The Premier League’s ‘Big Six’ - a term that seriously rankles with fans of clubs like West Ham. It was created and perpetuated by the Premier League’s sycophantic main UK broadcast partner Sky Sports and the wider football media. It has also given birth to a lesser talked about ‘Other 14’ - a group West Ham very much belongs to.
The Premier League’s ‘Big Six’
The Hammers and the rest of the ‘Other 14’ often feel like they’re in the shadow of - and treated differently to - the other six. Just ask supporters of Everton, Forest, and Leicester. Indeed, West Ham fans have often bemoaned that they have been hard done by regarding everything from fixture scheduling to VAR decisions compared to the ‘Big Six’.
West Ham are one of a handful of clubs who have been banging on - and knocking down - the door of that group of teams in recent years. Newcastle and Aston Villa have joined West Ham in trying to muscle in on the so-called ‘Big Six’ too.
One way to help bridge the gap is to spend big and spend well in the transfer market. Except that has become increasingly difficult due to the Premier League’s much-criticised profit and sustainability rules (PSR). Clubs are now having to tread very carefully and cut their cloth accordingly or risk points deductions and fines.
PSR rules have made it difficult for clubs to spend big
Everton and Forest have been hit, and Leicester will be too. Yet, there has still been no action against the likes of Man City and Chelsea.
There have been rumours that West Ham are seeking new overseas investment to help them stay competitive with the leading clubs in the top flight. This week, it was claimed the Hammers are among several clubs seeking new investment to remain competitive at the top level. The Sun’s Matt Hughes reported that West Ham are one of six Premier League clubs using advisers Rothschild and Co to bring in fresh funds in order to strengthen the squad without breaching PSR.
West Ham are seeking new investment
Spurs, Wolves, and Brentford are also using them, it is claimed. That confused some supporters given West Ham are on course to announce record turnover topping £360m. So, Hammers News has reached out to the top spokesman inside the club for some clarity.
And fans will not like what they hear. Because West Ham have responded to the new investment claim as the Premier League ruin hopes. The senior London Stadium source has refuted the claim and says there’s no point because West Ham can’t use the money anyway.
“It’s not true that Karren has enlisted Rothschild and Co to help find new investment for West Ham,” the top source at West Ham exclusively told Hammers News. “Even if you get new investment, under the new rule of wages-to-turnover - and wages INCLUDES amortisation of transfers - you can’t use the money!”
The PSR structure is looking more and more what fans of the ‘Other 14’ have always suspected it to be - a closed shop. How can the likes of West Ham, Newcastle, and Aston Villa expect to try and challenge the elite if they can’t spend if their owners want to show ambition?
Is it any wonder that Aston Villa’s owner is ready to sue the Premier League over PSR, claiming it is anti-competitive? Villa’s billionaire co-owner Nassef Sawiris blasted ‘anti-competitive’ spending rules he believes are blocking his club’s progress.
“Some of the rules have actually resulted in cementing the status quo more than creating upward mobility and fluidity in the sport,” he said. “The rules do not make sense and are not good for football. Managing a sports team has become more like being a treasurer or a bean counter rather than looking at what your team needs.”
In other news, Leeds United reportedly face competition from a common theme trio of Premier League clubs for last season’s loan star Joe Rodon. Rodon excelled as part of his season-long loan at Leeds from Tottenham Hotspur but that has led to the centre-back being in high demand.
Joe Rodon is in high demand
Leeds, though, could reportedly face competition for Rodon from all three sides that beat them to promotion last season with a report from Football London revealing interest from all of Leicester City, Ipswich Town, and Southampton.
In Ghana, Berekum Chelsea is gearing up for a highly anticipated match against Heart of Lions at Golden City Park on Sunday, June 15, 2024. With the Ghana Premier League reaching its final stages, this clash in week 34 is crucial for both teams.
Berekum Chelsea vs. Heart of Lions
Lions are determined to secure their spot in the league and avoid relegation on the last day of the season. On the other hand, Chelsea, with an impressive record of 11 wins in 16 home games, aims to continue their dominant home performance.
However, Lions have struggled on their travels, facing defeat in half of their last six away matches in the Premier League. In previous meetings, Chelsea have been on the losing end in three out of six encounters with Lions.
This is expected to be a closely contested game, as both teams have strong defensive records. Chelsea have only conceded an average of 0.7 goals in their last ten home matches, while Lions has conceded an average of 0.67 goals in their last three away games.
It’s sure to be an exhilarating match between these two fierce competitors. Chelsea talisman Stephen Amankona is expected to round up the season with another goal as top scorer of the championship.
Stephen Amankona
