Money, money, money

After a weekend of FA Cup magic with some brilliant stories coming out as always, it has come to that time when every team panics that they've had the whole of January to boost their squad in numbers and quality but the 31st is the best time to buy.
First looking back to the weekend and the stand out result and story is Crawley town, the club which is just 20 minutes from my hometown of Brighton (also flying high in the league and cup).

The goal that bought more money to the 'Manchester City of the Conference'

After the solid 1-0 win over Torquay they then had the excitement of being drawn against their fellow and more famous Red Devils- Manchester United. But this fairy-tale story has a bit of a twist, unlike most smaller clubs Crawley have had substantial financial support from wealthy owners which has made them the villains of non-league with other clubs going bust or close to it. This is a nice change seeing as they have two separate points' deductions for money irregularities in the past two seasons. Whether they get the support of the neutral fan against Manchester United will be simple, yes they will. But most Conference fans will perhaps show a major sign of jealousy when they walk out at Old Trafford and perhaps even more when the possible £2 million cash boost after TV and other revenue outlets come into the already 'Conference rich' club.
Now one day after the dream money draw for the southern red devils against the northern red devils comes Money Madness Monday.
OK the pun not be the best but the drama unfolding has been fascinating, the defining move of the whole day is that of Fernando Torres moving to Chelsea from Liverpool(Chelsea v Liverpool, Sunday could be interesting). This deal has once again been fuelled by the inevitable pay rise that comes with a move as well as the lure of Champions league football. Which also influences why Chelsea have broken the bank to pay for him, to finally win it this season at Wembley and to make sure they qualify for next seasons competition. Financial risk maybe, if Torres' current form continues as well as Chelsea's, but it shows the renewed ambition of Roman Abramovich. Or perhaps its desperation to suddenly be shelling out up to £70 million if including all potential January signings. One transfer deadline day deal sets a whole wheel in motion with Liverpool acting fast to replace Torres with Newcastle's young hero Andy Carroll. But why would Carroll want to leave his boyhood club to a club who aren't exactly the force that they once were. Even so Liverpool are still Liverpool, a brand who are known worldwide and what comes with this is once again a pay rise for the incoming player. The image of playing for Liverpool also brings more fame for the player as well as a higher reputation when it comes to international selection. Bad form may not even stop Andy Carroll being part of the England picture for years to come now he has the Liverpool crest on his chest. Being an England international is also why this inflated price has occurred, not including the impending Torres deal, Carroll's move to Liverpool would be a record paid by a British club. More paid than for better players and higher achievers such as the Carlos Tevez, Rio Ferdinand and Ruud Van Nistelrooy.
But like everything in football these days it all comes down to money, whether it's how much a new signing costs or whether it inspires a lower league team to outperform better opponents to gain new riches.