Liverpool Banter Archive February 11 2018

11 Feb 2018 23:01:40
Hi Ed’s and Reds,

I just wondered if anyone has any idea about the effect of Brexit on Bosnian transfers.
IIRC Bosmans exist because of a ruling by the European judiciary. Before Jean-Marc Bosman took his case to the European courts players could not just walk out at the end of a contract.

So post Brexit could there be a situation where UK clubs could hold on to players registrations at the end of their contract?

Pretty unlikely, but is it a possibility?

{Ed002's Note - No, it has no relevance at all Ron.}

12 Feb 2018 00:33:53
we will be lucky if brexit happens at all, this government makes joel matip look quick.

12 Feb 2018 01:07:16
Appreciate it Ed002.

12 Feb 2018 10:40:24
That was an interesting question Ron, I hadn’t thought about it at all. It’s odd how easy it is to forget that it was a European thing at first. Are players outside of Europe free to leave at the end of their contracts then, I’ve never paid attention. Perhaps in Europe we were just behind the times and everywhere else was already doing it.

{Ed002's Note - It makes no difference to contracts.}

12 Feb 2018 15:25:25
The reason Brexit cannot be rushed is partly because the inadequate government has to find a way of doing it without Britain losing billions. Such a stupid vote.

{Ed033's Note - Aren't Britain going to pay the EU around 40 billion as a parting gift? Even though leaving will be exactly the same as remaining due to all EU statutes being brought into UK 'law' by the Brexit date.

11 Feb 2018 22:30:39
{Ed's Note - figodasilva has posted a new article entitled, Southampton v Liverpool 11 Feb 2018 Review

11 Feb 2018 16:28:21
Alan Smith on sky sports has just said it's not a penalty for Liverpool. steady on Alan, the game hasn't kicked off yet!

11 Feb 2018 18:51:10
Can’t stand him he’s boring and god awful, he talks more crap than I do.

11 Feb 2018 19:40:05
Plus he can say his R’s.

11 Feb 2018 20:30:45
Is he still droning about the pen that even LFC players did not appeal for? He must like the sound of his own voice, IMO.

11 Feb 2018 21:30:18
Oh Alan Smith please give me strength and not in a good way.

11 Feb 2018 16:03:06
Awful challenge from Valencia, Mane got red for same. Ref bottled it.

11 Feb 2018 16:39:23
Are you surprised it's Utd after all. Anyways Rafa the Fat Spanish waiter served José his balls on a plate.

11 Feb 2018 16:53:57
Should of been a red. Very dangerous challenge.

11 Feb 2018 18:28:41
Mane only one who's got a red for it all season.

11 Feb 2018 20:34:43
The Spurs LB Ben Davies nearly took Slah's head off in the last game and did not even get a foul. Valencia put a boot into Atsu's face and got a yellow (should have been a red) . Mane does the same thing and gets a red. I would ask the refs for consistencies in decisions BUT I know I'll come up empty-handed. All in all, any time Pulis With Money loses and we win, it is a great day to be an LFC fan. Great job, Rafa!

11 Feb 2018 13:52:10
Q for Ed2
Regarding this break away league (sorry im sure your sick thus already) is there anything to stop the cubs who leave for the new European league from buying small teams near them and use them has a feeder club? Couldn't Man utd buy (example Bury) put them in matching kits with diff sponsors send all their youths their and potentially play their games in old Trafford to maximise returns? Because a 16-team euro league would only be 30 games a season 15 home games initially, its not a lot for fans. And if that is a possibility wouldn't it be better to leave them in the prem and let them effectively run two different teams? If the FA restricted them to only field 3 foreign players or all home-grown players, it could benefit home nations? It all sounds horrible whatever happens im just thinking out loud really. Thanks in advance.

