If that in some cases. Serie A was quite a strong league with many challengers until Juve went baps up.

Most of the bigger sides have slowly been caught up IMO, look at Lyon in France, with Bordeaux and Marseille having recently won the title. In Germany, many sides seem to show the ability to compete, but Bayern are still the strongest side there by some distance. The newer stadiums definitely influenced the change, IMO. Benfica recently won the league in Portugal, whilst, at least in Italy and England, the other sides appear to have caught up to the 'same old' teams, with Inter, Chelsea and United looking that further year older (I'm not saying United are pensioners, but their reliance on leg-ends has been obvious for years).

It's getting better all-round, I'm still uncertain how FFP will affect domestic competition, though.

Dan_FC wrote:Next? don't be a tit, I only asked a question. Same in many leagues though isn't, there are lot's of leagues around Europe that are mostly, or have in recent times been, a two horse race. Apologies, but I'm not too keen on being accused of stupidity. Which other leagues rival Spain and Scotland in their blatant two-horseness (word patent pending). Harry Redknapp has laughed off Damien Comolli's claims he is partly responsible for Tottenham's recent successes.

Dan_FC wrote:Next? don't be a tit, I only asked a question. Same in many leagues though isn't, there are lot's of leagues around Europe that are mostly, or have in recent times been, a two horse race. Apologies, but I'm not too keen on being accused of stupidity. Which other leagues rival Spain and Scotland in their blatant two-horseness (word patent pending). Harry Redknapp has laughed off Damien Comolli's claims he is partly responsible for Tottenham's recent successes.

Except with the premierleague, the reason other teams have "caught up" is because the big 2, have pleatued (sp) and have probably even gone backwards. It might be closer at the top of the worlds best league but the overall quality is going backwards. At least in spain, Barcelona and Real Madrid play quality football in search of the title whereas in the worlds best league we will have man united and chelsea, yet again, fighting for the title by grinding out 1-0 long ball wins vs the Bolton and West Hams

Are Blackburn the new Wigan?

Looking at the score from Upton Park I think Wigan Athletic are still Wigan Athletic

Just seen it

Big Sam got the backing of the new owners as well

Be intresting to see what he says this week.....he was very gracious to Spurs when they ripped him a new arris the other week

FC United get a 1-1 draw at Brighton in the FA Cup.
FC ahead towards the end of the first half and hold on until about 10 minutes from time, and had a man sent off after about the hour
Brighton get a penalty in the 5th minute of injury time but it's saved by FC keeper Sam Ashton
Replay first but FC will be in the hat for the 3rd Round!!

Once again away from home against a bigger team Rovers are beaten before they started with BFS selections.At least he'll have a nice drink with his mate after the game while the few fans that turned up wonder why they paid 42 quid to watch that shambles.Hopefully the owners watching in India will get rid before he gets any of their money in January.