The very interesting thread about building a team or a brand has led to debate about the advantages / disadvantages of promotion and relegation in an attempt to keep that thread on track I have started a new discussion here. The discussion starts here
I understand that Atletico Madrid would not have been in this position had relegation not existed, but at the turn of the Century they were a La Liga Div 2 side. They won the La Liga last season. That achievement would not have been possible without promotion and relegation.
The roller coaster of emotions that a fan has to go through when there sides get promoted or relegated is part of the package of fandom !!! It is why we support our teams, not just partying with the highs, but also mourning with the lows.
The Romance of the game sees teams like Wimbledon, come from non league (Level 5 & below) football, to the top flight. The Swansea Citys, Brightons, Northampton Towns, etc would not have been able to work there way up to the top flight from almost oblivion.
If promotion and relegation was not possible, the game would have stalled, teams like Burnley, Blackpool, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Leeds United would still be top flight teams, whilst teams like those listed above would never have got a sniff.
The current major brands would never have been built. Teams would have become blockers.
The MLS has some safeguards to ensure that the league is competitive. But even then the league only represents about 15 of 50 states. (That is States not Cities)
What if the game grows in other states ? What of other states want a team. Does the league get limited to 1 team per state ?
What about Cities / Towns / Counties in each state ?
Do those teams not deserve the chance to get to the top level.
I believe the MLS has a lifespan without promotion / relegation, then after that will stagnate.
What are your views ?
I understand that Atletico Madrid would not have been in this position had relegation not existed, but at the turn of the Century they were a La Liga Div 2 side. They won the La Liga last season. That achievement would not have been possible without promotion and relegation.
The roller coaster of emotions that a fan has to go through when there sides get promoted or relegated is part of the package of fandom !!! It is why we support our teams, not just partying with the highs, but also mourning with the lows.
The Romance of the game sees teams like Wimbledon, come from non league (Level 5 & below) football, to the top flight. The Swansea Citys, Brightons, Northampton Towns, etc would not have been able to work there way up to the top flight from almost oblivion.
If promotion and relegation was not possible, the game would have stalled, teams like Burnley, Blackpool, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Leeds United would still be top flight teams, whilst teams like those listed above would never have got a sniff.
The current major brands would never have been built. Teams would have become blockers.
The MLS has some safeguards to ensure that the league is competitive. But even then the league only represents about 15 of 50 states. (That is States not Cities)
What if the game grows in other states ? What of other states want a team. Does the league get limited to 1 team per state ?
What about Cities / Towns / Counties in each state ?
Do those teams not deserve the chance to get to the top level.
I believe the MLS has a lifespan without promotion / relegation, then after that will stagnate.
What are your views ?