Newcastle & European Qualification

[south_cheshire_toon 0]

Spurs have a pretty easy run in.

 

We've got...

 

 

Swansea, Bolton (H), Stoke (H), Wigan, Chelsea, Man City (H), Everton

 

Spurs have...

 

Sunderland, Norwich (H), QPR, Blackburn (H), Bolton, Villa, Fulham (H)

 

Arsenal...

 

Man City (H),Wolves,Wigan (H),Chelsea (H),Stoke,Norwich (H),WBA

 

Chelsea...

 

Wigan (H),Fulham,Arsenal,QPR (H),Newcastle (H),Liverpool,Blackburn (H),

 

The only thing that thinks we might do a bit better is the fact that Chelsea are in 2, and Liverpool are still in 1 other comp, - so that amounts to more games and fatigue.

 

Also the hope that either chelsea, spurs or liverpool win the fa cup and one of those other teams is in the final as well would also helps things along a bit.

Edited April 3, 2012 by south_cheshire_toon

[Christmas Tree 4821]

I can't see any downside to Europe and think it would be great for the club on many levels.

 

Feelgood all round that will help recruitment, season ticket sales, Club standing and let's not forget Ashley will get lots of exposure for SD and get to enjoy exciting European nights. All helpful to keeping him on board and in the right frame of mind to continue our upward climb.

 

ok..say we dont win any games after returning from european trips next season and finish 12th. That would be hugely disappointing for me after this season. We dont really need europa league football at this stage iyam. Good players are coming here regardless.

 

But if the point is not to get into Europe, what is the point.

 

Playing in Europe is unlikely to get us relegated and unlikely to stop us winning the title. Therefore we are just talking about a few positions in the table here or there.

 

If we can't manage Europa we certainly won't manage the champions league.

 

So we either stay safe and hope for another top 5 or 6 finish or give Europe a go and see what happens.

 

If we have a good run then great, if we struggle then it strengthens Pardews discussions on building a bigger squad.

 

All part of our upward rehabilitation for me and better to do it on solid foundations.

[Gemmill 46022]

There's a huge difference between the CL and the Europa tbf. I could see how it wouldn't be worth getting into the Europa at this stage of our development, which is what Paddock is saying, but it would be worth getting into the CL from a revenue/player attraction perspective.

[Gemmill 46022]

CT, it should be self evident that finishing twelfth next season represents a threat to our 'upward rehabilitation'. If Europa League football causes that, then it wouldn't be worth it, as much as I would like the players to be rewarded with qualification this season.

[Christmas Tree 4821]

There's a huge difference between the CL and the Europa tbf. I could see how it wouldn't be worth getting into the Europa at this stage of our development, which is what Paddock is saying, but it would be worth getting into the CL from a revenue/player attraction perspective.

 

I understand where he's coming from but I still think the steady progression would suit the club better and make us stronger rather than a flash in the pan.

 

There is also no guarantee we will do as well next season or more likely that clubs around us will be as poor so for me i'll take Europa this year.

[Christmas Tree 4821]

CT, it should be self evident that finishing twelfth next season represents a threat to our 'upward rehabilitation'. If Europa League football causes that, then it wouldn't be worth it, as much as I would like the players to be rewarded with qualification this season.

 

We may finish 12th we may finish 6th again. Nobody knows.

 

The bottom line is that qualifying for the Europa will as you say be a great reward for players, managers, directors and owner and I think will be welcomed by most fans.

[Gemmill 46022]

In all this excitement, we shouldn't forget how fucking shit the UEFA Cup is btw. I was on the direct debit scheme the last couple of times we qualified, and fuck me, those were some dismal nights at SJP.

[trophyshy 7084]

If we're not ready for it by qualifying for it then fuck knows when we would be!

[Gemmill 46022]

When I fucking say so, chum.

[trophyshy 7084]

 

That's utter chum to you.

[Lake Bells tits 1]

Preferring the Europa league to the CL is like preferring a frozen porky pie to beef tenderloin on a night out.

The difference is massive.

[Kid Dynamite 7169]

Can't believe some people are thinking its a bad thing to qualify for the Europa League. The last couple of rounds this season have been brilliant and who wouldn't fancy going back to Marseille for a Semi Final? It's not like we are genuinely going to win the league anytime soon so if we drop a few points as a result of extra games next year I can live with that.

[OTF 7485]

ok..say we dont win any games after returning from european trips next season and finish 12th. That would be hugely disappointing for me after this season. We dont really need europa league football at this stage iyam. Good players are coming here regardless.

