The Mailbox defends Daniel Levy and refutes Johnny Nic’s point about fans being milked over expensive new shirts. Also: buying Italian; meeting your heroes; and much more.
Get your views in to theeditor@football365.com…
Getting shirty
Good piece by Johnny Nic regarding shirt sales not generating much profit for clubs and highlighting the fact that a football club is not a normal business – if you think a Nike top is overpriced you may switch to an Adidas one, but an Arsenal fan is not going to buy a Spurs top if it is a tenner cheaper.
Where John is completely wrong, is the often repeated line he makes about clubs being given £150m of ‘free’ money each season. They are selling their product to get this money from TV companies. It is no more ‘free’ money than the cash they generate from ticket sales, or the money John gets paid by F365 for writing his articles. Now, you may question the logic of TV companies handing over stacks of cash for a product they may not be generate a profit from, but it is down to them to sell enough subscriptions to make the business model work.
As a side note about sponsorship, it is interesting that in US sports, shirt sponsorship is a big no-no. Despite this being the country where everything is available for the right price, team jerseys are sacrosanct and not only do they have no sponsorship, but teams will often keep the same jersey for multiple years. One of the (many) great things about West Ham’s Conference League win was the absence of a shirt sponsor in the final, wouldn’t it be great if we could get back to that permanently.
Andy the Hammer (still smiling 19 days later)
…Unfortunately lefty John has done some pretty poor research on shirt revenue.
Clubs get annual fees from the shirt manufacturers to allow them to manufacture and sell the clubs shirts as well as a % of the sales made.
This is a vast amount of money. See arsenal’s latest adidas deal worth £75m a year which is nearly 20% of arsenal’s total revenues last year.
The bigger the club the bigger the deal because more fans around the world are buying shirts.
So arsenal fans are putting money into their club and a lot of us are happy to do so and those that aren’t won’t buy them.
So John a) do better research b) stop being bitter about clubs making money out of their fans. It’s allowed and the fans can choose to contribute or not.
Anon
United’s priorities
It is becoming increasingly imperative for Man United to focus on signing a world class striker instead of midfielders and/or defenders. It is completely unfathomable that Erik ten Hag and the club are so keen on midfielders and put in bids for Mason Mount while considering swapping Maguire plus cash for Decan Rice. I note that no serious bid has been made for a striker so far albeit interests have been expressed in Kane, Osimhen, Ramos, Hojlund, Muami etc. Clearly, I can see indecision here and that is strategically unwise.
Under the circumstance of limited funding, it would appear strategically sensible for United to prioritise signing a striker first and foremost before considering other positions. United should make a decision on the striker they want, make a serious offer and sign him, instead of marking around. Man City and the other top clubs show no sign of indecision. They identify the player they want, immediately make serious bid and sign that player, clearly manifest in how they got Haaland, Nunez, Gakpo etc. from under our nose. Needless to say, that the top clubs in England and Europe have already signed some of the players they want.
Professor (Dr) David Achanfuo Yeboah
Levy’s levy
Just read Dave Tickner’s article and have to question a couple of elements. While it is indeed often stated (usually within an article hawking our best player) that Levy is unwilling to sell to a rival club, that sentence should probably have ‘for the same fee that an overseas club would pay’. As evidenced by the countless articles saying Man United need to pay £100m, or the £160m that City were quoted a couple of years ago. Part of the reason Levy resists doing business with the big wallet gang is their own unwillingness to pay what is being asked of them. The wages offered by those clubs are vast, and generally enough to turn a player’s head and make forcing a move far easier. And the intra-club business tends to involve the upper tier of the 6 cherry-picking from the lower, while the lower get to take the unwanted from the upper. Arsenal were able to sign Jesus and Zinchenko because neither were needed by City; if they were, then those moves do not happen. The same is true with Havertz. However, no matter how much Chelsea need a striker, there is no way whatsoever that City let them sign Haaland, nor Alvarez.
