Jump to content

Indian super league - untapped potential?


ozzmeister
 Share

Recommended Posts

India are setting up a new league to start this October:

 

http://www.bbc.com/news/business-29110757

 

India is well thought to be one of the biggest untapped markets in world football, the Africa of say 5 years ago! I hope we will be sending scouts and setting up an academy in this market, much the same as we have done with Jaidi in Africa!

 

Would be a great opportunity to exploit a new fan base and increase external revenue in one of the biggest growing affluent middle class markets. Kruger get it in your plan!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The funniest football match I've ever seen live was India vs Myanmar in the Asia Cup preliminaries played in monsoon rains in Bangalore. At one stage the ball actually disappeared under water but the game went on. India had an English manager whose name I forget and one star player who got a contract with Bury but spent most of his time in Lancashire on the bench. Huige untapped market, long long way to go. The Calcutta derby's a tasty affair though, and gets an 80,000 crowd...

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Atletico Madrid has a sister club in it (dont forget Atletico are kind of a sister club of saints anyway - we are the reason they play in red & white) and I would be suprised if other clubs did not look to invest as well. Man City have done a similar thing in the MLS.

 

The idea of owning a "feeder" team in a foreign league does seem to make sense on a number of levels. More interest in the club, bringing in sponsorship, plus the chance to have an overseas academy and funnel in the best players.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The funniest football match I've ever seen live was India vs Myanmar in the Asia Cup preliminaries played in monsoon rains in Bangalore. At one stage the ball actually disappeared under water but the game went on. India had an English manager whose name I forget and one star player who got a contract with Bury but spent most of his time in Lancashire on the bench. Huige untapped market, long long way to go. The Calcutta derby's a tasty affair though, and gets an 80,000 crowd...

 

Bob Houghton's the only English India manager I can think of, and the player must be this guy: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baichung_Bhutia but I've never heard of him. He signed for them in 1999 and left in 2002.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Atletico Madrid has a sister club in it (dont forget Atletico are kind of a sister club of saints anyway - we are the reason they play in red & white) and I would be suprised if other clubs did not look to invest as well. Man City have done a similar thing in the MLS.

 

The idea of owning a "feeder" team in a foreign league does seem to make sense on a number of levels. More interest in the club, bringing in sponsorship, plus the chance to have an overseas academy and funnel in the best players.

 

Or more specifically "potentially vast international money sink to ramp up FFP spending levels".

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hi guys,

 

Figure I'd be in a reasonable position to reply to this. I run the majority of our international supporter groups in partnership with Saints supporting locals, including India. This covers over 60,000 'fans', 13 countries and 8 different languages, but, the country I've been most impressed with, in regards to their football knowledge and more importantly knowledge of Southampton, is India. One of the things Ralph mentioned and that others have touched on is that we have a definite position, not just in England, but around the world, as people's "second team".

 

The global Premier League market is unfortunately saturated by the 'Big 6', however, I feel there's a position for us to offer an exciting alternative. Our playing style, our fans, the academy, community focus, digital media etc. It's part of a club with principles that people can connect with from all over the world. We're already beginning to steak clear ahead of other 'mid-sized' clubs in the PL globally and fans from all over are starting to recognise and enjoy the Saints.

 

*Only read the below if you're interested in India and how it relates to the Premier League. It's a post put up by one of the local moderators earlier this year and the replies give you an insight into the knowledge of Indian PL fans and their thoughts on Southampton F.C. More recent interactions can be found by heading to Southampton FC India If nothing else it's worth checking out their logo! Made by an Argentinian Saints fan #GlobalSFC :)

 

'We are well aware that most of the PL fans in India support the four big clubs ( Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea) , and it's very understandable why that's the case. That said, we have been told that our beloved Southampton FC and "The Southampton Way " has many admirers in India?

Are you an admirer of any aspect of Southampton despite primarily supporting any other club? If so, what club do you support, and what makes you appreciate Southampton?'

 

Bharath Vishal, Alankrith Shankar S, Vasuki CG and 64 others like this.

 

Varun Soni I support Arsenal, i admire Soton's academy, their work ethic, and some of their Athletes, their gameplay is refreshing and its good to see a giant in english football return to the top flight and make a name for themselves again

Unlike · Reply · 3 · 12 April at 22:08

 

Agniv Roy I'm an Arsenal supporter and I appreciate you hardworking saints mostly cause of your academy and the trust that you guys put in, in young talents like Oxlade Chamberlain/Theo Walcott/Gareth Bale. Hope you guys hang around in the league and qualify in to the Euro competitions, that'll certainly help you guys to develop better! #ComeonyouSaints!

