Saw this article on the Wycombe board http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/15336398.stm Thoughts? For me, I think the entirety of it is pure muck. As far as I can see, Wigan and Bolton are far more likely to propose something like this than Sunderland or Villa, and that's not counting the super rich who don't care about relegation. Can't see anything like this happening in the near future, and it would be their own loss if they chose to do it. Closed leagues are the reserve of American sports and small countries that can't support a pyramid.
IA - you know this is more likely to rattle my cage, than any other topics. Completes my reasons for my total hatred of the Premier League, the day this happens every single football fan should boycott any Premier League games. However, glory hunters would not support such a pledge. There should never ever be a closed league, much the same as I never approved of a closed door to promotion from the non league decades ago. You state that you can never see this happening, there has been many things I could never see happening to our game but the money men are taking it over, remember the one about zero Premier League fans and pay by tv.
Would love to do an in depth answer, but it's such a stupid proposition that it will wind me up. With sleep time coming up, it won't be good for me. But again... stupid, STUPID idea.
i dont think this will happen unless a super league is formed with the elite clubs like a celtic,rangers man utd that crap from north london and liverpool joining likes of bayern juventus etc etc.What i think will happen is a premier league 2 with us involved ive heard several reports on this over last few weeks this would be a fairer idea,with money being split between clubs in prem one and prem 2
This thread is getting worse by the minute...elite clubs like Celtic and Rangers, do me a favour, I need to go and have a lay down. I don't know whether to burst out laughing hysterically or lob my laptop out of the window at the thought as a traditionalist of a closed Premier League!
OK, but I think the people you should be angry at (if it does happen) are the owners of small clubs in the Premier League especially the ones with a lot to lose from relegation. Bolton's debts are absolutely bonkers, and I doubt Blackburn are far behind. I can't see what Liverpool have to gain from closing off relegation from the Premier League. What one about zero Premier League fans? I don't think it's a goer. Seems a lot less likely than the '39th game' (or whatever it was called) where the superstars of WBA would face Fulham in the Far East. In ten years time, everything may change, of course, but for now, I can't see it. Sorry for winding you up before bedtime, brb and SuperChrissy
IA - The fans have to take a certain amount of blame, its all this glory hunting and boo boy stuff. Probably getting to old for it mate, being taken over by a different era, where there is no place for tradition only money. Don't get me wrong, some good has come of the last couple of decades but a lot of bad is only a few steps behind.
If this stupid idea was to come to fruition then I am sure that massive clubs in the Championship and League One would have something to say about it. I am no lawyer, but I am sure 'limitation of trade and competition' would enter the fray. For instance, clubs like Charlton, Forest, Sheffield United, Southampton, West Ham and Leicester could claim more rights to Premier League football than Wigan, Wolves, Stoke and West Brom. Besides, a closed competition would remove the most exciting period in the season - when clubs are fighting for survival. It is a rotten idea, from rotten little clubs.
If this would happen it would destroy football completely. Firstly there would be zero investment into teams outside the top league, which would then directly effect the amount of revenue through television to all the other leagues. Secondly, it would take the thrill away from the supporters playing the same 23 or 19 teams season in season out, teams such as Stevenage and AFC Wimbledon would never get the chance to play with the big dogs, not saying they have a chance but Swansea managed it as did Blackpool so in some years never know who will be in the top league. Finally, this proposal is mainly for the clubs with massive debt, if their going to spend so much and it not work out they deserved to get punished for having such a stupid business ethic.
Would it be legal? Surely this is paramount to a 'closed shop' - ok a definition used for unions but what is the difference... Legal Dictionary UK: United Kingdom All forms of closed shops in the UK are strictly illegal under section 137(1)(a) of the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992 (c. 52).[5] US: Main Entry: closed shop Function: noun : a business in which the employer by agreement hires and retains only union members âsee also Labor Management Relations Act in the IMPORTANT LAWS section âcompare OPEN SHOP, UNION SHOP NOTE: Closed shops are illegal under the Labor Management Relations Act.
Isn't the 3rd man u super? Good to see wigans chairman come out and say he'd pull Wigan from the Prem if this happened, whether or not he would if it did is up for debate but its good to hear.
Surely supporters of the big clubs would get fed up with watching the same teams and visiting no new stadiums? I know I would.
How boring would the bottom of the PL be if there was no relegation? Imagine Blackburn vs Wigan in May...besides the next logical step would be to throw out small teams, i.e. instead of promotion and relegation based on points earned, it will be done on turnover and attractiveness for TV audiences. Why keep Blackburn, Wigan, Bolton, Stoke etc in the PL, when you can replace them with more 'glamorous' clubs such as Leeds, West Ham etc who will attract larger TV audiences around the world.
Can someone explain to me why Liverpool would care about promotion and relegation? The only reason I can see for them forming an opinion on the matter would be if voting for it meant that they would get something they really want, such as the ability to sell the TV rights for their own matches, rather than as part of a package. Dave Whelan mouthing off looking for attention. Next thing you know Phil Gartside will have something to say...
Why would Liverpool care about anything, sorry can someone remind me when Liverpool won the Premier League? So it's a good job the Champions league was not based on the old European Cup entry, because second would not count, therefore you are not on par with the so called elite, therefore your relegated, so keep your noses out the trough.
