The Premiership made $50US from selling the China broadcasting rights to pay-tv operator, WinTV.  So what have NBA made since their free content distribution ended?  Have they been that profitable with both broadcasting fee and sponsorships?  To be honest, NBA had got it right. Their strategy from the beginning in entering China and other international markets have always been on the right track. However, it is the lack of localization since, that have halted their expansion into an actual steady profit generation mode.

Most Asian countries have an enormous following in both football and basketball.  Also, most nations in this region have terrible national teams and leagues in both these sports.  We all know that.  So why hasn’t any of the successful western leagues been able to setup anything different or groundbreaking in these countries?  Of course they have tour matches, as Manchester United is about to play pre-season friendlies in China, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Korea during this summer.  It makes a lot of sense for these big clubs to do so with lots of money going into their pockets.  These tours do nothing for the long term development for the sport.

NBA is extremely talented with the sponsored sports clinics and tournament shows in China. These class acts have enormous coverage and are loved by sponsors.  However, they all lack participation because they are watched but not played by millions of potential fans.  So, surely the sponsors are happy with the exposure.  This is the same as for live matches of NBA and the Premiership, because they don’t lack fans; they lack profitable interaction with them.  Without continuous participation, it is hard to develop long term hardcore fans.  And it is these hardcore fans who will take the sport, league and the sponsored brands in their respective communities into new heights.  You want all ages and levels to be playing, so that the sport is part of their daily lives.

So I guess it is just another news blip.

Man United just announced their 2009 Asian Tour. It includes 4 cities:

China, Malaysia, Indonesia, and South Korea.

It is United’s 7^th Asian tour since 1995.

The announcement of this year’s tour was made in Venetian, Macao, where United has a shop. Not doing very well though, but I guess the shop is more like an image branding thing. What kind of real fans would run all the way to Macao to buy their stuff?

Why do they all come anyways?  Is it to see the fans or being ambassadors for the EPL?   Or is it just to earn a big fat lump sum?  I guess there are lots of fans out here would love to see their idols or their favorite team. I just wonder how much fanfare contributes to the total revenue stream. Is it significant enough to be compare to revenue coming from unwavering supporters?

Great singers go on tour to strut their stuff.  We pay good money to watch a good movie.  But why are we paying anything to watch big football clubs come over for exhibition matches and kick around the ball against club a quarter of their size.

Man United were asked by the AFC to cancel their last tour 2 years because it clashed with the Asian Cup. There will be huge amount of publicity locally and numerous commitments to sponsors this time around, especially if they win the Premiership title and Europe again.  But I just do hope under the glamorous schedule, there is time to help the domestic football here.

But seriously, what fans here really need is constant communication with the club and players during the season. We don’t get to go to Old Trafford or Anfield. We only get to admire the action from TV. Supporters of various degrees follow the club all year around. There are the setting goals at the beginning of the season, fantasy leagues, late kick-offs, chasing titles, and transfer gossips in the off-season. More importantly, we need daily intake of everything about the club. Now, why can’t the club come direct to us during the season?

I hope the clubs will try something new to regularly CONNECT with their global supporters, since football is a game for the masses.  If they do that, the amounts of revenue generated per season would equal if not surpass the fees they gain from touring.  Not saying touring is all bad. But considering it is only a publicity stunt, it hardly impresses the faithful.  The amount of secondary sponsorships and local joint promotions will attract equalling revenue and desired branding effect.

If they can do that, more will convert and less crtictics will call them cash hungry.

Well, my worst fears did indeed come true last night as we saw United take apart what can only be described as a dreadful Chelsea team performance. Yes, United had it easy; but I can only wonder how much Benitez’s comments added to the hunger of the United team to take apart an already tiring Chelsea and move into striking distance of the Premier League Summit.

As I had feared, Benitez’s comments seem to have backfired royally and it appears Fergie will be more determined than ever to overcome us. I’m still relatively surprised at the lack of an aggressive response that we have become so accustomed to from the Scotsman. Perhaps it is yet to come, but one thing is for sure, most people, including a number of Pool fans, have been taken aback by the hostility of Rafa’s comments.

Either way, we have to back the gaffer. Rafa has one of the most astute minds in the modern game and is hardly renowned for emotional outbursts so I’m sure there was plenty of thought and consideration given to his comments. Nonetheless, I’d be happy to see us move on from this episode and for Rafa and his boys to settle down and concentrate on our priorities, beating the Blue Noses and ‘retaking’ (if necessary) top spot on Monday night.

Yes, as a result of our slip up at Stoke this weekend, we could be faced with the prospect of going into the derby game in second place. Having said that, that would be assuming that United beat Wigan on Wednesday who are on a run of six victories out of the last seven games and a Bolton who made life tough for Arsenal at the Emirates.

So, do you think United will beat Wigan? How do you think we’ll fare against the Toffees and where will be sitting after Monday night?

