Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'F.A. Premier League'

Transfer spending among Premier League teams has increased drastically since the inception of the league. Over the past decade, extremely wealthy owners have begun purchasing majority stakes in clubs and spending recklessly to accumulate as much talent as possible. This paper aims to examine whether such exorbitant spending is effective financially and whether it improves the clubs competitively. Data is gathered from Deloitte’s Annual Reviews of Football Finance. I conclude that spending at such high levels does not improve on-field performance, which is consistent among clubs in the past decade and the elite clubs across all seasons.

Hra Fantasy Premier League poskytuje miliónom hráčov po celom svete možnosť stať sa na chvíľu manažérom svojho vlastného klubu. Výsledky a bodové ohodnotenie v hre závisia na správnom predvídaní, ako sa budú hráči chovať v skutočných futbalových zápasoch. Ak by pri tomto rozhodovaní pomáhal software na predikciu a analýzu budúcich výkonov hráčov, výsledky v hre sa môžu rapídne zlepšiť. Táto diplomová práca sa zaoberá návrhom a implementáciou predikčného modelu, ktorý využíva neurónové siete na predikcie časových radov počas celej sezóny v hre. Boli použité metódy na spracovanie dát o hráčoch a kluboch za posledné 4 sezóny. Výkonnosť a presnosť predikčných metód boli testované na dátach z poslednej sezóny Premier League a predikcie algoritmu sa vo väčšine prípadov blížili realite. Ak by sa užívateľ držal predikčného modelu v hre stopercentne, získal by väčší počet bodov ako bežný hráč, ktorý žiadny predikčný model nepoužíva.

Att i förväg försöka förutsäga vilket lag som kommer vinna i en fotbollsmatch har nog de flesta försökt sig på någon gång. Att gissa och att faktiskt försöka att analysera båda lagens förutsättningar är två väldigt olika metoder att komma fram till sitt resultat. I och med att datorkraften de senaste åren kraftigt förbättrats har det också kommit fler och framför allt tyngre matematiska modeller för att skatta utfallet av matcher. I detta examensarbete används Pi-ratingsystemet som går ut på att varje lag får en rating för hur bra man är på hemma- respektive bortaplan. Som en utveckling av den ursprungliga Pi-rating modellen används det i detta arbete tre olika modeller för att prediktera lagens framtida rating. Modellerna som används är enkelt glidande medelvärde, enkel exponentiell utjämning och en ARIMA-modell. En lösning på hur nya lag som inte spelade i ligan föregående år ska behandlas föreslås också. Avslutningsvis diskuteras olika investeringsmetoder som kan användas för att använda resultat från modellerna på marknaden för vadslagning. Resultatet visar att en spelstrategi som utnyttjat Kellys formel ger störst avkastning för kalibreringsdatat. När denna strategi används på matcher utanför kalibreringsåren visar resultatet på en mycket låg vinst och framför allt att vinsten under lång tid är negativ, vilket från en investeringssyn inte är något man önskar. Sammanfattningsvis är denna metod inte i sig själv tillräckligt bra för att ge en säker avkastning men är en bra grund som kan byggas ut för att ta hänsyn till fler faktorer och då ge möjlighet till stabilare och mer långsiktiga vinster.
To predict a soccer game in advance is something that has been done by most people. If the prediction is the result of an advanced mathematical formula or just ha pure guess done on your favorite team is very different. Since the computer power in recent years has greatly improved the number of mathematical approaches has increased and it is especially the computational heavy models that have increased in number. In this thesis the Pi-rating system is used it gives each team a home and away rating that describe how good/bad they are compared to the average competing team. As an extension of the original Pi-rating model, in this thesis time series analysis is used to predict future values of the teams rating, three different methods are tested and they are simple moving average, simple exponential smoothing and an ARIMA-model. A solution to how new teams that did not play in the league last year should be handled is also suggested. Finally a breath discussion and test of different investment methods that can be applied on the final model to be used on the sport betting market. The results show that the greatest returns on the calibration data is achieved when Kelly’s formula is used as an investment method on an ARIMA(0,1,1)-model, but when this strategy is used outside calibration data, the result shows a very low profit and the method  fails to give a stable long term return, which from an investment point of view is not desirable. The conclusion is that this method is not in itself good enough to provide a safe return but is a good foundation that can be expanded to take more factors into account, and then hopefully give bigger and more stable winnings.

Football is the most exerted sport worldwide and can arguably be considered as a major industry on its own, where the English Premier League stands out as the most popular league in the world. This thesis examines what factors that generate utility, given the assumption that clubs are utility maximization units, for the individual club in the English Premier League. Where final position is of utmost interest. For this analysis, ordered logit and multinomial logit regressions are performed through the usage of 180 observed final positions between the years of 2009-2017. Although this thesis focuses on the club’s individual utility, socio-economic utility tends to appear as a consequence when producing sports. Several parameters are discovered to have a significant and substantial impact on clubs’ final position and thus their utility.

This thesis is a historical and critical examination of the development of the Premier League and the new consumption of football, which attempts to link these developments with wider post-Fordist transformations. The thesis argues that the transformation of labour relations in football set the Football League on a course of organic political economic development which privileged the big city clubs. During the 1980s, these clubs became conscious of this divide and, in a complex series of negotiations, effected a breakaway from the League to form the Premier League. It is argued that the latter organisation was the institutional framework in which the new consumption of football was possible. The particular form of that new consumption of football was determined by certain discursive interventions from 1985, which prescribed a particular course of reform for football. The thesis argues that these discourses were intimately related to wider post-Fordist developments and were privileged both because of those (post- Fordist) developments and the organic transformation of football itself. The thesis goes on to suggest that the conjunctural discourses of reform were implemented by a fraction of the capitalist class, the new business class and Part N, involves an extensive examination of this class fraction's participation in the game and the fans' resistance and compliance to this project. By examining both the long-term, organic developments and the more immediate conjunctural moments of the 1980s, the thesis attempts to provide a holistic account of recent developments in football, which it is hoped will throw light on Britain's post-Fordist transformation.

Bakgrund och problemdiskussion: Den fotboll vi ser idag har spelats i över ett sekel. Nu är det minst lika viktigt att uppvisa ett bra ekonomiskt resultat som att nå stora framgångar, vinna prestigefyllda titlar, bucklor samt spela en fin fotboll som tillfredställer tittarna. Fotbollsklubbar driver klubben med ett stort vinstintresse och de krav som företag har på sin redovisning gäller numera också fotbollsklubbarna som omsätter stora belopp.  Spelare kan jämföras med vanlig personal i tjänste- och serviceföretag eftersom de utfyller samma funktion i organisationen. Den senare får dock inte tas som en tillgång medan spelare har den möjligheten. Det finns två tillvägagångssätt att redovisa spelare: antingen att ta upp dessa i balansräkningen eller att kostnadsföra spelarna direkt i en resultaträkning. 

Syfte: Syftet med uppsatsen är att få en helhetsbild över de möjligheter fotbollsklubbar både i Allsvenskan och i Premier League har för att redovisa fotbollsspelare i årsredovisningen. Till syftet hör även att undersöka hur fotbollsklubbarna i båda ligorna hanterar nedskrivningen.

Avgränsningar: Trots att redovisning av spelare finns i alla fotbollsligor och andra sporter har uppsatsgruppen valt att endast undersöka Allsvenskan och Premier League. Detta är dock ingen totalundersökning; uppsatsen behandlar nio allsvenska och fyra premier league klubbar.

Metod: Författarna har använt sig av ett kvalitativt tillvägagångssätt. Uppsatsen består av årsredovisningar och intervjuer med ekonomiansvariga i de allsvenska klubbarna. Primärdata utgör de kvalitativa granskningarna av både allsvenska och Premier League klubbars årsredovisning. Författarna kommer att utgå från ett induktivt perspektiv för att studera och granska årsredovisningar som bearbetats och analyserats.

Slutsatser: Alla allsvenska klubbar som behandlas i uppsatsen förutom ett, tar upp spelarförvärven som tillgångar i balansräkningen. Den klubb som inte använder sig av denna metod är Djurgårdens IF, som istället kostnadsför spelarförvärvet direkt i resultaträkningen. Egna spelare och Bosman-fall får inte tas upp som tillgångar då de inte uppfyller de krav som ställs för att definieras som tillgångar. Författarna har kunnat konstatera att nedskrivningar är ett känsligt ämne som behandlas endast av ett fåtal allsvenska klubbarn. Detsamma gäller även för Premier League klubbarna där nedskrivning av spelare inte framgår i årsredovisningarna.

This paper examines and tries to estimate the importance of various characteristics that go into attributing specific dollar values to cricketers. The auction process employed in the Indian Premier League enables one to associate players with specific monetary values and this paper uses various performance criteria to assess what the key variables are towards creating a highly valued cricket player. This paper finds that various batting statistics are of significance in addition to the age and nationality of players.

This research project looks at professional football sponsorship from three different perspectives: the clubs' perspective (sponsorship as an income stream for professional football clubs), the sponsors' perspective (sponsorship as a marketing tool for companies), and a joint perspective (sponsorship as an inter-organisational relationship between professional football clubs and their sponsors). The English Premier League and the German Bundesliga serve as the subject of research owing to their extraordinarily sound reputation in commercial terms. A combination of qualitative and quantitative research methods was used in order to answer the research questions which derived from an extensive literature review. First, qualitative in-depth interviews with representatives of English Premier League and GermanB undesligac lubs and their sponsorsa s well as sponsorshipe xpertsw ere carried out in order to gain a broader understanding of the phenomenon under scrutiny. Consequentlys, evenp rincipal researchp ropositionsa nd six hypothesesw ere formulated relating to the size of the football business,t he importancpo f sponsorshipa s an income stream, motives and objectives of sponsors, and the importance and dimensions of relationshipq uality. Then, two contenta nalysesw ere carried out (including an analysiso f more than 500 clubs' and sponsors' websites and 106 televised football games) in order to identify as many football sponsors of English Premier League and German Bundesliga clubs as possible. The research propositions were then tested in a quantitative survey incorporating all English Premier League and German Bundesliga clubs as well as 460 sponsorsP. arametrica s well asn on-parametricte stsw ere applieda t this stage. The findings of the research partially confirmed previous studies. More importantly, new insights have been uncovered. For example, new dimensions of relationship quality in the context of professional football sponsorship have been identified. This study therefore has both theoretical and practical implications for professional football clubs, sponsoring companies and prospective researchers in the field of (professional) football sponsorship. The study also contributes significantly to existing knowledge about the football business, sponsorship and relationship marketing.

