A global journey…
With Manchester United and Chelsea finishing as the top two in the Premier League for the third season in a row and the two teams preparing to face each other in the Champions League final in Moscow next week the other teams in the Premier League have reason to be scared.
Yesterday, both clubs made their intention to improve further and maintain their dominance very clear. Chelsea announced the signing of Porto right-back Jose Bosingwa on a three-year contract for £16.2m. That will not be their only big signing in the summer, be sure of that.
Meanwhile, up in Manchester, United's chief executive David Gill was telling the assembled press that Sir Alex Ferguson would be given what funds he wants in the summer to add to his squad.
So the two teams who are clearly the best in England and apparently the best in Europe as well, are going to spend big and bring in the best players from around the world again. What chance does this give the others? I'm going to make a risky prediction right now. They'll be the top two in the Premiership next season as well. Anyone want to bet me a couple of quid that they won't be?
Look at what they are doing against what Arsenal and Liverpool are likely to do. Arsenal are struggling to keep their best players, let alone adding to their squad. Liverpool are going all out to sign Gareth Barry. He's a fine player, but will he turn Liverpool into champions? Is he so much better than Alonso?
Then take a look at the likes of West Brom, Stoke and Watford. (OK, I know it probably won't be Watford but we've all got to dream!) If they spend a lot of money to strengthen their squads to face the Premiership challenge, how much exactly will they spend? I would guess that it won't be much more than Chelsea have just paid out for a right back. Don't forget that Chelsea already have two international right backs at the club. That shows the difference that exists between these type of clubs and explains why the new boys will never be able to compete.
Obviously success breeds success and the rich get richer. They are both phrases that prove to be true time and time again. However, unless another club can take an almighty gamble or the rules of engagement are somehow changed, these two clubs could dominate English and European football for the next ten years. That would be great for them, but not great for the game.
There is a danger that Kevin Keegan's prediction that the game will become 'boring' could well come true.
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