{Ed002's Note - Unfortunately Jim the rules block that as they stand. It was thought that a possible option to move in that direction might have resulted from a potential landmark decision that UEFA were to make in June or July 2017 - and that could have facilitated the ownership of lower-tier sides by the more senior sides and then work as a feeder club. However – the need to make that decision was avoided so there is no change just yet. But eventually it will need to be allowed or clubs will start going down the pan. Two things which certainly would not happen is Bury taking Manchester United place in the PL and the stadium issue is one that has already been addressed by the group of teams in response to a question asked by Celta Vigo in response to (a) whether the Real Madrid and Barcelona "B" sides would be allowed promotion to La Liga if both sides departed, and (b) if they would be allowed to move from their existing stadia and move in to the Santiago Bernabeu and Camp Nou.}

11 Feb 2018 15:16:44
Thanks for the reply Ed
I didn't mean a feeder club taking their place in the league I just mean if they had a feeder club that feeder club would eventually end up in the premier league. And also would the previous rules not apply to them anymore if they broke away? Would they not be out on their own in regards to the FA or UEFA?

{Ed002's Note - There would be no provision to do it - no one is looking to try and cheat the system.}

11 Feb 2018 15:34:40
Great ED002 thanks
Could I just get your expert opinion on one final matter, If their was a backlash across Europe and the vast majority of fans boycotted it, would it make any difference? Thanks for all your work.

{Ed002's Note - The fans welcome it Jim. A number of the clubs have spoken with their fan groups and, aside from one who have said they won't be joing the league, it has been well received.}

11 Feb 2018 20:56:28
What fans Ed? Do Liverpool fans? Liverpool fans crave for their club to be competing with the best yet when you suggest that the club might not even be invited you just expect Liverpool fans on here to simply embrace the idea as a wonderful one and just get over it? It's an absolutely terrible idea that will suck the soul right out of football, it's only a good idea to those with dollar signs in their eyes.

{Ed002's Note - Sorry, where did I say all of that?}

12 Feb 2018 02:16:51
Things you have suggested:

- breakaway league is a good idea
- Liverpool likely won't be involved
- you want everyone to be supposedly reasonable and embrace it because it "makes financial sense" and is supposedly the way forward. Fat chance Ed.

12 Feb 2018 09:54:15
Think you ve made part 1 and 3 up Nicky. Don’t recall ed giving his opinion on whether it was a good idea, asked no one to embrace it and just said the facts. Yes it probably would make financial sense for those involved. No need to throw your toys out of your Pram.

11 Feb 2018 13:37:59
Hey new poster and great site by the way.

What are your thoughts on jack grealish of Aston Villa? Currently watching the derby and he looks a really good high energy busy type player! My reasons for asking is that I've noticed he plays left of a midfield 3 (Coutinho position) and I can remember him tearing us to pieces a couple of years ago in the fa cup if my memory serves me right. Only young aswell. I think he will be a cracker in a few years. Thoughts?

{Ed002's Note - Welcome. Grealish wont be of any interest to Liverpool but if he has settled now clubs may show an interest.}

11 Feb 2018 13:54:12
He has had a few really good games and impressed me. He went off the rails a bit but does seem to have settled down a bit now.

11 Feb 2018 14:05:18
I wouldn’t touch him with a mile long barge pole.

11 Feb 2018 14:49:44
His career seemed to go off the rails when he ditched the Republic of Ireland for England.

11 Feb 2018 14:04:32
Sorry ed, I know it's the pool page but a random question on him- he declared for Ireland and we messed him around a little bit because we're idiots so he then declared for England. He played in the euro competitions under 21's for England but his career took a nose dive since then and it hasn't looked like he'll make the England seniors. Could it still be possible that he be picked for an Irish call up? Apologies if you want me to repost this elsewhere.

{Ed002's Note - No he has opted for England now.}

11 Feb 2018 15:05:41
aoe how was he messed around by Ireland?

11 Feb 2018 15:29:53
From what I've heard he originally declared for us and was promised many times that he'd get a call up. Nobody showed him the interest in his ability and any Irish fan will see that the fai is a joke on nearly all matters regarding football and there is little or no support for youngsters. As soon as England started showing interest we continued to promise him an opportunity. When we finally called him up for a friendly his head was rightly turned. I don't think he's good enough to play for England imo but the Irish team is a different beast altogether. More about least egos and hard hard work. He might have worked out for us.

11 Feb 2018 19:02:57
Sorry aoe. His Ego was the problem. He was treated very well all through under age football and it was felt he was not ready to step up to his first full cap, justifiably so.

