The Mail Bag
Champions League Via Europa League
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I've just read the David Maddock column in the Mirror and he suggests that the winner of this seasons Europa League may be afforded a place in next seasons Champions League. He states it as "growing speculation".
Has anyone else heard about this?
Michael Lynch, Posted 26/01/2010 at 09:14:55
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Andy, it might have to be the top 8 to accommodate Benetiz and co.
I had heard a rumour and I think it’s a good idea. I also think the FA Cup winners should get in rather than 4th, that way the "Champions" League will have people who are actually "Champions" of a competition rather than also-rans.
I’d not heard that Michael, but it is without doubt one of the best ideas I’ve heard for a long while. It’s almost so bleedin obvious.
Of course it may just be scurrillous rumour. But it seems to fit into Platini’s genuine attempts to level the playing field and further democratise football. I think any team that wins a European tournament playing about 17 games, and one that includes 8 teams from the Champions League itself, is worthy of a CL place.
The only sour note is that it may be inspired by the plight of the whinging fuckers across the park. I still can’t honestly believe what happened in 2004. In fact I can’t remember an instance in any sport EVER when such a fundamental rule was changed with the sole intention of benefitting one team that had hither to proved itself unworthy.
To my knowledge no holders of any major football trophy are automatically allowed to defend it, and that includes the world cup winners. It was a disgusting low note in European football’s integrity, but I believe under Platini things will only get better and more equitable.
Of course it may just be scurrillous rumour. But it seems to fit into Platini’s genuine attempts to level the playing field and further democratise football. I think any team that wins a European tournament playing about 17 games, and one that includes 8 teams from the Champions League itself, is worthy of a CL place.
The only sour note is that it may be inspired by the plight of the whinging fuckers across the park. I still can’t honestly believe what happened in 2004. In fact I can’t remember an instance in any sport EVER when such a fundamental rule was changed with the sole intention of benefitting one team that had hither to proved itself unworthy.
To my knowledge no holders of any major football trophy are automatically allowed to defend it, and that includes the world cup winners. It was a disgusting low note in European football’s integrity, but I believe under Platini things will only get better and more equitable.
Given that the Uefa/Europa Cup is a piece of tin that doesn’t represent the prestige it once held, then yes, this is a good idea as winning it is like winning the League Cup... who gives a shit? Potentially with this, it has a meaning.
The same idea for the FA Cup is a tricky one. If you do away with the cup being held aloft at Wembley as the success and replace it with qualification to CL, which, let's be honest, is more important, then you really have kicked the most traditional piece of silverware in the balls, forget any attempts of it being what it once was no matter how different ITV will tell you.
Then again, it's all sold off anyway and I couldn't give a dam we went out, nor really that we lost the final last year. Give it CL qualification...
And yes, I’d imagine Uefa will try anything they can to ensure Asian money spinners Liverpool are in the CL next year!
The same idea for the FA Cup is a tricky one. If you do away with the cup being held aloft at Wembley as the success and replace it with qualification to CL, which, let's be honest, is more important, then you really have kicked the most traditional piece of silverware in the balls, forget any attempts of it being what it once was no matter how different ITV will tell you.
Then again, it's all sold off anyway and I couldn't give a dam we went out, nor really that we lost the final last year. Give it CL qualification...
And yes, I’d imagine Uefa will try anything they can to ensure Asian money spinners Liverpool are in the CL next year!
Certainly stinks. Seems they will always find a way of keeping their preferred sides in the competition, see the Shite and Madrid in 2000. And if that should mean changing the rules mid-season, that’s OK too, see France this year.
The Shite are in danger of not qualifying and all of a sudden there’s a new loophole. Of course, Platini and Co haven’t confirmed anything yet. My guess is, they won’t, not until they have a better idea of who is likely to win it.
The Shite are in danger of not qualifying and all of a sudden there’s a new loophole. Of course, Platini and Co haven’t confirmed anything yet. My guess is, they won’t, not until they have a better idea of who is likely to win it.
I just assumed the winners of the Europa Cup got a place in the CL next season as that was the case with the Uefa Cup champions previously hasn’t it.
"I couldn’t give a dam we went out, nor really that we lost the final last year." — Nick Entwhistle.
Astounding. I read most of what’s posted on here, and can understand where most Evertonians are coming from... even if I don’t agree with them. However, I find that simply astounding. I’m dumbfounded.
