The big four’s stranglehold will loosen

In 10 years time the monopoly of English Football held recently by Man Utd, Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool will be over. This will not happen overnight but gradually, season-by-season, other ‘big’ clubs will be challenging for domestic honours. Money continues to flood into the game and worldwide popularity for the Premiership grows each year – be patient and watch the game even out and become less predictable, as foreign investement benefits those dreaming of breaking into the Champions League places.

Man Utd A money-making global machine which will never stop. However, at some point Alex Ferguson will and Ronaldo will play in Spain. United’s next manager will still have the undoubted superstar that is Wayne Rooney but the pressure of following Alex Ferguson will be a massive challenge. They will remain in the top four but trophies will become more difficult to collect in the future.

Chelsea It has been claimed that Roman Abramovich saved the club from becoming bankrupt, true or not they now have a team of highly paid stars and a massive debt. The club structure is an article in itself but there is no doubt that the billions pumped into the club cannot be guaranteed in the future. If Roman walks (though I doubt he ever does with his ships and planes) away, Chelsea’s position as a top four club would be questionable at best.

Arsenal The move to the Emirates was a financial risk that seems to be paying off. The club have held onto Cesc Fabregas and Arsene Wenger. The loss of either would be massive, both would be a catastrophe and the club knows it. Their football is fantastic as is the coach’s ability to buy low, develop talent, use it fully and sell high. Fabregas is Ronaldo but with white sleeves. He’s pivotal to their future but his future, at some point is at Barcelona. No-one is irreplaceable, he’s close. Arsenal without Wenger may be challenging for fourth every season.

Liverpool Making fourth place every year is completely unacceptable. Yes, they have been in the Champions League final more than the other three and won lots of cups but domestic form is the true judgment. This club looks like it could be sold again; it needs a new manager and despite the wasted millions spent by Rafa, and it needs half a new team. Liverpool, in the right hands could rise to the top again, however, the others could catch up and Uefa Cup football could be a regular feature at Anfield.

And those who could join the elite?

Aston Villa This club has a tradition, excellent management structure in place, a supportive but non-interfering chairman, young pacey players and a good fan base. Martin O’Neill is building something at Villa, he needs time and will get it. He needs money and is getting that as well. Already they play as a team and work hard; I think Villa (in five years time) will gatecrash the top four.

Tottenham An unpopular chairman but one who has made the right decision in bringing in Ramos. The Carling Cup could be just the start. The team has strengthened from the back but still new faces are needed. No matter how many midfielders they buy, Spurs are always short in that area. The short-term future of Spurs could depend on Berbatov. If he stays the club can spend the money in midfield this summer. If sold (like Carrick previously) they have to spend in two areas, three if a new goalkeeper is needed. This is a big test for Ramos; Spurs could go in either direction.

Man City Sven and the Thai PM have already started to bring a level of success to the club, they did the double over Man Utd and have secured new deals for Richards and other young stars at the club. Although things look good and could be very good, I wonder if Sven and the Thai PM are in it for the distance or is it just another one of Sven’s flings? With a few more big signings City could again be knocking the top four door.

Everton This club, under David Moyes, is now consistently in the Uefa Cup places and pushing Liverpool hard. The recent signing of Yakubu shows that they mean business and the pairing of Arteta and Cahill is solid and full of goals. They are a business-like outfit that need to add regular success against the big boys to add to their reputation. Until their trip to Florence, Everton had been on a run in Europe too. This club is very well-run and with the right new faces will be pushing Arsenal and Liverpool every season.

If eight teams could win the league each season, the Premier League would be even greater and would have the thrill and unpredictability of La Liga. In 2018 football will have changed, with the benefits of foreign investment certain to benefit more sides than just the current ‘big four’.

Jason Bevan

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