Thesis (MSc (Physiotherapy))--University of Limpopo (Medunsa Campus), 2009
Aim: The aim of the study was to review the current management of soccer injuries sustained by professional players and how injury recurrence is prevented among Premier Soccer League (PSL) players in RSA. Study design: Cross sectional study, descriptive survey was followed, as it allowed the researcher to observe and describe the factors that had contributed towards recurrent injuries, as well as a qualitative approach with open ended questions where participant’s expressions encountered during the study, were analyzed. Population: The population of the study included all the medical team members in the PSL teams. PSL has 16 teams. The medical team comprised of any combination of the following members: the team doctor, physiotherapist, masseur, biokineticists, physical trainer, chiropractors and podiatrist. Not all teams have the same combination nor all disciplines mentioned. Sample: Purposive sampling method was used, as the researcher selected main participants with a specific purpose. Each of the PSL teams has 7 members from different disciplines therefore, all available members of the medical team of each PSL teams participated in the study. Data Analysis: Data was analyzed using SPPSS version 13.0.Data collected was loaded onto the statistica program for processing. Frequency tables for all variables are given to demonstrate the distribution of variables. Cross tabulation was also done to establish the relationship between the predictor variables and the response. The Test Statistic CHI-Squared (χ 2 ) was calculated and pvalue of less than 0.05 was determined for the significance. Frequency distribution tables, graphs, and charts were used to analyze the data collected. Content analysis was used for qualitative data. Results: Main findings of the study reflected that the ankle was the most commonly affected body part (69.2%) while the quadriceps and tendon achillies were both less commonly affected v (15.4%). The groin was found to incur most recurring injuries (69.2%). The results revealed that injured players are adequately managed by the medical team (61.5%). Attainment of pain free and full range of movement is the consideration for return to sport however less consideration was given to the persistent biomechanical abnormality. Conclusion: The study confirms that soccer injuries amongst Premier Soccer League (PSL) teams are managed by qualified professionals. The attainment of a free, full range of movement and adequate strength are used as criteria for return to sport and as a measure of preventing injury recurrence. Factors such as players missing out on rich rewards, recognition and regaining position in the team seem to have a great influence as well. Recommendation: The primary recommendation for the player who has had multiple recurrences is to address any underlying reversible risk factors such as poor strength and poor flexibility. A session needs to be held with soccer administrators to advocate the avoidance of factors contributing to recurrent injuries.

Mestrado em Finanças
Esta dissertação usa métodos estatísticos da temporada de 2016-2017 da English Premier League para calcular salários, relativos a parâmetros de performance dos jogadores, tendo em conta que o modelo atual de avaliação de jogadores é ineficiente em cumprir as expectativas de stakeholders quanto à definição de valor. Fundamentalmente, stakeholders querem saber quanto devem pagar a um jogador. Consequentemente, visto que a principal despesa dos clubes de futebol profissionais é a remuneração dos jogadores, o uso de um modelo mais avançado pode levar a um decréscimo de dificuldades financeiras ou do risco de bancarrota. Com esse fim em mente, esta dissertação foca-se na criação de um modelo que ajude nesse mesmo problema. As descobertas sugerem que aqueles que tomam decisões em clubes de futebol devem consultar estatísticas avançadas com maior frequência - devido a decisões de gestão salarial questionáveis - e aponta para direções de investigação futura bastante prometedoras.
This dissertation uses statistical techniques within the English Premier League 2016-2017 season to calculate salaries relative to player's performance parameters, taking into account the current player evaluation system's insufficiency to fulfill the expectations of stakeholders regarding the definition of value. Ultimately, stakeholders want to know how much players should be paid. Consequently, since the largest expense items in the budget of professional sports teams is the remuneration of players, they can decrease the risk of financial distress or even bankruptcy. To that end, this thesis focuses on creating a model to tackle this very issue. The findings imply that decision-makers in professional football should consult more advanced player statistics to a greater extent - due to questionable salary management decisions - and points out some promising directions for further research.
info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

The physical demands of soccer match play have been extensively studied. Muscle glycogen is the major energy source required to meet these demands and strategies to maximise this provide clear performance benefits to match play. Such information has allowed sports nutritionists to develop specific guidelines to optimise physical performance and recovery. However, the physical demands of soccer training have only recently started to be examined. For this reason, Study 1 quantified training load in English Premier League soccer players (n=12) during one, two and three game weekly micro-cycles of the 2013-2014 season. Study 1 identified soccer training being significantly less than match play and identified that soccer training displayed evidence of training periodisation. Having identified typical training load during the weekly micro-cycle, it was recognised that soccer match play comprises a large portion of the weekly physical load. Accordingly, Study 2 quantified differences in season long physical load (inclusive of both training and match play) between players who were classified as starters (n=8, started ≥60% of games), fringe players (n=7, started 30-60% of games) and non-starters (n=4, started < 30% of games). Study 2 identified that unlike total seasonal volume of training (i.e. total distance and duration), seasonal high-intensity loading patterns are dependent on players’ match starting status thereby having potential implications for training programme design and prescription of player-specific nutritional guidelines. Additionally, daily energy expenditures (EE) and energy intakes (EI) of elite players are also not currently known. Therefore, studies 3, 4 and 5 quantified EE and EI in English Premier League soccer players consisting of outfield positions (n=6), a professional GK (n=1) and a player undergoing a rehabilitation period from an ACL reconstruction (n=1), respectively. Studies 3 and 4 were conducted over a 7-day period of the 2015-2016 season, consisting of two match days (MD) and five training days (TD). Study 5 consisted of six training days and one day off. Studies 3 and 4 identified CHO periodisation strategies employed by English Premier League Players such that CHO intake was greater on MD than TD. Additionally, players readily achieve current guidelines for daily protein and fat intakes, although energy and macronutrient intakes are skewed on TD. Study 4 also identified that the GK exceeded average daily EE with EI although he failed to meet current recommendations for meals on MD. In study 5 the player was operating in an energy deficit and he was able to decrease his total body mass in the initial 1-6 weeks post injury, which was attributable to largely fat loss. In summary, the work undertaken in this thesis has quantified the typical physical loading patterns of professional soccer players according to fixture schedule, starting status and in special populations. Additionally, the quantification of EI and EE (using DLW) also provides the first report of EE in elite soccer players from the English Premier League. When taken together, these data therefore provide a theoretical framework for soccer-specific nutritional guidelines especially in relation to the concept of nutritional (specifically, carbohydrate) periodisation. Further studies are now required to quantify the specific energy and CHO cost of habitual training sessions completed by elite soccer players as well as examining the manipulation of CHO availability on soccer-specific training adaptations.

This thesis investigates the weak and semi-strong form efficiency of the fixed odds English Premier League soccer betting market between 2002-03 and 2007-08. Recent structural changes – including a reduction in taxes, and the rapid growth of online bookmakers – renders this market ideal for empirical efficiency analysis. Weak form evidence indicates that favourite-longshot and home ground advantage biases exist in the quoting of bookmaker odds. In order to conduct semi-strong form analysis, a number of ordered probit models are specified, incorporating fundamental variables which are widely perceived to contain predictive power with regard to the outcome of a soccer match. The Kelly betting strategy isutilised to analyse the economic significance of their predictions, for matches played in the three most recently completed seasons, 2005-06 to 2007-08. It is found that the implementation of two methodological adjustments – the avoidance of bets on away longshots, and a staggered start and finish to betting in each season – results in the generation of significantly positive returns, providing strong evidence against semi-strong form economic efficiency. Evidence presented in this thesis indicates a strong preference for a fractional Kelly strategy and supports the technique of combining forecasts, findings consistent with previous literature. Further, it is shown that a distinct improvement to the returns from any strategy can be obtained by shopping around for the best available odds.

Thesis (MSc (Physiotherapy))--University of Limpopo (Medunsa Campus), 2009.
Background information of the study: Physiotherapists play an important role in soccer teams. This role includes prevention of injury, treatment, education, and exercises. There is a dearth of information in some areas on the part of sports managers on the role of the physiotherapist in a team. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to establish the knowledge of South African team managers on the role of the physiotherapist in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) teams. Objectives: The objectives of this study were to establish team managers’ knowledge of the role of physiotherapists in the prevention and treatment of soccer injuries and evaluate their knowledge of the injuries managed by physiotherapists. Setting: PSL teams in South Africa Design: A descriptive survey design with a close-ended questionnaire was used in this study. Methodology: A quantitative research approach was employed in this study. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data set and a rating scale was used to determine the knowledge of team managers. Results: Out of the 16 teams in the PLS, 13 team managers participated in the study and their average knowledge was 79%. Five (38%) had administrative qualifications while eight (62%) did not include their qualifications. All 13 respondents indicated that warm up, cool down and stretching reduces the risk of injuries. Eleven (77%) reported that prophylactic strapping reduces risk of injuries. All participants agreed that physiotherapeutic treatment includes massage, electric machines and ice. They also mentioned that exercises can be done by the physiotherapist, though only three (23%) believed that the physiotherapist could conduct physical training. Conclusion: This study revealed that team managers have good knowledge of the role of the physiotherapist in soccer, with regard to prevention and treatment of injuries in sport.

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Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)
Além de ser uma modalidade esportiva que envolve relações de cooperação e oposição, o futebol também é um ambiente de rica disponibilidade e aplicação de informações acerca do que ocorre nas partidas. Ao encontro disso, o presente trabalho centra inquietações em busca do entendimento das ocorrências do jogo de futebol e da relação destas com o resultado final das partidas. Dessa forma, o objetivo do estudo consiste em apontar indicadores e variáveis que apresentam maior influência nos resultados das partidas de futebol. A relevância do estudo pauta-se no fato de permitir a análise de vários indicadores (posse de bola, passes, finalizações, entre outros) da modalidade ao mesmo tempo, permitindo a identificação de alternativas que aumentem as chances de êxito. O estudo se caracteriza como uma pesquisa quantitativa, de caráter descritivo. Para atingir os objetivos, será utilizada como amostra os dados estatísticos referentes às 380 partidas da temporada 2015/2016 da Premier League, o campeonato Inglês, dados estes coletados junto ao website do jornal Inglês “Daily Mail”. Também foram coletados dados referentes aos valores de mercado dos jogadores das equipes, obtidos no website do “Transfermarkt”, especializado em determinação financeira de elencos. Como ferramentas auxiliares para o processo de análise dos dados coletados serão utilizados alguns recursos computacionais, mais especificamente, a planilha eletrônica e o aplicativo Weka, um programa que implementa vários algoritmos da área de mineração de dados. Como resultados iniciais das análises, os números mostram que melhor conversão do total de finalizações em gols leva a uma chance superior de vitórias à conversão das finalizações certas em gols. Ao comparar apenas o total de finalizações e o total de finalizações certas, acertar mais a meta demonstrou maior probabilidade de êxito. Ter mais posse de bola e/ou realizar/acertar mais passes não aumenta a possibilidade de vitórias, a não ser que estes indicadores estejam relacionados a uma superioridade nas finalizações certas, mesmo que não levem ao gol. No entanto, estas mesmas finalizações certas mostram-se mais benéficas que a posse de bola e/ou os passes, para vencer as partidas. Além disso, ter maior percentual de passes longos e finalizar mais vezes na meta apresentou 71% de chances de triunfo. Deve-se observar também que realizar mais cruzamentos e escanteios não se traduz em grande probabilidade de vitórias. Por fim, apresentar elevado aproveitamento de gols nas finalizações certas, mesmo recebendo mais cartões amarelos, demonstrou 70% de probabilidade de vitórias. Esta dissertação oferece uma inovação metodológica que permite a identificação de alternativas aplicáveis para aumentar as chances de vitória, acrescenta conhecimento ao entendimento de que não há uma única fórmula para o sucesso e pode auxiliar na atuação dos treinadores de futebol por subsidiar alternativas que melhor se ajustem aos recursos disponíveis.
Besides being a sport that involves cooperation and opposition relations, football is also an environment of rich informations availability and application about what occurs in the matches. To that, the present work focuses concerns looking for the understanding of the games occurrences and their relation with the final match results. In this way, the study’s aim consists in pointing indicators and variables that show higher influence on football matches results’ occurrence. The relevance of the study is based on allowing the analysis of many indicators (ball possession, passes, shots, among others) of the sport at the same time, allowing the alternatives’ identification to increase chances of success. The study is characterized as a quantitative research, of described character. To reach the aim proposed, will be used as the sample the statistic data from the total of 380 Premier League, (English Football League) matches in the season 2015/2016, data obtained through accesses to Daily Mail’s website (english periodic). The data related to the teams’ market value were collected in the Transfermarkt’ website, specialized in squads financial determination. As auxiliary instruments for the collected data analysis’ process, some computational resources will be used, specifically, a spreadsheet and the Weka app, a program that implements many algorithms of data mining area. As initial analysis’ results, numbers show that better conversion of the total shots in goals takes to a higher chance of winning in relation to a better conversion of shots on target in goals. Comparing only total shots and total shots on target, reach the target with more frequency has shown higher likelihood of success. Having more ball possession and/or making more accuracy passes do not increase victory’s possibility, unless those indicators are related to shots on goal superiority, even if they do not take the team to score a goal. However, those shots on target showed themselves as more beneficial than ball possession and/or passes in order to win the matches. Besides, having higher percentage of long passes and shooting on target more times presented 71% triumph chances. It also must be observed that making more crosses and corners do not bring big victories likelihood. Ultimately, showing high exploitation of goals in shots on target, even receiving more yellow cards, demonstrated 70% victories likelihood. This dissertation offers a methodological innovation that allows the identification of useful alternatives to increase winning chances, adds knowledge to the understanding that there is not a unique formula to have success and can help on football coach’s actions for subsidizing possibilities that better fit to the available resources.