As pointed out during his attack on Fergie, the Red Devils appear to have an advantageous run in this season and will be in the front seat to retain the title, especially if we continue slipping up with these easy fixtures.

Whilst I admire Benitez for standing up to Fergie and the FA, I just wonder whether we’d be better off with him sticking to his typical low profile approach and focusing on getting tactics right and winning games. The fact that he chose Kuyt to start as a lone striker last night in my opinion is a questionable tactical choice. Don’t get me wrong, Kuyt is a great player and one that you can rely upon to give 110% to everything, but he’s been off form of late and would not have been my choice to start alone against a team who dug in their heels and held us to goalless stalemate at Anfield.

I’m sure Fergie will be pretty happy with the events of the past couple of days. Not only has he seen his main competitor fall into his trap and join the world of dirty mind games, something that most would consider him to be a master of, but he has subsequently seen Liverpool go on and slip up against lowly Stoke. Whether or not Benitez’s comments served as a distraction to the players ahead of the Stoke game, no one will ever know. Either way, I can only feel that Benitez should stick to what he’s best at, keeping his head low, focusing on winning games and avoiding public outbursts against his opponents.

What did you think of last night’s performance? What do you make of Benitez’s remarks? Post your comments below:

Not sure if you’ve seen the news from yesterday where Benitez came out and lambasted Fergie for his constant criticism of referees and his lenient treatment by the FA?

Besides being in general agreement with what Benitez said, I can’t help but feel that there is a deeper message to his comments. Obviously the timing of his remarks are aimed at destabilizing the United camp ahead of tomorrow’s crucial clash against Chelsea - but why not attack Chelsea?

My gut feeling tells me that Benitez already sees United as the major threat to Liverpool’s Premier League assault this season. Whilst a draw would obviously be the best result as far as Pool are concerned, I can’t help but feel that Benitez would even be happy with a Chelsea victory. Either way, he doesn’t want to see United win hence the timing of this rather out-of-character attack.

Does Benitez already see the title being a two-horse race? What do you make of his comments? Can you see Chelsea going all the way this season? Who do you expect to emerge victorious from tomorrow’s clash?

Don’t you just hate these weeks on YFF? Just when you thought you were putting together the backbone of a team that could take you through a large part of the season, you end up with one of these funny double-weekers with only two teams playing twice…

So what is it? Drop all of those guys you’ve stuck with over the past weeks and go for all United or Wigan players?

Utd v Chelsea is unlikely to be pleasing to the eye… A hard fought 1-1 draw is my prediction with a lot of dirty tackles and bookings – possibly a sending off?

Whilst the reports told us that Ronaldo walked away unhurt from his mid-week car crash, surely writing off his Ferrari and the subsequent public attention will affect his concentration ahead of the big game… He’s never really shined at these big encounters with Chelsea so who’s to say that he will this time? So, the big question is whether to go with Ronaldo and have an average team or to drop him and have a stronger overall 11?

Here’s my advice ahead of the weekend games:

Up-Front

With United playing the double-gamer this week, we have to start by looking at their strikers. Tevez is the cheap option but he’s been in poor form this season and is unlikely to get the nod for this big game. Fergie has favoured the pairing of Rooney and Berba this season so take your pick from these boys. Rooney’s the more expensive option and is generally a more consistent YFF point scorer. Berbatov, a slightly cheaper option, scored against Boro and will be looking to continue in that vain.

Elsewhere, Villa entertain bottom of the table WBA so expect plenty of goals here. A Young and G Agbonlahor have been in fine form this season but neither of them come cheap.

Torres has returned from injury and will be pushing to get the nod as Liverpool travel to Stoke. Keane will also be ‘keen’ to make up for a couple of average performances against Newcastle and PNE.

Whilst Wigan have a couple of tough games against Spurs and Utd, their recent home form is second to none so both Heskey or Zaki could be good options at home against Spurs.

Some might also be willing to gamble on Defoe scoring on his debut return for Spurs…

My Top 3 striker picks this week:

Rooney, Torres, Agbonlahor

This week’s bargain:

Emile Heskey (Wigan)

Midfield

I’m expecting most teams to feature Ronlado this week despite his inconsistency over the past few weeks. For those who have the balls to pick a team without him, I expect to see a much stronger overall squad. The other strong double-weeker midfielders include, Wigan’s Valencia, Carrick and Park.

Gerrard has been in flying form of late and I expect no changes there as he continues to prove himself on the field. Both Riera and Benayoun have also been in good form and could be good cheaper options to bolster your team.

Ashley Young could be one of the picks of the week in my opinion. I expect Villa to destroy West Brom despite their sketchy home form. Tim Cahill could also be a good pick. Home against an out of sorts Hull, I expect Cahill to continue his good form and for Everton to collect all 3 points comfortably.

With Fabregas out, a number of Arsenal’s midfielders will be looking to step up and prove themselves. I expect both Nasri and Denilson to return good points this week.

