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Football and Big Business

The Mule | 11.08.2009 16:26 | Analysis

So another Premier League season is about to start. Last year yet again the top four was made up of the same four clubs who generate the highest revenue. Is the virtual monopolisation of English football by wealthy businesses inevitable, or are alternatives possible?

Ideas abound for reform of the world’s most lucrative football league. The latest, which is actually a rehash of old suggestions, comes from Bolton chairman Phil Gartside, who wants a Premier League One and Two. This would consist of 18 teams in each division, including the two top Scottish clubs, Celtic and Rangers. This would effectively end promotion through the pyramid of English football to the ‘top flight’ and would also seriously damage Scottish football. The idea is flawed and leaves many questioned unanswered. On what basis would the 36 teams be decided? But why stop at top Scottish clubs being invited into the Premier League – why not invite top Dutch sides in?

Those who run English football would say it’s as good as it gets. But at what cost? Stadiums have been rebuilt, comfortable and safe. Standing areas were destroyed and replaced by very expensive all seating areas. In the 1990/91 season, 20,000 people stood on the Stretford End at Old Trafford and paid £4 to watch a game. At Arsenal thousands stood on the North Bank and paid £6. Nowadays the most expensive cinema ticket in central London is around £12, whereas a Premier League match will cost £30-50.

Read the rest of the article:  http://themule.info/article/football-and-big-business-is-another-way-possible

The Mule
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Comments

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Example of an alternative

12.08.2009 09:30

The full article refers to the AFC alternatives such as FC United of Manchester. Owned by members, one member one vote on all decisions, membership £10. Committed to the community and non-profit. By the way, great football and comeraderie at matches.

for a sample of the spirit see

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U4VBGq2sDRY

Spirit of Bestie


Interesting non league footy fan blog

12.08.2009 17:26

Have a look at this blog from a long term non-league footy fan who supports Slough Town. He has a blog  http://sloughtownsoapbox.blogspot.com which features a lot of the articles he writes in the Slough Town game programmes.

Many of the articles are about his experience as a non-league fan dragging himself around the country to watch Slough Town get beaten, but there's quite a few interesting articles about the way money has perverted football and taken a grip on clubs which have been stolen from the communities which built them up over decades.

Bobby Charlton Comb-over


sports are for playing, not for watching

16.08.2009 17:46

I've never understood why people want to sit on the sidelines and watch other people play things like football. Surely sports are meant to be played not watched? It's a bit like sex - much better to do it yourself, and a little sad to be watching other people doing it.

So instead of hero-worshipping some primadonnas and lining the pockets of fatcat businesspeople, just get a football, go down the park with some friends and have a game yourself!

Not A Football Fan