There is absolutely no doubt that the advertising power of a team in the premiership all the time is worth a hell of a lot. If you were a proper conspiracy theorist you might suggest that this:
'Sportsdirect.com seeks growth in France
The UK sports retailer has announced that it seeks growth in France. Frank Odier, France’s representative, has confirmed that it will be taking over Sport 2000 in the shopping centre Evry 2. The boutique opening is scheduled for May. This will be the retailers third store in France. In 2009 it opened its Fresnes’ location and this last April it inaugurated its second store in Herblay. “Two more stores should open in the Parisian region: on in October this year and the other by the beginning of 2012”, announces Frank Odier.'
Has had an influence on where we do our first-team shopping.