I said on here last season (before our bad run started), that I wasnât bothered about Europe because time and again Iâve seen teams struggle in the league as a result of the extra matches Europe involves. You could argue that Stoke arenât doing as well this season because of that (theyâve played six Europa games already). Also, going a bit further back, I remember Ipswich getting promoted under George Burley, finishing fourth and then getting relegated the following season, (arguably) because they were in Europe. Stoke have splashed some cash and increased the squad size. Maybe a lot of them arenât happy sitting on their arse most of the time, who knows ? As the season wears on heâs gonna need them thats for sure. Bruce said we looked knackered in the second half against Villa, imagine how knackered weâd have looked if weâd flown back from Lithuania on thursday night. Donât think weâd have rescued that point. The only good thing I can think of, if we had been in it this season, is it would have given the players more time to gel lol.
Other than a catastrophic performance in the league, I wouldn't mind struggling in the league as a result of being in Europe. Its better than doing crap without being in Europe/
lets not pretend that any of us wouldnt love to finish in a european position. with the tradition for football up in the north east, bringing those european nights back would just be fantastic. i suppose you wont be wanting to win a cup any time in the near future either then, as a long run will ruin your season AND put you in europe for the next season?
I would love to see Euro footy at the SoL. Granted, it does bring problems, us beating Stoke 4-0 after their road trip being a case in point. Nice problem to have though.
I'd quite like Europe as long as we bolstered out squad. With a few extra signings (even cheap ones) we could have 3 sets of starting XI to handle the EPL, Cups and Europe. It doesn't take much to beat the absolutely ****e teams in the early EL group stages like Macc Tel-Aviv and FC Thun.
i'd love to be in europe you bruce loving ****! for ****s sake some very limited ambitions of some of our supporters.....no ****ing wonder we never get anywhere too many happy with ****e....