But it will certainly help put in context your other contributions. Thanks for letting me know.
Astounding. I read most of what’s posted on here, and can understand where most Evertonians are coming from... even if I don’t agree with them. However, I find that simply astounding. I’m dumbfounded.
But it will certainly help put in context your other contributions. Thanks for letting me know.
I was told ages ago, so the winners of the Europa take the 4th CL spot. Therefore if the RS come 4th (laugh) and we win the Europa League (more laughs) we’ll then take their place.
However, this will then trigger the LMQ (Liverpool must qualify) clause in which they will take precedence over any team wearing Blue with the word Everton in their name. Said team, whoever that may be, will then be told all future Europa games must kick-off at 4.23am on a Wednesday, providing Liverpool Reserves aren’t playing that night. If so, they shall forfeit the game with the points going to Liverpool’s Future Champions League Qualifications.
However, this will then trigger the LMQ (Liverpool must qualify) clause in which they will take precedence over any team wearing Blue with the word Everton in their name. Said team, whoever that may be, will then be told all future Europa games must kick-off at 4.23am on a Wednesday, providing Liverpool Reserves aren’t playing that night. If so, they shall forfeit the game with the points going to Liverpool’s Future Champions League Qualifications.
Robert Elstone said "We argued for nearly 8 minutes on this but they wouldn’t be shifted, sorry."
I like it Kevin. It’s so improbable and over the top, it’s bound to happen just like you predict. Wouldn’t surprise me in the least.
Yep, I wish it was different MK.
I look around and see football has had its soul bled of everthing worthwhile and it makes my skin crawl. That includes the cup, so there were no crocodile tears from me.
When the posts are put up on here that say things like...’yeah, you don’t give a damn now but come May I bet you’re dying for a final ticket’... I think not really.
It's not that I chose to not give a dam, it was just that I couldn’t.
That goes for League Cup, FA Cup, Europa League, England in any tournament, football in general.
Like that QPR rant said, football is gash.
I only give a dam for Everton in the league and their perennial pursuit of 4th. Everthing else is for the fun while it lasts.
I don’t think I’m the only one...
I look around and see football has had its soul bled of everthing worthwhile and it makes my skin crawl. That includes the cup, so there were no crocodile tears from me.
When the posts are put up on here that say things like...’yeah, you don’t give a damn now but come May I bet you’re dying for a final ticket’... I think not really.
It's not that I chose to not give a dam, it was just that I couldn’t.
That goes for League Cup, FA Cup, Europa League, England in any tournament, football in general.
Like that QPR rant said, football is gash.
I only give a dam for Everton in the league and their perennial pursuit of 4th. Everthing else is for the fun while it lasts.
I don’t think I’m the only one...
What a load of crap! The conspiracy to make sure Liverpool are in it if they don’t finish 4th, like that rule they brought in last time.
It’s pretty typical of Uefa to make it up as they go along.
As Ian Brown said... fucking amateurs.
As Ian Brown said... fucking amateurs.
Talking of the Europa League, it’s reported in the Spanish papers that Manny Fernandes is likely to join Sporting Lisbon — it’ll be nice to see him back at Goodison for the next round!
Wow!!! Talk about being paranoid. So the only reason that Uefa would do this is to make sure that the Shite qualify for the Champs League?
Err... hang on, wouldn’t they have to win it first? And the last time I looked, they were shite, and there was a lot of quality teams left in the comp. To come to the conclusion that eufa are only doing it for the shite, then some of you must be convinced that the Shite are going to win it.
They’ve got a cushy draw though, haven’t they, Brian. Uefa have form in drawing the right ball from the hat to suit purpose.
Alan Kirwin, surely you remember that the World Cup winners always used to qualify for the next tournament as holders, along with the hosts. Hence England not actually qualifying for a World Cup finals for 20 years from 1962 - 1982.
Nick if you only follow football to see if Everton can come 4th no wonder you think its gash.
Football’s bloody brilliant, despite all the stupid things that are wrong with it. The FA Cup is brilliant, and the trophy I’d most like to win second only to the League championship itself. I’m absolutely devastated to be knocked out of it, especially with 3 of the Sky 4 also being out, it was our best chance of winning a trophy since, well, last year actually.
Football’s bloody brilliant, despite all the stupid things that are wrong with it. The FA Cup is brilliant, and the trophy I’d most like to win second only to the League championship itself. I’m absolutely devastated to be knocked out of it, especially with 3 of the Sky 4 also being out, it was our best chance of winning a trophy since, well, last year actually.
