Source: Team_Talk
Allardyce wants to take 39th step
Sam Allardyce says the Premier League should get the issue of a 39th game back on the agenda to ensure the competition's continued prosperity.[LNB] League chief executive Richard Scudamore floated the idea of all 20 top-flight sides playing an additional match overseas back in 2008 in an effort to capitalise on the worldwide popularity of the English game's elite division.[LNB]The proposal did not take off after failing to find favour with FIFA or the Football Association, but Blackburn manager Allardyce insists the League needs to take radical steps if it wants to remain as one of the world's most popular competitions.[LNB]He told The Sun: ""The 39th game is an absolute must. We have to make it work, get over the bureaucracy and look after our product.[LNB]"Every top country in Europe wants what we've got. Italy, Spain and Germany are jealous of us and the UEFA president Michel Platini cannot hide his jealousy.[LNB]"It's so important we stay ahead of everyone else and the 39th game will keep us there. Let's get it back on the agenda."[LNB]One of the major concerns raised two years ago was the imbalance a 39th match could cause to the league, which currently consists of 38 home and away fixtures, but Allardyce insists clubs must see the bigger picture.[LNB]He added: "Seed it, have a draw or whatever, I'm not bothered. Forget about the points and who you have to play, it's one game out of 39.[LNB]"Why do the American NFL come to Wembley? Because they are making loads of money out of it.[LNB]"We should all ask ourselves a few questions about what's important. Do we like working in the Premier League? The answer is yes. It's the top league in the world with the best entertainment.[LNB]"Would we like to keep the product safe? Yes. Do we like the money it brings in? Yes. Would we like to protect that? Yes."[LNB]
