Read on Twitter
You probably know I’ve been dubious regarding proposed league restructures over the years, that’s pretty much the entire point of this account.
I’m not sure this plan solves anything really. A thread. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-8242633/League-One-League-Two-clubs-regional-divide-bid-stay-afloat-coronavirus.html
I’m not sure this plan solves anything really. A thread. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-8242633/League-One-League-Two-clubs-regional-divide-bid-stay-afloat-coronavirus.html
I’m not necessarily against league restructures. I think adjusting the pyramid for the right reasons, with input from fans, clubs, leagues, players could be done very well. We’re probably overdue for one.
This isn’t that. (Yet?)
This isn’t that. (Yet?)
In the article Andy Pilley is quoted as saying: “It is worth considering a regionalised League One and League Two. Much as I like Gillingham, I don’t like going there on a Tuesday night, or Portsmouth on a Tuesday night. It makes no sense.”
The article also suggests that regionalisation would assist with travel costs and boost attendances due to more games against local teams and rivals.
For many clubs, I *could* envisage a drop in travel costs. Less coach fees, less hotel bills.
I’d be interested to see how much of a club’s annual expenditure that is. I suspect compared to wages, it’s actually pretty negligible.
I’d be interested to see how much of a club’s annual expenditure that is. I suspect compared to wages, it’s actually pretty negligible.
However, given how much money has been wasted in English football over the past 2 decades, I kind of resent the notion we should rejig the entire pyramid to reduce coach costs a bit.
So far, it’s a no from me.
So far, it’s a no from me.
Would regionalisation increase attendances? That’s hard to say, no-one has a crystal ball.
My belief is that you would not see sustained significant increase. I think it’s easy to overstate the benefits without evidence and supporter fatigue would soon step in.
My belief is that you would not see sustained significant increase. I think it’s easy to overstate the benefits without evidence and supporter fatigue would soon step in.
Fans who want to go to every game do so anyway. They find a way. They buy a season ticket or they find the extra tenner down the sofa.
The existing portion of fans who could be convinced to go to more games but currently don’t is probably pretty small.
The existing portion of fans who could be convinced to go to more games but currently don’t is probably pretty small.
And as always when these restructures are proposed - my first question is:
“Has anyone asked the supporters?”
“Has anyone asked the supporters?”
Of course these plans, if they actually are fully developed plans, are in early stages.
But I see no consultation from the proposer, from the clubs involved from the EFL, etc etc etc....
But I see no consultation from the proposer, from the clubs involved from the EFL, etc etc etc....
Has anyone asked the National League or, as normal, are they just expected to fall in line with what those above decide?
This is exactly why I was calling on the FA, over a month ago, to coordinate a joint solution that worked for the entire pyramid.
Sadly that isn’t what happened and every level has been left to figure it out for themselves.
https://twitter.com/againstleague3/status/1238590336424869892?s=21 https://twitter.com/againstleague3/status/1238590336424869892
Sadly that isn’t what happened and every level has been left to figure it out for themselves.
https://twitter.com/againstleague3/status/1238590336424869892?s=21 https://twitter.com/againstleague3/status/1238590336424869892
Proposals like these risk the slow erosion of English football. The PL does it’s own thing. The EFL does its own thing. Half of non-league decides it’s own fate while the FA enforce cancellation on the rest of it.
There is a heightened risk of PL interference with a restructure like this. I know I sound like a broken record when it comes to B-Teams, but their cash has been used as a threat before with EPPP, it really isn’t that hard for them to do it again.
So overall, not a fan.
I’d like a restructure but one that’s actually, you know, good.
One that is for the good of the entire pyramid, not just a select few divisions in it.
I’ll be waiting by the phone for anyone come up with it.
I’d like a restructure but one that’s actually, you know, good.
One that is for the good of the entire pyramid, not just a select few divisions in it.
I’ll be waiting by the phone for anyone come up with it.
But that’s my thought, what about yours?
“Would you regionalise Leagues One and Two?”
“Would you regionalise Leagues One and Two?”
