The Numbers Game: A Deep Dive into the Financial Side of Football
Football is undoubtedly one of the most popular sports in England, with millions of fans supporting their favourite teams. The excitement of watching football matches and the emotional connection to their favourite teams comes with a lot of financial activity behind the scenes. Finance and money when it comes to football is a complex and multi-layered world that encompasses everything from player transfers and contracts to broadcasting rights and merchandise sales. In this post, I will delve into some unknown facts and intricacies about the financial side of football in England.
1. Premier League finances are not always profitable for clubs
The Premier League is widely known to be one of the richest leagues in the world, and the media is quick to point out how teams earn millions for their success in terms of prize money, broadcasting rights, and merchandise sales. However, this is not always true for every club in the league. While the top six clubs in the Premier League make a massive chunk of the revenue, the smaller teams struggle to keep up with their oversized budgets.
According to one of the financial reports, the average Premier League salary in 2019/2020 was £3.11 million per club, which is a staggering amount. The clubs need to make a lot of money to fund those salaries, and many metrics are considered to achieve it. However, this financial drive could lead clubs to overspend, and when things don't work out on the football field, the results can be devastating. Some clubs are forced to sell their players at a loss, declare bankruptcy, or even face administration.
2. The impact of sponsorships and broadcasting rights
Sponsorship deals and broadcasting rights are vital components of the football industry. These agreements play a significant role in determining revenue, and clubs spend a lot of money to secure these deals. For instance, many Premier League clubs have lucrative sponsorship deals with companies such as Emirates, Chevrolet, and Adidas. In return, these companies get to advertise their brand to millions of fans and receive a lot of visibility.
Broadcasting rights are another critical source of revenue for football clubs, and the Premier League has some of the most lucrative deals in the world. This revenue makes up a massive portion of Premier League clubs' income compared to other revenue streams. In fact, more broadcasting deals are being signed to show Premier League games all over the world, and this influx of money drives football clubs to spend more and more.
3. The impact of transfer fees and contracts
Football transfers have become notoriously complex and expensive in recent years. The amount of money spent on transfers has increased rapidly, with football clubs shelling out millions of pounds for their superstar players. In 2019, the transfer fee of €222 million paid by Paris Saint-Germain to sign Neymar from Barcelona became the highest transfer fee ever recorded worldwide.
However, the impact of these fees on football clubs' balance sheets goes beyond the immediate transaction. The massive financial commitment made by the clubs affects their financial transparency, including their ability to comply with financial fair play rules. The clubs that spend more on transfers are at higher risk of falling foul of the financial fair play regulations and may face punishments such as point deductions, transfer bans, or fines. Furthermore, complicated transfer contracts can make it difficult for clubs to keep track of their financial commitments, leading to accounting errors and financial liabilities.
4. The role of football agents
Football agents are a significant component of the financial aspect of football. They represent players and negotiate their contracts, with agents' compensation taking a percentage of the player's wages. The amount paid to agents has increased significantly in recent years, making them an essential part of the football industry's financial ecosystem.
However, the role of football agents isn’t always positive. There have been instances where agents have been accused of manipulating transfer deals or taking advantage of young players. Some agents may also prioritise their own financial interests over the players' best interests, leading to potential conflicts.
5. The importance of merchandising
Football merchandising is not only about selling shirts and boots. It’s a thriving industry that generates millions of pounds for football clubs. In fact, many clubs rely heavily on their merchandising sales to boost their revenue. By selling a wide range of products such as mugs, hats, jackets, and accessories, clubs can increase their revenue streams significantly.
In the past few years, many clubs have started selling their merchandise in different parts of the world, taking advantage of their global fan base. Branching out into new markets helps clubs increase their merchandise sales and brand exposure, leading to more sponsorship deals and broadcasting revenue.
The financial side of football is complex and multi-layered, with many different factors contributing to its success or failure. The industry is a significant part of England's economy, and many unknown facts and intricacies exist. Football fans may be surprised to learn about the financial challenges and opportunities that football clubs face, including their reliance on sponsorships.
Holly Dodd
04.23 NPNE
Football is undoubtedly one of the most popular sports in England, with millions of fans supporting their favourite teams. The excitement of watching football matches and the emotional connection to their favourite teams comes with a lot of financial activity behind the scenes. Finance and money when it comes to football is a complex and multi-layered world that encompasses everything from player transfers and contracts to broadcasting rights and merchandise sales. In this post, I will delve into some unknown facts and intricacies about the financial side of football in England.
