How would you like to see the Premier League season end? - Voting Poll

ClaretTony · Post by **ClaretTony** » Tue Mar 31, 2020 10:51 am

Just a quick voting poll with the four potential options suggested during the last couple of weeks

claretonthecoast1882 · Post by **claretonthecoast1882** » Tue Mar 31, 2020 10:54 am

I am going for the option that stops Liverpool winning it and Leeds joining it.

The whole country needs a lift and this would massively help

Colburn_Claret · Post by **Colburn_Claret** » Tue Mar 31, 2020 11:00 am

Could you imagine the results of this poll on Spamm3rsxand Villas boards

nil_desperandum · Post by **nil_desperandum** » Tue Mar 31, 2020 11:00 am

Could we also have a poll which asks us which outcome we think will happen?
It's a totally different question and certainly I would give 2 different answers.
Neither of them would be the 2nd option though!!

Steve1956 · Post by **Steve1956** » Tue Mar 31, 2020 11:03 am

How about doing it by computer...let the computer generate the results and do it now....this season wont start before the next one is due to start...to risky to restart this season, this is life and death not a game...

Colburn_Claret · Post by **Colburn_Claret** » Tue Mar 31, 2020 11:10 am

It's a choice between ruining this season, or next season. I can't see the point of ruining a season 29 games old against one that hasn't started yet.
Depending on when football restarts, depends next season. If there is no time for a full season then perhaps reinvent a regional competition to just get some games on and generate a bit of income. Or split each league in half and have 8 mini leagues instead of 4 large.

Carnsmerry12 · Post by **Carnsmerry12** » Tue Mar 31, 2020 11:13 am

Finish the season behind closed doors is the most likely in my opinion.

Im_not_Robbie_Blake · Post by **Im_not_Robbie_Blake** » Tue Mar 31, 2020 11:15 am

Carnsmerry12 wrote: ↑
Tue Mar 31, 2020 11:13 am
Finish the season behind closed doors is the most likely in my opinion.

....with us all able to watch live matches on BBC!

FactualFrank · Post by **FactualFrank** » Tue Mar 31, 2020 11:16 am

Very much in the last two options. Complete it.

Claret-On-A-T-Rex · Post by **Claret-On-A-T-Rex** » Tue Mar 31, 2020 11:22 am

Steve1956 wrote: ↑
Tue Mar 31, 2020 11:03 am
How about doing it by computer...let the computer generate the results and do it now....this season wont start before the next one is due to start...to risky to restart this season, this is life and death not a game...

Or let the players play the remaining games, as themselves on FIFA.
The TV companies could show them as an esport, you could still have Match of the Day, player interviews, managers changing formations etc.

TheFamilyCat · Post by **TheFamilyCat** » Tue Mar 31, 2020 11:24 am

Option 5: league positions drawn out of a hat. Repeat until Burnley are drawn out first.

Steve1956 · Post by **Steve1956** » Tue Mar 31, 2020 11:36 am

Claret-On-A-T-Rex wrote: ↑
Tue Mar 31, 2020 11:22 am
Or let the players play the remaining games, as themselves on FIFA.
The TV companies could show them as an esport, you could still have Match of the Day, player interviews, managers changing formations etc.

Great idea,our lives are controlled by technology so let's go for it,with a bit of luck Liverpool will not get another point and City pip them for the title...great stuff.

Steve1956 · Post by **Steve1956** » Tue Mar 31, 2020 11:41 am

The Leeds/ West Brom option looks like its going to be popular:)

Winstonswhite · Post by **Winstonswhite** » Tue Mar 31, 2020 11:50 am

I quite like the idea of the remaining games played in a sort of tournament over 4 weeks in a neutral area. For the novelty value more than anything.

“Safe to do so” is such a broad term.

Claret-On-A-T-Rex · Post by **Claret-On-A-T-Rex** » Tue Mar 31, 2020 11:53 am

Steve1956 wrote: ↑
Tue Mar 31, 2020 11:36 am
Great idea,our lives are controlled by technology so let's go for it,with a bit of luck Liverpool will not get another point and City pip them for the title...great stuff.

