fox_up_north

Clicked on this thread expecting a chuckle. Was not disappointed.

Just looking a disparity between Champions and Europa League - surely it can't carry on as it is, from a prize money sense? The teams from less prestigious leagues benefit and the mid table teams who nick a place but can Arsenal, Chelsea, Man Utd really say they got something out of being in the smaller competition? I hate the idea of a breakaway superleague but I'm also unsure of what the EL gives? Do Fulham fans hold their run with high regard?

Look at it this way - could jolt the players into thinking we can nick second...

I go back and forth on this. Yes, it would be disappointing to finish 5th, 6th, 7th after being as high as 2nd. But will that stop us getting excited come August?

I'll believe the 2 year Euro ban when I see it. I never really thought the game had been "lost to money" until this came about and I genuinely think they'll get off without anything. Our title win (and to a lesser extent the performances of Burnley and other smaller clubs) gave me some hope that hard working clubs could succeed but, at this point, if they want to bugger off and just have a "super league" then fine. Let the rest of us support our clubs and teams we've got a connection to. It doesn't matter if we're fielding the next Messi on £250k a week or Dave from Hinckley - people will still turn up.

I know the likes of Leeds, Fulham and others kick off about our spending during the Championship win but I personally feel that's just sour grapes that their massive spending didn't pay off.

Pre-match in years gone by was like a weird village fete at times - not just here but other places - and I don't particularly miss it. However, on topic, family stand should remain family. Kids don't need their early football experience tainted by idiots.

Honestly this just makes me love him even more. To think we were all worried about losing Maguire. Hopefully he knows how much City fans appreciate him and, if/ when he goes, it's to a top tier European side.

The sad thing is I don't even think they need paying off. The Man Utd bias may have travelled west down the M62

I'd tend to agree. Even some League Two players are getting about £50k a year - which is almost double the national average (and a damn sight more than I'm on). Yes, they are few and far between but for the quality you get it's nonsense. You'd like to think the bubble is close to bursting but we all thought that about 10 years ago when Ronaldo sold for £80 million. As for Salford - that's just based on what locals tell me. Never been to a game myself.

He looks like he's about to be sick half the time. I can't see things improving for him any time soon.

Kid you not! Up near me the prices for lower/ non-league matchday prices Macclesfield/ Oldham (League 2 - bottom of table) - £22 Stockport County (conference, 5th in table) - £18 Curzon Ashton (conference north, mid table) - £14 The only outlier - Salford City (League 2, mid table) - £10. Having spoken to locals the belief is because the Class of 92 want it to be a proper community club for Salford and they do some sterling work. Yet Macclesfield 30 miles away don't pay their players. There's a reason the Nevilles are well respected. Mark my words - this decade will see more clubs go under, like Bury

100% that. Been years since I went to a Saturday home game and I "only" live two hours away. The fact is, a lot of people either can't get a ticket or can't justify the time and cost to get to live games. I'd say ticket prices are more of an issue than broadcast. Even my local non league club charges £18 a home game. That price gets me two tickets to the cinema or a cheap meal out with the girlfriend. Vincent Kompany did a thing about a year ago where he said one of the EPL's assets is the atmosphere from fans. Having been to games at "big" clubs and heard more noise in a library I'd say it's already being lost.

New money Man City fans. I live up north these days and United fans grate me but at least they have A) won stuff historically and with an ethos B) not run by tax dodging oil barons who pretend to care about the community C) got a stadium designed with football in mind, rather than a library Old Man City fans appreciate the irony and I've heard a few of them have moved over to supporting Stockport but it's the attitude that comes with the new breed. It's like 90s Man United but without the success and young English players to back it up.

Saw that though BBC article pointed out that Liverpool get more rest between games that a number of other teams. Pep does the same excuses but you don't hear League teams complaining - 46 games a year, plus cup runs, on their money and with those squads.

Matt Elliott

Can't believe Wood vs Watford isn't getting a mention. Incredible bit of skill.

As someone who follows a couple of lower league and non-league clubs, the 3pm blackout is fair. I occasionally go to some local stuff and I absolutely know I wouldn't if I could watch a live City game at the same time on my telly. It would kill the little guys.

His development has been frustrating. When he was bought I remember the hope that he'd develop further on from his Birmingham start but that was nearly four years ago. I do wonder if they're priming him for a January sale to a relegation struggle club. Big him up as an exciting prospect that can add energy. Either that or he's going to be an impact player to stretch defences in the last 20/15 minutes of games. I can't imagine that the club view him as the future first choice winger that it was hoped he'd grow into.

He is the king rustler. It's brilliant. I cannot begin to imagine how annoying he is for opposition fans.

I told a mate once that I thought Friday Night Football was a stupid idea and wrong for the game. .... I think that us winning the Champions League next year is a stupid idea and wrong for the game.

It's definitely a feeling I'm getting too - there's too much noise about Madders and Chilwell going at the moment. Especially with the England call ups. My guess is they're trying to get a better contract. Agents really are the bane of modern football.

Brendan would be mad to go. Let's say Ole goes by Christmas, who the hell are their realistic options? Poch? Allegri? Big Sam?

Mourinho must be laughing his smug face off

Traore in my fantasy team was a cheap stab in the dark. Oh my, how he has paid off. On topic - we've seen teams drop big points leads before so I'm not anticipating Liverpool will keep it up indefinitely.