Hopefully the holidays were as good for you as they were for Wayne Bridge who was happy to trade Stamford Bridge for a better paycheque, some actual playing time and I'm sure Busta Rhymes' new album.

The Hardcore Footy Show returns today and we've got one hell of a show in store. We'll kick off 2009 with an extra co-host. The Hardcore Footy Show Pick Em Challenge officially came to an end on Boxing Day, and Brandon in St. Louis proved that he was the best soccer capper in all of Hardcore Country. I'm not surprised he was better than James, but I know that Travis Payne's pride is hurt, seeing another American flex his soccer knowledge in front of an international community.

So as the winning prize, Brandon will co-host the show today from the comforts of his la-Z-boy recliner. A big thanks goes out to everybody that participated in the challenge. It was fun to see the picks each week and I was happy to see all the new Hardcores get in on it. We'll keep the picks going each week, but we'll have a new contest going this month.

Today we'll recap the end of 2008, debate whether the FA Cup even matters and get to some continental chat after a couple of big time games in Spain's La Liga. And we'll be sure to let Brandon plead his case for an MLS team in his beloved midwestern city.

Catch James Sharman, Kristian Jack, Brandon in St. Louis and I, today at 12pm EST on The Hardcore Footy Show! Listen online at www.hardcoresportsradio.com or on Sirius 98, Hardcore Sports Radio!