals but only won one title. He must wonder why Pep's existential crisis didn't come earlier. Mikel Arteta, José Mourinho, and Ole Gunnar Solskjær are probably thinking the same way. It's a story of timing and opportunity in football management.

The Monty Boo-urns Award for Cruellest Gotcha

Southampton fans showed some imagination during their 5-0 defeat to Tottenham. Already 4-0 down, they invited their beleaguered boss Russell Martin to "give them a wave." When he obliged, they booed him. His hasty exit from the pitch shortly before half-time was a sad end to a difficult season. It's a reminder that sometimes, the fans can be the harshest critics.

The Jonny Wilkinson Award for Best Three-Point Conversion

Chelsea beat Leicester in the FA Cup last season, but Raheem Sterling's performance was farcical. He set up a goal for Cole Palmer but also blocked a shot, messed up a one-on-one, pulled rank for penalties and free-kicks, and scuffed the penalties. His actions led to him being booed off by his own fans. It's a story of missed opportunities and poor decision-making.

The Tom Hanks Award for Best Crossover Act

Sean Dyche has experience as a heist boss, and his appearance in Blossoms' new music video was a surprise. He met the band at a Rick Astley concert and agreed to be in the video. It's a reminder that sometimes, the most unexpected things can happen in the world of football.The kit launch for Genoa, with WWE legend The Undertaker taking centre stage, was another random crossover. It's a story of the unexpected and the power of marketing in the world of football.

The Football Daily Managerial Merry-Go-Round Swords of Damocles

We did well last year in predicting the demises of some managers. Now, we're making our picks for 2025: Mikel Arteta, Sean Dyche, Pep, whoever follows Pep, Ange, whoever follows Ange, and Frank Lampard. It's a game of chance and speculation in the world of football management.