Unlike · Reply · 7 · 12 April at 22:41

 

Alankrith ShankarI support Bayern but some of the smaller epl clubs like Spurs, Saints have always seemed to catch my cause they play attractive football. Happy that Saints have started to gather many followers in India now!

Unlike · Reply · 1 · 28 April at 05:58

 

Kiénjál Vághèlá I love Spanish football in which possession is important, and the #SaintsFC are also playing that way, especially in defense. The chemistry between Lambert & Jay thrilled me this season so far. I watch the whenever i gets my self free for.

Unlike · Reply · 2 · 12 April at 21:53 · Edited

 

Bharath Vishal I SUPPORT SAINTS!.....and not any big club....i really like how Southampton.....and truly cried when we won against coventry! #COYR

Unlike · Reply · 4 · 14 April at 15:39

 

Shubhanshu Chawla Aah an outright supporter! Lovely. I remember the match against Coventry so cleearly like it was yesterday. We won 4 nil. Waited all game for SIR Rickie of Lambert to score and he finally obliged in the end. The pitch invasion of St. Mary's gave me genuine tears of joy.

Like · Reply · 15 April at 01:01

 

Southampton FC India Hi Bharath. Have sent you a friend request. Would be great to have you on board the Admin team of Southampton FC India! TF

Unlike · 1 · 17 April at 18:27

 

Southampton FC India thnx man..:D

Unlike · 1 · Commented on by Bharath Vishal · 19 April at 02:56

 

Southampton FC India hey!.....thank you for ur support! :D

Like · Commented on by Bharath Vishal · 28 April at 15:06

 

Rahul Radhakrishnan Im an Arsenal fan and i really admire the way Southampton play. There is so much creativity and Energy. The squad is young and experienced. i love Players like Lallana, Jay Rodriguez , Ricky Lambert and Luke Shaw. Love the work Pochettino has put in. Nigel Adkins did a wonderful job in getting Southampton to the Premier League and Pochettino just raised the bar. The saints now play without fear.

Certainly hope you guys make it into Euro competitions next year.

#ComeOnYouSaints

Unlike · Reply · 3 · 13 April at 16:59

 

John Selwyn Shimron I have supported Chelsea FC for the last 14 years. I studied in Southampton and watched Southampton come up to the Premier League beating Coventry in 2012. Southampton is my second home and I have been an admirer of the strong youth system and have been to many youth games and championship games alike. I even got to watch Southampton vs Chelsea in the FA cup in late 2012.

Unlike · Reply · 2 · 13 April at 02:59

 

Prudhvi Raju I'm a Chelsea fan. Priorly I use to see saint's game because of Luke Shaw (he's a massive Chelsea fan) and Lambert. The way they play had drew my attention. The problem sonton has is they starts the match with extreme intensity leaving other team clueless. I don't know why they will let everything go in the 2nd half. I want this team in Europe..!!

Unlike · Reply · 2 · 13 April at 02:15

 

Parth Gada I am a Liverpool supporter but actually loved Southampton since it progressed to the championship. The academy is beautiful and not only is it producing amazing talents of the likes of bale, Walcott etc it has sustained the quality in its own squad. I really had doubts about their future in bpl after Adkins was sacked but the way potechino has changed the system is spellbounding.I am a huge admirer of his pressing game and the quality of the passes of the team. The likes of Lambert,Rodriguez, lallana and shaw are amazing to be in soton despite having a tight budget.All in all I love Southampton!

Unlike · Reply · 2 · 13 April at 00:54

 

Jacob John when they got promoted to the premier league no one gave them a single chance,that was me too. But the way they proved everyone wrong and stayed in the league was amazing. I believe they have the potential to play in Europe and they are also attracting big names( i read in an official article that lovren is in top 40 European footballers.). Next is their youth academy,which i think speaks for itself.

Unlike · Reply · 2 · 12 April at 23:42

 

Nipun Jain Liverpool....unwavering trust in grooming young talent

Unlike · Reply · 2 · 12 April at 23:38

 

Jason Santus Dias Fans.... The saints song, ths football..... Whn Sfc play, i realize why i love the game so much

Unlike · Reply · 2 · 12 April at 22:36

 

Sishir Chalasani Your the best upcoming team , in few yours you ll be in top 4 . #Hardwork

Unlike · Reply · 2 · 12 April at 22:34

 

Vivek Singh The way they pass the ball, the way they create chances, and especially their academy. Has to be the best one in England..nurturing and introducing brilliant players from time to time.