Orientador: Carlos Norberto Fischer
Banca: Afonso Antonio Machado
Banca: Gustavo Lima Isler
Resumo: Além de ser uma modalidade esportiva que envolve relações de cooperação e oposição, o futebol também é um ambiente de rica disponibilidade e aplicação de informações acerca do que ocorre nas partidas. Ao encontro disso, o presente trabalho centra inquietações em busca do entendimento das ocorrências do jogo de futebol e da relação destas com o resultado final das partidas. Dessa forma, o objetivo do estudo consiste em apontar indicadores e variáveis que apresentam maior influência nos resultados das partidas de futebol. A relevância do estudo pauta-se no fato de permitir a análise de vários indicadores (posse de bola, passes, finalizações, entre outros) da modalidade ao mesmo tempo, permitindo a identificação de alternativas que aumentem as chances de êxito. O estudo se caracteriza como uma pesquisa quantitativa, de caráter descritivo. Para atingir os objetivos, será utilizada como amostra os dados estatísticos referentes às 380 partidas da temporada 2015/2016 da Premier League, o campeonato Inglês, dados estes coletados junto ao website do jornal Inglês "Daily Mail". Também foram coletados dados referentes aos valores de mercado dos jogadores das equipes, obtidos no website do "Transfermarkt", especializado em determinação financeira de elencos. Como ferramentas auxiliares para o processo de análise dos dados coletados serão utilizados alguns recursos computacionais, mais especificamente, a planilha eletrônica e o aplicativo Weka, um programa que implementa vários algoritmos... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo)
Abstract: Besides being a sport that involves cooperation and opposition relations, football is also an environment of rich informations availability and application about what occurs in the matches. To that, the present work focuses concerns looking for the understanding of the games occurrences and their relation with the final match results. In this way, the study's aim consists in pointing indicators and variables that show higher influence on football matches results' occurrence. The relevance of the study is based on allowing the analysis of many indicators (ball possession, passes, shots, among others) of the sport at the same time, allowing the alternatives' identification to increase chances of success. The study is characterized as a quantitative research, of described character. To reach the aim proposed, will be used as the sample the statistic data from the total of 380 Premier League, (English Football League) matches in the season 2015/2016, data obtained through accesses to Daily Mail's website (english periodic). The data related to the teams' market value were collected in the Transfermarkt' website, specialized in squads financial determination. As auxiliary instruments for the collected data analysis' process, some computational resources will be used, specifically, a spreadsheet and the Weka app, a program that implements many algorithms of data mining area. As initial analysis' results, numbers show that better conversion of the total shots in goals takes to a hig... (Complete abstract click electronic access below)
Mestre

Since its creation in 1992, the Premier League has sold exclusive media rights for live football matches to broadcasters on behalf of member clubs. The collective selling method removes any price competition between the clubs, whom would otherwise compete against each other to sell rights to their matches (commonly seen in other European Leagues). A key issue with monopoly power is that the Premier League could distort the market for its product or abuse its dominant position in the market as the sole seller of the rights (contrary to Article 101 and 102 of the Treaty of the European Union). In defence, the Premier League argued that matches broadcast live on television can be considered as a substitute for watching at the stadium. A Competition Commission investigation concluded that the potential benefits of collective selling arrangements are for the redistribution of revenue to promote solidarity at all levels of football. After some amendments to the auction process, collective selling continues. Contributing to the applied industrial economics literature, this thesis examines the key arguments for using collective selling methods in the Premier League. Results from empirical economic analysis find firstly, that there is no evidence to suggest a negative impact on match day revenue from live broadcasting and the revenues from rights sales heavily outweigh such an impact. Secondly, that sharing revenue between clubs will only enhance solidarity (competitive balance) if the amount shared is much larger than at present, however, a greater uncertainty of match outcome reduces demand for spectating at the stadium whilst increasing demand for television viewing. Finally, the impact of investment in talent is far greater for weaker teams whilst participating in the Champions League and Europa League has no impact on domestic league performance. This thesis concludes that the Premier League should offer a greater number of rights to broadcast matches and should increase the amount of revenue shared (including revenues from European Competitions) in order to increase competitive balance. This would increase the number of television viewers for live football broadcasts but would likely reduce the numbers of fans spectating at the stadium.

This study investigates Zambians’ construction of identities based on their following of the English soccer premier league. The study seeks to understand how Zambian supporters of this league construct their identities based on their encounter with foreign teams/players and how they appropriate the meanings obtained through such viewing in their daily lives. The study is informed by the theories of fandom. Using an ethnographic critique of the media imperialism thesis, the study attempts to explore the meanings that the fans of the English soccer league in urban Lusaka make of the mediated soccer games, while in and outside the viewing spaces – the bars – where the games are ritually watched in groups. Based on the qualitative methods of focus group discussions, individual in-depth interviews and observations, the study probes the phenomenon of the consumption of English premier league football in countries abroad, focusing specifically on the experiences of fans in Lusaka, Zambia. Observation of this phenomenon in Lusaka reveals that fans find pleasure in the tactics that the teams in the league display, the professionalism of the players, goal scoring and self-empowerment for the few women supporters. This study probes these issues in greater depth. The foremost conclusion of the research is that it neither completely rejects nor accepts the media imperialism thesis. Instead, meanings should be understood within the context of the lived experience and reality of the fans.

The topic of finance in football have drawn a great deal of attention, not least in the last twenty-five years. While many see football simply as a game, set up to amuse spectators or as a way for athletes to compete for becoming the number one, football has more to it than meets the eye. By introducing alternative rulings for labour, the football industry set of to become increasingly competitive and created opportunities for substantial financial advancements. Today, football has become an industry worth studying in its own right, not least in the sense of financial elements that has become central topics when assessing and evaluating performance. This study has been inspired by the growing competitive landscape we today observe when dealing with European football. Correspondingly, this study will examine how the financial part of football teams correlate with the sportive part. The study follows previous research such as Szymanski (1998) and and Ferri et al. (2017) in the sense of taking a closer look at what impact the financial performance has on sport performance. Although, previous research contains vital information regarding the connection between the two, this study will further contribute to the subject. This study somewhat differentiate itself from others by taking on an approach as comparative in the context of different leagues. By looking at the Swedish Allsvenskan and the English Premier League, this study seeks to see what differ between the two. The study was made by collecting financial data together with assessing the final league table position in order to investigate if correlation could be found and to what extent the two leagues differ in the context of financial impact on sports performance. The findings of this study were mixed in the sense of expectations where significant relationships could be found for numerous variables but not entirely in line with previous research (Ferri et al., 2017). The two leagues also possessed different characters in the context of results, which the authors believe can be due to factors such as the size of clubs and investment opportunities. By presenting an alternative approach to the research field, the authors believe that this study can be of interest to those willing to look closer into the different characteristics of finances and its relationship with sports in European football.

Within youth soccer high training and match loads warrant appropriate nutritional attention, although research assessing the nutritional intake and habits of youth soccer players is scarce. This thesis aimed to investigate habits and explore experiences of dietary intake methods in an English Premier League youth academy. Study one (Chapter 4) quantified the energy, macro and micronutrient intake of players from age groups under (U) 13 to U18 (7-day food diary, n = 59). Results showed players across all ages were in energy deficit, with low carbohydrate intake, and a large individual variability for micronutrient intake in comparison to current recommendations. However, under-reporting may have influenced these results. Study two (Chapter 5), a qualitative approach, explored nutritional habits (n = 15) with study one participants using one-on-one interviews. The U15 – U18s players consciously periodise their carbohydrate intake throughout the week; U18s stated this was to aid body composition. When discussing their participation in the previous food diary study, U18s expressed that a quicker, more user-friendly method would be desirable. The third study (Chapter 6), therefore, assessed the use of smartphone technology to record dietary intake. Fulltime youth soccer players (n = 22) recorded their dietary intake on a single training day, using a smartphone application and a photography method respectively compared to 24-hr recall. The 24-hr recall provided significantly higher energy and macronutrient intake in comparison to the smartphone methods. This data suggests smartphone technology was more effective in tandem with 24-hr recall. To conclude, youth soccer players are in dietary energy and carbohydrate deficit, with variable micronutrient intake when compared to current recommendations and traditional 24-hr recall is recommend if using smartphone technology. Further research for the accurate quantification of dietary intake and energy demands is required. Dietary advice provision for youth soccer to reach current nutritional recommendations is warranted.

L’elaborato si propone di suggerire una soluzione al crescente divario venutosi a creare tra le società di calcio della Premier League e della Serie A, a favore della prima. A tale scopo, nel primo capitolo si introduce il marketing di un team professionistico: la funzione aziendale ove i team inglesi sono considerati il benchmark assoluto. Nel secondo, si inquadra nel dettaglio la strategia di un team professionistico, analizzandone la mission, il sistema competitivo, i circoli virtuosi cui devono tendere et alia. Nel terzo, si ripercorre il tragitto che ha subito il settore calcistico prima di passare ad un definitivo sistema business oriented. Nel quarto, si presenta la metodologia di ricerca. Nel quinto capitolo di ricerca, si illustra, con dati aggiornati alla stagione 2017-18, il confronto tra le 20 squadre di ciascun campionato e, in particolare, le voci di ricavo nella quale il marketing influisce. Per rendere più agevole l’analisi i team sono stati suddivisi in tre fasce differenti: le “Big 6”, le “Seconde 7” e le “Ultime 7”. Nel sesto, si espongono gli esiti di due questionari: uno in lingua italiana, rivolto agli appassionati di Serie A, ed uno in lingua inglese, destinato a quelli di Premier League. Nel settimo capitolo, lo scrivente illustra una possibile soluzione al problema di ricerca. Nella parte finale, si ripercorre l’intera tesi, evidenziandone le conclusioni, i limiti e i possibili sviluppi futuri della ricerca.

