Does the length of player contract equal chances of success? Most certainly not.

By Tony Attwood An article from the CIES Football Observatory raises an interesting point: “Barcelona and Real Madrid top the rankings for the longest average contract duration of first team squad members. Six out of the eight top ranked clubs are still competing in European Cups. This illustrates the relationships between long-term planning and success.” …

Manchester City miss equalling Arsenal, and the things money can’t buy.

By Tony Attwood Keith Hackett has written an article in the Telegraph, in which he says “If you want proof of why no English referee will be represented at this summer’s World Cup finals in Russia, look no further than Martin Atkinson’s performance at the Etihad on Saturday.” It is a fairly bizarre and convoluted …

Gross refereeing incompetence and vengeful corruption? Why Elneny was sent off.

By Tony Attwood Sitting in the stands looking down on Mo Elneny being sent off all I could say to my chums sitting either side was, “Why has he sent Elneny off”?  And no one knew – at least we guessed it was for pushing, but then, everyone seemed to be pushing.  It used to …