11 Feb 2018 22:15:36
“I wouldn’t touch him with a mile long barge pole. “

😂 the idea of a barge pole being a mile long.

12 Feb 2018 08:16:17
Your spot on jimmy boy on quite a few points there. He did have an ego but we shouldn’t have rubbed it constantly and lied to him and his family about what chances he’d get, particularly if they didn’t think he was ready at all. You say he was treated well by the fai, each to their own mate, I’ve seen their treatment on issues close hand in the Irish league so I’m biased, but for me we could have nailed him down for the midfield years ago. There is nothing wrong with bringing youth through to the senior team to give them a taste. Anyone could see the lad had potential and we’ve such a shallow pool to take from. And that ego is something which would likely be brought down a peg or two in the Irish dressing room. In the English one, not so much. For me, I think he could have had a terrific career in Ireland and I genuinely think it could have helped his attitude problems. Ironically enough, England showing an interest and buggering off all of a sudden mightened have helped his devlopment either.

11 Feb 2018 11:38:26
{Ed's Note - LFCTexas has posted a new article entitled, I would be a massive proponent of a legitimate Champions League

11 Feb 2018 12:55:30
Obviously Texas you have not seen how boring European football is, it is dross mate.

11 Feb 2018 15:33:01
There I must disagree!

I seem to recall quite a few exciting games that we alone have played in Europe this season. Perhaps if I knew which games were boring you I could provide an explanation!

Plus, 'European nights at Anfield' is almost a catch phrase that I see everywhere. It seems that people like those.

11 Feb 2018 10:26:46
Just regarding the breakaway league, it will be interesting to see how players react to not playing for there national teams, I know we live in a era of greed but it means the world to play for there national side especially the Spanish among others, maybe not the English, I wonder how many players would leave there clubs knowing they can't play for the national side which is the ultimate to a lot of players.

11 Feb 2018 10:40:26
I don't think they'd care. They're all mercenaries and will follow the money wherever it goes.

{Ed002's Note - So you think all players are "mercenaries"?}

11 Feb 2018 11:37:03
I can't help think that this bitterness is because Ed2 said we wouldn't be involved. I'm pretty sure if he'd said we were going to be a founder everyone would love the idea.

{Ed001's Note - if you believe that, then you clearly need to actually take some time and speak to more fans because it is nothing to do with that. It is more the issue of, if Liverpool were in it, who is going to be able to afford to go to the games? Get in the real world where people have to scrimp and save to go to games already and you might understand why people hate the idea.}

11 Feb 2018 11:38:28
Yes Ed. Same as i am. If someone offers me more money to do the same job, I'll go.

{Ed002's Note - That is simply you then, plenty of people would not change their job simply for money. And tell me about all of the mercenaries at North Kelvin Sports? Or thos that turn out for Shakhtyor Prokopyevsk every week?}

11 Feb 2018 11:45:25
Paul Scholes, Dirk Kuyt, Robbie Fowler, Kenny Dalglish, Frank Lampard. Just a few that you couldn’t describe as mercenaries. I think there are a few out there, but not all.

11 Feb 2018 11:54:32
Disagree mk. Plenty of players would give anything for their internationals. Look at coutinho playing through injury. Seriously though, it probably won't stop them from listening to their agents but it certainly will have an affect. I don't think in any way is it to do with us being in the league either Putney. Personally I wouldn't want to be part of such a thing. I'll keep saying that something needs to be done but this is quite a few steps too far. Moreover I don't think the fans near and far will get behind this at any club. Especially when the greater teams start finishing bottom of this super league. Teams, players and fans want to win. Owners want to make money. If there is a breakaway, it'll never last a decade.

11 Feb 2018 11:56:38
Well said Ed001.

{Ed001's Note - I never even mentioned the thought of losing the derby, which is the big game of the season. It would mean the loss of the real rivalries, which are what make the games more exciting than just playing a big club.}

11 Feb 2018 12:04:45
I would hate the thought of Liverpool having anything to do with this.
I think the backlash from some of the big teams fans will be too big for them to eventually take the leap, teams like United, Bayern, Barcelona etc, less so for the likes of Citeh who have no fans anyway.