1. Premier League finances are not always profitable for clubs
The Premier League is widely known to be one of the richest leagues in the world, and the media is quick to point out how teams earn millions for their success in terms of prize money, broadcasting rights, and merchandise sales. However, this is not always true for every club in the league. While the top six clubs in the Premier League make a massive chunk of the revenue, the smaller teams struggle to keep up with their oversized budgets.
According to one of the financial reports, the average Premier League salary in 2019/2020 was £3.11 million per club, which is a staggering amount. The clubs need to make a lot of money to fund those salaries, and many metrics are considered to achieve it. However, this financial drive could lead clubs to overspend, and when things don't work out on the football field, the results can be devastating. Some clubs are forced to sell their players at a loss, declare bankruptcy, or even face administration.
2. The impact of sponsorships and broadcasting rights
Sponsorship deals and broadcasting rights are vital components of the football industry. These agreements play a significant role in determining revenue, and clubs spend a lot of money to secure these deals. For instance, many Premier League clubs have lucrative sponsorship deals with companies such as Emirates, Chevrolet, and Adidas. In return, these companies get to advertise their brand to millions of fans and receive a lot of visibility.
Broadcasting rights are another critical source of revenue for football clubs, and the Premier League has some of the most lucrative deals in the world. This revenue makes up a massive portion of Premier League clubs' income compared to other revenue streams. In fact, more broadcasting deals are being signed to show Premier League games all over the world, and this influx of money drives football clubs to spend more and more.
3. The impact of transfer fees and contracts
Football transfers have become notoriously complex and expensive in recent years. The amount of money spent on transfers has increased rapidly, with football clubs shelling out millions of pounds for their superstar players. In 2019, the transfer fee of €222 million paid by Paris Saint-Germain to sign Neymar from Barcelona became the highest transfer fee ever recorded worldwide.
However, the impact of these fees on football clubs' balance sheets goes beyond the immediate transaction. The massive financial commitment made by the clubs affects their financial transparency, including their ability to comply with financial fair play rules. The clubs that spend more on transfers are at higher risk of falling foul of the financial fair play regulations and may face punishments such as point deductions, transfer bans, or fines. Furthermore, complicated transfer contracts can make it difficult for clubs to keep track of their financial commitments, leading to accounting errors and financial liabilities.
4. The role of football agents
Football agents are a significant component of the financial aspect of football. They represent players and negotiate their contracts, with agents' compensation taking a percentage of the player's wages. The amount paid to agents has increased significantly in recent years, making them an essential part of the football industry's financial ecosystem.
However, the role of football agents isn’t always positive. There have been instances where agents have been accused of manipulating transfer deals or taking advantage of young players. Some agents may also prioritise their own financial interests over the players' best interests, leading to potential conflicts.
5. The importance of merchandising
Football merchandising is not only about selling shirts and boots. It’s a thriving industry that generates millions of pounds for football clubs. In fact, many clubs rely heavily on their merchandising sales to boost their revenue. By selling a wide range of products such as mugs, hats, jackets, and accessories, clubs can increase their revenue streams significantly.
In the past few years, many clubs have started selling their merchandise in different parts of the world, taking advantage of their global fan base. Branching out into new markets helps clubs increase their merchandise sales and brand exposure, leading to more sponsorship deals and broadcasting revenue.
The financial side of football is complex and multi-layered, with many different factors contributing to its success or failure. The industry is a significant part of England's economy, and many unknown facts and intricacies exist. Football fans may be surprised to learn about the financial challenges and opportunities that football clubs face, including their reliance on sponsorships.
Holly Dodd
04.23 NPNE
ONLY 22% OF LEICESTER FANS PREDICT A TOP HALF FINISH
The 2022/23 season has now reached its half-way point, and it has been one which has already thrown up some surprise packages. With an unprecedented mid-season World Cup now out of the way, the focus is back on the clubs.
The 2015/16 Premier League champions have had a dismal start to the season and have struggled to get out of second gear.