In a hundred years humanity will be too obese to play real sports anyway, it's like a glimpse of the future.

Steve1956 · Post by **Steve1956** » Tue Mar 31, 2020 11:57 am

Claret-On-A-T-Rex wrote: ↑
Tue Mar 31, 2020 11:53 am
In a hundred years humanity will be too obese to play real sports anyway, it's like a glimpse of the future.

Darthlaw · Post by **Darthlaw** » Tue Mar 31, 2020 12:00 pm

First option would be to complete the season by June 1st, at two games per week if necessary, means getting underway by the end of April at the latest. I'm not bothered whether that is behind closed doors or not depending upon the requirements of lockdown, etc.

Failing that, write the season off. Ideally, I'd like to be starting 20/21 season in August as per usual. There may even be a point of having to start next season behind closed doors! The disruption needs to end at some point and I don't want to be impacting the next 2-3 seasons.

Ric_C · Post by **Ric_C** » Tue Mar 31, 2020 12:05 pm

Struggling to see why so many are going for option 1? Considering we are safe and the potential is there for clubs like Brighton, Villa, West Ham etc to go down, surely we need to finish the season?

Claret-On-A-T-Rex · Post by **Claret-On-A-T-Rex** » Tue Mar 31, 2020 12:06 pm

Darthlaw wrote: ↑
Tue Mar 31, 2020 12:00 pm

Failing that, write the season off. Ideally, I'd like to be starting 20/21 season in August as per usual. There may even be a point of having to start next season behind closed doors! The disruption needs to end at some point and I don't want to be impacting the next 2-3 seasons.

Does anybody know if the clubs still get the TV money if the season is declared null and void?

Devils_Advocate · Post by **Devils_Advocate** » Tue Mar 31, 2020 12:10 pm

Id say writing the season off (opt1) is potentially the worst option for Burnley. Last years promoted clubs are more used to the pace and standard of the league and will all get another wedge of Premier League money to strengthen their hand.

At the same time there's no new sides who come up who are all likely to be weaker than us with the added pressure of just trying to compete and survive

Having a couple of crap promoted teams each year is a godsend to a club our size and with our prudent philosophy so if the season is scrapped then it just makes next season that bit harder for us

ChorltonCharlie · Post by **ChorltonCharlie** » Tue Mar 31, 2020 12:10 pm

The problem I have is the question marks to some of the options. Completing the season in normal conditions is the desirable solution, but the when it's safe to do so is the problem. If that's October, then obviously it becomes a non-starter. Completing behind closed doors when it's safe to do so may never be an option because the 'safe' bit is nowhere near as easy as people may think, and that's not about social distancing. Ending the season now with no promotion or relegation may end up being the making the best of a bad job situation. If that was to happen though I do think under special circumstances that Liverpool should be awarded the title. I can't stand them, but you'd have to be incredibly bitter and twisted to say they don't deserve it and it's the one decision that doesn't affect any other team.

Steve1956 · Post by **Steve1956** » Tue Mar 31, 2020 12:13 pm

Devils_Advocate wrote: ↑
Tue Mar 31, 2020 12:10 pm
Id say writing the season off (opt1) is potentially the worst option for Burnley. Last years promoted clubs are more used to the pace and standard of the league and will all get another wedge of Premier League money to strengthen their hand.

At the same time there's no new sides who come up who are likely to all be weaker than us with the pressure of just trying to compete and survive

Having a couple of crap promoted teams each cheer is a godsend to a club our size and with our prudent philosophy so if the season is scrapped then it just makes next season that bit harder for us

Great post...

Darthlaw · Post by **Darthlaw** » Tue Mar 31, 2020 12:13 pm

Claret-On-A-T-Rex wrote: ↑
Tue Mar 31, 2020 12:06 pm
Does anybody know if the clubs still get the TV money if the season is declared null and void?

