I know we all worried about the impact of Baird's v sign on our possible fair play place, but there's a bigger threat: Spurs. I've just looked at the latest table (which is only accurate up to the end of April) and we are level on points with Spurs. I had dismissed them from the equation, as I assumed they were going to finish 4th or 5th. If they don't manage to get back ahead of Liverpool, they won't qualify for Europe, so they will be competing with us for the fair play slot (if England get one). It isn't just a case of us or Blackpool any more.
Seems strange to have a good fairplay record all season, then wrecked in Liverpool game. Conspiracy theorists would say it might be deliberate, as the club does not want to go into the Europa next season.
If it helps put your mind at rest I happen to know that all conspiracy theories from who shot Kennedy to why the CIA let down my bike tyres were begun by Mrs Doris Fernandez of Thong in Kent and as such have no basis in fact. Except one of course, started by her husband but I am forbidden to say which.
Spurs are not playing well atm either. That Liverpool game did us no favours, so if we were level before the Liverpool game, I cant help but think we will now be behind? Where do you find these tables? I have searched both for a premierleague one and a European one, but can find nothing :s
Gilly, the tables only seem to be updated monthly, so it does not seem possible to keep a running tally. So the one posted on the FFC website this week (which excludes our Liverpoool game)is all we can go on until, presumably, the end of the season. Hope springs eternal - I fancy a European trip.
I looked at the table yesterday ... I thought we were far enough ahead of Tottenham that Baird's gesture won't hurt us, though, to be honest, I'm not sure how many demerits they'll add to our total based on his foolishness. We've got two more games to play. If the boys play like they usually play, we're probably OK, but if we respond to Birmingham (a physical team) poorly and get a bunch of yellow cards, we could lose our place. Same thing against Arsenal. Tottenham, too, need to behave themselves to overtake us. They play at Liverpool this weekend, then Birmingham at home.
I don't think it would be too bad if we don't get the Europa League spot. I think we are still rebuilding. Our squad is very similar to the one that went all that way to the final but just 2 years older. We have a fairly old squad and I don't think the legs will cope next year. A few more years outside of the European competitions I think is just what we need, a bit of time to bring in some youth.
Spurs are 5th, interestingly most of our yellows were tiny infringements. Would add fuel to the conspiracy eh?
Interestingly in the Daily mail on Saturday Hughes said he didn't want to get into Europe as it started our season too early and the players didn't get a proper break. Maybe he is encouraging a few reckless tackles.