En una economía globalizada como la actual, la importancia de la divulgación financiera se ha convertido en una herramienta tanto para la información como para la promoción de las empresas internacionales. En este contexto, la publicación de annual reports (informes anuales), incluye, cada vez más, diferentes secciones legalmente obligatorias y otras de carácter voluntario que garantizan a los lectores (entre los que destacan principalmente accionistas, inversores potenciales, medios de comunicación, órganos gubernamentales, profesionales de diferentes sectores e incluso académicos de múltiples ramas científicas) una información financiera a la que poder acceder en igualdad de condiciones y que puede influir considerablemente en el proceso de toma de decisiones respecto al mantenimiento, adquisición o venta de participaciones de la empresa. En la presente tesis analizamos un corpus integrado por los informes anuales realizados por clubes de fútbol de la Barclays Premier League, la máxima competición de liga para equipos profesionales de Inglaterra y Gales, durante los diez años comprendidos entre las temporadas 2002-2003 y 2011-2012. Así pues, teniendo en cuenta que los informes anuales son documentos empresariales y corporativos formados por una serie de textos cualitativos y cuantitativos que reflejan la actividad económica y comercial de las empresas durante el último año fiscal, así como también hacen referencia a planes de futuro, nuestro objetivo es la investigación de una sección en particular, concretamente el chairman¿s statement (carta del presidente). La carta del presidente es una sección narrativa y de carácter voluntario que se encuentra generalmente localizada al comienzo del informe anual y que se define como la parte menos técnica de los informes anuales, aunque también es vista como una de las secciones más consultadas por los lectores. Normalmente, la carta del presidente se presenta con figuras e imágenes que acompañan un texto dirigido al accionista y cuyo principal objetivo es el de proporcionarle información honesta, precisa y veraz. Este tipo de documentos suelen caracterizarse por resumir resultados financieros y hacerse eco de las nuevas áreas de beneficio y crecimiento corporativo, así como de la comunicación de determinados datos relacionados con el futuro inmediato de la empresa, los cuales pueden influir en mayor o menor medida en la toma de decisiones de los accionistas o, de manera excepcional, pueden revelar la inminente insolvencia de la compañía. Desde el punto de vista académico, la carta del presidente puede ser probablemente vista como una de las secciones más estudiadas a nivel mundial por la comunidad científica. El objetivo de este estudio es analizar una serie de características lingüísticas relacionadas con las cartas del presidente incluidas en los informes anuales desarrollados por los clubes de fútbol de la Barclays Premier League. Por tanto, la tesis doctoral se centra en particularidades vinculadas con la estructura externa (incluyendo los diferentes nombres con los que se conoce a la carta del presidente en inglés, la presencia de fotografías y otros elementos visuales, y los elementos que conforman la firma), así como otros elementos que determinan la estructura interna de los textos como son, por un lado, la longitud de las cartas del presidente respecto al número total de palabras, números u oraciones, la importancia del uso de pronombres personales y sus adjetivos posesivos y el uso de la voz pasiva. Por otro lado, destacamos la presencia de elementos metadiscursivos considerando que los clubes de fútbol profesional generan grandes pasiones, profundas emociones y fuertes lazos con sus seguidores, los cuales también pueden estar ligados financieramente con dichas organizaciones al tener participaciones o acciones en las mismas. Por último, teniendo en cuenta la crisis global financiera originada en el tercer trimestre de 2008, también estudiamos las estrategias desarrolladas por los presidentes para tratar este tema y cómo la estabilidad económica de la industria futbolística se ha visto afectada por la misma durante los años comprendidos entre 2008 y 2012. PLANTEAMIENTO Y METODOLOGÍA UTILIZADA Setting Organisational Confidence, Competition and Emotional Results: A Linguistic Study of Premier League Annual Reports, 2003-2012 es una tesis doctoral que continúa el trabajo iniciado con el proyecto de investigación titulado Linguistic Features of Football Club Chairman¿s Statements: Loving the Game, Getting the Money y realizado como parte del itinerario académico del Máster Universitario en English Language for International Trade (ELIT) de la Universitat Jaume I. Teniendo en cuenta el mencionado trabajo final de máster como base, ampliamos los dos años iniciales del estudio (2008 y 2009) hasta la década comprendida entre 2003 y 2012, concentrándonos en los informes anuales realizados por el total de treinta y un clubes de fútbol que habían participado en la Barclays Premier League en esos años. En lo referente al análisis lingüístico de las cartas del presidente, hemos desarrollado un enfoque más diversificado. En primer lugar, hemos realizado un análisis de determinados elementos que conforman la estructura externa para describir las diferentes posibilidades que se pueden observar en los textos como son los distintos tipos de títulos, el uso de elementos visuales como tablas, gráficos y fotografías (incluyendo su posición, tipo y características principales), así como los rasgos que pueden conformar la firma de una carta del presidente (nombre del autor, cargo dentro de la empresa, fecha, y rúbrica). En segundo lugar, hemos utilizado los métodos de lingüística de corpus mediante la aplicación del software WordSmith Tools para analizar cuantitativamente la estructura interna de las cartas del presidente: la longitud, la cantidad de palabras, número y oraciones, variedad de palabras, media de palabras por oración, y longitud media de palabra por caracteres. De igual forma también se han cuantificado estadísticamente la frecuencia de pronombres y posesivos, el total de verbos en voz pasiva, y el análisis metadiscoursivo, basado en los trabajos desarrollados por Crismore et al. (1993), Hyland (1994, 1996a, 1996b, 1998a, 1998b, 2005), Hyland & Tse (2004), Louhiala-Salminen (1999), Salager-Meyer (1994), Skulstad (2002), y Vande-Kopple (1985). Además, hemos efectuado un análisis tanto cualitativo como cuantitativo de la presencia de referencias sobre la crisis global financiera originada en 2008. RESULTADOS Y APORTACIONES ORIGINALES Por lo que respecta a la estructura externa de la carta del presidente, los resultados indican cuatro tipos de títulos posibles entre los que destaca el término chairman¿s statement por encima del resto de posibilidades (chairman¿s report, report of the chairman y message from the chairman). En lo que se refiere al uso de elementos visuales, se ha demostrado que las fotografías corporativas de los presidentes de clubes de fútbol pertenecientes a la Barclays Premier League se encuentran generalmente al comienzo y en la parte superior izquierda de los textos, siendo el retrato el formato de imagen más empleado junto la indumentaria, principalmente basada en un traje con corbata; si bien es cierto que tanto la postura (sentado o de pie) como la actitud (sonriente o seria) pueden variar considerablemente cada temporada, incluso dentro de la misma organización. Del mismo modo, el resto de elementos visuales se caracteriza por la presencia de un número reducido de tablas y figuras, mientras que en las firmas predomina tanto su posición al final del texto como aquella que se compone por sus cuatro principales elementos juntos, como son el nombre del autor, la posición dentro de la empresa, la fecha (especialmente aquella referenciada con día, mes y año) y la rúbrica. Al contrario que en lo referente a las opciones terminológicas o los elementos que integran la firma de la carta del presidente, los resultados relacionados con la longitud de estos documentos demuestran una amplia dispersión en las ocho categorías de WordList analizadas. Así pues, se puede observar diferencias significativas entre los diez años analizados y entre los clubes de fútbol, donde las extensas cartas de los presidentes de Arsenal FC, Aston Villa FC, Manchester United FC, Newcastle United FC, Stoke City FC, Tottenham Hotspur FC, Watford FC, o West Bromwich Albion FC contrastan con otras organizaciones (como por ejemplo Birmingham City FC, Burnley FC, Fulham FC, Reading FC, o Wigan Athletic FC). En relación al uso de pronombres personales y adjetivos posesivos, los resultados sugieren que el uso de la primera persona está más extendido en las cartas del presidente de los clubes de fútbol que compiten en la Barclays Premier League que la presencia de la segunda persona, si bien es cierto que adicionalmente se encuentran diferencias notables entre el uso del plural (we y our/ours) en comparación con el singular (I, us y my/mine). No obstante, pese a que su presencia es minoritaria, más allá de la primera y la segunda persona, los pronombres personales y posesivos en tercera persona (he, she, they, him, his, her, y them) junto con determinados pronombres reflexivos (myself, himself, ourselves, y themselves), también señalan cierta relevancia en las cartas del presidente. En cuanto al uso de la voz pasiva, cabe destacar que su utilización en lengua inglesa es considerablemente frecuente y en especial en el discurso escrito más que en el oral. Los resultados indican, por un lado, que la construcción de formas pasivas en singular casi dobla a aquellas en plural y, por otro lado, que teniendo en cuenta los cuatro tiempos verbales, las oraciones pasivas en pasado (particularmente en pasado imperfecto y perfecto) son más frecuentes que las construcciones en presente, futuro o condicional, cuya presencia es testimonial más que representativa. Finalmente, los resultados derivados del análisis metadiscursivo indican que los presidentes de los clubes de fútbol que compiten en la Barclays Premier League emplean en sus cartas numerosos logical connectives (marcadores lógicos), frame markers (marcadores de enfoque), sequencers (secuenciadores), y los distintos tipos que conforman los hedges (mitigadores) para comunicarse con los accionistas y posibles inversores. Bien es cierto que otras categorías como organisers (organizadores), attitude markers (marcadores de actitud) y emphatics (enfatizadores) también están presentes en dichos documentos empresariales. Sin embargo, las estrategias lingüísticas de los presidentes van más allá y el uso de otros elementos léxicos, secuencias semánticas, metáforas, e incluso intensificadores son empleados a lo largo de las cartas a la hora de tratar el tema de la crisis financiera con el objetivo de evitar la palabra en cuestión. del mismo modo, la crisis también sirve como punto de origen para tratar determinados temas como son las dificultades económicas y crediticias que experimenta el negocio del fútbol, la desigualdad financiera entre los grandes clubes y la delicada situación que atraviesan algunos equipos, junto con la influencia de la reciente inversión de capital extranjero en determinadas organizaciones. Por lo que respecta a las aportaciones originales de la presente tesis doctoral, los resultados aumentan significativamente nuestro conocimiento sobre los informes anuales y, en particular, sobre las cartas del presidente a través de una perspectiva académica que hasta ahora se había focalizado más en el estudio de las finanzas y el marketing del fútbol profesional, una industria multimillonaria y de carácter internacional que tiene en la Barclays Premier League una de las principales referencias a nivel mundial, especialmente a nivel organizativo, competitivo y en lo que a derechos de televisión se refiere. Además, desde una perspectiva pedagógica, se han enfatizado especialmente la importancia de los géneros escritos para la divulgación financiera en inglés, y tanto el informe anual como sus secciones narrativas (como la carta del presidente) son un modelo comunicativo que puede ser incluido en diferentes cursos relacionados con diferentes subdivisiones del English for Specific Purposes (Inglés para Fines Específicos) y, en particular, con el Business English (Inglés de los Negocios), dado que su principal propósito es transmitir satisfactoriamente a un público objetivo un mensaje fidedigno y persuasivo, el cual precisa cierto nivel de especialización y la adquisición de excelentes y eficientes habilidades comunicativas. CONCLUSIONES OBTENIDAS Y LÍNEAS FUTURAS DE INVESTIGACIÓN A través de un estudio pormenorizado de las cartas del presidente de los clubes de fútbol integrados en la Barclays Premier League entre las temporadas 2002-2003 y 2011-2012 hemos podido profundizar en diferentes aspectos de los géneros escritos en el mundo empresarial y del discurso de la divulgación financiera para mejorar así nuestros conocimientos de los mismos desde un punto de vista lingüístico y pragmático. Por lo tanto, estos nuevos conocimientos pueden aplicarse de manera efectiva en el mundo empresarial de la misma forma que en el ámbito de la enseñanza del Inglés para Fines Específicos, y más considerando la creciente importancia actual del aprendizaje del inglés de los negocios así como la demanda de cursos oficiales y especializados por parte de estudiantes y profesionales, tanto nativos como no-nativos de la lengua inglesa. Los análisis que hemos desarrollado en esta tesis doctoral nos han llevado, por un lado, a crear una taxonomía particular basada en los modelos de género desarrollados por Swales (1990), Skulstad (2002), Fortanet-Gómez (2009), y Ruiz-Garrido et al. (2012a) aplicada al estudio de las cartas del presidente de clubes de la Barclays Premier League y, por otro, a algunas hipótesis que pueden ser interesantes para investigaciones futuras en lo referente a elementos lingüísticos, visuales o incluso acerca del desarrollo de análisis contrastivos y comparativos con otros clubes de fútbol.