I still reckon we’d have won the FA Cup if Chelsea hadn’t been robbed of the Champions League Final place which would’ve taken place three days before.
No, I follow it to see Everton become Champions, Mike! 4th is the next step along that journey.
If it's true, then why should we be surprised? The situation that arose in 2005 just showed how certain clubs get a helping hand. I feel that the shite will finish fourth in the Premier League anyway.
The way the so-called contenders Villa, City & Spurs are shaping, I just hope we can put on a great run of results together and pip them. It will make a exciting finish to the season.
And the next month or so will give us some idea.
The way the so-called contenders Villa, City & Spurs are shaping, I just hope we can put on a great run of results together and pip them. It will make a exciting finish to the season.
And the next month or so will give us some idea.
About time they did this, I have been advocating this for years.
Conspiracy to ensure Liverpool are in the Champions League next season? Really? You honestly believe that. Sorry but that sounds a bit pathetic.
Football has become scum, yes. It's dictated by money etc etc etc.
But conspiracy? Fact is when Liverpool won the Champions League they noticed a fuck-up in the rule book. They never expected a CL winner not to finish in the CL positions and when it happened it was like ’shit’.
Its called the ’CHAMPIONS’ League, to not have the holders in it to defend it would be disastrous not only commercially but to the credibility of the competition. Liverpool (as much as it pains me) were Champions and deserved to be in the Champions League.
It wasn’t a conspiracy, and if I’m right we were still allowed in the competition that year, from now on that will not be the case, WE got special dispensation that season, not Liverpool. Some may say we were unfairly placed against Villarreal, but we were unseeded and rightly so as we had been in Europe once in 20+ years.
As for this, who is to say Liverpool will win the Europa? Why do you assume this, if you assume they have the quality to do that then they must have the quality to finish 4th. (They are 1 point off, despite the media talk if we had their points total we’d be over the moon.)
If Liverpool finish 4th and we win the Europa, will it still be a conspiracy? If they changed the rule back after that happened then yes but that will not happen.
Some people need to stop worrying about Liverpool. I enjoy when they lose but I have no real feelings when they win, they win a lot and have done throughout my life. People need to stop getting aggressive about Liverpool and their goings on, their is no great conspiracy for Liverpool or against Everton, it just so happens they are rich and we are poor and in this unfair world it always favours the rich — it's not a conspiracy, it's called Capitalism.
Should this happen? For the Europa, yes. It will give prestige back to the competition, and the Champions League should be for Champions more than for the 4th best team. It would also even up the gap, giving the likes of Everton, Villa, Fulham etc the slightest chance of CL football and the money that goes with it.
For the FA/League Cup? No.
Football has become scum, yes. It's dictated by money etc etc etc.
But conspiracy? Fact is when Liverpool won the Champions League they noticed a fuck-up in the rule book. They never expected a CL winner not to finish in the CL positions and when it happened it was like ’shit’.
Its called the ’CHAMPIONS’ League, to not have the holders in it to defend it would be disastrous not only commercially but to the credibility of the competition. Liverpool (as much as it pains me) were Champions and deserved to be in the Champions League.
It wasn’t a conspiracy, and if I’m right we were still allowed in the competition that year, from now on that will not be the case, WE got special dispensation that season, not Liverpool. Some may say we were unfairly placed against Villarreal, but we were unseeded and rightly so as we had been in Europe once in 20+ years.
As for this, who is to say Liverpool will win the Europa? Why do you assume this, if you assume they have the quality to do that then they must have the quality to finish 4th. (They are 1 point off, despite the media talk if we had their points total we’d be over the moon.)
If Liverpool finish 4th and we win the Europa, will it still be a conspiracy? If they changed the rule back after that happened then yes but that will not happen.
Some people need to stop worrying about Liverpool. I enjoy when they lose but I have no real feelings when they win, they win a lot and have done throughout my life. People need to stop getting aggressive about Liverpool and their goings on, their is no great conspiracy for Liverpool or against Everton, it just so happens they are rich and we are poor and in this unfair world it always favours the rich — it's not a conspiracy, it's called Capitalism.
Should this happen? For the Europa, yes. It will give prestige back to the competition, and the Champions League should be for Champions more than for the 4th best team. It would also even up the gap, giving the likes of Everton, Villa, Fulham etc the slightest chance of CL football and the money that goes with it.
