What do we do now, in terms of our Europa League campaign?

Well, to be honest, we were lucky to get through the qualifying round. We showed the most quality out of both the sides, but they caught us out many times, and we were lucky not to have a pen given against us. Who knows what would have happened after that, if they got the pen decision!

We've been presented with a great opportunity with the group we have. It's not an easy group, but we're definitely the best side in it IMO.

We can cry about squad depth all we want, but I guarantee the sides we'll be playing have lesser quality and depth than we do.

But we're already suffering injuries, the club are showing lack of ambition, and all they have shown us really, is that the Europe League is nothing more than an inconvenience, in terms of our long term plan.

Do we give it a shot? And risk our Premier League campaign? Or do we sacrifice it this year, and just blast ourselves up in the premier league, qualify for Europe again next year, and give it a go when we're in a stronger position?

It's a tough one.

I personally would have signed a CB, Fullback and a covering striker, and really gone for it. But the club don't seem to be that arsed about it.

 

It's a shame we didn't go for it. First time in a while we've been in Europe.
Only bonus is some of our youth players will get more game time.

 

Play the fringe players for experience and not qualify basically. There were 1 or 2 left wanting against the Greek side at St, James but if this will improve them then its been worth it.
The Premiership has to come first so rest as many first teamers as possible for the European campaign.
Tired of slating the board for lack of transfer activity now, Take what AP says now with a huge pinch of salt.

 

Agree with the players we should have gone for and that qualifying should be possible. However Alan Pardew has already stated that this isnt a priority and the fringe players will be used. No doubting that it gives those lads 6 great games to continue their progress which long term will benefit us enormously but on the evidence of the 2 games v Atromitos and without Raylor i fear we wont qualify. Shame really because a good run would be great for the club and the fans and if we actually do sign some players in Jan we might just be able to do something in this competition.