West Ham fans will have cheered up somewhat with the suggestion being made today that a big Manchester City points deduction is going to play a huge part in this season’s relegation battle.
Claims have suggested that Citeh would find themselves on the wrong end of a massive Premier League points deduction before this season is out – meaning of course that West Ham’s precarious current position of eighteenth could be altered by any Manchester City punishment for the 115 charges outstanding against them.
That’s the claim from Londonworld.com, quoting ‘football finance expert’ Kieran Maguire:
“The numbers involved we are not certain about but they are likely to be quite significant. I think you have to add a zero to what we’ve seen in terms of Forest and Everton, so somewhere between a 40 and 60-point deduction would be, on merit to be consistent with what we’ve seen with other decisions, would make a lot of logic.”
However the possibility of ‘City’s points deduction having them placed last – and thus saving West Ham from relegation – ignores the reality of any appeal which would be certain to follow, tying up the process for months, if not years more.
In any case, three years has elapsed since the charges were first laid by the FA so there’s no reason to expect them to finish their ‘private’ deliberations conveniently (for West Ham!) by the end of May.
Hoping that a massive Manchester City deduction will save West Ham’s season seems a bit like hoping for a lottery win to pay a tax bill – and probably just as likely. That’s the reality facing supporters who’d better hope the Hammers stay ‘up’ in the usual way – by getting more points on the board.
I can’t see the FA knowingly doing anything that would save West Ham from relegation, so City can relax.
It would be a lovely outcome, but this Great Britain Martin and rules and regulations very rarely apply to the mega rich
Much more likely to realise that their is even more money to be made by Premier League and clubs if the League was to be extended to 22 clubs.
When first established, the old First Division was cut from 24 to make room for two domestic cups and a European League. Since then watching football has become easier and more popular resulting in many teams upgrading their facilities and stadia.
No cup replays and green, grassy pitches all season have the added effect of certainty of entertainment. Not many postponements or adjustments to the fixture lists anymore.
Most clubs have become used to operating under these conditions.
Now is the time to expand the Premier League to include 22 teams. Relegation for the bottom side only this year with the resulting happiness of Irons fans.
Same for Championship. Three promoted up and only one relegated down will leave them with a division of 22 also.
The money men will be happy. The fans will be happy. We might have to chip in to the fund to enable the poor Arsenal and Manchester City faithful to attend every game. We need to look after and help those less able to afford their leisure passions.
COYI
PS – You heard it here first. News broken by Martin Treasure at Claret and Hugh.
“When first established, the old First Division was cut from 24…” Er,no,the “old” First Division was 22 clubs. Certainly was when I was first watching football in the 1970s,22 teams,42 games. Not 24 which would have facilitated 46 games.
Quite right Frankie. Apologies for pressing 4 instead of 2. Mistake that makes a total nonsense of the original comment.
So many permutations, so few lines to cover them all.
On reflection it might be better to leave the rest of the EFL divisions at 24 per league. Extra couple can enter Division 2. That will please non-leagues all the way down the pyramids.
Maguire has done well to get his thoughts taken up by various outlets and journalists. That said what he is spouting is nonsensical. According to Maguire a zero logically should be applied to the points deduction Everton and Forest received. Different teams, time periods, and pleas. Chalk and cheese regarding City. Maguire opines that the reason for the three mans commission delay in announcing their verdict is due to the three having busy social and business activities. So much in the same way one may go about enjoying a hobby these three panelists prioritise the charges v City as a past time only to be attended too if nowt else to do. And who has allowed this to happen none other than Masters. What a farce.
I am certain that City are innocent and that the charges were drummed up to tarnish a club who at the time had a new owner and now had new money enabling City to challenge the red press clubs.