For the FA/League Cup? No.
Yeh so, if a team wins the Champions League, they should be allowed to defend it if they win it, but if a team wins the Europa league, they shouldn’t be given a place in the Champions League but just guaranteed a place in the Europa league to defend their title?
I can see it now... Liverpool finish 9th, but then win the Europa League ensuring that Rafa gets a stay of execution!!!! Back in the Houllier days you could see that happening as they always sneaked away wins and defended like mad at Anfield.
Not a conspiracy... just the luck that they seem to get.
Not a conspiracy... just the luck that they seem to get.
Anthony Millington, That did cross my mind; however, I would look at it in terms of a promotion type situation.
Champions League is the ’elite’ tournament, so the champions are required for this to maintain its credibility.
The Europa is not an elite tournament. It doesn’t attract a world-wide audience or a great deal in terms of sponsorship. So, like the Division 1 (Championship) Champions don't defend their title because they have moved to an elite league (or Champions of Divivisions 2/3 etc move to higher league), the Champion of the Europa would be ’promoted’ to the Champions League.
It's a good way to maintain clubs interest in a competition (i.e. Villa last season) and could boost the competition in the long-run. It would also be a small step to redistributing the money accumulated presently by a few clubs only.
I would also, however, change the Competition so Champions League drop-outs are not entered into it at a later date. This is just plain wrong.
Champions League is the ’elite’ tournament, so the champions are required for this to maintain its credibility.
The Europa is not an elite tournament. It doesn’t attract a world-wide audience or a great deal in terms of sponsorship. So, like the Division 1 (Championship) Champions don't defend their title because they have moved to an elite league (or Champions of Divivisions 2/3 etc move to higher league), the Champion of the Europa would be ’promoted’ to the Champions League.
It's a good way to maintain clubs interest in a competition (i.e. Villa last season) and could boost the competition in the long-run. It would also be a small step to redistributing the money accumulated presently by a few clubs only.
I would also, however, change the Competition so Champions League drop-outs are not entered into it at a later date. This is just plain wrong.
Fran, there was no "fuck-up in the rule book", it was quite clear: in the event of the team winning the Champions League not finishing in the top 4, it was for the domestic body to decide which team qualified, the team finishing 4th in the league, or the winners. The Premier League said all along that they would put forward the team finishing 4th.
Liverpool didn’t finish 4th, but they qualified because the rules by which everyone began the season in all the relevant competitions were retrospectively changed to accommodate them even though they had not qualified.
Conspiracy or not, to change the rules retrospectively for the benefit of one team was an absolute fucking disgrace — but they already had previous when they allowed them to re-enter European competition after only 1 year’s additional ban (not the original 3) after Heysel.
And your point on it being called the "Champions" Leage, and therefore should automatically be allowed to qualify doesn’t stack up when teams who are not the champions of their domestic league to qualify — it is, by definition, not the league of champions.
There is no denying that the whole European set up has, since the creation of this "Champions" League been done for the benefit of the teams considered the "best" in Europe. Unfortunately, that shower of shite were included in that group.
It is eminently believable that the creation of a CL place for the winners of the Europa League, PART WAY THROUGH THE FUCKING COMPETITION, has been done so to benefit Liverpool. It might not be true, but it wouldn’t be beyond the realms of possibility for it to be the case.
Liverpool didn’t finish 4th, but they qualified because the rules by which everyone began the season in all the relevant competitions were retrospectively changed to accommodate them even though they had not qualified.
Conspiracy or not, to change the rules retrospectively for the benefit of one team was an absolute fucking disgrace — but they already had previous when they allowed them to re-enter European competition after only 1 year’s additional ban (not the original 3) after Heysel.
And your point on it being called the "Champions" Leage, and therefore should automatically be allowed to qualify doesn’t stack up when teams who are not the champions of their domestic league to qualify — it is, by definition, not the league of champions.
There is no denying that the whole European set up has, since the creation of this "Champions" League been done for the benefit of the teams considered the "best" in Europe. Unfortunately, that shower of shite were included in that group.
It is eminently believable that the creation of a CL place for the winners of the Europa League, PART WAY THROUGH THE FUCKING COMPETITION, has been done so to benefit Liverpool. It might not be true, but it wouldn’t be beyond the realms of possibility for it to be the case.
