Who do we really want in the Premier League?

Given that we are now at the business end of the season, with relegation dogfights and play-off posturing aplenty, the question arises: who do football fans really want in the Premier League? Leaving aside the cash-induced potential for success at clubs like MK Dons and QPR, if we strictly applied a purist criteria of legacy, tradition, atmosphere and fanbase, what 20 teams would best reflect the uniqueness of English football at its highest level? Below is my ideal Premier League (based of course on the unlikely scenario that the clubs listed would all have competitive teams worthy of the Premier League in a given season) along with some explanatory notes. Feel free to question my choices or to come up with your own Premier League wishlist!

IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER:

Arsenal

Aston Villa

Blackburn

Bolton Wanderers

Chelsea

Coventry - They might have been relegated in 2001 but this was after a 34-year unbroken run spanning back to their initial top flight promotion under the legendary Jimmy Hill in 1967. Also, the impressive Ricoh Arena deserves to reach the heights that Highfield Road did.

Everton

Ipswich Town - Keano-hype aside, the Tractor Boys are one of the great English clubs, having tasted several league and cup successes under such luminaries of the game as Alf Ramsey and Bobby Robson. And who can forget George Burley's 2001 Ipswich side which finished an impressive fifth place — being pipped by Liverpool on the last day of the season for a place in the Champions League.

Leeds United - A given. Hooligan criticisms aside, they get an average attendance at Elland Road of over 25,000... in League One! nuff said.

Liverpool

Manchester United

Manchester City

Newcastle United

Nottingham Forest - With 2 European Cups to their name, the shadow of Brian Clough still looms large at the City Ground, as does more recent memories of the ruthless Stuart Pearce, a fresh-faced Roy Keane and an erratic Pierre Van Hooijdonk!

Portsmouth

Sunderland

Tottenham Hotspur

West Ham

Wigan

AFC Wimbledon - the spiritual continuation of the legendary Crazy Gang following the demise of Wimbledon FC in 2003. Its fiercely loyal fanbase has seen the club go 78 league matches in a row without defeat over three seasons, a run which has already earned them promotion to the Conference National. With support on-board from former Wimbledon FC players and managers such as John Fashanu, Dave Beasant, Efan Ekoku, Neil Sullivan and Dave Bassett, the Crazy Gang mark II are worthy of a Premiership spot on passion and tenacity alone.