Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine
Heroes & Villains => Heroes Discussion => Topic started by: Smirker on March 04, 2023, 05:43:00 PM
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We're five points of 6th.
This is now possible.
Next game is West Ham away.
Let's go 8)
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We're five points of 6th.
This is now possible.
Next game is West Ham away.
Let's go 8)
You had me right until the end.
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Kamara injury will stop any talk of this when his replacement can't make basic 5 yard passes. Hopefully Dendoncker is fit for next week.
We need to win 5 more games (with a draw) and get to 50 points and see how the land lies then and how many games are left.
Our away form is very good under UE and we have likes of Forest and Bournemouth left at VP so that should be very realistic.
To have a serious chance of top 6 we need to be beating Newcastle and Spurs at VP aswell.
I actually think looking at all the fixtures Brighton will get 4th so that will be pretty refreshing for the league and not like they'll stay up there given they'll continue to sell key players in next few seasons.
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Kamara confirmed as injured and out for a few matches, I presume?
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We're five points of 6th.
This is now possible.
Next game is West Ham away.
Let's go 8)
You had me right until the end.
If we beat Spam, then I really will start to believe we'll finish 11th.
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Kamara injury will stop any talk of this when his replacement can't make basic 5 yard passes. Hopefully Dendoncker is fit for next week.
We need to win 5 more games (with a draw) and get to 50 points and see how the land lies then and how many games are left.
Our away form is very good under UE and we have likes of Forest and Bournemouth left at VP so that should be very realistic.
To have a serious chance of top 6 we need to be beating Newcastle and Spurs at VP aswell.
I actually think looking at all the fixtures Brighton will get 4th so that will be pretty refreshing for the league and not like they'll stay up there given they'll continue to sell key players in next few seasons.
That's the spirit.
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We're five points of 6th.
This is now possible.
Next game is West Ham away.
Let's go 8)
You had me right until the end.
We're due a win vs them.
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New Manager bounce?
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Yeah, no
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We were heading for European games next season under Gerrard. Admittedly it was Cardiff and Swansea away in the Championship, but still.
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We are getting ahead of ourselves, again. We need to knock off the negative goal difference and make sure we beat Fulham, Brentford in the games ahead. Our squad still isn't quite good enough to get to Europe yet, unless the FA Cup is won by a top four side and this means an extra place?
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We are getting ahead of ourselves, again. We need to knock off the negative goal difference and make sure we beat Fulham, Brentford in the games ahead. Our squad still isn't quite good enough to get to Europe yet, unless the FA Cup is won by a top four side and this means an extra place?
It may not be, but we should have a proper fucking go at it!
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We are getting ahead of ourselves, again. We need to knock off the negative goal difference and make sure we beat Fulham, Brentford in the games ahead. Our squad still isn't quite good enough to get to Europe yet, unless the FA Cup is won by a top four side and this means an extra place?
It may not be, but we should have a proper fucking go at it!
Absolutely. I don't deny that at all. We need a bit of luck with injuries and to keep winning. Going ok so far but I don't think we are quite good enough.
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Not possible. You probably need 60 points to make 6th. That means we need 2 points per game for the rest of the season. As it's 3 for a win and 1 for a draw it cannot happen.
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Not possible. You probably need 60 points to make 6th. That means we need 2 points per game for the rest of the season. As it's 3 for a win and 1 for a draw it cannot happen.
haha
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To have a decent chance of getting 6th and uefa I think we would need 60 points, 13 games left so 2 points a game average. Put another way 8 wins and a couple of draws from :
West Ham - a
Bournemouth - h
Chelsea - a
Leicester - a
Forest - h
Newcastle - h
Brentford - a
Fulham - h
Man Utd - a
Wolves - a
Spurs - h
Liverpool - a
Brighton - h
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To have a decent chance of getting 6th and uefa I think we would need 60 points, 13 games left so 2 points a game average. Put another way 8 wins and a couple of draws from :
West Ham - a
Bournemouth - h
Chelsea - a
Leicester - a
Forest - h
Newcastle - h
Brentford - a
Fulham - h
Man Utd - a
Wolves - a
Spurs - h
Liverpool - a
Brighton - h
Win 8, draw 2, lose 3. It'll be difficult, but possible
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To have a decent chance of getting 6th and uefa I think we would need 60 points, 13 games left so 2 points a game average. Put another way 8 wins and a couple of draws from :
West Ham - a. WIN
Bournemouth - h WIN
Chelsea - a DRAW
Leicester - a DRAW
Forest - h WIN
Newcastle - h DRAW
Brentford - a LOSE
Fulham - h WIN
Man Utd - a LOSE
Wolves - a DRAW
Spurs - h WIN
Liverpool - a LOSE
Brighton - h WIN
22 points and just short.
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To have a decent chance of getting 6th and uefa I think we would need 60 points, 13 games left so 2 points a game average. Put another way 8 wins and a couple of draws from :
West Ham - a
Bournemouth - h
Chelsea - a
Leicester - a
Forest - h
Newcastle - h
Brentford - a
Fulham - h
Man Utd - a
Wolves - a
Spurs - h
Liverpool - a
Brighton - h
Win 8, draw 2, lose 3. It'll be difficult, but possible
That’s pretty much our form since Emery come in
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I can't wait to see who Emery buys and how he shapes the team over the next few years 8)
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To have a decent chance of getting 6th and uefa I think we would need 60 points, 13 games left so 2 points a game average. Put another way 8 wins and a couple of draws from :
West Ham - a
Bournemouth - h
Chelsea - a
Leicester - a
Forest - h
Newcastle - h
Brentford - a
Fulham - h
Man Utd - a
Wolves - a
Spurs - h
Liverpool - a
Brighton - h
Win 8, draw 2, lose 3. It'll be difficult, but possible
The only ones in that list that would raise an eyebrow if we got something are Man Utd and Liverpool. Nothing to fear from the others.
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To be honest I think our performances are so inconsistent that we could as easily go on a sticky enough run results wise. The supporting cast behind Watkins are so flaky currently (Ramsey, Buendia, Coutinho, Bailey etc). Just can't put two good performances together back to back.
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Seen as 8 of the remaining games are the the 8 teams from 3rd to 10th we really do have the chance to make up ground on those above us and 5 games against teams below.
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Kamara injury will stop any talk of this when his replacement can't make basic 5 yard passes. Hopefully Dendoncker is fit for next week.
We need to win 5 more games (with a draw) and get to 50 points and see how the land lies then and how many games are left.
Our away form is very good under UE and we have likes of Forest and Bournemouth left at VP so that should be very realistic.
To have a serious chance of top 6 we need to be beating Newcastle and Spurs at VP aswell.
I actually think looking at all the fixtures Brighton will get 4th so that will be pretty refreshing for the league and not like they'll stay up there given they'll continue to sell key players in next few seasons.
That's the spirit.
He is that important to us, so I don’t think it’s unreasonable to suggest that without him we wilds struggle to replace his influence on the team.
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I hope not. I think having to deal with the grind of Thursday nights playing in Ruritania will impact our chances of pushing on in the league. We need another year of Emery to have the squad to cope with it.
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I hope not. I think having to deal with the grind of Thursday nights playing in Ruritania will impact our chances of pushing on in the league. We need another year of Emery to have the squad to cope with it.
i disagree.
I will never forgive, or forget, MON's euro campaign surrender.
It is a compeition we could win- we should treat it accordingly
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Top 6 won't happen. 7th could, which could be Conference if a top 6 side wins the FA Cup.
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What's the lowest final league position you might still get a European place this season?
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What's the lowest final league position you might still get a European place this season?
7th I believe. 5th and 6th are Europa. 7th is Conference. That can be fucked though by someone outside of those top league spots winning the FA Cup.
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7th I believe. 1-4 CL, 5th EL, FAC winner EL, LC winner Conference. If sides at the top win the 2 domestic cups then 6th and 7th get spots. I think.
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It feels like a long shot but this thread is better than the relegation watch one by some distance!
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Top 6 won't happen. 7th could, which could be Conference if a top 6 side wins the FA Cup.
Come on the Manchesters!
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There is a chance 7th place could give Europa conference league opportunities. Permutations must ensue.
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It would be great to get that 7th place but I wouldn't be too downhearted if we didn't. Not sure we're quite ready for the extra games but it would be interesting.
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Will be a situation where its Thursday Sunday football.
Talk about going next level but that would be firstly against less illustrious names and lowly teams around Europe till the later stages.
Europa Conference League.
The competition is primarily contested by teams from lower-ranked UEFA member associations.
No teams qualify directly to the group stage, with 10 teams eliminated in the Europa League play-offs and the rest coming from the Europa Conference League qualifiers.
The winners of the competition are awarded a position in the Europa League the following season
(unless they qualify for the Champions League)
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The Europa Conference is the equivalent of the Leland Daf Freight Rover Trophy.
You are discredited just by being in it.
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The Europa Conference is the equivalent of the Leland Daf Freight Rover Trophy.
You are discredited just by being in it.
Yeah, you looks far better by being too shit to qualify for it.
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Didn't Mourinho bawl his eyes out after winning it for Roma last year, saying it was up there with his best achievements (mainly due to it ending two barren decades for Roma)?
I'd happily accept similar. We could finally stop banging-on about our Peace Cup win in 2007 and be able to bully Blosers fully once more.
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We won’t get into Europe this season but if we carry on with this sort of points haul under Emery which I’m certain we will, especially if he manages to get his intended players this summer we will next season for sure.
This season I feel like we have been capped at 11th, it seems as if we’re stuck!
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Top 6 won't happen. 7th could, which could be Conference if a top 6 side wins the FA Cup.
Come on the Manchesters!
No way. Brighton for top six and to win the Cup please (or less likely, but still possible - Fulham). They're two of the few objectionable clubs in the league.
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nothing wrong with having high hopes but that’s all they are
Top half finish for the first time in a decade would be a good season and something achievable
We’re not good enough for a Europe spot yet
our defence is a bottle job, as soon as we take a lead they and other players totally lose their ability to do basic things and their heads start wobbling all over the place, it’s comical if it wasn’t so frustrating
also without Kamara which is a blow
stand ins like Dendonker and Chambers instantly weaken the team as soon as they come on, so I fear we’re not going to make a European push on that basis
hope I’m wrong but let’s face it that’s a very rare thing as everyone knows
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The sou'wester restaurant that opened to serve you suggests otherwise :P
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I actually think the conference league might be a good stepping stone for us. Would have to expand the squad and use some of the younger players out on loan ATM and actually learn to compete on multiple fronts which our manager is an absolute master of. Yes it's probably tiddly teams to start but I'd take European football back at villa park even if it is TNS Airbus or Malta away. Give our players some experience of it and train them for the next step into Europa League when we win the conference.
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The sou'wester restaurant that opened to serve you suggests otherwise :P
😂
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The Europa Conference is the equivalent of the Leland Daf Freight Rover Trophy.
You are discredited just by being in it.
Yeah, you looks far better by being too shit to qualify for it.
It's a trophy to win, its European football, its exprience for perhaps more prestigious competitions and its the chance for us as supporters to back us abroad again for the first time in 13 years. I see no downsides.
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The Europa Conference is the equivalent of the Leland Daf Freight Rover Trophy.
You are discredited just by being in it.
I don't think Roma would agree with that. I think it would be great progress for us to qualify for this.
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What place in the league does the europa conference go down to ?
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If one of the top 4 win the fa cup then it's 7th I think.
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Well, we're on the final countdown to the end of the season so let's see what happens.
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What place in the league does the europa conference go down to ?
My understanding is the Premier League gets 4 places in the Champions League for the top 4 places, then the 5th placed team gets the Europa League. The FA Cup winners get a second Europa League Spot, and the League Cup winners get a place in the Europa Conference.
If both cup winners have qualified for Europe through their league placings, then their place in Europe goes to the next highest ranked teams who haven't qualified, so 6th or 7th, basically.
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"1-4 CL, 5th EL, FAC winner EL, LC winner Conference. If sides at the top win the 2 domestic cups then 6th and 7th get spots."
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Man U have won the League Cup, so assuming they finish top 5 that's one extra place in Europe. If a top 5 club win the FA Cup there's an extra place. If it's somebody like Sheffield United, they'll get the place in Europe, and only the 6th placed team will get a Euro spot.
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Thanks
well I might be enjoying the taste of my old sou’wester then if we manage a 7th position
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Assuming Man Utd finish top 5, then any of the other top 6 winning the FAC means it goes to 7th. The only way it gets complicated is if teams win European competitions and don't automatically qualify for them through league position.
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West Ham are in it this season. They won a 2 legged game Vs Viborg to get into group stage where they've played Anderlecht, Silkeborg and Sporting Bucharest home and away and won all 6. They're now in round of 16 home and away to Larnaca in Cyprus, nice trip there, and if through to last 8 will probably play likes of Villarreal, Nice, Partizan Belgrade, Fiorentina and AZ Alkmaar. I mean to me, what's not to like? Perhaps just their drop in form ? But if we want to get where we want to be that's the game...competitive on 4 fronts. We need to add some players to be able to do that.
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I'd love the Conference League. We're not in a position to turn our noses up at any kind of European football.
Its been too long.
Conference League winners, 2023/24 8)
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Assuming Man Utd finish top 5, then any of the other top 6 winning the FAC means it goes to 7th. The only way it gets complicated is if teams win European competitions and don't automatically qualify for them through league position.
I think that only becomes a problem if say Chelsea won the Champions League AND either Man U or Arsenal won the Europa League and didn't qualify for Europe in any other way. Man U already have, and Arsenal are going to through a league place at least.
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It gets a bit numberwang at times. For example, Man Utd could finish 5th, and end up taking qualifying spots for all 3 competitions. Conference by the LC, Europa by 5th, CL by winning Europa. That's where i'm far too lazy to work out what happens to the lower spots.
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The question is can we finish 7th or higher?
Math say we can.
So can't ruley anything out just yet!
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Knowing our luck we will get 7th, West Ham will win the conference league, get a Europa League spot as reward and then relegate 6th place to conference league at our cost. Still, dare to dream.
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It would be hilarious if we finished ahead of Newcastle. And probably extra satisfying for Emery.
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The Europa Conference is the equivalent of the Leland Daf Freight Rover Trophy.
You are discredited just by being in it.
I'd rather be in that than not in Europe at all. If nothing else, it gives us chance to have players like Archer, Iroegbunam, Ramsay A, etc in the squad because between a few league subs appearances, starting in cups, and games in that they'll get enough matches that it's worth keeping them around. And then they're getting the opportunity to show that they deserve a bit more than that.
Always rather us win cups than not, regardless of how well respected they are.
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I would rather we focus n the domestic cups, more prestige, less disruption.
Whilst I expect we will strengthen we will have no where near to squad to have an impact in Europe and domestically.
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I would rather we focus n the domestic cups, more prestige, less disruption.
Whilst I expect we will strengthen we will have no where near to squad to have an impact in Europe and domestically.
Are we not allowed to do both, though?
Honestly, personally I'd rather we be playing in this Mickey Mouse European Cup thing than not, even if that means playing the U21s in every game (not that I think we should do that - just that playing the U21s is far more preferable than not playing in it).
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If we do get into Europe, the first signing we’ll need is a new stadium announcer. The Palace game yesterday shown that any hint of a forrin name and he struggles.
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I would rather we focus n the domestic cups, more prestige, less disruption.
Whilst I expect we will strengthen we will have no where near to squad to have an impact in Europe and domestically.
I don’t get this. Let’s have a crack at all of them.
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I would rather we focus n the domestic cups, more prestige, less disruption.
Whilst I expect we will strengthen we will have no where near to squad to have an impact in Europe and domestically.
I don’t get this. Let’s have a crack at all of them.
Then the manager needs to manage his squad and this place goes into meltdown when he does and we lose the game which is what is potentially happening currently to West Ham.
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If we end up 7th we'll have had a great end to the season. I do understand people saying it would be a challenge next season dealing with extra games but surely it's better to have a goal, achieve it and deal with the consequences than just pootle along with some vague promise of things improving at some indeterminate point in the future.
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I would rather we focus n the domestic cups, more prestige, less disruption.
Whilst I expect we will strengthen we will have no where near to squad to have an impact in Europe and domestically.
I don’t get this. Let’s have a crack at all of them.
Then the manager needs to manage his squad and this place goes into meltdown when he does and we lose the game which is what is potentially happening currently to West Ham.
I’d say the Hammers woes this season are nothing to do with their European exploits but rather their crap transfer window last summer and that David Moyes is their manager. The southern kit stealing wankers.
And yes we should be entering European competition by whatever means possible. A half recent PL squad should easily
Be getting to the qtr/semi of that competition.
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I would rather we focus n the domestic cups, more prestige, less disruption.
Whilst I expect we will strengthen we will have no where near to squad to have an impact in Europe and domestically.
I don’t get this. Let’s have a crack at all of them.
Then the manager needs to manage his squad and this place goes into meltdown when he does and we lose the game which is what is potentially happening currently to West Ham.
Exactly Chris.
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If we end up 7th we'll have had a great end to the season. I do understand people saying it would be a challenge next season dealing with extra games but surely it's better to have a goal, achieve it and deal with the consequences than just pootle along with some vague promise of things improving at some indeterminate point in the future.
Exactly. It's like saying that winning the lottery would be nice, but then you'd have to hire a load of accountants and financial advisers and all that bollocks, which sounds like a lot of hassle. Best off staying skint, at least you know how to deal with that.
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Being in Europe means more money, which meansbetter FFP criteria and more and better players. Which means improvement.
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Being in Europe means more money, which meansbetter FFP criteria and more and better players. Which means improvement.
and it can mean exhausting the squad, being distracted from the original objective and ending up pretty much where you started.
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I just don’t get anyone saying they wouldn’t want conference European football
I mean i know it would be frustrating playing the likes of Olsen etc which would piss me right off as it does in the domestic cups but I’d still love it
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Being in Europe means more money, which meansbetter FFP criteria and more and better players. Which means improvement.
and it can mean exhausting the squad, being distracted from the original objective and ending up pretty much where you started.
John: Paul and I have written a new one. Have a listen and let us know what you think.
Ringo: You and Paul are going to be knackered staying up all night writing songs. Let's just play Good Golly Miss Molly again. We've got a cushy number here at the Cavern, we don't want to risk it all just for global and permanent adulation. If it all goes wrong we'll be back at the Cavern.
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With a bit of luck we'll never qualify for Europe again so as the squad doesn't get a bit tired. No cup runs either because again, more games = tired ikkle players. European games and cups wins are beneath the likes of Aston Villa.
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With a bit of luck we'll never qualify for Europe again so as the squad doesn't get a bit tired. No cup runs either because again, more games = tired ikkle players. European games and cups wins are beneath the likes of Aston Villa.
Maybe just sit out the league games too until UEFA post us our invitation to play in the Champions League final?
We're probably a bit too much of a big deal to bother playing the matches to qualify for it.
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I just don’t get anyone saying they wouldn’t want conference European football
I mean i know it would be frustrating playing the likes of Olsen etc which would piss me right off as it does in the domestic cups but I’d still love it
Villa Park like, to be fair, most English stadia/grounds come a alive on midweek games under the lights. No idea why - maybe because more old school fans or more varied opponents
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Being in Europe means more money, which meansbetter FFP criteria and more and better players. Which means improvement.
and it can mean exhausting the squad, being distracted from the original objective and ending up pretty much where you started.
What's the original objective?
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Being in Europe means more money, which meansbetter FFP criteria and more and better players. Which means improvement.
and it can mean exhausting the squad, being distracted from the original objective and ending up pretty much where you started.
What's the original objective?
To keep occupied during the winter outside of the cricket season ?
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To finish 9th. Top 10 but no pesky European games.
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Love European games. Playing teams amd players you don't know much about. Some cracking atmospheres at games.
Ajax comes to mind and in fairness, Rapid Vienna made a racket both times.
Too young for our European games in the 80s.
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We must qualify for European football whether Conference or Europa league as soon as possible. We will not grow as a club if we don’t. Aston Villa has to compete in football at highest level and work tirelessly towards achieving that aim.
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Love European games. Playing teams amd players you don't know much about. Some cracking atmospheres at games.
Ajax comes to mind and in fairness, Rapid Vienna made a racket both times.
Too young for our European games in the 80s.
Don't want Rapid Vienna fans here again. Best European fans to come to Villa I reckon were Athletico Bilbao.
Trabzonspor (or was it Besiktas ?) fans made a right noise when they were here.
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If we can get into the conference league thing we should be happy with it. If nothing else it gets our squad accustomed to playing in Europe alongside the league games and all the new challenges that come with that. The extra games make it much easier to offer regular game time to fringe players as well so getting a much better 2nd keeper is doable, having 3rd and 4th strikers that can actually have an impact doesn't create huge problems, etc.
We all want more depth in the squad and more games is the best way to achieve that.
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Being in Europe means more money, which meansbetter FFP criteria and more and better players. Which means improvement.
and it can mean exhausting the squad, being distracted from the original objective and ending up pretty much where you started.
John: Paul and I have written a new one. Have a listen and let us know what you think.
Ringo: You and Paul are going to be knackered staying up all night writing songs. Let's just play Good Golly Miss Molly again. We've got a cushy number here at the Cavern, we don't want to risk it all just for global and permanent adulation. If it all goes wrong we'll be back at the Cavern.
West Ham losing 4-0 a point from the relegation zone and 16th in the Prem table.
They have European games on Thursdays and their Europa Conference league participation has come at a cost to them in the league form consistency this season it seems.
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Being in Europe means more money, which meansbetter FFP criteria and more and better players. Which means improvement.
and it can mean exhausting the squad, being distracted from the original objective and ending up pretty much where you started.
John: Paul and I have written a new one. Have a listen and let us know what you think.
Ringo: You and Paul are going to be knackered staying up all night writing songs. Let's just play Good Golly Miss Molly again. We've got a cushy number here at the Cavern, we don't want to risk it all just for global and permanent adulation. If it all goes wrong we'll be back at the Cavern.
West Ham losing 4-0 a point from the relegation zone and 16th in the Prem table.
They have European games on Thursdays and their Europa Conference league participation has come at a cost to them in the league form consistency this season it seems.
I think that's too simple an excuse for why they're down where they are. West Ham have struggled mostly because they've been utterly reliant on Antonio for the last 3-4 seasons and he hasn't been able to be that player for them this year. Scamacca has failed to step up so they have no focal point and can't get Bowen, Benrahma, etc on the ball in good areas.
Soucek getting found out a bit hasn't helped them either, when he was using his size to burst into the box and add goals it created space but teams have worked out how to handle that now and he's been poor this season. You could see that starting to happen towards the end of last season as well though so again I don't think it's due to the amount of games he's playing.
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Yeah, I am surprised with Soucek, he looked great the season before last. I remember a lot of us casting envious glances at the Wham midfield of him and Rice. Don't know what's happened.
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Being in Europe means more money, which meansbetter FFP criteria and more and better players. Which means improvement.
and it can mean exhausting the squad, being distracted from the original objective and ending up pretty much where you started.
John: Paul and I have written a new one. Have a listen and let us know what you think.
Ringo: You and Paul are going to be knackered staying up all night writing songs. Let's just play Good Golly Miss Molly again. We've got a cushy number here at the Cavern, we don't want to risk it all just for global and permanent adulation. If it all goes wrong we'll be back at the Cavern.
West Ham losing 4-0 a point from the relegation zone and 16th in the Prem table.
They have European games on Thursdays and their Europa Conference league participation has come at a cost to them in the league form consistency this season it seems.
I think that's too simple an excuse for why they're down where they are. West Ham have struggled mostly because they've been utterly reliant on Antonio for the last 3-4 seasons and he hasn't been able to be that player for them this year. Scamacca has failed to step up so they have no focal point and can't get Bowen, Benrahma, etc on the ball in good areas.
Soucek getting found out a bit hasn't helped them either, when he was using his size to burst into the box and add goals it created space but teams have worked out how to handle that now and he's been poor this season. You could see that starting to happen towards the end of last season as well though so again I don't think it's due to the amount of games he's playing.
And they were in Europe last year and did well enough in the league to...qualify for Europe.
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I haven't seen anyone on here saying they don't want European football. Just one or two (me included) who thinks next season might be a a bit too soon.
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I haven't seen anyone on here saying they don't want European football. Just one or two (me included) who thinks next season might be a a bit too soon.
It’s never too soon.
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I for one thought we voted to leave.
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I for one thought we voted to leave.
Exactly, and I look forward to us qualifying for the English Super Cup in the future
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I think it is a bit too soon for Europe given the lack of depth for our squad.
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I think it is a bit too soon for Europe given the lack of depth for our squad.
We’re supposed to be sorting this in the summer.
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I think it is a bit too soon for Europe given the lack of depth for our squad.
We’re supposed to be sorting this in the summer.
If we are to make the Leyland Daf European equivalent then no better a stage to blood the likes of Archer, Iroegbunam, Bidace and other peripheral players into first team football. It might be a hindrance competition but it can be a benefit too. If the squad grows with more quality then some pruning will certainly need to be done.
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I think it is a bit too soon for Europe given the lack of depth for our squad.
We’re supposed to be sorting this in the summer.
Indeed.
I don't get it. Compare the wailing when we bailed out of the cups half-arsedly with the seeming lowering of the ambition bar already re competing in Europe. It sounds like pre-emptively making excuses for mediocrity to me.
It's a loop of failure:
don't strengthen in January = "we'll get the players in the summer" / "we only want the best" / "we'll 'be fine till the end of the season" (whatever 'fine' means)
playing in Europe next year = "we won't have the squad to compete on so many fronts" / "it'll be too soon for us" / "we'll struggle like West Ham did"
It really is always next year / next window with Villa and it has been for years now, with the difference that now the fans are making the excuses rather than the club.
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We can't compete with the Fulhams and Brightons of this world and should just be thankful that we aren't in division 2 anymore. This is, after all, a 10 year plan to consolidate (for ever).
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Indeed.
I don't get it. Compare the wailing when we bailed out of the cups half-arsedly with the seeming lowering of the ambition bar already re competing in Europe. It sounds like pre-emptively making excuses for mediocrity to me.
It's a loop of failure:
don't strengthen in January = "we'll get the players in the summer" / "we only want the best" / "we'll 'be fine till the end of the season" (whatever 'fine' means)
playing in Europe next year = "we won't have the squad to compete on so many fronts" / "it'll be too soon for us" / "we'll struggle like West Ham did"
It really is always next year / next window with Villa and it has been for years now, with the difference that now the fans are making the excuses rather than the club.
Exactly. Let's just paddle about in 11th, anything else is getting ideas above our station.
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Yet there's absolutely nobody saying that at all.
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Football is about the here and now - you have to take the chances when they come, as you never know what might change to prevent the opportunity ever happening again.
Look at Newcastle - basket case for years, but in 12 months they are likely to secure a European spot - West Ham, total opposite, Europe to relegation candidates in a season.
If there is a slim chance you have to go all out to qualify, in the same way we should be aiming to win both domestic cup competitions.
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Football is about the here and now - you have to take the chances when they come, as you never know what might change to prevent the opportunity ever happening again.
Look at Newcastle - basket case for years, but in 12 months they are likely to secure a European spot - West Ham, total opposite, Europe to relegation candidates in a season.
If there is a slim chance you have to go all out to qualify, in the same way we should be aiming to win both domestic cup competitions.
I don't think Newcastle are going to make Europe.
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How can qualifying for European competition ever come "too soon"? I really don't get that.
If we did make it into the Europa Cheerios Wonder League or whatever the fuck they're calling it these days, we'd have a whole summer to strengthen accordingly.
And if you want to attract the sort of players we do, any kind of European participation is a big bonus.
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Football is about the here and now - you have to take the chances when they come, as you never know what might change to prevent the opportunity ever happening again.
Look at Newcastle - basket case for years, but in 12 months they are likely to secure a European spot - West Ham, total opposite, Europe to relegation candidates in a season.
If there is a slim chance you have to go all out to qualify, in the same way we should be aiming to win both domestic cup competitions.Football is about the here and now - you have to take the chances when they come, as you never know what might change to prevent the opportunity ever happening again.
Look at Newcastle - basket case for years, but in 12 months they are likely to secure a European spot - West Ham, total opposite, Europe to relegation candidates in a season.
If there is a slim chance you have to go all out to qualify, in the same way we should be aiming to win both domestic cup competitions.
I don't think Newcastle are going to make Europe.
True, they seem to be following a similar trajectory to what we had in the lockdown season.
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How can qualifying for European competition ever come "too soon"? I really don't get that.
If we did make it into the Europa Cheerios Wonder League or whatever the fuck they're calling it these days, we'd have a whole summer to strengthen accordingly.
And if you want to attract the sort of players we do, any kind of European participation is a big bonus.
And in our context it would be proof of progress and underline the ambitions we're touting to recruit better players
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It's never too soon to be in Europe. If we'd won a domestic cup this season then we'd be in Europe, and it sure as hell isn't too soon to finally win something again. It's not like you suddenly find yourself in Europe with no warning, you have months to prepare your squad for it.
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We've got the right manager for it when we do get into Europe.
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I for one thought we voted to leave.
Exactly, and I look forward to us qualifying for the English Super Cup in the future
With a bye through to the 3rd round of the Farage Mogg Cup.
