Premiership Football - A Road To Riches Or Ruins?

The Premier Divison can make or
break your side sometimes

The Premier Division, is the richest, most attractive and powerful football division in the world. This season sees the 19th season of the division. In this article I will talk about, is the division really a road to riches or is it a road to ruins of your club. Since its creation 45 teams have participated in the division.

 Over the years, money has been ploughed into the top flight of English football but this has lead to problems for many clubs, but great things for others. Bradford City, Coventry City, Sheff Wed, Sheff Utd, Swindon Town, Oldham Athletic and Leeds United are just a few clubs to have suffered problems since their drop from the elite division. In reality, if you get to the Premier Division you need to stay there. Promotion to the the top flight is potentially worth around £150 million to the club. The play-off final in The Championship has become the biggest game in the game potentially, with £90 million at stake to be won, for the winner of the match, its dubbed the 'million pound a minute' match.

Wolves fans celebrate another season of
Premiership football

So what if, your club manages to stay up in your first season of promotion, that's great, fantastic news, you have established yourself as a potential solid Premiership side, you will then have more money to spend for the following season, more players will be attracted to you, as they see you as a much more stable club to go to, now that you managed to show what you can do. Take Stoke City for example, they have been a successful and consistent Premier Division team for many seasons, finishing safely in mid-table, they don't spend a lot, but get results, that's what matters, it works for them. They are,  a solid Premiership team who look in no danger of going down soon.

'The best trip weve ever been on'
Blackpool fans are going back to Burnley

But what happens if the 'best trip you've ever been on' suddenly becomes 'the worst trip you have ever been on'. Parachute payments were brought in by the football league to ensure that clubs did not suffer financial hardship after relegation from the top flight. These payments are not really enough to regenerate a promotion push, but they are there to help with the gaps in revenues, for example, TV money, lower gates, player wages etc. Not many teams can say they bounce back quickly from relegation from the top flight, only a select few teams come to mind, Birmingham, West Brom are two. By a quick bounce back I am talking one or two seasons.

Charlie Adam was a cruical player for Blackpool last season

The major problem after being relegated is keeping your key players, Blackpool have had this problem, losing several players, including Charlie Adam. Then you have to replace these players, with lesser standard players or anyone you can afford. With this comes the breakdown sometimes of the team, so effectively you are starting with a fresh slate, which is a shame. But if your side can stay up, there is a bigger chance they will stay together, but also staying up can mean losing your key players to larger teams. Its a horrible place to be in, being a 'smaller' Premier League side, the financial powerhouses of, Man City, Man Utd, Chelsea, Liverpool etc, can bully clubs into selling players and offering lucrative wages to their man. The club is of course forced to sell.


Sadly, some teams will never come back to the top flight for the foreseeable future after their glory years evaporated, teams such as, Oldham, Swindon, Barnsley, Sheff Wed, Sheff Utd, Hull Ciy, Blackpool, will all face long waits before their moment of glory will come back to them, if ever. It can take years, or decades for clubs to find their way to top flight football, Swansea are a team who have waited over two decades to get back to the top division in English football.

The Importance Of Pre-Season

The Emerites Cup
Is one of many cups hosted by larger sides

With the new season fast approaching, clubs take part in pre-season games against other sides either in their home country or go on 'tour'. Chelsea, Liverpool and Sheffield Wednesday are teams who have played on tour this season. Some teams have their own cup competitions for example 'The Emerites Cup' is played on an annual basis at The Emerites Stadium, its very similar to the Amsterdam Cup hosted by Ajax. The larger teams need to play against tougher opposition, to put them more to the test and get them back into the rhythm of top flight, fast paced football. The Emerties Cup this year is hosting, Arsenal, PSG, New York Red Bull and Boca Juniors. Previous years teams such as Real Madrid, Inter, Lyon and Juventus have participated. 

