Harry Redknapp feels a 22-team Premier League could be a good option next season, with the ex-boss questioning how it would be fair to relegate sides to accommodate Leeds United and West Brom.
Leeds currently sit top of the Championship table and on the cusp of a Premier League return for the first time since 2004. For West Brom, they are a point behind in second, looking to end a two-year absence.
What remains in the Championship is a nine-game run-in, but the season is in significant doubt as public safety takes priority.
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The same scenario surrounds the Premier League, with a lot at stake for the likes of Norwich City, Aston Villa, AFC Bournemouth, Watford, West Ham and Brighton and Hove Albion, who are battling relegation.
Today, Redknapp told Sky Sports how he feels it’d be unfair to decide relegation on Points Per Game, citing a 22-team Premier League, including Leeds and West Brom, as an option.
He stated: “I don’t see how you can relegate teams if we don’t start again, that would be totally unfair. This is the time with nine games left when everything changes. To do it on points-per-game would be unfair.”
During his days in the dugout, Redknapp oversaw a number of ‘great escapes’ including one with Portsmouth, who were cut adrift at this point of the season.
Redknapp continued: “We had 10 games to go at Portsmouth and you would have written us off. We had 18 points from 28 games, we would have been given 25 points, maybe 26 max, with points-per-game and we ended up with 38 points.
“If they don’t play, the only option is to promote the two teams [Leeds and West Brom] and relegate five next season.”
The Verdict
A 22-team Premier League would be unique in that we’ve not seen it in a long time.
Leeds and West Brom deserve promotion, whether they earn that by playing the remaining nine games or through PPG; they’ve been the top-two almost all season and do deserve it.
You can understand Redknapp’s reservations about relegation if the Premier League isn’t concluded, but not many will get on board with that.
However, agreeing on a 22-team Premier League might yet prove to be the best option.
Thoughts? Let us know!
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