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I’ve rad all of the above arguments but I’m still not convinced. It’s more than likely a moot point anyway as I can’t see enough clubs faltering for us to be the beneficiaries.
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Brentford v Fulham match would ideally like a draw for our European ambitions.
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I’ve rad all of the above arguments but I’m still not convinced. It’s more than likely a moot point anyway as I can’t see enough clubs faltering for us to be the beneficiaries.
Convince me! Convince me!
Sing me a record
That cries pure and true.
No not those guitars
They're too noisy and crude.
The kind that convinces, refuses to leave
There's no need to turn it up.
If it's pure I'll feel it from here
Let's make this precious, I think we probably will
*
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It's never too soon to be in Europe. If we'd won a domestic cup this season then we'd be in Europe, and it sure as hell isn't too soon to finally win something again. It's not like you suddenly find yourself in Europe with no warning, you have months to prepare your squad for it.
Precisely - it’s completely within your gift as a club to be prepared. If you balls it up then that’s on you, but why on earth wouldn’t you want us to be in Europe?!
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It's never too soon to be in Europe. If we'd won a domestic cup this season then we'd be in Europe, and it sure as hell isn't too soon to finally win something again. It's not like you suddenly find yourself in Europe with no warning, you have months to prepare your squad for it.
Precisely - it’s completely within your gift as a club to be prepared. If you balls it up then that’s on you, but why on earth wouldn’t you want us to be in Europe?!
Well the food is a bit funny. And they sleep during the day too, what's that all about? I quite like the footwash in the bathroom and I don't mind a week in Benidorm, but any longer than that and I'd go mad.
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It's never too soon to be in Europe. If we'd won a domestic cup this season then we'd be in Europe, and it sure as hell isn't too soon to finally win something again. It's not like you suddenly find yourself in Europe with no warning, you have months to prepare your squad for it.
Precisely - it’s completely within your gift as a club to be prepared. If you balls it up then that’s on you, but why on earth wouldn’t you want us to be in Europe?!
Well the food is a bit funny. And they sleep during the day too, what's that all about? I quite like the footwash in the bathroom and I don't mind a week in Benidorm, but any longer than that and I'd go mad.
and BE lives over that foreign way
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It's never too soon to be in Europe. If we'd won a domestic cup this season then we'd be in Europe, and it sure as hell isn't too soon to finally win something again. It's not like you suddenly find yourself in Europe with no warning, you have months to prepare your squad for it.
Precisely - it’s completely within your gift as a club to be prepared. If you balls it up then that’s on you, but why on earth wouldn’t you want us to be in Europe?!
Well the food is a bit funny. And they sleep during the day too, what's that all about? I quite like the footwash in the bathroom and I don't mind a week in Benidorm, but any longer than that and I'd go mad.
The food is muck, they're all cruel to animals, the drains stink and they have absolutely no idea how to make a cup of tea.
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They fry fish in the morning and smoke cigarettes at the same time. You come downstairs to the foulest smell!
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Oh and we play Olympiacos in the Next Gen tournament and they brought about 200 travelling fans!
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We're in a 6 horse race (Newcastle down to us) with the joint least points and the worst goal difference but top 2 spots get european competition and our form in last 6 games is 4th out of the 6 ahead of Chelsea and Newcastle but behind Brentford, Brighton and Fulham. For gods sake, surely we can beat Brentford, Brighton and Fulham.
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Would need better squad depth but I am reminded of Manic Street Preachers best of album, Forever Delayed in how it always seems to be the next window or the next season or the project needs more time. We are a big club and need to be acting like one to really show who we are and where we want to be. If not, assertions of wanting to play in Europe come across as delusional when we don't go all out to get into a position to be playing regularly in Europe. I maintain that we are having to play recovery after the squandered O Neill years and there has been brief flourishes over the last 10 years that have quickly died off. With this manager and ownership we have our best chance in over a decade to push up the table, push into Europe and go all out for the cups.
However, the 'too soon' argument for pushing this year could be over cautious. Get into Europe we would have to strengthen and the transfer window looks a lot more promising than if we do not qualify. I am not saying we will get into a position to get into Europe this year but we should finish in the top half. We then need to get our transfer targets and make an all out effort in all contests. Dont qualify, or we are satisfied with safety, it could harm getting in the key players we need to strengthen and also turn the heads of those we want to retain.
There should also be no question of prioritising the league at the cost of cups. We should not even be entertaining the idea of January window is our window. It cant be forever delayed as we have the resources to be regularly knocking at the door of the top teams, not allowing Newcastle and their blood money to rise to the top or being overtaken by Fulham or Brighton and Brentford. Go out, get good cup runs, try and get some silverware and stop being content with survival.
Put bluntly its time to put our money where our mouth is and get back into regular European football. If there is a slim chance this year, lets go for it! Not saying we will win the Champions League but we have talked a good talk about where we want to be as a club, now it is time to aim high.
I was called out in the pre match for Wet Spam for being negative and rightly so. Years of just surviving or feeling the wheels will come off needs to stop. And it will piss everyone else off on the way as well!
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Would need better squad depth but I am reminded of Manic Street Preachers best of album, Forever Delayed in how it always seems to be the next window or the next season or the project needs more time.
Definitely feels like we should be progressing a bit Faster.
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Oh God! Im sorry if I have started a punfest!
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It needs a big clear out in the summer, everything must go.
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Under neon loneliness
Emilano Martinez
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We can start the clearout with any Manic Street Preacher fans
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It needs a big clear out in the summer, everything must go.
Yup, get rid of all the dead wood. Slash and burn.
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We can start the clearout with any Manic Street Preacher fans
Hear hear. Sadly, we'll have to say goodbye to Richard E, but much as I like him, the greater good is more important.
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*In voice of the Colonel from Monty Python*
Stop! Stop these puns. You're being silly!
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I saw one of the under-23s training on his own after the groundsman had dug up the training pitch. No Surface, All Feeney.
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We have to stop the puns. If you tolerate this, then your children will be next!
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Manic Street Preachers puns. This site really has hit rock bottom!
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Manic Street Preachers puns. This site really has hit rock bottom!
Risso, So Why, So Sad?
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I heard Emery has instructed Lange to scour Europe for the brightest young talent money can buy. A case of Show Me the Wonder-kid.
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We can start the clearout with any Manic Street Preacher fans
Hear hear. Sadly, we'll have to say goodbye to Richard E, but much as I like him, the greater good is more important.
Can you Repeat that please?
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I agree that these Manics puns are getting a bit too much.
Speaking of Europe, I see one of our former strikers is doing well with his innovative new horticultural venture back in Sweden. Allback Flowers that Grow in the Sky.
Edit: I'm waiting for Eamonn to see this before I receive the love this post so richly deserves.
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I was hoping this thread would stay beautiful but it’s just turned into a tsunami of puns.
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If we do qualify for Europe we’ll need to buy in the summertime.
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Pre season tour to Australia?
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I for one thought we voted to leave.
Exactly, and I look forward to us qualifying for the English Super Cup in the future
With a bye through to the 3rd round of the Farage Mogg Cup.
Better known as the Littlewoods Cup.
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We can start the clearout with any Manic Street Preacher fans
You Love Us really
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I for one thought we voted to leave.
Exactly, and I look forward to us qualifying for the English Super Cup in the future
With a bye through to the 3rd round of the Farage Mogg Cup.
Better known as the Littlewoods Cup.
Nah, I’m stumped on this one. It must be a really obscure bonus track or B side if even I haven’t heard of it.
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I for one thought we voted to leave.
Exactly, and I look forward to us qualifying for the English Super Cup in the future
With a bye through to the 3rd round of the Farage Mogg Cup.
Better known as the Littlewoods Cup.
Nah, I’m stumped on this one. It must be a really obscure bonus track or B side if even I haven’t heard of it.
Little(woods) Baby Nothing
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I've been keeping my eye on Rachel Corsie in our women's team. She's cited McGrath as an inspiration. The Girl Who Wanted to be God. Ambitious indeed.
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Edit: I'm waiting for Eamonn to see this before I receive the love this post so richly deserves.
It was good, but my main take is a raised eyebrow at the reliance on '96-era Manics in your puns, betraying a possible lack of appreciation of the musical richness both before and after the chart successes.
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Edit: I'm waiting for Eamonn to see this before I receive the love this post so richly deserves.
It was good, but my main take is a raised eyebrow at the reliance on '96-era Manics in your puns, betraying a possible lack of appreciation of the musical richness both before and after the chart successes.
Ah now, I did a Motorcycle Emptiness one. And this thread has made me start listening to Everything Must Go, hence the seeming focus on those songs.
I don't really mind the Manics, but they've never been a favourite of mine. I like this album and the Holy Bible though.
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Generation Terrorists is for latecomers. I’ve still got my original cd single of Motown Junk #betterfanthanyow
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Edit: I'm waiting for Eamonn to see this before I receive the love this post so richly deserves.
It was good, but my main take is a raised eyebrow at the reliance on '96-era Manics in your puns, betraying a possible lack of appreciation of the musical richness both before and after the chart successes.
Ah now, I did a Motorcycle Emptiness one. And this thread has made me start listening to Everything Must Go, hence the seeming focus on those songs.
I don't really mind the Manics, but they've never been a favourite of mine. I like this album and the Holy Bible though.
I've just Wiki-ed it, and I managed to not bother listening to any of the seven albums between 2004 and 2018 - but their last album The Ultra Vivid Lament is really, really good. And well worth 45 minutes.
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Journal for Plague Lovers is the best post-Richey album, sort of Holy Bible II
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Excellent, I was hoping you might tell me which of the seven I should dip into.
Although I lied, I think I did listen to Send Away The Tigers once and didn't bother going back afterwards.
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I went with my mate (who loved them) to see them at Brum Uni in Feb 1992. I've disliked them ever since, a right bunch of old wank.
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I went with my mate (who loved them) to see them at Brum Uni in Feb 1992. I've disliked them ever since, a right bunch of old wank.
I didn't like them at the time, but in retrospect I admire their attitude in the early days. There was lots of really bland, boring music around in Britain at the time and they came along with an agenda to fuck things up. That their ambition outweighed their abilities at the time is endearing to me now.
I got into Suede at that point for similar reasons, the exception being that they had one of the best musicians of his generation on board so they, y'know, sounded better.
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Excellent, I was hoping you might tell me which of the seven I should dip into.
Although I lied, I think I did listen to Send Away The Tigers once and didn't bother going back afterwards.
Autumnsong is a great tune.
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Journal for Plague Lovers is the best post-Richey album, sort of Holy Bible II
I think they used his lyrics for that album and yes, it's very good.
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I don’t wanna hear your puns. Why don’t you just...........
Back to Europe eh folks? I’m in enough bother as it is!
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I agree that these Manics puns are getting a bit too much.
Speaking of Europe, I see one of our former strikers is doing well with his innovative new horticultural venture back in Sweden. Allback Flowers that Grow in the Sky.
Edit: I'm waiting for Eamonn to see this before I receive the love this post so richly deserves.
The Martínez, Feeny and Allback efforts were all glorious.
As for Villa's future direction, I wish we had our leader and founder Mr McGregor's thoughts on what we should do. Sadly, William's Last Words were not recorded for posterity.
Still, we are in decent shape compared to five years ago. Apparently in Xia's final days of owning and almost killing our club, the "doctor's" lines of credit had been exhausted at each of Natwest-Barclays-Midland-Lloyds.
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Some Manics based trivia - until recently the drummer lived round the corner from me, in Bristol.
Given their very clear identity/affinity with Wales and being Welsh, I always thought that was a bit ironic that he lived this side of the bridge.
A mate of mine lived next door to him and said he was "a decent fella".
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Sean Moore - less skilful than the Moore brothers but a stronger work ethic which has served him well.
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Sean Moore - less skilful than the Moore brothers but a stronger work ethic which has served him well.
That's the one. ;)
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Baby Emi an senior Emi would love to play in Europe no doubt.
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Journal for Plague Lovers is the best post-Richey album, sort of Holy Bible II
I think they used his lyrics for that album and yes, it's very good.
Lifeblood is very underrated, by the band themselves too.
Okay, let's get back to Europa Geht Durch Mich.
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In his pre match Conference for the West Ham match Emery has said qualifying for Europe isn't the priority and he said: "The most important thing is to build a team, a family and a winning mentality."
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Not surprising really. It wouldn't be a priority this season given how we started.
It should be a priority next season if we don't make it this season.
Unai 8)
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The winner of the Europa Coference plays in the Europa League the following season.
The winner of the Europa League qualifies for the Champions League the following season.
We are five points off 7th place.
That is all...
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In his pre match Conference for the West Ham match Emery has said qualifying for Europe isn't the priority and he said: "The most important thing is to build a team, a family and a winning mentality."
Does he want more babies?
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In his pre match Conference for the West Ham match Emery has said qualifying for Europe isn't the priority and he said: "The most important thing is to build a team, a family and a winning mentality."
Big time. Get those things right and Europe will come.
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1 in a 1000 chance of Champions League, you say?
(https://i.ibb.co/cvMWjv0/Fr-F2-Kf8-Xw-AE5-JT.jpg) (https://ibb.co/cvMWjv0)
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1 in a 1000 chance of Champions League, you say?
(https://i.ibb.co/cvMWjv0/Fr-F2-Kf8-Xw-AE5-JT.jpg) (https://ibb.co/cvMWjv0)
I might be failing to follow the proper line, but doesn't that actually say 1 in 1000 chance of finishing 5th?
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1 in a 1000 chance of Champions League, you say?
(https://i.ibb.co/cvMWjv0/Fr-F2-Kf8-Xw-AE5-JT.jpg) (https://ibb.co/cvMWjv0)
I might be failing to follow the proper line, but doesn't that actually say 1 in 1000 chance of finishing 5th?
You're quite right. More Monday coffee needed.
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So outside of the top 3, us finishing 11th is the most nailed on result!
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I said after the Arsenal game, before our run of four very winnable games, that we'd probably need 9 points from those games to keep the European dream alive. 7 would be acceptable, but less than that and it's probably gone.
We've got 7 from the first three of those games, so a win against Bournemouth and it's 10 from 12 and definitely game on. Big games agains Brentford, Fulham and Chelsea next month. And I'd fancy us on the last day at home to Brighton if beating them could sneak us above them and into 7th.
It's going to be tough though, you have to imagine Chelsea are going to go on a run at some point and string a few wins together, and Brentford and Brighton are both maintaining good form even if they're not stringing long winning runs together.
My head says 8th is the absolute best we can do, but my heart says we can still sneak 7th and the last European place a with a bit of luck...
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Is there a scenario where the European places would go down to 9th? Maybe if Manchester United won the Europa League and finished outside the top 4 and Brighton won the FA Cup and finished between 5th and 8th. I can't quite remember how it works.
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Is there a scenario where the European places would go down to 9th? Maybe if Manchester United won the Europa League and finished outside the top 4 and Brighton won the FA Cup and finished between 5th and 8th. I can't quite remember how it works.
No, the lowest league position where your can possibly qualify via the league is 8th, and then only if another English team wins the Champions League or Europa League *and* finishes 5th-7th, *and* the FA Cup and League Cup are both won by teams in that top 7
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Is there a scenario where the European places would go down to 9th? Maybe if Manchester United won the Europa League and finished outside the top 4 and Brighton won the FA Cup and finished between 5th and 8th. I can't quite remember how it works.
No, the lowest league position where your can possibly qualify via the league is 8th, and then only if another English team wins the Champions League or Europa League *and* finishes 5th-7th, *and* the FA Cup and League Cup are both won by teams in that top 7
I think that's right. England gets a maximum of 5 Champions League places (so top 4 and the team finishing outside the top 4 if they win the Europa League), two Europa League and 1 Conference place.
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Is there a scenario where the European places would go down to 9th? Maybe if Manchester United won the Europa League and finished outside the top 4 and Brighton won the FA Cup and finished between 5th and 8th. I can't quite remember how it works.
No, the lowest league position where your can possibly qualify via the league is 8th, and then only if another English team wins the Champions League or Europa League *and* finishes 5th-7th, *and* the FA Cup and League Cup are both won by teams in that top 7
I think that's right. England gets a maximum of 5 Champions League places (so top 4 and the team finishing outside the top 4 if they win the Europa League), two Europa League and 1 Conference place.
Well, I'd gone off what it said on the Premier League website. Thinking about it since, there is one (highly specific, undocumented, and quite unlikely) way that you might get down to 9th.
If you had a situation where:
- The FA Cup & League cup are both won by teams in the top 6 and
- The team who wins the UEFA Cup or the Champions League finishes 5th-7th (i.e. doesn't qualify for the CL via the league) and
- The team who finishes 8th also wins the UEFA Conference League thing and doesn't win the FA Cup (i.e. doesn't qualify for either the Champions League or UEFA Cup via the league)
Then possibly the team who finishes 9th might qualify for the UEFA Conference League. It's not documented anywhere I can find out what happens in that specific scenario, but if the same rules are applied to the UEFA Conference as are to the Europa League then in that very specific situation, the Conference place would go down to 9th.
It wouldn't if the Conference League winners finished anywhere other than 8th* in that scenario, and there's no advantage to English clubs winning the Europa League and the Champions League because, as Risso said, it's limited to a maximum of 5 places so that'd just mean the side who ended up 4th would play in the Europa League.
* slight really odd clause - it is possible for them to finish 7th provided that the team who finishes 8th is the one that wins the UEFA Cup or Champions League. Basically, they have to qualify for the Conference League via the League (or League Cup) *and* win the Conference League in the same season. It's no good them qualifying for the Europa League or Champions League - the extra place would disappear. Likewise with the extra Champions League place - it's only available if the side doesn't qualify for the Champions League already.
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Impeccable research, algy. Hope we get 9th just for your brain.
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Do words float around you Algy, like Sherlock?
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Huge round of applause to algy there. I'd have got to the first paragraph of the Premier League rulebook and probably got distracted by Twitter or something.
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Our chances of getting into Europe this season are remote.
However, keep our best players and add two or three more quality players and next season looks very promising.
During the summer, the big boys will be flying around Brighton, Fulham and Brentford and will skin them to the bone.
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Do words float around you Algy, like Sherlock?
Hehe, well I had a bit of a quiet morning & that’s rarely a good thing for my rather overactive imagination :p
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Do words float around you Algy, like Sherlock?
Ha!Ha! Brilliant ;D
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Alright lads 8)
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All the teams above us, we still have to play. Dream for it but I don't expect it to happen this season.
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Chelsea choked and only managed a point. We're still 11th but it's all getting very congested just above us. Liverpool and Brighton with games in hand but only 4 points above us.
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It’s on, but I think we’ll just fall short this season. Next season though it’s on.
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It’s on, but I think we’ll just fall short this season. Next season though it’s on.
Next season the frickin' title is on !
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It’s on, but I think we’ll just fall short this season. Next season though it’s on.
Next season the frickin' title is on !
Well stranger things have happened. (Leicester).
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While we very likely won’t win the league I am pretty sure we will spend the vast majority of the season in and around the top 6-8 positions and as Newcastle are showing, even the top 4. Others will improv of course but Chelsea are showing a set of individuals doesn’t just make it all work. Tactics and chemistry are massive.
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Makes the lesta game even more frustrating.
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Makes the lesta game even more frustrating.
Yes but we have grown as a group because of it. He didn’t change the philosophy that contributed to those goals. Just improved on what we were learning to do. Stevenage, Leicester, late on vs Arsenal are all moments we will use as stepping stones and coaching moments on our journey.
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Makes the lesta game even more frustrating.
Yes but we have grown as a group because of it. He didn’t change the philosophy that contributed to those goals. Just improved on what we were learning to do. Stevenage, Leicester, late on vs Arsenal are all moments we will use as stepping stones and coaching moments on our journey.
I agree, as horrible as it was I think the Leicester game in particular was an important lesson. What was frustrating is that the next 2 were the last teams you'd want to play after a performance like that, which led to us losing a bit of ground before we could get back on track.
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Going forward, Spuds are in turmoil, Liverpool in transition and Chelski in Harlem Globetrotter mode. Brentford, Fulham and Brighton will be 'skinned to the bone' in next transfer window.
2023 -2024 season will see the 'Changing of the Guard' and the co called 'Big 6' dissipate. Villa and Newcastle in particular are best placed to rattle that cage.
Will not be surprised if we don't make Europe this year but will be disappointed if we don't succeed next season.
In Unai we trust. Happy days :)
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I think we shouldn't get carried away, we're in the bottom half still? The top 6 will end up being the usual teams. I do believe a top half finish could be achieved . What places do you get conference league? Could be some fantastic away occasions in that competition.
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I think we shouldn't get carried away, we're in the bottom half still? The top 6 will end up being the usual teams. I do believe a top half finish could be achieved . What places do you get conference league? Could be some fantastic away occasions in that competition.
Certainly places you have never heard of.
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At our current rate of points per game, we'd finish on 58. Looking at the past few years that would equate to:
6th
11th
8th
7th
7th
8th
9th
8th
8th
8th
Enough for Europe on 3 ocassions, assuming a Champions League quakifier picks up the FA Cup.
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We've now got 38 points. No club with that number has been relegated in the last 5 seasons.
Unai's achieved the first part of the job.
A European spot?
In the last 5 seasons 54, 57, 59, 62, 56 has been good enough.
Reckon our remaining fixtures fall into 3 "groups" - in no particular order:
Top 4 contenders
Chelsea A
Spurs H
ManU A
Newcastle H
Liverpool A
Mid- table
Brentford A
Fulham H
Brighton H
Relegation battlers
Forest H
Wolves A
Can we get 20+ points from the 12 remaining games? avsil
We've averaged 1.857 per game so far under Unai.
11 x 1.857 = 20.5
I think we'll come up short. But if we were to qualify, then playing Thursday - Sunday - Thursday with such a small squad to me would be a big worry - look at West Ham this season.
Anybody in favour of continued progression and winning the Holy Grail in May 2024?
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If Chelsea are top 4 contenders then so are we.
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Good point Ads.
See how the "Greedy6" have brainwashed us into thinking they're permanently entitled to a European spot.
You can orobably add Spuds to that category, given Conte's post match meltdown yesterday.
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I agree though I think we'll probably just fall short. But then Liverpool away as the penultimate game, maybe they've got nothing to play for and an unexpected result crops up.
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If we get to 50 points from where we were under Gerrard and with the thin squad we’ve got then that would be some achievement by Emery.
Our home form is showing signs of picking up so who knows where we can finish but realistically 9th/10th.
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You missed our game against Leicester.
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You missed our game against Leicester.
Well, we've won our last two home games now which is what I presume he means.
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You missed our game against Leicester.
Well, we've won our last two home games now which is what I presume he means.
Just noticed that, thanks for spotting the omission.
Must pay more attention to checking before I hit the "Post" button.
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Europe was Further Away before yesterday’s win.
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I also think it's still unlikely but it's nice to be thinking about it and I have spent the morning looking at the run ins of our "mini league" rivals. In summary, Brentford and Chelsea have the toughest run ins on paper, Fulham the easiest. We have to play all four so really in our hands to take the chance.
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The other team in our "mini league" is Brighton of course.
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They have games in hand but still have to play Citeh and Arsenal
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You missed our game against Leicester.
Well, we've won our last two home games now which is what I presume he means.
I meant the fixture we're playing in 2-3 weeks.
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If by some miracle we found ourselves in Europe it would undoubtedly put a strain on our squad even with new additions. But if we have aspirations of champions league football then it's something we will have to deal with.
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If we get to 50 points from where we were under Gerrard and with the thin squad we’ve got then that would be some achievement by Emery.
Our home form is showing signs of picking up so who knows where we can finish but realistically 9th/10th.
Indeed it will, but the first half of the season included 11 games under Gerrard and we’d got 25 points at that stage, so 25 points from the second half should be within our grasp.
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From here, only getting 50 would be a disappointment. Would be only just above a point a game.
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I like the idea of a healthy Kamara, Coutinho and Carlos for the last 7-9 games of the season. Won’t be many clubs that can hope for players of that calibre to join the ranks for the final push.
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I like the idea of a healthy Kamara, Coutinho and Carlos for the last 7-9 games of the season. Won’t be many clubs that can hope for players of that calibre to join the ranks for the final push.
Especially with Mitrovic and Toney hopefully both getting lengthy bans.
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From here, only getting 50 would be a disappointment. Would be only just above a point a game.
Agreed, with 11 games I don't think it's unreasonable to target 5 wins and 2 draws which take us to 55. Our run-in looks fairly tough atm though.
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It would be brilliant if we could just sneak a place in Europe.
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I like the idea of a healthy Kamara, Coutinho and Carlos for the last 7-9 games of the season. Won’t be many clubs that can hope for players of that calibre to join the ranks for the final push.
Especially with Mitrovic and Toney hopefully both getting lengthy bans.
That will help for sure. Brighton look solid though and even with a cup semi they will remain solid to the end. Along with our other games, we will absolutely need to beat them at Villa Park to stand any chance of getting past them.
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It would be brilliant if we could just sneak a place in Europe.
It is gonna happen.
Look at the table since Unai came in.
We're 3rd.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FrhliusX0AMMJqn?format=jpg&name=small)
We've averaged just under 2 pts per game. If we carry on with that form until the end of the season that's 24 pts and takes us to 62 pts. That is enough to finish 7th in every one of the last 8 seasons.
We've got a good chance lads.
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Will another place in the league for Europe open up if Brighton win the FA Cup and finish 7?
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Will another place in the league for Europe open up if Brighton win the FA Cup and finish 7?
No. I think any hopes of eighth place being good enough for Europe rely on manyoo suddenly being shit enough to just slide out of the top four yet simultaneously retaining enough form to win the Europa League. And if Sheffield United win The Cup, seventh is likely to not be good enough.
I think.
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At our current rate of points per game, we'd finish on 58. Looking at the past few years that would equate to:
6th
11th
8th
7th
7th
8th
9th
8th
8th
8th
Enough for Europe on 3 ocassions, assuming a Champions League quakifier picks up the FA Cup.
Hmm, I wonder which unlucky team team were the outlier in that list finishing outside the top ten with that tally?
And basically were now that team with Grealish under Emery, and were that team without Grealish under Gerrard.
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I always felt Fulham and Brentford would fall away. To be fair to them they've continued to do well, but I think Fulham have now run their race.
But our run in is really tricky and I think we're punching above our weight too at the moment. We're also on a knife edge in terms of squad depth and an injury to Watkins ends our season. Although I was hopeful of a push up to 8th, I think Chelsea will pull away and of the rest only Brentford are a realistic target. We'll be battling with them for 9th.
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The next round of fixtures will be fairly pivotal. We're away at Chelsea and Brighton are at home to Brentford. A win for us, and a draw between the others would see us clear in 10th (potentially 9th if Fulham don't beat Bournemouth). We'd then be two points behind both Brighton and Brentford and right in the mix, with Brentford still to play. Lose, and I think we'd be looking at 10th or 11th at best for the rest of the season.
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It would be brilliant if we could just sneak a place in Europe.
It is gonna happen.
Look at the table since Unai came in.
We're 3rd.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FrhliusX0AMMJqn?format=jpg&name=small)
We've averaged just under 2 pts per game. If we carry on with that form until the end of the season that's 24 pts and takes us to 62 pts. That is enough to finish 7th in every one of the last 8 seasons.
We've got a good chance lads.
I assume that table is from transfermarkt (it looks like it) which is based on rounds not dates so the number of games played is a bit off. For example it doesn't include the rearranged fixtures from round 7 (the weekend after the queen died) that have been played, they include a draw for Man Utd and wins for Brentford and Liverpool which moves Man U level with us and Brentford and Liverpool ahead.
I doesn't really make much difference to your overall point but it does stop us having played more games than almost everyone on there.
Oh and I agree with Risso, the next round of games will play a big part in how things play out, if we can get a win it'll be a huge result for us.
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I've said this in previous seasons and it hasn't turned out to be the case but what the hell let's go for it again. This villa squad are the great white shark of the premier league. Spent a lot of time in the murky depths before powering upwards with great force to seize the prize from the unsuspecting fat tourists above. There will be little warning before a 5 game winning run at the end of the season sweeps all before us like prawns wriggling around trying to swim for their lives. All home games the team should now run out to Jaws soundtrack.
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Just realized our last game of the season is home vs Brighton. If we do our job up to that game that could be the Europa League decider. What a game that would be. Packed Villa Park in May.
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I've said this in previous seasons and it hasn't turned out to be the case but what the hell let's go for it again. This villa squad are the great white shark of the premier league. Spent a lot of time in the murky depths before powering upwards with great force to seize the prize from the unsuspecting fat tourists above. There will be little warning before a 5 game winning run at the end of the season sweeps all before us like prawns wriggling around trying to swim for their lives. All home games the team should now run out to Jaws soundtrack.
If it didn't work when we had Bruce....
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Just realized our last game of the season is home vs Brighton. If we do our job up to that game that could be the Europa League decider. What a game that would be. Packed Villa Park in May.
Hopefully Brighton will be in the Cup final and aren't as motivated.
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With nothing better to do I've just been looking at a table predictor putting in all the results between now and the end of the season, and being realistic 8th/9th is looking most likely.
If, however, we say bollocks to that and just assume we're going to win all 11 remaining games then 4th place is still on - Champions League here we come.
