Premier League team reduction

[FATTYFOULKE]

So what does ‘special status’ afford those giants of the game, Southampton, West Ham and Everton?

 

[Sheffsteel]

So much hypocrisy.

Football lost its way when it became professional....the more money is involved the more corruption and self greed becomes part of the game.

The PL is all about making the top tier stronger to try and become the strongest league in the world. Instead of resting on its laurels it strives to become bigger..better.,,stronger.

The little clubs will struggle to break into the big league and maintain their position. Isn’t that just normal business or do some Blades now want a more even spread of the money amongst all the league.

At the moment isn’t it something like PL 120mill
Chempionship 7 mill
League 1 mill
League 2 half mill
Is that a fair split?

Never heard anyone complaining about our 120 mill when we gained promotion. We are paying our stupidly large sums of money but guess guess what?

Most Blades want us to spend millions more?

 

[Deleted member 1486]

Did you know Liverpool and Manchester United have a veto over who is appointed PL Chief Exec? (they're the only clubs who have a veto!).

I hate to say it, but football at this level is corrupt as fuck.

 

[247Blade]

By hook or by crook Blades will get Relegated?! And NO parachute payments either?! Great this Premier League isn't it .... So called elite clubs always safeguarded ... Losing interest fast!!!!

 

[Snowflake]

We are being far too hasty.
These are not yet proposals and do not have the backing of the PL.
Look at ALL the proposals and then decide what is good for football.
There is much discussion to take place, but I think this will be for the benefit of all football.

 

[Sheffsteel]

By hook or by crook Blades will get Relegated?! And NO parachute payments either?! Great this Premier League isn't it .... So called elite clubs always safeguarded ... Losing interest fast!!!!

No intentions to bring it in this season....however the new ruling could start for next season.

Always thought there was likely to be a reduction from 20 to 18 teams however the concern which is weird is that some teams expect to receive relegation protection.

So if Everton, Southampton and West Ham finish in the bottom 3 next season then teams finishing 16th and 17th would be instantly relegated with the team finishing 15th playing the club that finishes 5th in the Championship with 3rd and 4th playing in the other playoff semi final. A team finishing 6th in the Championship to qualify for the playoffs would end.

 

[Roygbiv]

I'd rather they just fucked off and formed their boring European League. Let the casual fans who never go to matches watch that and leave the hardcore fans watching a genuine competition. I don't care if all the clubs left in England had to go semi pro it would be better than this shit proposal.

 

[LondonBlade89]

It’s absolutely shameful that the big clubs are using the pandemic and desperation of the EFL to force through changes which are all about protecting their own interests ahead of others. Shame on the clubs involved in drawing this up and shame on Rick Parry for going along with it.

The EFL needs help, but not like this.

 

[Carlton Blade]

We are being far too hasty.
These are not yet proposals and do not have the backing of the PL.
Look at ALL the proposals and then decide what is good for football.
There is much discussion to take place, but I think this will be for the benefit of all football.

Which bits are for the benefit of all football? Apart from a one off pay off to the EFL and the end of parachute payments (which will make promoted teams much less competitive in the Premier League) what long term benefits do this proposal offer anyone outside the top 6?

 

[Roygbiv]

Most EFL clubs would vote for this out of sheer desperation. They need the money and the majority won't care that the big clubs have all the power as it is unlikely to ever effect them directly because they won't ever play in The Premier League.

I don't see how any Premier League club outside the top 6 votes for this though. I really can't see a single reason why they would go along with it. It's the same with parachute payments. Every season the only ambition for at least 12 clubs is to stay up. They aren't going to vote for financial ruin if they go down.

 

[benn5712]

Perhaps there wouldn't be relegation from, and promotion into this 18 team league.

 

[Roygbiv]

In fairness The Premier League have released a statement savaging this idea and Rick Parry himself.

 

[Trigger Blade]

Within this new landscape, would we still see 3 team relegated/promoted?

It’s not that long ago that Gartside at Bolton was pushing for no PL promotion or relegation and with American owners. Involved, they might go for that option again.

Edit: Just seen @benn5712’s post, great minds, his is just a bit quicker than mine

 

[Danny_Blade]

How about the rest of football (barring the top 6 and another 4 Prem regulars) form a breakaway?

Leaving the 10 Prem clubs as just that. They'd struggle then wouldn't they and would no longer have the most worldwide appeal and no longer be the strongest league in world football surely? To say it would hit them in the pocket would be the world's biggest understatement, the PL would be totally unrecognisable and would be left massively regretting it.

The new 82 league system would overtake the Prem in every way possible.

(Not going to happen I know but it would be great)

 

[Rufus Smalls]

UEFA have done their fair share of marginalising the English elite clubs with the formation of the Champions League - which allows 4 English teams (at least) a chance of lifting the trophy.

Whereas a team like Ajax who were one of the best clubs in the competition last season, win their own league and then have to qualify through the knock out system. Years ago it was just the top team in the European leagues that were in the European Cup.

Of course that meant ‘lucrative’ clubs like Chelsea, Man City and Spurs that were no where near the top of the league come the end of the season were ‘looked after.

It will continue to be that way.

UTB.

