Premier League record goalscorer Alan Shearer sceptical of Project Big Picture

Alan Shearer in his playing days. The Premier League's record goalscorer has questioned some of the motives behind those backing 'Project Big Picture'. Picture: File / PA 

Alan Shearer has warned that Project Big Picture would “kill” competition in English football.

The Premier League’s record goalscorer is conscious of the need to provide support to the English Football League, but is suspicious of the motives of Manchester United and Liverpool, the clubs behind the plan, and their owners.

He told The Athletic: “They come from American sport, where there’s no promotion and relegation. Are you telling me they bought those clubs because they have a genuine interest in English football in the long term?

“What happens if some owners decide they don’t want promotion and relegation? It doesn’t sit right with me at all.

“There is absolutely a need to support the football pyramid through a really difficult time and I do understand why the Premier League clubs would be reluctant just to hand over the money.

“They might want to attach conditions to that because there are a lot of lower-division clubs that were in trouble before Covid came along. But saying you’ll hand over the money if you get all of these things in return? It will kill competition.”

Shearer is also concerned that handing extra power to the so-called ‘Big Six’ clubs would limit the ambition of others, citing Manchester City’s recent rise and Blackburn’s title success during his spell at Ewood Park as examples.

He said: “People say ‘Big Six’, but where were Manchester City 20 years ago? I’m not saying that to disrespect Manchester City. I’m saying it because things change in football.

“We won the league at Blackburn when Jack Walker owned the club. That wouldn’t be allowed under this system because the top six clubs wouldn’t want anyone coming along with a genuine love of football, like Jack had, and trying to get his club to compete with them.”

The Football Supporters’ Association condemned them in the strongest possible terms.

“We are not defending the status quo but ‘Project Big Picture’ is not the answer,” an FSA statement read.

“Within the proposals there are individual ideas which many fans would back – but in this form it is impossible to disentangle them from outcomes which would be a disaster for the game.

“The Premier League and Government have to step up and deliver an alternative financial package urgently for the EFL and National League. It should cover lost gate receipts and matchday income. And urgently means details in hours, not days or weeks. Days or weeks means clubs going bust.

“Days or weeks means EFL clubs being tempted by the sugar-coated cyanide pill offered up by billionaire owners who do not understand or care about our football culture.”