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With nothing better to do I've just been looking at a table predictor putting in all the results between now and the end of the season, and being realistic 8th/9th is looking most likely.
If, however, we say bollocks to that and just assume we're going to win all 11 remaining games then 4th place is still on - Champions League here we come.
I had us in 8th doing the same last week.
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Let's go 8)
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We beat Leicester and Forest and we're bang in the race for 4th nevermind 6th-7th looking at the table.
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We beat Leicester and Forest and we're bang in the race for 4th nevermind 6th-7th looking at the table.
Was going to say, whilst it's very much up the "once in a blue moon" end of probability, we are only 9pts off 3rd right now.
Edit: this should in no way be taken as me thinking there's any possibility of that actually happening, more a comment that the whole of the table up to 3rd is pretty tight...
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Great set of results today. It's on.
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We beat Leicester and Forest and we're bang in the race for 4th nevermind 6th-7th looking at the table.
🤫
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Going to renew my passport this week ....
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Leicester is absolutely huge now. Just because they are in the bottom 3 I don't think it will be a given we will win. I expect it to be very hard as they are in the shit now and are at home.
I'd take a 1-0 Barkleyesque game.
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Of the teams chasing Europe in 6th-11th positions, very few have our momentum at the minute.
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Our anthem for the rest of the season.
8)
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We still have to play the three teams between us and 6th place.
We also have to play Newcastle and Tottenham.
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We beat Leicester and Forest and we're bang in the race for 4th nevermind 6th-7th looking at the table.
🤫
I can't make out what this fella means?
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I think he means, don't jinx it. Keep such wild thoughts under one's hat.
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I've said this in previous seasons and it hasn't turned out to be the case but what the hell let's go for it again. This villa squad are the great white shark of the premier league. Spent a lot of time in the murky depths before powering upwards with great force to seize the prize from the unsuspecting fat tourists above. There will be little warning before a 5 game winning run at the end of the season sweeps all before us like prawns wriggling around trying to swim for their lives. All home games the team should now run out to Jaws soundtrack.
If it didn't work when we had Bruce....
Can't you hear it?
Duh duh duh duh
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We still have to play the three teams between us and 6th place.
We also have to play Newcastle and Tottenham.
If we can take 11+ points from those (i.e. avoid any defeats and get 3 wins) then we'll be favourites for 6th, in my opinion.
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It feels to me like the third or fourth game of the 10 game Championship run…chuffed to bits just now, you want it to continue, it (Europe this time/playoffs then) seems tantalisingly close…but it’s hard to be like non-Villa fans and not fear the worst.
😁😁
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It feels to me like the third or fourth game of the 10 game Championship run…chuffed to bits just now, you want it to continue, it (Europe this time/playoffs then) seems tantalisingly close…but it’s hard to be like non-Villa fans and not fear the worst.
😁😁
I agree, the momentum is with us and it doesn't feel like it's going to fall apart any time soon. The whole squad just seem confident and comfortable with what they're being asked to do, which means we're always going to be a threat.
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This feels a lot like our promotion season now.
From late Feb/early March we've found a really solid formula back to front.
All defenders in form and prolific striker, yep that's a decent combination whatever the league.
I said pre kick off beat Leicester and Forest and we'd be right up there. We'll be top 6 if we do that I think so challenge is there and we're good enough to do it currently.
60 points should be the target now and if we can achieve that before final day and Brighton at home then things will become very exciting.
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I agree but it feels wrong to not mention the midfield which is, for me, in the top 3 in the country right now and means we have so much control in where teams play.
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I agree but it feels wrong to not mention the midfield which is, for me, in the top 3 in the country right now and means we have so much control in where teams play.
McGinn is now exceeding the standards he was setting for most of 2019. It's great to see given how critical I've been of him for last 18 months.
Kamara is already a top 6 player comfortably (probably top 4) so we need to be hitting that range soon to keep him sweet.
Emery is perfect manager for Luiz at this stage of his career.
It's working very well. I presume Kamara was just taken off due to fatigue and being on a yellow rather than any reoccurrence of injury as we need him fit for the run in.
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Europe isn’t a pipe dream.
In our run in we don’t have to play Citeh or Arsenal.
ManU and Liverpool are the only true tough games.
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Kamara needs to get some consistency going again. Whether it was the after effect of the injury I don’t know, but he was rubbish first half and looked to be on the way to another performance like Leicester.
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Seemed to struggle with the pace of the game in the first half, didn’t look like he was quite ready but Emery didn’t waste any time changing things around.
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Europe isn’t a pipe dream.
In our run in we don’t have to play Citeh or Arsenal.
ManU and Liverpool are the only true tough games.
I think it is. There are too many teams to overcome and we need perfection in remaining 10 and we need all of them to drop points. One is possible 3 is not.
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Top 7 could be european places. We’ve got to play brighton and brentford too. Won’t be easy, but game on.
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I looked at the run ins for us, Chelsea, Brighton, Brentford and Fulham after the last match. Fulham's is the easiest on paper but they are in a bit of a slump. Chelsea seem to be most obviously in a false position but their run in includes 7/10 games against teams currently above them. I keep expecting them to click into gear but maybe it won't happen this season. Brentford also have a marginally touger run in than us on paper, are only two points ahead of us and we still have to play them so overhauling them over a 10 game period doesn't seem too far fetched. The Toney situation is odd but it wouldn't surprise me if he isn't banned this season at all. Brighton have two games in hand on us but still have to play Arsenal and Citeh, which we don't. Again, we still have to play them and the gap is two points so it's not an insurmountable obstacle. I agree we need close to perfection on the run in ourselves and that starts with winning the next two which represent two of our easiest games on paper.
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This is very much in our hands now. We play all of the teams directly in our path to a top 6 place. Nobody will look forward to facing us, home or away.
04/15 Newcastle (H)
04/22 Brentford (A)
04/25 Fulham (H)
05/13 Tottenham (H)
05/20 Liverpool (A)
05/28 Brighton (H)
But in order to really influence our chances we need to first beat Leicester and Forest. Do that and it’s really on.
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If European football does happen because of our improvement, I think Emery is proving that players are now becoming comfortable with slotting into the systems and style we play. There's plenty of evidence of that now.
Which bodes well for the extra games Europa footy might bring.
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Teams above us have games in hand. If we want 7th place, we absolutely have to take 6 points from the next 2 games. It's nice to have some excitement back.
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Top 6 finish around 16-18/1.... i have dabbled.
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Teams above us have games in hand. If we want 7th place, we absolutely have to take 6 points from the next 2 games. It's nice to have some excitement back.
Worth noting that Newcastle and Brighton are playing each other in one of those spare games.
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My daughter reminded me this morning that the last match of the season our home game against Brighton could be a biggie
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Top 6 finish around 16-18/1.... i have dabbled.
Found any odds for 4th place?
If we win our next 3 games, which include Newcastle, and a few other games go our way, 4th place may not be a pipe dream.
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I've run this week's fixtures through my super computer (ie my frazzled brain) and these are the results:
Villa - beat Leicester, beat Forest, West Midlands 2, East Midlands 0. 47 points
Newcastle - draw with West Ham, draw with Brentford. 49 points
Brighton - draw with Bournemouth, draw with Spurs. 45 points
Brentford - draw with Man U, draw with Newcastle. 45 points
Liverpool - draw with Chelsea, lose to Arsenal. 43 points
We therefore go into the following week in 6th place, 2 points behind Newcastle in 5th. When we then beat them, it's up to 5th we go. Simple, and Spurs and Man U start to feel us breathing down their necks.
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I think you all must be on shrooms if you think we are making top 4 this season
I’d take seventh position and that European conference thing right now
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Top 6 finish around 16-18/1.... i have dabbled.
.
Me too. 🤞
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I think you all must be on shrooms if you think we are making top 4 this season
I’d take seventh position and that European conference thing right now
For now I'm just glad we've finally managed to get out of eleventh! It's been maddening.
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Look, all it takes is the greatest winning streak in the club's history to finish fourth, I don't see why so many are so pessimistic.
Seriously though, I'd take top half and beating Newcastle at VP. Conference, Europa, it'd be nice to be back in Europe but it could be a potential slip-up - got to keep focused on getting back in the big time.
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Out of 11th via the ceiling. Some achievement when you sit down and consider we've had to work through that gap in points. These are some in form sides we're making serious ground on.
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Part of the reason last season felt so flat towards the end was Newcastle eclipsing us. Despite not being able to win a game at all until the second half of the season.
Would be nice if we flipped that this season and finished above them. Esp with Sky et al priming us for 'Everyone's Second Favourite Club/ Those Wonderful Fans' MKII.
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Look, all it takes is the greatest winning streak in the club's history to finish fourth, I don't see why so many are so pessimistic.
Seriously though, I'd take top half and beating Newcastle at VP. Conference, Europa, it'd be nice to be back in Europe but it could be a potential slip-up - got to keep focused on getting back in the big time.
We just seem to have a similar team spirit to Arsenal at the moment. I don't think anybody would argue that their team is as good as Man City's, but they just keeping knocking out win after win. This has a similar feel to when Gregory took over. After a while, you just get into a feeling of every game is going to be won.
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Loved the Gregory win run but do not want it to turn into a similar outcome this time.
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Loved the Gregory win run but do not want it to turn into a similar outcome this time.
Quite right. Emery’s clearly in a different league to Grecian, just saying that the run has a similar feel to it.
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These are the league tables straight after a few of our games this season. It shows both the progress we've made but also how hard it's been closing the points gap on those above us despite our good form
Fulham (may contain upsetting scenes of Gerrard)
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/63238011
Newcastle (may contain upsetting memories of Olsen)
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/63354917
Yesterday
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/65073184
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I always felt this squad should be good enough for top 8. Gerrard massively under performed and obviously Unai is over performing. We’ve got a tough run in, so for me top 8 from where we were when he took over would be an outstanding achievement.
If we can do that (or better) then the knock on benefits going into the summer will be huge.
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(https://i.ibb.co/rGMFY4p/BF70574-D-A536-4-A94-AA7-F-6-FFFF4-D02-E57.jpg) (https://ibb.co/rGMFY4p)
He hasn’t counted out getting into Europe. If we miss out it won’t be for the lack of any kind of effort
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Probably playing Football Manager to wind down the mad bastard.
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Look, all it takes is the greatest winning streak in the club's history to finish fourth, I don't see why so many are so pessimistic.
Seriously though, I'd take top half and beating Newcastle at VP. Conference, Europa, it'd be nice to be back in Europe but it could be a potential slip-up - got to keep focused on getting back in the big time.
I always remember my old politics tutor saying when the Villa juggernaut gets going it's hard to stop. It doesn't happen often but it feels like it's on its way again.
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I always felt this squad should be good enough for top 8. Gerrard massively under performed and obviously Unai is over performing. We’ve got a tough run in, so for me top 8 from where we were when he took over would be an outstanding achievement.
If we can do that (or better) then the knock on benefits going into the summer will be huge.
With Emery, I actually feel like we look much better and put in better performances against the better teams.
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I love the fact that we are being spoken about with respect, like we were when MON was here. Hopefully, this continues and we build and strengthen year on year with Unai calling the shots. Good times ahead with the stadium expansion too.
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Look, all it takes is the greatest winning streak in the club's history to finish fourth, I don't see why so many are so pessimistic.
Seriously though, I'd take top half and beating Newcastle at VP. Conference, Europa, it'd be nice to be back in Europe but it could be a potential slip-up - got to keep focused on getting back in the big time.
We just seem to have a similar team spirit to Arsenal at the moment. I don't think anybody would argue that their team is as good as Man City's, but they just keeping knocking out win after win. This has a similar feel to when Gregory took over. After a while, you just get into a feeling of every game is going to be won.
That Gregory run was amazing and probably my favourite time as a Villa supporter. It's lovely, just being able to look at our fixtures and think we ought to beat, say, Chelsea who are a decent side a bit down on their luck. It wasn't that long ago as we'd go in to it thinking that we were the ones to end their run!
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Probably playing Football Manager to wind down the mad bastard.
Had to laugh watching MOTD last night when Guy Mowbray exclained "He looks like a Bond villain!" when the camera showed Unai stroking his chin on the touchline yesterday.
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It wasn't that long ago as we'd go in to it thinking that we were the ones to end their run!
It'll take many years of this before I stop assuming that's what's going to happen.
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(https://i.ibb.co/rGMFY4p/BF70574-D-A536-4-A94-AA7-F-6-FFFF4-D02-E57.jpg) (https://ibb.co/rGMFY4p)
He hasn’t counted out getting into Europe. If we miss out it won’t be for the lack of any kind of effort
The man is a machine!!!
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I always felt this squad should be good enough for top 8. Gerrard massively under performed and obviously Unai is over performing. We’ve got a tough run in, so for me top 8 from where we were when he took over would be an outstanding achievement.
If we can do that (or better) then the knock on benefits going into the summer will be huge.
With Emery, I actually feel like we look much better and put in better performances against the better teams.
Very true. I’d still prefer an easier run in though!
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Loved the Gregory win run but do not want it to turn into a similar outcome this time.
We got into europe on the final day didn't we by beating Arsenal 1-0?
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Look, all it takes is the greatest winning streak in the club's history to finish fourth, I don't see why so many are so pessimistic.
Seriously though, I'd take top half and beating Newcastle at VP. Conference, Europa, it'd be nice to be back in Europe but it could be a potential slip-up - got to keep focused on getting back in the big time.
We just seem to have a similar team spirit to Arsenal at the moment. I don't think anybody would argue that their team is as good as Man City's, but they just keeping knocking out win after win. This has a similar feel to when Gregory took over. After a while, you just get into a feeling of every game is going to be won.
That Gregory run was amazing and probably my favourite time as a Villa supporter. It's lovely, just being able to look at our fixtures and think we ought to beat, say, Chelsea who are a decent side a bit down on their luck. It wasn't that long ago as we'd go in to it thinking that we were the ones to end their run!
Aged 13, Spring 1998 was my favourite run as a Villa fan (even more than the start of the following season when we went 12 unbeaten and were still top or second til mid-January'99).
I didn't even see most of the highlights/let alone games in 1997/98, as we didn't have the TV channels at home but there was a lot of vicarious enjoyment, listening to radio reports and reading match reports on these games. I thought the sky was the limit with this young new manager and attacking options that seemed to be all clicking into gear (Yorke, Savo, Joachim, Collymore - finally and a young Hendrie bursting onto the scene). 10 wins, 3 defeats. Culminating in a last-gasp, last-day qualification for Europe through a chipped Yorke penalty against Double-winners, Arsenal, where a young Gareth Barry made a full home debut and looked perfectly at home amongst world-class players in the Arsenal team.
The two league losses in these 3 months came at home to teams that ended-up getting relegated, the other defeat in Madrid. But like now, we had goals in us in practically every game and some of the attacking play was liquid. I presume we haven't won 5 league games in a row since (came close with 4 at the start of 20/21 of course).
Hopefully we are set for similar twenty five years on...
(https://i.ibb.co/VQ06Xcs/9798-spring-run.png) (https://ibb.co/VQ06Xcs)
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Loved the Gregory win run but do not want it to turn into a similar outcome this time.
We got into europe on the final day didn't we by beating Arsenal 1-0?
No, we actually got I thanks to Chelsea winning the Cup Winners Cup in the week after
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Loved the Gregory win run but do not want it to turn into a similar outcome this time.
We got into europe on the final day didn't we by beating Arsenal 1-0?
No, we actually got I thanks to Chelsea winning the Cup Winners Cup in the week after
Oh yeah of course! I remember watching a Podcast Gregory did with the Villa view lads a few years ago and he said they were in Marbella on end of season trip watching the match and one of the coaching staff was slagging off Zola when he came on for them for some reason. He then scored the winner five minutes later.
What's the issue with West Ham possibly winning the europa conference league as I've read somewhere 7th wouldn't qualify for europe if that happens.
Would be the most Villa thing ever if we didn't qualify because Moyes wins his first ever trophy in 25 years as manager.
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Loved the Gregory win run but do not want it to turn into a similar outcome this time.
We got into europe on the final day didn't we by beating Arsenal 1-0?
Yes however I was thinking about Gregory's ultimate demise. No doubt later end of 97/98 and start of 98/99 were good spells.
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Loved the Gregory win run but do not want it to turn into a similar outcome this time.
We got into europe on the final day didn't we by beating Arsenal 1-0?
Even then didn’t we need Chelsea to win to the Cup Winners Cup, which they duly did?
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https://www.premierleague.com/european-qualification-explained
No mention of it here. If West Ham won the ECL, they'd qualify for the EL. I'm pretty sure that would be in addition to the EL places already available, as there seems to be provision for an extra EL spot if CL and EL winners had not previously qualified. Clear as mud.
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Loved the Gregory win run but do not want it to turn into a similar outcome this time.
We got into europe on the final day didn't we by beating Arsenal 1-0?
Yes however I was thinking about Gregory's ultimate demise. No doubt later end of 97/98 and start of 98/99 were good spells.
Ah I thought you were on about 98 run when we did that cringe team photo after winning at Southampton to set that record undefeated start to the season. And then two games in final four months of the season to scrape home in 6th/7th.
The Gregory era can always be placed in two parts. First two years were a genuine rollercoaster with many exciting games. After the cup final it really was drab football on a weekly basis with 2000/01 arguably the most forgettable season we've had in 25 years.
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You always bang on about 00/01 being crap, at least we finished 8th!
Relegating Cov ("We'll be back" ? Yeah, right...) with that comeback from 2-0 down on the last home day was pretty memorable. There were many worse/forgettable seasons under DOL (his middle season in particular), MON (his first) GTII (his full season second-time round) and Lambert (all of them).
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You always bang on about 00/01 being crap, at least we finished 8th!
Relegating Cov ("We'll be back" ? Yeah, right...) with that comeback from 2-0 down on the last home day was pretty memorable. There were many worse/forgettable seasons under GTII and Lambert.
It was my first year at uni and I used to go to most home games from Aberystwyth. I just loved watching Merse, though Soccer HQ did once call me a Steve Stone fanboy! :D
The Cov game was legendary as I persuaded my whole flat to come to that one. Great days! I was getting pelters at half time.
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Relegating Coventry was my first ever game.
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I love the fact that we are being spoken about with respect, like we were when MON was here. Hopefully, this continues and we build and strengthen year on year with Unai calling the shots. Good times ahead with the stadium expansion too.
Yes and you see Young and others are as streetwise, the only ones actually we have had since those days when we had Young, Friedel, Laursen, Mellberg and Carew etc..
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You always bang on about 00/01 being crap, at least we finished 8th!
Relegating Cov ("We'll be back" ? Yeah, right...) with that comeback from 2-0 down on the last home day was pretty memorable. There were many worse/forgettable seasons under DOL (his middle season in particular), MON (his first) GTII (his full season second-time round) and Lambert (all of them).
I loved all the ‘Benteke keeps us up’ run-ins.
Congo Waring.
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I think a few teams are probably looking nervously over their shoulders and thinking “shit, where the fuck did THEY come from?!”
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(https://i.ibb.co/rGMFY4p/BF70574-D-A536-4-A94-AA7-F-6-FFFF4-D02-E57.jpg) (https://ibb.co/rGMFY4p)
He hasn’t counted out getting into Europe. If we miss out it won’t be for the lack of any kind of effort
The man is a machine!!!
Indeed, working on the autobahn
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https://www.premierleague.com/european-qualification-explained
No mention of it here. If West Ham won the ECL, they'd qualify for the EL. I'm pretty sure that would be in addition to the EL places already available, as there seems to be provision for an extra EL spot if CL and EL winners had not previously qualified. Clear as mud.
Edit: posted by mistake
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I agree with Emery that it would be very difficult. We've had an excellent run of results but it's taken us ages just to get into the top half.
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I agree with Emery that it would be very difficult. We've han an excellent run of results but it's taken us ages just to get into the top half.
The points gap was a lot bigger then though.
Now we're 2 points off 6th 8)
I think he is trying to keep the excitement in check.
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I agree with Emery that it would be very difficult. We've han an excellent run of results but it's taken us ages just to get into the top half.
I've never been concerned about our position, it was more important to watch the points. Keeping in touch with the group above us has always been the aim. Come the end of the season there will be just a few points separating places from 6th to 11th. I expect us to be right in there especially given the remaining fixtures we have.
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I agree with Emery that it would be very difficult. We've han an excellent run of results but it's taken us ages just to get into the top half.
The points gap was a lot bigger then though.
Now we're 2 points off 6th 8)
I think he is trying to keep the excitement in check.
Yes but it gets tougher because you are competing against better teams who win more than they lose.
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Here's how the point gaps have changed under Emery
29th Oct after the Newcastle game we were
6 points behind Brighton who had a game in hand, it's now 2 points and they have 2 games in hand.
3 points behind Brentford, it's now 2 points.
9 points behind Chelsea who had a game in hand, now 3 points above them
14 behind Spurs, now 8
12 behind Newcastle, now 6 but they have 2 games in hand
4 behind Liverpool who had a game in hand, it's now 1 and they still have that game in hand
7 behind Fulham, now 2 ahead
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Win the next 2 games and anything's possible with Newcastle coming up at home, and us still to play Yanited.
But I'm not greedy, just win the Europa League final in Dublin next season and the Champions League can wait till 2024/25. 8)
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Here's how the point gaps have changed under Emery
29th Oct after the Newcastle game we were
6 points behind Brighton who had a game in hand, it's now 2 points and they have 2 games in hand.
3 points behind Brentford, it's now 2 points.
9 points behind Chelsea who had a game in hand, now 3 points above them
14 behind Spurs, now 8
12 behind Newcastle, now 6 but they have 2 games in hand
4 behind Liverpool who had a game in hand, it's now 1 and they still have that game in hand
7 behind Fulham, now 2 ahead
Just checked this out as was interested in the bottom half. Headline is we were level on points with Southampton. If we win our game in hand that's a 21 point swing in 16 games.
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Win the next 2 games and anything's possible with Newcastle coming up at home, and us still to play Yanited.
But I'm not greedy, just win the Europa League final in Dublin next season and the Champions League can wait till 2024/25. 8)
I like the cut of your jib 8)
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I reckon the more immediate concern is that every step up (or down) the ladder is a couple of million quid in place money.
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Relegating Coventry was my first best ever game.
Fixed
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At a risk of getting all excited reading this thread, I think if we did qualify for the Conference League, or even the Europa League, we may be one of the favourites to win it. If shite like West Ham and Rangers can go deep, then why not?
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I love the fact that we are being spoken about with respect, like we were when MON was here. Hopefully, this continues and we build and strengthen year on year with Unai calling the shots. Good times ahead with the stadium expansion too.
This is true. The media almost immediately accepted that Newcastle should be expected to compete for top 4 because of their wealthy owners (even though they haven't spent that much). At the same time it was laughable that we had aspirations for top 8 and should probably get back in our box.
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At a risk of getting all excited reading this thread, I think if we did qualify for the Conference League, or even the Europa League, we may be one of the favourites to win it. If shite like West Ham and Rangers can go deep, then why not?
Oh yes, and we actually have a manager that's done it before and not David Moyes
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It would be great to go on a European adventure and European nights at Villa Park there's nothing like them.
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We could be 6th at close of play tomorrow.
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We could be 6th at close of play tomorrow.
It's amazing. All you want from football is to watch a good team and to still be in with a chance of achieving something with 10 games left to play. Imagine the atmosphere amongst the players at the moment, knowing that we've still got Brentford, Brighton, Fulham, Liverpool and Newcastle still to play. They can and have beaten just about anybody on their day, so they must be champing at the bit like a randy stallion in a stable full of fillies.
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We could be 6th at close of play tomorrow.
I think Leicester will be at it from the start like we were against Brentford. I hope we can deal with this
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Yes! I know people were looking at our run-in saying it's the second hardest or whatever, but I'd rather a metaphorical cup final every week that puts our fate in our own hands than banana skins littering our path and ending up still finishing bastard eleventh.
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We could be 6th at close of play tomorrow.
It's amazing. All you want from football is to watch a good team and to still be in with a chance of achieving something with 10 games left to play. Imagine the atmosphere amongst the players at the moment, knowing that we've still got Brentford, Brighton, Fulham, Liverpool and Newcastle still to play. They can and have beaten just about anybody on their day, so they must be champing at the bit like a randy stallion in a stable full of fillies.
It's the hope, the thought of finally achieving something under a manager who's done it before.
That run in the Championship was the best feeling for many a year, and I'm grateful to Smith for it, but this is being done at the top table; it's been far, far too long.
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It was my first year at uni and I used to go to most home games from Aberystwyth. I just loved watching Merse, though Soccer HQ did once call me a Steve Stone fanboy! :D
I'll take a wild guess and say maybe Villa wasn't the only reason for you to make that trip, surely a girl was involved somewhere along the way ;)
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If Brentford pip us to Europe can't we take them to some tribunal on the PL's non-decision over Toney's continued involvement in games, despite hanging around Ladbroke's in Ealing during most of his free time over the past few years?
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If Brentford pip us to Europe can't we take them to some tribunal on the PL's non-decision over Toney's continued involvement in games, despite hanging around Ladbroke's in Ealing during most of his free time over the past few years?
That would seem petty and churlish, I like it.
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Not sure if there's a pun in that...I just can't trust you anymore when it comes to words.
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Not sure if there's a pun in that...I just can't trust you anymore when it comes to words.
No, but I doubt we'd pursue it even if it is all a bit odd he hasn't been banned yet. Sorry, I'll try and restrict any puns to the Deathwatch thread. :-[
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Beat Leicester and we will be 6 points off 3rd place. Of course Newcastle and Man U both have two games in hand. Having said that we still have to play them both.
Spurs would be 6 ahead but same number of games and we also still have to play them.
In our immediate sights are Brighton, Brentford, and Liverpool and we still have to play all three.
Somebody made the very valid point that as you move up the table on a good run it gets harder to progress further as the teams to then pass are winning more. Of those six teams I have mentioned, in their last five games they have each picked up just 7,8, or in the case of Newcastle 9 points. We have collected 13.
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Beat Leicester and we will be 6 points off 3rd place. Of course Newcastle and Man U both have two games in hand. Having said that we still have to play them both.
Spurs would be 6 ahead but same number of games and we also still have to play them.
In our immediate sights are Brighton, Brentford, and Liverpool and we still have to play all three.
Somebody made the very valid point that as you move up the table on a good run it gets harder to progress further as the teams to then pass are winning more. Of those six teams I have mentioned, in their last five games they have each picked up just 7,8, or in the case of Newcastle 9 points. We have collected 13.
Some good points there.
Bear in mind. though, that we are the only team in the top 10 with a negative goal difference.
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It was my first year at uni and I used to go to most home games from Aberystwyth. I just loved watching Merse, though Soccer HQ did once call me a Steve Stone fanboy! :D
I'll take a wild guess and say maybe Villa wasn't the only reason for you to make that trip, surely a girl was involved somewhere along the way ;)
Haha. You know me well, mate :D
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I think talk of CL is fanciful, too much needs to go wrong for too many teams and we couldn't afford to drop barely any points. I've always thought 7th was best case scenario and assume a horrible Manchester club wins the cup. For example, I'd prefer it if Liverpool beat Chelsea tonight to put some distance between us and the latter. Likewise Man Utd beating Brentford tomorrow.
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Draws for both for me. I've just gone through the fixtures for the rest of the season. For the first time in a long time I feel they are all winnable. We won't win them all but I think 6th is a good call. The momentum is with us. Whatever I'm aiming for a brighton ticket.
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I think talk of CL is fanciful, too much needs to go wrong for too many teams and we couldn't afford to drop barely any points. I've always thought 7th was best case scenario and assume a horrible Manchester club wins the cup. For example, I'd prefer it if Liverpool beat Chelsea tonight to put some distance between us and the latter. Likewise Man Utd beating Brentford tomorrow.
We dont need to put distance between us and Chelsea (or Fulham). we just need to keep winning and they will stay behind us whatever they do (and they are not in the form we are right now). We do need Liverpool and Brighton and Spuds to drop as many points as possible before we beat them in the head to head matches. 6th is on but we have to keep winning. Do you wanna bet against us..
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No, but I hate betting on us too.
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I'm treating our game against Leicester tonight as our first European qualifying round for many a year.
Sort of, is!!
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I think talk of CL is fanciful, too much needs to go wrong for too many teams and we couldn't afford to drop barely any points. I've always thought 7th was best case scenario and assume a horrible Manchester club wins the cup. For example, I'd prefer it if Liverpool beat Chelsea tonight to put some distance between us and the latter. Likewise Man Utd beating Brentford tomorrow.
We dont need to put distance between us and Chelsea (or Fulham). we just need to keep winning and they will stay behind us whatever they do (and they are not in the form we are right now). We do need Liverpool and Brighton and Spuds to drop as many points as possible before we beat them in the head to head matches. 6th is on but we have to keep winning. Do you wanna bet against us..
Of course win the next 10 games and its Europe, If is doing some heavy lifting.
Win the next 3 and I might start getting excited.
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I think talk of CL is fanciful, too much needs to go wrong for too many teams and we couldn't afford to drop barely any points. I've always thought 7th was best case scenario and assume a horrible Manchester club wins the cup. For example, I'd prefer it if Liverpool beat Chelsea tonight to put some distance between us and the latter. Likewise Man Utd beating Brentford tomorrow.
