Season tickets: A victory for Premier League fans?

For most football fans purchasing a Premier League season ticket is an expense which many can only dream of purchasing. However subtle changes to season tickets prices have been announced by two thirds of Premiership teams.  The cheapest early bird season ticket at Crystal Palace has been reduced by £50 to £500 compared to the price charge last season. However clubs such as West Ham have increased season ticket price by £35 to £675. All examples I have used is based on the cheapest season ticket price available.

I believe the only way that Premier League clubs could show fans that they care about reducing prices would be by capping season ticket prices for a set amount of time. This obviously is very unlikely to materialise but efforts by groups such as FSF (Football Supporters Federation) hopefully will result in clubs reducing their prices.  Away tickets next season for Swansea City supporters have been frozen to £22, efforts such as this should be welcomed.  I hope that the lead taken by Swansea in relation to away ticket prices will be followed by other Premier League teams. However I unfortunately do not see this idea being followed. Not that Swansea fans will care at all! 🙂

The point of this blog post is not just to moan about season tickets prices (despite this being a very easy to do!). Bradford City is a team which have made steps to not only keep season ticket prices low but reward loyal supporters of Bradford.  A Bradford City supporter which can provide evidence of purchasing season tickets for the last twenty five years can purchase a season ticket for only £110.00. This is more than half the price of a standard season ticket at Bradford City next season.  However it’s hard to imagine that Bradford will have many fans which qualify for the loyalty season ticket. (Please let me know Bradford fans if I’m wrong, I do not mind being corrected on this statement.) J

I understand that some clubs particularly in League Two (England) have small financial budgets, which makes discounting season tickets difficult without running into financial problems. Dagenham and Redbridge who struggle with attendance less than 2,000, could be used as an example of a team which would struggle to reduce season ticket prices. In some lower leagues in Germany, academy players are introduced into first teams of lower league German clubs, which have obvious benefits for the team and the academy player development.  Obviously I not suggesting that this idea alone will solve financial problems of smaller teams in England, but it’s an example which can have benefits to lower league teams.  As a result it could allow clubs to reduce admission charges to fans.  This is because the wages of academy players are usually cheaper than more established players.

The vocal support of teams in England will never be in doubt, it is down the clubs to introduce prices will allow fans to give this support.

Should Football Introduce more Video Technology?

It is a tough question which is likely to be given different answers by different stakeholders involved in football. Three years ago the Premier League and the FA had to fight hard for the introduction of goal line technology in the Permier League. Before this only the referee had the power to award/not awarded if a continuous goal was scored. However now it has been suggested if more technology should be introduced into football to aid referees with decisions.

Currently in the premier league only a referee can refer to technology in deciding if a ball cross a line for a goal. However in the Football League there is no technology yet to be introduced with referee and linesman’s being the judge of goal line decisions. The goal line decision system used in the premier league is called Hawk Eye and only takes 7 seconds to alert the referee the verdict on a goal line decision. The question that many asking is should technology be used more in football?

Video decision technology is strongly supported by many top ex officials, including Mark Halsey and the current referee chief in the Premier League Mike Riley. A video decision system would simply allow for an official in another part of ground, to be referred to if, an official was not sure what decision should be given. Furthermore it has been suggested that teams could be given two challenges during a game in order to appeal against a referee decision. In my opinion video technology could be introduce with the officials used behind the goals, in European games moving from the side of the pitch to ta stand where they can be in charge of reviewing technology challenges made from the pitch.

Currently UEFA are very much against the introduction of any extension of technology use in football. Only yesterday Gianni Infantino (UEFA General Secretary) ruled out when questioned the idea of video decision technology. Furthermore it has been argued by other stakeholders in football, that video technology could make referees lazy and rely on technology to give a decision rather than them personally making a decision. It could also be argued that giving two challenges to teams could lead to technology used as a tactic by teams to stop a game to review a decision.

