We are always discussing the ever-changing real estate landscape at Redwood Consulting, but sometimes the conversation steers towards other topics and personal interests. Following the announcement six English football clubs will form a ‘super league’, five of our Redwood colleagues put their own opinions and thoughts onto paper – with a little comms twist.

  • Freddie Rosen (Chelsea fan) discusses the importance of stakeholder engagement and consultation
  • Esme Roberts (Manchester City fan) reflects on the origins of football and why a ‘super league’ threatens the future of the game
  • Tom Belger (Manchester United fan) examines the need to carefully manage brand and reputation
  • Vasu Guigan (Arsenal fan) looks at the ‘super league’ from a UK vs International perspective

Having previously heard from Freddie, we now hear from Esme…

‘The people’s game’ has been embedded in our communities for years. As a fast-growing city during the Industrial Revolution, Manchester saw a sharp population growth in the 1900s. It became the perfect place for football clubs to emerge. To this day, football is somewhat of a religion in Manchester, its heart has always been sat in the working-class communities of the north. Coming from a family of Manchester City supporters – football has been part of our lives for as long as I can remember.

Yet here we are in 2021 – a new European ‘Super League’ has been announced. Manchester City, Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea, Tottenham and Arsenal will all form part of the new league. A contract they are tied into for 23 years, which they cannot be relegated from – no matter how badly they play. It will the earn the clubs roughly an extra £3 million a week.

The noise from Manchester City fans has been heard loudly – people feel as though the supporters haven’t been considered – never mind consulted. To add insult to injury, the club is still yet to publicly communicate with its fans or release any further information. The fans have time to simmer – anger, resentment and frustration is felt by many supporters – from all six teams set to be part of the ‘Super League’.

The backlash hasn’t stopped there – leagues, football associations, government, pundits and players have condemned the new set up. They believe it shows a deep disregard for what once the ‘people’s game’, as well as football’s long-standing history which has shaped our culture and communities.

Football supporters believe the league is driven by greed and the desire to make money. If it does indeed go ahead, it is expected to rake in around £3 billion from fans all over the world through selling broadcast rights to the tickets for the games themselves – the list is endless.

For now, Manchester City and the other five clubs must listen to their loyal supporters and remind themselves how football became the game it is today. Its roots and authenticity has never been more important.