I agree Man United to beat Brentford is the best result for us, for the same reasons I wanted them to beat Newcastle. But I would be far happier with a draw for Liverpool - Chelsea. One less point knocking around.
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So tonight I'd like
Bournemouth win
Forest Win
Villa Win
Chelsea/Liverpool draw
6th place and we can really crank up the hype for Saturday.
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Beat Leicester and we will be 6 points off 3rd place. Of course Newcastle and Man U both have two games in hand. Having said that we still have to play them both.
Spurs would be 6 ahead but same number of games and we also still have to play them.
In our immediate sights are Brighton, Brentford, and Liverpool and we still have to play all three.
Somebody made the very valid point that as you move up the table on a good run it gets harder to progress further as the teams to then pass are winning more. Of those six teams I have mentioned, in their last five games they have each picked up just 7,8, or in the case of Newcastle 9 points. We have collected 13.
Yeah, it's a good point (about good runs being less effective as you move up the table).
There's a group of clubs from 6th to 11th - Brighton, Brentford, Liverpool, Us, Fulham, and Chelsea - who are so close that they could finish in any order. Getting higher than that is going to be really difficult though. You'd need at least one of Spurs, Newcastle, or Manc Utd to be going on a run where they're picking up points that, over the course of the season, would land them in the bottom half of the table. Personally I don't really see that happening, and it's more a case of which one will end up missing out on a Champions League place.
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Draws for both for me. I've just gone through the fixtures for the rest of the season. For the first time in a long time I feel they are all winnable. We won't win them all but I think 6th is a good call. The momentum is with us. Whatever I'm aiming for a brighton ticket.
Same for me, especially with Yanited playing poorly and a trip to Old Trafford to come. When we win and those around us only get a point, then it's progress enough.
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Evening lads 8)
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One more point needed to match last season's total.
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(https://media4.giphy.com/media/xT0BKCQJDzoTaeQyA0/giphy.gif)
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Bizarrely only 6 points off a Champions League place. WTF is happening!
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Bizarrely only 6 points off a Champions League place. WTF is happening!
Its absolutely fucking ridiculous.
I love it 8)
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The team are going to be so full of confidence right now, can't wait for Saturdays game. Europe is definitely on.
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We now have Brighton and Spurs firmly in our sights. They play each other Saturday.
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I'm calling it, we'll beat Brighton on the last day of the season to nick 6th place from them.
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Am currently searching for the closest European countries to Japan.
Russia is off the list, obviously
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It would be shite if your passport runs out soon.
Get it renewed.
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Am currently searching for the closest European countries to Japan.
Russia is off the list, obviously
Kazakhstan are in UEFA
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Passport expires May 2024, so will renew soon anyway!
Kazakhstan will do, by the way! Some fond memories there in the past, also :D
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Am currently searching for the closest European countries to Japan.
Russia is off the list, obviously
The money you earn in Tokyo:) You could afford a plane to Europe.
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Am currently searching for the closest European countries to Japan.
Russia is off the list, obviously
The money you earn in Tokyo:) You could afford a plane to Europe.
:D
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If we do qualify, get someone near Benidorm please
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If we do qualify, get someone near Benidorm please
Benidorm?
Of all the places in Europe Benidorm?
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If we do qualify, get someone near Benidorm please
Benidorm?
Of all the places in Europe Benidorm?
yep Villarreal just up the road
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If we do qualify, get someone near Benidorm please
Benidorm?
Of all the places in Europe Benidorm?
yep Villarreal just up the road
over 100 miles, I will hangout in Valencia some of the best Bars Restaurants in Europe.
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If we do qualify, get someone near Benidorm please
Benidorm?
Of all the places in Europe Benidorm?
yep Villarreal just up the road
over 100 miles, I will hangout in Valencia some of the best Bars Restaurants in Europe.
It's a poor man's Semey to be fair, mate :)
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Could you imagine the fun/10,000s if it was FC Mallorca.
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If we do qualify, get someone near Benidorm please
Benidorm?
Of all the places in Europe Benidorm?
yep Villarreal just up the road
over 100 miles, I will hangout in Valencia some of the best Bars Restaurants in Europe.
It's a poor man's Semey to be fair, mate :)
The first pint of fermented yaks milk on you.
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If we do qualify, get someone near Benidorm please
Benidorm?
Of all the places in Europe Benidorm?
yep Villarreal just up the road
over 100 miles, I will hangout in Valencia some of the best Bars Restaurants in Europe.
Valencia is a magnificent city, and nothing to do with bars, it's just a properly modern European city.
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If we do qualify, get someone near Benidorm please
Benidorm?
Of all the places in Europe Benidorm?
yep Villarreal just up the road
over 100 miles, I will hangout in Valencia some of the best Bars Restaurants in Europe.
It's a poor man's Semey to be fair, mate :)
The first pint of fermented yaks milk on you.
Absolutely mate!
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Benidorm?! Fucking hell, I'm 5000 miles away and it still feels a bit too close for comfort.
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Without a massive meltdown - we are going to be in Europe next season.
If we are. It’s gonna be a massive Villa away party. We are talking thousands of us.
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Benidorm?! Fucking hell, I'm 5000 miles away and it still feels a bit too close for comfort.
I was close by Benidorm in the mountains last summer. Dropped in twice as was bored in 2 weeks in a nice villa.
It’s not that bad. But not great.
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If we do qualify, get someone near Benidorm please
I haven't been following La Liga this year, are Atlético Benidorm still in with a chance of qualifying for Europe?
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If we do qualify, get someone near Benidorm please
I haven't been following La Liga this year, are Atlético Benidorm still in with a chance of qualifying for Europe?
If it’s Conference - then it could be literally anyone.
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Without a massive meltdown - we are going to be in Europe next season.
If we are. It’s gonna be a massive Villa away party. We are talking thousands of us.
Leeds will take more even if they are not in European competitions
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Without a massive meltdown - we are going to be in Europe next season.
If we are. It’s gonna be a massive Villa away party. We are talking thousands of us.
Leeds will take more even if they are not in European competitions
But still not as many as Blose brought to Bruges. :(
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If we are in Europe it will be interesting to see what our away support is like. Apart from the odd game our away numbers have generally been poor to average over the years so with the new levels of demand will the numbers increase a lot.
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I'm being picky and stating the obvious but I'd really prefer the Europa League.
Finishing 6th would qualify for that wouldn't it?
I would of course be fine with the Conference League.
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Just checked out of interest and Rapid Vienna are currently in a Conference League qualification spot, so hopefully we avoid them like the bloody plague.
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I'm being picky and stating the obvious but I'd really prefer the Europa League.
Finishing 6th would qualify for that wouldn't it?
I would of course be fine with the Conference League.
I'm not arsed, but I imagine the UEFA Cup would be best as far as signing players goes. Cos when we talk to them we'll be like "how do you fancy winning the UEFA Cup?" And they'll be like "wtf lol" and we'll be like "Unai Emery is our manager" and they'll be like "oh yeah, that's what Unai Emery does lol" and they'll sign for us.
Or something.
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I'm being picky and stating the obvious but I'd really prefer the Europa League.
Finishing 6th would qualify for that wouldn't it?
I would of course be fine with the Conference League.
I'd quite like the Champions League!
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If we are in Europe it will be interesting to see what our away support is like. Apart from the odd game our away numbers have generally been poor to average over the years so with the new levels of demand will the numbers increase a lot.
I've never been to an away European game. I'll be doing my utmost to get to at least one, should we make it. And I want a weird one, one you have to hire a car because the airport's 200 miles away and the trains only run on Mondays, where I can turn up in a town and wonder how the place has a football team, never mind one that's qualified for Europe.
Or Barcelona. Whatever, I'm easy.
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One or two of us on here said that we thought it was a season too early for Europe and I do still think that but I won't deny that I'm warming to the idea, especially being only 6 points off a Chumps League spot. It's all very exciting.
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If we are in Europe it will be interesting to see what our away support is like. Apart from the odd game our away numbers have generally been poor to average over the years so with the new levels of demand will the numbers increase a lot.
Have they? I thought we usually sold out away games.
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Brighton are in a really good spot for a shot at Chumps league - that is amazing! Let's hope all the focus is on them and we can sneak into 6th at least.
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Brighton are in a really good spot for a shot at Chumps league - that is amazing! Let's hope all the focus is on them and we can sneak into 6th at least.
Penny for Potter's thoughts - or £12m...
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2024 Europa League Final is at Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Just imagine that.
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If we are in Europe it will be interesting to see what our away support is like. Apart from the odd game our away numbers have generally been poor to average over the years so with the new levels of demand will the numbers increase a lot.
Have they? I thought we usually sold out away games.
What! You obviously haven't tried to buy away tickets. since before we were promoted it has been nigh on impossible unless you have an almost 100% away attendance.
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I assume PWS was referring to our European expeditions of yore.
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If we get into Europe I'm definitely going to try and go away. If the last decade has taught us anything it's that you can't take these things for granted.
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There's a chance that Conference League might mean an away day at Juventus, which would be really something.
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Never been away in Europe. The only home game I went to under MON was Zilnia, which was a complete damp squib. Went to a few Intertoto ones under Gregory and all bar Bilbao in the QF run. Also went to Helsingborgs at home, for my sins.
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There's a chance that Conference League might mean an away day at Juventus, which would be really something.
I'm equally intrigued by the random ones. What is Moldova like in the autumn?
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2024 Europa League Final is at Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Just imagine that.
Dublin of all places, don't tell Mcginn
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Benidorm?! Fucking hell, I'm 5000 miles away and it still feels a bit too close for comfort.
Well that's a no from you then,
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There's a chance that Conference League might mean an away day at Juventus, which would be really something.
I'm equally intrigued by the random ones. What is Moldova like in the autumn?
For wine fans, as equally an exciting if very different prospect as Piedmont. Incredibly underrated outside of eastern Europe.
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Sadly I think 8th is much more likely that 7th. I haven’t worked or the permutations but if English clubs win one of the Europa leagues is there a chance 8th can qualify?
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I’m sure I read the other day it’s 7 max.
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Sadly I think 8th is much more likely that 7th. I haven’t worked or the permutations but if English clubs win one of the Europa leagues is there a chance 8th can qualify?
I think the only way this would happen is English clubs win both Europa League and Champions League and finish between 5th and 7th. So that would have to be Man U and Chelsea. Also would require the FA cup winner to qualify for Europe through their league position.
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https://www.premierleague.com/european-qualification-explained
Bottom para of this explains extra EL place in scenario I described above
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Let's just see where we finish and where that takes us. It's all in our own hands as we've got to play just about everybody around us again.
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The only chance of 8th being enough is if either chelsea or man city win the CL and finish 5th, 6th or 7th. Which looks quite unlikely as things stand. Manyoo winning the Europa doesn't generate an extra place. If they did and fell out of the top 4, it'd mean the team finishing fourth would miss out on the CL and go into the EL instead.
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If we do qualify, get someone near Benidorm please
Benidorm?
Of all the places in Europe Benidorm?
yep Villarreal just up the road
over 100 miles, I will hangout in Valencia some of the best Bars Restaurants in Europe.
Valencia is a magnificent city, and nothing to do with bars, it's just a properly modern European city.
Yes and has great places to eat and drink.
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I've never been to an away European game. I'll be doing my utmost to get to at least one, should we make it. And I want a weird one, one you have to hire a car because the airport's 200 miles away and the trains only run on Mondays, where I can turn up in a town and wonder how the place has a football team, never mind one that's qualified for Europe.
Or Barcelona. Whatever, I'm easy.
Same here, never been to an away Europe game but would be up for one or two next season. Sporting would be good as Lisbon's a nice city and we could all bunk at RCF's and save a bit on the accommodation front.
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There's a chance that Conference League might mean an away day at Juventus, which would be really something.
I'm equally intrigued by the random ones. What is Moldova like in the autumn?
On the brink of war it seems unfortunately.
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Osasuna have made it to the Copa Del Ray final.
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Sporting would be good as Lisbon's a nice city and we could all bunk at RCF's and save a bit on the accommodation front.
Sounds like a plan.
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Speaking from head rather than the heart, I think there is the possibility of getting 8-10 points in our next 4 games which would obviously get us very excited. However the last 5 games are tough (though all winnable) which might see it fizzle out towards the end of the season. 7th or above would still represent a great achievement for Emry given where we were when he took over.
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Please, please, please get a Cypriot team in whatever European competition that we're going to win.
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Osasuna have made it to the Copa Del Ray final.
Love the fact that Fiorentina or Cremonese will be in the final of the Coppa Italia.
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Would be really nice for Cremonese of course, but Fiorentina have a better chance of beating either of the c*ts.
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I only ever went to one game away in Europe, which was on 26th May 1982. Fecking glory hunter that I am.
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Let's just see where we finish and where that takes us. It's all in our own hands as we've got to play just about everybody around us again.
Given our form and who we have left to play we literally couldn’t be in a better spot in terms of dictating our own destiny
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Let's just see where we finish and where that takes us. It's all in our own hands as we've got to play just about everybody around us again.
Given our form and who we have left to play we literally couldn’t be in a better spot in terms of dictating our own destiny
We could, but I know what you mean.
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I've never been to an away European game. I'll be doing my utmost to get to at least one, should we make it. And I want a weird one, one you have to hire a car because the airport's 200 miles away and the trains only run on Mondays, where I can turn up in a town and wonder how the place has a football team, never mind one that's qualified for Europe.
Or Barcelona. Whatever, I'm easy.
Same here, never been to an away Europe game but would be up for one or two next season. Sporting would be good as Lisbon's a nice city and we could all bunk at RCF's and save a bit on the accommodation front.
I've done Milan in 1990, Madrid in 1998 and Hamburg in 2008, well overdue another trip.
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I've only been to Leipzig and that was a brilliant weekend.
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Never been on an away trip to Europe with Villa.
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As I won't be going I'll be watching st home and the fact the European games are no longer free to air takes the piss.
It would have been nice to see Villa on normal telly in a European fixture.
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They can vary quite a bit, pretty much everyone that went to Bilbao will still say how brilliant a trip it was and how great the locals and police were. Those of us who went to Madrid have the exact opposite view with what went on around the ground with the police and their fans. It was shit.
As examples of the extremes they can be.
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Osasuna have made it to the Copa Del Ray final.
Love the fact that Fiorentina or Cremonese will be in the final of the Coppa Italia.
Ngl, that's now twice today I've had to fire up Google.
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I've done Bohemians and Shamrock Rovers if they count.
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They can vary quite a bit, pretty much everyone that went to Bilbao will still say how brilliant a trip it was and how great the locals and police were. Those of us who went to Madrid have the exact opposite view with what went on around the ground with the police and their fans. It was shit.
As examples of the extremes they can be.
The only problems with Madrid was at the ground though, we'd been drinking all day near a fountain the city centre with no bother whatsoever
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Never been on an away trip to Europe with Villa.
Been on two. 1-0 loss to Inter Milan before the Phil King return leg, and the 0-0 at Bordeaux
As PWS mentioned, the away match experiences were so different with Inter being over-policed and not being allowed to do anything, and Bordeaux being great. Shame both legs were not classic matches though.
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Never been on an away trip to Europe with Villa.
Our next pint together?
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They can vary quite a bit, pretty much everyone that went to Bilbao will still say how brilliant a trip it was and how great the locals and police were. Those of us who went to Madrid have the exact opposite view with what went on around the ground with the police and their fans. It was shit.
As examples of the extremes they can be.
The only problems with Madrid was at the ground though, we'd been drinking all day near a fountain the city centre with no bother whatsoever
That's why I said "at the ground".
Although the police got very heavy handed by the coaches to the ground and i'm not sure the snipers as we got off the plane were needed.
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Never been on an away trip to Europe with Villa.
Our next pint together?
That would be nice mate.
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I've been on two. Odense in the Intertoto 2008 and Slavia Prague UEFA Cup 2008. Both amazing trips. Prague went a bit moody during the match. It kicked off with the stewards when a Villa fan let a flare off and we were met with Riot police outside the ground.
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Went to Rotterdam as a raw 17 year old and would love to relive that one a bit more streetwise (and wealthy enough to do it in more style than previously). Madrid was a bit iffy as others have mentioned but Vigo was a good trip - stayed in Porto and travelled from there.
Rennes at the start of this season was okay mainly due to the weather.
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https://www.premierleague.com/european-qualification-explained
Bottom para of this explains extra EL place in scenario I described above
In short for this. The league gets 5 European places (4 Champions League, 1 Europa League), the FA Cup winner gets one (Europa League), and the League Cup winner gets one (Europa Conference). These can all 'trickle down', so for example Manchester United won the League Cup - if they qualify for a place in Europe via the league, their Conference place is given to the team that finishes 6th. The FA Cup's the same - if the winner finishes in the top 5, then the extra place goes to 6th, and the Europa Conference place is given to the side that finishes 7th.
You can also win places in Europe by winning the Champions League, Europa League (both a Champions League place), and the Europa Conference (a Europa Cup place). There's a maximum of 5 Champions League places, though - if an English side were to win the Europa League *and* another win the Champions League, then we'd get 5 places - 4th place would end up in the Europa League. The crucial thing with these, though, is they don't trickle down. If you win the Europa League and finish 4th, then that extra Champions League place just disappears.
This is how you theoretically get down to 9th place qualifying. The Europa League or Champions League winner has to finish in a position where they'd have won a 'trickle down' spot that's in a lower level competition than the one they've qualified for. So, if the Europa League or Champions League winner finishes 5th, 6th, or 7th - 8th place ends up qualifying for the Europa Conference (assuming that the FA Cup & League Cup have been won by teams 7th or higher).
You can get to 9th place as long as the team that wins the Europa Conference finishes in the only place that can trickle down for them - they qualify for the Europa Conference. So they have to finish exactly 8th, although they can optionally also win the League Cup as that won't have any effect.
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Never been on an away trip to Europe with Villa.
Me neither. Desperately want to go on one, though
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Inter 90 and Prague. Both great experiences for different reasons.
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Freiburg have knocked out Bayern to reach the German Cup semis.
In between Strasbourg and Basel, to the east of the Rhine.
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Algy, you need to reassess your definition of "in short". That's longer than the article!
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https://www.premierleague.com/european-qualification-explained
Bottom para of this explains extra EL place in scenario I described above
In short for this. The league gets 5 European places (4 Champions League, 1 Europa League), the FA Cup winner gets one (Europa League), and the League Cup winner gets one (Europa Conference). These can all 'trickle down', so for example Manchester United won the League Cup - if they qualify for a place in Europe via the league, their Conference place is given to the team that finishes 6th. The FA Cup's the same - if the winner finishes in the top 5, then the extra place goes to 6th, and the Europa Conference place is given to the side that finishes 7th.
You can also win places in Europe by winning the Champions League, Europa League (both a Champions League place), and the Europa Conference (a Europa Cup place). There's a maximum of 5 Champions League places, though - if an English side were to win the Europa League *and* another win the Champions League, then we'd get 5 places - 4th place would end up in the Europa League. The crucial thing with these, though, is they don't trickle down. If you win the Europa League and finish 4th, then that extra Champions League place just disappears.
This is how you theoretically get down to 9th place qualifying. The Europa League or Champions League winner has to finish in a position where they'd have won a 'trickle down' spot that's in a lower level competition than the one they've qualified for. So, if the Europa League or Champions League winner finishes 5th, 6th, or 7th - 8th place ends up qualifying for the Europa Conference (assuming that the FA Cup & League Cup have been won by teams 7th or higher).
You can get to 9th place as long as the team that wins the Europa Conference finishes in the only place that can trickle down for them - they qualify for the Europa Conference. So they have to finish exactly 8th, although they can optionally also win the League Cup as that won't have any effect.
Thanks, and my head hurts! So it looks like we want Man U to win the FA Cup and finish top 4? Eugh.
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Watch us finish 4th the same year English teams win BOTH Champions League and Europa League.
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Watch us finish 4th the same year English teams win BOTH Champions League and Europa League.
It would only be an issue if both finish outside top four. So that would be Chelsea winning the CL.
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Watch us finish 4th the same year English teams win BOTH Champions League and Europa League.
It would only be an issue if both finish outside top four. So that would be Chelsea winning the CL.
Well then, 'mon the Falangist Bastardos.
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Watch us finish 4th the same year English teams win BOTH Champions League and Europa League.
It would only be an issue if both finish outside top four. So that would be Chelsea winning the CL.
Well then, 'mon the Falangist Bastardos.
This stage of the CL is always about wanting the horrible foreign arseholes to beat the horrible English arseholes.
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Thanks, and my head hurts! So it looks like we want Man U to win the FA Cup and finish top 4? Eugh.
Also Man city can win the FA cup but Brighton must not if they finish below us.
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Never been on an away trip to Europe with Villa.
Been on a few, including Iceland to a village team just outside Reykjavik. Best was Prague and worst was Moscow.
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Never been on an away trip to Europe with Villa.
Been on a few, including Iceland to a village team just outside Reykjavik. Best was Prague and worst was Moscow.
what happened or was it because Moscow is a drum full of miserable unfriendly people?
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Thanks, and my head hurts! So it looks like we want Man U to win the FA Cup and finish top 4? Eugh.
Also Man city can win the FA cup but Brighton must not if they finish below us.
If Brighton finish below us, we will have likely qualified anyway.
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what happened or was it because Moscow is a drum full of miserable unfriendly people?
Yes all of what you said plus blatant racism, being denied a seat in 3 different restaurants for no obvious reason at all other than (and I was told this by a couple of brit RT journalists later that night) that their regulars would not accept a darkie dining there.
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Watch us finish 4th the same year English teams win BOTH Champions League and Europa League.
It would only be an issue if both finish outside top four. So that would be Chelsea winning the CL.
That happened to Spurs in 2012. They finished 4th, but got demoted to the Europa League because Chelsea won the Champions League while finishing 6th in the league.
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what happened or was it because Moscow is a drum full of miserable unfriendly people?
Yes all of what you said plus blatant racism, being denied a seat in 3 different restaurants for no obvious reason at all other than (and I was told this by a couple of brit RT journalists later that night) that their regulars would not accept a darkie dining there.
Fucking hell mate, that's horrendous.
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what happened or was it because Moscow is a drum full of miserable unfriendly people?
Yes all of what you said plus blatant racism, being denied a seat in 3 different restaurants for no obvious reason at all other than (and I was told this by a couple of brit RT journalists later that night) that their regulars would not accept a darkie dining there.
Jesus fucking wept.
Sorry mate but it doesn’t surprise me.
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What year was that?
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My only real experinece of Russians came in Cyprus in 2015, and they were to a man miserable rude bastards. Like European South Africans.
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Prague went a bit moody during the match. It kicked off with the stewards when a Villa fan let a flare off and we were met with Riot police outside the ground.
It got moody because a middle aged fella had broken his seat accidently, well fairly accidently, by standing on it, the official stewards tried to kick him and his missus out, they were remonstrated with by those closest, withdrew and sent in what is best described as a snatch squad of about 10 black clad fellas they looked like they'd got out of the closest gym. They were also remonstrated with, in more physical terms, and after a short vigorous bout of fisticuffs, also withdrew. I think they appreciated the sport as there were respectful nods and even a handshake or two at the end of the game. All very English.
A trip also famous for DBTW, of this parish, appearing on top of a phone box.
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Bucharest was pretty bad too - lots of gents in long leather coats with sidearms, facilities stripped of metal to get melted down (you couldn't get into the subways) toilets like nothing i've seen before or since and treatment of the local romany's by the local Steaua fans which shocked. Best that year for me was Bordeaux
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what happened or was it because Moscow is a drum full of miserable unfriendly people?
Yes all of what you said plus blatant racism, being denied a seat in 3 different restaurants for no obvious reason at all other than (and I was told this by a couple of brit RT journalists later that night) that their regulars would not accept a darkie dining there.
what happened or was it because Moscow is a drum full of miserable unfriendly people?
Yes all of what you said plus blatant racism, being denied a seat in 3 different restaurants for no obvious reason at all other than (and I was told this by a couple of brit RT journalists later that night) that their regulars would not accept a darkie dining there.
Shocking, but doesn't surprise me. Went on that trip as well and had a coat robbed containing passport amongst other belongings, resulting in having to stay an extra night and replace passport/visa etc.
Prague was a great trip though!
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Steau Bucharest and Athletico Madrid in 9798
Slavia Prague in 08/09
Loved Bucharest took a week nearly there and back on the coach...bumped into a few Lazio fans in Vienna on the way there. Friendly Bunch😁
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Only did Prague in 2008 but it felt like there were about ten thousand of us there (nothing to match taking 100k to Bruges obviously). Such a shame we were denied a couple of European runs those next two seasons and haven't had a sniff of it since.
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I'm going to be in Albania this autumn. Here's hoping for a derby (ahem) tie with Vllaznia.
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I've done Bohemians and Shamrock Rovers if they count.
no they don't count, part of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
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I've done Bohemians and Shamrock Rovers if they count.
no they don't count, part of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Are they fuck.
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I've done Bohemians and Shamrock Rovers if they count.
no they don't count, part of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland
I didn't realise Clampy was that old.
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I've done Bohemians and Shamrock Rovers if they count.
no they don't count, part of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Are they fuck.
I should know mums from Londonderry
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I've done Bohemians and Shamrock Rovers if they count.
no they don't count, part of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Are they fuck.
I should know mums from Londonderry
Derry is part of the UK (of GB&NI). Dublin is not.
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I think the chap is on a wind-up. Either that, or his Mum dropped him on the geographical part of his brain.
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I think the chap is on a wind-up. Either that, or his Mum dropped him on the geographical part of his brain.
Given that he's mad keen on Benidorm, I'm going for the latter.
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I've done Bohemians and Shamrock Rovers if they count.
no they don't count, part of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Stop getting Ireland wrong.
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How mad would it be if after those years of getting so disgustingly close to CL qualification when Lerner first arrived, that we get it this year out of kowhere when none of us even dreamt of it?
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How mad would it be if after those years of getting so disgustingly close to CL qualification when Lerner first arrived, that we get it this year out of kowhere when none of us even dreamt of it?
after tonight I think CL is unlikely.
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Top 6 is still on regardless.
Beat Forest and we can catch whoever loses Spurs-Brighton. Still have to play both at VP in the run in.
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Freiburg have knocked out Bayern to reach the German Cup semis.
In between Strasbourg and Basel, to the east of the Rhine.
Beautiful city.
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Let's say we do get top 6, does that mean we are Big 6?
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Let's say we do get top 6, does that mean we are Big 6?
Not unless we change our postcode.
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Let's say we do get top 6, does that mean we are Big 6?
Not unless we change our postcode.
haha, good point.
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I've done Bohemians and Shamrock Rovers if they count.
no they don't count, part of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Are they fuck.
I should know mums from Londonderry
How on earth did you get it this wrong? Both are Dublin clubs.
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I've done Bohemians and Shamrock Rovers if they count.
no they don't count, part of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Are they fuck.
I should know mums from Londonderry
How on earth did you get it this wrong? Both are Dublin clubs.
I think you mean 'Londondublin', TV.
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How mad would it be if after those years of getting so disgustingly close to CL qualification when Lerner first arrived, that we get it this year out of kowhere when none of us even dreamt of it?
after tonight I think CL is unlikely.
Given our start to the season, finishing seventh and getting even a Conference League spot would be a remarkable achievement. Europa League qualification would be close to miraculous. Ending the season in the top four/Champions League places is just so unlikely it would actually be a miracle.
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How mad would it be if after those years of getting so disgustingly close to CL qualification when Lerner first arrived, that we get it this year out of kowhere when none of us even dreamt of it?
after tonight I think CL is unlikely.
Given our start to the season, finishing seventh and getting even a Conference League spot would be a remarkable achievement. Europa League qualification would be close to miraculous. Ending the season in the top four/Champions League places is just so unlikely it would actually be a miracle.
Agree, its an amazing turnaround. I worry that our squad is a little bit thin to sustain this form, at 1 1 before the sending off we looked a bit flat against Leicester. But every win the excitement grows.
I said before Chelsea if we win the next 4 I will start to believe , 2 down.
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How mad would it be if after those years of getting so disgustingly close to CL qualification when Lerner first arrived, that we get it this year out of kowhere when none of us even dreamt of it?
after tonight I think CL is unlikely.
Given our start to the season, finishing seventh and getting even a Conference League spot would be a remarkable achievement. Europa League qualification would be close to miraculous. Ending the season in the top four/Champions League places is just so unlikely it would actually be a miracle.
Champions League would require not only us to sustain this form until the end of the season, but also a big drop off for all of Newcastle, Man U and Brighton, which I can't see happening. I'm just enjoying the fact that as it stands, every remaining game is potentially important, both for potentially helping to send our grossly inferior Midlands cousins down (Forest and Dogheads) or staying ahead of/catching those teams around us.
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I'm just enjoying that I could go to the pub with my Man United supporting friend yesterday and know that we were relevant to his club. That's where we should be.
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I'm just enjoying that I could go to the pub with my Man United supporting friend yesterday and know that we were relevant to his club. That's where we should be.
We're always relevant, and we were winning the top trophies before they were even a glint in the milkman's eye.