The English Premier League is regarded as one of the most prominent sporting competitions in the world. In the last decade the league (and by definition it’s member clubs) have become highly attractive to wealthy foreign investors, having taken ownership of a number of clubs across the league. This thesis seeks to investigate the motivations and consequences behind this foreign direct investment (FDI). The study uses a multi-method approach not commonly found within the sports economics or FDI literature combining both quantitative and qualitative methods. The thesis has generated responses from ‘elite’ level respondents at Premier League clubs together with members of the supporters’ movement. Existing data from club sources and market reports has been collected in order to assess the motivations and consequences of FDI. The thesis finds the motives behind football FDI to be somewhat different to those held by other forms of business organisation. Football is a mostly loss-making industry, but despite this weakness, some investors have purchased Premier League clubs for economic reasons. The importance of non-economic motives, such as profile enhancement, and the notion of the trophy asset were also found to be influential motives behind some football FDI. These aspects are not strongly reflected in the FDI literature, and they imply football is different to other forms of investment. FDI is shown to be mostly beneficial for the clubs receiving the investment, but for non-acquired clubs negative consequences are found in terms of wages, transfer costs, profits, and debt. For the Premier League itself, FDI has been positive in terms of enhancing the league’s stature, revenues, and the quality of matches. Some benefits were found at the regional level. This thesis covers the gap within the literature surrounding FDI and football, and also raises wider points about the generalizability of FDI theory to all industries.

This thesis outlines research undertaken by formal collaboration between Everton Football Club's Football in the Community (FitC) scheme; Everton in the Community (EitC) and Liverpool John Moores University. In recent years, there has been recognition of the influence that English Premier League football clubs can have in attending to the health improvement agenda through football-based community-coaching interventions. Few FitC programmes have suitable evaluation procedures in place, there remains limited evaluative empirical evidence. Study 1 (reconnaissance phases) adopted multi-method approach within an action research framework to explore the effectiveness of a health improvement intervention for children (June 2006-July 2007). Results showed most children had a fun and enjoyable time, however there were some negative comments regarding coaching practice. Strategic and operational issues were highlighted that limited the effectiveness of the intervention. Study 2 (action planning) adopted a focus group meeting approach to disseminate the findings from Study 1 with senior management of EitC to reflect, discuss and highlight change strategies to improve the effectiveness of future health improvement interventions. Study 3 (implementation and monitoring phase) extended the principles of ethnography adopted throughout the thesis in line with action research to facilitate the change strategy within EitC on behalf of senior management. Results highlight individual, social, political, ethical and contextual barriers emerged during the facilitation of the change strategy, leading to the shift in key change person (i.e., gatekeepers) from senior management to a community coach. Positive changes were achieved, although not the initial change strategy agreed. Key findings highlight the usefulness of ethnographic approaches in understanding and facilitating the complexity of change involved in action research. It is recommended that commissioners should encourage FitC programmes to engage in evaluation and organisational development initiatives.

Purpose: The aim of the study is to investigate the two topteams and two bottomteams scoring statistics from the three top soccer leagues in Europe during the 2016/2017 season. From which zone are the shots taken which results in goals? From which zone are the shots taken on the goal, but do not result in goals? From which zone are the shots taken that end up outside the goal? From which zone are the shots taken that are blocked by opponents? Methods: A quantitative method was used where data was obtained from a website called www.squawka.com. A total of 456 matches from six top teams and six bottom teams were analyzed from the leagues Serie A, La Liga and Premier League during the 2016/2017 season. A template was used to analyze in which zones the shots was taken. The data was analyzed with Chi square crosstab post-hoc test. Results: Both groups scored the most goals from shots taken within the penalty area. These zones also saw the highest rate of shots on goal, but did not result in goals were taken. At shots that ended up outside the goal, both the top teams and the bottom teams took the most shots centrally, outside the penalty area, where the top team also took a large part of the shooting center inside the penalty area. At a shot blocked by opponents, both the top teams and the bottom teams took most shots centrally outside the penalty area, where a large proportion was taken within the penalty area. Conclusions: The study revealed major similarities between the top and bottom teams during the 2016/2017 season, where it was shown that the top team took more total shots over the season and the highest number of shots that resulted in goals. Both groups mostly took the shot at the center of the plane, where the zones within the penalty area are proved to be the most effective zone for goal creation. Through this knowledge of the top team and the bottom team's shot statistics, important attack patterns emerge which may be used for coaches in the higher leagues. Trainers can tactically draw their own players to take shots from the effective zones to increase the chances of scoring goals. The statistics may also be used by teams to plan effective defense-stategies.
Syfte: Syftet med studien är att undersöka skottstatistik för två topp respektive två bottenlag från de tre främsta fotbollsligorna i Europa under säsongen 2016/2017. Från vilken zon utförs de skott som resulterar i mål? Från vilken zon utförs de skott som går på målet, men inte resulterar i mål? Från vilken zon utförs de skott som går utanför målet? Från vilken zon utförs de skott som blockeras av motståndare? Metod: En kvantitativ metod användes där data inhämtades från en hemsida vid namn www.squawka.com. Totalt analyserades 456 matcher från sex topplag och sex bottenlag från ligorna Serie A, La Liga och Premier League under säsongen 2016/2017. En mall användes för att analysera inom vilka zoner skotten utförts. Data analyserades sedan med ett Chi square crosstab post-hoc test. Resultat: Båda grupperna utförde flest skott som resulterade i mål innanför straffområdet. Det var även vid dessa zoner som flest skott som gick på mål, men inte resulterade i mål utfördes. Vid skott som hamnade utanför målet så utförde både topplagen och bottenlagen flest skott centralt, utanför straffområdet där även topplagen utförde stor del av skotten centralt innanför straffområdet. Vid skott som blockerades av motståndare så utförde både topplagen och bottenlagen flest skott centralt utanför straffområdet men även flertalet skott innanför straffområdet. Slutsatser: Studien påvisade stora likheter mellan topplagen och bottenlagen under säsongen 2016/2017, där det resulterade i att topplagen utförde fler skott totalt över säsongen och även flest skott som resulterade i mål. Båda grupperna utförde mestadels skotten centralt på planen, där zonerna innanför straffområdet är det området som är den mest effektiva zonen för skapande av målchans. Genom denna vetskap om topplagen respektive bottenlagens skottstatistik så framkommer viktiga anfallsmönster vilket kan vara till användning för tränare i de högre ligorna. Tränare kan med taktiska drag få sina egna spelare till att utföra skott från de effektiva zonerna för att öka chanserna till att göra mål, samtidigt som informationen kan användas för att försvara sig på ett effektivt sätt.