On the other hand, many other stakeholders in football such as the majority of Premier League fans and managers support the move to introduce video technology in football. For example Tony Pulis (manager of West Brom) argued that video technology would have prevented a wrong player being sent off in a game where West Brom lost 3-0 to Manchester City. Furthermore a survey carried out by market researchers found that out of 251 respondents over 80% fans backed the introduction of more technology in football. Whilst it is a small survey it does gives snapshot of the support of introducing video technology in football.

In my opinion I believe that more technology should be introduced in football to help referees to make decisions. I came to this view after reading and agreeing to the view of referees and supporters on the benefits of video technology. Obviously it is massive blow that Gianni Infantino (UEFA General Secretary) ruled out when questioned yesterday the increase of technology in football. However in 2012, Gianni Infantino and UEFA threaten to pour cold water over the introduction of goal line technology, and three year since then, we have goal line technology in use in the Premier League. This shows that whilst it is unlikely that extra technology will be used in the future in football, UEFA have habits for changing their mind set and introducing new supported ideas into football.

Until next time

Chris Lance

Does Second Season Syndrome exist?

In simple terms, second season syndrome is where a team struggles/suffer relegation after one positive season after being promoted. A good example of second season syndrome is Ipswich in 2002, when they had 30 points less in their second season in the Premier League (PL) compared to their first season. Obviously this is a dramatic difference in two season’s point’s totals and most PL seasons since 1990’s have not recorded any similar figures. Not surprisingly Ipswich were relegated in that season.

A misconception made by some teams and fans is surviving the first season in the PL is the hardest challenge. However it is often forgotten that whilst surviving one season in the PL is good, sustaining PL status is even harder. Second season syndrome can happen to any team in any division but in this blog post I will be focusing on PL teams.

34 teams since the existence of the PL have survived in the PL for two or more seasons after promotion. Furthermore 25 teams have finished in a lower position in their second season in the PL than their first season. If you attempted to answer this blog post question on these facts alone, I think I know what answer you would give regarding second syndrome existing! However just because a team finishes in a lower position in a second season, it does not mean they were relegated from the PL in that season.

West Ham in their first season in the PL after being promoted in 2011/2012 finished 10th with 46 points from 38 games. In comparison to their 2012/2013 season where they finished with 40 points from 38 games, which translated into finishing 13th in the PL. This shows that even though West Ham finished with fewer points and a worst position in their second season, it was not a disaster. However that would be my opinion, many West Ham fans might disagree as I know many West Ham supporters enjoy watching their side play stylish football.

So does Second Season Syndrome exist?

After researching the facts I believe that second season syndrome exist, but with a few caveats that needs to be understood. Firstly the definition of second season syndrome, which in my opinion is finishing below a position which was achieved in the first season. However many other people believe that second syndrome exist, when a side gets relegated after a successful first season. I will allow you to make your own mind up.

Until next time

Chris

Will Promotion/Relegation help generate more interest in the MLS?

I will be the first to admit that my knowledge of the MLS (Major league Soccer), is not as good as my knowledge of the European leagues. However though research I aim to still provide accurate knowledge of the MLS in this blog post.

The reason I have decided to add this blog post is because Sky has announced that it will be starting to show MLS games on their channels. So it got me thinking: Would the MLS benefit from a promotion and relegation system as used in European leagues?

I totally understand from research the concept of promotion and relegation is not in widespread use in America. However it got to be asked would the addition of promotion and relegation help the profile of the MLS and increase the audience of the MLS? Or alliteratively would it damage the MLS and turn away American fans from the MLS?

In my opinion I think the need for promotion and relegation would help the MLS be more open, to the world audience and generate interest in new teams who get be promoted. However currently the danger is the MLS could have “zombie teams” who always finish bottom. Furthermore the introduction of the promotion would allow other teams in America the chance to play in the MLS, which can deliver many benefits. For example a team that gets promoted to the MLS would be able to tap into TV revenue money and generate an income for the city where the new team is based. Even Jurgen Klinsmann (USA soccer manager) has put his support behind the introduction of promotion and relegation in the MLS. Of course just one voice will not lead to a change to the current system. Bad news for those who want change is a MLS official confirmed last year they would not consider a promotion and relegation system.

