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Written by Wyn Grant
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Thursday, 10 May 2012 20:54 |
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 This is be an incredibly busy month at www.footballeconomy.com and I cannot do justice to all the stories we have had. You can read them on the site but this monthly digest offers an opportunity to step back and review what has been happening from a slightly longer perspective than the 24-hour news cycle.
Some of the most incredible developments have been at (Glasgow) Rangers. Here we have one of the two leading ‘Old Firm’ clubs that has been brought to its knees through mismanagement by its owners. At the time of writing preferred bidder Bill Miller has withdrawn. Miller, a truck tycoon from Chatanooga Tn., had never visited Scotland or Glasgow.
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Written by Michael Hund
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Wednesday, 09 May 2012 10:18 |
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 A busy summer approaches for both the US Men's National Team and Major League Soccer. Parity is dragging back the early-season leaders in MLS while Klinsmann prepares to kick the metaphorical USMNT tires in matches that finally have meaning...
Parity is King
One of the primary charms of Major League Soccer in comparison to much of the rest of the world is the inherent parity within the league. There are favorites, to be sure, but they are never operating at a tier of talent far removed from even the lowliest side in the league (despite Toronto FC's best efforts at failure). Witness this past weekend, where expansion Montreal and recent arrivals Vancouver, both solidly (and mildly surprisingly) mid-table, knocked off their respective conference leaders.
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Written by Tom Hall
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Thursday, 19 April 2012 20:56 |
 Just five games left now in the 2011/12 SPL season.
The rather artificial construct that sees the league fracture into a top and bottom six clubs just a few weeks from the finish line runs the risk of creating something of an anti-climatic SPL conclusion.
That risk is heightened when, as with Celtic this year, the title is done and dusted with a handful games to spare.
We're left searching for alternative distractions. This season an intriguing battle for Europe and a prolonged relegation struggle should be enough to keep interest alive.
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Written by Tom Hall
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Thursday, 12 April 2012 20:13 |
Tom Hall from the Scottish Football Blog is back with a contribution on how the Old Firm have fared in this crazy 2011-12 season in Scottish football. Lots more to come from Tom so stay tuned!
The 2011/12 SPL season so far? Already, less than two weeks into April, our champions have been confirmed. A fine and at times relentless Celtic have delivered the title their fans and manager, Neil Lennon, so desperately craved.
As autumn threatened to give way to winter that might have looked unlikely. Celtic toiled as Rangers thrived, at one stage a 15 point separated the Glasgow rivals.
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Written by Wyn Grant
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Tuesday, 03 April 2012 08:28 |
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We’re coming to the time of year when questions of promotion and relegation are decided with all their financial implications. But the really golden prize is a place in the Champions League.
The competition for Champions League places is still very much open. Arsenal, Chelsea, Spurs and Newcastle United could all claim the third and fourth places. Securing a place in the Champions League, even a fourth place play-off spot, has become even more important for top clubs. Getting to the group stage alone is worth £30m. Getting further could yield £50m as against £6m for a successful run in the Europa League.
It's not just the money itself that is important. Top players want to play in the Champions League and qualification helps to attract them, as well as providing the money for higher salaries. Failure to qualify one year makes it harder next year unless the money is available for a major strengthening of the squad.
The financial fair play guidelines provide an additional constraint, not least for Chelsea who have lost £182.4m or £3.2m a game over the last four seasons.
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