The Premier League's first foreign owner, Roman Abramovich, arrives at Chelsea seeking instant success. At the other end of the table, Leeds United struggle to keep pace, as a series of high-risk financial decisions come back to bite them.
"The Special One" arrives in West London. His predecessor was sacked for finishing second, now the pressure is on to land Chelsea's first title for 50 years. At the foot of the table, Harry Redknapp's Southampton are fighting for survival.
Teenage sensations Wayne Rooney and Jermaine Pennant make spectacular Premier League debuts. But as money pours into the league, their newfound fame comes with no end of pitfalls.
Abramovich's honeymoon period at Chelsea is over and The Special One no longer fits his plans. Meanwhile in Manchester, another billionaire owner is attempting to disrupt the status-quo, as the former prime minister of Thailand buys Manchester City.