One of the saddest changes in football since my youth has been the devaluation of the FA Cup. Just think back to how thunderously important our cup ties used to be, every cup day from the 3rd round onwards had a real magic to it. If we sneaked into the quarters then the excitement in my belly used to ratchet up to boiling point. Getting to the final, well, most of you know how that felt. It was just so special.
I yearn for those days again, and if giving the FA Cup winners a Champions League place helps the competition to reclaim that unique feeling then I am all for it.
As it stands at the moment, I agree with Nick Entwhistle, (and not Michael Kenrick with his standard OTT response) when we get knocked out these days it really doesn’t hurt.
I yearn for those days again, and if giving the FA Cup winners a Champions League place helps the competition to reclaim that unique feeling then I am all for it.
As it stands at the moment, I agree with Nick Entwhistle, (and not Michael Kenrick with his standard OTT response) when we get knocked out these days it really doesn’t hurt.
Fran Mitchell, what in the name of fuck are you talking about? Everton got special dispensation by going into the CL, not Liverpool?
Funny that, because at the start of that season it was known and acknowledged that the top 4 would go into the following season’s CL. And just for the avoidance of doubt and to settle all the whinging kopites who realised what might (& unbelievably did materialise), the FA re-affirmed their rules and quite rightly said "no fucking way are we retrospectively changing our rules, even for Liverpool".
As I pointed out earlier, there is no other qualification-based tournament in the world where that happens, not even in the World Cup or the European Championships or the South American Championships.
So what the fuck is an Evertonian doing defending the right of another club to have the rules bent because they won a tournament in one year, and then to espouse that view at the expense of Everton?
The Champions League (a misnomer, as has been pointed out) is an annual tournament that requires quaification. It was intended to be a League of Champions (get it?) from constituent countries. As Bob Turner explains for you, there was no fuck up in the rules. There were simply rules... RULES. They govern the game; without them there would be chaos. The rules were followed, until Liverpool bleated like fucking sheep incessantly until Uefa eventually caved in. THAT was a disgrace.
We agree about the Europa reward, that makes sense from an aspirational and prestige point of view. But the CL is the pinnacle tournament and, to win it, you first of all have to get into it by the defined criteria, which is league position.
I’m afraid your analysis of the 2004 situation, Fran, is a crock of crap.
Funny that, because at the start of that season it was known and acknowledged that the top 4 would go into the following season’s CL. And just for the avoidance of doubt and to settle all the whinging kopites who realised what might (& unbelievably did materialise), the FA re-affirmed their rules and quite rightly said "no fucking way are we retrospectively changing our rules, even for Liverpool".
As I pointed out earlier, there is no other qualification-based tournament in the world where that happens, not even in the World Cup or the European Championships or the South American Championships.
So what the fuck is an Evertonian doing defending the right of another club to have the rules bent because they won a tournament in one year, and then to espouse that view at the expense of Everton?
The Champions League (a misnomer, as has been pointed out) is an annual tournament that requires quaification. It was intended to be a League of Champions (get it?) from constituent countries. As Bob Turner explains for you, there was no fuck up in the rules. There were simply rules... RULES. They govern the game; without them there would be chaos. The rules were followed, until Liverpool bleated like fucking sheep incessantly until Uefa eventually caved in. THAT was a disgrace.
We agree about the Europa reward, that makes sense from an aspirational and prestige point of view. But the CL is the pinnacle tournament and, to win it, you first of all have to get into it by the defined criteria, which is league position.
I’m afraid your analysis of the 2004 situation, Fran, is a crock of crap.
Totally agree Fran, if you get knocked out of the Chamions League ,that should be it. It’s stupid that after getting through the group stages more teams get added to the competition. I suppose there is the argument of adding some more glamourous names to the competition, but it’s just unfair on the other teams who’ve earned the right to be there and not getting there just because they’ve messed up in the Champions League.
It just seems a welcome convenience to Liverpool that this new rule just happens to be the season that they are participating in the Europa League and are not nailed on for a top four spot.
It just seems a welcome convenience to Liverpool that this new rule just happens to be the season that they are participating in the Europa League and are not nailed on for a top four spot.
When Nottingham Forrest won the European Cup in 1980 did they win the league in 1979?
Answer: No
How then did they qualify?
They won the European Cup in 1978, that gave them qualification to the competition the following year.
I didn’t like the fact that Liverpool qualified, or won it etc but they did.