{Ed002's Note - Why would there be a backlash from fans? Do fans not already go to Champions League games? All of these teams have a world-wide fan base (and Liverpool fans bleat on and on about it) so local fans can go to the games in cities near to them. Other clubs fans also don't tend to suffer from being as xenophobic as some are here, and they already travel a lot further to games than English fans do - as England is much smaller - London to Manchester is nothing to the distances that fans in Spain, Italy, France or Germany have to travel. Being a typical Liverpool fan you are likely stuck in the past - but the world moves on, things change. Right now European football cannot carry on the way it is - and English football cannot sustain the number of professional sides it does.}

11 Feb 2018 12:05:37
So Ed001, what can be done to put a spanner in the works and stop this happening? I don't want Liverpool playing Juventus etc every week, even if they were invited. I can only assume that a lot of fans would be the same? Even if LFC were the biggest, richest and most successful club in Europe I would be against it so it's not "sour grapes" by any stretch.

I think it is an awful idea and would hate it. Imagine not being able to play Everton? All those rivalries built up over the years, bogey teams etc?

Alas the fans are at the bottom of the pile. Only good for the club owners and sponsors.

{Ed001's Note - the only thing that would stop it would be no one watching it if it does happen.}

11 Feb 2018 12:19:56
Ed, I can't see the prices in England changing significantly if we were in it, they're already at the edge of what they can get out of fans.

If this is coming then I'm pretty sure most Liverpool fans would rather be in it than out.

11 Feb 2018 12:44:18
Fans do go to Champions League games off course but not at the expense of not going to local "English" (not British😊) games. I think if you are to ask fans if they were happy to lose those games at the expense of the European games you might get a different answer. Also can you imagine Liverpool, Man Utd etc with all their "worldwide" fans but no local support? Imagine the uproar?

{Ed001's Note - there would be an even worse atmosphere at games than there is now. It is a terrible idea.}

11 Feb 2018 13:05:23
I would be interested to know if any fan apart from Texas (who offered a fair minded post) would support such a change?

11 Feb 2018 13:09:10
I have just posted on the United pagd and will do also on the other pages to get a general view.

{Ed002's Note - There is no plan for Liverpool to be involved so you are fussing over nothing.}

11 Feb 2018 13:25:50
I have been going to Anfield since 1961 and I have seen lots happen over the years, one thing stands out in the days when Spurs won the double and Burnley were in the European cup even when Man U won the European cup fans of all clubs appreciated other great teams but now it's all about envy of what other teams do.
If a European league is on the menu it will be all about the money even more than it is now and all teams should be made to work on the same budget so the financial advantages are illiminated and every team has the same chance other wise it will be a farce .
Just my opinion .

{Ed002's Note - Teams don't work on the same budgets now - so another argument that has no foundation. But again, 1961? You are living in the past.}

11 Feb 2018 13:31:26
Liverpool being involved or not has no relevance to me as i have already said, if Liverpool were the biggest, richest and most successful club in Europe i would still think its a horrible idea. let's see what fans of other clubs that might be involved think. I might stand corrected, maybe not!

{Ed002's Note - You are going to find more insular and xenophobic English fans to give an opinion?}

11 Feb 2018 14:18:51
I personally think it will end up like the XFL in America that WWE chairman Vince McMahon set up.

11 Feb 2018 13:55:58
Ed2 just out of interest what do the german, Spanish, Italian etc fans think of it? Are they open to it or are they too insular and xenophobic if they do not agree that it is a good idea? Not being awkward or trying to cause any grief just wondered if your aware of other countries fan base intentions.

{Ed002's Note - Quite a few of the clubs held discussions with their fan groups a while back and of the two clubs who have confirmed they would not take part on the break away one took account of the views of the fans as part of their decision. Others were supportive.}

11 Feb 2018 14:07:34
Hello Ed002 I know teams don't work on the same budgets now that's why Barcelona, Real Madrid! Man U, City etc tend to be in the frame for being champions even when Blackburn won the premiership it can be put down to certain financial input from Mr Walker .
Yes 1961 is in the past but we can learn from the sportsmanship etc from that time,
My opinion for what it's worth is that eventually all the players will be registered with the league they are with and each club will have the same amount of money to spend and they will try to get players to join them from the "pool" .
Fans will always support their teams that's why teams who have never won anything
Still have support even when at the start of the season their fans know they have no chance of winning any thing.
I know you have great knowledge about current football arrangements and appreciate lots of things you say .


