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 London. His predecessor has been sacked for finishing second, now the pressure is on to land Chelsea's first title in 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 new found fame comes with no end of pitfalls.
Following a two-year honeymoon period at Chelsea where everything they touched turned to gold, the relationship between Mourinho and Abramovich begins to sour. After Manchester United reclaim the Premier League title, Mourinho is encouraged to sign players who aren't on his wish list. Then Abramovich employs Avram Grant as Director of Football - a move seen by some as putting a spy in the camp.