tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-487486960623783530.post4951441557592869650..comments2024-02-29T09:58:18.342+01:00Comments on The Swiss Ramble: UEFA Say Fair Play To ArsenalThe Swiss Ramblerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11423088862174893998noreply@blogger.comBlogger75125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-487486960623783530.post-5908621103377094502011-07-10T18:42:02.974+02:002011-07-10T18:42:02.974+02:00Hi all,
Just thought I could suggest a couple of...Hi all, <br /><br />Just thought I could suggest a couple of little points on top of what had been pointed out in the legal article that Kieron had linked to, which would apply to more than just competition law. I do apologise if I am mistaken in anyway, for I am not a student of European law.<br /><br />That article had, in arguing against EC intervention against FFPR, mentioned the proportionality of the FFPR to securing its objectives of financial fair play. This seems to be turning point as far as the ECJ is concerned: the Bosman ruling was made because of the disproportionate impact that the then transfer rules had on the free movement of labour within the EU (going beyond the need of football clubs to ensure some form certainty of their squad makeup).<br /><br />It is suggested that proportionality will be more easily argued from UEFA's side in this day and age, where the football industry has vastly expanded since Bosman's 1995, such that there is a necessity for regulated capital flow, to ensure the long-term well-being of the industry, as well as perhaps related industries such as media and tourism. <br /><br />Further, the Lisbon Treaty now recognises the "specific nature of sport", which is an institutional recognition of sport as an activity serving important social, educational and cultural functions. The elevated status that sports enjoys (as, again, compared to 1995) would probably also help the FFPR fend away legal challenges, should they somehow arise or make their way to the ECJ at all. While the Bosman ruling would probably still have been made if decided at the present moment, I would think that the bar for "disproportionality" has been set much higher than before.<br /><br />Cheers!Jie Mingnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-487486960623783530.post-19212542493457000142011-04-28T16:07:23.447+02:002011-04-28T16:07:23.447+02:00Interesting to hear that there has been discussion...Interesting to hear that there has been discussions with the EU, as that suggests a number of scenarios including the possible grant of a black exemption. <br /><br />I worry that without the block exemption, if a sugar daddy isn't happy, he can complain to the European Court that the rules MIGHT infringe the EU rules on free movement on capital. It would not be the first timne a rich man set the rules to favour himself, and when the rules didn't guarantee him success, sought to change him.<br /><br />Thanks for the links. They are on the "to do" list.snoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-487486960623783530.post-15644831325671499162011-04-27T19:31:24.623+02:002011-04-27T19:31:24.623+02:00@SpurredoninDublin,
UEFA has certainly been in di...@SpurredoninDublin,<br /><br />UEFA has certainly been in discussions with the EU over the possible legal implications of FFP rules, but I'm not a lawyer, so I cannot comment with any great confidence on that issue.<br /><br />You can find an article examining the issues at this website http://www.danielgeey.com/articles.php in the Regulatory section.<br /><br />By the way, if you want to further examine the financial implications of FFP, I have written two later pieces, which you can find here http://swissramble.blogspot.com/2011/02/chelseas-financial-fair-play-challenge.html and here http://swissramble.blogspot.com/2010/10/how-manchester-city-could-break-even.htmlThe Swiss Ramblerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11423088862174893998noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-487486960623783530.post-37792931132121150392011-04-27T10:55:35.729+02:002011-04-27T10:55:35.729+02:00Excellent article, which I think could have been n...Excellent article, which I think could have been named "Everything you wanted to know about FFPR but were afraid to ask".<br /><br />I can see your point in responses that though it is fair to say that these rules look like the big boys have built their own lifeboat and are not prepared to let anyone else on board, these rules might be better than the current status quo.<br /><br />In spite of this, it is fair to say that those outside the lifeboat will have a lot of swimming to do before they can catch up. One concern that I have is that I don't believe that Abramovich is in this for the love of Chelsea and it is a question of prestige for him. I was originally under the impression that if club like Chelsea made huge losses and these were written off by the generosity of their "sugar daddy" owners, this could circumvent the rules, but it appears not.<br /><br />Having said that, I do have a question which I don't know if you are qualified to answer. On a couple of occasions, the European Union has intervened in football to rule that certain practices were illegal, such as Bosman and the number of foreign players that could be fielded in a match. I am aware the EU has rules on both "free movement of capital" and "free movement of persons". If (e.g.) Abramovich decided that he wanted to sign most of Europe's top players (again), what is there to stop him writing off the debts owed to him, and then saying that these rules breached EU law (if indeed they do).<br /><br />With regard to "free movement of persons and capital", I have often thought that the "transfer window" might be illegal, but I am aware that the EU will generally only act if there is a complaint from a person with standing.<br /><br />My concern is that the sugar daddies are in this for the prestige rather than the money, and there is no prestige in having an unsuccessful team.<br /><br />I am aware that the EU has the power to grant block exemptions if all parties are agreeable, which raises the point has UEFA sought such an exemption?SpurredoninDublinnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-487486960623783530.post-52462319386025608762011-03-11T08:39:57.143+01:002011-03-11T08:39:57.143+01:00@Jie Ming,
Thanks for the kind words.