Their disappointing start has meant that only 22% of their supporters predict that they will finish in the top half of the table come the end of the season, with 5% predicting that they will be relegated to the Championship for the first time since they were promoted in 2014.
888Sport have formulated the results and predicted the table come the end of season, with Leicester City coming 13th.
Despite this, 888Sport also found out that over half of the fanbase still have faith in manager Brendan Rodgers, as 56% of them back him as the right man for the job. He has been there since 2019 and has endured positive spells during his reign, but injuries definitely haven’t done him or the club any favours.
There’s mixed feelings at the King power regarding what position fans would like to strengthen. 33% would like to see the introduction of a defender as conceding too many goals has been an issue for the Foxes throughout this campaign, while a further 31% believe an attacker is most needed, with Jamie Vardy’s goal record from last season has dwindled this campaign.
The survey was completed by 888Sport as part of the Premier League End of Season Prediction campaign.
To discover the findings for yourself, visit the 888sport website.
240123 NPNE
- Research undertaken by 888Sport had premier league fans predict where their side will finish at the end of the season
- Only 22% of Leicester fans predict a top half finish
- 5% believe they will exit the Premier League
- 56% are still backing the manager
- Research undertaken by betting giants, 888sport has asked premier league fans to predict where their side will finish at the end of the season.
The 2022/23 season has now reached its half-way point, and it has been one which has already thrown up some surprise packages. With an unprecedented mid-season World Cup now out of the way, the focus is back on the clubs.
The 2015/16 Premier League champions have had a dismal start to the season and have struggled to get out of second gear.
Their disappointing start has meant that only 22% of their supporters predict that they will finish in the top half of the table come the end of the season, with 5% predicting that they will be relegated to the Championship for the first time since they were promoted in 2014.
888Sport have formulated the results and predicted the table come the end of season, with Leicester City coming 13th.
Despite this, 888Sport also found out that over half of the fanbase still have faith in manager Brendan Rodgers, as 56% of them back him as the right man for the job. He has been there since 2019 and has endured positive spells during his reign, but injuries definitely haven’t done him or the club any favours.
There’s mixed feelings at the King power regarding what position fans would like to strengthen. 33% would like to see the introduction of a defender as conceding too many goals has been an issue for the Foxes throughout this campaign, while a further 31% believe an attacker is most needed, with Jamie Vardy’s goal record from last season has dwindled this campaign.
The survey was completed by 888Sport as part of the Premier League End of Season Prediction campaign.
To discover the findings for yourself, visit the 888sport website.
240123 NPNE
RANIERI SPARKS RUN TO TITLE VOTED BEST OPENING DAY MOMENT BY LEICESTER FANS
One of the most eagerly anticipated days in football fans’ calendars is just around the corner, with Leicester’s 2022/23 Premier League campaign kicking off this Sunday 7th August at home to Brentford.
The opening weekend over the past 30 years has given fans countless memorable and iconic moments, as clubs look to set the tone for the rest of the season. Head-to-head virtual trading platform, SportsBroker, surveyed Leicester City fans to find out their sides’ ‘Most Memorable Premier League Opening Day Moment.’*
Eyebrows were raised when Leicester appointed Claudio Ranieri in 2015, but the Italian got off to a brilliant start, with an emphatic 4-2 victory over Sunderland on the opening day, in a moment that has been voted most memorable by Leicester fans (38%). In second place was goals from Vardy and Drinkwater to seal victory in Leicester’s 2013 promotion campaign (30%), and a memorable 2-2 draw at Old Trafford in 1998 came in third (10%).
Premier League fans were also asked to vote for the ‘Most Memorable Premier League Moment of All Time’, with David Beckham’s half-way line strike vs Wimbledon in 1996 topping the list (35.9%).
Phil Williams, Chief Marketing Officer at SportsBroker, commented: “Memorable moments shape a season for any club and ahead of the new campaign starting, we were keen to get a fan point of view and what they felt was the most iconic opening day moment in the last 30 years of Premier League football. We all remember Ranieri’s momentum building – will there be anything like it this weekend? Who knows – that’s the beauty of opening day fixtures, you just never know what will happen.”
For fans looking to test their football knowledge ahead of the new Premier League season, SportsBroker’s ‘Perfect Match’ offer will see them match deposits between £10 - £20 for new customers. To find out more and get this offer, visit SportsBroker.com
*Research was completed by SportsBroker in partnership with YouGov, and surveyed 1,000 UK adults aged 18+ who are fans of the associated clubs.