 

[JohnDenver]

When the Prem was formed it had 22 teams. The plan I recall was to reduce over two years to 20 and then to 18 soon after. It never happened.
That all made sense as it reduced the number of games for the top sides.
It still makes sense as the bottom end of the league is generally not great.
Our problem is we are understandably biased, whilst we are at the bottom.
If we could finish over two years in the top half and only two sides per year would be relegated once it is down to 18,then we would all be more likely to be in favour.

The number of clubs isn’t the biggest issue. Turning the league into a formalised oligopoly is an utter abomination.

If it goes ahead I’d prefer that the entire pyramid beneath this 6 simply cuts adrift and forms a proper competition.

 

[Surrey Blade]

It's already pretty well impossible for clubs of our size to be competitive over a season. The money these big clubs splurge on transfers and contracts is obscene, especially in these straitened times.

 

[bypassblade]

It's already pretty well impossible for clubs of our size to be competitive over a season. The money these big clubs splurge on transfers and contracts is obscene, especially in these straitened times.

The trouble is tho Surrey we know our limits but clubs like Ballmouth didn't and they splurged and went down, the PL big spending seems to affect a lot of teams some that can't afford it mate.

 

[Iron blade]

I've been getting into non-league last few years, I could never give up the blades as my #1 side but I'd certainly follow a local side if this happened.

Up the Worksop Town!

Agree with this! I’m a non league watcher now. Step 6 local non league Brigg Town. Play Retford next Saturday. Fans allowed at this level. The EPL/media/“pundits” obsession with big 6. Inconsistent refereeing decisions unquestioned. VAR shambles. Always love the blades but football isn’t enjoyable anymore at EPL level. UTB UTZ.

 

[TimofeeVee]

One way or another I'd keep watching the Blades, in the tampax super championship league or whatever it becomes!? .....and would get to more lower league games!

If I could choose to have the atmosphere, terracing, culture, affordability etc of the 80's.....I'd sacrifice the extra money, bowl stadiums and more skilled players of today, every time!!! ...Soul > money

 

[Yellarbellyblade]

Montagues and Capulets eat your hearts out!

 

[Danny_Blade]

14 out of 20 clubs would have to vote for the new proposals to be approved.

TBH I don't have any idea how likely or unlikely that many would/wouldn't vote in favour for it?

 

[Shoreham_Bhoys]

Agree with this! I’m a non league watcher now. Step 6 local non league Brigg Town. Play Retford next Saturday. Fans allowed at this level. The EPL/media/“pundits” obsession with big 6. Inconsistent refereeing decisions unquestioned. VAR shambles. Always love the blades but football isn’t enjoyable anymore at EPL level. UTB UTZ.

It's excellent entertainment I find, quality obviously isn't as good but it's competetive! I'm down in London for work this season so trying to bounce round as many different grounds as possible. Harrow Borough yesterday

 

[itsinyerblood]

It’s not that long ago that Gartside at Bolton was pushing for no PL promotion or relegation and with American owners. Involved, they might go for that option again.

Edit: Just seen @benn5712’s post, great minds, his is just a bit quicker than mine

There's something desperately ironic about the once mighty Wanderers being cited as once having the muscle to suggest something that they'd now grasp with both hands. What Bolton would give to be in the Prem, a bit like Sheffield's other team who, even now, still imagine they should be where we are.

 

[Yewsman]

"It is also planned that, as well as the 'big six', ever-present league member Everton, West Ham United and Southampton - ninth and 11th respectively in the list of clubs who have featured in the most Premier League seasons - would be granted special status.

If six of those nine clubs vote in favour of a proposal, it would be enough to get it passed"

Christ.

Hang on a minute. What about the team that scored the first ever EPL goal. Should definitely get special status. Now can any football historian look ghat up for me?

 

[Dutch Blade]

They need 14 out of 20 PL clubs to vote for this plan. Can't see that happening,

 

[Toronto Blade]

There must be a trickle down effect.
Are they going to relegate 2 extra clubs from the Championship and League 1 .

 

[Champagneblade]

I'd rather they just fucked off and formed their boring European League. Let the casual fans who never go to matches watch that and leave the hardcore fans watching a genuine competition. I don't care if all the clubs left in England had to go semi pro it would be better than this shit proposal.

I've a counter proposal, how about we reduce the league to 18 by fucking off Liverpool and Newton Heath. Let them go on a world tour and try and form their Own league, boring the shit out of everyone.

Whilst a biproduct of tv is that this has created global fans, the majority of the UK football fans collectively don't support these two clubs.

Shocking as it may be, it would be no different in time to eras when Burnley, Blackpool etc were top dogs and fell long by the wayside.

Football would adjust and carry on. If we need to fill the slots then let's put some money aside for a team to represent Bury and one for Macclesfield!

 

[FATTYFOULKE]

Wonder what Klopp’s view would is on this? I’d like to think he’d be against it.

As an aside I’ve had a look on West Ham’s, Southampton and Everton forums and they’re overwhelmingly against it.

As they should be. It’ll never get of the ground.

 

[benn5712]

The fewer games would also allow for a month long winter break. The 18 teams can then travel to warmer climes to play exhibition games for loadsamunneh.
Also revive the idea of playing a round of games abroad, States, Asia, Middle East. EPL roadshow loadsamunneh