News for July 2005

Trouble Brewing for the EPL?

July 31, 2005 || posted by whitney

The Sunday Mirror has an interesting feature on the potential demise of the EPL TV revenue sharing.

In the article, they examine the exclusive live match TV rights owned by Sky Television. Based on the EU fair competition clauses, the European Commission believes that such a monopoly is unfair and should come to an end.

Needless to say, Premier League officials would like to keep the current system that pays the league and its teams a total £1.02billion. All teams received a check based on their standings, last place Southampton received £18M, while Chelsea received £32M.

Should Sky lose its exclusive rights, Murdoch and Co. would have no reason to continue to pay such large amounts of money. With less TV money to share, the biggest clubs will lose out on potential revenue and have increased pressure to secure their own TV deals.

This would undercut much of the competition in the EPL, and much of the newfound parity. On the flip side, Chelsea (and all of the other big clubs) would generate far more yearly revenue resulting in an uber-league. An interesting aside is the impact that Glazers’ would have in this debate.

Sunday Mirror Full Article

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Essien Update

July 31, 2005 || posted by whitney

Chelsea has reportedly made their final offer for Michael Essien.

After a £21M offer was rejected, and with Arsenal and Man United reportedly seeking to hijack the transfer, the Blues have countered with £20M and Tiago on season-long loan.

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Great Desire from the Captain

July 31, 2005 || posted by whitney

Watch out, John Terry is hungry.

The People

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Chelsea draw Milan, Take World Series of Football

July 31, 2005 || posted by whitney

With a strong defensive showing, the Blues finished their preseason US tour on a high note.

Coming on at half time, Didier Drogba showed great class all day. He was very effective distributing in the air, making a strong claim to being the first choice strike option. Taking the ball down the left wing, he cut past two defenders on his way to the opening goal.

Rui Costa later equalized for Milan on a beautiful curling ball in to the top far corner from inside the area.

Despite some rust, the established players played very well.

All in all, the play of the the younger squad players and the new acquisitions was positive.

Glen Johnson showed his great potential, but also was consistently the weak link in defense. He is good cover for Ferreira, but his mental lapses in reading the game can be crippling.

Robert Huth was steady, and should be a quality defender all season long. A large and physical presence, he should be very imposing in the air. That said he misread a corner kick, which led to the Rui Costa goal.

Asier Del Horno is a quality full back. He plays much like Ferreira, but likes to get more involved offensively. It's always sad to see a player lose his spot to injury, but it will be very difficult for Wayne Bridge to reclaim his starting spot.

SWP, the much heralded new boy, is still getting accustomed to the CFC system. The potential is there, and he should be an electric Robben on the right. He'll need to remain wide when he's on the pitch. Much like Joe Cole needed to make the adjustment, SWP will have to maintain spacing. He frequently bunched towards the middle of the field. With his explosive pace, he should be a terror as he becomes more comfortable with the 4-3-2-1.

Goal: Drogba (64)

BBC Match Report

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NY Blues Events This Weekend

July 30, 2005 || posted by whitney

NY Blues (an Official Supporter Club) will be holding great events this weekend for Sunday's friendly vs. AC Milan.

Saturday - Meet and Greet (with Kerry Dixon!)
8pm - Saturday, July 30th - Nevada Smith's (3rd Ave. btwn 11th and 12th)

Sunday - Tailgate at Giants Stadium
1pm - Sunday, July 31st - Area 18B (near the "bubble")
-look for the Blues Banner
-NJ Transit buses drop you between areas 11 and 14
-The Nevada Smith's Shuttle drops you near the tailgate area.

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