Jon - I was more joking about Avram Grant. Honestly I was very surprised he lasted this long to begin with. His dour nature never really earned the support of the Hammers faithful, and it's a shame that WHU, on their touted move to Olympic Stadium, will have to ply their trade in the Championship next season. Even worse, they will now lose out on keeping big players like Scott Parker and Rob Green, although the latter they might be okay with. I can see a big bidding war for Parker coming up soon, with Gunners in the lead as they need someone like him BADLY.
VERY pleased to hear Hughton is in for the running. Out of those four in that paper, I think Hughton is most deserving. Robbed of his managerial power at Newcastle by an idiot owner is no way to end a career, and wouldn't just be poetic justice for him to lead ANOTHER club back into the EPL just after his departure?
(long rant, spoiler'd in case u wanna skip)
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Honestly, I don't think either Arsenal or United will ever be relegated, they just have that kind of staying power. The only way United will get relegated will be if they just collapse under the weight of their own debt. I was seriously worried about Liverpool for a while under Woy, but Dalglish has been an absolute magician with the current side, and provided NESV are more careful with their expenditures they will be fine.
I fail to see Spurs if Redknapp goes on to coach England. Spurs right now are a mirror of Redknapp, laissez-faire in the market, tap the big money at the last second, and then go for broke. Admirable gestures, yes, but won't get you very far, and there's even talk this season that they will have to sell some of their best players already. Wonderful year to be a Spurs fan, but it's a short road for them.
Chelsea and Man City worry me just because of the financial implications, without the big money, admittedly, both teams would never been in the standing they have right now, although at least Josh Mc(something?) and Sturridge are through Chelsea's academy. Who's in ManCity's? uhm...
It's interesting that the articles would say within 10 years. I'm actually worried about Arsenal next year to do anything more than 5th place in the league. It's the last year before financial fair play, I see it as the big cash grab and go for broke season for many.
Out of all the teams though, I only think Chelsea and Spurs have a small chance of being relegated. United has too much power, and the guard is already being replaced - Hernandez what a find! - and Liverpool is...well....Liverpool, they'll figure it out. And my beloved Arsenal? We haven't gone down since the EPL started, so I think we'll manage somehow
I don't count City as a big club yet, they're too 'new money' for me.
Parity in the EPL is great for the neutrals. I can't see an EPL without Arsenal/Manchesters/Chelsea/Liverpool, but I wanna still be a soccer fan when Blackpool wins the EPL
Any thoughts on QPR and Norwich who are coming up next season? I haven't watched a lot of Championship football. I think Cardiff might have a good chance for the 3rd spot too.