Selecting your pre-season game choices can be tricky sometimes, the majority of pre-season games are held on a local basis, you wouldn't get many teams go the length of the country for one pre-season game, its just a fitness exercise after all. Its also a chance for new players to get to grips with the style of play of their new team and bond with their team mates. Its the time of the year where the playing positions are up for grabs, the number one jersey, the best central back pairing, midfield line, and forward pairings also.

Smaller sides pre-season needs, differ to
bigger sides pre-season needs

There is no point in sides such as the likes of, Southport, Tamworth, Blyth etc. Playing against top flight teams all the time. The odd game to boost the gate is a good idea, but when the side gets turned over three or four nil for their troubles it doesn't boost morale, but at the same time you need to select a pre-season programme which will pose some challenge to the players, as well as some easier games to boost morale and not put the side under lots of pressure. Think about it, if you have selected a really hard pre-season programme and lose every game by three to four goals, the team may be in a good physical shape, but on a mental basis the confidence and morale would be at rock bottom.

Pre-season can benefit smaller sized clubs,
with boosted gates for big games

Some smaller clubs can actually coin in on the pre-season programme in asking the likes of Chelsea or Man Utd for example to play them in a friendly. Leicester City will be getting a large gate receipt, when Real Madrid play at The Walkers in late July.

With a few weeks left of pre-season its the crucial time for managers to see what else needs improving within the sides before the season kicks off, although these games may be tedious and boring, its a very crucial part of the football season, if not, one of the most important parts of the football season. 

SWFC - Fans View

The Fans View!

As the new season nears, Sheffield Wednesday fans will be hoping for a much better season on the field after last seasons rollercoaster ride on and off the pitch. I have asked several questions to some Sheffield Wednesday fans about their views on the upcoming season and about the club as a whole. Enjoy reading!.



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1. What are your thoughts of last season, on and off the field?

Tommy -  'Last season was a severe disappointment yet also a rude awakening for us as lets be fair we all expected to waltz the league and be preparing for the championship now. Instead we took thrashings on the road at places like Exeter & Tranmere. It all started so well aswell, comfortably sitting in the top two at Christmas due to good results such as the away victory over Hartlepool before plummeting down the league quicker than united spiral into debt'

Carly -  'I think Last season was up and down, there was so many high expectations and pressure to go straight back up to the championship, that fans just got disappointed when the team went through a bad patch but towards the end the team and manager pulled together and started playing football like the Wednesday we know.'

Liam -  'Last season was a nightmare post-Christmas. Started the season well in 2nd place going into the festive season and I started to feel confident in the lads that we can bounce back at the 1st attempt. Sadly, the 5-1 thumping at Exeter started a downward spiral. Never really recovered until April when we started to win games again when it was too late.'

Lewis -  'Last season in terms of progression on the pitch, was an absolute shambles, we had a squad that was more than capable of getting the necessary results, but obviously that wasn't the case. Off the pitch was entirely different... Eventually, I and many other Wednesday fans were close to tears as the winding up orders and court dates came around in full force, until of course Milan Mandaric came in and saved us.'

2. With a new era upon us, how strong do we currently look this season?

Tommy - 'We don't really look that strong in fairness we are lacking strength in depth aswell as several first teamers to improve us on last season i would say at the moment we are currently weaker than last season despite the additions we have made'

Carly -  'I feel very positively about this season, some great new signings, a fitter squad and I think we have a very high chance of qualifying for the play offs'

Liam - 'In my opinion, we look stronger. Megson has got rid of the crap in Teale, Potter, etc which can only be seen as a positive and we have signed better replacements.'

Lewis - 'We look much stronger, obviously with the likes of Bennett and Prutton for example, being rated much higher than those they replaced, we also look financially sound, which is an unusual feeling as a Wednesday fan.' 

