The 2026/27 Football Season

[TomTank]

Arsenal looking good today. Have to be favourites to retain the title.
City looking decidedly second best at the moment.

Pep maybe knew something 😂🤷🏼

The drugs cheat knew 115 things

[Iamforreal]

Indeed Arsenal looking good and favourites for the title.
Will be happy if Man United make top 4 again and consolidate on previous season, didn't help yesterday conceding 4 to Ruben's Amorim AC Milan.
I expect also Spurs to do much better after splashing the cash and no european football.

[Stevelondon]

Sad thing really. I can’t see any other team out of the so called big six challenging for the title.

Bad for the premiership (unless you’re part of that group) bad for all the other clubs and especially bad for football in general really. 

PSR the most unfair system but I doubt it will ever change.

[TomTank]

Sad thing really. I can’t see any other team out of the so called big six challenging for the title.

Bad for the premiership (unless you’re part of that group) bad for all the other clubs and especially bad for football in general really. 

PSR the most unfair system but I doubt it will ever change.

If they abolished PSR and Jeff Bezos bought Rotherham United, spent billions and they won every trophy and league title every year, would that be fair?

[webpunter]

Sad thing really. I can’t see any other team out of the so called big six challenging for the title.

Bad for the premiership (unless you’re part of that group) bad for all the other clubs and especially bad for football in general really. 

PSR the most unfair system but I doubt it will ever change.

PSR now SCR it certainly is

Chelsea are part of the group even though posted a record £262m loss to June 25
Dwarfed by the group loss @ £700m
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When it comes to PSR SCR they get green lighted by the Premier League - no problemo with accounting fiddles selling a hotel they already owned & the wokey WSL 200m valuation bollox
Things will get interesting to June 26 tho they did benefit from winning the CWC & some limited CL matches
Having played the hotel & WSL cards i wonder what bollocks they'll come up with going forward
Just as well they didn't qualify for europe as UEFA would likely hit them with another fine [UEFA didn't accept the hotel wsl fiddles]
The fine should also be included in SCR as an expense
No doubt the PL will let them off, as they fessed up to previous cheating & were given a slap on the wrist [the PL save punishment for clubs like Everton & Forest]
& coz there's supposedly £2.5bn going to Ukraine [like fuck it is the funds are sitting in a bank i think in London]
To June 27 there will be no european tv / match day income
& presently no front of sponsor major businesses me thinks dont want to be connected to the cheating fuckers BlueCo 
How they will even get close to meeting SCR June 26 & then June 27 not a scooby we'll have to wait & see

Its all but impossible for challenger clubs like Villa & Newcastle to mount a sustained challenge SCR forces them to sell their best players & back down the table they go
Just what the PL & their group of 6 want [City Arsenal Utd Liverpool Chelsea & Spurs]

PSR SCR also makes it much harder for teams like Sunderland & Leeds to stay up let alone try to head up the table

& dont get me started on the elephant in the room

[Stevelondon]

If they abolished PSR and Jeff Bezos bought Rotherham United, spent billions and they won every trophy and league title every year, would that be fair?

No of course not. But do you think the system as it stands is fair. ?

I’ll admit I don’t have any answers as to how things could be managed better.
But that’s because I’m thick.
Over to you !!!


As for elephants in the room………. Can anyone tell me the difference between an Indian and an African elephant?

[webpunter]

If they abolished PSR and Jeff Bezos bought Rotherham United, spent billions and they won every trophy and league title every year, would that be fair?

Rotherham    they're a bogey team for Leeds
The reality is that this type of scenario wont happen
Though what it does do is protect the big 6
There is no danger of Newcastle ever going under obvs so no financial impact if ever a problem there

[webpunter]

As for elephants in the room………. Can anyone tell me the difference between an Indian and an African elephant?

I would hazard a guess that a male African elephant has a bigger cock
& they dont constantly lie to other elephants while moving their heads from side to side
 

[mr.bluesky]

No of course not. But do you think the system as it stands is fair. ?

I’ll admit I don’t have any answers as to how things could be managed better.
But that’s because I’m thick.
Over to you !!!


As for elephants in the room………. Can anyone tell me the difference between an Indian and an African elephant?

African elephants have bigger ears ask dumbo 
So Coventry's first game of the season is away to Arsenal - a nice easy start 
Next away game against Man City 
A couple more signings in the pipeline which will have taken our spending to over £100 million 😳 if we are going to go down nobody can accuse us of not giving it a good go

[Stevelondon]

You’ve all got it wrong

One is an elephant 🤷🏼

[mr.bluesky]

You’ve all got it wrong

One is an elephant 🤷🏼

  

[TomTank]

No of course not. But do you think the system as it stands is fair. ?

I’ll admit I don’t have any answers as to how things could be managed better.
But that’s because I’m thick.
Over to you !!!