Unlike · Reply · 2 · 12 April at 22:26

 

Siddhant Kulkarni Southampton has the best academy in UK...n they have given us the football fans some great players over the years

Unlike · Reply · 2 · 12 April at 22:20

 

Santhosh Krishnan I admire their approach to the game. Big 4 or not, the way they play is very positive. Their fan support is fantastic as well, on par with the best in the league.

Unlike · Reply · 2 · 12 April at 22:15

 

Devi Krishna Prasad The Saints are fearless in their style of play. They stick to their high tempo game independent of the opposition!

Unlike · Reply · 2 · 12 April at 21:55

 

Elroy Rodrigues Love the kind of football they r playng under pochettino...j rod ..lambert n lallana ... lovren n luke shaw hv been brilliant too...

Unlike · Reply · 2 · 12 April at 21:55

 

Raj Haldankar I admire Southampton after Man.Utd

Unlike · Reply · 2 · 12 April at 21:48

 

Kinjal Saurabh Wonderful academy and youth set up. Good quality football and focus on English talent. Not many English clubs can boast that. Thats why I have always loved Saints. Katherina seems to be in this for the long run, so I suppose a good owner is also there. All this is gonna show in the longer run.

Unlike · Reply · 3 · 13 April at 01:04

 

Vikram Ynwa Gerrard Chatterjee I'm a southampton supporter and I'm proud...

Unlike · Reply · 1 · 18 April at 18:16

 

Asim Rahman i love liverpool .................................but i sure have a softspot for southampton fc .....its a very good club .....................

Unlike · Reply · 1 · 17 April at 04:42

 

Varun Dixit They have the best young talent among all of the EPL teams .....Love watching the likes of Lallana,Rodriguez and Luke Shaw in the saints team

Unlike · Reply · 1 · 16 April at 20:34

 

Shiharan Majumde I appreciate your thought , I believe soton is a great club with own great philosophy to built talent and praise for them to finish as high as possible.

Unlike · Reply · 1 · 16 April at 02:40

 

Saurish Armando Christian Perez Your club produces the future players of England.....

Like · Reply · 23 April at 00:50

 

Ankit Sawant The Academy is brilliant. Last 5 years have been amazing! #Saints

Like · Reply · 13 April at 20:58

 

Aditya their academy is brilliant, and they've played some incredible football this season.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The idea of owning a "feeder" team in a foreign league does seem to make sense on a number of levels. More interest in the club, bringing in sponsorship, plus the chance to have an overseas academy and funnel in the best players.

 

That sounds appalling. We should stay out of it and let countries develop their own football structures.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

That sounds appalling. We should stay out of it and let countries develop their own football structures.

 

Absolute rubbish - If you were looking to create something in a Country, the first thing you would do is look to replicate the most successful examples from established regions, making the relevant changes to accommodate; culture, religion local legislation etc.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

That is an awesome logo.

 

Very interesting post aussiesaint. Have you thought about sending a piece like that to the club to put in the programme?

 

Hi Monkou,

 

I actually penned a series of stories for the Matchday Programme last season under the title #GlobalSFC, which highlighted Saints fans (or groups), from 16 different countries and their stories of support. Was definitely planning to feature one of our Indian Saints this season, but was never contacted in pre-season. From all correspondence last season they were thrilled with the content, so it's a strange one. Am more than happy to keep building our global fan base online though, only problem will be when I need to return to a 'real job', been travelling the world for over 3 months now which gives me plenty of free time at the moment:)

 

The change in figures on the official Southampton FC Facebook page over only 12 months, should be proof enough to invest more in our overseas supporter base. Our fan-base outside the U.K in that time has risen from 36.8% to 81.4%. That's from a total of over 500,000. A club we should be competing with, Aston Villa, have a full-time Digital Marketer just looking after their Chinese fan-base. Their page on Weibo, China's version of Twitter is now in excess of 200,000! We don't have anyone focussing on our fans outside the U.K at all...This is a time when Premier League followers all over the world are looking for a team to follow. IMO we should be trying to get the SAINTS out there at every opportunity..

