18
May

Premier League, Surviving on Top: Part two

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In part two of our examination of the history and impact of relegation from the Premier League, we take a look at the statistical odds and financial impact for each club.

There is still hope for recently-relegated Wigan, Reading, and QPR. Clubs that are relegated to the Championship have a 60% chance of returning to the Premier League the following season — though none that were relegated last year made their way back.

For clubs that are promoted to the Premier League, there is an 82% chance that they will be relegated the following year, evidenced by Reading this year. Newly promoted Cardiff City hopes to channel the momentum to make sure that doesn’t happen next year:

The financial implications of relegation cannot be overstated. Next season, Premier League clubs will receive 30 times more yearly revenue from TV rights than teams in the Championship. Just one year of relegation can cripple a team’s finances.

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Tomorrow, we look at the relegation hardships that teams endure, as well as the compensation received to help soften the financial blow. All of this is leading up to FOX Soccer’s coverage of the final Premier League matchday with nine games live on broadcast across the FOX family of networks.

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18
May

David Beckham’s emotional exit

David Beckham broke down while being substituted in PSG’s 3-1 win over Brest on Saturday.

The 38-year-old left the pitch, in tears, for likely the final time in his career, as it has been suggested that he will not play in PSG’s final match of the season, away at Lorient.

Those tears quickly turned into cheers, though, as his teammates joyously tossed Becks up into the air. It’s a good thing they didn’t drop him — they were not messing around on that last throw.

18
May

Heineken offers Champions League final tickets to persuasive husbands

In this hilarious promotion from Heineken is an example of what happens when soccer gets in the way of shopping.

If any of these husbands can persuade their wives to buy two plastic chairs for $2,000, Heineken will give them two tickets to the UEFA Champions League final. The only catch: They aren’t allowed to mention the tickets. With skepticism aplenty, they try every trick in the book to get it done.

Watch the hilarious video and find out if any of them can pull off “The Negotiation.”

18
May

Mancini takes out full-page ad to thank City fans

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While Manchester City manager Roberto Manicini did not even make it to the end of the season, he took the high road and put out this classy ad in the Manchester Evening News.

Mancini is pictured with the 2011 FA Cup, 2012 Community Shield, and 2012 Premier League trophy, thanking the fans for three unforgettable years.

He was not a popular man among players and club officials, but fans have still held him in a high regard and he should receive plenty of support for a new position sooner than later.

Image via @Danmcfcjones

18
May

FC Zurich women challenge FC Barcelona men to friendly

The FC Zurich women are not messing around. The Swiss team has played 22 matches, winning all of them, scoring 125 goals while only allowing nine. Apparently they aren’t facing tough enough competition, so they are looking to take a crack at one of the top clubs in the world, FC Barcelona.

They’ve challenged Barca to a friendly match on the evening of May 25th, and given that it is the same day as the Champions League final, Barcelona’s calendar should be wide open. The ladies have gone so far as offering to play on Barcelona’s home turf.

The only question left for Barcelona: “Do you have the balls?”

18
May

Trecker’s Travels, Day 12: The Fall

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Photo: Jamie Trecker / FOX Soccer

By: Jamie Trecker

LONDON, ENGLAND

Shanna called me from the States yesterday. It was her birthday and it was hot in Chicago, 86ºF and rising. Unfortunately, it’s still October here in London, and I have been dodging the twin plagues of downpours and frost. Anyway, she wanted me to get her a nice gift.

So, I did what any sensible person would do: I looked in the NME, and then headed out to Clapham Junction to see The Fall on the twin grounds that it is always warm in a pub and the Fall are freaking great.

For once, I was not the oldest man at a punk show. This is due to the band’s longevity: they’ve been about since the late 70s and are currently touring in support of their 30th LP, “Re-Mit”. Their core audience –- anorak-wearing record collectors suffering from varying stages of male-pattern baldness – is almost sweet in its uniformity. All of us in that bracket got there right at 7 when doors opened, and then dutifully went right to the merch table. Greybeard after greybeard bought the band’s newest album on vinyl, some for the second or third time, and then held onto those purchases for four hours during the show.

Read More

18
May

Chelsea, United in CR7 bidding war

It wasn’t too long ago that Cristiano Ronaldo left Manchester United for a mind-blowing £80 million. If the rumors are true, he could be on the move again. It will take similar money for Real Madrid to part with their main man, who has bagged an incredible 55 goals already this season!

Today’s rumor is that Ronaldo is set to leave La Liga and travel back to the Premier League. Chelsea and Manchester United are ready to start a bidding war for the Portuguese international.

For this rumor and the rest of today’s transfer gossip, click here.

17
May

Premier League, Surviving on Top: Part One

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As the season comes to a close, we examine the history and impact of relegation from the Premier League with our three-part series “Surviving on Top.” Various topics during in our discourse include the overview of relegation, the 21-year history of Premier League relegation, as well as statistical and financial analysis on the impact of relegation.

To start, the most recent team to seal their fate to England’s second-tier league - the Football League Championship - were Wigan after their defeat against Arsenal at Emirates Stadium on Wednesday:

Wigan previously held the distinction of being one of 11 clubs that never suffered relegation from the Premier League; with Arsenal, Aston Villa, Chelsea, Everton, Fulham, Liverpool, Manchester United, Tottenham, Stoke and Swansea also in the list. Conversely, of the 45 clubs that have enjoyed spells in the Premier League, eight of them have been relegated three or more times from the top flight:

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On Saturday, we take a look at the statistical odds of relegation and promotion, as well as the financial impact for each club in their respective league. All of this is leading up to FOX Soccer’s coverage of the final Premier League matchday with nine games live on broadcast across the FOX family of networks.