3. Are you satisfied with the signings of, Jones, Prutton, Semedo and Bennett?  

Rob Jones

Tommy - 'Having been fortunate to witness both games of pre season so far i have been impressed with the signings, Jones we know from his time here last season where he impressed quite a lot and lead with example this earning him move back and the captains armband. Jose Semedo for me is a real coup one of our title rivals captain and player of the season on a free who goes about his business quietly, His central midfield partner in Prutton is a real battler strong in the tackle and his range of passing is something else. Julian Bennett for me is the key signing so far turning one of our weakest spots into a strength is a good move by Megson, he is very vocal and commanding and willing to look for the overlap all the time.' 

Carly - 'These signings are great, and are strengthening the squad for next season, I am most definitely satisfied'  

David Prutton

Liam -  'Rob Jones was always a fans favourite. Worked hard, won most balls in the air and we chanted "Sign him up" when he went off in the final match of the season.

Prutton is a tank in the centre of midfield. Great signing and controlled the ball well at Worksop at the weekend.

 


Semedo is a good signing. Charlton's player of the season for 10/11 and they release him? Their loss is our gain.

I've heard great things about Bennett, particularly from Nott'm Forest fans. Never afraid to put a tackle in and putting in decent crosses in the box and he's chips in with the odd goal every now and then so all in all another great signing.'

Lewis - 'I'm delighted with them, especially Bennett and Semedo who are rated highly by both their former clubs respectively. I'm also pleased to have secured Rob Jones, who I believe will be a key figure this season, likewise with Prutton.'

4. Which areas (if any) would you like to see improved before the season starts? 

Tommy - 'Ideally we need two strikers as we only have the 2 (Madine & Clinton) on our books at the moment and this is insufficient for us to compete, The rumored two signings of Mellor & COG would please me we all know Mellor knows where the goal is from last season and lets not forget he only played half the season. COG is a different option for us he is versatile and can play winger which would be ideal for the rumored 4-3-3 tactic we wish to play i also believe we could do with two more wingers Marc Pugh of Bournemouth & Myles Weston of Bournemouth would be ideal in my opinion.'

Carly - 'Before the season starts I would like to see team spirit improved, to make sure it's the Wednesday we all know who never give up.'
 
Liam - 'Quite simple. We need a striker (or 2)! Morrison and Madine need back-up. If we can sign Mellor and O'Grady then great. If not we'll have to look elsewhere, but we need at least 1 before August 6th. Another winger as well we need, someone like Dyer.' 

Lewis - 'For me, we need more attacking options, it's plain to see that we need suitable cover for both Madine and Morrison. I'd like to see Neil Mellor make a return, and one other, I'm unsure on who.
I also think we're slightly lacking in wide men too, Jermaine Johnson is often liable to injury and Chris Sedgwick/Daniel Jones aren't consistent enough for me.'

5. Views on Milan Mandaric? 

Milan is a Saviour at S6

Tommy - 'Milan is a hero for rescuing the club in it's darkest hour no doubt about that. However I am concerned with his record of hiring and firing managers, the best thing a club needs is stability. I would like to see him provide funds, providing it's the right players rather than wheeler dealing which we have seen so far. But I wouldn't want him to throw stupid amounts just to be sensible. However I do trust him wholly and trust his judgement.' 

Carly - '3 letters...GOD. He's been a huge impact on Wednesday and thank god he came to the rescue.'  

Liam - 'He saved the club. Enough said.'

Lewis - 'Milan Mandaric, to me is the 'savior' of our club, it's clear to see he cares about what we, the fans, think and is pushing to make sure we are financially sound for the future. A legend in many respects.'

'Megson has good support from fans'

6. Views on Gary Megson? 

Tommy - 'I wasn't entirely pleased with the appointment at first however he has won me over and i hope he does succeed it's just whether Milan has the patience to give him the time to do this.'

Carly - 'Gary Megson has had a huge impact on the squad, since he has been in charge. I along with other Wednesday fans have seen a huge improvement in the players' fitness and performance.'

Liam - 'Megson wasn't my first choice but I said I was prepared to give him a chance to see what he can do and I was doubting him when we were perilously close to the drop zone but he saved us and now since it's a new season, I'm wiping the slate clean and it's a new start for him.'