This artic...@Jie Ming,<br /><br />Thanks for the kind words.<br /><br />This article was based on an earlier draft of the FFP regulations, the UEFA Club Licensing Discussion Paper from March 2010, where that quote was located in section 13.5 Other potential disclosures and adjustments.The Swiss Ramblerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11423088862174893998noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-487486960623783530.post-72161025306348031762011-03-10T16:17:32.094+01:002011-03-10T16:17:32.094+01:00Hi there,
Just stumbled upon this post while doin...Hi there,<br /><br />Just stumbled upon this post while doing some research on the Financial Fair Play regulations, and I have found this to be most insightful. <br /><br />I do have a query though. May I know where the following rule which you had quoted may be found in the FFP regulations:<br /><br />“For the calculation of relevant expenses, management must include any expenses incurred in the reporting period in respect of the activities of the club that are not otherwise recorded in the audited annual financial statements of the reporting entity that forms the basis for preparation of the break-even calculation.”<br /><br />Thank you!Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10711833106066010702noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-487486960623783530.post-27819894674453875832010-11-03T16:30:14.059+01:002010-11-03T16:30:14.059+01:00Dear Kieron,
I was able to put a name to your wond...Dear Kieron,<br />I was able to put a name to your wonderful work by listening to a podcast on BTP.<br />We share quite a few things:<br />- we are Arsenal fans...I had my season ticket before I had an appartment when I moved to London a few months before Wenger was appinted!<br />- we live around Zurich...Horgen is not far from Feusisberg.<br />- we are both strangers (I'm French originally)who have adapted and truly enjoyed Switzerland over the years and are married to locals (my wife is from Liechtenstein!)<br />- we both work(ed) in the world of finance...I have spent my entire career in banking.<br />- we are both passionate about football...all leagues, all players, how it works, how it should not be working etc...<br /><br /><br />The difference is that you have channelled that interest in a masterpiece: your blog/website!<br /><br />All I have managed to do is coach kids team where my son is playing.<br /><br />Bottom line is that I cannot get enough of football: any nation, any level, any age group, etc...<br /><br />At your convenience I would really enjoy inviting you for lunch somewhere around our common neighborhood or around the Emirates (food is too bad there though!) as I assume you must be going from time to time (I still have 2 season tickets).<br /><br />please let me know what suits you best.alex marc, a.marc@hispeed.chnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-487486960623783530.post-69912151770727098112010-07-15T19:22:57.099+02:002010-07-15T19:22:57.099+02:00@swissrambler, again, thanks for your very thought...@swissrambler, again, thanks for your very thoughtful response. You are right, that the jury is still out. There is also an opportunity cost for recruiting new fans that an extended period without trophies. Happily, we also play an exciting and appealing brand of football that attracts enthusiastic support.<br /><br />We certainly do hope that the advantages of fiscal prudence and youth investment will be evident in the coming years and that we can think of the last several as a short period of sacrifice (only in relative terms, after all we still make the CL and go deep regularly in that tournament) and preparation with the building of the stadium that laid the foundations for years of future dominance.limestonegunnernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-487486960623783530.post-11610145306983429752010-07-13T08:49:58.101+02:002010-07-13T08:49:58.101+02:00@limestonegunner,
Once the club made the decision...@limestonegunner,<br /><br />Once the club made the decision to move to a new stadium, taking on significant loans, they did not really have a choice financially, especially when the property market turned sour. Having said that, they are now in a very solid position and definitely have a large pot of money available for transfers.<br /><br />I take your point that a couple of marquee signings would be beneficial, both on the pitch and from a commercial perspective. To my mind, the biggest threat to Arsenal financially is if the fans become fed up of no trophies and do not renew their season tickets. If that were to coincide with the completion of the property development (and the exceptional profits from that side of the business), there may be a few question marks about the business model.