080822 NPNE
One of the most eagerly anticipated days in football fans’ calendars is just around the corner, with Leicester’s 2022/23 Premier League campaign kicking off this Sunday 7th August at home to Brentford.
The opening weekend over the past 30 years has given fans countless memorable and iconic moments, as clubs look to set the tone for the rest of the season. Head-to-head virtual trading platform, SportsBroker, surveyed Leicester City fans to find out their sides’ ‘Most Memorable Premier League Opening Day Moment.’*
Eyebrows were raised when Leicester appointed Claudio Ranieri in 2015, but the Italian got off to a brilliant start, with an emphatic 4-2 victory over Sunderland on the opening day, in a moment that has been voted most memorable by Leicester fans (38%). In second place was goals from Vardy and Drinkwater to seal victory in Leicester’s 2013 promotion campaign (30%), and a memorable 2-2 draw at Old Trafford in 1998 came in third (10%).
Premier League fans were also asked to vote for the ‘Most Memorable Premier League Moment of All Time’, with David Beckham’s half-way line strike vs Wimbledon in 1996 topping the list (35.9%).
Phil Williams, Chief Marketing Officer at SportsBroker, commented: “Memorable moments shape a season for any club and ahead of the new campaign starting, we were keen to get a fan point of view and what they felt was the most iconic opening day moment in the last 30 years of Premier League football. We all remember Ranieri’s momentum building – will there be anything like it this weekend? Who knows – that’s the beauty of opening day fixtures, you just never know what will happen.”
For fans looking to test their football knowledge ahead of the new Premier League season, SportsBroker’s ‘Perfect Match’ offer will see them match deposits between £10 - £20 for new customers. To find out more and get this offer, visit SportsBroker.com
*Research was completed by SportsBroker in partnership with YouGov, and surveyed 1,000 UK adults aged 18+ who are fans of the associated clubs.
080822 NPNE
It Meant More: Jamie Vardy’s Rise to England’s Zenith
For most English Premier League players, the rise to the top is fairly well-trodden.
They will get picked up at an early age by a professional club and excel in their academy, and after that they will get their chance in the first team eventually, having gone out on loan a few times. For those who are released by an academy before getting a chance to prove themselves, they are often picked up by another team. Harry Kane is a good example as he was released by Arsenal at the age of nine, before being picked up by Tottenham two years later.
This story, however, is of a player who took the hit of rejection at a much later age, which for most means the end of the road where a career at the very top is concerned. Jamie Vardy, perhaps the unlikeliest superstar the Premier League has ever seen, is that player.
Rejected at 16 - After being rejected by Sheffield Wednesday, Vardy found a home with Stocksbridge Park Steels, where he had spent seven years scoring plenty of goals, before eventually catching the eye of Halifax Town at the ripe age of 23 – older than the age at which Wayne Rooney lifted the Champions League trophy. 23 is also the age where most footballers destined for the top would have already made their England debut. Vardy, however, was just happy to be getting paid to play football.
After seven years of plugging away for Stocksbridge Park Steels, who are planning his rise to stardom from there onwards was rapid, and it could be years before we see anything like it again. Vardy took his chance with aplomb in the Northern Premier League, scoring 23 goals in 33 games in his first season at Halifax, and starting the next season by scoring three in four games.
That was enough proof for Fleetwood to go and buy Vardy taking him the highest level of the National League System. He would then go onto score 31 goals in 36 games for Fleetwood and prove just how deadly he was in front of goal.
The Leicester Gamble
Before long, he was playing in the Championship with Leicester City, and for Vardy, merely being in the Championship represented a meteoric rise – especially for a player who had considered quitting football only a few years previously. Leicester had taken a gamble on Vardy, and paid the highest fee ever for a non-league player.
If the story stopped there, it would have been a wonderful one. From playing for Stockbridge at the age of 23 to being in the Championship at the age of 25 was a phenomenal achievement. But it was no surprise that Vardy found the change in level hard to cope with at first.
With just four goals in 26 Championship games, he struggled to score as freely as he did in the lower levels. Those struggles wouldn’t last for long though, as Leicester kept the faith. Duly, he rewarded them by firing 16 goals in the 2013/14 Championship season to help the club win promotion.