 Lewis - 'Obvious Gary Megson has strong connections to the club, he's known as being a Wednesdayite himself, as well as both him and his father playing here in their careers. He's a respectable manager, who knows the game in and out, the signings he has made are looking to be promising, only time will tell. He has my full support.'

7. And finally… Where do you think we’ll finish this season?

Tommy - 'Playoff winners.' 

Carly -  'I hope we'll finish in the play offs, my prediction is 5th.'

Liam - 'Well, like all SWFC fans, I want promotion even if it is through the dreaded play-off system and I'm sure most fans would back me on that Screw the League Cup/FA Cup/Johnstone's Paint Trophy. I want nothing more than promotion. Winning the league would be a bonus. Top 6 is the minimum we should be aiming for in my view.'

Lewis - 'Promotion is a must, no question about it, the fans won't accept anything less, neither will Mandaric, I'd love to see a top 2 finish but I predict we'll finish 3rd to 5th.'

Cheers for the comments everyone, much appreciated!

In this blog -

Tommy Tomlinson
Carly Uttley 
Liam Kelly 
Lewis Waddingham  

Sheffield - A City Divided

The Steel City Derby returns to Sheffield this season as The Owls and The Blades find themselves competing in the third tier of English football this season. The Owls have spent seven seasons in their history in the third tier of English football whilst The Blades have spent five seasons at this level. Although Sheffield United are the only team out of the two to have played in the basement of the football league.

The 126th Steel City Derby will be played at Bramall Lane in October whilst the return game will be played in February at Hillsborough. Its the first time the two clubs have been at this level since 1979. Older Sheffield Wednesday fans will remember the 'boxing day massacre' on the 26th of December of that season, in which The Owls won 4-0.

Around 4 miles separate the two sides from each other, the cities passion for football is one of the best in the country, despite both sides having major ups and downs. In the past decade The Blades have had the upper hand on their steel city neighbours on and off the field, with The Blades playing Premiership football during Sheffield Wednesdays slow decline of their 'glory years'. Sheff Wed fans can look back with good memories as being Sheffield's top club during the 1980s and 1990s. The tide is now starting to change once more, who is Sheffield's top club now? Well Sheffield Wednesday fans will tell you its them, if you ask Sheffield United fans, they will say they are. As a Sheffield Wednesday fan myself, I feel both sides are now on an even scale, perhaps Sheff Wed having an upper hand now, considering off the field activities seem to have switched directions for both sides.

Staying with the financial activities of both sides, The Blades have seen problems mount with their debts and huge wage bills, which need to be resolved sooner rather than later. I feel Sheffield United are in a similar position to what Sheffield Wednesday have been in over the past few years, and that is, a board who's got no real ambition, whom doesn't want to pump money into the team, adding onto this, fans who are expecting big things to happen, the Sheffield United managers job is a very tough job at the moment. The estimated debts of The Blades has been suggested to be around £40 million.

Meanwhile in the blue and white side of Sheffield a new era was born last season when Milan Mandaric saved the club at the wire and gained control of the club outright, financial stability has been long awaited for Sheffield Wednesday fans, the real sense of drive and change is buzzing around Hillsborough as the club prepares for a very big season ahead.

Both Sheffield clubs joined forces this season in a very first 'joint city' sponsorship deal, which has caused different thoughts and emotions amongst supporters, one bright side is both sides are appearing to sponsor local business in Sheffield and that is surely a good thing for both clubs and communities in the city. Rumours started to stir that this was a step towards both clubs becoming one or contemplating a ground share which would not go down well with fans, what so ever. Sheffield Wednesday moving from Hillsborough would be like Manchester United moving from Old Trafford. It just can't happen.

For those of you who don't support either side, here's a few stats below which may be of interest to you, Blades and Owls you may want to click 'x' now...