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Fucking hell mate, that's horrendous.
Jesus fucking wept.
Sorry mate but it doesn’t surprise me.
Didn't bother me that much really on the night, my thoughts wes fuck em. But thinking about it a few weeks later you lose all respect for their right to be called a civilised society.
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Normally when teams make such an ascent towards the summit it takes a lot out of them and they tend to plateau out a bit for few games and then get going again. My worry is that to qualify for Europe this season we do not have that leeway with so few games to go. We need to keep going at the same pace as we have done to get to 7th and that may be a little too much to ask.
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It's pretty much just one game a week until the end of the season though. I haven't noticed any tiredness from the players, quite the opposite in fact, they all like 8 year olds after too much Sunny D.
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If we don’t make a European spot this season, I won’t be worried as I know we’re heading into a much better place under Unai and his team.
If we do however, I hope we grab the opportunity with both hands. We have a manager who is an expert in European football competition - one of the best.
Plus, for some of us who’ve experienced European nights away, it would be nice to do some more while there’s some time left.
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We've got one midweek game left. Tiredness shouldn't come onto it.
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Also with the likes of Cash, Carlos, Kamara and Coutinho all available at some point think we can handle these last 9 games.
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I think a target of 60 points would get us into the top 7. At this stage of the season it's about momentum & doing just enough to win.
As for going to games in Europe, I assume UEFA are a lot stricter about ticket sales to away fans. Where tickets are checked issued a passport number.
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I agree 60 is good but getting 16 from remaining 9 will be tough considering the opposition. Newcastle, Spurs, Brighton at home and Liverpool and Manu away. This means wins against Forest, Brentford, Fulham and Wolves, all possible and 4 points from previous group, so actually not too bad. I have answered my own doubts.😊
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We should be aiming for 6th position now.
6th would be spiffing.
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Realistically, I think we're playing for 7th as I can see Liverpool finishing 6th. Fulham & Brentford will hopefully fall away, leaving us & Brighton to fight it out on the last day.
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Also with the likes of Cash, Carlos, Kamara and Coutinho all available at some point think we can handle these last 9 games.
All the hard cees.
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Depends on how others with more points get on.
Brentford, Fulham are 6 pointers
I reckon 9-11 points more
wherever we finish it will be better than expected
Roll on next season
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With Mitrovic gone for a long while, and Toney expected to get a lengthy ban imminently, I would expect both Fulham and Brentford to struggle the rest of the season - even if only to mid-table form, but probably not enough to challenge for a European place.
Of the unexpected packages, it's between us and Brighton, and then whether Klopp and Lampard can get a tune out of their players in the last 10 games. Let's be honest, with the players they have at their disposal, they SHOULD be capable of putting together a half-decent winning run. If they both click, then I could see them both finishing ahead of us. Realistically, i think 7th is achievable, and 8th is most likely. But my heart says we'll steal 6th from Brighton on the last day of the season.
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Is Toney actually getting a ban? And if so, when?
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Is Toney actually getting a ban? And if so, when?
See Blose points deduction.
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Toney ban will be in the summer apparently.
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That's no good, ban him now and dock them his goals.
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I'm not too worried about Brentford, they seem to be running out of steam anyway.
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Maybe,I still want them to do Newcastle tomorrow though.
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We're gonna have to do it the hard way to stay 6th, but we'll also find out just how good we really are
Newcastle (H)
Brentford (A)
Fulham (H)
Man Utd (A)
Wolves (A)
Spurs (H)
Liverpool (A)
Brighton (H)
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The pessimist in me says we could easily lose literally all of those games!
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Are you lads with me now? 8)
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The pessimist in me says we could easily lose literally all of those games!
Fulham are properly on the beach now so that should be a regulation home win.
We need to aim for 60 points now. I think that will be good enough for 6th (although Liverpool will probably beat Arsenal now I've typed that).
Brighton still got all of Chelsea, Arsenal, Newcastle and us away and both Manchester clubs at home so not like it's a lock they win 4-5 more games this season and others like Brentford are falling away now.
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Are you lads with me now? 8)
Im with you
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I predicted this at the start of the thread
West Ham - a. WIN
Bournemouth - h WIN
Chelsea - a DRAW
Leicester - a DRAW
Forest - h WIN
Newcastle - h DRAW
Brentford - a LOSE
Fulham - h WIN
Man Utd - a LOSE
Wolves - a DRAW
Spurs - h WIN
Liverpool - a LOSE
Brighton - h WIN
So two points in front of prediction. Tempted to change the Brentford defeat to a draw.
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More wins now than the whole of last season. Two off 20-21, when we never drew and had a pretty wild time. Those 16 wins were the most since the last MON season, when we got 17 - surely we can beat that this year?
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Are you lads with me now? 8)
Only if we don't have to shave our heads to fit in.
See you at 'The Gravediggers' for the Europa League final pre-match pints. 8)
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Toney ban will be in the summer apparently.
Banned for June and July.
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We gave everyone an 11 game head start and are still top 6. Not too shabby.
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I think it could well be out of us and Brighton for 7th and the final European spot. A play off between us on the last day of the season.
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A fair few seem to think it's almost a given Liverpool will finish 6th. W4 D3 L4 over the last couple of months suggests otherwise.
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I think it could well be out of us and Brighton for 7th and the final European spot. A play off between us on the last day of the season.
If it were to come to that, I would hope they have made the Cup Final, as inevitably some players would be playing it safe.
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A fair few seem to think it's almost a given Liverpool will finish 6th. W4 D3 L4 over the last couple of months suggests otherwise.
The thing with Liverpool is that their form is pretty poor, but they are well capable of putting together a run of four or five wins on the bounce, regardless of who they play. Of the teams immediately below us, they are probably the only ones capable of doing that.
There is no reason why their terrible form won’t continue until the end of the season, but their poor form feels temporary, rather than their new normal. I thought the same about Chelsea, right up until they appointed Lampard. Now I think they’re lucky they’ve got 39 points already so should be safe.
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I think it could well be out of us and Brighton for 7th and the final European spot. A play off between us on the last day of the season.
If it were to come to that, I would hope they have made the Cup Final, as inevitably some players would be playing it safe.
If they do make the final we don't want them to win it if we pip them to 7th.
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Only once this season have Liverpool won 3 or more league games in a row, and that was either side of the World Cup. Time to stop building up other clubs and start building ourselves up. I have little doubt if any side in the division had the choice of playing us or Liverpool next they'd all choose Liverpool.
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I hope not. I think having to deal with the grind of Thursday nights playing in Ruritania will impact our chances of pushing on in the league. We need another year of Emery to have the squad to cope with it.
I knew I would find a sensible post if I searched for it LOL.
Very good point, other teams have found it very difficult to properly prepare for the next weekend game when they have a Europa match on Thursday. I would say that the current squad couldn’t cope with that even with the genius that is Unai. I guess our owners will consider what needs to be done if we qualify.
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I'm not sure there's much sense in not wanting to qualify for Europe this season as it may impact us next season and stop us from, er, qualifying for Europe.
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There aren't any downsides.
If we need a bigger squad we'll get one.
We'll be fine. Coping with both is what big clubs do and that's where we are headed.
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I'm not sure there's much sense in not wanting to qualify for Europe this season as it may impact us next season and stop us from, er, qualifying for Europe.
Personally I hope we stop playing football matches altogether in case it impacts our ability to play football matches in the future.
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The fact is that those teams that play in the Champions League on a Wednesday, play their PL match on the Saturday. Those that play on a Thursday evening play their PL match on a Sunday so can’t see any problem with that. In addition, if we want to attract better players, the sooner we get into a European competition, the better.
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There’s a lot of logic to wanting to progress gradually but let’s be honest, if there’s even an iota of chance of Europe, we grab it now with both hands. Attract better players, nearer football’s top table… we’ll take it now.
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There’s a lot of logic to wanting to progress gradually but let’s be honest, if there’s even an iota of chance of Europe, we grab it now with both hands. Attract better players, nearer football’s top table… we’ll take it now.
Agreed, my only concern is that if we miss out, it'll be considered a disappointment. Given where we were, a top half finish would be a very good achievement in itself.
Emery is working miracles as far as I'm concerned, and I'm confident it's sustainable and part of a long term upward trajectory, but it's taken a near-flawless run of form to break into the top 6. With some teams around us having games in hand, some tough fixtures to come, and after giving up almost a third of a season head start, finishing 7th-9th would not be a failure.
That's just a hope that we can all bear in mind where we started and that we've been making up for lost ground. There's no reason for us not to do our best to win every game we play, finish as high as we possibly can, and build for a future befitting the quality of our squad, the pedigree of our manager and our stature as a football club.
There's nothing we can do about those first dozen games now, but we're onto a very, very good thing.
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We now get to play every team between 3rd and 10th, plus Wolves. All the results will be magnified - a win for us is a defeat for a side we're in direct competition with for a European place, and vice-versa.
Emery gets this right and the Champions League is a distant but tangible possibility. Bad run of injuries/form/.. and we end up in the bottom half. Really is very, very tight. Regardless though, what he's achieved so far is nothing short of miraculous.
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Newcastle and Spurs are the games I badly want to win. Put both of those fuckers and their rubbish fans in their places
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Another great set of results yesterday and we've put some distance between us and Chelsea, Fulham and to a lesser extent Brentford. Good to get our noses in front of Brighton too. Yes they have games in hand but they still have to play Arsenal and Citeh and how likely are they to pick up points from them? Would be great to see Arsenal do Liverpool today too.
Next week is going to be very interesting, two teams in great form. Exciting times.
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Newcastle and Spurs are the games I badly want to win. Put both of those fuckers and their rubbish fans in their places
Agreed, though I'm in full Villa battle mode now. I have no concessions to give to any team, they're all poxy, can get fucked and will be chewed up and spat out (if they're lucky) by the unstoppable Villa juggernaut.
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Newcastle and Spurs are the games I badly want to win. Put both of those fuckers and their rubbish fans in their places
+1... Absolutely! It's a ridiculous long shot that relies on a lot of things going our way (Geordies especially), but how sweet would it be to pip BOTH of them in the table.
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Newcastle and Spurs are the games I badly want to win. Put both of those fuckers and their rubbish fans in their places
Verging on the category of generalisation, wouldn't you say? I know some very nice fans of both Spurs and Newcastle - I even met a nice Blues fan (once). I'd still want to beat them though.
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Sure, we all know it's bollocks this clubism. That said, a Newcastle fan who's still and uncomplicated Newcastle fan has made a moral calculation I know I wouldn't make.
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Liverpool beating Arsenal about 3-0 is just about the most typical result to put us back in our place.
Hopefully Arsenal win that comfortably and Liverpool chuck the season in as they're still a danger as a sleeper team.
We can certainly finish above Brighton now, they have a tougher run in than us and still have FA cup in play.
It's annoying Newcastle have won five straight just as we've hit form, they were in very indifferent form up to the cup final and I was hoping them losing that would kill their season. That idiot handballing in last minute for Forest which gave them a last minute penalty was the luck they needed to kick on.
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Newcastle and Spurs are the games I badly want to win. Put both of those fuckers and their rubbish fans in their places
Verging on the category of generalisation, wouldn't you say? I know some very nice fans of both Spurs and Newcastle - I even met a nice Blues fan (once). I'd still want to beat them though.
No! :D
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I can't even quote, properly. That's how much I don't like them :D
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Liverpool beating Arsenal about 3-0 is just about the most typical result to put us back in our place.
Hopefully Arsenal win that comfortably and Liverpool chuck the season in as they're still a danger as a sleeper team.
We can certainly finish above Brighton now, they have a tougher run in than us and still have FA cup in play.
It's annoying Newcastle have won five straight just as we've hit form, they were in very indifferent form up to the cup final and I was hoping them losing that would kill their season. That idiot handballing in last minute for Forest which gave them a last minute penalty was the luck they needed to kick on.
Its a shame. Before last weekend there was a realistic possibility of us sneaking 4th place. But it needed Newcastle to lose to ManU and Brentford before playing the Villa. Next weekend is now a 3-pointer rather than a 6-pointer.
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Liverpool beating Arsenal about 3-0 is just about the most typical result to put us back in our place.
Hopefully Arsenal win that comfortably and Liverpool chuck the season in as they're still a danger as a sleeper team.
We can certainly finish above Brighton now, they have a tougher run in than us and still have FA cup in play.
It's annoying Newcastle have won five straight just as we've hit form, they were in very indifferent form up to the cup final and I was hoping them losing that would kill their season. That idiot handballing in last minute for Forest which gave them a last minute penalty was the luck they needed to kick on.
Its a shame. Before last weekend there was a realistic possibility of us sneaking 4th place. But it needed Newcastle to lose to ManU and Brentford before playing the Villa. Next weekend is now a 3-pointer rather than a 6-pointer.
How I'm looking at it is, we basically have to play every team between 3rd &10th, plus Wolves.
Right now, I think putting space between us and Brentford, in 9th place, is the thing to aim for. I think at the start of the season most of us would've been at least satisfied with a top 8 finish. Then we're in a race with Liverpool and Brighton for 6th place. That'd be great given where we looked to be going under Gerrard.
Of the teams above us, Spurs look just catchable as long as we beat them. Anything else, even a draw, and it'll be tough. Not expecting us to finish in the Champions League places. Think we'd need to win practically every remaining game to have anything like a chance. Seems unlikely, but to be honest if you'd said to be at the start of the season that 4th looked unlikely but 5th was within the wit of man, I'd have been utterly delighted.
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I looked back over last 10 seasons. No team winning at least 19 games has ever missed out on at least the Europa League. So we have to get 5 wins from 8. Tough but possible.
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Could do with Liverpool losing today. Their run in looks fairly easy after today. Us and Tottenham are their hardest fixtures on paper.
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Sure, we all know it's bollocks this clubism. That said, a Newcastle fan who's still and uncomplicated Newcastle fan has made a moral calculation I know I wouldn't make.
Absolutely.
Although let's face it, the situation is exactly the same with Abu Dhabi City.
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Sure, we all know it's bollocks this clubism. That said, a Newcastle fan who's still and uncomplicated Newcastle fan has made a moral calculation I know I wouldn't make.
Absolutely.
Although let's face it, the situation is exactly the same with Abu Dhabi City.
I'd say it's slightly worse? But yes, both way past the line.
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How marvellous to be even having these conversations.
I know our run in looks tough, but to be honest, I think we look better against better sides. Brighton, Man United, Spurs, Chelsea. All excellent, tactically superb, disciplined performances.
I know we lost to Arsenal, but 2-4 doesn't tell the whole story. Taking the lead twice, and being 2-2 until gone 90 minutes and then a 4th as the keeper had gone up for a corner, and the 3rd a shot which bounces down and in off the back of the keeper's head.
That's unlucky.
I honestly feel more relaxed and convinced we'll get something going to Spurs or Chelsea or Brighton or the likes than I do against some of the lower table sides, I think we raise our game against sides who play football.
Again, though, not too long ago we were genuinely talking about relegation. What a marvellous turnaround this has been.
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Sure, we all know it's bollocks this clubism. That said, a Newcastle fan who's still and uncomplicated Newcastle fan has made a moral calculation I know I wouldn't make.
Absolutely.
Although let's face it, the situation is exactly the same with Abu Dhabi City.
I'd say it's slightly worse? But yes, both way past the line.
I take your point but what is a Man City or Newcastle fan supposed to do? Not go? Support someone else? Never watch the matches again? Not feel happy when the club does well or wins stuff? To criticise the owners, the source of the money, fine, but the supporters of those clubs have been put in a position they could do nothing about - a position which a lot of top clubs might find themselves in in the future. Of course there are the arseholes who will try to ignore the issue or defend the ownership but I'm reluctant to condemn all the fans absolutely because I've never been faced with that choice. No doubt some Villa fans would go down that route if it happened to us.
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Could do with Liverpool losing today. Their run in looks fairly easy after today. Us and Tottenham are their hardest fixtures on paper.
Just checked their fixtures myself. Seems unlikely we'll be able to hold them off unless we're close to perfect
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Shame Spurs cheated their way to victory yesterday. They still have to go to Anfield and would've probably lost 5-2 with that second half Arsenal had to withstand and been very vulnerable to being caught by us.
For now they have a buffer and have Bournemouth at home next so will probably extend the points over us.
We just need to finish above Brighton now. If we do we make europa conference league at worst.
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Could do with Liverpool losing today. Their run in looks fairly easy after today. Us and Tottenham are their hardest fixtures on paper.
Just checked their fixtures myself. Seems unlikely we'll be able to hold them off unless we're close to perfect
We have a very tough run in, in comparison.
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None of those teams will be wanting to face us.
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Results have by and large gone our way over the last couple of weeks. Combined with no-one wanting to play us - and just like the relegation battle where there are quite a few teams involved so they play each other a lot and can't all get points every week - I think we have a big chance. Our recent run has meant we've gone from needing to beat direct challengers to making sure we don't lose to them. Wins we get will be invaluable and decisive. Bring it on !!
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The recent Bournemouth 1 Liverpool 0 result shows that even what looks like an easy schedule can be anything but
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I don't think it matters who Villa play at the moment.
We know Emery will set us up with a chance of winning games.
That may or may not happen but any of those top sides certainly won't want to play us that's for sure!
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We are capable of beating every team we play from now until the end of the season, Liverpool included. Will we? Obviously not. Our form will not remain at its current ridiculously high level to the end of the season, it's almost impossible. The important thing, as others have said, is that no one will look forward to playing us and we should win more than we lose.
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Just finishing in the top half would have been viewed as a success so anything over that is a bonus. Talk of catching Spurs is certainly fanciful. It's an amazing run but we're regularly playing better opposition from now. We've certainly made the most of a run of fixtures against lower placed teams, and it's something we've got to do more of in future. Gerrard might not have lost his job if we had done better out of a similar run of games. Luckily for us, he didn't.
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Just finishing in the top half would have been viewed as a success so anything over that is a bonus. Talk of catching Spurs is certainly fanciful. It's an amazing run but we're regularly playing better opposition from now. We've certainly made the most of a run of fixtures against lower placed teams, and it's something we've got to do more of in future. Gerrard might not have lost his job if we had done better out of a similar run of games. Luckily for us, he didn't.
I think it'll be difficult to catch Spurs, but not fanciful. We still have to play them - win there and there's 3pts difference between us (well, 4pts given their goal difference and ours).
It's in the upper reaches of what we could realistically achieve, but I don't think it's completely beyond all possibility that we beat them and win a couple of games which they end up drawing. That's a good/bad run, not a miracle.
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I think we're a better team than Spurs, had Emery started level with them, we would be leaving them for dust.
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Realistically we are looking at the uefa conference competition as our gateway to Europe.
It would be a bad thing as it would give us a better chance of qualifying.
Not sure but it seems to be 3 qualifying rounds and a playoff round before the groups
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Realistically we are looking at the uefa conference competition as our gateway to Europe.
It would be a bad thing as it would give us a better chance of qualifying.
Not sure but it seems to be 3 qualifying rounds and a playoff round before the groups
English team enter in play off round
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Realistically we are looking at the uefa conference competition as our gateway to Europe.
It would be a bad thing as it would give us a better chance of qualifying.
Not sure but it seems to be 3 qualifying rounds and a playoff round before the groups
English team enter in play off round
Thanks, bud 👍
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I need to swat up on European qualification places as it's been that long since we were contenders.
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I need to swat up on European qualification places as it's been that long since we were contenders.
Just read back through the thread and pay attention to algy’s posts. Your brain may need resetting afterwards but it’s all there.
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I think we're a better team than Spurs, had Emery started level with them, we would be leaving them for dust.
It feels really weird how Spurs have somehow managed to remain either in or pushing for the CL places all season despite having been absolutely shit for ages now.
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Speaking of "luck", from the other thread, the amount of good fortune Spurs had at home to Brighton last weekend was absolutely ridiculous.
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Speaking of "luck", from the other thread, the amount of good fortune Spurs had at home to Brighton last weekend was absolutely ridiculous.
I think there was more than "luck" at play there - some of the decisions were out right cheating - how the ref and VAR missed the Pen challenge was just surreal
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Speaking of "luck", from the other thread, the amount of good fortune Spurs had at home to Brighton last weekend was absolutely ridiculous.
I think there was more than "luck" at play there - some of the decisions were out right cheating - how the ref and VAR missed the Pen challenge was just surreal
Pen challenges. Two stonewall penalties.
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And the goal that went in off McAllister's hip, not his arm. I'm surprised Brighton's players didn't appeal more vociferously. They needed a Bruno Fernandes or Andy Robertson to scream blue murder to the ref and his assistants.
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I think we're a better team than Spurs, had Emery started level with them, we would be leaving them for dust.
It feels really weird how Spurs have somehow managed to remain either in or pushing for the CL places all season despite having been absolutely shit for ages now.
Spurs are Blues at the moment, and I've got a feeling what happened against Brighton won't help them in the long run - it wouldn't surprise me if they have a run of VAR decisions mysteriously going against them in their next few games. If we can just keep our run going then Spurs are the team I can see losing a few head to heads over the next months and dropping out of the running.
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i reckon we need to win 4 or 5 games to have any chance.
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i reckon we need to win 4 or 5 games to have any chance.
60 points would be an excellent return given where Emery started, and give us a decent shot at a top 7 place. 4 wins and a draw needed to get us there from 8 games.
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i reckon we need to win 4 or 5 games to have any chance.
60 points would be an excellent return given where Emery started, and give us a decent shot at a top 7 place. 4 wins and a draw needed to get us there from 8 games.
And I will whisper it quietly before I jinx the fuck out of our season, but I think Emery can do that...
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Can someone smarter than me please explain what happens if West Ham wins the Conference League - does that mean fewer european places for the league?
Apologies if this has been answered elsewhere, i just haven't paid much attention to these kind of things over the last 10 years for some reason.
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Conference winners qualify for the Europa League. Makes no difference to the league.
I think.
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Thanks Pete
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Wouldn't that reduce the number of league places available for the EL?
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Conference winners qualify for the Europa League. Makes no difference to the league.
I think.
That's correct, Pete.
If a Premier League club win the UEFA Europa Conference League and do not qualify for the UEFA Europa League via the Premier League or the FA Cup, then they enter the UEFA Europa League group stages as an additional club.
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Man. United getting a few injuries now. Lisandro Martinez did his achilles, Varane went off at half time and we know Rashford probably won't be back until May.
Really fancy our chances of two successive league wins at Old Trafford (they also play Spurs away on the Thursday before that match). Have we ever done that before (guessing early 1900s?)
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Man. United getting a few injuries now. Lisandro Martinez did his achilles, Varane went off at half time and we know Rashford probably won't be back until May.
Really fancy our chances of two successive league wins at Old Trafford (they also play Spurs away on the Thursday before that match). Have we ever done that before (guessing early 1900s?)
08/03/30 Manchester United 2-3 Aston Villa
30/08/30 Manchester United 3-4 Aston Villa
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What about the last time we doubled them ?
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What about the last time we doubled them ?
I was thinking that. Think we drew both games against them in 1981
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Tifo weighs-in on whether we've been fortunate with our wins, or not.
*Spoiler - yes but in terms of points gained, we are over-performing to the same level that Arsenal are.
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Good stuff. I agree with the analysis and do believe that we have overperformed and the manager has squeezed more out of the lemon. This is not sustainable unless we get better players in the summer.
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I stopped listening when he called Forest 'Nottingham'.
Agree with your getting better players point, Aftab, mate.
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Man. United getting a few injuries now. Lisandro Martinez did his achilles, Varane went off at half time and we know Rashford probably won't be back until May.
Really fancy our chances of two successive league wins at Old Trafford (they also play Spurs away on the Thursday before that match). Have we ever done that before (guessing early 1900s?)
08/03/30 Manchester United 2-3 Aston Villa
30/08/30 Manchester United 3-4 Aston Villa
92 years ago, on the day Warren Buffet was born.
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I stopped listening when he called Forest 'Nottingham'.
Agree with your getting better players point, Aftab, mate.
It's a good analysis. If you're interested in Villa then it's strange to stop listening because of that.
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It's ok analysis but skips over some fairly important points. For example he says that strikers over-performing against xG isn't all that unusual and hints towards some of the reasons for it but doesn't really build on the point.
It's important because if you, as a manager, highlight a way to get your striker to out-perform on xG then the team will also out-perform expectations. That then directly translates to points, so you out-perform there as well. Get your goalkeeper out-performing as well (by having the best in the world) and suddenly all of your numbers are exceeding expectations on the basis of 2 players, and 1 of those isn't doing anything that you can't see replicated regularly. Yes the numbers look like a massive swing that will be hard to maintain but as you break it down the gap becomes a lot more understandable.
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It's ok analysis but skips over some fairly important points. For example he says that strikers over-performing against xG isn't all that unusual and hints towards some of the reasons for it but doesn't really build on the point.
It's important because if you, as a manager, highlight a way to get your striker to out-perform on xG then the team will also out-perform expectations. That then directly translates to points, so you out-perform there as well. Get your goalkeeper out-performing as well (by having the best in the world) and suddenly all of your numbers are exceeding expectations on the basis of 2 players, and 1 of those isn't doing anything that you can't see replicated regularly. Yes the numbers look like a massive swing that will be hard to maintain but as you break it down the gap becomes a lot more understandable.
"Over performing against xG" means the grand total of fuck all.
XG is the most pointless "stat" in football.
I watched a game last year in the Australian A'League where one teams xG was predicted to be 0.003 & the other 0.000.
The game finished either 4-3 or 5-4. I cannot recall, but either way, both teams scored more than 3 each.
Whenever I see xG mentioned in football, it makes me want to punch my cat...
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It's ok analysis but skips over some fairly important points. For example he says that strikers over-performing against xG isn't all that unusual and hints towards some of the reasons for it but doesn't really build on the point.
It's important because if you, as a manager, highlight a way to get your striker to out-perform on xG then the team will also out-perform expectations. That then directly translates to points, so you out-perform there as well. Get your goalkeeper out-performing as well (by having the best in the world) and suddenly all of your numbers are exceeding expectations on the basis of 2 players, and 1 of those isn't doing anything that you can't see replicated regularly. Yes the numbers look like a massive swing that will be hard to maintain but as you break it down the gap becomes a lot more understandable.
Also, if you've got one of the very best keepers in the world, then them making outstanding saves ins't "outperforming" it's them doing their job. And Ollie has clearly worked very hard on certain weaknesses in his game, and so has very clearly and tangibly improved. I'd argue again then that he's not "outperforming" he's just greatly improved, such that he now takes a higher proportion of chances that come his way. I'd say the xG statisticians need to go back and recalculate their results in terms of real world data in the same way that the IMF and BoE do for inflation figures, for example.
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He described Spurs away as one of the 'lucky' games.
We controlled that match from start to finish. Not much luck about that.
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It's ok analysis but skips over some fairly important points. For example he says that strikers over-performing against xG isn't all that unusual and hints towards some of the reasons for it but doesn't really build on the point.
It's important because if you, as a manager, highlight a way to get your striker to out-perform on xG then the team will also out-perform expectations. That then directly translates to points, so you out-perform there as well. Get your goalkeeper out-performing as well (by having the best in the world) and suddenly all of your numbers are exceeding expectations on the basis of 2 players, and 1 of those isn't doing anything that you can't see replicated regularly. Yes the numbers look like a massive swing that will be hard to maintain but as you break it down the gap becomes a lot more understandable.
Also, if you've got one of the very best keepers in the world, then them making outstanding saves ins't "outperforming" it's them doing their job. And Ollie has clearly worked very hard on certain weaknesses in his game, and so has very clearly and tangibly improved. I'd argue again then that he's not "outperforming" he's just greatly improved, such that he now takes a higher proportion of chances that come his way. I'd say the xG statisticians need to go back and recalculate their results in terms of real world data in the same way that the IMF and BoE do for inflation figures, for example.
My point on Emi was basically the same thing, a goalkeeper as good a him is always going to "over-perform" because he's just good. Our goals conceded stat should always be better than xGA purely by his presence in the team.
Watkins is more complicated because, as I said on the geordie pre-match thread, the stats will never be able to take form and confidence into account. All the work he's done has increased his confidence and that has seen an improvement in his form. That might be temporary or it might be his new level and him scoring more than xG could just become a standard for him, like it is for players like Haaland, Kane, Lewandowski, etc. The important thing is that it's over-performing against global averages, not against personal ability.
I'm not comparing him to those players, just pointing out that xG doesn't work for the truly exceptional, whether that's permanent or temporary, that applies to Emi as well, obviously.
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(https://i.ibb.co/rZp2Y4M/85668-E58-89-EA-4-C02-8-A35-1-EAC82-E4-B46-F.jpg) (https://ibb.co/rZp2Y4M)
In the end the games are played on the pitch but we don’t have it easy the rest of the way.
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I preferred the days when an assessment of your next opponents was "we'll do these, they're shit".
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Xg is just a load of bollocks.
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Are there any stats for rolling your sleeves up or looking people in the eye?
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Xg is just a load of bollocks.
The probability of you saying that was 0.82
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Xg is just a load of bollocks.
I don't think it's a load of bollocks, but I do think that, as with all data measures, it is not so much what it measures, it is about how it is interpreted.
In this case of this video it is being seen as an ultimate form of truth.