 

Then what are we playing for?

 

The incremental difference in league prize money is not significant enough to provide motivation. Attempting to qualify for Europe only to pass it up once offered would critically undermine a key motivational aspect to players, manager etc.

 

I understand what you're saying, but it's up to the manager and coaching staff to properly prepare the team and for the depth of the squad to be called upon. I know we don't have a great deal of depth, but there have been a number fo decently promising young players who have been starved of opportunities this season. If nothing else send them out and if you win you've done so without impacting on the first team. If you lose there's not too much lost.

[Lake Bells tits 1]

Totally agree. We do need to bolster the squad for EL though, which should be fun. More bodies in!

And it may sate my appetite for Mehdi Abeid, which I am very curious about. Think the lad has it in him.

Wasnt he supposed to be a reserve player this year but impressed to the point of starting to train with the first team or smth?

[OTF 7485]

Can't believe some people are thinking its a bad thing to qualify for the Europa League. The last couple of rounds this season have been brilliant and who wouldn't fancy going back to Marseille for a Semi Final? It's not like we are genuinely going to win the league anytime soon so if we drop a few points as a result of extra games next year I can live with that.

 

Well said. We've dropped plenty of points this year simply because of shitty defense being played because of injuries. With no European football it's likely that the squad will reduce further and we'll still have the same issues. At least let our points be dropped because we're in Europe

[Christmas Tree 4821]

Totally agree. We do need to bolster the squad for EL though, which should be fun. More bodies in!

And it may sate my appetite for Mehdi Abeid, which I am very curious about. Think the lad has it in him.

Wasnt he supposed to be a reserve player this year but impressed to the point of starting to train with the first team or smth?

 

He's in the same boat as Ferguson. In the first team squad but a few down the pecking order.

 

Looking forward to seeing him progress.

[LeazesMag 0]

CT, it should be self evident that finishing twelfth next season represents a threat to our 'upward rehabilitation'. If Europa League football causes that, then it wouldn't be worth it, as much as I would like the players to be rewarded with qualification this season.

 

We may finish 12th we may finish 6th again. Nobody knows.

 

The bottom line is that qualifying for the Europa will as you say be a great reward for players, managers, directors and owner and I think will be welcomed by most fans.

 

getting your excuses in already before the summer sales

[LeazesMag 0]

Can't believe some people are thinking its a bad thing to qualify for the Europa League. The last couple of rounds this season have been brilliant and who wouldn't fancy going back to Marseille for a Semi Final? It's not like we are genuinely going to win the league anytime soon so if we drop a few points as a result of extra games next year I can live with that.

 

Well said. We've dropped plenty of points this year simply because of shitty defense being played because of injuries. With no European football it's likely that the squad will reduce further and we'll still have the same issues. At least let our points be dropped because we're in Europe

 

of course. How can it be a bad thing to qualify for europe ? It should be a launching pad to more in fact.

[BigWalrus 0]

Players are paid handsomely in appearance bonuses. Having an extra batch of games for the season means we can retain and play our fringe / backup players more often.

 

It takes clever management of the squad to pull it off, but there is absolutely no reason why we should approach it with anything other than positivity.

 

Two examples for you.

 

Stoke City - Tony Pulis has done nothing but whinge about being in the Europa League. He has used it as an excuse from day one, so he could justify the dip in league forum. There is no doubt that this attitude rubs off on the players.

 

Birmingham City - Chris Hughton has been nothing but positive about being in the Europa League. He has managed his squad of players to cope with the extra games (on top of playing 4 more games in the Championship anyway!). His players have responded well and Birmingham are looking likely to reach the playoffs, after starting the season as relegation candidates.

 

I have no doubt that Pardew would be extremely positive about qualifying for Europe. We would approach it sensibly. We could give vital first team appearances to the likes of Vuckic, Abeid, Sammy Ameobi, Remi Streete etc, whilst rotating some of our regulars to give the fringe players their appearances.

 

Plus, above all else, we get some mint trips abroad to watch our team play in European competition.

 

I honestly don't see how that could be a bad thing! What's the alternative? We don't qualify for Europe, so we can concentrate more on next season's push for qualifying for Europe? Madness.

[Christmas Tree 4821]

Players are paid handsomely in appearance bonuses. Having an extra batch of games for the season means we can retain and play our fringe / backup players more often.

 

It takes clever management of the squad to pull it off, but there is absolutely no reason why we should approach it with anything other than positivity.

 

Two examples for you.