Even though I have been very negative about some of the aspects of the MLS, I am looking forward to the MLS play offs being easily accessed on TV. The difference between the MLS play offs and the England division play offs is very different though, as the American play offs are much bigger. In England there are typically five games, with two semi finials then a grand finial at Wembley. However in America there is different conferences who battle it out to become the winners of the play offs.

The popularity of American football, baseball, and basketball also makes the job of promoting the MLS much harder. Major TV deals and news coverage which goes to the big sports in America, does not help football case (known as soccer in America) as baseball for example will always generate the biggest money and audience for America broadcasters. However recent impressive World cup performance by the USA soccer team, like in the recent 2014 World Cup will hopefully engage the American fans into soccer.

The announcement of big players to the MLS is hoped by MLS teams to engage the America audience into watching soccer. Steve Gerrard and Frank Lampard are not likely to make the same impact on America as David Beckham did. However the premier league is popular in America so it should help teams such as Los Angeles Galaxy (who Steven Gerrard has signed for) recruit more fans to the ground.

In summary, it does not look likely that the MLS will add a promotion and relegation system in the MLS. However at least for British fans whilst the premier league is on its summer break, football can still be enjoyed.

Until next time

Chris

Plymouth Argyle Review

Before I start to discuss the main part of this blog post, I would just like to say thanks for the amazing reaction to my last blog post regarding the Rooney Rule. I know my blog is not always perfect, but I always welcome any feedback, if it is praise or criticism.

For once in this blog, I am going to focus on progress made by the team that I support which is Plymouth Argyle. Being 4th in the league in November may not seem like progress to many, but any Plymouth fan will know looking above 10th place in the table the last few years has been a rarity. In the top 4th Divisions in England, Plymouth have only conceded 9 goals in 17 games! (Even Chelsea have conceded 11 goals in 11 premier league games this season!)

Why such a good record? Well, I believe it is down to the excellent defence and strike force that Plymouth have had this season. After supporting Plymouth for the last 13 years I have not seen a side which has been so good in a defensive and attacking positions. Ruben Reid has 8 goals this season and Curtis Nelson has been linked to championship sides such is his quality. I know it is November, so I will not even mention the p word, (which means moving up a division higher 🙂 However due the indifferent away form, Argyle are only 4th and not challenging right at the top of league two.

1.24 is the average goals which  have been scored by Plymouth this season, I appreciate that some stats can only tell part of the story when they are taken in isolation. However, in this case I believe the goals record just underlines how well Plymouth have played this season.

Whatever the final position, I know will be there every Saturday I can make, to get behind the greens.

Should English football have a Winter Break?

As Autumn turns to winter, no doubt the debate on a winter break in english football will be debated by clubs and supporters up and down the country. On one hand, people will say football matches at Christmas what makes English Football unique to other European leagues. In contrast you will get many who argue that a winter break is long overdue in English football.

Supporting Plymouth in League 2, I believe it is long overdue that English football introduce a winter break. Squeezing games on new years day and boxing day to me seems ridiculous, whatever your thoughts and belief on religion are. Furthermore a winter break could be introduced for 2 weeks, which would enable clubs and supporters to enjoy a break and allow for planning and rest ahead of the second half of the football season.

In comparison I know many supporters disagree with this. They believe that many crowds can be gained during the Christmas period, as many fans have more time off work in order to attend matches. I understand this argument, but surely a couple hundreds fans should not mean that players play 3 matches within a 7 day period?

It is not surprising that some top level premier league teams are against a winter break in England. As teams such as Manchester United have a lot of strength in depth to deal with any injuries which take place over the season. However smaller sides in league one and two often struggle to keep a full strength squad fit over the season and have to introduce loan signings and emergency loans to fill the gaps that are left in their squads.