 

Just my $0.02

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hi Monkou,

 

I actually penned a series of stories for the Matchday Programme last season under the title #GlobalSFC, which highlighted Saints fans (or groups), from 16 different countries and their stories of support. Was definitely planning to feature one of our Indian Saints this season, but was never contacted in pre-season. From all correspondence last season they were thrilled with the content, so it's a strange one. Am more than happy to keep building our global fan base online though, only problem will be when I need to return to a 'real job', been travelling the world for over 3 months now which gives me plenty of free time at the moment:)

 

The change in figures on the official Southampton FC Facebook page over only 12 months, should be proof enough to invest more in our overseas supporter base. Our fan-base outside the U.K in that time has risen from 36.8% to 81.4%. That's from a total of over 500,000. A club we should be competing with, Aston Villa, have a full-time Digital Marketer just looking after their Chinese fan-base. Their page on Weibo, China's version of Twitter is now in excess of 200,000! We don't have anyone focussing on our fans outside the U.K at all...This is a time when Premier League followers all over the world are looking for a team to follow. IMO we should be trying to get the SAINTS out there at every opportunity..

 

Just my $0.02

 

Can someone forward this to Ralph?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Fantastic growth in fan base from last season (as expected really playing attractive football and being as exciting as we were), wonder what the new fans thought when we started selling half our team :lol:

 

I'm sure plenty of them didn't notice and are trying to figure out where Lambert and Lovren are, just like I haven't had a clue what the New York Giants have been up to since last February despite purporting to follow them. Either that or they're better informed and are already Liverpool "fans".

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Bob Houghton's the only English India manager I can think of, and the player must be this guy: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baichung_Bhutia but I've never heard of him. He signed for them in 1999 and left in 2002.

 

It was Bob Houghton - good bloke too. Very critical of the way Chelski were trying to enter the shirts market without giving much to the grass roots as I recall And Baichung was the player I was thinking of - never made it at Bury but a bloody legend at East Bengal. Scoring a hat-trick in a derby does that to you.

Basically footie is massive in Bengal and in Goa - elsewhere it's a bit of a slow burn but you can watch every Premiership game live on the telly. Will be interested to see if the new league can make any headway against the IPL which is mentally massive.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

It was Bob Houghton - good bloke too. Very critical of the way Chelski were trying to enter the shirts market without giving much to the grass roots as I recall And Baichung was the player I was thinking of - never made it at Bury but a bloody legend at East Bengal. Scoring a hat-trick in a derby does that to you.

Basically footie is massive in Bengal and in Goa - elsewhere it's a bit of a slow burn but you can watch every Premiership game live on the telly. Will be interested to see if the new league can make any headway against the IPL which is mentally massive.

 

Any idea if there's any truth behind the theory that Indian kids don't become footballers for cultural easons - i.e. cricket more popular and more aspirational, socially acceptable, etc? They're pretty crappy considering the population (but then so are China).

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Bharath Vishal I SUPPORT SAINTS!.....and not any big club....i really like how Southampton.....and truly cried when we won against coventry! #COYR

 

Shubhanshu Chawla Aah an outright supporter! Lovely. I remember the match against Coventry so cleearly like it was yesterday. We won 4 nil. Waited all game for SIR Rickie of Lambert to score and he finally obliged in the end. The pitch invasion of St. Mary's gave me genuine tears of joy.

 

^ Like. :thumbup:

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Having a feeder team in India would be a brilliant idea imo, for a country with a population of that size the potential is absolutely huge. They're a big sporting nation too, so if they decide to adopt football as a national sport alongside cricket we could be very attractive what with the Rose Bowl being just up the road too.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Having a feeder team in India would be a brilliant idea imo, for a country with a population of that size the potential is absolutely huge. They're a big sporting nation too, so if they decide to adopt football as a national sport alongside cricket we could be very attractive what with the Rose Bowl being just up the road too.

 

Yeah, brilliant. Fantastic.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Football's a business Griffo. If you want to sulk off with the AMF brigade i'm sure the good folks at Totton or Sholing would be delighted with your ticket money.

 

Feeder clubs? Ridiculous. Like that b*llocks Man City have with that New York team.

 

Can't see how anyone would think this 'global brand' sh*t is good from a fans point of view. Would you like to be sat in a stadium full of tourists taking pictures like United have? It's bad enough that we have fans from England that latch on to us when we're in the Premier League, it's even worse having people that 'support' us who aren't even in the same country who have no connection to the club.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Having a feeder team in India would be a brilliant idea imo, for a country with a population of that size the potential is absolutely huge. They're a big sporting nation too, so if they decide to adopt football as a national sport alongside cricket we could be very attractive what with the Rose Bowl being just up the road too.

