DS Backs Overseas Games
By Aston
February 9 2008
Town Chairman David Sheepshanks has backed a premier league plan to possibly see each team play one game outside of England every season.
The Premier League has plans to extend the season to 39 games, with clubs playing the extra game in one of five cities around the world and Mr Sheepshanks backs the idea.
Mr Sheepshanks: "Marcus Evans wants to make Ipswich Town into a global brand, and this fits into his plans, I was at Wembley last year when an NFL American football game was played.
"It was packed out, very exciting and a big success. And they are going to do it again.
"There were sceptics when English teams started playing in European competition in the 1950's with the Inter-City Fairs Cup.
"And look how far this has moved on.
"The Premier League is one of the most valuable media products in the world with over 600 million people watching the Premier League on TV around the world.
"Playing games abroad is a natural extension.
"It is a commercial move of course, but when balanced out I am convinced it will be a huge success.
"Travelling is so much easier these days and many supporters - who used to follow us all over Europe - will relish I think the chance to go 'on tour' again.
"I would hope that Ipswich will be in the Premier League at the time if this idea gets the green light.
"Marcus Evans has a vision of the club being a global brand and this would bring untold benefits to Ipswich Town and also to Suffolk in general.
"But when all is said and done, there needs to be much more flesh on the bone relating to the governance and integrity of competition.
"There is clearly a lot more talking to be done before the idea is realised."
Source: Evening Star
What do you make of the Premier League's plans? Leave your view below.
Jim: “I don't see it as a good idea.
“Players are already asked to do a great deal of travelling, and this will add a lot of extra mileage.
“At the end of the day it will come down to money and big bucks will be involved.
“Premier League clubs may have to put up with it.
“But I can understand season tickets holders, who pay good money, being unhappy with the suggestion.”
Ipswich Town - the pride of anglia
I agree totally with IP1, Keep it Pre-Season and get those fans who want to watch Premiership footy from Asia and America over here!
No thought at all for the fans as usual, this just backs up my thought The FA, and The Premier League top dogs are a bunch of wasters, who don't care about the game.
The Premier League's plan for a "39th game" looks to be in crisis after the Football Association and Fifa refused to back the proposal. (Various)
The FA are worried that the plan may affect their bid for the 2018 World Cup. (The Sun)
Premier League chairman Richard Scudamore is ready to take on Fifa in a bid to rescue the idea. (The Times)
But Manchester United are said to be leading a revolt to kill off the controversial plan. (The Daily Telegraph)
Ipswich Town - the pride of anglia
so i say no to this