Misfit, Reject… Champion
If Vardy’s career up until that point was a miracle, the first season in the Premier League would provide another one. With nine games to play the club were seven points from safety, with bookmakers gladly paying out for their relegation. Astonishingly Leicester won seven of those nine remaining games, and managed to finish in 14th place – a whole six points above the relegation zone.
Vardy scored in three of those wins, setting him up nicely for a 2015/16 season that promised another relegation fight for Leicester. Bookmakers such as Marathonbet gave notoriously generous odds for Leicester winning the title, with potential payouts of thousands from, perhaps, as little as £1.
At the start of the 2015/16 season, Jamie Vardy was still not very well known to the Premier League. Just five goals in the previous season didn’t warrant much attention, and practically no one felt any reason to use him in a fantasy football team.
Only those who have spent the last four years under a rock, with their fingers in their ears and their eyes shut, will be unable to recall what happened next. Leicester won the title by a ten-point margin, thanks much to Vardy going into full-on ‘beast mode’, scoring in 11 games in a row, and netting 24 goals in 36 games, averaging one goal every 130 minutes.
That early season form earned him an England call up vs Ireland in June 2015 – at the age of 28, just five years after being a Stocksbridge Park Steels player. As of October 2019, he has scored seven times in his 26 international appearances, with 13 on those appearances being undertaken from the bench. He would also go on to prove that he was no one-season wonder, scoring 51 Premier League goals in the following three seasons and starting the current season in truly evergreen form.
The Next Jamie Vardy
The rise of Jamie Vardy has provoked the question of how many other players were sat in the lower leagues with the potential to play on a much bigger stage, only to go undiscovered. Had Vardy not stuck to his task at Stocksbridge, there is a good chance he and his sensational story would have been lost to football.
It is a question that Vardy has tried to answer himself with the V9 Academy, setting it up with his agent, with the intention of getting professional contracts for non-league players. While none have yet enjoyed the same success that Vardy has enjoyed, there have been a number of graduates who have been able to rise far above their previous level.
It shows that some professional academies give up on players far too early. For any young footballer struggling to make a name for themselves, Vardy’s story is an inspirational one.
Clearly, Vardy always had faith in his own ability, and confidence is universal that he will join the Premier League’s exclusive ‘100 club’ very soon. It is a remarkable story, and a rise to the top which would be deemed unrealistic if it was written in a book. Vardy’s rise was real and miraculous; he lived the dream of every aspiring footballer in the country, and has given hope to anyone dreaming of a professional contract and an England cap.
He may never lift the Champions League or any international trophy, but if being a beacon of hope for non-league talents is not a legacy, nothing is.
18.10.19 12mths
For most English Premier League players, the rise to the top is fairly well-trodden.
They will get picked up at an early age by a professional club and excel in their academy, and after that they will get their chance in the first team eventually, having gone out on loan a few times. For those who are released by an academy before getting a chance to prove themselves, they are often picked up by another team. Harry Kane is a good example as he was released by Arsenal at the age of nine, before being picked up by Tottenham two years later.
This story, however, is of a player who took the hit of rejection at a much later age, which for most means the end of the road where a career at the very top is concerned. Jamie Vardy, perhaps the unlikeliest superstar the Premier League has ever seen, is that player.
Rejected at 16 - After being rejected by Sheffield Wednesday, Vardy found a home with Stocksbridge Park Steels, where he had spent seven years scoring plenty of goals, before eventually catching the eye of Halifax Town at the ripe age of 23 – older than the age at which Wayne Rooney lifted the Champions League trophy. 23 is also the age where most footballers destined for the top would have already made their England debut. Vardy, however, was just happy to be getting paid to play football.
After seven years of plugging away for Stocksbridge Park Steels, who are planning his rise to stardom from there onwards was rapid, and it could be years before we see anything like it again. Vardy took his chance with aplomb in the Northern Premier League, scoring 23 goals in 33 games in his first season at Halifax, and starting the next season by scoring three in four games.
That was enough proof for Fleetwood to go and buy Vardy taking him the highest level of the National League System. He would then go onto score 31 goals in 36 games for Fleetwood and prove just how deadly he was in front of goal.