Limited research data is available outlining the resistance training characteristics of elite football players. The aim of the first study (Chapter 3) was to compare approaches to calculating resistance training volume during 4 weeks of pre-season training in 23 English Premier League footballers. Volume was calculated using four different methods of quantification; Repetition volume (RV), Set Volume (SV), Volume Load (VL) and Maximum Dynamic Strength Volume Load (MDSVL). Overall there was a significant difference between resistance training volumes calculated by the different methods used to monitor resistance training load (P < 0.001). More specifically, significant differences were observed between RV and SV methods (P < 0.001), RV and MDSVL (P = 0.001), SV and VL (P = 0.010), SV and MDSVL (P = 0.033) and VL and MDSVL (P = 0.002). Only RV and VL methods were similar in the information they provided on training load (P = 0.411). While the lack of a gold standard measure of volume makes it is unclear which, if any, method represents the most accurate measure of volume the discrepancies between methodological approaches highlight that these different approaches are not directly transferable as strategies to monitor resistance training. The understanding of the differences between each method may therefore enable appropriate, situation specific, approaches to be designed and implemented for both practical and research purposes. The aim of the second study (Chapter 4) was to analyse the resistance training loads completed by an elite professional football team across a competitive season. Resistance training data was collected from 31 elite football players competing in the English Premier League over a 46 week period in the 2012-2013 season. A total of 1685 individual training observations were collected during the pre-season and in-season competition phases, with a median of 42 training sessions per player (range = 9 – 124). Training load data was separated into 7 blocks of 6 weeks for analysis. These periods included pre-season (6 weeks duration) and in-season (40 weeks duration) phases. Set volume was selected as a measure of total volume. Data was analysed using 3 separate linear mixed modelling analysis using the statistical software package R (Version 3.0.1). Weekly resistance training frequency (mean±SD) ranged from 1±1 to 2±1 sessions per week during the pre and in season phases. Significant differences in session frequency were seen between weeks 1-6 and weeks 7-12 (pre-season) (P ˂ 0.05), weeks 7-12 and weeks 13-18 (P ˂ 0.05), and weeks 7-12 and weeks 37-42 (P ˂ 0.05). Mean weekly training volume ranged from 18±16 to 30±24 sets.wk-1. The total training volume demonstrates a clear minimum during weeks 7-12. Significant differences in total training volume were also observed between weeks 1-6 and weeks 7-12 (pre-season) (P ˂ 0.01), weeks 7-12 and weeks 13-18 (P ˂ 0.05), and weeks 7-12 and weeks 19-24 (P ˂ 0.05). There was no significant difference in training intensity between weeks 1-6 (pre-season) and weeks 7-12. Training intensity during weeks 1-6 however was significantly lower than during weeks 13-18 (P ˂ 0.05), 19-24 (P ˂ 0.01), 25-30 (P ˂ 0.01), 31-36 (P ˂ 0.05), and 37-42 (P ˂ 0.01). Training intensity during weeks 7-12 was also significantly lower than during weeks 13-18 (P ˂ 0.01), 19-24 (P ˂ 0.05), 25-30 (P ˂ 0.05), 31-36 (P ˂ 0.05), and 37-42 (P ˂ 0.001). The findings would suggest that resistance training loading is limited during different periods of the season. This is predominantly as a consequence of low training frequency, potentially due to a high prevalence of competitive fixtures. The aim of the third study (Chapter 5) was to attempt to quantify the impact of resistance training completed by players, through evaluating the change in the lower body power outputs of an elite professional football team across a competitive season. Resistance training data was collected from 22 elite football players competing in the English Premier League over a 38 week period. A total of 246 individual power output observations were collected during the in-season competition phase. Power output of the lower body was assessed using a pneumatic resistance leg press machine with software and digital display (Keiser Sports Health Equipment Inc., Fresno, Ca). Data was analysed by means of linear mixed modelling analysis using the statistical software package R (Version 3.0.1). Power outputs ranged from 2200W to 4078W with a mean value of 3022±374W. Linear mixed effects show a significant effect of week on power output across the season (coefficient= 7.76W, p=0.0132). Specifically, when accounting for within player effects, power output increased 7.76W per week during the season. Individual weekly power coefficients ranged from +39.9W to -18.13W per week, thus indicating that the trend for increased power output across the season is not uniform for all the players. These data may suggest that lower body power performance is maintained or minimally enhanced over the course of a full competitive season in elite football players. Combined with the training load data previously examined in this thesis it can be concluded that whilst one resistance training session per week may be sufficient to avoid in season de-training or minimally improve power performance in elite football players, a frequency of two sessions per week may be necessary to obtain significant performance enhancements. In our fourth study (Chapter 6) we provide two case studies that outline and evaluate a structured approach to increasing resistance training loading with the primary goal of developing strength and power during the competitive season in elite football players. The purpose of our initial case was to examine a resistance training programme to enhance strength and power performance, alongside body composition during a period of rehabilitation from injury. The study intervention commenced following two weeks of recovery following the “Laterjet” surgical procedure. Initial assessments were performed for body composition via dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) (QDR Series Discovery A, Hologic Inc., Bedford, MA) and lower body power output via using a pneumatic resistance leg press machine with software and digital display (Keiser Sports Health Equipment Inc., Fresno, Ca). Assessments were repeated 8 weeks post-surgery, i.e. following 6 weeks of resistance training. The six-week intervention consisted of three strength training sessions per week for the initial 3 weeks, followed by 2 sessions per week for the subsequent 3 weeks. Training volume (number of sets) equalled a total of 20 sets total per session. Total increase in body mass over the intervention period equated to 5.4kg, of which 4.2 kg increase in lean mass and a 1.3 kg increase in fat mass. Peak power output increased by 21%. Power to weight ratio also increased by 4.4 %. These data illustrate that it is possible to increase physical performance when rapid short-term increase in resistance training load is completed. The purpose of our second case was to examine a resistance training programme to enhance both strength and power performance parameters during a full competitive season. The player plays as a goalkeeper, regularly playing for his club 1st team. Prior to the onset of this case study this player did not present with any current injuries. This season long intervention consisted of two phases of training. Phase 1 was 16 weeks in duration and represented the beginning to the mid-point of the season. During this phase the goal was to gradually and safely increase resistance training loading. Phase 2 was 20 weeks in duration and represented the mid-point to the end of the season. This phase represented a period of consistent high loading following the initial systematic increase in these variables.
Assessment data was collected at the beginning, mid-point and end of the 2013-14 season. The player was first assessed for body composition via DXA (QDR Series Discovery A, Hologic Inc., Bedford, MA). Secondly, lower body power output was assessed using a pneumatic resistance leg press machine with software and digital display (Keiser Sports Health Equipment Inc., Fresno, Ca). Finally, the player’s upper body strength was assessed via 6 repetition maximum assessments of the dumbell bench press and prone row. The player completed a mean weekly volume of 41±24 sets per week and a mean frequency of 2±1 sessions per week for the initial phase of the study. The player completed a greater mean weekly volume in the later phase of the season compared to the initial training period (65±28 set per week vs. 41±24 sets per week in the initial phase of the season). A greater mean session frequency was also associated with the second training phase (3±1 vs. 2±1 session per week). There was a total decrease in body mass over the initial intervention period of 4kg, of which 2.7kg decrease in fat mass and a further 0.9 kg decrease in lean mass. Over the second phase of the intervention there was a total increase in body mass of 1.2kg, of which 2.4kg increase in lean mass and 1.2kg decrease in fat mass. During the initial phase of training peak power output increased by 25%, whilst power to weight ratio increased by 30%. During the later phase peak power output increased by a further 9% whilst the power to weight ratio increased by a further 10%. Upper body pressing (Dumbell Bench press) and upper body pulling (Dumbell Prone pull) strength was also increased by 14% and 21% respectively during the initial phase and a further 19% and 24% respectively during the later phase of the season.

Background: The International Football Federation (FIFA), through their Goal project, renovated Rufaro stadium from natural turf (NT) to artificial turf (AT). This was met with mixed feelings especially with regard to injuries sustained by football players. There is no published scientific data on football injuries in Zimbabwe. Aim: To determine the frequency of injuries on AT and NT among Premier Soccer League (PSL) players in Zimbabwe. Objectives: To determine the attitudes of players regarding the different football playing surfaces, and the incidence, severity and injury types on AT and NT. Methods: The 2013 season's16 PSL teams were selected to complete questionnaires and injury report forms. Injuries recorded during matches on AT and NT were analyzed. Outcome measures were injury incidence (injuries/1000 player hours (Phrs) of exposure)compared for AT and NT using rate ratios (95% confidence intervals). All statistical significance were set at p<0.05. Results: A total of 325 players responded and 295(90.8%) preferred playing on NT. Of these, 250(76.9%) believed that AT was associated with more injuries. A total of 364 injuries occurred during 4455phrs of exposure giving an injury incidence of 81.7 injuries/1000phrs.A total of 69 games (1138.5phrs) on AT revealed an injury incidence of 85.2 injuries/1000phrs while 201 games (3316.5 phrs) on NT revealed an overall incidence of 80.51 injuries/1000-hrs.This analysis showed no statistically significant difference in the incidence of injury between AT and NT surfaces during matches played, [RR= 1.06; 95% CI: 0.84 – 1.34]. With regard to injury severity, the highest incidence occurred on the AT (31.62/1000phrs in the mild category) and the lowest incidence was on the NT (1.81/1000 phrs in the severe category) .The rate ratios for the severity were however not statistically significant. Comparison of the injuries according to body part injured largely revealed insignificant rate ratios. Conclusion: Football players believe that the AT is associated with increased risk of injury. There was no significant difference in injury incidence rates and severity between the AT and NT during the 2013 PSL season in Zimbabwe. The incidence of injury in this study was much higher than comparable European studies and is a need for further studies to explore the underlying reasons for this.

This thesis analysed the modern trends in soccer performance, with specific reference to the physical and technical performance of matches played in the English Premier League (EPL) between 2006-07 and 2012-13. Following previous literature, the thesis analysed whether performance could be predicted through performance stability calculations. This section of the research highlighted the highly variable nature of the sport and suggested the minimum number of matches required for an accurate assessment of performance, particularly for low frequency variables (number of tackles performed, number of times tackled, shots) was less than effective. An alternative method to calculate performance benchmarks, the thesis looked into the coefficients of variation associated between matches, expanding previous assessments on physical performance and expanding this knowledge into technical variables. To follow on from this initial study, the thesis introduced findings on the interaction of physical and technical parameters to ascertain whether correlations existed between physical and technical match performance and whether formulae could be generated to aid predicting future performance. The conclusion from these studies suggests predicting performance through previously suggested means and using physical data to estimate technical performance are unsupported. Instead a possible solution would be to use coefficients of variation to calculate benchmarks around a typical performance. As a result this would provide coaches and support staff set boundaries that players should achieve during games. In addition these boundaries should inform and aid the development of training regimes providing players with the baseline required. The final studies in this thesis charted the evolution of physical and technical iii performance parameters and the potential causes for any changes found, using the evidence from the earlier studies to ascertain whether evolution had occurred beyond the level of variability or whether changes in performance could be attributed entirely to variability. These studies found large increases in both physical and technical performance parameters across all outfield positions; nevertheless the causes of these changes in performance are unclear. One hypothesis was that the number of non-UK players now performing in the EPL have driven changes in match performance and resulted in greater technical quality. These results indicated trivial to small differences between UK and non-UK players in 2006-07, although by 2012-13 these small differences had all but disappeared. Thus suggesting the different numbers between UK and non-UK players could have influenced the changes in performance although there appears to be other factors driving the evolution. The results from this thesis can be used in the physical and technical preparation of players, providing them with the baselines required to compete at the level required. In addition this information is valuable for both medical staff at clubs as well as for the recruitment of future players, providing both with concurrent information on modern match performances. The results also provide suggestions for future research proving researchers need to be cautious when analysing data across a number of seasons. Following on from this series of studies, future research could analyse the most effective means for providing this information to coaches and other staff at professional clubs in order to maximise the application.

The aim of the study was twofold namely (1) to describe and compare the incidence and mechanism of injuries that occurred in the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University hockey teams that play in the Premier and President Leagues; and (2) to determine the relationships between the level of physical preparation of the relevant players and injury occurrence. The study utilised an exploratory-descriptive epidemiological approach, implementing a cohort study design and was conducted over a period of six months. Data collection was done by means of two physical tests, one to assess the players’ endurance and the other to assess their anaerobic fitness. This was performed twice on the participants during the study. Data collection also utilised four questionnaires to determine the following: the players’ personal information and medical history, the preparation and training the players did for hockey, the incidence and mechanism of the injury the players have incurred and the follow-up of the injury to describe the type of injury and the rehabilitation process. The study included 42 participants with 25 from the two Premier League Teams and 17 from the President League Team. The results were placed into table and graph format and elucidated by means of descriptive statistics. Furthermore inferential statistics and Cohen’s d were utilised to determine both statistical and practical significances of differences between groups mean values respectively. The statistical significance of differences between the frequency distributions of the two sample groups was determined by means of Chi2 tests of independence. Cramér’s V statistic was used when there were statistically significant Chi2 tests results to determine the practical significance of the two sample group’s differences. The variable of highest level of play showed the only significant difference with regards to screening statistics as the Premier League Participants had a higher number of years participating at a provincial level. The injury statistics revealed that the incidence of injury in the Premier League was 4.08 injuries per 1000 athlete-exposures (A-E), while there was a significantly higher incidence for the President League of 14.71 injuries per 1000 A-E. Matches showed a significantly higher incidence of injuries (8.18 injuries per 1000 A-E) than xiv practices (2.42 injuries per 1000 A-E) which follows previous research. Goalkeepers and halves showed the highest occurrence of injuries (36 percent each) and are supported by 59 percent of the injuries occurring on the defensive side of the 23 metre line. Contact injuries (collision 6 percent, hit by stick 17 percent and hit by ball 33 percent) accounted for 56 percent of all the injuries. No significant differences were found between the two leagues with regards to preparation, the Multi Stage Shuttle Run Test (MSSRT) and the Repeated Sprint Test (RST), except for one period each for technical skills and aerobic training. The relationship between injuries and training showed no significances with regards to preparation, MSSRT and RST, although there was minimal balance and proprioceptive training performed. Thus the lower league showed a significantly higher incidence of injury with preparation not being a mechanism for injuries.

