ChelseaBoy

It is a moot point now, as it will not happen.

Was talking UK specific, i.e. Arsenal, Utd, Liverpool

Pat Nevin..... I'm not even mildly surprised that Chelsea have pulled out. I said yesterday morning that I didn't think they wanted to get on that train, but didn't want to get left at the station.

Stop Press...... BBC Sport understands that Chelsea are preparing documentation to request withdrawing from the European Super League.

Dont think there is that level of animosity compared with say the Glaziers or Fenway as Abramovich didnt levy the club with debt. There will be protests however as the Chelsea Independant Supporters Club is demonstrating as is two other groups. Interestingly, the supporters own the Chelsea pitch (not the stadium) and as such could take legal action against any activity that takes away domestic football from that site. The club tried to buy those shares a few years back offering £1k per share on a £100 float price.

Possibly Sky/BT would not bid, but would expect the domestic rights to be much cheaper than current rates if thoe 6 were barred in any form, the upshot is less money from TV and sponsors. You only have to look at the shirt / club sponsors to the top 6 in the PL. They are all corporate giants, whereas others in the PL have online betting and other much smaller deals. The sponsors will go where the audiance is.

Agreed, but fan base alone does not attract the sponsors. TV companies would pay half the rate now for access to the PL without those 6 in the competition. You can see by the fact that JP Morgan has put up £3.5bn and they are the first and probably not the last investor. I would hate to see this come off and think if players, managers and supporters unite they together with legislation could halt this move. Disagreed - Never want to see Sellik in the PL, and surely it would go against their Independence support for both Scotland and certainly Ireland !!!

Not forgetting the Welsh clubs operating in the English league pyramid. Personally i would love to see Rangers play in the EFL/PL at whatever level they start leaving Sellick to be the biggish fish in a tiny pond. I don't want the EFL to invite them and would hope they would refuse based on their hostility to all things British. Unfortunately, those clubs are second level appeal in terms of audiences for BT Sport. A Fenerbache v Anderlect would not cover the cost of televising it.

Can't see that happening. FFP was their shot at that and it didnt work. Through the decades there have been clubs that have had more disposible income through investment or benefactors than others. In the 30's it was Arsenal. Sunderland were once called the "The Bank of England" club back in the late 40s. Man Utd used to buy every good striker each season in the 70's and 80's and Liverpool had the Littlewoods Pools family behind them during the same period. Blackburn had access to funds in the early 90s and other clubs like Everton and Newcastle have spent the last few years trying to secure new onwers with funds, with Everton succeeding recently. What you cannot have is the tail wagging the dog, so i would stipulate that clubs (all clubs) are part of the cultural fabric of the area they operate in and have the governing bodies and governments/local authorities grant clubs special status that prevents any new owners from acting in a way that harms the supporters or the club. If it is a governing body sanctioned competition then fine, if not then the rules should prevent them taking part. We have to ensure the mainly american owners understand that European football isn't built on a franchise model and never will be. MK Dons withstanding.

I expect Sir Kier only attended Ruggers and Gymkhana's when a lad, so has no idea what he is talking about, but felt he had to comment.

The league is crazy talk, and celtic being asked is even crazier

Were you on the Buckfast Compo?

Can't see it happening as the domestic leagues will take court action. Also UEFA and FIFA will not recognise the competition.

Lol on Sutton, what a clown. Failed at Chelsea too.

Thanks, did we say £20 or a denomiation of the SNP's micky mouse currency ?

I always think Brian Clough was the ultimate turn a small club around. getting Derby promoted and winning Div 1, then getting Forest promoted (in 3rd place in 76/77 that year behind Chelsea and Wolves!!) then winning 2 Div 1 and 2 European cups with a fantastic team. Even the Hartlepool team he and Taylor built got promotion the following year after they left for Derby. Oh and he also got fined for calling the Italians "cheating bastards" Quality.

Yes, that is how Liverpool were able to win three of their European cups.

Chelsea 2 West Bromwich 0 Leeds 2 Sheffield 0 Leicester 1 City 2 Arsenal 1 Liverpool 2 Southampton 1 Burnley 1 Newcastle 0 Spurs 1 Villa 1 Fulham 1 United 3 Brighton 1 Everton 4 Palace 1 Wolves 2 Hammers 1

Definitely, forgot about Le Tiss, they all had an elegance when playing. Ruud Gullit was the same.

Really !!!

Always looked like he had time on the ball. He was one of those tall elegant players like Glenn Hoddle or Peter Osgood who rather than rush around like headless chickens, created space and looked so casual, yet had all the attributes.

Never saw him play as I was just a bit too wee, but i remember when playing football at the park the older kids wanted to be Peter Lorimer or Alan Clarke, though I was ok being Peter Osgood. Leeds and Scotland legend.

I agree with City v Bayern, but the Madrid/Liverpool game could go either way. Both teams are playing poorly this season, but like you i would slightly favour Madrid especially if they can finally get a tune out of Hazard and their knowhow in Europe.

All the best big W

No chance.