If Everton won the Champions League and finished 8th in the league season would you think it is correct that we not be entered into the Champions League?
I’m just looking at it objectively.
Yes the rules were changed afterwards? But they were changed correctly.
..."teams who are not the champions of their domestic league to qualify — it is, by definition, not the league of champion" yes and this is one of the saddest things about Football in its current state. However, by omitting one of the few champions that is entered only makes this situation worse.
I personally would like it to go back to only teams that win the league qualify, but money will never allow that.
"So what the fuck is an Evertonian doing defending the right of another club to have the rules bent because they won a tournament in one year, and then to espouse that view at the expense of Everton" I’m not looking at it as an Evertonian. I don't think rules should be changed for club a, b, c etc including Everton.
"How did that rule change effect Everton? Did we qualify for the Champions League that season"...Yes.
Now that rule has changed, and I believe correctly so. This has nothing to do with me hating Liverpool or supporting Everton, but just objectively looking at the rules.
Answer: No
How then did they qualify?
They won the European Cup in 1978, that gave them qualification to the competition the following year.
I didn’t like the fact that Liverpool qualified, or won it etc but they did.
If Everton won the Champions League and finished 8th in the league season would you think it is correct that we not be entered into the Champions League?
I’m just looking at it objectively.
Yes the rules were changed afterwards? But they were changed correctly.
..."teams who are not the champions of their domestic league to qualify — it is, by definition, not the league of champion" yes and this is one of the saddest things about Football in its current state. However, by omitting one of the few champions that is entered only makes this situation worse.
I personally would like it to go back to only teams that win the league qualify, but money will never allow that.
"So what the fuck is an Evertonian doing defending the right of another club to have the rules bent because they won a tournament in one year, and then to espouse that view at the expense of Everton" I’m not looking at it as an Evertonian. I don't think rules should be changed for club a, b, c etc including Everton.
"How did that rule change effect Everton? Did we qualify for the Champions League that season"...Yes.
Now that rule has changed, and I believe correctly so. This has nothing to do with me hating Liverpool or supporting Everton, but just objectively looking at the rules.
Fran, it’s one thing to change the rules about qualification before the competition begins (and it makes sense to allow the winners of that competition the right to defend it the following year), but to do so, during the competition, is wrong.
The teams will have known the rules at the outset of the competition, and they should apply equally to everyone.
Moving the goalposts during a competition smacks of bias, and since Liverpool were the beneficiaries of the rule change in 2005, it smacks of bias towards Liverpool.
Similarly, if the Europa League winners are suddenly allowed to qualify for the Champions League, it’s reasonable to question why this wasn’t decided before the competition started.
Whether it was done specifically for Liverpool is a bit of a leap, as they still have some work to do (and on tonight’s evidence, they’ve got no chance), but it would seem strange if the CL qualification was granted to the winners this season.
The teams will have known the rules at the outset of the competition, and they should apply equally to everyone.
Moving the goalposts during a competition smacks of bias, and since Liverpool were the beneficiaries of the rule change in 2005, it smacks of bias towards Liverpool.
Similarly, if the Europa League winners are suddenly allowed to qualify for the Champions League, it’s reasonable to question why this wasn’t decided before the competition started.
Whether it was done specifically for Liverpool is a bit of a leap, as they still have some work to do (and on tonight’s evidence, they’ve got no chance), but it would seem strange if the CL qualification was granted to the winners this season.
Let’s win the thing, then!
Alan Kirwin, I dont think that Platini’s proposed rule changes will result in a more level playing field at all. In fact, I believe it’s an attempt to consolidate the established teams such as United, Real Madrid, Barcelona and Liverpool against the nouveau rich who are looking to gatecrash their closed shop.
In future, if teams are only allowed to spend money on players according to their income, then the likes of Everton, with few revenue streams, no season ticket waiting list and a lack of a fan base in Asia, will find it even harder to penetrate the top four. Ironically, if Newcastle gain promotion, they could be in a much stronger position this time round.
Defending champions have automatically qualified for football competitions since the game was invented, if for some reason that has recently been changed then it needs to be changed back, now.
Who wants a tournament — or any sporting event — without the defending champions?
No-one knows more than us Blues how staggeringly jammy they were to even get to Istanbul, but they somehow won it and with the exception of half of the city of Liverpool, the footballing community of Europe wanted them to defend it.
