With the Norwegian and Danish leagues not doing so well last year, top German clubs in crisis, financial and organzational trouble in Italy,England, Spain and Benelux, the only bright spots are Sweden on the rebound and always strong Finland. The sport of football is still in it's early stage in most European countries. A soccer club with a 100-year tradition is naturally better positioned in the local market, with regards to both media interest, community involvement and support, and recruiting potential. This means that most European football clubs are run by an enthusiastic core of believers, often active or ex-players, and the clubs are to large degree very dependent on these few, but brave individuals.
Stability is akey to long-term sucess, obviously.
But at the same time, the development of people's interests, the adoption of new habits and the availability of borderless information thrugh media, internett and increased travel and mobility has created a need for new and exciting activities and interests. It is no longer ski-jumping, handball or bicycling which captures the imagination of the youth. They want something new, something full of action and full of power and agression. American-style basketball productions which is catching on in Europe is another example on how the audience wants more show and excitement. Another important factor in this, is the increased mobility and the blurring of borders between countries, especially in the European Community.