 

Don't you think a team in India or wherever should exist in their own right to serve the fans of that area not as a subservient club for someone else's benefit. Create ties and pay matches there but leave feeder clubs should be outlawed.

 

 

 

Absolute rubbish - If you were looking to create something in a Country, the first thing you would do is look to replicate the most successful examples from established regions, making the relevant changes to accommodate; culture, religion local legislation etc.

 

Well let the Indian authorities decide who they want to copy, anyway what sort of language are you talking this is sport. This Tescoisation of sport is so disappointing.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Feeder clubs? Ridiculous. Like that b*llocks Man City have with that New York team.

 

Can't see how anyone would think this 'global brand' sh*t is good from a fans point of view. Would you like to be sat in a stadium full of tourists taking pictures like United have? It's bad enough that we have fans from England that latch on to us when we're in the Premier League, it's even worse having people that 'support' us who aren't even in the same country who have no connection to the club.

 

On behalf of anyone in the world who supports YOUR team who lives further from St. Mary's than you do, I apologize.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Any idea if there's any truth behind the theory that Indian kids don't become footballers for cultural easons - i.e. cricket more popular and more aspirational, socially acceptable, etc? They're pretty crappy considering the population (but then so are China).

 

Participation rates at grassroots level for football in India have been climbing rapidly for some time and it definitely has the potential to be another mainstream sport in the country, right alongside cricket. I know that Liverpool have organised trials and coaching clinics throughout parts of India through Facebook.com/IndiaLFC At a minimum they'll pick up tens of thousands of new supporters and will also be in the box seat to find a potential star of the future. Liverpool's move into India

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Feeder clubs? Ridiculous. Like that b*llocks Man City have with that New York team.

 

Can't see how anyone would think this 'global brand' sh*t is good from a fans point of view. Would you like to be sat in a stadium full of tourists taking pictures like United have? It's bad enough that we have fans from England that latch on to us when we're in the Premier League, it's even worse having people that 'support' us who aren't even in the same country who have no connection to the club.

 

I'm looking at a feeder club in more of an academy sense. Help them build decent facilities, put money into coaching and the academy then sit back and wait 10 years for it to start producing good players. More of an association team than a direct offshoot like Man City have in New York.

 

Also, if you want to support YOUR local team without all the trappings of a modern high level football team, go and support someone in Non League. That's what football is now, it's not going to go back to how it was in the 70s because some sulky teenagers kick off who weren't even alive during the period of football they hold in such high esteem. As with everything, things change. This is the norm now, and it has been for the last 15 years.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Football's a business Griffo. If you want to sulk off with the AMF brigade i'm sure the good folks at Totton or Sholing would be delighted with your ticket money.

 

 

Why should someone that thinks the idea of an Indian feeder time a load of rubbish, have to go and watch Totton or Sholing? What a weird connection to make.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Why should someone that thinks the idea of an Indian feeder time a load of rubbish, have to go and watch Totton or Sholing? What a weird connection to make.

 

Because big teams having feeder clubs is fairly normal now, and it's indicative of where top level football is heading. The non-league structure is nowhere near that, so for people who moan all the time about how sh!t modern football is it'll be more of a fit.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Because big teams having feeder clubs is fairly normal now, and it's indicative of where top level football is heading. The non-league structure is nowhere near that, so for people who moan all the time about how sh!t modern football is it'll be more of a fit.

 

 

How many big teams have feeder clubs?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

How many big teams have feeder clubs?

 

I don't mean direct offshoots like Man City and New York, but clubs that big clubs invest in? Nearly all of the top teams do, especially ones at the level of Man Utd, Chelsea or Man City which is where our esteemed owners want to take us (apparently). City have one in Ghana, Chelsea have Vitesse and Man Utd used to send a lot of players out to Antwerp including the mighty Nick Chadwick.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I don't mean direct offshoots like Man City and New York, but clubs that big clubs invest in? Nearly all of the top teams do, especially ones at the level of Man Utd, Chelsea or Man City which is where our esteemed owners want to take us (apparently). City have one in Ghana, Chelsea have Vitesse and Man Utd used to send a lot of players out to Antwerp including the mighty Nick Chadwick.

 

 

Ok, I'll ask again, how many big clubs have feeder clubs?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Ok, I'll ask again, how many big clubs have feeder clubs?