And those players come with incredibly hefty wages, hence why the selling clubs are keen to move them on. There may have been rumours that Postecoglou was keen on Sancho (more likely precipitated by Mancunian sources), but his astronomical wages make any move almost impossible. Taking an unwanted player and making them our highest earner could have damaging implications throughout the squad (the wage structure is a different conversation entirely).
Ultimately, I imagine that Levy’s view is that any signings from those clubs would not improve us enough to justify the financial impact. But the rumours of interest in Laporte among others don’t indicate an outright refusal to engage, simply a desire to only do so where it makes sense.
thayden
…I’m a little bemused by the latest shot at Spurs by F365 writer Dave Tickner, where he rolls his eyes at their reluctance to do business with their top 6 rivals. It’s the latest strange dig at Spurs by Tickner – The ‘Harry Kane has scored no real England goals’ was a very unusual article – is he an Arsenal fan? Or a Spurs fan who has been hurt too many times before?
With regards their transfer tendencies with the other top 6 clubs – Tickner makes out as if Spurs are cutting off their nose to spite their face. That it’s just typical ol’ Daniel Levy being too proud and difficult. In reality, I think it’s the absolute opposite – if anything it’s one of the redeeming qualities of Levy’s tenure as Spurs chairman.
In terms of Transfers Out: Levy is fighting an uphill battle, against both historical and financial Premier League giants to retain Spurs Top 6 status. The clubs regular status in the Champions League spots ahead of these rivals under Poch is a testament to their ability to run the club effectively. During that time, what would Tickner have Levy do? Sell Dembele to United? Sell Kane to City? Sell Son to Madrid? And what happens then – we tumble down the table to Everton status. Yes, every now and again you’ll miss a trick by not cashing in on Dele Alli, but at large, I admire Levy’s steadfast stubborness to cave in and sell his top players, except when the price is too good – Walker to Man City, Bale to Madrid, etc.
In terms of Transfer In: I find this criticism very strange. When we look around World football, the galling wealth of Premier League clubs means the EPL is the absolute worst league in the world to find value in. James Maddison, from a relegated club, quoted for £60mil. Spurs are being criticised for not dipping into the bargain bucket of rejects from other top 6 clubs which includes steals such as Harry Maguire for £40mil, Scott McTominay £40mil or Mason Mount (with one year left on his contract) for £55mil. Arsenal’s transfer dealings with the top 6 was celebrated in the article – which included £50mil for Gabriel Jesus and his 11 goals, who is now being replaced by £60mil Kai Kavertz just 12 months later. Good business?
This week, elsewhere on F365, another writer scoffed at Spurs ‘cheaping out’ buying Empoli keeper Vicario for £16mil, ahead of the £40mil David Raya (with one year left on his deal). The EPL bias ignores the fact that Vicario is rated as one of the best young keepers in Italy by no less than critics like Gigi Buffon. If Spurs being ‘cheap’ or ‘stubborn’ means being clever and retaining their top 6 status, i’ll be happy to be cheap and stubbon any day.
Andy, THFC, Eire
What if Tonali refused to go?
Speaking of players being transferred against their wishes, on Saturday a friend asked me what would happen if Tonalli didn’t want to move to Newcastle? I assumed he had no chance as if he stayed the club would be a bit pissed off and maybe resent him or as an extreme stick him in the reserves?
What actually happens? Would AC Milan say “fair enough, actually you love us and you and your family are settled. Oh and £70 million doesn’t matter. We will sell someone else.”
Or do they stick to their guns?
Does anyone more educated than I know?
Tom
Juanfield
In response to RJ, ex-pat, the exact time and date my football obsession started would have been 7.45 AM PST (as I was watching it in America) on March 22, 2015. Juan Mata’s scissor kick goal at Anfield for Man United was probably the first beautiful goal I ever watched live on television and I’ve been hooked ever since that exact moment, though I may have picked a bad time as we haven’t won the league since I started supporting them! Mata was immense that day scoring two goals and running the show, while the game also gave me a fondness for Ander Herrera, who assisted Mata for his first and then got stamped on by Stevie G. I found Gerrard’s 38 second cameo funny, even if I didn’t really get the significance of it at the time.
