On October 22nd last year RTG reviewed the opening phase of the current season, with it a quarter complete. At that time, our basic conclusion was that very little appeared to have changed: the big four were still the big four and occupying the top places, despite pre-season optimism to the contrary; the level of genuine competition was becoming as humdrum as ever; England were struggling to qualify for Euro 2008 despite the usual mindless optimism from the media; most clubs outside of the big four were struggling to fill their grounds.
Now that just over half the season is complete, has anything changed since then?
Well, the government and financial press seem to be talking us into a recession and this appears to be reflected in even more empty seats in some grounds and making the current transfer window seem even more about speculation than actual deals being completed.
Subject to Liverpool beating Aston Villa tonight, at Anfield, the big four will once again occupy the top four places in the Premier League. In fact, it seems likely that any deviation from this by the end of the season, should Everton, City or maybe Villa make it in to the Champions League, will be purely down to Liverpool’s owners mismanagement of their affairs than anything else.
The rest of the Premier League has predictably polarised with perennial strugglers, Fulham, plus the newly promoted teams, fighting out the relegation issues. In summary, there does not appear to be much for the objective football supporter to relish in competitive terms. There will be no new name on the Premiership trophy. Or, for that matter, any of the other trophies up for grabs. In fact, the only “surprise” is that Arsenal’s name may appear on the Premier League trophy for the first time in four years. Big deal! Little wonder that people seem reluctant to part with £30-£90 of their hard-earned cash each week to watch the Premier League’s predictable procession.
Revenues from the new TV deal seemed to have very little competitive impact despite this being hailed, amidst a frenzy of summer transfer activity, as potentially the most open Premier League season ever. In fact, more money actually led to more panic, with more managers being sacked….sorry leaving by ‘mutual consent’ in the first half of the season than throughout the whole of last season. Most commentators have suggested that this is as it should be and only reflects common practices in the business world. RTG would suggest that failing business leaders who walk away with multi-million pound pay-offs is not a practice that we would like to replicate in the football world. After all, it is our money that is being leaked away through incompetent management and poor recruitment.
So are there any grounds for optimism or is it all doom and gloom? Well, at least FIFA and UEFA have begun to address one of RTG’s pet issues – the club v country debate. RTG will return to that in our next posting barring any major developments elsewhere. The English FA’s Burton project, which is currently in moth balls, is being debated again, at least, and we have a new England manager who does not appear to be afraid of the media – though his first squad selection should give us an indication as to whether he has the balls to end the ridiculous David Beckham 100th cap debate. RTG’s advice to Fabio, should he wish to listen, is give him a picture of a Spitfire or his gold watch and send him on his way with a handshake. England has bigger mountains to climb.
Reclaim the Game – The Weekend’s Events
- Amidst the acres of press coverage given to the ‘Messiah’s return’ this week, Kevin Keegan put paid to any idea that he does not have his finger on the pulse of the modern game by stating that the big four are ruining the FA Cup by fielding weakened teams. Errrr…..Kevin….even League 2 Peterborough fielded a weakened team in the FA Cup this year! Get with the programme Kevin…sorry matchday magazine!
- Sir Alex Ferguson denies making obscene gestures at the Reading fans citing relief at scoring the second goal as the reason for his slightly bizarre hand/arm actions. The truth is likely to be that the grey haired season ticketholder who sits behind the bench at the Mad Stad does look a little like Arsene Wenger.
- RTG wonders how, as Manchester United fly off this week for a million pound “earner” to Saudi Arabia, travel visas will be obtained for the Glazer family – their failing to qualify on account of their Jewish faith. Or is it just another case of money over-riding everything, including racism and propping up inequitable regimes.
Hats Off, Take A Bow (or not)!
Player of the Week - Benjani Mwaruwari, as much for his season’s performances as for his hat trick against struggling Derby County.
Villains of the Week – chiefly the journalist panel on Sky’s Sunday Supplement, but also the bandwagon jumpers who feel that David Beckham’s 100th cap is more important than re building a new England team. And no! He doesn’t deserve it.
Hero of the Week – Neil Warnock. When he took over at Crystal Palace, they were second from bottom. Having beaten second placed Bristol City at the weekend, they are now handily placed in 5th.
Shock of the Week – Havant and Waterlooville’s FA Cup 3rd round victory over the best team in League 1, Swansea City. Oh the romance of the FA…..
Cliché of the Week – “Return of the Messiah”. No he’s not, he’s a very naughty boy!
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