Kick Off Merchants Blog

At this time of year, there is always plenty of confusion and misinformation floating about with regards to Premier League Squad List Rules. The below hopefully clarifies the rules: What are the rules? 1) Each Premier League squad must contain no more than 17 players who do not fulfil the "Home Grown Player" criteria. 2) The rest of the squad, up to a total of 25 players, must be "Home Grown". 3) Clubs can also register eligible Under-21 players above the squad limit of 25. Does a club need to register 25 players? No, they do not. In theory, a club could...

Tim Flowers Joining the club in 1993, Tim Flowers became an integral part of their success during the mid-90s. Flowers played a vital role in Blackburn's historic Premier League title triumph in the 1994-1995 season, displaying exceptional goalkeeping skills and a commanding presence. His agility, shot-stopping ability, and leadership qualities earned him numerous plaudits. Flowers remained a reliable figure between the posts for Blackburn, making crucial saves and contributing to the team's defensive solidity. His time at Blackburn showcased his unwavering commitment and dedication, cementing his status as one of the club's most celebrated goalkeepers. Colin Hendry Colin Hendry' joined...

So the next round of nominations for the "Premier League Hall of Fame" have been announced. Before I start, I must say I am not a fan. It feels very American and is another attempt to ignore the century of football that went before the Premier League. That National Football Museum have their own list which delves properly into our great games history. The nominations for the 2023 inductees are: One thing every player on this list has in common is they all played for the "Big 6". And this has led some to say "Big 6 bias again".  So...

Every League Cup final it is the same argument - Is the League Cup a big trophy? Any fan that does their time going to games will love any Wembley moment, whether it is the FA Cup, League Cup, the EFL Trophy and beyond. Every final is a big event for those fans and players involved. A Sunday League cup final is huge for amateur. Even if it is the Division 4 Cup in the Essex Corinthians league! Fans who always say "the League Cup is not a big trophy, I do not care" tend to be those that have never stepped...

Honestly, I hate the January transfer window. Every year it seems to drag on longer as Sky Sports (and other media news outlets) start their coverage earlier. I think this year they started their countdown in November. Up there with your local supermarket selling Easter Eggs in January. In 2013, Arsene Wenger floated the idea of scrapping the January transfer window. His theory also included closing the summer window before a ball was kicked in the Premier League. The idea was that you get your first team squad before the season starts, and that is what you have to work...