Andre Silly-Arse Boas

Another week, another wacky suggestion. This time one that "is frankly offensive" according to Football League chief Andy Williamson. It concerns AVB (as he must be referred to at all times, by order of the media) and his bizarre idea of allowing bigger clubs to field their reserve sides in the Championship. 
"It could be a great benefit because you don't have to work with a 26-man squad, but a 19-man squad and just recall the best young guys with constant activity" he said, clearly not giving a flying fig about the traditions and passions of other clubs unfortunate enough not to be in the Premier League at this given moment. "What happens in Barcelona is a good model in terms of competitions. They promote talent," he said. Yes, they promote the talent of the top clubs!!

'Just before we go let's take a look at the top of The Championship'

I was absolutely astounded by the arrogance and downright selfishness of this suggestion. 
How would it be decided which Premiership teams could field a reserve side in The Championship? Would it be based on financial standing? Average attendance? It's an absolutely bonkers idea. If Chelsea could do it then why not Newcastle, Sunderland, Villa, etc etc all clubs of equal stature in most peoples eyes, regardless of performance over the last 10 years.


AVB would do well to look at Chelsea's history. Sure, they are one of the top teams in England at the moment but that hasn't always been the case, not by a long stretch. After forming in 1905 it took them 50 years to win a major trophy, the league championship in 1955 (great scott!). Indeed, before their FA Cup success in 1997 they had won the grand total of 4 trophies in their history. They were relegated twice in the 1980's and it is only since Roman Abramovich took over that they have had a period of sustained success. 

Andy Williamson summed it up for me; "Our clubs are constituted as sovereign entities which represent their town or city with pride, rather than being a subsidiary of another club in another part of the country, these are senior professional football matches that matter - they are not just platforms for developing other clubs' players."

Thankfully Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger also waded in to show his disapproval, "The supporters of Barnet do not want their club not to be promoted because the reserve team of Arsenal is in front of them," he said.

Therein lies the difference, Wenger is a man who understands English football, clearly AVB does not. Comments such as this do not endear him to the football fraternity. I can't help hoping that Chelsea get knocked out of the FA Cup by a lower league team after this!