 

Stoke City - Tony Pulis has done nothing but whinge about being in the Europa League. He has used it as an excuse from day one, so he could justify the dip in league forum. There is no doubt that this attitude rubs off on the players.

 

Birmingham City - Chris Hughton has been nothing but positive about being in the Europa League. He has managed his squad of players to cope with the extra games (on top of playing 4 more games in the Championship anyway!). His players have responded well and Birmingham are looking likely to reach the playoffs, after starting the season as relegation candidates.

 

I have no doubt that Pardew would be extremely positive about qualifying for Europe. We would approach it sensibly. We could give vital first team appearances to the likes of Vuckic, Abeid, Sammy Ameobi, Remi Streete etc, whilst rotating some of our regulars to give the fringe players their appearances.

 

Plus, above all else, we get some mint trips abroad to watch our team play in European competition.

 

I honestly don't see how that could be a bad thing! What's the alternative? We don't qualify for Europe, so we can concentrate more on next season's push for qualifying for Europe? Madness.

 

Yup. Good post. Nice examples as well.

[Kid Dynamite 7169]

Players are paid handsomely in appearance bonuses. Having an extra batch of games for the season means we can retain and play our fringe / backup players more often.

 

It takes clever management of the squad to pull it off, but there is absolutely no reason why we should approach it with anything other than positivity.

 

Two examples for you.

 

Stoke City - Tony Pulis has done nothing but whinge about being in the Europa League. He has used it as an excuse from day one, so he could justify the dip in league forum. There is no doubt that this attitude rubs off on the players.

 

Birmingham City - Chris Hughton has been nothing but positive about being in the Europa League. He has managed his squad of players to cope with the extra games (on top of playing 4 more games in the Championship anyway!). His players have responded well and Birmingham are looking likely to reach the playoffs, after starting the season as relegation candidates.

 

I have no doubt that Pardew would be extremely positive about qualifying for Europe. We would approach it sensibly. We could give vital first team appearances to the likes of Vuckic, Abeid, Sammy Ameobi, Remi Streete etc, whilst rotating some of our regulars to give the fringe players their appearances.

 

Plus, above all else, we get some mint trips abroad to watch our team play in European competition.

 

I honestly don't see how that could be a bad thing! What's the alternative? We don't qualify for Europe, so we can concentrate more on next season's push for qualifying for Europe? Madness.

 

That last paragraph is it like. Makes Pulis' decision to rest players against Valencia to concentrate on the league a fucking joke

[Baggio 0]

How I see it is all clubs now can only spend what they bring in, so European is a huge must for us in terms of revenue, mainly from the extra brought in through the gate.

[Baggio 0]

Players are paid handsomely in appearance bonuses. Having an extra batch of games for the season means we can retain and play our fringe / backup players more often.

 

It takes clever management of the squad to pull it off, but there is absolutely no reason why we should approach it with anything other than positivity.

 

Two examples for you.

 

Stoke City - Tony Pulis has done nothing but whinge about being in the Europa League. He has used it as an excuse from day one, so he could justify the dip in league forum. There is no doubt that this attitude rubs off on the players.

 

Birmingham City - Chris Hughton has been nothing but positive about being in the Europa League. He has managed his squad of players to cope with the extra games (on top of playing 4 more games in the Championship anyway!). His players have responded well and Birmingham are looking likely to reach the playoffs, after starting the season as relegation candidates.

 

I have no doubt that Pardew would be extremely positive about qualifying for Europe. We would approach it sensibly. We could give vital first team appearances to the likes of Vuckic, Abeid, Sammy Ameobi, Remi Streete etc, whilst rotating some of our regulars to give the fringe players their appearances.

 

Plus, above all else, we get some mint trips abroad to watch our team play in European competition.

 

I honestly don't see how that could be a bad thing! What's the alternative? We don't qualify for Europe, so we can concentrate more on next season's push for qualifying for Europe? Madness.

 

That last paragraph is it like. Makes Pulis' decision to rest players against Valencia to concentrate on the league a fucking joke

 

MON was another for it, played a reserve side in Russia iirc.

[ewerk 31195]

In fairness, Villa were in a CL spot at the time and he chose to prioritise that rather than the UEFA Cup. Not sure whether our fans would chose to do it differently.

[BigWalrus 0]

In fairness, Villa were in a CL spot at the time and he chose to prioritise that rather than the UEFA Cup. Not sure whether our fans would chose to do it differently.

 

Fair point. But nice to have the option! If we're going all out for a CL spot, I would imagine we'd push more for that too.