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{Ed002's Note - I am afraid RT that players in Europe will never be all paid the same, will never be registered with their leagues and be picked from a pool. However idyllic that sounds it is simply never going to happen. In the US the MLS operate a system which sees most (but not all) player contracted centrally to them and there are restictions on wages the clubs can pay the few players they contract themselves. Then of course it gets creative with sponsorships etc.. In Brazil local business still buy in to the rights of players through nefarious means. I could tell you stories about one PL club that had players paid tax free in Monaco as temporary residents, and a player who was paid in oil paintings and classic cars. In Spain they have had numerous issues. All of that has been cleaned up and players are contracted to clubs, paid and taxed the same way as most folks.}

11 Feb 2018 14:09:01
Do you think it's a good idea ed2? I know you are far better educated than us in the matter but as a football fan alone? Bear in mind, I'm aware something needs to change.

{Ed002's Note - Yes, I hold a reasonably strong view in terms of the need to restructure football in Europe in any case. For me an eventual a breakaway pan-European league would force the restructuring of many of the national leagues, possibly resulting in a British league with perhaps only a couple of professional tiers and then regionalised amateur leagues below that. Financially I do not see that so many pro sides can be sustained within the sport which, like it or not, will see more and more money going in to the highest levels of the game. Governments will ensure that grassroots sport get funding but everything in the middle (Southern, Northern, Conference, Division 2, Scottish Divisions 1-3, League of Wales will not get the funding needed to continue on any sort of professional basis. For me, clubs should already recognise this and put their efforts in to getting there finances in order to see if they can make it to a British professional league that will need to flourish without perhaps six sides that have eventually gone down the pan-European route - and have gone for good (it would be two or perhaps three initially). Clubs like Accrington Stanley will need to carry on as amateurs or face extinction (yet again). Recently Hartlepool has been struggling - again it needs to adapt. The mighty Third Lanark have started their long journey back to the top - it can be done.

The game has changed significantly and will continue to do so whether the Liverpool supporters like it or not. Football at the highest level is big business and attracts the sponsorship it does because the sponsors wish to tap in to the disposable income of the fans and ride the back of the advertising that flows naturally from the success some clubs achieve. Long gone are the days of the cloth-capped, hobnailed-booted, chimney sweep making his way, rattle in hand, to cheer on his team at Anfield on a Saturday afternoon. I have explained that there will be changes, probably within the next 10 to 12 years, which will force the restructuring of all of the leagues in Europe and likely do away with the likes of UEFA. You will have the opportunity to see the likes of Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Juventus and the other major European sides play in week-on-week regular competition at The Emirates, St James Park, Stamford Bridge or wherever. Fans of the sides who take the plunge will have the opportunity to visit cities such as Milan, Barcelona, Munich, etc. every couple of weeks to watch their team play. If you want to don your cloth cap, have a pint of wallop with your chums before going off to the local match through the grim, wet and cobbled streets of the Northwest of England where there is smog, dead & dying pit ponies laying on the street and only chips and fried curry to eat., perhaps one of the sides from the suburbs will have survived so you can go and watch them?}

11 Feb 2018 14:32:10
So just because fans like the league setup they have and like the Champions League format as it is that makes them. insular and xenophobic? What if fans from other clubs in other countries feel the same? Are the also insular and xenophobic?

{Ed002's Note - Fans are generally willing to embrace change and don't live in the past or have a fear of all things "foreign". It is the fans of certain English sides that suffer such maladies.}

11 Feb 2018 14:56:17
About the mercenary bit earlier. It took me 38 years to realize in life that there are more important things than money. Money makes the world go round, but my family and health are more important. Our happiness is too. It is nice when some athletes realize that, and turn down bigger contract elsewhere to stay with their team. And as for whatever league Liverpool FC plays in, I Will support them till I die.
Matt in FL.