As for elephants in the room………. Can anyone tell me the difference between an Indian and an African elephant?

I don't have the answer either, and I'm not sure what you do to solve the issue, or if there is even agreement on what issue is to be solved.

For me the issue is ownerships and their reasons for owning our clubs.
And it's probably not fair to say the big 6 are using PSR to protect themselves (although they kind of are).

It's definitely unfair that clubs, who have built themselves through many years of good stewardship, and put themselves in a strong position, to suddenly have to compete with a Rotherham, Newcastle, or city who have been bought by a country or equivalent.
PSR has been a poor attempt to fix that, but that doesn't mean something along those lines is not needed.

[shed]

Arsenal looking good today. Have to be favourites to retain the title.
City looking decidedly second best at the moment.

Pep maybe knew something 😂🤷🏼

Six years of development with the same manager shows the way and patience required. Their bench today was frightening. Two top players for every position. Key will be how to keep them all happy with playing time. Interesting that BG leaves a medium size club in Newcastle to join one of the "big boys". And in his first competitive game wins the charity shield and a winners medal. Oh and he doubled his wages. Difficult for any toon fan to question his decision 

[bigden40]

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Sebastian Pocognoli the new Scotland manager.

I like the appointment in principle as he looks to play an attractive brand of football but will he be able to implement his style with players at his disposal that he only has occasionally over the course of the season? 

[shed]

Indeed Arsenal looking good and favourites for the title.
Will be happy if Man United make top 4 again and consolidate on previous season, didn't help yesterday conceding 4 to Ruben's Amorim AC Milan.
I expect also Spurs to do much better after splashing the cash and no european football.

A man of little faith . Transfer window hasn't yet closed and season hasn't even started! Premiership is a marathon.

[TomTank]

A man of little faith . Transfer window hasn't yet closed and season hasn't even started! Premiership is a marathon.

yesterday was definitely a reality check for those United fans getting carried away thinking a tilt for the title might be on ..... and I don't mean the result, I mean quite a few worrying aspects of the performance and players

[toon972]

At the moment 5 teams qualify for the champions league so one of the top 6 is going to miss out, will that be a season of failure for that team. Going to be interesting to see how that is going to pan out during the season.

[Vice Admiral]

Here is the latest Deloitte Football Money League of European football clubs, which relates to the 2024/2025 season:
External Link/Members Only

There is a well set-out graphic one third of the way down the page that shows the top twenty clubs.

The top four are non-English: Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain.

The remaining six clubs in the top ten are all English, and there are a further three English clubs among the next ten.

Interesting.

[timsussex]

We (or at least most of us) moan about 6 clubs in England dominating, fiddling the rules and making sure no-one can join them. In other countries its only one or two clubs sharing the top table gravy not 6

There was another article a few days ago pointing out that the real alpha players (Messi, Vini, Mbappe) will never come to England

[mr.bluesky]

There was another article a few days ago pointing out that the real alpha players (Messi, Vini, Mbappe) will never come to England

No they will all finish their careers in the retirement league aka MLS or the desert league for one final big payday. 
Can't really blame them, play less games for more money

[shed]

yesterday was definitely a reality check for those United fans getting carried away thinking a tilt for the title might be on ..... and I don't mean the result, I mean quite a few worrying aspects of the performance and players

It's a pre season game.  About getting minutes on the pitch. As you say the result is irrelevant. Some players aren't yet fully match fit and the needs for player changes doesn't help but is necessary. Personally I don't read anything into it but that's just my view 

[Stevelondon]

Six years of development with the same manager shows the way and patience required. Their bench today was frightening. Two top players for every position. Key will be how to keep them all happy with playing time. Interesting that BG leaves a medium size club in Newcastle to join one of the "big boys". And in his first competitive game wins the charity shield and a winners medal. Oh and he doubled his wages. Difficult for any toon fan to question his decision 

Looking at what most Toon fans have said. They’ve wished the lad well and thanked him for his service. A world of difference as to how The 🐀 left the club.
I’m not sure I see how interesting it could be in him leaving Newcastle. Walking into Arsenal and winning a medal in his first match. Arsenal were playing in the charity shield game anyway…..🤷🏼

More interesting as far as I’m concerned. Has Old Trafford had the guttering fixed while the weathers been good.
 

[daviemac]

It's a pre season game.  About getting minutes on the pitch. As you say the result is irrelevant. Some players aren't yet fully match fit and the needs for player changes doesn't help but is necessary. Personally I don't read anything into it but that's just my view 

Exactly, the oldest of the Newcastle back 4 in the second half yesterday was 20, on Saturday we had a 17 year old at right back, It was all about Jaissle assessing what he has available. He has stated the the preseason fixtures wouldn't have been his choice but they were all arraigned while Howe was in charge.