This paper analyses the pay-performance relationship in the English Premier League in order to isolate the determinants of success by regressing individual player salaries, and salaries relative to team-mates on the individual performance measures of goals and assists. A weighted OLS and fixed effects model is utilized alongside various control variables to conclude that the positive pay-performance relationship found at the team-level is not reflected at the individual level. The paper also determines that relative income position and various team-effects do not significantly impact individual performance.

Coaching and the coaching process are characterised by a number of complex interactions between the coach, the player and the club environment. Yet understanding of the coaching process as a complex, holistic process remains limited. There are 'gaps' in our existing knowledge, particularly in comprehending the dynamic relationship between the coach, player and club environment, and in understanding the implications of these interactions for practice and the coaching process. This research sought to examine and represent the complexity of the coach-player-club environment interface, and to understand some of the ways that they interact to construct and impinge upon the coaching process. The research was conducted on the premise that a sound understanding of the complexity of the coaching process drawing upon empirical research, rather than idealistic 'models', can inform the future development of coaching practice and coach education. Within the framework of ethnography, the research took place over one season and used participant observation, unstructured interviews, semi-structured interviews and group interviews in one Football Association, Premier League Academy. The aim was to explore the coaching process and practical coaching context, as played out in the day-to-day experiences of coaches and youth team players. In addition to the main case-study club, semi-structured interviews were conducted with five coaches working with youth teams at other clubs. The research used concepts from grounded theory and also the work of Pierre Bourdieu to analyse and present the data. In its findings, the study depicts a coaching process that is interdependent and interrelated and highlights complexity in each of the following elements: the club, sessions and games, players and coaches, relationships, and 'attitude'. The dynamism within and between each of these elements is illustrated in the ways that each can facilitate, constrain or even prevent 'effective' practice and the operation of the coaching process. Moreover, the research demonstrates the powerful nature of tradition and culture, highlighting their pervasive influence upon the coaching process and coaching practice. Life at the case study club was characterised by authoritarianism and pressure, and was relentlessly directed towards winning. This backdrop strongly influenced the relationship between coaches and players, and impacted upon the coaching process. Importantly, the research presents evidence to suggest that coach education may be a relatively 'low impact' endeavour in comparison to the coaches' other experiences which are presented as a significant force shaping both coaches' development and practice. To harness this experience and develop coach education, this research suggests that the governing body could consider embracing mentoring as part of coach education and, as part of this, coaches should be encouraged to engage in critical reflection in order to understand how cultural and other forces shape their practice. However, for mentoring to succeed, it must be grounded in a thorough understanding of the culture of football clubs, and the ways coaches draw upon their life experiences in football to direct their own practice and judge the practices and 'worth' of others. Importantly, this research begins to answer some of the criticisms levelled at previous research by examining interaction and complexity within the coaching process in-situ. It highlights the problematic, interrelated and interdependent nature of relationships that construct and influence the coaching process and coaching practice. Importantly, it highlights the important and under-researched link between coaching practice, the coaching process and the immediate and wider social context of football.

This paper explores the effects of managerial changes on the share prices of publicly traded football teams in England. Using data from 9 publicly traded teams during 1992- 2016, 21 managerial changes were analyzed through an event study analysis. Events were categorized as sackings or resignations, and the hypotheses for each were laid out differently. The results indicated that two of the managerial sackings generated negative abnormal returns prior to the sacking and positive abnormal returns after the change of manager. The study also identifies the difficulties in the study of football teams’ share prices due to their illiquidity and identifies improvements that can make further research in this topic more accurate.

With an ever-increasing proportion of the global labour force having to change careers following a forced or unplanned end to their previous means of employment, the manner in which we view the idea of a career has dramatically changed in the last ten years. However, career change has always been present in the world of English professional football. Both press and academic enquiry regularly address the different aspects of retirement for those players who have been fortunate enough to enjoy relatively long sporting careers. In contrast, little is offered regarding the majority of professional players who get released from former clubs and experience an unplanned and early career transition away from their footballing profession. This study is an investigation of the identity management strategies of professional footballers as part of their early career transition away from the English Premier League. Ten participants each took part in three individual vignette interviews (30 interviews). All participants had recently experienced their career transitions from their respective Premier League clubs. Additionally, single interviews were carried out with three Premier League Education and Welfare Officers. This study demonstrates how identity management and construction strategies can be understood through the working theoretical partnership of Goffman’s (1959) Dramaturgy and Marcus and Nurius’s Possible Selves (1986). This thesis illustrates the existence of multiple identities belonging to footballers, directly challenging the thematic positioning of past research that lays emphasis on the conception of an exclusive athletic identity. Players offer performances portraying these multiple identities: performances that are influenced by the presence of differing social audiences and a desire to attain positive future possible selves and equally avoid negative possible selves. The career transitions of study participants proved to be smoother when audiences legitimised these performances. Difficulty arises when performances portrayed by participants are not dramatically realised by their audiences or are not supported by the context of their cultural environment. The data within this study underscore the idea that there is more to footballers than their ability to kick a ball, and that when such a fact is both understood and recognised their journey though their career transition can be a positive one.

Using data from the 2006 – 2013 English Premier League (EPL) seasons, this paper finds evidence that the Home Grown policy does not provide a differential effect. As a consequence of the ruling, however, EPL clubs have generally acquired more English players. While English players are detrimental to a club’s ability to achieve a top 4 finish in the pre-policy period, this paper finds that English players positively influence top clubs in the post-policy period. More specifically, a successful club in the pre-policy period is 18% more likely to achieve a top 4 finish in the post-policy period by acquiring more English players in response to the Home Grown ruling. Furthermore, these top clubs are able to maintain their pre-policy competitiveness by outspending their counterparts to acquire the most talented Englishmen. As such, this paper also finds that increasing club transfer expenditures favors EPL club success in the post-policy period.

"La théorie la plus répandue définit le premier franquisme (1939-1950) comme une phase de " répression sexuelle " imposée par l'Eglise, durant laquelle le discours sur le sexe, et plus précisément le discours pédagogique, aurait totalement disparu, pour ne ressurgir qu'au moment de la démocratie en 1975. Le premier franquisme aurait été une période de rupture, notamment par rapport à la seconde République (1931-1936), et il aurait existé une " spécificité franquiste " dans la manière de concevoir la sexualité. Selon les discours médical et moraliste franquistes, seule l'activité sexuelle procréatrice pratiquée au sein du mariage canonique était tolérée et dite " normale ", et on s'employait à éduquer sexuellement la population (enfants, adolescents, et adultes) dans ce sens. Du point de vue des réalités quotidiennes, les pratiques sexuelles prénuptiales étaient courantes, malgré certains " risques " sanitaires et sociaux. La société espagnole des premières années du franquisme était avant tout une société traditionnelle, la relation entre les sexes étant régie par " la double morale " et l'inhérence entre l'instinct sexuel et l'instinct de reproduction. "
The most widespread theory defines the first Francoism (1939-1950) as a phase of "sexual repression" imposed by Church, during which the speech on the sex, and more precisely the teaching speech, would have completely disappeared, not to re-appear between the democracy in 1975. The first Francoism would have been one period of rupture, in particular compared to the second Republic (1931-1936), and there would have been a "pro-Franco specificity" in the manner of conceiving sexuality. According to the medical speeches and moralist pro-Franco, only procreative sexual activity practised within the canonical marriage was tolerated and said "normal", and the Franco régime imposed to sexually educate the population (children, teenagers, and adults) in this direction. From the point of view of daily realities, the premarital sexual practices were common, in spite of certain medical and social "risks". The Spanish company of the first years of Francoism was before a whole traditional company, the relation between the sexes being governed by "double morals" and inherence between sexual instinct and instinct of reproduction

This thesis examines the impact of the initial shock of the Covid-19 pandemic on the transfer market within the English Premier League. To determine whether teams still overspend the same amount of money above the market values of players as they did prior to the pandemic. Using a differences-in-differences approach and comparing actual transfer values to established market values of player, both before and after the initial pandemic shock, with data and player statistics collected from the popular German website Transfermarkt.de. This resulted in an average 11.8 percent decrease in spending over the market value per player, or about 950.000 Euros less per player above their market value. However, both results show no statistical significance of being true. Concluding that teams may have spent less after the initial shock of the Covid-19 pandemic compared to player market values. To support this explorative data result, more data must be collected and analysed in the future.

Sedan 2012 har UEFA implementerat ett nytt regelverk vid namn Financial Fair Play, där klubblag måste följa denna reglering för att kunna delta i UEFA:s två största turneringar (Champions League och UEFA Europa League). Den större vikten av regleringen har lagts på en regel vid namn break-even rule som innebär att de relevanta kostnaderna inte får överstiga de relevanta intäkterna. Syftet med denna reglering är att förbättra den ekonomiska ställningen inom Europeisk fotboll, samt förbättra konkurrensbalansen i de olika ligorna.    Studiens syfte är att undersöka vilken ekonomisk effekt regleringen haft på fotbollsklubbar i den engelska högstaligan. Vidare är syftet att granska hur klubbarna förhållt sig till Financial fair play och hur klubbarna klarat implementeringen, detta för att se om klubbarna har stärkt deras position i hierarkin och hur konkurrensbalansen i ligan har påverkats. En analys av ekonomiska rapporter har genomförts för de klubblag som deltagit i den Engelska Premier League säsongerna 2005/2006-2014/2015. Den totala populationen för studien blev 36 lag. En totalundersökning har gjorts där studien använt sig av beräkningar som Herfindahl-Hirschman Index, C5 Ratio och Pearsons korrelationskoefficient. Studien har utgått ifrån regleringsteorin public interest theory, den nyinstitutionella teorin med fokus på den tvingande isomorfismen samt contest theory model för att kunna ge svar på studiens frågeställning. Det kan konstateras att lagen i Premier League förbättrat deras ekonomiska ställning efter att regleringen sattes i kraft. Break-even kravet har tvingat lag att ta mer hänsyn till ekonomin, detta kan ha i kombination med andra faktorer resulterat i en bättre ekonomisk utveckling. Vidare kan det konstateras att konkurrensbalansen har förbättrats överlag mellan lagen men samtidigt har den försämrats mellan topp fem och resterande, det vill säga konkurrensbalansen mellan lagen under topp fem har förbättrats. Det går dock inte att fastställa om den ekonomiska utvecklingen samt konkurrensbalansen förändring beror just på FFP.