Seems to be a lot of conjecture about it at the minute.`

Thing is that the TV companies aren't getting their money from subscribers at the minute. They'll have lost two months revenue, assuming we start in May.

Darthlaw · Post by **Darthlaw** » Tue Mar 31, 2020 12:17 pm

ChorltonCharlie wrote: ↑
Tue Mar 31, 2020 12:10 pm
I do think under special circumstances that Liverpool should be awarded the title. I can't stand them, but you'd have to be incredibly bitter and twisted to say they don't deserve it and it's the one decision that doesn't affect any other team.

They haven't completed the season. It is what it is. Or give them 75% of the trophy.

Even if they were 'awarded' the title, their peers would only suggest that they didn't 'win' it. It's crap for them but the only way they win is if the season is completed.

TheFamilyCat · Post by **TheFamilyCat** » Tue Mar 31, 2020 12:28 pm

Ric_C wrote: ↑
Tue Mar 31, 2020 12:05 pm
Struggling to see why so many are going for option 1? Considering we are safe and the potential is there for clubs like Brighton, Villa, West Ham etc to go down, surely we need to finish the season?

I suspect people are voting with the bigger picture in mind, not just about how it will affect individual clubs.

chekhov · Post by **chekhov** » Tue Mar 31, 2020 12:32 pm

I like the idea of an expanded premier league, it'll be like the old days.
And it will be a shame for Leeds not to get promoted after all their efforts. Added to that they are a terrific footballing side.

thatdberight · Post by **thatdberight** » Tue Mar 31, 2020 12:34 pm

#1 as long as the season is expunged from the records.

THEWELLERNUT70 · Post by **THEWELLERNUT70** » Tue Mar 31, 2020 12:40 pm

Option 1 for me as it's the least messy way to conclude things imo

ClaretTony · Post by **ClaretTony** » Tue Mar 31, 2020 2:12 pm

Have to admit I'm surprised to see people wanting the season to, in effect, be scrapped but over 70% currently want to see it finished properly one way or the other.

wilks_bfc · Post by **wilks_bfc** » Tue Mar 31, 2020 2:30 pm

Would love to know who the 2 are that want WBA & Leeds promoted

DAVETHEVICAR · Post by **DAVETHEVICAR** » Tue Mar 31, 2020 2:33 pm

Voted for the only fair and sensible option
Option 4 , however long it takes.
Any other option except option 3 would result in so many legal battles that would mean the next season being put on hold

Local cricketer · Post by **Local cricketer** » Tue Mar 31, 2020 2:49 pm

People are dying and we are worrying about how to finish a season? When all this is done the behaviour of the premier league and its clubs will leave a sour taste.

For what it's worth the season should be expunged and we start when it is safe to hold a full season in front of full grounds

Tricky Trevor · Post by **Tricky Trevor** » Tue Mar 31, 2020 2:50 pm

Finish the season above all.
I wouldn’t be against a shortened season next time. First half as normal then top and bottom halves split to play each other once more. The problem being deciding who would be at home for the second match. I’m sure there are more but get this one done.

Darthlaw · Post by **Darthlaw** » Tue Mar 31, 2020 2:52 pm

Daily Mail reporting some players could face being uninsured if their career is ended by Covid:

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/sport ... virus.html

Question for those saying complete the season whenever - If the option was as stark as complete 19/20 whenever possible (possibly past August) and not have a 20/21 season at all or alternatively write off this season and have a full 20/21 season. What would you do?

jrgbfc · Post by **jrgbfc** » Tue Mar 31, 2020 2:52 pm

I don't get the argument for scrapping this season at all. Scrap next season if need be, not one that is 75% completed.

dsr · Post by **dsr** » Tue Mar 31, 2020 3:00 pm

Local cricketer wrote: ↑
Tue Mar 31, 2020 2:49 pm
People are dying and we are worrying about how to finish a season? When all this is done the behaviour of the premier league and its clubs will leave a sour taste.