11 Feb 2018 14:17:19
Not sure anyone is being xenophobic ed002?
this new league is totally about money and a big portion of the fans will just simply not watch it from the start and another huge portion will grow bored of it eventually as it will be completely tedious.
It might seem like good business sense to some people but at the end of the day if the product your offering is crap it’s going to fail eventually.

{Ed002's Note - The Liverpool fans won't be asked to watch it Mikey, but as I have previously said, the fans of certain English sides do suffer from xenophobia. It seems like good business sense to just about eveyone Mikey - that is why the big money from television, sponsorship etc. would go with a breakaway league. The product will be league football as you have now, but with the high-profile teams playing each week. So the chances of it failing are slim.}

11 Feb 2018 14:48:27
Ps
That would be British and Irish fans, possibly a few European and Worldwide fans and not just "English". We have an eclectic mix on this forum. Maybe they are all xenophobic!

{Ed002's Note - It would generally be the English and Irish based fans who have such a problem - which is becoming clearer and clearer.}

11 Feb 2018 15:05:50
Thanks Ed002, you are the one .
Fantastic inside info .
Good luck.

{Ed002's Note - Thanks. If it hadn't of been clean ed up (and I forgot to mention "image rights" as well) then another solution would have been required.}

11 Feb 2018 15:16:09
Do Liverpool fans or any other English club have a fear of any thing foreign when they welcome players from all over the world and every religion? doesn't sound xenophobic to me!

{Ed002's Note - Try not to be so stupid.}

11 Feb 2018 15:17:07
Thanks ed002, the site has been really interesting and entertaining this morning, almost forgot we are playing today, need to get a pint of wallop in ASAP.
Have a good evening, I will look forward to talking to you again about this over the coming years, maybe over a fried curry if your ever in town. Lol.

{Ed002's Note - Thanks Mikey.}

11 Feb 2018 15:37:25
Great reply Ed002, thanks. I think the stupidity started when you classed British and Irish fans (not just English) xenophobic because they might have more of an interest in playing Man Utd or West Brom on a more regular basis than European clubs, even tho they do play these clubs on occassions every season on a less regular timescale. Well done!

{Ed002's Note - Actually I said English, it was you who said British and Irish. You really do struggle don't you?}

11 Feb 2018 15:43:36
Much appreciated ed2 for your thoughts on the matter. As I've said on a few occasions. I'm in agreement that things need to change but on this super league I just can't for the life of me see it happening regardless of Liverpool's presence. In truth, such a change scares the sh*ep out of me. But at least we'd probably win the league again.

{Ed002's Note - It scares the sh*ep out of UEFA as well - hence there are two/three counter-proposals to the pan-European breakaway that have partially been backed by UEFA to try and save their own skin. The first proposal is to rename and change the format of the UEFA Champions League to make it an elite closed-shop pan-European league with a fixed number of teams – and these would be the same teams every year and be based on past winners of the Champions League and European Cup and a few (not specified) more. It would then require the restructuring of the Europa League and the possible introduction of a lower-tier European competition again. Although they have yet to flesh out the detail and there is now a major concern that the impetus for this is not coming from Europe, although one major Football Association has given their support and discussions have also been held with the leading clubs from England (Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal). The American backer, Stephen Ross of the Miami Dolphins, has on several occasions requested a meeting with an extant group of sides considering the pan-European breakaway to discuss his proposals. They have yet to respond but having identified the source of much of the funding (and that raising a concern) will wish to discuss it between themselves first. This has dragged on for a year and nothing has happened.
However, UEFA are now considering a variant proposal that would see some places in the CL fixed (probably to previous winners) and then see it supplemented by Champions and second place sides each season. This complicates matters again as it means the re-introduction of a third competition or the significant restructuring of the EL. The plan being put to clubs is a summer/preseason tournament that will evolve in to a parallel league, and of course eventually in to a complete breakaway for these clubs. As a first step to all of this, UEFA have negotiated minor changes that will see the four entrants from England, Germany, Spain and Italy enter the existing Champions League group stages without any qualification beyond their National League position (so no entry to qualifying rounds). This has been agreed by the European Club Association but UEFA did not want to discuss it with the separate group of “elite” sides discussing the Pan European League (and that “elite” group includes three English sides) as they are aware they will get no more than a shrug and no long-term support.

