jr
Member
Registered: 20th May 02
Location: Kent
User status: Offline
|
Chelsea have sensationally moved to the top of the Premiership this morning, they have successfully concluded the audacious purchase of Watford's Premiership points.
The £29m transfer came as a surprise to the rest of the Premiership, but with Watford already having given up any hope of staying in the premiership, the purchase of their points benefits both clubs and is a logical move in the honest dealings of today's football environment.
Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon commented "These points are exactly the sort of boost the club needs at the moment, and could be the difference that helps us retain the Premiership Title. For Watford, the money will allow them to rebuild their squad to have another tilt at promotion next year. As they say - you can't take them with you."
The champions now have 45 points, although their goal difference has of course been affected as they have absorbed Watford's negative goal difference as a condition of the deal. The transfer puts them four points ahead of Manchester United who are now rumoured to be in negotiations with Charlton over a loan deal for some of their points until the end of the season. It is thought the current demands from Pardew for the free transfers of Rooney and Ferdinand is the major stumbling block.
Chelsea's share value initially rose after the news, however the company fell several places on the FTSE 100 index after rumours emerged that they were being investigated by the Inland Revenue for fielding an illegal accountant.
Arsene Wenger was asked for his views on these developments, but claimed he had not seen it.
Martin Jol said he thought it was an excellent idea and had proposed Spurs go 'Dutch' and share points with any team in the first 3 places in the Premiership, provided it guaranteed them Champions League Football.
Benitez could not be drawn on how Liverpool had won the Champions League under his management, but it appears Spanish Clubs have been using a similar system in Europe for the past decade. He did finally comment that Spanish football was more technical than the cut and thrust of the Premiership, and technically he consider his team top of the Premiership. Lucky for him the fans within the Kop spent most of their childhood outside of educational establishments, Benitez has
them believing Liverpool have a decent team.
Some are suggesting that Sam Allardyce at Bolton may have been concluding similar deals for several years already. Several persons were heard to say, "It goes a long way to explain how Bolton have done so well in the Premiership sincegaining promotion".
Harry Redknapp stated that he could see great potential in this type of
arrangement, but hotly denied rumours of any personal gains being made with the imminent demotion of Portsmouth to the Ryman's League.
[Edited on 24-01-2007 by jr]
|
