Radical changes to the League structure possibly on the way

[Bluemike]

http://www.skysports.com/football/news/ ... -explained

Very interesting, need to digest it all a bit more but can't say I am keen on no midweek fixtures.

[phily bon bon]

As I wrote on Instragram anything that helps share the monies out from the Premier League or benefits the national team is alright with me. Not sure anything will change that much Mike ,but i for one would like to see a better distribution of wealth and some sort of initatives to help improve the national team. The proposals dont seem to be helping any of the Things Ive mentioned but it has to be a priority in my eyes as smaller clubs will continue to suffer with some going under.

[hallamblue]

as I've said elsewhere the PL is and always has been a "closed shop". They have no interest in clubs outside the PL and frankly probably not even beyond the top big Five clubs. No money will filter down to the lower leagues. They don't want any clubs outside of the PL to even have Cat one academis ( for all the good they are).

IMO the Top five clubs can sod off to some European super league and take their greedy over paid overrated foreign imports with them.

[Andym]

Fewer games will short change the season ticket holders as I'm sure prices won't drop, and also hit the clubs as gate money will be reduced. The congestion in the Championship isn't caused by too many fixtures, it's caused by international breaks, and in the lower leagues by having FA Cup, League Cup and Paint trophy. Abolishing the League Cup would make more sense - or at least get rid of replays, although I appreciate they can be money spinners for smaller clubs.

I can't see many clubs wanting this - Championship clubs will worry about the large proportion of teams being relegated in the change-over season, and lower league clubs want matches for the income generated.

Years ago, countless matches would be lost to frozen pitches, waterlogged pitches, etc and got squeezed in. They seemed to cope then.

[herforder]

5 leagues, 100 teams - reduction of 4 matches per season, against existing model.

Loss of income from those matches, balanced by fewer midweek treks up and down the country, and a return to more traditional Saturday fixtures - which, might it is suggested, improve attendances overall. Further initiatives, to offset potential loss of income, will need to be put in place.

Ups and downs, bringing in currently non-league teams - the devil's in the detail! But, overall, the initiative is worthy of further development. (But unless the mighty PL signs up, it surely won't happen!). Once again, it's likely to be about the money.

[number 9]

If it reduces mid-week matches it probably is a good idea. Fixture congestion is certainly a precursor for injuries. They should also get rid of League cup replays. I hope we don't adopt the winter break...I think the holiday fixtures are special and very English. I've never bought into the belief that England is underperforming due to the demands of domestic football. Of course, one could argue injuries have affected the national team, but IMHO the lack of success runs deeper than that.

[Tangfastic]

It could be good. Too many games in the Championship which must affect quality of football.

Not sure that it would be good for Town, but could be good for improving standard of football in general.

Quality over quantity. It's good to have something to look forward to midweek, but think there's too many teams in the Championship, especially with play-offs, etc.

Could be with less games there's more interest in the Cups.

[marko69]

I like this new format indeed.

I don't agree with top clubs naffing off to Europe. Need something to aspire to get promotion ......, no Arsenal, Man Utd, Chelsea, Man City, Spurs, Liverpool; what's the point? Ipswich Town would be gaining promotion for the right to play....... Drum roll......... Everton? Great!

[Bluemike]

Having had more time to read and digest it all, I am 100% totally against it. The prospect of doing away with nearly all midweek fixtures would be a total travesty, not to mention in all probability still paying the same amount for my ST for 4 less fixtures.

I also believe it would put hard up smaller teams even further in the mire with reduced revenue that these extra games would generate. People go on and on about how we should respect the FA Cup and here we are looking at the prospect of it being reduced to a midweek competition at best whilst possibly doing away with replays too. They go on about how it will relieve "player fatigue", what a crock of sh*t, this is what you have squads for, already it has been mooted that teams may be able to have smaller squads, how the hell is that good for the English game and national side ? To me it will have an adverse effect on it.

Talk of Premier League "B" teams entering the fold just pisses me off big time, soon enough they will be bending the rules to get two bloody sides up and into the Champs/ Premier leagues, it really comes across as a total joke for me. Thankfully 90% support for this farce is needed and I doubt very much that will be forthcoming. We have had this structure for bloody years because it works and is successful. No doubt it is all about the fat cats getting even richer and sod the minnows at the bottom of the food chain.

[arana peligrosa]

All told it would appear to be one of those 'could be / possibly' scenarios : or to label it another way : in all probability this will never see the light of day. And when are they hoping to implement this ? By 2019 ? f*ck me that'll be too late for some but for those who may get to witness this, can't be in favor of what they're proposing.

The thing is, they mess around with things (albeit on a lesser extent) so often it doesn't offer complete surprise. Something about (quote) "what is best for English football" - bullshit - it's about financial gain and so that someone can make a profit. Nothing is ever done in the world of business unless there is money to be made and this would seem no exception.

Maybe it seems to soon after the whole shake up in 1992 and the loss of the old first division and introduction of the EPL. Furthermore there must be a ninety per cent agreement rate within all league structure for this to go ahead ? We won't get to know the outcome for another two years from this time, but even at this premature stage, would be surprised if the votes go in their favor and turn this 'dream' (or whatever it is), into a reality.