I'd forgotten about the Europa League

[dlfc]

What with everything kicking off over the past few weeks I'd forgotten we were still in this!

 

The "lesser" trophy has taken on significant importance has it not?

 

If we win it does it give us automatic entry to next year's competition?

Edited January 17, 2011 by dlfc

[Red Banjo]

Without getting the official word - i'd say its almost certain the winner get's to defend the trophy. There are some very good teams in there now so we have a monumental task ahead if we are to win it. Can't see it personally, we have atleast 5 players who play week in, week out - who are nowhere near good enough to be playing football for a team trying to win trophies.

[dlfc]

You might be right but let's see if the January transfer window brings anything decent.

[Trucker Paddy]

I can see us blagging our way to the semi, anything can happen after that

[Unrighteous]

Some VERY good teams in the Europa League this year:

 

Porto, Benfica, Sevilla, Manchester City (ugh), Rubin Kazan, Lille, PSG, Napoli, Villareal etc.

 

 

We should DEFINITELY get past Sparta Prague and then Lech/Braga... so who knows?

[Jonny83]

I wouldn't agree with those saying write it off/play the kids (obviously we should be giving some of our more talented youngsters a crack but that goes for league matches too).

 

It's a European trophy and our last shot of silverware this season, and yes the winner does get to defend it and qualifying via the league is starting to look hard. I still think 6th is achievable but it will take one hell of a run, and 7th won't do it if Ipswich hold Arsenal at the Emirates (unlikely but...) or a lesser team gets to the FA Cup final. If both happen then 6th won't do it either.

 

That said we probably won't win it given the strength of the competition in the latter stages, but the we'll be selling ourselves short if we don't give it a go.

 

After the season we've had, winning this or even getting to the final/semi would give me more of a shot in the arm personally than say finishing 8th in the league as opposed to 11th.

[Kopite Pete]

It will be good to see Kenny lead us into Europe as a manager for the first time.

[redsoxs]

Last year it was Rafa's fatal mistake to concentrate on the Europa, only to lose out on a CL a place, which i believe cost him his job, this season it looking like we'd be luck to get a Europa place, so we need to concentrate on the Europa now ahead of any other game outside of a relegation fight.

[tenner]

It will be good to see Kenny lead us into Europe as a manager for the first time.

 

Indeed it will.

[SimonGodders]

It will be good to see Kenny lead us into Europe as a manager for the first time.

 

Agreed, quite poignant.

 

Would be even better to see him form a great side over the next few years and see what he can do, kinda make up for not being able to do it with his last side.

[gkmacca]

It will be good to see Kenny lead us into Europe as a manager for the first time.

 

Exactly. I said something similar last week. It hasn't been discussed in the media but for me it will be really emotional to see him finally manage us in Europe - particularly when you imagine what a sensational record he'd have by now if that great team of his hadn't been banned. I really hope he goes far in the competition and has a bit of fun.

[chris71]

As another no.7 once said, I would love it if we won this trophy.

[Indian Red]

Would be brilliant to win it and Kenny can add a european trophy as a manager.

[Red Phoenix]

Wasn't massively bothered about this, but a couple of weeks back had a really vivid dream that we won it, and it felt brilliant. There was a massive sense of us finally having done something again, (and a huge sense of relief that we'd returned in a way.) so I'm looking forward to this now and hope we can get far. To all those moaning that the Europa doesn't mean much : It will do if we win it.

[stevienando]

Only reason why we're in the Europa League is cos Kenny hasn't won it yet.

 

All happens for a reason.