#4 There would have been no Premier League without the FA
With proverbial dollar signs in their eyes (or should it be pounds?), the top clubs of England were eager to break away from the Football League in order to enjoy more popularity and profits but there was a chink in their plans.
They, especially, the ‘big five’ realised they would have no credibility without the backing of the old league and saw no way forward. However, Vice-Chairman of Arsenal, David Dein thought it might be worthwhile to approach the FA for their support.
At that time, the FA shared a difficult relationship with the Football League and Dein saw his opportunity to make the most of that animosity. He coaxed the FA into supporting them and his plan worked well as the FA saw the proposal as a way of undermining the old league’s status. The Association even agreed to let the new league use their name in the official title.
