> > I think that that has been said each and every year since the start of the > Premier League. And it's just not true. > The difference in individual talent is really marginal(*) and the difference > between a good Premier league team and a good Championship team is the > ability to harness those margins to give a sum greater than the individuals. > Relegated teams are precisely those that haven't been able to do that - ergo > they are just as likely to struggle in the 2nd division as in the first, and that > has always been the case. > I take great heart from Leicester this year who seem to be showing that > there is very little difference in class once you get to a certain level, and I > think that the increase in money over the next few years is going to increase > the number of clubs who can compete at that level rather than moving the > "top" clubs up to the next.
Thanks for the well-reasoned argument and one that I would have support up until now. I think the financial fair play rules and the doubling of the money in the new TV deal is the game changer - 5.1 BILLION Pounds the vast majority into the pockets of rich Premier League teams. I don't know how much will trickle down to the Championship but I doubt it is much. Now you can only play 11 at a time and effectively have a squad of 25 players. The money means that the top talent from around the world will be available to the Stokes and WBA etc of this world and is going to allow these "smaller" teams to compete with the mega rich, for whom the extra money is almost meaningless even with the FFP rules. I disagree that there aren't many superstars and with practically unlimited money even mid table teams will be able to trawl the whole world and afford anyone except for the Messi's or Ronaldo's. And with increased income and parachute payments they will be able to keep more of them if they get relegated. > I take great heart from Leicester this year who seem to be showing that > there is very little difference in class once you get to a certain level, and I > think that the increase in money over the next few years is going to increase > the number of clubs who can compete at that level rather than moving the > "top" clubs up to the next. I think that is my point isn't it? The increase in money will only help those in the PL not anywhere else. The clubs who are there for the bonanza will be able to recruit the best players for around the world making the premier league more competitive (but with even less UK born players), while championship teams will have to make do with their cast offs making it even more difficult to compete with relegated teams. Of course there will be complete fuckup team like Wigan, Bolton or Leeds, but generally I reckon the 3 relegated will all be in contention for the automatic places each season. _______________________________________________ Leedslist mailing list Info and options: http://mailman.greennet.org.uk/mailman/listinfo/leedslist To unsubscribe, email [email protected] MARCHING ON TOGETHER