<br /><br />On the other hand, that is the point when Arsenal should be in a position to negotiate vastly improved commercial contracts, as the relatively poor deals that were linked to the front-loaded funding for the stadium come to an end.<br /><br />It's difficult to judge Arsenal's policy at this moment. As I wrote in another article, to my mind, there are effectively two policies: what might be termed the youth policy and the extreme youth policy. It is only really when the later generation reaches the first team, that we can properly assess it. I'm talking about Wilshere, Lansbury Emmanuel-Thomas, etc.<br /><br />There is plenty of time for other clubs to adapt to the Fair Play regulations, but in practice they can only do this by reducing costs, which means lower wages and transfers and/or better academy. As you rightly say, Arsenal are much more experienced with this approach, so theoretically will cope better. Let's hope so.The Swiss Ramblerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11423088862174893998noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-487486960623783530.post-45873315281182338682010-07-12T20:49:27.350+02:002010-07-12T20:49:27.350+02:00As an arsenal fan, I am impressed by how Wenger ha...As an arsenal fan, I am impressed by how Wenger has maintained CL status consistently on a low transfer/high wage policy during the stadium financing era that may be drawing to a close. We can take some pride in already adhering to the coming financial fair play regulations. But one aspect of the soft landing you note that concerns me is that Chelsea, Liverpool and ManU have won many more trophies during this same period and will have ample opportunity to adjust their practices to conform to the regulations. <br /><br />Hasn't Arsenal lost an opportunity to make strategic acquisitions that might have led to greater on field success and still have been capable of adhering to the coming regulations when it becomes necessary? One way to build greater commercial success is through identifiable stars and sporting success. Arsenal have done well and there is no guarantee that some greater spending would have led to trophies the last five years. But as a policy, do the coming of these regulations in a phased in manner validate Arsenal's strategy or indict it for not making the most of the possible opportunities available during the last five years for ambitious pursuit of trophies? Similarly, will Arsenal really benefit once the rules are phased in? Having more experience managing a club in this manner might be an advantage of some sort, but there is plenty of time for clubs to adapt before the regulations could be applied.limestonegunnernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-487486960623783530.post-46794040927257702912010-06-25T09:06:56.264+02:002010-06-25T09:06:56.264+02:00@Dave,
I understand why someone would be suspicio...@Dave,<br /><br />I understand why someone would be suspicious of the motives of organisations like UEFA (and FIFA), but I would point out that the European Clubs' Association (representing 137 leading clubs) voted unanimously in favour of this proposal, so it's not completely undemocratic. Whether the "smaller" clubs would agree is another question.The Swiss Ramblerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11423088862174893998noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-487486960623783530.post-40494961920017486222010-06-24T19:50:05.564+02:002010-06-24T19:50:05.564+02:00Sorry for the late comment, but a quick note. I se...Sorry for the late comment, but a quick note. I see you describe these rules as 'the lesser of two evils', but I think you've missed the downside. In principle, the objection is as you suggest, but in practice there is a much bigger issue. <br /><br />The regulations as phrased basically leave arbitration of disputes in Platini's pocket. I don't believe for a moment that he won't try and use that for political gain - in future, he will decide how much of their actual budget each club will be allowed to spend.<br /><br />At a stroke, this turns UEFA from a nominal democracy into a virtual dictatorship.Davenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-487486960623783530.post-19909976443647651772010-06-05T12:09:39.742+02:002010-06-05T12:09:39.742+02:00@DS_Helder,