For what it's worth the season should be expunged and we start when it is safe to hold a full season in front of full grounds

We can't spend 24 hours a day worrying about people dying.

MACCA · Post by **MACCA** » Tue Mar 31, 2020 3:03 pm

Colburn_Claret wrote: ↑
Tue Mar 31, 2020 11:10 am
It's a choice between ruining this season, or next season. I can't see the point of ruining a season 29 games old against one that hasn't started yet.
Depending on when football restarts, depends next season. If there is no time for a full season then perhaps reinvent a regional competition to just get some games on and generate a bit of income. Or split each league in half and have 8 mini leagues instead of 4 large.

Agree and they could run the CL and all domestic cups say from December and it would still constitute to some sort if season, possibly making a couple if half mini leagus with those not in Europe where you play in North / South like the LDV Van's auto windscreen vanarama cup thing the bottom leagues play to tide us over to the start of the Euros.

Then start a fresh season in Aug 2021 with normal service resumed.

Darthlaw · Post by **Darthlaw** » Tue Mar 31, 2020 3:09 pm

There would be no broadcast agreement for any 'alternative competition' in lieu of a 20/21 PL season. As such, royalties would need to be negotiated again which, no doubt, would be substantially less given SKY/BT's currently reduced revenues.

So, we're possibly faced with write off this season for any potential clawback (I think £40m per club has been mooted) but then full PL royalties next year or see out this season then take our chances with whatever competition we can think of for next year.

Would those who are not arsed about next season being scrapped change their mind if next years competition was only worth, say £25m as opposed to the £150m?

Massive ramifications here.

Rodneyyouplonker · Post by **Rodneyyouplonker** » Tue Mar 31, 2020 3:12 pm

Don't know how but the season has to be finished somehow, even it it means next season has to be cancelled. Can't worry about next season until this season is complete imo.

Darthlaw · Post by **Darthlaw** » Tue Mar 31, 2020 3:17 pm

Just wait if next season is cancelled and the so called European giants form a 'super' league for a season. You know, just to fill the time till 21/22...

It's easy to imagine the 'big six' being off to chase the money, leaving everyone else behind to pick up the pieces.

Can't imagine all the broadcasters being in a rush to fork out their current fortune without Liverpool, Man U, Arsenal, Man City, Leicester, Tottenham and Chelsea being part of the league.

groove · Post by **groove** » Tue Mar 31, 2020 3:18 pm

Rodneyyouplonker wrote: ↑
Tue Mar 31, 2020 3:12 pm
Don't know how but the season has to be finished somehow, even it it means next season has to be cancelled. Can't worry about next season until this season is complete imo.

Agreed. This season has to be finished for the integrity of the next possible season.

Darthlaw · Post by **Darthlaw** » Tue Mar 31, 2020 3:23 pm

Rodneyyouplonker wrote: ↑
Tue Mar 31, 2020 3:12 pm
Don't know how but the season has to be finished somehow, even it it means next season has to be cancelled. Can't worry about next season until this season is complete imo.

Even if it means we can't afford to pay our wages?

No PL season = no PL revenue. Player wages will still be there though.

Jakubclaret · Post by **Jakubclaret** » Tue Mar 31, 2020 3:30 pm

Darthlaw wrote: ↑
Tue Mar 31, 2020 3:23 pm
Even if it means we can't afford to pay our wages?

No PL season = no PL revenue. Player wages will still be there though.

Pretty sure they’ll be clauses embedded within contracts protected against this, be daft drawing up 1 without anyway.

Spijed · Post by **Spijed** » Tue Mar 31, 2020 3:41 pm

Jakubclaret wrote: ↑
Tue Mar 31, 2020 3:30 pm
Pretty sure they’ll be clauses embedded within contracts protected against this, be daft drawing up 1 without anyway.

And if clubs can't pay wages then players have the legal right to walk away and join clubs who will pay them.

You can't be legally forced to work for nothing.

