Betfair Official Blog

Premiership

Everton and Reading have bought British... and reaped the rewards

Pablo Luna - Moonlighting for Betfair

I am not against the influx of foreign players and coaches into our national game, without doubt they have made the Premiership the "best and richest Football League in the World". The Spaniards and Italians quietly admit this.

There are levels at which different clubs can absorb them but some use foreign players as quick fixes to replace previous quick fixes. Then this creates a problem with team building and morale. Anarchy and crisis soon follow!

But has anyone noticed the quiet revolution that is both Everton and Reading?

They have opted out of the buy one get one free foreigner sale and have built their teams around solid fit mid-twenties British players.

This is obviously a conscious decision/strategy of David Moyes and one that I believe will be successful - to a point.

In their last game Everton (against Blackburn Rovers) fielded eight British players with Phil Neville (30) being the eldest. Two of the three substitutes used were also British. A statistic in stark contrast to most other teams in the Premiership.

I believe with this sort of balance Moyes has a team that will battle and display team spirit. In the recent win against Spurs, Martin Jol admitted his stars were out fought.

What they lack is the finesse to win either the Premiership or to succeed in Europe where you need the finished article and not the huff and puff! However they have acknowledged their shortcomings up front and have bought Yakubu to score goals. They are contenders for a top six placing (3.45 Betfair). I take Everton to beat Newcastle (3.0 Betfair) for 6th place.

Steve Coppell of Reading, though a smaller fish than Everton, is going along similar lines. He deserves credit for promoting young British players as opposed to Bolton who will play anyone with a foreign accent, are currently in freefall and ready to self-destruct (3.95 Betfair to be relegated). They look in real trouble along with Derby (1.28 Betfair). The other club certain for relegation is Wigan (trading at 3.1 with Betfair).

Steve Coppell is proving to be tactically cute against the bigger teams. Although his intention would be a top half finish there is no chance of Reading (9.4 Betfair) achieving a top six place. His team will be difficult to beat and care should be taken when betting against them. Back them for a draw against better sides, there is value in them.

I am now of the opinion that he is ready for a top job and he would have been an ideal candidate for the Manchester City post. It is not impossible that the FA may turn to him after the dunce McClaren has been given his P45.