Since the formation of the modern phenomenon that is the English Premier League in 1992, the trio of Queens Park Rangers, Norwich City and Swansea City have just eight seasons of top-flight experience between them, prior to this season. Of those nine, four belong to QPR and four to Norwich, with Swansea flying the Welsh flag for the first time during the current campaign.
Going to a football match is now more expensive than it has ever been. Fans pay through the nose to go and support their team, but of course there is a breaking point.
The South Korean striker, Park Chu-Young, has put pen to paper at Arsenal for an undisclosed fee reported to be £2.6m after running out on a possible move to French side Lille, thus becoming the ninth Korean to play in the English Premier League.
Arsenal is well documented on their youth policy. Ever since manager Arsene Wenger arrived at the club back in September 1996, in which he brought youngster, and future captain, Patrick Vieira with him, his stance on youth football was well established.
There are many players who have graced the hallowed turf at both the Emirates and Highbury, who have never truly received the praise that they deserve. Industrious, tireless and with a never-say-die attitude; these players would rarely make the headlines but would always be one of the integral members of the squad.
Before the reign of Andre Villas-Boas, referees halted Chelsea’s momentum only once in a while, but this season the theme is beginning to occur more times than Mario Balotelli’s mishaps.
Football is full of quint little facts. Some that make you question whether things are really all about fate, whether coincidence and karma are more facts of life, rather than misplaced belief in the unlikely. However, the one i’m about to reveal will make many with a Red heart a little uncomfortable.
Of course on Saturday, Manchester United face a tricky away game at Everton, looking to bonce back after the dissapointment that was last weekend’s Manchester Derby. With that in mind it’s worth looking at 8 individuals who have both spent time at United and Everton in their careers in the game.