Premier League 2015-2016

[Dannie Boy]

It's hardly surprising news, but Steve McLarens been sacked.

Together with the other non-surprise that he's been replaced by Rafa Benetiz
http://www.bbc.com/sport/football/35784544

[PeteC]

It's hardly surprising news, but Steve McLarens been sacked.

Together with the other non-surprise that he's been replaced by Rafa Benetiz
http://www.bbc.com/sport/football/35784544

He has a 3 year contract, but I wonder if a clause that gets him out if they go down? You think Benetiz would really be willing to manage a Championship League team? Pete

[pharvey]

I'm not sure of the exact amount, but I think the TV rights are worth close to £100m by staying in the Premiership - there are some cushioning payments to those relegated but it's nowhere near the amount they get by staying up. The other problem is that unless they've been very canny with contracts, relegated Premier teams end up paying players well above Championship salaries.

So presumably the owners/backers could well pull out? Could this possibly see the end of NUFC for all intents and purposes?

Would be sad to see a team in any sport with such a rich history falling by the wayside, but ultimately who will support a failing business - a business after all is what it is.

[PeteC]

^ Take a look at Fulham's stats. This is their second year down and it is a slippery slope indeed. Pete

[Dannie Boy]

I'm not sure of the exact amount, but I think the TV rights are worth close to £100m by staying in the Premiership - there are some cushioning payments to those relegated but it's nowhere near the amount they get by staying up. The other problem is that unless they've been very canny with contracts, relegated Premier teams end up paying players well above Championship salaries.

So presumably the owners/backers could well pull out? Could this possibly see the end of NUFC for all intents and purposes?

Would be sad to see a team in any sport with such a rich history falling by the wayside, but ultimately who will support a failing business - a business after all is what it is.

Well they're by no means relegated just yet and with Rafa in charge they could very well escape relegation. From what I understand, the parachute payments help them specifically in their first year of relegation, so if they can bounce back at the first attempt, it's not too(n) bad, but as Pete points out, if you don't then you end up like the Fulhams of this world and possibly stagnate for a good number of years.

[redzonerocker]

So presumably the owners/backers could well pull out? Could this possibly see the end of NUFC for all intents and purposes?

Would be sad to see a team in any sport with such a rich history falling by the wayside, but ultimately who will support a failing business - a business after all is what it is.

The parachute payments are designed to help relegated clubs adjust to life outside the PL.
At present it is £65 million over a 4 year period, I think it's increasing for next season.
If the club is promoted during that time, they obviously stop.

As for the owner pulling out, it's possible but unlikely, it's probably more likely he would be forced out, especially for his decision to employ McClaren.
Benitez is a smart move though.

'IF' they do get relegated they have a big advantage of many clubs, they have a huge stadium with a massive fanbase, despite their problems they're still averaging 49,500 this season.
When they were relegated in 2009 they came straight back up the following season, averaging 43,000 in the championship.

Keeping the nucleus of players is key, along with attracting players.
I doubt Newcastle will have much problem there, especially with Benitez in charge now, and with the current squad, I can see Rafa keeping them up anyway.

[Terry]

Tactics for our game at Villa tomorrow.

It seems that Villa will take the drop anyway.
Some managers would play a lesser side and try and save players as they would be expecting an easy game.

Me - I would go for the biggest rout possible to extend our already advantageous GD and make it insurmountable.

We've lost too many places in the past due to poor GD - let's not be content with what we've got now........

But that's just me thumping a keyboard and having a quiet chuckle at City only drawing tonight

[Henry 14th]

FA Cup. Woke to see the sad news that Chelsea's season takes another tumble [GRINNING FACE WITH SMILING EYES].

Also the accusations of the well behaved Costa who may have taken a bite out of Gareth Barry.

I havnt seen the incident but it would be out character for a man like Costa to do such a thing!

Apparently he was 'provoked' all game. I hope he was and I hope the tosser got a taste of his own medicine. Perhaps beaten by his own game this time.

There is talk in the papers that At Madrid want him back. Getting rid of both Costa and Morinho would be a good start to rebuilding on what has happened this season during the club's fall from grace.

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[arcadianagain]

I hear that the end of season Chelsea dvd will be available in all good Poundland shops on Monday

[caller]

LOL, 1 season in how many, that we've had a bad one, no, not bad disastrous, but who would bet against us being right back there next year?

I've said it before, our less than talented Director of Football has to go as recruitment is a joke. Mourinho got Fabregas and Costa, otherwise it's Pato, Baba, Pedro and their ilk, a Reading centre back we loaned straight back and an American centre back who has yet to make the squad - absolute farce.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Emenalo

If it hasn't already taken place, a complete review of what happened pre-season that led to everything that has gone wrong since. You sense many opposing forces in operation there. Bruce Buck has been there since Abramovich took over and he needs to consider the quality of MD's and others we have had in that time as opposed to the current structure and make changes.

For the next game, as should have happened yesterday, Terry should be reinstated, Ivanovic to the right and Dave back on the left. Then I want to see Loftus-Cheek play in every remaining game and other younger players given a chance.

As Arnie almost said, we'll be back and you just know that's the truth.

[Henry 14th]

No doubt that Chelsea will be back, they have the funds to buy themselves out of this season's comedy.

That being said with all the gloating last season, opposition fans are surely entitled to enjoy the biggest melt down in Premier League history.

The current crop of talent is still evident, however key gaps need filling.

With Pep joining the other financially doped club, I think that he will have the pick of the best players out there. I would be inclined to suggest that the players he does target would rather play under him at City than under Conte at Chelsea.

[Terry]

I hear that the end of season Chelsea dvd will be available in all good Poundland shops on Monday

Strange, I heard they'll be giving the Arsenal one away free, at the Watford branch of Tesco

[Terry]

Oh well - only 2 goals instead of the 4-5 that we should have had.
But - as my old man would say - 'It's better than a poke in the eye with a sharp stick - my son'

Going to bed happier than I woke up (and still grinning at the news from the Emirates)

[Zidane]

Looks like Arsenal are going to have a trophyless season again.Is it the end for Wenger after 20 years ?
Hopefully,it will also be the end of Van Gaal after 2 years,also.
That was quite a free kick by Payet to beat someone of de Geas ability from what.....40 yards ??

[Henry 14th]

I just wonder whay excuses Wenger can muster up for the teams performance since Christmas. Nothing short of relaxation form.

He's been able to hide behind the financial doping as the reason for his failures but if the league title gies to either Leicester or God forbid Spurs, his main excuse is no longer valid.

It's time for the club and himself to seriously consider an overhaul to how many sections if the club are being managed from playing, coaching, medical, scouting and youth development philosophies.

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