We have signed right back Amar Dedic to cover that position now.

On Bruno I'm more disappointed that we were in the position of him wanting to leave than angry that he has, all players want to win things. Having said that it's the players on the pitch who play the game so is it really all the managers fault or should they shoulder a lot of the responsibility. Though some bad transfer decisions haven't helped the cause.

[shed]

Looking at what most Toon fans have said. They’ve wished the lad well and thanked him for his service. A world of difference as to how The 🐀 left the club.
I’m not sure I see how interesting it could be in him leaving Newcastle. Walking into Arsenal and winning a medal in his first match. Arsenal were playing in the charity shield game anyway…..🤷🏼

More interesting as far as I’m concerned. Has Old Trafford had the guttering fixed while the weathers been good.
 

You are such a tit  will you ever grow up 

[TomTank]

It's a pre season game.  About getting minutes on the pitch. As you say the result is irrelevant. Some players aren't yet fully match fit and the needs for player changes doesn't help but is necessary. Personally I don't read anything into it but that's just my view 

Agree the result is irrelevant, but we had a lot of starters playing, and the game exposed a lack of physicality in midfield, a poor left hand side, especially Shaw, and Dalot was his usual awful self. Mbuemo and Cunha are okay as backup for Sesko, but we could probably do with more fire power too.

Add to that that bringing Rashford into the squad and giving him game time has set us back 5 years.

I'm not optimistic about the season ahead, unless we sign a quality physical CM and a good LB.
And get rid of Rashford.

[Iamforreal]

We (or at least most of us) moan about 6 clubs in England dominating, fiddling the rules and making sure no-one can join them. In other countries its only one or two clubs sharing the top table gravy not 6

There was another article a few days ago pointing out that the real alpha players (Messi, Vini, Mbappe) will never come to England

Exactly, or even one club, like in Germany where Bayern won 11 in a row, every 10 years maybe someone else will win it and that's it.
How boring is that?

[webpunter]

Exactly, or even one club, like in Germany where Bayern won 11 in a row, every 10 years maybe someone else will win it and that's it.
How boring is that?

Incredibly boring
Not that Arry is bothered he's banging them in whilst trousering 400+ a week
For the fans hardly really generates much interest
Bayern win oppo get beat rinse & repeat
One of the reasons why the Prem is so popular [especially TV coverage] is that its unpredictable
Known events include Niagra Falls @ TTONM when it lashes it down & same old Arsenal always cheating [on corners & free kicks]

[toon972]

Arsenal are rightly favourites to win the premier league. Are the other 5 going to take a gamble and spend money or just settle for the remaining places. Going to be an interesting end to the transfer window

[webpunter]

Arsenal are rightly favourites to win the premier league. Are the other 5 going to take a gamble and spend money or just settle for the remaining places. Going to be an interesting end to the transfer window

Indeed its Arsenal's to lose 💤
Tho the new corner rules will have an impact

Have you been living in a cave since the world cup finished ? [+ the odd transfer prior, Gordon has had more time to learn spanish which combined with mouser will be interesting]
Money flying around lots of it in different directions

[Malvolio]

We (or at least most of us) moan about 6 clubs in England dominating, fiddling the rules and making sure no-one can join them. In other countries its only one or two clubs sharing the top table gravy not 6

There was another article a few days ago pointing out that the real alpha players (Messi, Vini, Mbappe) will never come to England

Not sure Vinicius Jr is in the same league as Messi and Mbappe - I'd rate Haaland above him.

[toon972]

Indeed its Arsenal's to lose 💤
Tho the new corner rules will have an impact

Have you been living in a cave since the world cup finished ? [+ the odd transfer prior, Gordon has had more time to learn spanish which combined with mouser will be interesting]
Money flying around lots of it in different directions

Yes I know teams have been buying players but my point is they are still behind Arsenal which you seem to agree with. Gordon has been learning Spanish for years, it was always his dream to play for Barcelona since childhood. He practiced his Spanish speaking with a Spanish physio while with Newcastle.

[timsussex]

Not sure Vinicius Jr is in the same league as Messi and Mbappe - I'd rate Haaland above him.