The second major counter proposal is a Chinese proposal from the Dalian Wanda Group proposes to open up the lucrative Chinese and Far Eastern media markets by extending the league to include Chinese and South American clubs. This has yet to be discussed by the "elite" sides as a group although the proposals have been presented to a number of them already on an individual basis. The proposals are very broad-based and lack detail - their selling point is significant additional income for the "elite". The general feeling from informal discussions over cocktails is that the "elite" would not want it on a league basis but could be open to including other sides in a some sort of expanded World Club competition.}

11 Feb 2018 15:59:12
Another great reply, thanks. Maybe you stuggle that yours is not the only opinion and because someone doesn't fall into line with Your opinion it makes them xenophobic.

You fail to see that it is purely footballing reasons, maybe some historic yet you in all your wisdom decide that it is because xenophobic.

{Ed002's Note - You didn't read the posts and it is nothing to do with people not agreeing with me being xenophobic - that is simply a pig ignorant answer. You clearly have some massive chip on your shoulder.}

11 Feb 2018 16:29:15
Wow, cheers for the info ed. I think this is a matter that will come up again and again. I foresee you having to do a sharkopod in the very near future on the matter, which would be amazing. I'm also expecting some media outlets to start spewing their own vitriol on this, since the posts here have become quite active on the matter. (On match day as well) I might add that the expanded world club competition is something I'd love to see and anything to improve the Europa league would be no bad thing. Any further discussions you hear between the powers that be would be greatly appreciated ed2 whenever that may be. Again, thank you very much for the enlightening and thoroughly frightening information. It's a terrific read even if it's something many of us aren't at all ready to see.

{Ed002's Note - This has been going on for some years.}

11 Feb 2018 16:49:01
Liverpool ...............

{Ed002's Note - Why are you now trolling the posts?}

11 Feb 2018 17:02:11
I am not trolling the posts at all. I am responding to your reply. Why do you feel the need to not put it up?

{Ed002's Note - It is simply a cut and paste - trolling. Everyone else has dealt with this with interest and asked good questions. And then we have to deal with you and your chip just trying to wreck everything for everyone else.}

12 Feb 2018 12:08:15
It would be scary to see the best teams disappear to their own league, would diminish the competitiveness of the premier league for example. what would it mean winning the league when say Man city, chelsea and united not playing in it! Would almost be a sour victory, winning in a league without some of the best teams!
I'd want us to be involved, playing the best teams week in week out. Plus what of your "best" players, huge amount of talent will go to the more competitive league for the financial as well as prestige from playing for/ against the biggest clubs. and if the TV goes with it then what our the remaining teams going to spend without the extra income!

13 Feb 2018 18:25:10
To me, the only real scary thing about the proposals is the potential loss of merit based participation. Just like football didn't start 26 years ago, football prior to 2025 (lets say) should just be considered one big qualifying round for the next structure of football. In recent years teams like Brighton have come from the brink of nothing to being a solid premiership side, teams like Leicester and Dortmund have appeared from the shadows to win it all etc.

I'd hate to lose that aspect and possibility in a new structure, to have a guaranteed set of possible winners for the next decade and for all others to have a limit to their potential - no matter how good they get, they can never play the best teams around. As long as there is some way to mitigate this, to reward the best of the rest and give them a chance at being the best of the best, then change away.

11 Feb 2018 08:08:51
Morning Ed2,

A question for you on the European break away league.

What is the likely timescale of this happening, if there is one?
Is it likely to happen within say the next 10 years? Or sooner?

Sorry if you answered this or similar already, I had a look but couldn't see that you had.

Thanks a bunch

Carra.

{Ed002's Note - Timing wise, two very prominent clubs wanted it to happen as soon as possible (2018 was their plan in 2015 – obviously not a chance) and they had the support of a third club - but most are looking at 2022 to 2025 being a good option. A few clubs are looking at 2025 to 2028 and I suspect that could end up as the reality.}

11 Feb 2018 09:37:20
Thanks Ed,

Your reply as always very much appreciated.