Furthermore it is only a break! Many fans have misconception that a winter break in England will be similar to East European leagues. As Eastern European countries such as Russia, have harsh winter and the need for longer breaks are necessary. However in England it is only being suggested to introduce a winter break for 2-3 weeks at the most.

A winter break could allow England to be more competitive in years when European Championships and World Cup take place. As without winter breaks many players who play in Euros and World cups could face possibility of playing for a whole season of domestic football. Then in the summer being in a international squad for a Euro or World Cup competition.

I fully accept that a winter break in England, will not mean that England will win a major tournament soon. But surely any idea that can benefit English Football is a good thing?

Could Scottish football be changed if Scotland votes for Independence?

Being born in Cornwall I can understand the different feelings that Scottish people will have when they decide to vote for independence or not. Cornwall is a similar distance as Glasgow away from London, and like Scotland I can understand how isolated it can feel living such a distance away from London. However, as this is a football blog I will leave it to other more qualified and knowledgeable people to discuss the pros and cons of independence.

One of the biggest changes to Scottish football as a result of independence could affect the two biggest teams in Scottish football. Rangers and Celtic have always been thought to be attempting join the premier league and leave the Scottish Premier league, which would change if Scotland became Independence. As the likeliness of Rangers and Celtic joining the premier league would be near impossible, leaving the Rangers and Celtic seemingly doomed in the Scottish Premier league. In my opinion with the inclusion of welsh teams such as Cardiff and Swansea in the Premier league, the chance of Scottish teams being allowed in the premiership should be explored.

In a ideal world for Celtic and Rangers they would join the premier league in the 2015 season replacing two for the teams that get relegated from the premiership. However in reality it would throw up a lot of issues which would be hard to sort out, such as “Do Rangers and Celtic have the quality to compete in the premier league?”. Furthermore, teams such as Dundee United and Aberdeen may also want to join the premier league, as the premier league only has 20 teams this would be near impossible to resolve.

The euro 2020 bid for Scotland to hold a group stage game could also be affected as a result of Scotland voting for Independence. UFEA yesterday stated that they would revisit the Scottish bid if Scotland votes to become a independence country. ‘Revisit’ is a very vague word, so I believe that it is very hard to understand what UFEA is trying to talk about regarding this comment.

On the contrary if Scotland votes no to independence, the situation may only change very slightly to what is taking place in Scottish football at the moment. As Rangers and Celtic would continue to lobby the premier league to join, and Scotland euro 2020 bid would have the same application status as it has always had.

Is parachute payments destroying the championship?

I know it is very early in the season but the amount of money, already spend this season for transfers by championship clubs is unbelievable.

For example, Ross McCormack was signed from Leeds by Fulham for a fee reported to be 11 millions pounds. Or Tom Adeyemi being signed by Cardiff for 1 million pounds from Birmingham.

This is being part funded by parachute payments in the case of the two transfers that have been listed in the above paragraph. According to the media, 60 million is earned by premier league clubs even if they are relegated to the championship.

This in my opinion is why the championship is being made less competitive and allows for clubs that are relegated from the premier league to benefit. Especially if you compare e.g Fulham who will receive 60 million after being relegated compared to Rotherham United. It is especially laughable when you look at relegated premier teams opinion on parachute payments, with many saying it is needed for their team to be competitive

However, as you expected many championship sides are against the level of parachute payments being paid to the relegated premiership teams. I understand it has been expressed by some fans that parachute payments should not be paid at all to the relegated premiership teams.

I believe that no parachute payment would be a step too far, but a reduction in the parachute payment should be made. 60 million is enough to buy a world class player, why does a relegated premier team need to sign a world class player with the parachute payment? Surely it should be the owner and the profit of the football club should be used to sign players and pay the players wages?

Of course, just a parachute payment does not equal promotion, but as it has been explained above the probability of promotion increase with the teams which have the most money.

The championship is still a great division, but i believe with the parachute payments the championship will be less great than it is currently.