Fans Comment
Alun  Willis

Why is everyone dismissing Europe?
14 April 2006

Just thought I'd add a positive spin to the end of this season. Now I don't know about you but I would "love it" if Everton were in the draw for the 1st round proper of the Uefa Cup next season. And, in my humble and amateur opinion, I think we have a very good chance of achieving this. If not via our league position then via the InterToto Cup.

6th place is enough for automatic Uefa Cup entry. Currently this is Blackburn with 54 points (and a bloody good goal difference compared with us to boot). So no chance there then. Unless... actually they have a pretty difficult run-in. And have you seen Spurs last 5 games? If we beat them they might not pick up another point until the end of the season. In which case they are there to be shot at. Anyhoo, still "Mission Improbable" so back then to the Intertoto Cup.

The Intertoto place goes to the highest placed team who haven't qualified for Europe by other means. So, basically we have to finish 7th. We are in effect in a mini league with 5 games left:-

7 Bolton 32 7 48
8 Wigan 33 -2 48
9 West Ham 33 -3 46
10 Newcastle 33 -4 45
11 Everton 33 -12 45
12 Charlton 33 -5 44

Now call me old-fashioned but we've got a great chance of getting that entry. Why so positive?

1. Our run in is one of the better ones.
2. Bolton (currently in pole position) are stinking the place up
3. West Ham are distracted
4. Wigan are "tired"
5. Charlton? Bless 'em, but they ARE football's equivalent of "Crisp"

Sadly, I think the one team who could upset us are the undeserving "Barcodes" (By the way, was it just 7 years ago when the Magpies were everybody’s 2nd favourite Premiership team? How times change!)

OK, over the last three games, we haven't exactly set pulses racing; however, we are still in the top echelon of the Current Form leagues.

And finally... Our (future) talisman, fan's favourite and cult will be back. Ladies and Gentleman I give you, Andy Van der Meyde!

With Mikel being out I hope, no, I am SURE, our very own "Van Man" will drive us to 7th place, the Intertoto, and the Uefa Cup proper. It's then all to play for both in the Summer transfer market and of course next season. And if we want to hang onto Joseph, Tim, Mikel etc (and I do) then let's hope this is the case.

Of course we may not win another point, but, at least until tomorrow at 4.50pm, I have a half-full glass and am keeping the faith. "In Moyes We Trust!"
Alun  Willis


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