Yes, I think that you're essentia...@DS_Helder,<br /><br />Yes, I think that you're essentially correct.<br /><br />Although it does not deflect from your large cities argument, one interesting statistic for you: no London team has ever won the European Cup or Champions League, which is quite surprising, given the financial potential.<br /><br />I must say that your suggestion about an article on Leeds is also a good one. I may take a look at that if I can be dragged away from the World Cup :-)The Swiss Ramblerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11423088862174893998noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-487486960623783530.post-19538566251979754352010-06-05T11:30:39.339+02:002010-06-05T11:30:39.339+02:00A couple of late thoughts on this: I believe the ...A couple of late thoughts on this: I believe the regulations will make football a fairer competition - at least among the "best clubs". The critical voices here - as I understand them - points to the possible consequence that "lesser clubs" will find it harder to become one of the "best". Your thorough presentation above gives reason for such a fear. But still, as strong "brands", large fan bases and sponsorships counts for much of the financial status of a club, I see small changes from the traditional pattern: Big teams come from large cities (more fans, stronger (local) sponsors, brands with traditions). <br /><br />It would be interesting to read an article about Leeds United's chances to come back to the top: What are the chances they will be among England's top 4 in - say - ten years? Quality football aside, what must they do to get there? I believe this would be an interesting test to the effects of the UEFA regulations - and probably a good read on football finances as well. ;)<br /><br />http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/Leeds-United-Whites-reveal-financial.6221500.jpDS_Heldernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-487486960623783530.post-78347112704694994032010-06-04T01:19:28.045+02:002010-06-04T01:19:28.045+02:00Hi again, thanks so much for putting up the detail...Hi again, thanks so much for putting up the details regarding Everton, sorry for late reply to the post been offline for far too long! I'll check out your other blog 'Why has nobody bought Everton' and give it a good read, thanks again for your very quick response! <br /><br />I stupidly left here without bookmarking your page (it's ok, I've slapped sense into myself again!) and won't make that mistake again, thanks again for your hard work!<br /><br />RoryAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-487486960623783530.post-89716222215155955922010-06-01T21:56:35.791+02:002010-06-01T21:56:35.791+02:00@ Swiss Rambler
Look forward to seeing your next ...@ Swiss Rambler<br /><br />Look forward to seeing your next article on the continental European team that earns an annual revenue of £135m.<br /><br />Perhaps you'll also explain how a provincial club like Blackburn Rovers or Stoke City can reach beyond their natural hinterland to create a revenue stream capapble of realistically challenging the "Sky 4".<br /><br />(Anonymous 9:24)Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10383050606537286483noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-487486960623783530.post-50250775447808722772010-06-01T11:47:12.573+02:002010-06-01T11:47:12.573+02:00@steven,
You've got it. In fact, my next arti...@steven,<br /><br />You've got it. In fact, my next article will focus on a continental team that legitimately earns £135m a year from commercial revenue.<br /><br />If you want a detailed explanation on how UEFA distribute the Champions League revenue, I wrote about this a couple of weeks ago:<br /><br />http://swissramble.blogspot.com/2010/05/what-is-champions-league-worth-to.htmlThe Swiss Ramblerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11423088862174893998noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-487486960623783530.post-30037386568405022572010-06-01T11:33:32.246+02:002010-06-01T11:33:32.246+02:00@SwissRambler
Thanks for your reply.I didn't ...@SwissRambler<br /><br />Thanks for your reply.I didn't realise most of the money for the CL was allocated in the group stages because I found how the pool money was allocated quite difficult to understand.<br /> Regarding your comment regarding sponsorship it was a question I meant to ask but you have answered it. Two or three sponsorship deals worth a combined total of say £100m plus would raise eyebrows and scrutiny but let's say a dozen contracts worth on average £5m per annum could be difficult to disprove. Add to this a nice £15-20m shirt sponshorship plus a £10m stadium naming rights deal, plus lucrative summer touring deals and hey it's not that difficult to have commercial deals worth £100m per year.stevennoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-487486960623783530.post-69834650246025828622010-06-01T10:59:23.231+02:002010-06-01T10:59:23.231+02:00@Steven,
I think you're absolutely right.