There’s never really a bad time to change an idiotic rule
I often chuckle to myself when people come on here and prioritise the Europa Cup over the FA Cup with the claim that winning the FA Cup is merely rewarded by entrance into the Europa Cup, well surely the "champs have no rights" camp must realise that winning the Europa Cup would have no reward at all
Champions League place for Europa Cup winners? You really are having a laff.
Who wants a tournament — or any sporting event — without the defending champions?
No-one knows more than us Blues how staggeringly jammy they were to even get to Istanbul, but they somehow won it and with the exception of half of the city of Liverpool, the footballing community of Europe wanted them to defend it.
There’s never really a bad time to change an idiotic rule
I often chuckle to myself when people come on here and prioritise the Europa Cup over the FA Cup with the claim that winning the FA Cup is merely rewarded by entrance into the Europa Cup, well surely the "champs have no rights" camp must realise that winning the Europa Cup would have no reward at all
Champions League place for Europa Cup winners? You really are having a laff.
I am absoloutely astounded by you Nick Entwistle. I have read some ludicrous things from fans on this site and I’m sure I’ve written some ludicrous things myself but yours wins the prize. Had Everton won the cup final last year, would you have celebrated it? Did you even watch it? To me and every other Evertonian the Gosling goal and Jagielka’s penalty were amongst some of the most special moments ever supporting Everton, and you don’t give a shit! Unbelievable.
There is no glory in finishing 4th, we have no trophy to show for it. All that matters to me is that Everton try and win EVERY game. I know it’s not always realistic but that should be our aim. Just imagine if every Evertonian thought like you Nick, what a mess we’d be in.
There is no glory in finishing 4th, we have no trophy to show for it. All that matters to me is that Everton try and win EVERY game. I know it’s not always realistic but that should be our aim. Just imagine if every Evertonian thought like you Nick, what a mess we’d be in.
As far as I remember, wasn’t it that fucking Welsh club that gave up their soul for 6 pieces of silver by offering an impromptu extra round for the shite?
They won’t offer the FA Cup winners a Champions League spot as the two competitions are owned by different TV station fucking obvious that.
They won’t offer the FA Cup winners a Champions League spot as the two competitions are owned by different TV station fucking obvious that.
The Gosling moment would have been special were it not for tic-tacs haha...
I’d have been pleased to have won, but it's hardly the same as ’95 is it.
I’d have been pleased to have won, but it's hardly the same as ’95 is it.
Nick Entwistle. Are you on the wind up? If you aren't then I dunno why you bother with watching Everton mate, cos that is just the stupidest thing I ever ever ever heard when it comes to Everton.
That semi last year was one of the best days going the match ever, and the final would have been better than winning it in 95 I reckon, given the gulf in finances these days.
And "it doesn't hurt anymore", no? try telling that to the thousands of little kids, the grown men, and girls I saw in tears at that final whistle. In fact if you'd have tried saying that then you'd have got lynched. Your comment has made my blood boil.
It makes it easier to swallow getting dumped out on Saturday if you think like that, Nick.
I tried to be like you walking back with my brother, but we both agreed there’s no point trying to bend your mind like that just to hide the pain. Last year's semi and final were the best days as a fan for years.
Let’s not kid ourselves, the FA Cup and Carling Cup are our best shots at winning anything over the next 5-10 years, so no point belittling them.
Regards the Europa situation, I think it would really add spice to the competition to give teams like us the chance to get into the CL. But I’d feel pissed if I was a manager who played rezzies earlier on before this was announced!
I hate the shite as much as anyone (and they really are shite now) but the winners of the CL deserve to be in it the next year. We had our chance to join them and fucked it up in the home leg against Villarreal — no point blaming baldy if we can’t avoid getting beat at home.
I tried to be like you walking back with my brother, but we both agreed there’s no point trying to bend your mind like that just to hide the pain. Last year's semi and final were the best days as a fan for years.
Let’s not kid ourselves, the FA Cup and Carling Cup are our best shots at winning anything over the next 5-10 years, so no point belittling them.
Regards the Europa situation, I think it would really add spice to the competition to give teams like us the chance to get into the CL. But I’d feel pissed if I was a manager who played rezzies earlier on before this was announced!
I hate the shite as much as anyone (and they really are shite now) but the winners of the CL deserve to be in it the next year. We had our chance to join them and fucked it up in the home leg against Villarreal — no point blaming baldy if we can’t avoid getting beat at home.
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1 Posted 26/01/2010 at 14:32:54
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