Perhaps - I was just including Vini because Arsenal were supposed to be interested - although more likely his agent started it off to get a better renewal deal

I would bet on Haaland being the next record breaking transfer probably to Spain in a couple of years

[TomTank]

Perhaps - I was just including Vini because Arsenal were supposed to be interested - although more likely his agent started it off to get a better renewal deal

I would bet on Haaland being the next record breaking transfer probably to Spain in a couple of years

depends if the Spanish can also afford the hundreds of millions paid into his and his family's offshore accounts

[webpunter]

depends if the Spanish can also afford the hundreds of millions paid into his and his family's offshore accounts

I'm thinking r u sure ?
Looking at google there was a commission disclosed part of the deal for him to move to City
Not hundreds of millions [25 reported]
With your vivid imagination best to include the word allegedly
Or provide some evidence

[webpunter]

Perhaps - I was just including Vini because Arsenal were supposed to be interested - although more likely his agent started it off to get a better renewal deal

I would bet on Haaland being the next record breaking transfer probably to Spain in a couple of years

We are on the same page on Vini as i posted when things were warming up with Arsenal interest [as i mentioned shows how far Arsenal have come to have a credible link]

The best team for being interested in players to keep fans onside [to show ambition] were West Ham a few seasons ago 
When Leeds were in selling mode they put their hands up for KP who went to City [tho he did subsequently play for WH on loan which wasn't very successful]
As for Rapinha deciding where to go is it East London or Barcelona ? 

Yep on Haaland & he has a very long contract
A couple of years bout right which could be hastened with Pep gorne if City don't have a good season this year

[Blackpool Rock]

Perhaps - I was just including Vini because Arsenal were supposed to be interested - although more likely his agent started it off to get a better renewal deal

I would bet on Haaland being the next record breaking transfer probably to Spain in a couple of years

Real Madrid's MO is to let it be known that they want a player then between them they let the contract run down to reduce the price or get them on a free which means the player gets bigger bucks so they're up for it but it does mean their current club gets fucked over 

[Blackpool Rock]

Here is the latest Deloitte Football Money League of European football clubs, which relates to the 2024/2025 season:
External Link/Members Only

There is a well set-out graphic one third of the way down the page that shows the top twenty clubs.

The top four are non-English: Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain.

The remaining six clubs in the top ten are all English, and there are a further three English clubs among the next ten.

Interesting.

Well apart from upsetting a few on here who claim they are the biggest club in the world it does also surprise me a bit

OK so Real Madrid in top spot isn't a surprise and PSG in 4th though i'd perhaps have thought higher but Bayern in 3rd  Never thought of the German clubs being big money spinners.
Liverpool in 5th after a shit season but Man Utd only in 8th despite their massive worldwide appeal 

Brighton; Bournemouth & Brentford making 23rd 26th and 30th despite us constantly hearing that they have done it on a shoestring 

[TomTank]

I'm thinking r u sure ?
Looking at google there was a commission disclosed part of the deal for him to move to City
Not hundreds of millions [25 reported]
With your vivid imagination best to include the word allegedly
Or provide some evidence

14 of the charges are for alleged backhanders (including Mancini's secret 2nd salary which was bigger than his city salary for a few days 'consultancy'):

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25 reported in the Haaland deal?
About right in terms of what was reported for his dad, however The Athletic, Sky Sports, and Marca revealed that the total initial package scaled closer to €100 million (£85.5 million) once agent and family commissions were accounted for.
His agent got €20 million to €40 million
His dad, got €20 million to €30 million
I'm guessing the balance will be other family (allegedly)

And that's just what was officially reported

It doesn't take much imagination to wonder why players like Aguero and David Silva were never interested in moves to Real Madrid (allegedly) or do your ABU spectacles include defending the biggest cheats on the planet (allegedly).

[Blackpool Rock]

Fifa's chief operating officer Kevin Lamour is sacked 3 weeks after criticising Infantino, no surprise there then, looks like the purge has started 

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[webpunter]

Fifa's chief operating officer Kevin Lamour is sacked 3 weeks after criticising Infantino, no surprise there then, looks like the purge has started 

External Link/Members Only

Respec to KL 
Lamour acknowledged he had a duty of loyalty to his employer but also to "certain values" and supporting his colleagues.
"If that means I lose my job, then so be it," he added. "I will understand and respect that decision. At least I'll sleep well tonight."

Indeed a purge
Like Putin who gets rid of any dissenters
Tho KL wont likely fall out of a window from the 8th floor of a building

FIFA will end up filled with cronies all saying the same things that they think GI wants to hear
This will work out well 

FIFA & KL 'agreed to part ways' no doubt with a big payoff & a strongly worded NDA

[webpunter]

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The first test comes see if the objecting confederations & countries play in the matches Sept & Oct

If they do FIFA can count this as a resounding victory for them business as usual

If UEFA & the other confederations stand strong together & refuse [until GI departs & major reforms] this will cause one hell of a mess

[FiveKnuckles]

Praying Arsenal does the back to back by late March 27.    I believe Liverpool, United and Chelsk may have a slow start and find form by GW4.  Don't judge Citeh too early. They have the squad and mentality.

Don't think Villa will make Top 5 and Unai may get the chop or decide it's time to walk to another La Liga team.


Toon fans. Where do you think you'll end.  Mid table or get involved with the relegation fight? 
Sold for €250m and bought 6 players for €180m.  Is there going to be a marquee signing before the close of the window?