{Ed002's Note - You are welcome.}

11 Feb 2018 10:17:14
STANLEY VICTOR COLLYMORE spewing rubbish about the reds.
Would this be the STANLEY VICTOR COLLYMORE who played in a team with
NEIL RUDDOCK and PHILL KEBABB as centre-halves and one DAVID JAMES throwing the ball in the net. AHHH it was so much better in your day STANLEY VICTOR winning all those trophies. not.

11 Feb 2018 10:36:02
"You wildly underestimate how popular it will be"

This was part of a reponse you gave to Mikey1985 in an earlier thread.

When you say how popular it will be, do you mean amongst fans or is this just commercially from your point of view. I appreciate that you say that this is just natural progression but i would think most fans would not want to see their Premier League or La Liga etc ripped up and not play teams they have played for decades, very succesfully at that.

So is this just a case of footballing big wigs (owners etc) doing what the want and not giving two hoots about what fans think is a good idea? Has anyone even asked the fans? I know you say that you get to watch Juventus, Madrid etc every other week but i would rather watch the more British teams. Personally i think getting to play the cream of European teams 3/ 4 times a season is perfect and keeps it exciting for the fans so to speak.

Like i have said, maybe the fans are at the bottom of the pile, "who cares what they think? " Might be the answer! I can see it being a massive turn off for fans and tv fans alike. I think the fans want their "grass roots" football, such as the Wba, West Ham games and i would guess it would be the same in Italy, Germany and Spain etc.

{Ed002's Note - Only two English sides have made the commitment and it is likely the third club involved will as well. So you can happily carry on in a similar manner to now watching "British" teams (I assume you meant English) - but there will be less money for the remaining sides. But eventually, regardless of all of this, the English game needs a massive shake up as there are too many professional sides and it cannot be sustained. English clubs don't get to play the elite of European football three or four times a season - only those that qualify for the Champions League have that opportunity and they also have to mix it with the Tromso's and Hadjuk Split's. The plan is that about 16 teams will end up in a league and will play each other side twice a season. The trade off is that they will break away from their domestic leagues. And plenty fans have been spoken to about this over the years but their view is not a driver for anything (the same as now in fact).)

11 Feb 2018 13:30:15
Interesting that some people don’t want a European breakaway league as it will be to the detriment of the EPL.

I assume that those who would favour the English set up staying as it and having an elite top-flight weren’t around when exactly the same arguments were banded about over discussion over the EPL- which then creamed off broadcasting rights and left the rest of the English game to suffer.

Football moves with the times. Other than major exceptions (Leicester being one) many European leagues have the same teams winning them or on co tension year-on-year.
The rest of the top flight teams are in essence playing for revenue off the back of their finishing position.
If the major clubs with most sending power in each top flight were removed- and income from broadcasting shared more equally between the rest - then you would probably see more competitive domestic leagues.

Below this, as the Ed’s have suggested, football is restructured then it’s good for the game. More competitive, more regionalised- and a Pan-European League above that.

11 Feb 2018 06:00:26
{Ed's Note - Tris Burke has posted a new article entitled, Review Of The Day 11th February 2018

11 Feb 2018 06:49:21
Fabulous to read about TAA - have high hopes for the lad, especially with an attitude like that.

11 Feb 2018 08:18:10
Fantastic to read that about Trent. What a fantastic young man.

11 Feb 2018 08:53:43
Huge respect to TAA, every time I hear about this lad I'm impressed.

11 Feb 2018 09:32:52
Good on the lad. Seems like we have a very decent young man on the books at lfc.
Hopefully teammates and other clubs can contribute to this charity.

11 Feb 2018 10:28:46
Good article today Ed001, lots to chew on there.

Really refreshing to see a young player so grounded, maybe clubs should encourage or insist more or all young players be involved in charitable causes, might keep more of them on the straight and narrow.

Never thought I would feel sorry for Mario Balotelli but there you go.

{Ed001's Note - all the club's contracts should include X amount of hours a week to be devoted to community/charity work.}

11 Feb 2018 13:36:12
Agree Ed, can really make somebodies day and, given the life the players have, it is not a lot to ask. Think it would help strengthen the ties between the club/ players and the fans as well, which could not only improve support but improve the players will to win on the pitch as well. We can but hope.