How Villa, Newcastle & Everton can keep pushing the so-called "Big Six"
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This episode of the Claret & Blue Podcast features a roundtable discussion between Dan (Aston Villa fan), Andrew (Newcastle United fan), and Ian (Everton fan) on the challenges faced by clubs outside the so-called 'Big Six' in sustaining success in the Premier League. The conversation centers on financial regulations like PSR and the upcoming Squad Cost Ratio (SCR), which limit spending based on revenue, disproportionately affecting clubs like Villa, Newcastle, and Everton. Despite recent achievements—Villa's consistent European qualification, Newcastle's Champions League appearances and a trophy win—these clubs struggle to maintain progress due to the need to sell key players to comply with financial rules, creating a fragile cycle. The hosts debate whether qualifying for the Europa League or Conference League is financially worthwhile, with consensus that while fan excitement is high, the financial rewards are insufficient compared to Champions League revenue. They highlight the importance of smart recruitment, managerial excellence (especially Unai Emery at Villa), and long-term planning over reckless spending. The discussion also touches on stadium redevelopment as a potential revenue driver, with all three clubs facing structural and financial hurdles. Ultimately, the episode argues that while the 'Big Six' have inherent financial advantages, clubs outside that group can succeed—but only through discipline, strategic planning, and resilience in the face of systemic constraints.
Financial rules like PSR and SCR create a cycle where success forces clubs to sell players to comply, undermining long-term progress.
Qualifying for the Champions League is crucial for revenue, while Conference League and Europa League offers limited financial returns despite fan appeal.
Smart recruitment and managerial excellence (e.g., Unai Emery at Villa) are more important than big spending for clubs outside the Big Six.
Stadium redevelopment can boost commercial revenue, but is a long-term project with significant logistical and financial challenges.
Consistent European qualification is a form of success in itself, building a club's profile and long-term competitiveness.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Introduction: The Financial Reality of the 'Big Six' vs. the Rest
The episode opens with Dan introducing the roundtable discussion, explaining the purpose: to explore how clubs like Aston Villa, Newcastle United, and Everton can break through the financial and competitive barriers imposed by the so-called 'Big Six' in the Premier League.
Villa's Rollercoaster Season and the Cost of Success
“We've seen other clubs before kind of flirt with Europe like a Brighton will get in once and then they haven't been it since. Teams do that. Newcastle obviously have been in the Champions League twice but then dropped out the other years completely and might do that again.”
Newcastle's Struggles and the PSR Excuse
“It's a bit of both. He's valid to a certain degree, but also it is an excuse because he has tactically got things very, very wrong and the same old mistakes are costing you cast night pretty much every single week.”
The Financial Trap: Why Europe Isn't Always Worth It
“The difference between 70% and 85%, based on the 23-24 figures, at least £33 million less to spend. So if the new rules have been in place, the likes of West Ham and Brighton would have been able to spend more than Newcastle.”
The Role of Management and Smart Recruitment
“You've got to get your recruitment spot on and not make any mistakes, spend well, find the bargains before the likes of a Brentford or a Brighton do and then sign them when they've already had a year or two of success for double the money.”
“If Unai Emery's here for the next five years, it would be Villa because I think he's the best coach. I think he's one of the best coaches in the Premier League full stop.”
“You've got to get your recruitment spot on and not make any mistakes, spend well, find the bargains before the likes of a Brentford or a Brighton do and then sign them when they've already had a year or two of success for double the money.”
“The whole thing is at odds with each other. You can raise your revenue for PSR by selling your women's team or selling your stadium to yourself or whatever it is, but SCR doesn't count that.”
Host
Guests
Aston Villa
other
Newcastle United
other
Everton
other
Champions League
other
Unai Emery
person
PSR
other
Squad Cost Ratio
other
Eddie Howe
person
Europa League
other
Europa Conference League
other
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