Kieran Maguire: ‘Big Six’ no longer see Newcastle United as a threat as meeting details emerge
The Big Six may now see Newcastle United as less of a threat because imminent Champions League reforms mean there will be less competition for places.
That is the view of finance guru Kieran Maguire, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the dynamic between the Magpies and the established elite.
The Daily Mail reported last Friday (7 October) that Newcastle are increasingly siding with the Big Six when it comes to voting at Premier League meetings.
This development is significant as the top flight’s constitution requires the backing of 14 clubs to implement new legislation, meaning a bloc of seven effectively has a veto.
The Tynesiders are aiming to become a force at the top table of football with the backing of the Saudi Public Investment Fund.
That could theoretically become more difficult from 2024-25, with an expanded Champions League system set to hand football’s gentry even more cash.
But Maguire claims that the new model might also mean the Big Six are less concerned about ceding strategic advantage to Newcastle by voting with them at meetings.
“There is a paradox in terms of Newcastle’s relationship with the Big Six,” he told Football Insider’s Adam Williams.
“Six into four doesn’t go when it comes to Champions League places. Seven into four is even less feasible. Therefore, it could be that Newcastle are seen as a threat to the Big Six.
“But we also have to take into consideration that Uefa’s changes to the Champions League are likely to result in at least five or potentially six teams playing in the Champions League on a regular basis.
“Perhaps, therefore, the concessions that the larger clubs have extracted from Uefa mean they see Newcastle as less of a threat.“
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