Premier League Nonsense

Apart from a couple of clubs who seem to have owners who can print their own money, many clubs in England are not flushed with cash. Neither, it has to be said, are the fans. Not every fan can afford an executive box and a nose bag at the club restaurant with free vol au vants thrown in for good measure plus 40 quid a pop for a replica shirt.

You would think then that the people charged with running the game would take the economic strait jacket into account when arranging fixture lists or cup draws.

Take a look at these league cup ties played this week

Burnley v Plymouth Argyle

Carlisle United v Ipswich Town

Crawley Town v Bolton Wanderers

Gillingham v Middlesbrough

MK Dons v Blackburn Rovers

Preston North End v Crystal Palace

Sheffield Wednesday v Fulham

Stoke City v Swindon Town

Swansea City v Barnsley

Watford v Bradford City

West Ham United v Crewe Alexandra

Everton v Leyton Orient

That’s a hell of a lot of road time!

People may say if it ain't broke then don't fix it but why not anticipate? Why not just regionalise at least the early rounds of the Capital One/League Cup; an implicit appreciation that these times aren't easy on the pocket?