Exactly, look what it's done for Swansea. Progress may have faltered for them this season but look at the squad they have. Bony, Shelvey, I bet would have had more prosperous offers but the chance to play in Europe swung it. Remember from next season the winners get in to the champions league, there's a decent cash pot if you make it to the later rounds, and there's always one or two of the European giants end up dropping down. Imagine a competitive trip to say Juventus or Valencia... I don't know why anyone would want to miss out on the Europa League, quite frankly it's just a ****ing stupid and illogical thought, but I wouldn't throw a game to increase our chances. Never, we're not Italian and it's just a pointless exercise if we do, unprofessional, if we go doing things like that we're no better than that corrupt bunch of ****ers at the FA.
I think we might be better off using second string teams in Europe anyway, a bit like in the league cup, or the early rounds of the FA. Let's learn to walk before we run sort of idea.
We should be looking to beat all the teams, regardless of who they are. If Arsenal can't get enough points from their remaining games then that's their problem, they have to beat Wigan & we have to beat Sheff Utd before any of this even comes into contention. I'd love to see us win the cup. If somehow we do end up in Europe, we would have to qualify for the group stages anyway, who's to say that a trip to Greece, Latvia or even Malta would result in a win. Let's get the Semi out of the way first then the league games & then the Final if we get there, SB can make the signings necessary to make us ready for next season whatever games we have to play.
I couldnt agree more. If it was a choice of staying up or playing in Europe Id rather play in Europe. I dont understand this fascination with finishing 4th from bottom every season.
Id love to see city play in Europe but I'm not going to worry about other teams results, we have an opportunity by putting everything in to winning the FA Cup, how satisfying would that be!
The trips to Moldova may well seem identical to going to Boothferry Park. I loved the place but I wouldn't want to go back now.
Our last game is home to Everton - that could well be a game that if we win we qualify for Europe.....
I'd rather we win the cup & qualify outright than get in through some stupid back door rule. The cup is the most important thing now we should have stayed in the league.
Other than falling asleep on the train and waking up about an hour down the line I didn't think Selhurst Park was that bad to get to.
Europe was great. There was nothing like our trip to Bruges for Wigan's first ever European game. As you'll know we're not the best supported club, but we took 3500 to Belgium and it was magic. We've got a smaller, cheaper squad than Swansea and we played two games less than them in Europe (mainly because of that know-nowt Coyle). Plus we've already played more league games than they will all season. Plus we're in the FA Cup semi final so that's an extra half dozen games. And yet strangely we're in the play off positions and going strong. If you win the Cup outright, you qualify directly to the group stages. But, I'm afraid it's not going to happen for you this time out. Either Arsenal will get their heads right and sweep all before them, or, if Wigan manage to do them on Saturday, you or the Blades won't simply be playing little Wigan in the Final. It'll be the footballing Gods who you're up against, and they have decreed - little Wigan will be only the seventh club ever to retain the FA Cup. You can't fight fate.
Is this Europa League all its cracked up to be? Quiz time .... http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/europa-league-quiz-manchester-united-3397287 Man United want some company but is it really worth the trouble for whoever qualifies? As mentioned, would too many games prove costly for teams trying to remain in the Premier League?
We're not given the season we're having off the pitch I suspect the gods may have engraved the name Hull City onto the FA Cup.