For example, the guy just sees matches where we score more than our XG and then declares that means we were 'lucky', then applies the same evaluation to half a dozen other matches.
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0.6 against Man United. I felt Bailey and Ramsey's goals were ones that ought to have been taken and they duly were. There's nothing wrong with XG, but all the methodology behind it, doesn't alter the subjective nature of it.
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Xg is just a load of bollocks.
I don't think it's a load of bollocks, but I do think that, as with all data measures, it is not so much what it measures, it is about how it is interpreted.
In this case of this video it is being seen as an ultimate form of truth.
For example, the guy just sees matches where we score more than our XG and then declares that means we were 'lucky', then applies the same evaluation to half a dozen other matches.
All it means is that their xG prediction was wrong & he is using that shitty data to push his agenda...
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I’ve never understood Xg. Or even see the point.
While I’m at it , I’ve never seen the point in Rugby, when they put the number of “ phases“. on the screen
5th phase. So what ? Let me know when they’ve scored.
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I’ve never understood Xg. Or even see the point.
While I’m at it , I’ve never seen the point in Rugby, when they put the number of “ phases“. on the screen
5th phase. So what ? Let me know when they’ve scored.
I've never seen the point in Rugby.
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I’ve never understood Xg. Or even see the point.
While I’m at it , I’ve never seen the point in Rugby, when they put the number of “ phases“. on the screen
5th phase. So what ? Let me know when they’ve scored.
I've never seen the point in Rugby.
Naughty!
The number of phases is relevant because play becomes less structured as the number of phases increases. It's not a particularly important stat but it can explain why a winger ends up one-on-one with a prop, for example.
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I’ve never understood Xg. Or even see the point.
While I’m at it , I’ve never seen the point in Rugby, when they put the number of “ phases“. on the screen
5th phase. So what ? Let me know when they’ve scored.
I've never seen the point in Rugby.
I've only been through it on the train.
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He described Spurs away as one of the 'lucky' games.
We controlled that match from start to finish. Not much luck about that.
That was the one that stood out for me, with only the Leeds game at home where I thought we had a bit of luck on the balance of the game.
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I’ve never understood Xg. Or even see the point.
While I’m at it , I’ve never seen the point in Rugby, when they put the number of “ phases“. on the screen
5th phase. So what ? Let me know when they’ve scored.
I've never seen the point in Rugby.
I've only been through it on the train.
Wise.
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Are there any stats for rolling your sleeves up or looking people in the eye?
This is really where xG falls down, it's doesn't hold a candle against rSU, LitE or the little known yN (Yeah no)
Having analysed all* of our games, we had a high rSU under Bruce but low LitE. Gerrard increased LitE dramatically, but our rSU dropped off a cliff. The key thing with Emery is he runs long, intensive sessions where players have to continually roll their sleeves up whilst looking him in the eye until Emery says "Yeah no" at them.
With some of the best rSU, LitE and yN stats in the league, it's absolutely no surprise that we've gone rocketing up the table.
* None
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This data is meaningless unless we know whether players have their boots on. All I've ever asked is that they put their boots on. You can't ask more, or less, than that.
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This data is meaningless unless we know whether players have their boots on. All I've ever asked is that they put their boots on. You can't ask more, or less, than that.
That's true, it's easy to overlook xBO (expected boots on). The best players in the world always have an xBO of close to 2.0, and it's really the level our players need to hit too.
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At least our xS, (expected socks) is back where it should be.
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My xB is at -5 after telling SWMBO that her arse looks a bit bigger in that pair of jeans.
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Thinking about it, our xG (expected goalkeepers) is higher than any other club in the league right now. Emery concentrating on the stats that matter!
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My xB is at -5 after telling SWMBO that her arse looks a bit bigger in that pair of jeans.
Like xG honesty is overrated
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Could do with mid table Chelsea getting a goal back against brighton
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Chelsea really are quite lucky that theres only a few games left because at this rate, the bottom teams will be catching them. Could have done with a favour from them. Hopeless.
Still, Spurs are losing again.
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5th is realistic now. We're 3pts behind and we have to play Spurs. But they'll probably drop points regardless of if we beat them or not.
I wouldn't rule out top 4 just yet. Stranger things have happened than a 6 point swing in our favour over 7 games. Might be too far but I believe in Emery and the team to give it their best shot.
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Might be 3 points short of having a real crack at the Champions League. We probably need to win the lot. We definitely need to beat United, Spurs and Brighton. Fifth is very doable. Basically beat Spurs and we need to pick one more point up on them in the run in. Hammer them and we could match and do it on goal difference.
Brighton and Liverpool could still see us down the table though, so let's just keep winning. It's pretty enjoyable.
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5th could be enough to qualify for CL if Man City or Man Utd win their competitions.
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I didn’t think it worked like that? 5th never gets it
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From what I read on this thread a week or two ago, I believe there are scenarios where 5th qualifies.
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Another lucky win today.
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From what I read on this thread a week or two ago, I believe there are scenarios where 5th qualifies.
Algy to the thread!
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I didn’t think it worked like that? 5th never gets it
Everton finished 5th and got it in 2005, Everton finished 4th and both qualified but I think after that they changed it so that only 4 can qualify from the same country. If someone finishes 4th and a team outside the top 4 wins the CL that season, the winners take the place of the 4th placed team (which was the case in 2012 when Chelsea won the CL and Spurs finished 4th and missed out).
So in short, no we can't finish 5th and qualify for the CL. I think.
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I didn’t think it worked like that? 5th never gets it
5 never gets it - unless it’s Liverpool?
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From what I read on this thread a week or two ago, I believe there are scenarios where 5th qualifies.
There are, but only if that side wins the Champions League or Europa League. You can't qualify via the league in 5th place, lowest position is 4th.
4th place qualifies in all except the strangest of circumstances - where the Champions League & Europa League winner both come from the same country, and both finish outside the top 4.
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A maximum of five English clubs can enter the Champions League. If Chelsea say, were to win the Champions League and they finish outside of the top 4, then they qualify, as do the top four, giving five Englisy teams in the CL. UNLESS another English club (eg Man U) win the Europa League and also finish outside of the top 4. In this instance, with two English teams winning the Champions League AND Europa League, and both finishing outside the top 4, then the team finishing 4th drops into the Europa League.
There's no situation where the 5th placed team can qualify for the Champions League.
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Why are we talking about 5Th?
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5th is realistic now. We're 3pts behind and we have to play Spurs. But they'll probably drop points regardless of if we beat them or not.
I wouldn't rule out top 4 just yet. Stranger things have happened than a 6 point swing in our favour over 7 games. Might be too far but I believe in Emery and the team to give it their best shot.
Still a massive, massive ask but if we win our 2 next two, Yanited might well be getting a bit twitchy by the time we play them.
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Why are we talking about 5Th?
Spurs ran out of luck and reverted to type, what a hilarious ending to that match.
I think Spurs could lose all their away games left. If they don't beat Man. United maximum points haul is 60 points (and beating Palace and Brentford at home is far from a given).
We can finish above Spurs and so can Brighton.
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I do still think it will end up being a stretch to far - but I’m loving having the hope - and think will set us up really well for next season and help us keep the likes of Dougie and Emi. We’re a joy to watch and that’s all I can ask.
Would be amazing if we could get top 7 - but for me I the biggest positive is we have finally worked out how to progress - employ the best possible manager we can convince. I think it’s shown how much else we have done right - the squad we have assembled is actually good - and the signings not as bad as we feared - combined with enjoying the A Ramsey and Archer on loan - I think we can see that we’re heading in the right direction
Keep backing Unai and success will come sooner or later
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Keep on winning and you never know.
Would be nice time finally beat Brentford.
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Keep on winning and you never know.
Would be nice time finally beat Brentford.
Didn't we smash them last time we played them?
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Keep on winning and you never know.
Would be nice time finally beat Brentford.
Didn't we smash them last time we played them?
I just assumed he meant at Brentford.
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Keep on winning and you never know.
Would be nice time finally beat Brentford.
Yeah 100% - I’m loving the ride - just looking at it from the perspective of it would be an unreal achievement, and not to get too hung up on it.
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Keep on winning and you never know.
Would be nice time finally beat Brentford.
Didn't we smash them last time we played them?
I just assumed he meant at Brentford.
That would be fantastic though I'd regret not living in Ealing any more.
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Beating Brentford and Fulham in the next two would completely knock them out of contention for Europa spots and heap pressure on teams around us. Think Spurs will fall out of contention, no manager , rudderless and fans on their back. Think Brighton might pass us with games in hand and Man Utd have FA Cup and Europa League distractions.
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If we were to finish above Brighton, say in 5th or 6th position, could Brighton winning the FA Cup be a bad thing for us?
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Why are we talking about 5Th?
Amen brother
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If we were to finish above Brighton, say in 5th or 6th position, could Brighton winning the FA Cup be a bad thing for us?
No, unless Man U also drop put of the top 5. Currently top 6 will get Europe, assuming Man U finish in top 5, their ECL plave from winning the Lague Cup goes to 6th place.
Brighton would have to finish 8th, win the cup and us finish 7th for us to miss out that route.
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Might be nice if Brighton get through to the FA Cup final, so it gives them something else to think about and hopefully distract them from the league games, especially as we play them last game of the season.
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If we were to finish above Brighton, say in 5th or 6th position, could Brighton winning the FA Cup be a bad thing for us?
No, unless Man U also drop put of the top 5. Currently top 6 will get Europe, assuming Man U finish in top 5, their ECL plave from winning the Lague Cup goes to 6th place.
Brighton would have to finish 8th, win the cup and us finish 7th for us to miss out that route.
It's a Europa Conference place for the League Cup :)
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I'm more confident about us finishing above Spurs than I am of us finishing above Brighton and Liverpool, which is a bit odd given the table.
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If the 2 Manchester clubs contest the FA Cup final and finish in the top 4, will it means an extra Euro place?
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Might be jumping the gun a little here, but what sort of away ticket allocation do clubs get for European games?
Apart from the odd spare, a lot of us are muscled out of purchasing away tickets due to the away ticket mafia (*away fans buying up the tickets regardless of whether they're going or not, just to stay ahead in the priority list).
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I'm more confident about us finishing above Spurs than I am of us finishing above Brighton and Liverpool, which is a bit odd given the table.
Spurs next 3 fixtures. Newcastle, Man United, Liverpool
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I'm more confident about us finishing above Spurs than I am of us finishing above Brighton and Liverpool, which is a bit odd given the table.
I'm in that same boat. I think Spurs are now a busted flush and no way will they acrue anything like the points we'll get before now and end of season. Brighton are in a similar vein of form to us, and both them and Liverpool have a few games in hand to play with too.
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Where's footy vill when you need a stats based summary of our chances of european domination. Or even just qualification. I
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It’s gonna cost me a fortune
I told my younger kids a while ago when qualification was a distant possibility that if we made it I would take them to every game in Europe
I did the same in 98 with my older kids and that cost me dear as well but all well worth it
(I realise it sounds like it compares me to Rod Stewart with all them kids of differing ages which is true apart from the lack of money)
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Our last 3 games are Spurs, Liverpool and Brighton the 3 other main contenders for top 6 places. The final day could feel like a cup final but with us having home advantage. Brentford, Fulham and Chelsea aren’t completely out of it but it seems unlikely on current form.
On the night we lost at Fulham the calculations were more likely to be about how many points we needed for survival. It’s just beyond anything any of us could have hoped for and contrary to my concerns when this thread kicked off I now reckon if we do qualify we’ll make a success of it such is the confidence this manager instills.
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Unai yesterday, when interviewed after the match said our first target was to stay up, 'Did it', then top 10, 'We are there'. Now he has set a target of Top 6. :)
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A First top 10 finish for 12 years would have been fantastic
8th position would have been sensational
Now finishing 8th will be a disappointment because we miss out on the European spots such has been the change in our expectation levels under Emery
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If the 2 Manchester clubs contest the FA Cup final and finish in the top 4, will it means an extra Euro place?
The cup winner's Europa spot will revert to league position.
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Fun fact. The night we sacked Gerrard we were 2 points behind Southampton. We're now 27 points ahead and going for Europe while they need a miracle to stay up.
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Easy Jet or Ryanair we don't care just get us there, we're all going on a European Tour
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If West Ham win the Europa Conference will that be one spot (7th) gone and 6th would be conference?
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No.
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We are now secure for 8th place. About 3 weeks ago we at best looked 11th nailed on. This is massive progress when you think about the gap around about end of Feb. 4th is not achievable as we need to do much better than at least 3 teams, Spurs, Brighton and Newcastle for the rest of the season due to points or games gap. We can probably surpass 2 but not all 3. So the target must be now to feel secure in 6th after the next 2/3 games. Big worry is Brighton with their games in hand.
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Fun fact. The night we sacked Gerrard we were 2 points behind Southampton. We're now 27 points ahead and going for Europe while they need a miracle to stay up.
Fun facts are rarely fun but this one is incredible.
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Hope Brighton get 4th and pip Spurs and Newcastle. They play far better football than either. I think we could catch Tottenham, they're just a plodding bag of spuds these days.
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Hope Brighton get 4th and pip Spurs and Newcastle. They play far better football than either. I think we could catch Tottenham, they're just a plodding back of spuds these days.
Only if we get 3rd. 8)
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Click for full joke...
(https://ibb.co/JHCXLXF)
(https://i.ibb.co/7kbxpKn/Capture.png) (https://ibb.co/7kbxpKn)
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If we manage to finish 6th it will be an incredible achievement. I'd bite your hand off if offered that right now.
But even if we fall away and end up 8th, it will still have been a superb effort and an excellent launching pad for the summer and next season.
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Click for full joke...
(https://ibb.co/JHCXLXF)
(https://i.ibb.co/7kbxpKn/Capture.png) (https://ibb.co/7kbxpKn)
Out xG yesterday was 1.87, despite having the ball in the net 4 times, hitting the woodwork twice and forcing Pope into a number of good saves.
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Was reading that the trouble with xG is that it should only be used to try and measure individual strikers, i.e. just because one scores 5 in 10 and another 2 maybe the latter just plays in a crap team and doesn't get high quality chances.
It doesn't work for teams because you're trying to define what's a 'good chance' by what the average finishing ability is of all teams in the league - which makes no sense, because the whole point is to measure who's better at finishing!
So, in short, time to file under 'Bollocks'.
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Watkins goal at Stamford Bridge was a hard chance according to Xg as it was a lob from outside the box. Despite it being straight forward. It's not a useless statistic, but it's nothing to base an entire argument on.
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I think we need a Run in thread.
I notice that Brighton have a lot of fairly easy games, the biggest problem for them is the sheer number of them.
I don’t think we can catch Newcastle or Manure that leaves
Liverpool Spuds Brighton and us slugging it out for 6th and 5th.
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I think we need a Run in thread.
I notice that Brighton have a lot of fairly easy games, the biggest problem for them is the sheer number of them.
I don’t think we can catch Newcastle or Manure that leaves
Liverpool Spuds Brighton and us slugging it out for 6th and 7th.
We can definitely catch Newcastle.
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I think we need a Run in thread.
I notice that Brighton have a lot of fairly easy games, the biggest problem for them is the sheer number of them.
I don’t think we can catch Newcastle or Manure that leaves
Liverpool Spuds Brighton and us slugging it out for 6th and 7th.
Who are you giving 5th to? ;)
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I think we need a Run in thread.
I notice that Brighton have a lot of fairly easy games, the biggest problem for them is the sheer number of them.
I don’t think we can catch Newcastle or Manure that leaves
Liverpool Spuds Brighton and us slugging it out for 6th and 7th.
Who are you giving 5th to? ;)
sorry I mean 5th 6th.
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I'm not giving up on 4th yet, no matter how unlikely. Once you're into a 7/8/9 game shootout anything can happen. Clubs could tank, injuries happen, including to us.
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If West Ham win the Europa Conference will that be one spot (7th) gone and 6th would be conference?
It's refreshing to see you posting about fewer spaces being available.
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Is there something like the last season's BBC PL Predictor where we can put in the predicted results of the remaining games?
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Is there something like the last season's BBC PL Predictor where we can put in the predicted results of the remaining games?
Ive just done my own version for the relegation battle and I’ve got Southampton bottom followed by Leeds and Leicester, with Forest and Everton escaping by one point and West Ham, Bournemouth and Wolves further ahead, my own bias maybe coming into it with Leeds, given Forests run in. Not sure i can face predicting our final points tally, too nervy.
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Click for full joke...
(https://ibb.co/JHCXLXF)
(https://i.ibb.co/7kbxpKn/Capture.png) (https://ibb.co/7kbxpKn)
I like that. It's gone in my Villa album on FB.
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Click for full joke...
(https://ibb.co/JHCXLXF)
(https://i.ibb.co/7kbxpKn/Capture.png) (https://ibb.co/7kbxpKn)
I like that. It's gone in my Villa album on FB.
I don't think they helped themselves with that Tifo video as if I had a picture in my mind of some generic football slightly hipster twat wanking on about xg, yer man was it.
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Results for ManU have gone against us a bit. But if Tottenham beat Newcassle next week (assuming we beat Brentford), things could start to get very squeaky.
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It's slightly mental that this thread even exists.
Loving this.
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It's slightly mental that this thread even exists.
Loving this.
It's mental that it's gone from 'remote possibility' to 'which kind of Europe?' in just about a fortnight
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I'm not giving up on 4th yet, no matter how unlikely. Once you're into a 7/8/9 game shootout anything can happen. Clubs could tank, injuries happen, including to us.
Yes but Newcastle have a lot of easier games and I can see them getting 68 points unless they blow up of course.
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I'm not giving up on 4th yet, no matter how unlikely. Once you're into a 7/8/9 game shootout anything can happen. Clubs could tank, injuries happen, including to us.
Yes but Newcastle have a lot of easier games and I can see them getting 68 points unless they blow up of course.
Yesterday was the kind of beating that leaves scars.
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Hope Brighton get 4th and pip Spurs and Newcastle. They play far better football than either. I think we could catch Tottenham, they're just a plodding bag of spuds these days.
Of any of the teams to get 4th ahead of us, Brighton would be my pick, but only because the other two would “capitalise” on it to a far greater degree than Brighton could, which could make them even stronger opposition for a top 4 place next season. Brighton, I suspect, would enjoy the European adventure, but not really push on, a la Leicester.
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I'm not giving up on 4th yet, no matter how unlikely. Once you're into a 7/8/9 game shootout anything can happen. Clubs could tank, injuries happen, including to us.
Yes but Newcastle have a lot of easier games and I can see them getting 68 points unless they blow up of course.
With the exception of Chelsea last game of the season, none of Newcastle's opponents are on the beach. They are all fighting for something.
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I'm not giving up on 4th yet, no matter how unlikely. Once you're into a 7/8/9 game shootout anything can happen. Clubs could tank, injuries happen, including to us.
Yes but Newcastle have a lot of easier games and I can see them getting 68 points unless they blow up of course.
Exactly, clubs "could" tank. They may not but no chance i'm giving up on it yet.
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Newcastle had won 5 in a row, but before that it was W1 D5 L2. For anyone outside of the top 2 form can drop off a cliff with little warning.
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Yesterday was the kind of beating that leaves scars.
Pretty sure I heard Howe saying yesterday that they'll have to see whether it was a one-off or Emery had figured out how to beat them, and that if it's the latter other teams might emulate Unai's tactics.
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Yesterday was the kind of beating that leaves scars.
Pretty sure I heard Howe saying yesterday that they'll have to see whether it was a one-off or Emery had figured out how to beat them, and that if it's the latter other teams might emulate Unai's tactics.
That happened with us with, West Ham last year, I think it was.
They pressed really high & aggressively & comfortably beat us. Leeds (I think) followed suit & it became standard for all teams to put pressure on the back four & it affected us quite badly.
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Our goal difference is pretty poor, compared to the others, so could play a big part.
If Newcastle beat Spurs that would put Spurs well and truly in the mix for the 5th-7th places with us, BHA and Liverpool.
Given the respective run in fixtures you’d expect Brighton and Liverpool to overhaul us and Spurs.
And the way Spurs are playing they could easily be the team to fall short in 8th place.
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2019, promotion? No effing chance.
2020, avoid relegation? Likewise.
2023, sneak 4th? Never say never...
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Our goal difference is pretty poor, compared to the others, so could play a big part.
If Newcastle beat Spurs that would put Spurs well and truly in the mix for the 5th-7th places with us, BHA and Liverpool.
Given the respective run in fixtures you’d expect Brighton and Liverpool to overhaul us and Spurs.
And the way Spurs are playing they could easily be the team to fall short in 8th place.
Agree with this. Liverpool's run-in is the easiest on paper and we may need to beat them at Anfield to have a chance of finishing above them.
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I'm not giving up on 4th yet, no matter how unlikely. Once you're into a 7/8/9 game shootout anything can happen. Clubs could tank, injuries happen, including to us.
Yes but Newcastle have a lot of easier games and I can see them getting 68 points unless they blow up of course.
They have Spurs next then I think Arsenal a couple of weeks later. Make a mess of those, they'd be in with the pack and potential implosion material.
Admittedly there's some huge "if"s there, and honestly I'm expecting us to be 7th or 8th once teams have caught up their games in hand ... but still, it's nice to be dreaming up possibilities of us qualifying for Europe rather than working out what needs to happen to avoid relegation.
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It’s going to be tight but you never know. One thing for sure, we must rectify our nasty habit of recent no shows at Molineux (with exception of behind closed doors Anwar penalty) to give us a fighting chance.
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Our goal difference is pretty poor, compared to the others, so could play a big part.
If Newcastle beat Spurs that would put Spurs well and truly in the mix for the 5th-7th places with us, BHA and Liverpool.
Given the respective run in fixtures you’d expect Brighton and Liverpool to overhaul us and Spurs.
And the way Spurs are playing they could easily be the team to fall short in 8th place.
Agree with this. Liverpool's run-in is the easiest on paper and we may need to beat them at Anfield to have a chance of finishing above them.
we could do with Leeds finding one of those performances tomorrow night, agree we will definitely need something at Anfield.
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The way Liverpool been playing,I won't be surprised at there results, they had there cup final by beating Manchester
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If West Ham win the Europa Conference will that be one spot (7th) gone and 6th would be conference?
It's refreshing to see you posting about fewer spaces being available.
Ha ha, marvellous work!
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The way Liverpool been playing,I won't be surprised at there results, they had there cup final by beating Manchester
They are getting a few players back their run in
Leeds A
Forest H
West Ham A
Spurs H
Fulham H
Brentford H
Leicester A
AVFC H
Southampton A
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At what point do we have to admit we’ll be gutted if we don’t qualify for any competition? It was only a few weeks ago we wanted top half.
I can see this thread turning into disappointment we’re in the Conference League after we were still in the champions league lox with 2/3 games to go.
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The way Liverpool been playing,I won't be surprised at there results, they had there cup final by beating Manchester
They are getting a few players back their run in
Leeds A
Forest H
West Ham A
Spurs H
Fulham H
Brentford H
Leicester A
AVFC H
Southampton A
It sounds crazy but I could see Liverpool slipping up at West Ham and Leicester.
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Liverpool on paper still a step up for us. They have a relatively easy run in. Would refuse to be disappointed no matter what. Emery has performed amazingly since he has come in.
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Liverpool couldn't even beat Chelsea, that's how shit they are.
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I've always had a soft spot for Leeds
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Was reading that the trouble with xG is that it should only be used to try and measure individual strikers, i.e. just because one scores 5 in 10 and another 2 maybe the latter just plays in a crap team and doesn't get high quality chances.
It doesn't work for teams because you're trying to define what's a 'good chance' by what the average finishing ability is of all teams in the league - which makes no sense, because the whole point is to measure who's better at finishing!
So, in short, time to file under 'Bollocks'.
Bit behind here but this was basically the point I was trying to make all week. xG is based on averages, because it's the only thing you can base it on, but that means too many things aren't accounted for for it to be used as some people have tried to.
What xG is useful for is getting an understanding of how well you're creating opportunities and how well your strikers are doing to get into positions. When Smith mentioned it as a sign that we weren't miles away from sorting ourselves out he was using it in the right way, we were creating chances, our strikers were getting on the end of them but we just needed a bit of confidence and composure. Not long later we had the fantastic start to the following season and looked like we might be on for a push for Europe until Grealish got injured and our form collapsed.
Once you're actually scoring goals using xG to suggest you're not playing as well as the results suggest is just bad analysis.
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2019, promotion? No effing chance.
2020, avoid relegation? Likewise.
2023, sneak 4th? Never say never...
Love this post mate.
I think we could do it at the expense of Newcastle.
Its only 6 points.
I really think we have a chance.
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There's an old story (probably a lie) about the somewhat, er, ivory tower French philosophy style where some prof at École Normale is meant to have said 'well, it works in practice, but does it work in theory?'
Somehow caring more about some fashionable stat than about an actual massive winning run is the closest I've come across in real life to that story.
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It is fucking mental to think that in the normal business-planning course of events at AVFC, i.e last summer, you could imagine the board targeting a steady trajectory to top half this season, "deeper" progress in the Cups etc. Europa League places tentatively targeted within the following couple of years.
By the end of October, the only immediate target was to remain a PL club. Pretty sure Unai said that getting us into Europe at some point of his tenure was the positive aim spoken about in interviews but it still felt abstract at the time.
Even with the above targets achieved, you could then spend millions and who knows how many years trying to make that perceived, one last step, to the top four and the "promised land " of top-level players and sponsors, and nu-fans and TV income it would promise to attract.
The idea that all of that could in theory, be up-ended in the next few weeks - that we could conceivably (if improbably) finish 4th in a season where any target other than mediocrity wouldn't have come within an ass's roar of being an objective at the start is just remarkable.
Football must be infuriating to plan for by people who run clubs. Momentum can take on such a life of its own, for good or bad. We've known plenty of the latter, and we've waited 25 years for the fun side of the see-saw. We've paid our dues, maybe it's finally time to cash (Metty Cesh!) in...
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We must keep in mind where we have progressed from and that any results that get us into European competition next year would be amazing. I would be a bit disappointed now if it was the conference league thing, the Europa League would be fantastic for us I think and Champions League might be too much too soon, incredible though it would be. I just want to see Villa back on their travels, it would be just reward for supporters who have been through thick and thin for the club .
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CL wouldn't be too much too soon. The strength of English clubs in terms of finances and squads means we'd easily be able to compete. We'd also make the knockouts. Leicester managed the quarter finals when they qualified.
Finishing top 4 again while playing CL football would be more difficult but that's what we want surely.
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CL requires too many teams in good form above us to have downturns.
Brighton are excellent at the moment and have two games in hand over us, two games incidentally which, incredibly at this stage of the season have yet to be scheduled. They do have to face both Arsenal and Man City however, so arguably have the tougher run in. Plus they have the distraction of the FA Cup.
The best thing about all this is that after Stevenage the press were saying that Villa face a 'featureless' rest of season. I agreed at the time and am delighted that that will not be the case.
Who would've thought at the start of the season that a game at home to Brighton on the final day could possibly have so much riding on it? At this end of the table at least...
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I'm not in to this "too soon for Europe" stuff. You have to at some point go from being a side that doesn't play in Europe, to one that does. I think just be glad we're back in contention for that now, not playing bloody Rotherham.
However we do now, it's a marvelous turnaround to end up with a probable top half finish. We may well break in to that top 7/8 that even some Villa supporters were saying was a far off target. We've done well, and even if we don't end up Europe we mustn't lose sight of that.
All that said, right now it feels like we're very much in contention for Europe. Think we're capable, at a push, of catching up Newcastle. I guess by the same token we could, just, get caught by either Brentford or Fulham.
I dunno. I think we could get in the Champions League, I'll not be that disappointed if we end up in 8th or 9th. Hoping for European football in some form.
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But isn't it nice to be thinking about Europe,then wondering how many points we need to stay up
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I'd be delighted with conference league. It's a competition we could be very competitive in and have a very good chance of winning it which will mean Europa League the following season.
You'd expect Liverpool and Chelsea to pick up next season so this is a great opportunity to secure European football
Any form of European football back at Villa Park would be incredible.
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The Conference would do for me. European nights facing teams that we would be capable of beating. Could be a fantastic adventure.
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CL requires too many teams in good form above us to have downturns.
Brighton are excellent at the moment and have two games in hand over us, two games incidentally which, incredibly at this stage of the season have yet to be scheduled. They do have to face both Arsenal and Man City however, so arguably have the tougher run in. Plus they have the distraction of the FA Cup.
The best thing about all this is that after Stevenage the press were saying that Villa face a 'featureless' rest of season. I agreed at the time and am delighted that that will not be the case.
Who would've thought at the start of the season that a game at home to Brighton on the final day could possibly have so much riding on it? At this end of the table at least...
We're only outside the top 4 by two places. We only need two teams to dip slightly. Its doable.
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We need 3 to dip with Brighton. Brighton could get bogged down by fixtures, Spurs we know seem to be bonkers at present and Newcastle have just had a ropey 8 games run. It's unlikely we'll make top 4 or 5, but not impossible.
Brighton have to play Man Utd, Man City, Arsenal, Newcastle and us.
Spurs have to play Newcastle, Man Utd, Liverpool, us as well as derbys with Palace and Brentford.
Newcastle probably have the easiest run but they aren't all that.