The Leicester Gamble
Before long, he was playing in the Championship with Leicester City, and for Vardy, merely being in the Championship represented a meteoric rise – especially for a player who had considered quitting football only a few years previously. Leicester had taken a gamble on Vardy, and paid the highest fee ever for a non-league player.
If the story stopped there, it would have been a wonderful one. From playing for Stockbridge at the age of 23 to being in the Championship at the age of 25 was a phenomenal achievement. But it was no surprise that Vardy found the change in level hard to cope with at first.
With just four goals in 26 Championship games, he struggled to score as freely as he did in the lower levels. Those struggles wouldn’t last for long though, as Leicester kept the faith. Duly, he rewarded them by firing 16 goals in the 2013/14 Championship season to help the club win promotion.
Misfit, Reject… Champion
If Vardy’s career up until that point was a miracle, the first season in the Premier League would provide another one. With nine games to play the club were seven points from safety, with bookmakers gladly paying out for their relegation. Astonishingly Leicester won seven of those nine remaining games, and managed to finish in 14th place – a whole six points above the relegation zone.
Vardy scored in three of those wins, setting him up nicely for a 2015/16 season that promised another relegation fight for Leicester. Bookmakers such as Marathonbet gave notoriously generous odds for Leicester winning the title, with potential payouts of thousands from, perhaps, as little as £1.
At the start of the 2015/16 season, Jamie Vardy was still not very well known to the Premier League. Just five goals in the previous season didn’t warrant much attention, and practically no one felt any reason to use him in a fantasy football team.
Only those who have spent the last four years under a rock, with their fingers in their ears and their eyes shut, will be unable to recall what happened next. Leicester won the title by a ten-point margin, thanks much to Vardy going into full-on ‘beast mode’, scoring in 11 games in a row, and netting 24 goals in 36 games, averaging one goal every 130 minutes.
That early season form earned him an England call up vs Ireland in June 2015 – at the age of 28, just five years after being a Stocksbridge Park Steels player. As of October 2019, he has scored seven times in his 26 international appearances, with 13 on those appearances being undertaken from the bench. He would also go on to prove that he was no one-season wonder, scoring 51 Premier League goals in the following three seasons and starting the current season in truly evergreen form.
The Next Jamie Vardy
The rise of Jamie Vardy has provoked the question of how many other players were sat in the lower leagues with the potential to play on a much bigger stage, only to go undiscovered. Had Vardy not stuck to his task at Stocksbridge, there is a good chance he and his sensational story would have been lost to football.
It is a question that Vardy has tried to answer himself with the V9 Academy, setting it up with his agent, with the intention of getting professional contracts for non-league players. While none have yet enjoyed the same success that Vardy has enjoyed, there have been a number of graduates who have been able to rise far above their previous level.
It shows that some professional academies give up on players far too early. For any young footballer struggling to make a name for themselves, Vardy’s story is an inspirational one.
Clearly, Vardy always had faith in his own ability, and confidence is universal that he will join the Premier League’s exclusive ‘100 club’ very soon. It is a remarkable story, and a rise to the top which would be deemed unrealistic if it was written in a book. Vardy’s rise was real and miraculous; he lived the dream of every aspiring footballer in the country, and has given hope to anyone dreaming of a professional contract and an England cap.
He may never lift the Champions League or any international trophy, but if being a beacon of hope for non-league talents is not a legacy, nothing is.
18.10.19 12mths
Which NFL team to support based on your Premier League club
Leicester City – the club that gave hope to minnows around the world!
Remember the headlines? …..
02 May 2016, can you remember where you were and what you were doing? I can. For me, as a Leicester City fan its one of those dates I will always remember.
I can remember where I was and what I was doing when I saw Tommy Cooper Die on stage, watched the news that Elvis Presley had died and waking up to the same news about Princess Diana. For once though, it is nice to have happy memories.
So for me I was slowly getting drunk as Chelsea were 2-0 down to Tottenham unaware of the turnaround in the match and the fact that I would have to go onto a National Sports Radio station less than 5 minutes after the final whistle. It had been the most amazing season in my Leicester City supporting life.
Better than any promotion better than and Cup win. We had beaten the biggest clubs in English football to the biggest prize – The English Premier League Title, something to date that even two of the so called big six, Liverpool and Tottenham, have failed to do.
