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Hodgson: Big Four Has Become Big Seven
Cottagers coach plays down chances of success this season.
Nov 3, 2009 7:17:48 AM
Fulham boss Roy Hodgson has noted that the Premier League's 'big four' has expanded to seven clubs.
The influx of Abu Dhabi United Group's riches into Manchester City, Randy Lerner's backing at Aston Villa, Ellis Short's sponsoring of Sunderland's revolution and Tottenham Hotspur's continued financial muscle, has threatened the monotony the perceived top four – Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal – have maintained in recent seasons.
Consequently, Hodgson has played down Fulham's chances of repeating last season's seventh-placed finish.
"To be one of the best seven teams in the league is going to be very difficult for us on an annual basis," he explained to the official website of the Premier League.
"The club is not necessarily geared for that. More and more money is being spent and the top four is rapidly becoming the top seven in terms of financial power.
"It would be nice if we could treat our fans to a season when they are not biting their nails into the last two or three games and be a good enough team to occasionally spring surprises like we did on Sunday," concluded the Cottagers boss, who was delighted with his side's 3-1 defeat of Rafael Benitez's ailing Liverpool.
Alan Dawson, Goal.com
For more news on England, visit Goal.com's England section!
The influx of Abu Dhabi United Group's riches into Manchester City, Randy Lerner's backing at Aston Villa, Ellis Short's sponsoring of Sunderland's revolution and Tottenham Hotspur's continued financial muscle, has threatened the monotony the perceived top four – Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal – have maintained in recent seasons.
Consequently, Hodgson has played down Fulham's chances of repeating last season's seventh-placed finish.
"To be one of the best seven teams in the league is going to be very difficult for us on an annual basis," he explained to the official website of the Premier League.
"The club is not necessarily geared for that. More and more money is being spent and the top four is rapidly becoming the top seven in terms of financial power.
"It would be nice if we could treat our fans to a season when they are not biting their nails into the last two or three games and be a good enough team to occasionally spring surprises like we did on Sunday," concluded the Cottagers boss, who was delighted with his side's 3-1 defeat of Rafael Benitez's ailing Liverpool.
Alan Dawson, Goal.com
For more news on England, visit Goal.com's England section!
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