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I reckon to get 4th we would probably need to complete a 12 game winning run. Don't get me wrong I think we'll win quite a few more I just don't think it'll quite be enough. We're talking Man City levels of runs. We're bound to have an off day or get shafted by a shit handball. I reckon Brighton will get 5th, they're consistently creating a shit tonne against teams, and it'll be a 2 way battle for 6th with Liverpool. Spurs are genuinely shite and I have no idea how they have managed to stay this close to 4th for this long. I know we embarrassed Newcastle but they must have one of the best defences in the league for a reason, unfortunately I think they'll stick it. If anything I think Man United might be more catchable.
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We need 3 to dip with Brighton. Brighton could get bogged down by fixtures, Spurs we know seem to be bonkers at present and Newcastle have just had a ropey 8 games run. It's unlikely we'll make top 4 or 5, but not impossible.
Brighton have to play Man Utd, Man City, Arsenal, Newcastle and us.
Spurs have to play Newcastle, Man Utd, Liverpool, us as well as derbys with Palace and Brentford.
Newcastle probably have the easiest run but they aren't all that.
Dey ain't derbies, bruv.
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I reckon to get 4th we would probably need to complete a 12 game winning run. Don't get me wrong I think we'll win quite a few more I just don't think it'll quite be enough. We're talking Man City levels of runs. We're bound to have an off day or get shafted by a shit handball. I reckon Brighton will get 5th, they're consistently creating a shit tonne against teams, and it'll be a 2 way battle for 6th with Liverpool. Spurs are genuinely shite and I have no idea how they have managed to stay this close to 4th for this long. I know we embarrassed Newcastle but they must have one of the best defences in the league for a reason, unfortunately I think they'll stick it. If anything I think Man United might be more catchable.
Nah, were talking Aston Villa levels of run. Unai Emery's going to go on a Dean Smith-esque run, and we're going to win our Champions League Playoff final against Brighton on the last day, 2-1. Goals from McGinn and El Ghazi.
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It would be amazing to be playing in Europe, so I certainly wouldn’t say ‘no’ to the European Conference.
There are some decent team in this year’s competition, but we would stand a chance of progressing quite far, look at WHU.
We’ve certainly got the manager and we have the owners who will back him.
We have a team that can do the business, but not the squad to compete on all fronts, again, look at WHU
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It would be amazing to be playing in Europe, so I certainly wouldn’t say ‘no’ to the European Conference.
There are some decent team in this year’s competition, but we would stand a chance of progressing quite far, look at WHU.
We’ve certainly got the manager and we have the owners who will back him.
We have a team that can do the business, but not the squad to compete on all fronts, again, look at WHU
That's how I'm seeing it. The strength of the Premier League is such that you'd think whichever English side qualifies for it would fancy their chances of doing well.
For me, with the young players coming through - Ramsey A, Archer, maybe Iroegbunam - we need the extra games Europe offers.
That's the odd thing really. There's been all this call to reduce games - getting rid of FA Cup replays, 2 leg League Cup games etc, on the basis of it being too many games, and it's all been to accommodate half a dozen clubs who actually want more games (in Europe). It's less mysterious when you start thinking about money, of course, but still....
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I would like us to win the Europa League before we start routinely qualifying for the Champions League every year.
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I'm not that excited about the European Conference and winning it would hardly feel like a major trophy. BUT you would think if that's where we end up then playing in it would give us fantastic experience for our challenge to win Emery's favourite pot the following season.
I'm not sure how much use it will be for our youngsters though, I imagine we would be very cautious about playing significantly weakened teams, particularly after the Stevenag debacle.
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I'm not that excited about the European Conference and winning it would hardly feel like a major trophy.
While I don't want to second-guess your feelings, I bet you that the morning of the final next year if we're playing in it, you'll feel differently.
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I'm not that excited about the European Conference and winning it would hardly feel like a major trophy.
While I don't want to second-guess your feelings, I bet you that the morning of the final next year if we're playing in it, you'll feel differently.
I'd want to win it, but it wouldn't change my view that it's not a major trophy. It would feel more like the Charity Shield.
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I wouldn't give a shit about how major a trophy it is, actually winning a trophy that is actually difficult just to qualify for would be a massive thing for us.
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I'm not that excited about the European Conference and winning it would hardly feel like a major trophy.
While I don't want to second-guess your feelings, I bet you that the morning of the final next year if we're playing in it, you'll feel differently.
I'd want to win it, but it wouldn't change my view that it's not a major trophy. It would feel more like the Charity Shield.
What? No way. We'll have had to travel round the continent to make it to the final, having beaten some decent sides en route. It would be satisfying. The Comms Shield is just something for the FA Cup to wipe its arse with.
In the words of Liam Gallagher, "Come on, y'know"?
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I'm not that excited about the European Conference and winning it would hardly feel like a major trophy. BUT you would think if that's where we end up then playing in it would give us fantastic experience for our challenge to win Emery's favourite pot the following season.
I'm not sure how much use it will be for our youngsters though, I imagine we would be very cautious about playing significantly weakened teams, particularly after the Stevenag debacle.
I'd be hugely excited to win it, and it leads into the Europa League so that's another plus. What we need is a squad capable of challenging at the top end of the league, and for the domestic cups and in Europe. We won't be able to do that with the team like it is now, ie with the same 12 or 13 players week in, week out, it's not 1981 any more. What we can't have either though, are cup or European games where we just dump 3 or 4 kids in, plus 3 or 4 players who don't play much, and expect to get very far. It's very rarely worked out well for us. What you want is a squad where say, Aaron Ramsey can come in for JJ, or Iroegbunam for Luiz or Kamara, and still have a seamless playing style but maintain 90% plus playing ability.
And never, ever, Robin Olsen. Ever. Nuh uh.
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We need 3 to dip with Brighton. Brighton could get bogged down by fixtures, Spurs we know seem to be bonkers at present and Newcastle have just had a ropey 8 games run. It's unlikely we'll make top 4 or 5, but not impossible.
Brighton have to play Man Utd, Man City, Arsenal, Newcastle and us.
Spurs have to play Newcastle, Man Utd, Liverpool, us as well as derbys with Palace and Brentford.
Newcastle probably have the easiest run but they aren't all that.
Think you're right. Newcastle and Man U run -ins are, on paper, more favourable than ours. but if we can get 9 points from our next 4 games including 3 vs Man U, I might change me mind. I just hope our win on Sat makes Newcastle Have a wobble.
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I would like us to win the Europa League before we start routinely qualifying for winning the Champions League every year.
FTFY
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I'm not that excited about the European Conference and winning it would hardly feel like a major trophy. BUT you would think if that's where we end up then playing in it would give us fantastic experience for our challenge to win Emery's favourite pot the following season.
I'm not sure how much use it will be for our youngsters though, I imagine we would be very cautious about playing significantly weakened teams, particularly after the Stevenag debacle.
I'd be hugely excited to win it, and it leads into the Europa League so that's another plus. What we need is a squad capable of challenging at the top end of the league, and for the domestic cups and in Europe. We won't be able to do that with the team like it is now, ie with the same 12 or 13 players week in, week out, it's not 1981 any more. What we can't have either though, are cup or European games where we just dump 3 or 4 kids in, plus 3 or 4 players who don't play much, and expect to get very far. It's very rarely worked out well for us. What you want is a squad where say, Aaron Ramsey can come in for JJ, or Iroegbunam for Luiz or Kamara, and still have a seamless playing style but maintain 90% plus playing ability.
And never, ever, Robin Olsen. Ever. Nuh uh.
I'd be hugely excited to win it too. I heard that John Townley on the Claret and Blue podcast say that he wouldn't be excited to see us win it!!! What an idiot!!
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Seems like I agree with John. I think playing in it would be a very useful exercise in our development though and a bit of fun for the fans.
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I'm not that excited about the European Conference and winning it would hardly feel like a major trophy. BUT you would think if that's where we end up then playing in it would give us fantastic experience for our challenge to win Emery's favourite pot the following season.
I'm not sure how much use it will be for our youngsters though, I imagine we would be very cautious about playing significantly weakened teams, particularly after the Stevenag debacle.
I'd be hugely excited to win it, and it leads into the Europa League so that's another plus. What we need is a squad capable of challenging at the top end of the league, and for the domestic cups and in Europe. We won't be able to do that with the team like it is now, ie with the same 12 or 13 players week in, week out, it's not 1981 any more. What we can't have either though, are cup or European games where we just dump 3 or 4 kids in, plus 3 or 4 players who don't play much, and expect to get very far. It's very rarely worked out well for us. What you want is a squad where say, Aaron Ramsey can come in for JJ, or Iroegbunam for Luiz or Kamara, and still have a seamless playing style but maintain 90% plus playing ability.
And never, ever, Robin Olsen. Ever. Nuh uh.
Not even against the teams from Gibraltar.
I don't see Emery doing the 'complete 11' change for 'lesser' games like some managers would either (especially since the Stevenage debacle), I think the youngsters would see more league game time too, the likes of McGinn and Mings are not going to want to have worked their bollocks off at their career stage only to sit on the bench for European games, and the aim really is to get those youngsters comfortable and dialled into playing in the first team when needed.
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Seems like I agree with John. I think playing in it would be a very useful exercise in our development though and a bit of fun for the fans.
Come on Chris, just live the dream a little bit you miserable sod. If you can’t get excited about a bit of European action no matter how minor you think it is, (I’d put it on at least par with the European cup Winners Cup as was) then really what’s the point?
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The Stevenage debacle came early in Emery's time as manager. Hopefully his methods are more ingrained in the whole squad now, and he will also have the chance to shape the squad this Summer.
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Fair enough. Well let's qualify for it first and if we do I'll certainly be at all the home games at least and delighted to see European nights back at Villa Park. As things stand Juve would be in the conference and who wouldn't be excited about playing them? This fixture I really want back at VP though is Inter.
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I'd be hugely excited to win it too. I heard that John Townley on the Claret and Blue podcast say that he wouldn't be excited to see us win it!!! What an idiot!!
I know. His argument was that it’s a made-up competition. They’re all made-up competitions. William McGregor made-up a competition FFS. Of course, it’s not as prestigious as the Europa League, or Champions League, but still.
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I'd be hugely excited to win it too. I heard that John Townley on the Claret and Blue podcast say that he wouldn't be excited to see us win it!!! What an idiot!!
I know. His argument was that it’s a made-up competition. They’re all made-up competitions. William McGregor made-up a competition FFS. Of course, it’s not as prestigious as the Europa League, or Champions League, but still.
As I said earlier it’s on a par with the European Cup Winners Cup at least and as most clubs who won that have it in their trophy records I’m not going to be picky about us including it in ours.
I get well fucked off when fans take the piss out of the League Cup as well, invariably twats from the so called big clubs that’s its Mickey Mouse etc etc. it’s funny how the League cup wins always get included in the trophy count?
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I'd be hugely excited to win it too. I heard that John Townley on the Claret and Blue podcast say that he wouldn't be excited to see us win it!!! What an idiot!!
I know. His argument was that it’s a made-up competition. They’re all made-up competitions. William McGregor made-up a competition FFS. Of course, it’s not as prestigious as the Europa League, or Champions League, but still.
We're also not really in a position to see any competition as not important enough for us. I reckon, what, twenty odd English teams have played in Europe since we last did? Including the likes of Birmingham, Hull, Wolves, Swansea, Burnley, Wigan, Newcastle, Southampton, Stoke etc.
It's not impossible that we qualify for this, win it, then circumstance means that the whole thing falls down and and our victory in the Conference League is what we get to point to as our success for the next twenty years.
You might as well enjoy the bits that are good while they are there. Frankly I'll be wetting myself with excitement at the next time we play in Europe, let alone thinking about winning one of the trophies.
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It’s the context of how we would have qualified for it that matters if we end up in the Conference League. Given we were staring relegation in the face just 6 months ago, to be in the mix of any European competition conversation is beyond remarkable. So I would never stick my nose up at that. Hopefully though in the future we are disappointed if this is all we manage because we become accustomed to greater, shinier things. But for now, one step at a time. And any form of European competition after what we’ve had to endure since the last time, would be a massive step.
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Do the Conference winners qualify for next seasons Europa League? Like Europa winners qualify for the CL?
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Do the Conference winners qualify for next seasons Europa League? Like Europa winners qualify for the CL?
They do indeed.
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So we could find ourselves in the CL in 2 season having won two major European trophies.
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So we could find ourselves in the CL in 2 season having won two major European trophies.
Well, one major trophy but...
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We've spent over a decade being so shit that the closest we've come to European football are Cardiff and Swansea away. First few months of the season we looked likely candidates for a yet another relegation battle. I'll be absolutely delighted if we end it in Europe, whichever competition.
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Given the quality of our bench on Saturday, we're going to need 5 or 6 credible incomers and 3-4 youngsters that can properly step up to the mark, in order to manage a 4-competition season.
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Fair enough. Well let's qualify for it first and if we do I'll certainly be at all the home games at least and delighted to see European nights back at Villa Park. As things stand Juve would be in the conference and who wouldn't be excited about playing them? This fixture I really want back at VP though is Inter.
And after we win, all back to Phil King's pub if he still runs it (somewhere in deepest Wiltshire, wasn't it?).
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Fair enough. Well let's qualify for it first and if we do I'll certainly be at all the home games at least and delighted to see European nights back at Villa Park. As things stand Juve would be in the conference and who wouldn't be excited about playing them? This fixture I really want back at VP though is Inter.
And after we win, all back to Phil King's pub if he still runs it (somewhere in deepest Wiltshire, wasn't it?).
Too right. I remember Phil The King's pen like it was yesterday.
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'Phil is King' was the headline in the paper
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YES!!! You beauty!
And we moan about impartial commentators for Man Utd etc in Europe.
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As an aside, 7 years ago yesterday we went off to Old Trafford to confirm our relegation. In a couple of weeks we'll be heading there wondering which of the 3 European competitions we're in with a shout of.
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As an aside, 7 years ago yesterday we went off to Old Trafford to confirm our relegation. In a couple of weeks we'll be heading there wondering which of the 3 European competitions we're in with a shout of.
Eugh, was that the night of Van Persie's hat-trick of offsides?
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As an aside, 7 years ago yesterday we went off to Old Trafford to confirm our relegation. In a couple of weeks we'll be heading there wondering which of the 3 European competitions we're in with a shout of.
Eugh, was that the night of Van Persie's hat-trick of offsides?
Nope, we lost 1-0.
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Aah, got my nightmares of the theatre of hate mixed up then, that must have been when they secured the title one year.
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Given the quality of our bench on Saturday, we're going to need 5 or 6 credible incomers and 3-4 youngsters that can properly step up to the mark, in order to manage a 4-competition season.
5-6 would be too many newcomers in my opinion. 3-4 in the summer and the option to add a couple more in January would be better for me. I think having a slightly smaller squad has helped us in the last few months because there's a togetherness and tactical/coaching focus that is getting the best out of the squad right now, i wouldn't want to disrupt that too much. With our injury and loan list we've already got a lot to add back in over the summer
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I can see us getting European football but which competition that's the question.
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Given the quality of our bench on Saturday, we're going to need 5 or 6 credible incomers and 3-4 youngsters that can properly step up to the mark, in order to manage a 4-competition season.
5-6 would be too many newcomers in my opinion. 3-4 in the summer and the option to add a couple more in January would be better for me. I think having a slightly smaller squad has helped us in the last few months because there's a togetherness and tactical/coaching focus that is getting the best out of the squad right now, i wouldn't want to disrupt that too much. With our injury and loan list we've already got a lot to add back in over the summer
Yes, 3-4 first team ready players plus the lads out on loan now and we'll be in good shape.
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Predict away... https://www.worldfootball.net/table_calculator/eng-premier-league
For the record, I've got us 5th on 63 points.
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I'm not that excited about the European Conference and winning it would hardly feel like a major trophy.
While I don't want to second-guess your feelings, I bet you that the morning of the final next year if we're playing in it, you'll feel differently.
I'd want to win it, but it wouldn't change my view that it's not a major trophy. It would feel more like the Charity Shield.
I’d settle for a Charity Shield win
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Predict away... https://www.worldfootball.net/table_calculator/eng-premier-league
For the record, I've got us 5th on 63 points.
That's losing two and drawing two of our last 7. Lose to ManU and Liverpool and 2 draws from the rest?
I'm going for maximum points 71 and 4th spot .....because I can.
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That's what I got going into the final day and trying to be as unbiased as possible.
(https://i.ibb.co/D8PY8B9/Screenshot-66.png)
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Predict away... https://www.worldfootball.net/table_calculator/eng-premier-league
For the record, I've got us 5th on 63 points.
I've got us 5th on 66 and we needed to beat Brighton to finish ahead of them.
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5-6 would be too many newcomers in my opinion. 3-4 in the summer and the option to add a couple more in January would be better for me. I think having a slightly smaller squad has helped us in the last few months because there's a togetherness and tactical/coaching focus that is getting the best out of the squad right now, i wouldn't want to disrupt that too much.
Totally agree, and this ties into what I was saying about being (bizarrely and illogically) worried that bringing new players will upset the apple cart.
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We have 4 first teamers to come back into this squad too. Cash, Phil, Carlos and Bouba. The summer shopping is going to very much depend on Europe or no Europe.
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This was my effort. Other than us, Liverpool really have got a piss easy run in.
(https://i.ibb.co/Vt7Hpk3/Screenshot-2023-04-17-at-16-16-30.png) (https://ibb.co/Vt7Hpk3)
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Bloody hell, Risso! I think Seattle Villain has hacked your computer..13 goals scored and only 4 conceded on the next 7 games? The other thing of note is our final game of the season against Brighton at Villa Park will be interesting, winner goes into Europe. Tasty!
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I ended with us 6th too
1 Manchester City 38 30 4 4 95:31:00 64 94
2 Arsenal FC 38 28 6 4 86:38:00 48 90
3 Manchester United 38 25 6 7 59:43:00 16 81
4 Newcastle United 38 21 13 4 60:28:00 32 76
5 Liverpool FC 38 20 9 9 68:40:00 28 69
6 Aston Villa 38 20 5 13 54:46:00 8 65
7 Tottenham Hotspur 38 19 6 13 65:53:00 12 63
8 Brighton & 38 17 10 11 65:47:00 18 61
9 Brentford FC 38 12 13 13 53:51:00 2 49
10 Chelsea FC 38 13 9 16 39:42:00 -3 48
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We have 4 first teamers to come back into this squad too. Cash, Phil, Carlos and Bouba. The summer shopping is going to very much depend on Europe or no Europe.
I think you're ignoring the domestics cups we're going to win. ;)
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Something I read earlier, if we'd given every other team in the league a fourteen match head-start, we'd be twelfth at the moment.
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I'd got it ending
1. Manc City
2. Arsenal
3. Manc Utd
4. Saudi Arabia
5. Liverpool
6. Spurs
7. Us
8. Brighton
9. Brentford
10. Fulham
11. Chelsea
12. Palace
13. Bournemouth
14. Wolves
15. WHam
16. Forest
17. Leicester
18. Leeds
19. Everton
20. Soton
But with the bolded ones so close it could be in any order (as I'd put every result in as 1-0 or 0-0, and there were a few that I thought could go either way).
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I’ve just changed my ringtone to the champions league anthem, winding my mates up no end and making me giggle like a schoolgirl, in equal measures.
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I’d take European conference league today in a flash
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I’ve just changed my ringtone to the champions league anthem, winding my mates up no end and making me giggle like a schoolgirl, in equal measures.
Just having any ringtone winds me up. Why do some people still let their phones blare out any old shit in public?
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I’d take European conference league today in a flash
Me too!!!
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I’ve just changed my ringtone to the champions league anthem, winding my mates up no end and making me giggle like a schoolgirl, in equal measures.
Just having any ringtone winds me up. Why do some people still let their phones blare out any old shit in public?
Like I said , to wind my workmates up, as you know, it works! UTV
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If it's not asking too much, I'd love to finish above Tottenham for once. Not finishing above bloody Tottenham since 08/09 is pretty embarrasing.
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I’ve just changed my ringtone to the champions league anthem, winding my mates up no end and making me giggle like a schoolgirl, in equal measures.
Just having any ringtone winds me up. Why do some people still let their phones blare out any old shit in public?
Like I said , to wind my workmates up, as you know, it works! UTV
Fair play in this context, obviously!
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I'm not that excited about the European Conference and winning it would hardly feel like a major trophy.
While I don't want to second-guess your feelings, I bet you that the morning of the final next year if we're playing in it, you'll feel differently.
Agreed. I would say it'd be like winning the League Cup, not as good as the FA Cup (Europa League ) or league (Champs League) but would still love to win it and add to our tally of major trophies won.
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Liverpool going to f*** everything up and win about six straight out of nowhere aren't they....
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Wrong thread
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Liverpool going to f*** everything up and win about six straight out of nowhere aren't they....
Yes, I am afraid they will however they need to remember that they are a Champions League club and really don’t want to end up in Europa.
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We win our games remaining we will get a European spot. Need to look after our business and let things play out. It’s in our hands given who we have left to play.
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Feels a bit like cup football now with the teams we have to play. We beat Brentford & Fulham next two & there fading challenge is over. Apart from Wolves, every game then has a stake in the European chase for us and whoever we are playing. I think despite our demolition of them on Saturday, Newcastle feel too far ahead, feels mad to say seeing where we have come from, but i think 5th to 7th is between Spurs, Brighton, Liverpool and ourselves. If i was Spurs I would be most nervous.
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If we do win our games we will have won 14 out of 15, which would be impressive. It’s exciting at the moment because we don’t know the ceiling of what Emery can achieve.
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7 finals to go…
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By my reckoning
7 wins from here gives us a shot at a CL place.
6 wins and I think we’d get Europa League
5 wins and Europa still a possibility if other results went our way but most likely Conf League.
4 wins probably wouldn’t be good enough.
So it’s still a possibility and it’s great we’re even in the conversation.
Really feel we have to win the next two.
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I have added a poll for people to predict what will happen.
Thank you.
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I’ve also seen Brightons run in they’ve still got to play Citeh, Arsenal, Man Yoo and Saudi Arabia. Constant Weds/Sat football from now til they rock up at ours at the end of May.
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Feels a bit like cup football now with the teams we have to play. We beat Brentford & Fulham next two & there fading challenge is over. Apart from Wolves, every game then has a stake in the European chase for us and whoever we are playing. I think despite our demolition of them on Saturday, Newcastle feel too far ahead, feels mad to say seeing where we have come from, but i think 5th to 7th is between Spurs, Brighton, Liverpool and ourselves. If i was Spurs I would be most nervous.
Since the West Ham draw we’ve had 5 cup finals and won them all. I fancy us to win the next two as well. Then, we’re into major cup finals.
Looked around the Concourse at HT Saturday but must have missed/couldn’t see you.
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We win our games remaining we will get a European spot. Need to look after our business and let things play out. It’s in our hands given who we have left to play.
Hmmmm…
70+ points CL place but unlikely
65+ points Europa place likely
60+ points Conf place much more likely
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I'm not that excited about the European Conference and winning it would hardly feel like a major trophy.
While I don't want to second-guess your feelings, I bet you that the morning of the final next year if we're playing in it, you'll feel differently.
Agreed. I would say it'd be like winning the League Cup, not as good as the FA Cup (Europa League ) or league (Champs League) but would still love to win it and add to our tally of major trophies won.
And the biggest honour will be me sharing a lemonade with you in a European city before the night of the final😊
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Feels a bit like cup football now with the teams we have to play. We beat Brentford & Fulham next two & there fading challenge is over. Apart from Wolves, every game then has a stake in the European chase for us and whoever we are playing. I think despite our demolition of them on Saturday, Newcastle feel too far ahead, feels mad to say seeing where we have come from, but i think 5th to 7th is between Spurs, Brighton, Liverpool and ourselves. If i was Spurs I would be most nervous.
Since the West Ham draw we’ve had 5 cup finals and won them all. I fancy us to win the next two as well. Then, we’re into major cup finals.
Looked around the Concourse at HT Saturday but must have missed/couldn’t see you.
I got stuck at the bar for first 10 mins of H/T. Ill work out getting my number to you. We all know whats happening though.
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I'm not that excited about the European Conference and winning it would hardly feel like a major trophy.
While I don't want to second-guess your feelings, I bet you that the morning of the final next year if we're playing in it, you'll feel differently.
Agreed. I would say it'd be like winning the League Cup, not as good as the FA Cup (Europa League ) or league (Champs League) but would still love to win it and add to our tally of major trophies won.
And the biggest honour will be me sharing a lemonade with you in a European city before the night of the final😊
Sounds like a plan to me. Hopefully it will be somewhere 'lively'. 8)
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We win our next two and Spurs win at Newcastle and table will look like this:
4th Newcastle 31 played- 56 points
5th Spurs- 32 played- 56 points
6th Us- 32 played- 56 points
How insane would that look?!
Brighton don't play league at weekend due to FA cup so they're going to be a bit adrift aswell (with some very difficult spare games).
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Insane yes but we would have played 33 and the other two one more game as well. So good attempt but……
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Spurs don't have a manager who they're really playing for. Us, Brighton and Newcastle do. Small margins and all that. I fully expect us to double Tottenham and also funeral them.
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I think all the involved teams will pass Spurs and we'll finish 7th at least.
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Haven't followed this discussion but I would happily see a rocking Villa Park during a midweek game in any competition.
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Even if the Group is us, Oslo Boslo, Slavia Average, Real 'Not the Deal'
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I think we’ll probably finish seventh.
I hope, if we do, that with all this excitement people don’t find that disappointing.
It would be an extraordinary achievement.
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Even if the Group is us, Oslo Boslo, Slavia Average, Real 'Not the Deal'
Arthitic Madrid, Old Boys,
I did actually play for a team called ALAC it was only a few weeks later I found out it stood for Artificial Limb Allocation Centre.
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Even if the Group is us, Oslo Boslo, Slavia Average, Real 'Not the Deal'
Arthitic Madrid, Old Boys,
I did actually play for a team called ALAC it was only a few weeks later I found out it stood for Artificial Limb Allocation Centre.
St Mirnoff, Outer Milan, ..
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I think we’ll probably finish seventh.
I hope, if we do, that with all this excitement people don’t find that disappointing.
It would be an extraordinary achievement.
It really would, especially when you consider how far back we were when Unai took over. To qualify for Europe from that position at the start of November essentially requires champions league form to the end of the season.
We have a tougher run of games now, but we are capable of beating everyone we have to play. We won't win all of them, obviously, but we can give everyone a proper game now. I can see us getting to 62 points, which should be enough for 7th, but we really need to beat Brentford and Fulham. Win those two and I think we have an outside chance of 6th. I'd love a play-off with Brighton on the final day for the Europa League place.
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Even if the Group is us, Oslo Boslo, Slavia Average, Real 'Not the Deal'
Arthitic Madrid, Old Boys,
I did actually play for a team called ALAC it was only a few weeks later I found out it stood for Artificial Limb Allocation Centre.
St Mirnoff, Outer Milan, ..
Grassmokers of Zurich..
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Fair enough. Well let's qualify for it first and if we do I'll certainly be at all the home games at least and delighted to see European nights back at Villa Park. As things stand Juve would be in the conference and who wouldn't be excited about playing them? This fixture I really want back at VP though is Inter.
And after we win, all back to Phil King's pub if he still runs it (somewhere in deepest Wiltshire, wasn't it?).
The Dolphin in Swindon. I was working down there about 5 years ago and I went in knowing it was his pub but not expecting to see him. Anyway, he is in there, comes over to talk to me and, clocking my accent, asks if I'm a Villa fan. I say yes and he straight away mentions his penalty. His wife looks over, rolls her eyes, and says he talks about that to anyone who'll listen.
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I've done that predictor thing a few times now, being kinder, harsher and reasonable. It has brought up a range of finishing places from 5th to 8th (the Top 4 being Man City, Arsenal ManUtd and Newcastle), and whichever way, it's really close. Similarly the bottom of the table, with the only constant being Southampton rooted to the bottom.
It's going to be quite a ride, but wow, whatever happens, I'm pleased as punch that with 7 games to go we're talking about Europe, and not when we'll be mathematically safe.
I'm pretty sure that Emery has never finished below 9th at the end of a league season, and I worried he had too much to overcome here, I needn't have.
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I can’t deal with this all of this unbridled optimism. I’m too used to the inevitable disappointments that being a Villa supporter brings. Therefore, my brain expects us to lose to Brentford this weekend, likely from defensive errors made while trying to play it out from the back. We will then go on to finish 9th. Martinez and Kamara will leave (to manu and mancity respectively), and Emery will have health problems and retire a week out from the start of next season.
There, I feel less discombobulated already.
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I can’t deal with this all of this unbridled optimism. I’m too used to the inevitable disappointments that being a Villa supporter brings. Therefore, my brain expects us to lose to Brentford this weekend, likely from defensive errors made while trying to play it out from the back. We will then go on to finish 9th. Martinez and Kamara will leave (to manu and mancity respectively), and Emery will have health problems and retire a week out from the start of next season.
There, I feel less discombobulated already.
Someone mentioned Unai had a bit of a swollen cheek last night and I too started worrying that some health issue was suddenly going to strike him down, ffs.