 

You're not going to bait me into spending an hour researching that you f*ck :lol:

 

I'm just saying, Crystal f*cking Palace have a feeder club in the States so why is it so ridiculous that we do too? Especially in a blossoming market like India. It's a straightforward business decision in football at this level nowadays - merchandising is key.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

On behalf of anyone in the world who supports YOUR team who lives further from St. Mary's than you do, I apologize.

 

I don't live in Southampton myself. That wasn't my point. If these comments made by Indians are from fans who have a reason to support Saints and still did when we were in the lower divisions then fair enough, but I'm 99% sure that's not the case and that they've latched onto us now we're in the Premier league and relatively 'good' and in the public eye a lot, which means they have no reason to support the club/feel a connection towards it.

 

 

Also, if you want to support YOUR local team without all the trappings of a modern high level football team, go and support someone in Non League. That's what football is now, it's not going to go back to how it was in the 70s because some sulky teenagers kick off who weren't even alive during the period of football they hold in such high esteem. As with everything, things change. This is the norm now, and it has been for the last 15 years.

 

If I was able to go and watch non-league then I would, but would you feel the same buzz when they win or when they score? Of course you wouldn't because they're not your team.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Don't you think a team in India or wherever should exist in their own right to serve the fans of that area not as a subservient club for someone else's benefit. Create ties and pay matches there but leave feeder clubs should be outlawed.

 

Well let the Indian authorities decide who they want to copy, anyway what sort of language are you talking this is sport. This Tescoisation of sport is so disappointing.

 

LMFAO - Clueless

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I'm also pretty unimpressed that despite NBC's coverage of the Premier League last season, we only added 5,000 fans in that 7 month period in the US. Would be nice to see the August 2012 and August 2013 figures.

 

The August 2013 figures are listed. Another way to look at the figures is that the rise in 12 months in the States is almost 700%. If we can go close to replicating that by August 2015 then we'd be doing really well.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

You're not going to bait me into spending an hour researching that you f*ck :lol:

 

I'm just saying, Crystal f*cking Palace have a feeder club in the States so why is it so ridiculous that we do too? Especially in a blossoming market like India. It's a straightforward business decision in football at this level nowadays - merchandising is key.

Crystal Palace don't have a feeder club. We're not going to be getting an Indian feeder club, because there is no point in us getting one.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Crystal Palace don't have a feeder club. We're not going to be getting an Indian feeder club, because there is no point in us getting one.

 

They have an association with Baltimore Eagles. And there totally is a point in that, because think how many quality players a country like India could produce further down the line with the correct coaching and investment. It also represents a great opportunity for merchandising as well. Like it or not, I think having a club over there could only be beneficial tbh.

 

EDIT: Ok, so after a bit of Googling it turns out that Palace's feeder club in Baltimore was a failure, but US football has changed a lot in the last few years. Still worth doing.

Edited by SuperMikey
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Ah yes great. An Indian Premier League.

 

Perfect.

 

This has sod all to do with "spreading the word" or getting more grassroots players coming forward in India.

 

It has EVERYTHING to do with the illegal Gambling Market in Asia having more areas that it can rake in massive profits from.

 

Nice idea in principle but - meh well you don't need me to mention "Illegal Asian Gambling" it's all over all of your papers these last few days anyway.

 

(Dear Legal Team I did not at any point in my post infer imply or state any of the words fixing or match in any order)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

They have an association with Baltimore Eagles. And there totally is a point in that, because think how many quality players a country like India could produce further down the line with the correct coaching and investment. It also represents a great opportunity for merchandising as well. Like it or not, I think having a club over there could only be beneficial tbh.

 

EDIT: Ok, so after a bit of Googling it turns out that Palace's feeder club in Baltimore was a failure, but US football has changed a lot in the last few years. Still worth doing.

 

worked well then, great idea :lol:

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Ah yes great. An Indian Premier League.

 

Perfect.

 

This has sod all to do with "spreading the word" or getting more grassroots players coming forward in India.

 

It has EVERYTHING to do with the illegal Gambling Market in Asia having more areas that it can rake in massive profits from.

 

Nice idea in principle but - meh well you don't need me to mention "Illegal Asian Gambling" it's all over all of your papers these last few days anyway.

 

(Dear Legal Team I did not at any point in my post infer imply or state any of the words fixing or match in any order)

 

Agree with what you're implying! Definitely agree.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Could also put another bow in our youth set up. Having an overseas academy India or otherwise) where scholars can spend 6 months at a set up academy, linked to the feeder club where they play exhibition types games (similar to how universities have links with universities in other countries). Just a thought, and could work for both young coaches and players.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
 Share

×
×
  • Create New...