In a nutshell, spot-on. In summary, Spurs getting their act together in the PL and Citeh winning the lottery, in the same time frame, has irreparably damaged the Sky 4. That the Goons delayed judgement to at least possibly 2017 as the last casualty has been more down to luck (Lasagna-gate in 2006, Chelsky CL 2012) than Wengers' managerial / talent spotting brilliance.
Hmmmm.... going to have to disagree slightly here. Just because top 4 was a bit of a closed shop before i'm not sure if that meant that teams could coast to 4th spot. The English teams were strong and got to finals and i don't think coasting per se went on because they could coast to top 4 but more than coasting was allowed to happen as the other teams lower down were weaker so you could get away with more rotation and playing whoever you wanted. The Liverpool and Chelsea side who won it showed that having rests helped them as both sides gave up on the league and both sides couldn't coast to top 4. I just think the recent phenomena with English sides going out early is just that all the teams lower down have more money and can compete for players that they couldn't get before. The PL Money is phenomenal compared to other leagues and the rewards even greater for both players and teams. Also there are teams at the top who players prefer playing for instead of the PL like PSG who can offer loads of money. Bayern have become a super club alongside Real and Barca (in the 2000s they didn't have star star players).
I don't see Spurs any longer being at a disadvantage against the teams referred to. Consistently being near the top of the league and qualifying for the CL opens all the right doors - access to TV revenues and prize money, increased fan base around the world, attracting better players etc. The new stadium and being located in London will only help this. Spurs are also well managed on and off the pitch. Income will continue to rise and with that will come the ability to compete financially in the transfer market and in paying wages. Some clubs are so well established (Real Madrid, Utd being the best examples) that they will always have some financial advantage, but lack of success on the field in the major competitions in Utd's case, will have a detrimental effect over time. Football is a business where having a brand is vitally important to success as it is in other leisure/entertainment industries. The difference is that success on the pitch can help establish a brand in a way that isn't possible in other businesses. Spurs have been performing at the top of the most financially lucrative and attractive league in the world. It will result in Spurs financial stock rising too. It's not a closed shop.
I think that's being a little simplistic but we shall see....? In a world where Liverpool are paying Loveren £100k and Milner £140k, City pay Sterling £185k and Arsenal are considering throwing Ozil £250k, we can't compete on wages. It might be a decade before the stadium and other building projects are paid for.and that may put us in a delicate position until they are. Tottenham Hotspur will be a partner in the biggest story in the NFL for decades. The stadium we're building will put The Emirates to shame. It is all coming but the next few years may be tricky. Not there yet......
I was up for work at 2 this morning feeling knackered so bed time for me I'm gonna dream of a boro win
They're playing well so far; working really hard on and off the ball. But Chelsea have more quality all over the pitch. We need a miracle here.
1-0. Combination of awful defending from a former United player and former Arsenal player. Why am I doing this to myself?
Monaco have signed an arrangement with Cercle Brugge, using the Belgian club to assist in their youth development ...it's almost tempting to ask if second tier Cercle get larger crowds than Monaco do.
So nothing like every single person on your matchday threads when an opposition player breathes near a Spurs player then? Agree though, it was a nothing foul and I hate imaginary card waving. Pisses me off
It shows what Fergie and United 'got away with' that Fabio and his clone played in title winning teams. Totally **** doesn't get close to covering it.
Erm... Not sure how to put this, but we aren't doing it from the technical area. Is that difference too subtle?