Cormac, MUFC Ireland
…Regarding RJ ex Pat letter about how he came to support Arsenal as an 8 year old. My mum and dad used to go to Maine Road every week when Old Trafford was under repair (the Luftwaffe didn’t just bomb chip shops you know!).
Anyway my first match was around the same age. It was at OT and United played Burnley who I didn’t know at the time were either champions or about to become champions. Burnley won 5 – 2 if memory serves me right. It was around 1962 so apologies if the score was slightly different.
The next match was at Maine Road where City lost to Sunderland 3. – 1. I didn’t know at the time that it was a second division match. To my childish brain I felt sorrier for United because they had let in more goals so obviously they needed my support more.
Like RJ I supported my team through thick and thin even though I knew that we’d never win the league again because of Liverpool’s Omni dominance.
I left for the USA in 1986 so my ear was stuck to a short wave radio on a Saturday when Cantona rocked up.
So to all old time footie folk I’m sure you’ll join me in saying how much emotional joy (and pain!) that your particular team has given you. What memories, eh?
Gary (ex Pat United fan In Pennsylvania)B
…Quick mentions before I get to my point – Thaydon, agree 100% but also Morris, superb mail. Well said.
Craig, you’re so right – I’ve heard that gentleman described as ‘ the right wing’s demented attack poodle ‘. Louis McKechnie is a really nice, humble, funny guy.
In response to RJ ex-pat – I also remember the moment allegiance was sworn. I was in infant school ( 6 yrs old?) and someone asked who I support…
ME – dunno
HIM – who’s your brother support?
ME – er… United?
HIM – well you’re a city fan then..
He seemed very sure and so it proved to be.
I sometimes wonder how different my life might have been if he’d said United…. less fun right now!
Big love beautiful humans
Hartley MCFC Somerset
Meeting your heroes
Met Robbie Fowler in an Ibis hotel in Aix-en-Provence over the breakfast bar in fulll Liverpool regalia as he was coaching the kids in a local tournament. Me says bloody hell Robbie Fowler? He says “what the f*ck are you doing here?” (Fellow scouser). He wasn’t too happy when I interrupted his breakfast to get a photo as I had to get work. But he’s an absolute legend.
CK
Bin Laden and Arsenal
I’m so bored of debunking this. Bin Laden was not an Arsenal fan. He did not frequent the Finsbury Park mosque. He was not in the Clock End for the Cup Winners’ Cup semi-final against PSG. He was stuck in Sudan at the time, because the Saudi government had confiscated his passport some months before. He was a known supporter of terrorist groups and couldn’t have just popped round to Highbury for a match. Bin Laden hated the west and its culture and hardly would have become an ardent supporter of a football team from the UK. Thank you for your attention.
Martin Mannion
Italian exports
So, Brian Morrissey, Waterford, you believe PL clubs should never buy Italian, do you?
Chelsea and Vialli, Zola and DiMatteo might beg to differ. Now behave yourself and stop living up to your namesake’s Little Englander views.
Ciao
The_M_Rod
…The case of Italian players mostly flopping in England is a curious one. 300,000 Italians live in the UK so seem to brave the weather and not having access to all of their native foods just fine. Italians have been living here for generations so its not like they come here, can’t adapt then leave quickly. That would probably just leave the fact that the English game is too quick and physical for them as why so many flop. Another argument is that most of the players English clubs bought were just not very good.
Players like Zola, Vialli, Ravanelli and Di Canio would have succeeded in any league as they had exception talent. It isn’t like the Italians that flopped in the Prem went to other countries and set them alight. Balotelli clearly had talent but not the mental side of the game to succeed in England or anywhere else and his career proved that. Players like Borini, Dossena and Aquilani failed as they just were not very good. None of them did much of note to suggest England was the problem rather than them just being average or below players.
Brits seem to hold Italian players in high regard so when our clubs buy one we expect them to be world class like Zola. When they inevitably aren’t we remember it more than say a Romanian or Chilean that failed because our expectations are much higher than they should be.
