EPL Gone Global: The American Invasion

This week, Derby County became the fourth English Premiership team to take on American owners, following last year's purchases of Aston Villa, Manchester United, and Liverpool.

While Derby themselves may not be in the Premiership much longer, it seems that the American invasion is here to stay.

The ideal situation for every club would be, of course, to have a lifelong fan, with money at their disposal, owning the club and doing everything in their power to ensure the club was run successfully.

Unfortunately, such local sugar daddies are few and far between at the top end of the English football pyramid. As financial restraints and the pressure for immediate success clash, clubs are invariably turning to foreign investment for succor.

Randy Lerner's Aston Villa certainly seem to be moving in the right direction.

Manager Martin O'Neill has been getting them to play some good attacking football with the likes of Ashley Young—an example of the money he has been able to spend since the takeover.

The Glazers' much publicised takeover of Manchester United led to some infuriated fans taking their support elsewhere, with the conception of a local team. Yet on-pitch results have yielded the Premiership trophy and attracted some expensive signings such as Tevez, Anderson, Nani, and Hargreaves.

Liverpool's American owners Gillett and Hicks were initially well received at Anfield after making the right noises. But they have since come under intense scrutiny and criticism from fans for going behind manager Benítez's back and speaking to potential other candidates. However, a recent refinancing deal has been completed, meaning that it is likely the co-owners are in it for the long run.

What effect the new owners at Derby will have remains to be seen. In all likelihood, Derby will be relegated this season from the EPL, having shown themselves to be a million miles away from the quality that is needed to compete in the Premiership. But they have a good manager in Paul Jewell. He's experienced in what it takes to get into the Premiership, but perhaps more importantly, also in what it takes to stay there.

But it is not only off the pitch that the American influence can be found in the EPL these days.

In the past, American players were infrequently found in the top level of English football. Players like Joe-Max Moore and Zak Whitbread made fleeting appearances at Merseyside clubs Everton and Liverpool. But aside from ex-Leicester City and Tottenham Hotspur 'keeper Kasey Keller, there were few established first-team regulars from across the pond.

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