O Propósito central desta tese é fundamentar a evolução de Camus, desde a fase dos problemas não resolvidos, sob o ponto de vista emocional, de foro familiar e económico-social - a fase da pré-escrita até ao momento em que, através da literatura, se desenha uma perspectiva de compreensão, de aceitação dum amor até então indizível, pessoal e abrangente. Esta evolução é exprimível em articulação com o Mito na "epifania da narratividade". Durante o percurso das questões levantadas por modelos paradigmáticos (os mitos), constata-se que se vai operando um processo através de um regresso às raízes, às origens, aos arquétipos, ao inconsciente colectivo. A realidade indizível vai-se metamorfoseando num todo holístico, interiorizado, que passa peça afirmação, pela negação e finalmente pela síntese evidenciada em Le Premier Homme.

La loi d'orientation de 1989 annonçait la création des IUFM en remplacement des ENI, CPR et ENNA, prédisant l'éclosion d'un nouveau modèle d'enseignant, distingue de son ainé par une nouvelle appellation. En rupture radicale avec le corps des instituteurs, le groupe professionnel des professeurs des écoles devait abolir différentes crises. Nécessitant une réforme d'ampleur, les problèmes démographiques, liés aux difficultés de recrutement et aux caractéristiques de la pyramide des âges, et le « malaise enseignant », dans son expression multiforme, ne pouvaient être résolus par des mesures d'urgence. La mise en place des IUFM est analysé dans une perspective sociohistorique, à travers négociations préalables, fondements mythiques et textes fondateurs. L’architecture formative est étudiée dans ses principaux éléments constitutifs. L’ensemble repose sur un présupposé : l'efficacité passerait par une « modernisation » du système éducatif, permise par l'instauration d'une « culture unique » et d'une « professionnalisation » des enseignants. Or les métiers de l'enseignement ne correspondent qu'imparfaitement aux critères d'un processus de professionnalisation, trop vite associe à la notion de professionnalité. Le questionnement rebondit donc sur le terme d'identité enseignante. Pendant la formation et leur prise de fonction, les PE acquièrent les bases d'une identité professionnelle que l'on voudrait « recomposée ». L’enquête, menée dans une approche narrative et biographique, permet d'appréhender les raisons qui amènent des personnes à devenir enseignants. La construction de leur identité professionnelle se comprend dans une histoire singulière et mêlé indissociablement vie professionnelle et personnelle. Ainsi leur formation, chargée de cette construction, contribue aussi à une recomposition identitaire comprise en un sens plus large
In 1989, a law was to announce the establishment of the IUFM, to replace existing teacher education colleges. The professional status of a new type of primary schoolteachers (professeurs des écoles) is markedly different from that of their predecessors. This change was meant to get over various crises. The demographic problems, due principally to recruitment difficulties and to the ways in which age-groups were distributed, and the discontent felt by teachers on a wide range of issues could not be solved by ad hoc emergency measures and required a fundamental reform. The creation of the IUFM is analyzed from a sociohistorical point a view, through an examination of the preliminary negotiations, mythical bases and founding texts. The main components in the structure of the training course are discussed. It is argued that it was based on an assumption : efficiency depends on the 'modernization' of the educational system, which would be made possible by all teachers sharing the same background, and by an increased level of professionalization. But the various teaching occupations cannot really be considered as having undergone a process of professionalization, which is too easily confused with the notion of professionally. During the training and when they start teaching, new schoolteachers acquire the bases of a professional identity, which one would like to see 'recomposed'. The investigation reported here, which is based on a narrative, biographical approach, makes it possible to arrive at a fuller understanding of the reasons which lead people to become teachers. The construction of teachers' identity is to be understood in the context of their individual histories, in which their professional and personal lives are inextricably interwoven. The main purpose of the training they receive is to help them recompose their identity, in a broader sense of the term

This thesis outlines research undertaken by formal collaboration between Everton Football Club's Football in the Community (FitC) scheme; Everton in the Community (FitC) and Liverpool John Moores University, School of Sport and Exercise Sciences. In recent years, there has been recognition of the influence that English Premier league (EPL) football clubs can have in attracting men to physical activity and health engagement programmes. Despite attempts to align FitC programmes with suitable evaluation procedures, there still remains limited evaluative empirical evidence. '. Study 1 adopted ethnographic principles to explore the effectiveness of, and identify the barriers to, promoting positive health behaviours and messages to male football fans at an EPL football stadium on match days. Results showed that in general, men did not wish to engage in health related behaviours on match days however approaches that did not impose on, nor contaminate, the men's match day experience were more successful. Study 2 adopted a multi-method approach to explore the distinct barriers that hard-to-reach (HTR) male populations encounter when attempting to commit to regular participation in physical activity and health behaviours and to examine the impact of engaging in a 12 week FitC intervention. Economic, environmental and social barriers to engagement in regular physical activity and positive health behaviours are highlighted and specific biopsychosocial effects of engaging in the FitC programme are identified. Study 3 utilised informal semi structured interviews with programme participants to explore the contextual, environmental and psychosocial barriers experienced by men from HTR populations. Psychosocial motivations for programme uptake and the impact of regular engagement in the FitC men's health programme are discussed. It is recommended that commissioning agencies should endorse and fund men's health initiatives delivered in and by professional sports clubs. To maintain participant engagement and maximise improvements to men's health and wellbeing, alterations to current practice and research are discussed.

The main aim of this thesis is to verify whether the economic cycles have an impact on the economic situation of professional football clubs in the United Kingdom. The reference period are the years 2006 to 2014, which include the recent economic crisis. In the theoretical part, sports club are defined as a firm in accordance with behavioral theory which was selected as the most suitable. Analyzed are the specifics of functioning of sports clubs, such as the method of determining the club's goals. These are among sports clubs, unlike conventional businesses, based on the principle of utility maximization. Furthermore, sporting markets are described, and considered a sports cartel. Described are also different ways of financing of sports clubs, and as the most important nowadays are chosen: gate receipts, broadcasting revenues and sponsorship. As the part of the thesis, the substantial positive effects of analyzed Premier League on the British society is described. These include big tax revenues for the government of United Kingdom. In the 2013, those tax revenues reached 1.3 billion pounds. The practical part of the thesis characterizes Premier League, and subsequently also the selected football clubs, and especially their economic development in the reference period. The data obtained are then coupled with the economic development of United Kingdom. Data reveal that neither club revenues, nor expenses were affected by the economic crisis. Similarly, there was not registered any effect of the crisis on the wages of the clubs employees, nor on the number of staff employed by the clubs.

Uppsatsen ämnar att försöka förklara hur olika variabler angående matchbilden i en fotbollsmatch påverkar slutresultatet. Dessa variabler är uppdelade i prestationsvariabler och kvalitétsvariabler. Prestationsvariablerna är baserade på prestationsindikatorer inspirerat av Hughes och Bartlett (2002). Kvalitétsvariablerna förklarar hur bra de olika lagen är. Som verktyg för att uppnå syftet används olika klassificeringsmodeller utifrån både prestationsvariablerna och kvalitétsvariablerna. Först undersöktes vilka prestationsindikatorer som var viktigast. Den bästa modellen klassificerade cirka 60 % rätt och rensningar och skott på mål var de viktigaste prestationsvariablerna. Sedan undersöktes vilka prediktionsvariabler som var bäst. Den bästa modellen klassificerade rätt slutresultat cirka 88 % av matcherna. Utifrån vad författarna ansågs vara de viktigaste prediktionsvariablerna skapades en prediktionsmodell med färre variabler. Denna lyckades klassificera rätt cirka 86 % av matcherna. Prediktionsmodellen var konstruerad med spelarbetyg, odds på oavgjort och domare.

Le football professionnel est devenu une industrie du spectacle audiovisuel dont il tire une partie importante de ses revenus. Cependant, les recettes dites Matchday et les revenus annexes de la billetterie constituent un gisement de croissance important pour les clubs français. Ceux ci devraient pouvoir maitriser les capacités offertes au public du spectacle vivant dans les stades et devenir propriétaires de leurs enceintes en utilisant la technique des baux emphytéotiques. Les politiques de prix variables ou de prix dynamiques conduites dans d’autres secteurs comme les transports, l’hôtellerie ou les centres de loisir sont applicables dans la gestion de la billetterie. La digitalisation de l’offre ouvre de nouvelles perspectives de relation client. Elle améliore la traçabilité des consommateurs et permet de déterminer leur propension optimale à payer. Les solutions de CRM, Customer Relationship Management améliorent la connaissance client et permettent de mieux segmenter l’offre pour mieux adresser les différents publics du stade. Dans une activité fondée sur l’incertitude du résultat mais sur la certitude des coûts de production, les ressources digitales permettent de fidéliser les différentes catégories de fans et d’augmenter le panier moyen. Les clubs français très engagés dans la gestion à court terme ont négligé les outils du pricing et tardent à adopter les solutions digitales qui ont donné des résultats satisfaisants dans des secteurs comparables. Nous formulons des propositions adossées à des expérimentations concrètes pour augmenter les performances de la billetterie dans le secteur de l’industrie du football en France
Football has become a major industry of entertainment for TV networks and also for companies running football squads. TV rights represent at least 50% of the French clubs incomes. Meanwhile, most of them have disregarded Matchday revenues. For a large majority of them, they don’t own their arenas. Moreover, they play in (too) large stadiums with overcapacities according to average attendances. This is why average prices are below the European average price when we compare French League One with the other major’s championships in Europe. In this field, we suggest long-term leases between public owners and football firms in order to transfer both property and ability to refit arenas and stadiums. In addition, French firms running football clubs have not yet fully used technics of variable prices and dynamic prices. They should also display CRM resources in order to address each segment of costumers, including fans, year ticket holders, walk in customer or families. The target is to hit as close as possible the willingness to pay of each category of customers. We have experienced such policies for Year ticket holders in French third division. Digital resources increase customer insights and sustain cross selling policies increasing revenues as it is done in other comparable sectors such as air transportation, leisure parks, hotels and resorts. We make some suggestions and recommendations to strengthen home revenues in the French professional football League

Multi-club ownership [MCO] is a concept within the football industry which entails that an owner holds significant stakes in multiple teams. This ownership strategy is not new, however, what are the driving forces of this type of ownership structure and what are the outcomes? The purpose of this study was to explore potential drivers of MCO, to irradiate the concept and determine whether traditional business administration theories can be applied to explain its existence. The main theoretical framework is based upon the shareholder theory and resource-based view of the firm with supplementary reasoning collected from other relevant theories. The study encompasses five seasons and consisted of the teams competing in the top two divisions in the English Football League system. The quantitative study covered six hypotheses and deployed both Two sample t-tests and regression models which sought to measure international player trading activity, sporting performance and financial performance. The results of the study show that multi-club portfolio members [MCPMs] tend to trade a larger share of players internationally compared to Non-MCPMs. However, the other models yielded no significant results in regard to MCPMs, although, value creation through the strategy cannot be disregarded as it may be present through other channels. The wider footballing industry has been studied extensively in previous literature. However, this study is focused on MCO, a topic that lacks a previous body of research. By filling this research gap the authors hope to illuminate the concept and increase transparency for both decision makers (owners of clubs) and supporters of clubs. In addition, a survey which is not empirically tested was conducted in order to help guide the proceedings of the research.