After 125 Derbies -
Sheff Wed wins - 41
Sheff Utd wins - 49
Draws - 39

League Doubles -
Sheff Utd - 10
Sheff Wed - 6

Biggest Victories -
Sheff Utd 7-3 Sheff Wed
Sheff Wed 4-0 Sheff Utd

25 players have played for both sides in Steel City derbies, Alan Quinn is the only player to have scored for both sides in a derby.

Danny Wilson is the first manager ever to have managed both steel city teams.

Sheffield Wednesday Preview - League One 11/12

Sheffield Wednesday, will be looking for bouncing back to the Championship on the second time of asking this season after a disappointing season in League One. A season which saw more than just poor performances on the field, off field issues also were heating up to boiling point.

Dubbed as favorites to go up last season, with a quality team on paper, it seemed like the only way was up after signing up experienced higher league players such as Clinton Morrison and Gary Teale. Sadly this was not the case at S6 after a good start to the season, the club stalled and never really recovered its form from the start of the season. Boardroom and financial issues started to become more and more apparent as the season went on with several winding up orders issued to the club, several prospective buyers came and went, for several different reasons.

Owning Sheffield Wednesday was like having the kiss of death in a sense, taking on rising debts, a former giant of English football with annoyed fans of the plight of their loved club who want to see them return to the top tier at some point. One thing what does sway in a good way for the club is the large fan base which has supported the club in recent years even when times have been harsh and grim.

A new era is upon The Owls

After a very confidential and 'rushed' deal Milan Mandaric became the new owner of the football club, at the death, to save the club from slipping into administration which would have been a huge, huge set back for the club, and probably a set back which would last decades, rather than years.

Now financial stability has returned to the club after around 15 years of it being absent, a new feel and good vibe was at the club, the sense of moving forward and seeing lights at end of the long dark tunnel was starting to shine through. Sadly the high of being safe off the field was quickly forgotten as on field problems started to mount. Irvines time was eventually up after a 5-3 defeat to Peterborough at London Road, a game in which The Owls took the lead three times and managed to lose three times and then go on to lose. Irvine had time in January to sign players but it wasn't enough to get the club out of the rut and Mandaric had to make the hard choice of cutting him free.

Gary Megson was appointed and fortunes did not change much for the team, still performing poorly in the first few games of his tenure, but I personally feel something changed nearer end of the season a better vibe was felt in the team, the side looked more confident, despite the owls bowing out of the season to a 2-1 defeat to Exeter at Hillsborough on the final day, which got a mixed reception from fans. Overall the season report card came back as 'improvment desperately needed'.

So... After a long summer break and so far a decent pre-season the club seems to be preparing for potentially a huge season. Fans will want to see something change, the players need to repay the fans for awful performances of last season, with sometimes fans crying shouts of 'Your not fit to wear the shirt'. Quite understandable when you get trounced by the likes of Exeter, Leyton Orient away and getting smashed by struggling Plymouth at Hillsborough.

Owls fans will be hoping for more cheers of joy this season

Megson wasted no time in getting rid of the dead wood of the team, but there has been more outs than In's so far at the club, David Prutton, Rob Jones, Jose Semedo and Julian Bennett all signing up at S6. With three weeks before the start of the season Megson himself is concerned now with the lack of activity, and myself, for the first time this season I am becoming concerned with it. Some fans have been concerned for months but I always felt things were in hand and we are just being sensible, I think time has come now to really say what are we doing this season. The club want to see the side compete in The Championship next season, some steps have been taken towards this, a few more need to be taken to ensure this or at least make a serious challenge for promotion back to at least some sense of pride of our club.

The next few weeks at S6 will be interesting, expect more names to be coming into the club, but lets not get ahead of ourselves, just because we are 'Sheffield Wednesday' does not mean we should automatically win the title, nor should it mean we under-estimate smaller sides as 'who'?. This attitude last season really back fired, who were Exeter?... Well I tell you who, a side who creamed us 5-1 away and 2-1 at home.