My...@Steven,<br /><br />I think you're absolutely right.<br /><br />My own belief is that the English clubs have lagged behind the continental teams in making the most of their commercial opportunities. To be fair, they have not really needed to, given the rise in TV money, but the financial fair play regulations should encourage them in this direction.<br /><br />If I were a crafty owner trying to get round the rules, I would certainly look at providing my team with a new sponsorship deal. The fair value clauses would not allow ridiculous amounts, but there are plenty of high-paying deals out there that could be used as a comparative which would significantly increase a club's commercial revenue.<br /><br />Similarly, the rules allow for investment in the stadium, which can help boost match day income.<br /><br />The Champions League revenue should then be icing on the cake. Actually, the way that Champions League revenue is distributed means that most of the revenue is allocated just for reaching the group stages. Further progress obviously helps, but it's not that big a differential.The Swiss Ramblerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11423088862174893998noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-487486960623783530.post-90432315258653474542010-06-01T10:32:26.490+02:002010-06-01T10:32:26.490+02:00Manchester City still have a chance to become succ...Manchester City still have a chance to become successful despite the FFP rules;<br /><br />a) they are tying to buy the stadium (so far Manchester City Council are trying to resist) and can afford to increase capacity and corporate facilities. This will eradicate the cost of rent and increase ticket sales.<br /><br />b)Qualification for Champions League wpuld boost turnover significantly assuming they qualify out of the group stages.<br /><br />c) Commercial revenue could be oosted significantly especially in the Middle East.<br />Abu Dhabi have purchased the rights for the Premier League TV rights for the Middle East, paying I think three or four times more than the last deal so their profile will be raised over the coming seasons.<br /><br />It's not inconceivable that in say five years time they could have a turnover similar to Chelsea's which should be enough to compete at the highest level.<br />Simlarly if Spurs come up with a viable new stadium plus Champions League money etc they cold become financially competitive.<br />Chelsea have a big enough turnover to compete and are now established as a club players want to play for so I don't see where the problem is with these new rules certainly in England.Stevennoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-487486960623783530.post-53515592066465095502010-06-01T03:23:58.429+02:002010-06-01T03:23:58.429+02:00Wow a 50+ comment :D
Shows how lively this place i...Wow a 50+ comment :D<br />Shows how lively this place is :)<br /><br />I think some of us have to see this rule in a broader perspective. This rule will not cause well-run, but financially pegged clubs like Everton to lose the chance of ever breaking into the top four.<br /><br />Rich investors can simply focus their efforts on improving their clubs' revenue such as stadium expansion/construction, facilities improvement, and other operations.<br /><br />Bigger revenue, better staffing and more transfer kitty. More transfer kitty, more quality players. More quality players, (hopefully) better results. Better results, more exposure. More exposure, more fan base. More fan base, more money. More money, more revenue. Rinse and repeat.<br /><br />I think that's exactly how Arsenal grew into a modern "big club".<br /><br />Therefore, I argue that this Financial Fair play rule will actually enhance the quality of clubs by encouraging wealthy benefactors to invest in healthier areas of the club to allow them to grow bigger on their own.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-487486960623783530.post-91220164065854805552010-06-01T01:24:22.635+02:002010-06-01T01:24:22.635+02:00P.S:
The Crystal Palace situation is a sad one. ...P.S: <br /><br />The Crystal Palace situation is a sad one. It's never nice to see a club on the verge of extinction as it's the fans who suffer.<br /><br />This Platini plan has really got my goat because it presents itself as something it's not. <br /><br />Anonymous 9:24Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-487486960623783530.post-2570103726374677462010-06-01T00:57:33.312+02:002010-06-01T00:57:33.312+02:00Since 2000:
Premier League Champions 2000-10
20...Since 2000:<br /><br />Premier League Champions 2000-10 <br /><br />2000–01 Manchester United <br />2001–02 Arsenal <br />2002–03 Manchester <br />2003–04 Arsenal<br />2004–05 Chelsea<br />2005–06 Chelsea <br />2006–07 Manchester United <br />2007–08 Manchester United <br />2008–09 Manchester United <br />2009–10 Chelsea <br /><br />FA Cup Winners 2000-10<br /><br />2000–01 Liverpool <br />2001–02 Arsenal <br />2002–03 Arsenal <br />2003–04 Manchester United <br />2004–05 Arsenal <br />2005–06 Liverpool <br />2006–07 Chelsea <br />2007–08 Portsmouth* <br />2008–09 Chelsea <br />2009–10 Chelsea<br /><br />League Cup Winners 2000-10<br /> <br />2000-01 Liverpool <br />2001-02 Blackburn Rovers* <br />2002-03 Liverpool <br />2003-04 Middlesbrough* <br />2004-05 Chelsea <br />2005-06 Manchester United <br />2006-07 Chelsea <br />2007-08 Tottenham Hotspur* <br />2008-09 Manchester United <br />2009-10 Manchester United<br /><br />Premier League Podium 2000 -10<br /><br />2000–01 <br />Manchester United <br />Arsenal <br />Liverpool <br /><br />2001–02 <br />Arsenal <br />Liverpool <br />Manchester United <br /><br />2002–03 <br />Manchester United <br />Arsenal <br />Newcastle United* <br /><br />2003–04 <br />Arsenal <br />Chelsea <br />Manchester United <br /><br />2004–05 <br />Chelsea <br />Arsenal <br />Manchester United <br /><br />2005–06 <br />Chelsea <br />Manchester United <br />Liverpool <br /><br />2006–07 <br />Manchester United <br />Chelsea <br />Liverpool <br /><br />2007–08 <br />Manchester United <br />Chelsea <br />Arsenal <br /><br />2008–09 <br />Manchester United <br />Liverpool <br />Chelsea <br /><br />2009–10 <br />Chelsea <br />Manchester United <br />Arsenal<br /><br />So... in the last 10 years, of the 30 domestic honours available, 4 trophies have gone to teams outside the accepted top-4. <br /><br />And... if we look at the automatic Champions League places, only Newcastle has broken up the hegemony - for one pitiful year !<br /><br />Does it look like there's been any REAL financial fair play in operation over the last decade ?<br /><br />................................................<br /><br />I posted the article in full because it's topical and relevant. Aside from the key issue, Samuels makes an important point in that French clubs - including Lyon, Bordeaux, Lille & Marseille - will benefit from modernised or new stadia with increased capacities and increased earnings potential - at zero cost.<br /><br />I'm Irish and I didn't see any xenephobia or anti-English paranoia, so...<br /><br />On to the real issues:<br /><br />Of course there are many factors that contribute to success but IMHO money has become the overriding factor in the last 10 years and my list would seem to indicate this. <br /><br />I'm sad that the Premier League's upper-echelons have almost become a closed shop. I'm sad that a well-run club like Everton with managerial stability, sensible player acquisition policy and good fanbase has had such meagre success over the last decade. And I'm sad that a decent club like Manchester City have required such enormous wealth to have a realistic opportunity of winning silverware. <br /><br />Where was the cries of anti-competitiveness as Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal sprinted futher and further away from those in pursuit ?<br /><br />And now UEFA want to regulate a buffer between the haves and have nots, keeping them in their place and all under the guise of "financial fair play.<br /><br />Do me a favour ! <br /><br />Anonymous 9:24Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-487486960623783530.post-8639561790583048932010-05-31T23:01:04.376+02:002010-05-31T23:01:04.376+02:00I think the evidence would suggest in recent years...I think the evidence would suggest in recent years in England you can only succeed by splashing the cash (either through transfer fees or staff costs)<br /><br />Apart from Portsmouth every one of these winners would have been in the top 4 for that season for "staff costs".<br /><br />FA Premier League Champions 1996-2010<br /><br />1996 Manchester United<br />1997 Manchester United<br />1998 Arsenal<br />1999 Manchester United<br />2000 Manchester United<br />2001 Manchester United<br />2002 Arsenal<br />2003 Manchester United <br />2004 Arsenal<br />2005 Chelsea<br />2006 Chelsea<br />2007 Manchester United <br />2008 Manchester United <br />2009 Manchester United <br />2010 Chelsea<br /><br />FA Cup winners 1996-2010<br /><br />1996 Manchester United <br />1997 Chelsea <br />1998 Arsenal <br />1999 Manchester United <br />2000 Chelsea <br />2001 Liverpool <br />2002 Arsenal <br />2003 Arsenal <br />2004 Manchester United <br />2005 Arsenal <br />2006 Liverpool <br />2007 Chelsea <br />2008 Portsmouth <br />2009 Chelsea <br />2010 Chelsea <br /><br />Critics should be more disgusted not by Manchester City spending 250 milion pounds in trying to crack the top 4 but by the fact that that is how much they have had to spend (and still not succeeded,yet)Manaclenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-487486960623783530.post-40881033936381898882010-05-31T21:23:59.851+02:002010-05-31T21:23:59.851+02:00@anonymous 9:24,
Oh dear, another one that believ...@anonymous 9:24,<br /><br />Oh dear, another one that believes you can only succeed by splashing the cash. Still, it's not entirely unexpected that the Daily Mail manages to introduce a xenophobic element to the discussion: it's all a cunning, anti-English plan by the dastardly Frenchies. Do me a favour.<br /><br />Of course, no team in any league has ever succeeded without spending big (I think £1 bln was your estimate). Good management, tactics, team spirit, youth scheme, etc have never been worth a thing. Nope, the only solution is to whip out the cheque book and buy your way to success.<br /><br />By the way, I'm sure you didn't notice it and almost certainly did not care, but that very same Martin Samuel column ended with a paragraph on Crystal Palace's administration. I wonder whether their fans are so enamoured with the wealthy benefactor model today?<br /><br />Just one other thing. Before you decide that Samuel is your guru, please remember that this is the man who once wrote, "Manchester City are all that is wrong with English football".The Swiss Ramblerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11423088862174893998noreply@blogger.com