We are still referred to on many occasion as Leicester City, past Premier League winners, and yes it does put a smile on my face every time I hear it.
Much has been written about the how and why we did it, what sticks in my mind is the warmth as LCFC fan you got just, in my case, walking round town in my lunch on the south coast resort where I work in my Leicester jacket/top.
Everyone wanted to stop and talk. Everyone knew of Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez, even those that didn’t follow football, Since then we have failed to follow that win up with a good season.
Underachievers even getting the tag of the lowest position in the league attained after winning it, But things may just be about to change with Brendan Rodgers and the current skillful young team of players he is molding.
What legacy did Leicester winning the title leave? Well for LCFC as a club the foundations to build a team that could seriously challenge season in season out for a top 6 place and European football. Leicester City had become a household name not just in the UK but around the world, my interviews for news outlets in Germany, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and The USA are testament to that.
Suddenly all the ‘David’ teams around the world felt they could tackle the ‘Goliath’s’ and win. What Leicester City’s Premier league Title win left for the world was hope.
Look at American Football for instance. At 50/1 outsiders not quite the 5000/1 odds of Leicester to win the title (but I don’t think those odds will ever be offered by bookies ever again – anywhere) the Philadelphia Eagles went onto shock America beating New England Patriots 44-31 in the 2017/18 Superbowl.
A feat often likened to Leicester’s amazing title triumph.
And there’s another legacy, a bond between teams that previously had no connection's whatsoever. For me The Philadelphia Eagles are a team I now look for when checking the results, a little bit of Leicester as well as Rocky in America.
16.09.19 12mths
Leicester City – the club that gave hope to minnows around the world!
Remember the headlines? …..
- Leicester City have won the Premier League title in one of the greatest sporting stories of all time.
- Tottenham's 2-2 draw at Chelsea on Monday confirmed a stunning achievement for Claudio Ranieri's side.
02 May 2016, can you remember where you were and what you were doing? I can. For me, as a Leicester City fan its one of those dates I will always remember.
I can remember where I was and what I was doing when I saw Tommy Cooper Die on stage, watched the news that Elvis Presley had died and waking up to the same news about Princess Diana. For once though, it is nice to have happy memories.
So for me I was slowly getting drunk as Chelsea were 2-0 down to Tottenham unaware of the turnaround in the match and the fact that I would have to go onto a National Sports Radio station less than 5 minutes after the final whistle. It had been the most amazing season in my Leicester City supporting life.
Better than any promotion better than and Cup win. We had beaten the biggest clubs in English football to the biggest prize – The English Premier League Title, something to date that even two of the so called big six, Liverpool and Tottenham, have failed to do.
We are still referred to on many occasion as Leicester City, past Premier League winners, and yes it does put a smile on my face every time I hear it.
Much has been written about the how and why we did it, what sticks in my mind is the warmth as LCFC fan you got just, in my case, walking round town in my lunch on the south coast resort where I work in my Leicester jacket/top.
Everyone wanted to stop and talk. Everyone knew of Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez, even those that didn’t follow football, Since then we have failed to follow that win up with a good season.
Underachievers even getting the tag of the lowest position in the league attained after winning it, But things may just be about to change with Brendan Rodgers and the current skillful young team of players he is molding.
What legacy did Leicester winning the title leave? Well for LCFC as a club the foundations to build a team that could seriously challenge season in season out for a top 6 place and European football. Leicester City had become a household name not just in the UK but around the world, my interviews for news outlets in Germany, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and The USA are testament to that.
Suddenly all the ‘David’ teams around the world felt they could tackle the ‘Goliath’s’ and win. What Leicester City’s Premier league Title win left for the world was hope.
Look at American Football for instance. At 50/1 outsiders not quite the 5000/1 odds of Leicester to win the title (but I don’t think those odds will ever be offered by bookies ever again – anywhere) the Philadelphia Eagles went onto shock America beating New England Patriots 44-31 in the 2017/18 Superbowl.
A feat often likened to Leicester’s amazing title triumph.
And there’s another legacy, a bond between teams that previously had no connection's whatsoever. For me The Philadelphia Eagles are a team I now look for when checking the results, a little bit of Leicester as well as Rocky in America.
16.09.19 12mths
