The world does not need any more Premier League

One of the big stories swirling around the Barclay's Premier League this month has little to do with what's taking place on the pitch and a whole lot to do with marketing one of the hottest properties in world sport.

In early February, the Premier League began floating the idea of playing a 39th league match outside of Britain. The various scenarios concentrated on games to be played in China, Australia and the U.S.

From a Premier League operating standpoint, this makes good sense. Go over to the States, fill a 70,000 - 80,000 seat American football stadium, charge ridiculous prices for seats and negotiate a fat TV contract for the rights to broadcast the one-off match with a U.S. network.

The Premier League clubs seem cool to the idea, especially since most of the bigger clubs complain about too many matches. FIFA has outright condemned the move.

I think it is right to be skeptical of the proposal. While it would likely be a great moneymaker, it would continue to distance the game from fans who already feel alienated from the teams they support.

In North America, the MLS has been moving in the right direction for the past five or so years, slowly changing their league format to something more familiar to cultured football fans. It has come a long way, but still pales in comparison to the European game.

The MLS needs to continue to grow on its own terms, and doesn't need the added pressure of competition from Europe. The MLS will become a great league by continuing to spread its brand of football throughout the U.S. and Canada, not by trying to keep up with the Premier League.

An incursion by the Premier League or any other foreign league into developing football markets will have a detrimental effect on the progress the game is making in those countries. Fans can always get their fix via television, but live football should remain a domestic experience, free from the glow of brighter foreign lights.

Tottenham Hotspur: Carling Cup Champions

Particularly after praising manager Juande Ramos transfer exploits, it felt really nice watching Tottenham secure their first trophy since 1999, defeating Chelsea yesterday in the Carling Cup final 2 - 1 in extra time.

Of course I may not have cared, had Liverpool not followed their win over Inter mid-week with a 3 - 2 win over Middlesbrough, but I digress. The Carling Cup is truly the lowest rung of competition for English clubs, but the final generally provides a great way to spend a Sunday.

Tottenham controlled most of the opening 15 minutes, Chelsea ran the middle 60 minutes or so, and Tottenham had more gas in the tank for the latter part of the game.

Juande Ramos has really got Spurs on track, especially at the back. That was the best game I'd seen Paul Robinson play, err, ever? Jonathan Woodgate has finally found a home at Spurs, I feel spelling the end to an undying reliance on the fragile Ledley King at the heart of defense.

Alan Hutton looked a little out of sorts, not seeming quite comfortable with the pace of Premier League football yet. Didier Zokora played the best match I've seen out of him as well.

As for Chelsea, their attack seemed lacking. Nicholas Anelka was nowhere to be found and Michael Essien had an uncharacteristically mediocre game. I feel Michael Ballack, who has been infinitely better since coming back into the side in late December, was brought on too late to make an impact on the game. Drogba was, as usual, the most potent Chelsea force, but even he had little impact on the Spurs defense.

Frank Lampard, who whined his way onto the team sheet, may need to watch what he wishes for in the future. He looked very pedestrian yesterday and his days at Chelsea may few if he keeps chirping without putting up the goods.

Hats off to Tottenham on a game well played, and to hoping Ramos and company will make competition in the already potent Premier League even better this year and in the future.

Defoe & Baros: What's up Harry?

I will admit at the outset that I feel it's never poor policy to upgrade forwards in the Premier League. When coming up against teams like Arsenal and Manchester United, who can put up three or four goals on any given match day, the need for teams to have proven, 10+ goal scorers in their squad is paramount.

That being said, what's up, Mr. Redknapp? With players like Benjani, John Utaka and Kanu, Portsmouth seemed pretty solid up front, scoring a respectable 35 goals through 25 games (before Saturday).

Gone now is Benjani, off to Manchester City (where he scored on his debut away to Man United). In are sulking former Tottenham man Jermaine Defoe and Milan Baros, who has previously played for Liverpool and Aston Villa in the Premier League.

Both Defoe and Baros are decent players, but neither were deemed valuable enough for their former employers to keep around. To be certain, they will score for Pompey, but I don't think they will solve the problem of getting the team into Europe.

Redknapp's main problem at Fratton Park is the lack of a consistent attacking inspiration from midfield. Muntari has been the scorer of some fantastic goals this season, but he is more in the mold of his terrier-like teammate Papa Bouba-Diop. They can win balls and control the center of the park, but won't necessarily make the incisive pass to unlock a defense. Niko Kranjcar is influential in fits and starts, but not a consistent provider.

In order for Portsmouth to squeeze their way into the UEFA Cup picture, their manager needs to look for creator to run his attack. No small task, but money spent on more forwards (don't forget a pricey David Nugent on the bench) won't help the fortunes of the Premier League's south coast squires in their quest for continental glory.