Darthlaw · Post by **Darthlaw** » Tue Mar 31, 2020 3:41 pm

Jakubclaret wrote: ↑
Tue Mar 31, 2020 3:30 pm
Pretty sure they’ll be clauses embedded within contracts protected against this, be daft drawing up 1 without anyway.

It's a big assumption.

Where clubs have bought players in installments, do you think there will be a 'covid clause'? There's far too much money involved for clubs to write off an entire season.

Faced with the option of writing off £40m for this season or £150m for next, which way do you think clubs will vote? Christ, I bet Liverpool would even vote to write off this season under those circumstances.

Rodneyyouplonker · Post by **Rodneyyouplonker** » Tue Mar 31, 2020 3:43 pm

I like the idea of getting this season done whenever possible and doing some sort of mini leagues up until end of when next season would finish. Theres no ideal situation with what's going on just throwing a few ideas out there really.

Spijed · Post by **Spijed** » Tue Mar 31, 2020 3:50 pm

https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/foo ... 37081.html

"The regulations and agreements dictate that the Premier League cannot unilaterally void a season without the agreement of the Football Association and the English Football League. For the same reasons, the top division can’t just decide to re-align relegation so it’s one up, one down rather than three up, three down.

And the EFL’s position is unequivocal: they are determined to finish the season, no matter when that may be. That is down to motivations much greater than any of the Premier League's reasons. It centres around the very survival of tranches of clubs. There are estimations up to 45 clubs could go out of business.

As such, the EFL's position won't be changing, and that effectively locks the Premier League in. It is there where the real potential for legal challenges arise. Multiple sources say that promotion-chasing clubs would have a legitimate argument that they will have suffered extraordinary loss if the Premier League does attempt to void the season and just restart from summer 2019. The expectation is they would be “very aggressive”.

Darthlaw · Post by **Darthlaw** » Tue Mar 31, 2020 3:54 pm

Rodneyyouplonker wrote: ↑
Tue Mar 31, 2020 3:43 pm
I like the idea of getting this season done whenever possible and doing some sort of mini leagues up until end of when next season would finish. Theres no ideal situation with what's going on just throwing a few ideas out there really.

I think thats for certain. Someone is going to lose out here. If it comes down to Liverpool & Leeds vs the rest of the football pyramid, they aint going to win.

I'd love the idea of a mini league but when Liverpool/Man City/Chelsea and the like find out theres more money to be made from playing Barcelona than Burnley, they'll be off in a flash. The PL knows this and will do whatever it takes to protect their brand.

Jakubclaret · Post by **Jakubclaret** » Tue Mar 31, 2020 3:58 pm

Darthlaw wrote: ↑
Tue Mar 31, 2020 3:41 pm
It's a big assumption.

Where clubs have bought players in installments, do you think there will be a 'covid clause'? There's far too much money involved for clubs to write off an entire season.

Faced with the option of writing off £40m for this season or £150m for next, which way do you think clubs will vote? Christ, I bet Liverpool would even vote to write off this season under those circumstances.

It won’t be especially listed Covid-19, more a global Illness/crisis umbrella, all I’m saying is I’d be surprised if they hadn’t. I can’t be sure without looking at the small print in the contract same applies to everyone.

Darthlaw · Post by **Darthlaw** » Tue Mar 31, 2020 4:04 pm

Jakubclaret wrote: ↑
Tue Mar 31, 2020 3:58 pm
It won’t be especially listed Covid-19, more a global Illness/crisis umbrella, all I’m saying is I’d be surprised if they hadn’t. I can’t be sure without looking at the small print in the contract same applies to everyone.

No doubt there will be a force majeure in terms of creditors, but as has been pointed out this won't be in terms of staff. i.e. if they can't pay the salary, the player will up and leave (assuming there is someone else who will pay the salary).

Again, the PL will look after the PL. Once more clubs realise the clusterfuck of writing off a full season, the likelihood is writing off this one will gain more momentum.

Which of these scenarios do you consider the best option for the Premier League?