All that being said I have soft spot for AC Milan and watch them often so know Tonali is quite a player. He certainly has the tools to succeed in the Prem and I hope he does. If a lack of actual talent was why most previous Italian transfers failed the odds are certainly in his favour.
To answer The Admin @ At The Bridge Pod question. Russians, Only Kanchelskis and Arshavin have been any good on our shores. The rest have been terrible flops.
Morris
Wild window
The transfer market has gone absolutely WILD!
– Arsenal are having to pay 80m (with add ons) for Havertz & around 50m (with add ons) for Timber. That is 130m on 2 very very average players who may or may not turn out to be good.
– United are not getting Mount for a ridiculous 55m (with add ons) who has 1 year left on his contract!!! We are getting quoted 80-100m for Hojlund, who scored 3 more league goals than Martial having played 11 more games.
– Newcastle paying 70m for a random Tonali, who is good, but unproven and certainly not worth 70m!
– Clubs like Villa, Brighton etc are eyeing 40-50m deals for players who aren’t worth more than 20.
Surely none of these players have even the slightest chance of being as good as the money. There has rarely been a player (VVD the only one who comes to mind) above 60m who has actually been worth it. I am 100% there are academy players who can match most of these players, but clubs have become lazy and seem to have zero faith in their own academy. Manchester United Academy surely surely have a striker who is better than Martial, a defender better than Maguire or a budding keeper who can take the 2nd keeper spot? What is the point of any academy anymore, if clubs are going to splash stupid money after talentless players. United spent 250m on Sancho, Antony & Maguire, yet seemed to have learnt nothing from this. Pellistri & Garnacho are better than all 3 combined. Same goes for Chelsea, Arsenal, Spurs or Liverpool academies. I hate this window, and the wastefulness within it.
Aman
Explaining the Mailbox
Sunday was a scorching hot day in Amsterdam, 31 degrees, so I escaped the city and went to beach with my recently official relationship.
We’ve been dating for six months, so we’re still discovering things about one another.
So yesterday I was on the beach reading the weekend’s mailboxes and I can’t remember exactly why but I snorted or laughed at something.
At this point I should explain I read the mailbox from my e-reader — from which I also read actual books.
I digress, essential for the story, but still. so the girlfriend asked me what I was reading… so I tried to explain the concept of the mailbox to her.
Me: ‘It’s like this football website with more in-depth analysis.. but you can also send in your own letters or opinions to share, and if they’re good (or usually in my case; short and witty) you’ll get published’
Her: ‘so you just talk about football?’
Me: ‘well… no, also about racism, sexism, slavery, sportwashing, Messi vs Ronaldo, LBGT rights in the Middle-East, Russian oligarchs and their effects on the European geopolitical landscape and the beautiful game, also spies, journalist cut in to pieces, scouse net spend math..’
Her: ‘’scouse math?’’
Me: ‘yeah it’s like how people from Liverpool who support Liverpool come up with creative math to make their achievements more impressive’
Her: ‘Oh that’s where Van Dijk plays’
Me: ‘yes’
Her: ‘he’s hot’
Stijn (i use the Pocket app to save articles that sync to the kobo) Amsterdam
And finally… school shootings
Oh no, Morris. If you’re going to try to turn the conversation away from politics and back to football, while claiming to be “fact checking idiots”, best not to misrepresent statistics to make a stupid, easily refutable argument.
If California does have the most school shootings, that would be explained by it also having THE MOST PEOPLE OF ALL THE STATES. 9 million more than the next most populous and 17 million more than the third most populous. The overall number is irrelevant to the point you’re trying to make – point being that stricter gun controls lead to more school shootings? Seriously?
This is why Per Capita statistics exist and are far more relevant. For Per Capita school shootings since 1970, California isn’t even in the top 5. I couldn’t be bothered to research more to find out where they are exactly, didn’t need to fact check this particular idiot.
I don’t have the time to refute the rest of your drivel; hopefully thayden The Destroyer will 🙂
Peace,
Hulmy, Stoke