My Top 4 midfield picks this week:

Gerrard, Ronaldo, Arteta, A Young

This week’s bargain:

L Cattermole (Wigan)

Defense

Those who might be looking to minimise risk with fewer double-weeker midfield and striker picks might consider opting for four at the back. There are some decent defensive double-gamer picks in my opinion this week with Evra returning from suspension. I also expect Ryan Taylor to score well against Spurs and me might deliver some dangerous set-pieces against United to score well. Figueroa is a decent cheaper option at the back and Gary Neville could also be worth a punt at just over 6 units. Like Taylor, Vidic is an expensive defensive pick but with an average of just under 10 points per game, he should be solid for the double-game week.

Elsewhere, Clichy and Bosingwa remain two of the most consistent YFF point scorers around so I don’t expect anyone to be dropping them if bought on the cheap. Sol Campbell could do well against a struggling City who play without their two midfield playmakers, Ireland and Wright Philips.

Villa also boast some nice defensive picks this week: Zat Knight, Davies and Luke Young are all pretty affordable and should pick up the CS bonus.

For those of you willing to risk Benitez’s defensive rotation, the return of Aurelio and Skrtel as well as the fine form of Agger, Hyppia and Carra should offer some nice options at the back. Note, Insua is away playing for Argentina in the U20 South American Cup so Aurelio is likely to get the nod at left back.

My Top 4 defensive picks this week:

Vidic, Evra, Ryan Taylor, Paul Scharner

This week’s bargain:

Gary Neville (Man Utd)

Goalkeepers:

Van der Sar is unquestionably the hottest pick this week. Utd will likely come away with at least one clean sheet this week and I expect VDS to be well tested in both games so watch him rack up the points.

Kirkland is a pick for those risk takers amongst us. As I said, I expect Wigan to beat Spurs and they’ll test United away at Old Trafford.

For those of you who picked up Robinson at 1 unit and want to stick with the cheap keeper option, I expect him to face a tough test at Craven Cottage. Nonetheless, I expect Allardyce to have focused a lot of efforts on strengthening Blackburn defensively so he may do well.

Tim Howard, Alumnia and Reina could all keep clean sheets.

My Top goalkeer pick this week:

Edwin Van der Sar

This week’s bargain:

Chris Kirkland

Good luck!

Sky Sports Fanzone 28/12/2008 – Newcastle United 1-5 Liverpool

Will Gerrard bounce back from this?

Chinese Football Schools earn a living by 2 means:

1) Winning matches within their own league and age groups

2) Providing talents to first tier clubs

With little regulation in tact and hardly any monitoring, many of these schools would lie about the ages of these kids during registration.  Some suggest this is a wide spread phenomenon during the boom era of Chinese Football ( 1994-2000).  During this period, there were about 30 football schools in Chengdu, not many survived to now.  The reason would seem to be because of the whole football environment turning down, but really it is to do with the phenomenon above.  Many of the premier league teams have players from that era.  Instead of being in the prime as stated in their registration, they are instead close to retirement, if not already into retirement age.   Many young talents are often over look as a consequence and the whole youth system is being compromise as a consequence.  As China awakens to be a member of the international community, Chinese Football is slowly going into a dark age or disappearing into the dark hole altogether.  Ever increasingly hard to compete with the NBA for youth attention.

Youth registered under the Chinese FA Youth Division: 13,524 (from 497 clubs in 56 FA sanctioned schools)

300 Million youths in China.  Of course there are many youths who plays football out there, but they will not eventually go into the system and becoming professionals.

For a province to have a national team, start with 100 properly trained U13 footballers.  Roughly 30-40 will make it to U16. The national team will mostly be comprise of only 20 or so.  And of out these 20 footballers, 2-3 will make it Pro, if they are lucky.  That is to say if they have the necessary connections.

It is estimated that the expenses for a family to groom a young footballer from the age of 10-18 is roughly 250k-300kRMB.  That is not a small sum for most families in China.  When the future is so bleak for Chinese Football, not families are going to risk investing this kind of sum.

5DmkII – Beijing Hoop Dreams from Dan Chung on Vimeo.

We don’t give the same treatment for Chinese Football.  The Chinese National Football Team was condemned on a daily basis since the failure to qualify in both the World Cup Qualifiers and the Olympics first round.  Blogs even went on to compare the humiliating defeats with the heroics of the Chinese National Basketball team.

Not worthy to represent China

Recent articles went on to suggest that any Chinese footballers would be putting their career at risks if they play for their country.  This negativity has been going for some time.  The national football team’s failure in 2008 (less than 30% winning record in all competitions) and the bad publicity of the Chinese Premier League is just the product of years of mismanagement.  Can Football China start off with building small dreams like better grass roots and young talent development programs?  Nation wide marketing programs for young fans, starting at the age of 6? If the Football Association don’t know where to begin, why not begin when they are small and dreaming?