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I’ve gone for Europa. I’d be delighted if we simply achieved Conference. Next year I’ll be disappointed if that’s all it was.
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Someone mentioned Unai had a bit of a swollen cheek last night and I too started worrying that some health issue was suddenly going to strike him down, ffs.
My brother said EXACTLY that to me yesterday!
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I would be over the moon if we qualify for any kind of Europe - realistically we need to finish above Brighton, Spurs or Liverpool. I think our games against them will be huge. I’m just hoping we’re still in with a shout when we play Brighton at the end of the season
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Someone mentioned Unai had a bit of a swollen cheek last night and I too started worrying that some health issue was suddenly going to strike him down, ffs.
My brother said EXACTLY that to me yesterday!
I spotted that too! Hope it's nothing serious.
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I would be over the moon if we qualify for any kind of Europe - realistically we need to finish above Brighton, Spurs or Liverpool. I think our games against them will be huge. I’m just hoping we’re still in with a shout when we play Brighton at the end of the season
And they're in the cup final.
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Someone mentioned Unai had a bit of a swollen cheek last night and I too started worrying that some health issue was suddenly going to strike him down, ffs.
My brother said EXACTLY that to me yesterday!
I spotted that too! Hope it's nothing serious.
Great, now I'm googling health problems associated with swollen cheeks
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Fair enough. Well let's qualify for it first and if we do I'll certainly be at all the home games at least and delighted to see European nights back at Villa Park. As things stand Juve would be in the conference and who wouldn't be excited about playing them? This fixture I really want back at VP though is Inter.
And after we win, all back to Phil King's pub if he still runs it (somewhere in deepest Wiltshire, wasn't it?).
The Dolphin in Swindon. I was working down there about 5 years ago and I went in knowing it was his pub but not expecting to see him. Anyway, he is in there, comes over to talk to me and, clocking my accent, asks if I'm a Villa fan. I say yes and he straight away mentions his penalty. His wife looks over, rolls her eyes, and says he talks about that to anyone who'll listen.
Quality! What was he like?
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Someone mentioned Unai had a bit of a swollen cheek last night and I too started worrying that some health issue was suddenly going to strike him down, ffs.
My brother said EXACTLY that to me yesterday!
I spotted that too! Hope it's nothing serious.
Probably just bumped into the dugout/benches when ballooning around got our third goal. He's fine 8)
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We win our next two and Spurs win at Newcastle and table will look like this:
4th Newcastle 31 played- 56 points
5th Spurs- 32 played- 56 points
6th Us- 32 played- 56 points
How insane would that look?!
Brighton don't play league at weekend due to FA cup so they're going to be a bit adrift aswell (with some very difficult spare games).
That would be unreal. Could well happen too.
I'm excited.
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do we get 6 points for beating Brentford?
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do we get 6 points for beating Brentford?
We should do for services to football, they're fucking Wimbledon in a shiny stadium and they employ Pontus Jansen.
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do we get 6 points for beating Brentford?
We're on 50 now, so if we win our next two we're on 56.
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I think 4-8th will get tighter over the next few weeks as I can see Newcastle, Tottenham and Man U all dropping points because Newcastle and Man U don't look particularly dangerous in attack right now and Tottenham have some serious defensive weaknesses.
On the prediction thing I did everything until the last 2 and had it that 2 wins would guarantee us 5th place and 1 win would mean 6th.
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One thing that our fate would depend on is the unlikely but not impossible scenario of Sheffield Utd winning the FA Cup. That would reduce the number of places to be gained from league places to just 6. Another scenario is if Man U suffer a catastrophic run in and drop out of the Top 6, they would then take the Conference place by dint of their League Cup win. If both of these things happen, which normally we would want to see happen, we would have to finish 5th to qualify for Europe
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One thing that our fate would depend on is the unlikely but not impossible scenario of Sheffield Utd winning the FA Cup. That would reduce the number of places to be gained from league places to just 6. Another scenario is if Man U suffer a catastrophic run in and drop out of the Top 6, they would then take the Conference place by dint of their League Cup win. If both of these things happen, which normally we would want to see happen, we would have to finish 5th to qualify for Europe
I'd think it'd be more likely that Brighton would win the FA Cup but finish outside the top 6...
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The last day of the season will some occasion at Villa Park if we have to win against Brighton to get a European spot.
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The last day of the season will some occasion at Villa Park if we have to win against Brighton to get a European spot.
And potentially 5 days before Brighton play in the FA Cup final.
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Someone mentioned Unai had a bit of a swollen cheek last night and I too started worrying that some health issue was suddenly going to strike him down, ffs.
My brother said EXACTLY that to me yesterday!
I spotted that too! Hope it's nothing serious.
Great, now I'm googling health problems associated with swollen cheeks
Can I check - which cheeks is it that are swollen?
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Someone mentioned Unai had a bit of a swollen cheek last night and I too started worrying that some health issue was suddenly going to strike him down, ffs.
My brother said EXACTLY that to me yesterday!
I spotted that too! Hope it's nothing serious.
Great, now I'm googling health problems associated with swollen cheeks
Can I check - which cheeks is it that are swollen?
Haha. Yeah best check that before searching.
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One thing that our fate would depend on is the unlikely but not impossible scenario of Sheffield Utd winning the FA Cup. That would reduce the number of places to be gained from league places to just 6. Another scenario is if Man U suffer a catastrophic run in and drop out of the Top 6, they would then take the Conference place by dint of their League Cup win. If both of these things happen, which normally we would want to see happen, we would have to finish 5th to qualify for Europe
Funnily enough, I have a good friend who's a Blades fan, and in a message I sent him the other day I said how much I'd like to see them beat Man City on Saturday. Since I sent him that message I've been thinking about exactly the thing that's highlighted in the above post.
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Someone mentioned Unai had a bit of a swollen cheek last night and I too started worrying that some health issue was suddenly going to strike him down, ffs.
My brother said EXACTLY that to me yesterday!
I spotted that too! Hope it's nothing serious.
Probably just bumped into the dugout/benches when ballooning around got our third goal. He's fine 8)
I've just watched the Emery Cam video on the Villa website. He does look like Don Corleone. (like he's got cotton wool in his cheeks)
"Hey Eddie , I'm gonna make you an offer you can't refuse.. we'll only score 3 past you today."
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Although Brighton have games in hand, those fixtures are against Man City and Newcastle and they will have to play them both in May, which means they will have 7 (seven) games that month. Regardless of how well they are doing, having to play weekend and midweek so many times at the end of a season will surely affect them. We, on the other hand are only playing a game a week in May so can prepare a proper tactical plan for each opponent.
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Although Brighton have games in hand, those fixtures are against Man City and Newcastle and they will have to play them both in May, which means they will have 7 (seven) games that month. Regardless of how well they are doing, having to play weekend and midweek so many times at the end of a season will surely affect them. We, on the other hand are only playing a game a week in May so can prepare a proper tactical plan for each opponent.
I was thinking as well that they rarely have to play in hostile atmospheres, which will change now were at the business end.
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Calling it. Spurs’ heads are gone. We are getting 7th, they will finish 8th.
Final positions
Man City
Arsenal
Newcastle
Man U
Liverpool
Brighton
Aston Villa
Spurs
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7th would be fantastic and I fancy us to win the conference league , we need silverware and it's a Europa position.
You'd expect next season will be tough to get top 7 so we need to grab this opportunity
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I don’t think next season is any more difficult. We are punching above our weight given where we were and the players we have. The manager and pre makes a huge difference and we will improve a number of positions in the summer. In anything the “established” top sides are worried about us and Newcastle breaking that monopoly permanently. And if Brighton keep a hold of their manager and best players they will be in the mix.
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Calling it. Spurs’ heads are gone. We are getting 7th, they will finish 8th.
Final positions
Man City
Arsenal
Newcastle
Man U
Liverpool
Brighton
Aston Villa
Spurs
If Brighton finish above us it will be on goal difference. I think we'll finish above them, all decided on the last game of the season.
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Calling it. Spurs’ heads are gone. We are getting 7th, they will finish 8th.
Final positions
Man City
Arsenal
Newcastle
Man U
Liverpool
Brighton
Aston Villa
Spurs
If Brighton finish above us it will be on goal difference. I think we'll finish above them, all decided on the last game of the season.
I’d bite your hand off for that scenario and a rousing finish to the season at Villa Park
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Finishing in the top 7 with only half a dozen games to go is in our own hands. I don't think we could have asked for much more than that from this season.
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Finishing in the top 7 with only half a dozen games to go is in our own hands. I don't think we could have asked for much more than that from this season.
It would be a sensational end to the season. It’s all in context of course. Next season I’d be disappointed to finish 7th if we are in or around the top 6 for most of it.
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How times change that we're talking about being disappointed with 7th next season!
For what it's worth, there's still plenty of time for things to go right or wrong this season. Saw against Brentford, nobody's going to just roll over and let us tickle their belly.
Hopefully we ought to finish top half now, not taking much more than that for granted but 7th would be great and anything better would be amazing, especially given where the club was in November.
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It's all down to balls now.
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We’ve got Liverpool, Spurs, Man U and Brighton to play, so do well in those games and the sky’s the limit. Or 5th’s the limit really, but you know what I mean.
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We’ve got Liverpool, Spurs, Man U and Brighton to play, so do well in those games and the sky’s the limit. Or 5th’s the limit really, but you know what I mean.
we are going to need som big performances, we need to win 4 from 6 I reckon.
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We’ve got Liverpool, Spurs, Man U and Brighton to play, so do well in those games and the sky’s the limit. Or 5th’s the limit really, but you know what I mean.
we are going to need som big performances, we need to win 4 from 6 I reckon.
As a wise man once said, "Do you want to bet against us?"
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It's all down to balls now.
Well quite, footballs.
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If we win our home games, 60 points will secure 7th. A point or two from the away games will make it comfortable.
With the teams we've got to play, it's still a big ask. But considering our start it's incredible that we got a chance.
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I agree 60 points should get us 7th but I want Europa League now. I think we will need to win 4 out of 6... At least.
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I reckon we will beat Fulham and Spurs at home. That’s 6. Our away form is ace so a point at Anfield and Old Trafford will be solid. We can beat the dog head tramps. Think we beat Brighton if we need to at Villa Park on the last day. A draw though maybe. So I think we will pick up around 12 points.
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I was hoping that Brighton would win today so they would want to protect themselves a little for the FA Cup final the week after they play us. Not to be. Hopefully, Liverpool continue to misfire, although they’ve got four of their next five games at home Manchester United are still like a box of licorice allsorts.
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The path is clear now.
5th and 6th gets europa. 7th the Conference league.
I think as long as we win on Tuesday we're in a very good place to finish above Spurs as based on last few weeks they're phoning it in with regards performances levels under Stellini.
Devastating way for Brighton to lose. With extra time I think they'll really struggle to beat Forest in midweek which will help us greatly as that's one of the easier games in the run in. They also play every single midweek from now on in the season and looking at their bench they don't have many options at all beyond first 11.
Liverpool should finish top 6 but not like they're some impossible team to score past if Forest can get 2 at Anfield. I think West Ham will get at least a draw midweek so that will halt their momentum.
Despite all that we need to beat Fulham and take things from there.
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one side of me says 12 months to early the other side however says bring on Moldova, Minsk and TNS
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Not sure I want to head to Minsk anytime soon.
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(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FuaFoeVWcAYWV9_?format=jpg&name=small)
Playing teams fighting to stay up won't be easy either for those around us.
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6 matches to go, it's the final countdown.
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Honestly, Spurs were just so horrible today, I'd say on the beach but it was more like they were at a Hawaiian lu'au in the role of the pig. Would genuinely be surprised if they mustered enough to finish top 7 now.
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Tottenham will probably have a new manager just in time to play us.
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Honestly, Spurs were just so horrible today, I'd say on the beach but it was more like they were at a Hawaiian lu'au in the role of the pig. Would genuinely be surprised if they mustered enough to finish top 7 now.
Every time Newcastle attacked they looked like they were going to score
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We are now in a mini league of 4 with Spurs, Liverpool, Brighton for positions 5th to 8th.
Brighton obviously have games in hand but that means a congested programme. They also have to play Man C and go to Arsenal.
Liverpool and Spurs play each other next week, a draw would be ideal.
Our final three games are all against our mini league rivals.
Unless Liverpool go on the winning run which the media keep expecting then we could be heading into a final day shoot out with Brighton for 5th place.
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It's looking like inter or AC Milan could be in the conference league along with Ajax.
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I'm a bit worried that Brighton will get to play Arsenal, when Arsenal know their hopes of the title have disappeared; Newcastle, when Newcastle know their top 4 place is guaranteed; Southampton, when Southampton are already relegated; and Man City, when Man City have the title already won and have their minds much more focussed on the champions league. Then again, I am a bit of a worrier.
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Tottenham run in isn’t very easy either.
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No game's easy when you're seemingly in as much disarray as them. I just hope their implosion continues and we can capitalise.
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Stating the obvious but Tuesday is pivotal. Anything other than a win and really we are looking at probably having to get a win at old trafford or anfield as well as beating spurs and brighton at home, a big ask really.
Beat Fulham on Tuesday and it just piles pressure on spurs and brighton in particular.
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I'm a bit worried that Brighton will get to play Arsenal, when Arsenal know their hopes of the title have disappeared; Newcastle, when Newcastle know their top 4 place is guaranteed; Southampton, when Southampton are already relegated; and Man City, when Man City have the title already won and have their minds much more focussed on the champions league. Then again, I am a bit of a worrier.
😂 Mate, do you get out of bed if it’s raining as loads could go wrong?
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I'm a bit worried that Brighton will get to play Arsenal, when Arsenal know their hopes of the title have disappeared; Newcastle, when Newcastle know their top 4 place is guaranteed; Southampton, when Southampton are already relegated; and Man City, when Man City have the title already won and have their minds much more focussed on the champions league. Then again, I am a bit of a worrier.
Worrier?! You're no worrier, FL. You're a clear-eyed ambassador for the truth.
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I was hoping that Brighton would win today so they would want to protect themselves a little for the FA Cup final the week after they play us. Not to be. Hopefully, Liverpool continue to misfire, although they’ve got four of their next five games at home Manchester United are still like a box of licorice allsorts.
Yeah, I find licorice pretty rank too.
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We are now in a mini league of 4 with Spurs, Liverpool, Brighton for positions 5th to 8th.
Brighton obviously have games in hand but that means a congested programme. They also have to play Man C and go to Arsenal.
Liverpool and Spurs play each other next week, a draw would be ideal.
Our final three games are all against our mini league rivals.
Unless Liverpool go on the winning run which the media keep expecting then we could be heading into a final day shoot out with Brighton for 5th place.
For me, ideally we want a Liverpool win, as I realistically expect it to be between us, Brighton and Spurs for 6 & 7, so every point these two drop is good for us
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Such a crazy season, that anything is possible right now... all the games in hand don't help either.
I think Brighton have to fall away - The energy they've put into this season (especially yesterday) has to run out at some point, and they still have a congested fixture list to deal with, along with some difficult matches. Spurs are a busted flush unless they get the 'new manager bounce' from someone like 'Arry coming in, which leaves 5th place between us and Liverpool.
We just need to get back to winning ways and pick up as many points as possible. My biggest concern is Ollie - He wasn't at the races on Saturday, and definitely looked like a dad who's just had a newborn. Need him back firing (not in the bedroom!), asap!
Fulham tomorrow is a must win!
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We are now in a mini league of 4 with Spurs, Liverpool, Brighton for positions 5th to 8th.
Brighton obviously have games in hand but that means a congested programme. They also have to play Man C and go to Arsenal.
Liverpool and Spurs play each other next week, a draw would be ideal.
Our final three games are all against our mini league rivals.
Unless Liverpool go on the winning run which the media keep expecting then we could be heading into a final day shoot out with Brighton for 5th place.
For me, ideally we want a Liverpool win, as I realistically expect it to be between us, Brighton and Spurs for 6 & 7, so every point these two drop is good for us
I think Liverpool are the biggest threat because of thier run in.
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For me, ideally we want a Liverpool win, as I realistically expect it to be between us, Brighton and Spurs for 6 & 7, so every point these two drop is good for us
I think Liverpool are the biggest threat because of thier run in.
Same here, would like to keep them below us for as long as possible so want them to drop points, even if it's against Spurs.
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Just think that, as a general rule, you want your rivals to draw when they play each other.
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Blimey, imagine 'arry parachuted in to save Spurs.
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I've done that predictor thingy again and I've got us 7th, above Spuds in 8th, with us needing to beat them to do that.
Liverpool and Brighton have easier run ins and I think realistically we have to beat all three of them, and two out of Fulham, ManUtd and Wolves to get a Europa League place.
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Blimey, imagine 'arry parachuted in to save Spurs.
getting the gang together again , Triffic
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Blimey, imagine 'arry parachuted in to save Spurs.
getting the gang together again , Triffic
Niko Krancjar in to support Harry Kane.
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I've done that predictor thingy again and I've got us 7th, above Spuds in 8th, with us needing to beat them to do that.
Liverpool and Brighton have easier run ins and I think realistically we have to beat all three of them, and two out of Fulham, ManUtd and Wolves to get a Europa League place.
Mine was similar, we've effectively got to continue our form to the end of the season, or hope a couple of other other teams lose their form too. Liverpool scoring 10 goals in their last 3 games isn't helping. They look like they MIGHT be hitting some goalscoring form at precisely the wrong time for us.
I still have us playing Brighton on the last day for a place in Europe.
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My worry is that Spurs were so bad yesterday that they'll get a manager in until the end of the season. If they do, hopefully, it's someone who wants to play with a back 4 (because it worked so well yesterday). Would love it if they played the same team against us.
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I've done that predictor thingy again and I've got us 7th, above Spuds in 8th, with us needing to beat them to do that.
Liverpool and Brighton have easier run ins and I think realistically we have to beat all three of them, and two out of Fulham, ManUtd and Wolves to get a Europa League place.
Mine was similar, we've effectively got to continue our form to the end of the season, or hope a couple of other other teams lose their form too. Liverpool scoring 10 goals in their last 3 games isn't helping. They look like they MIGHT be hitting some goalscoring form at precisely the wrong time for us.
I still have us playing Brighton on the last day for a place in Europe.
Yep, we beat them and get 7th. Lose and we're 8th.
Remarkable to be honest to be considering it given where we were in November.
The bottom of the table is so close too. One result can make a hug difference.
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Newcastle seem to get a lot of breaks - teams set-up against them in bone-headed fashion i.e Spurs yesterday. I wish we could funeral them every week. Unai would crush Howe every time, be it at football or arm-wrestling.
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Spurs' next two games are Man Utd and Liverpool. They could feasibly be 8th by the time we play them, at which point you would hope their heads would be gone completely, having spunked a champions league place up the wall.
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Spurs' next two games are Man Utd and Liverpool. They could feasibly be 8th by the time we play them, at which point you would hope their heads would be gone completely, having spunked a champions league place up the wall.
Also bizarrely, given our shit start and the fact that they've been in the top 5 all season, we're close to overhauling their goal difference as well.
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If we are above them when we clash, there's all likelihood we'll already have the better GD.
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Was talking about this with someone over the weekend. Have to admit that I'm starting to have some conflicting feelings about playing European football next season.
Yes, I want to see us playing in European competitions as soon as possible and feel that Liverpool's and Chelsea's form this season might have opened up an opportunity that might not be there in the coming seasons. Therefore, we might need to grasp this opportunity when it is available.
I think that there is a bigger picture though and there is that thought of the impact European football might have on our progress next season. We are undoubtedly a team and club on the up at the moment, but I'm not sure that we will have the squad to compete (even after the summer) in a European competition and finish in the higher reaches of the league next season. To counter that, we have a manager who knows exactly what it takes to do that and of course we may bring enough players in during the summer to ensure we are competitive in both.
It is just that it feels like we have got done momentum at the club now and what we don't really need next season is a slip down the league due to the extra workload of the Europa or Europa Conference League. Maintaining the momentum in the league is probably the priority in the bigger picture (along with having a proper crack at the domestic cups) and I just wonder if we would be better placed to do that without having European football next season. By the end of next season, we would have also had two more windows to build a squad capable of handling the extra workload of European football.
So a bit torn really, as on the one hand I would be delighted to se pe us back in European football and think that we would have a decent chance of actually progressing far in both the Europa and Conference tournaments. On the other hand though, I just feel it might be a season too early and our development as a team might be better suited to not having European football next season.
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I think that Emery's distinct chance of winning the Europa League with us, and it Champions League football the following year, is fine by me.
Plus, big clubs in the Europa League! It would be fun! And I, me, I like fun.
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I think Liverpool will cruise to 5th now, in a way it might be best if they win every game till we play them as they may have it locked in by then and take their foot off the gas.
Spurs have Palace and Brentford at home who potentially won't have much to play for, and Leeds away who may already be down by then. My fear is they will now sack Stellini and scrape a few results together. We need them to lose the next three I think then beat them ourselves to be in a strong position.
Brighton should get to at least 59 points before they play Man City on the 24th of May and have superior GD, so by that stage it may be in their hands and we'll need them to lose to Man City and then beat them at home. Hopefully the title race makes it to the 24th.
We absolutely must beat Fulham, then one of United/Wolves away and Spurs at home to keep it in our hands. With our injury situation I think we will end up 7th/8th depending on whether Spurs now bounce back and whether Brighton can sustain their results playing so many games.
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I think this is a genuine concern.
Only a few clubs manage domestic success with a European campaign and it’s hard to see how you build a squad capable of that in one transfer window.
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I couldn't disagree more. There's never an exact perfect time, but if you do well, you get European football then it's up to the owners/Purslow/Lange/Emery to put together a suitable squad. There's no guarantee that if we miss out that we'll achieve it next year, and what happens then if you get the likes of Martinez wanting to move on?
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By that logic, given that we've cunningly avoided Europe for over a decade now, we should be more than ready for an assault on all fronts.
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I couldn't disagree more. There's never an exact perfect time, but if you do well, you get European football then it's up to the owners/Purslow/Lange/Emery to put together a suitable squad. There's no guarantee that if we miss out that we'll achieve it next year, and what happens then if you get the likes of Martinez wanting to move on?
I get that , but I am sure that we will reach a point when something has to give if we try and attempt to compete in 4 competitions.
It will come down to priorities.
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I couldn't disagree more. There's never an exact perfect time, but if you do well, you get European football then it's up to the owners/Purslow/Lange/Emery to put together a suitable squad. There's no guarantee that if we miss out that we'll achieve it next year, and what happens then if you get the likes of Martinez wanting to move on?
Exactly. Get European football and then deal with it.
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I couldn't disagree more. There's never an exact perfect time, but if you do well, you get European football then it's up to the owners/Purslow/Lange/Emery to put together a suitable squad. There's no guarantee that if we miss out that we'll achieve it next year, and what happens then if you get the likes of Martinez wanting to move on?
I get that , but I am sure that we will reach a point when something has to give if we try and attempt to compete in 4 competitions.
It will come down to priorities.
Until you get to Man City squad levels, that's always the case. I'll take winning the Europa League and qualifying for the Champions League though even if it means we only finish 5th.
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I couldn't disagree more. There's never an exact perfect time, but if you do well, you get European football then it's up to the owners/Purslow/Lange/Emery to put together a suitable squad. There's no guarantee that if we miss out that we'll achieve it next year, and what happens then if you get the likes of Martinez wanting to move on?
Completely agree. If we don’t make it now it will be disappointing, its the hope that kills ya etc, but in context not the end of the world, given the miracles Emery has been achieving. However, if theres a chance i don’t understand the hand wringing about not wanting to be in it yet. If theres a chance we have to grasp it, there are too many variables to think it’s definitely going to come our way next year.
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I think this is a genuine concern.
Only a few clubs manage domestic success with a European campaign and it’s hard to see how you build a squad capable of that in one transfer window.
I had the same concern when this thread started but the progress over recent weeks has caused me to reconsider. Emery is as experienced as they come in respect of managing on multiple fronts, I am sure he will be as prepared for that as he appears to be for everything else. I imagine they’ve got different plans for the summer transfer window dependent on whether or not we qualify.
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There's no choice. The higher up the league you finish, the more likely you are to be playing European football the following season, so there's no point doing anything other than embrace that possibility and the opportunities it would bring, along with the challenges.
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I couldn't disagree more. There's never an exact perfect time, but if you do well, you get European football then it's up to the owners/Purslow/Lange/Emery to put together a suitable squad. There's no guarantee that if we miss out that we'll achieve it next year, and what happens then if you get the likes of Martinez wanting to move on?
I get that , but I am sure that we will reach a point when something has to give if we try and attempt to compete in 4 competitions.
It will come down to priorities.
Until you get to Man City squad levels, that's always the case. I'll take winning the Europa League and qualifying for the Champions League though even if it means we only finish 5th.
I'd take winning the Europa League and finishing 20th. Give me shiny pots now.
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Lets take a minute to look at the squad and what needs to happen to it to give us the depth we want:
Goal: Martinez is fine, Sinisalo is probably as good a 3rd choice as we'll get for now so we need to replace Olsen
RB: Cash and Young have both been good, KKH as a backup is ok. Maybe we'll need to replace Young in the winter.
LB: Moreno is excellent, Digne is probably too good to be cover, this is one of our strongest positions.
CB: Mings is fine, Carlos needs a chance now he's fit, Konsa and Chambers are ok as cover but we could do with replacing 1 of them.
DM: Kamara and Doug are superb, Dendoncker is decent as cover, Tim coming back should get a chance as well.
CM/WM: McGinn and Ramsey are good here, 1 signing and AJ Ramsey should be enough for now. Maybe Sanson can come back in?
AM/Wing: Buendia is fine, Coutinho can be a good option, Bert is good from the bench. Philogene might be worth a look as an option, replace Bailey.
Striker: Watkins is great, Cam deserves a chance to back him up, 1 more and we're good, could be the same player as the Bailey replacement.
I make that 4/5 signings in the summer (which is as many as I'd want regardless) to give us options everywhere without closing the door on the youngsters who have done well on loan.
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I couldn't disagree more. There's never an exact perfect time, but if you do well, you get European football then it's up to the owners/Purslow/Lange/Emery to put together a suitable squad. There's no guarantee that if we miss out that we'll achieve it next year, and what happens then if you get the likes of Martinez wanting to move on?
Agreed, I think young Dave summed it up well when he said something to the effect of "people don't want us to get European football this season, in case we slip down the league and don't finish high enough to get European football next season".
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Lets take a minute to look at the squad and what needs to happen to it to give us the depth we want:
Goal: Martinez is fine, Sinisalo is probably as good a 3rd choice as we'll get for now so we need to replace Olsen
RB: Cash and Young have both been good, KKH as a backup is ok. Maybe we'll need to replace Young in the winter.
LB: Moreno is excellent, Digne is probably too good to be cover, this is one of our strongest positions.
CB: Mings is fine, Carlos needs a chance now he's fit, Konsa and Chambers are ok as cover but we could do with replacing 1 of them.
DM: Kamara and Doug are superb, Dendoncker is decent as cover, Tim coming back should get a chance as well.
CM/WM: McGinn and Ramsey are good here, 1 signing and AJ Ramsey should be enough for now. Maybe Sanson can come back in?
AM/Wing: Buendia is fine, Coutinho can be a good option, Bert is good from the bench. Philogene might be worth a look as an option, replace Bailey.
Striker: Watkins is great, Cam deserves a chance to back him up, 1 more and we're good, could be the same player as the Bailey replacement.
I make that 4/5 signings in the summer (which is as many as I'd want regardless) to give us options everywhere without closing the door on the youngsters who have done well on loan.
I agree with most of that, but would say:
I really hope we keep Digne, as he showed what he's capable of on Saturday. He's not as good going forward as Moreno (even though he helped set up the chance for the goal), but he's a better defender. Emery said last week he wants two players for every position, so when left back looks extremely well covered, why change it?
There's no way on earth that Sanson is coming back. I'd be surprised if Philogene is seen as being an option for the squad next season either so we definitely need two versatile forwards who can both cover for, and play with Ollie. It might be overkill, but I'd love to see a Guendouzi type sign as well.
I do wonder if despite being on the bench, that Carlos isn't a bit more fucked than we realise. 3-0 up at home to Newcastle and he still didn't get even a couple of minutes at the end, which I found weird.
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I couldn't disagree more. There's never an exact perfect time, but if you do well, you get European football then it's up to the owners/Purslow/Lange/Emery to put together a suitable squad. There's no guarantee that if we miss out that we'll achieve it next year, and what happens then if you get the likes of Martinez wanting to move on?
Exactly. We cannot be scared by the prospect of qualification. There’s no such thing as too early. Other sides manage to balance the extra workload and we are in a position where we have a bloke who has mastered that. We absolutely want qualification. Every single year from now on. We will build this summer, and hopefully in years to come compete on all 4 domestic and content trophy fronts each year.
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Lets take a minute to look at the squad and what needs to happen to it to give us the depth we want:
Goal: Martinez is fine, Sinisalo is probably as good a 3rd choice as we'll get for now so we need to replace Olsen
RB: Cash and Young have both been good, KKH as a backup is ok. Maybe we'll need to replace Young in the winter.
LB: Moreno is excellent, Digne is probably too good to be cover, this is one of our strongest positions.
CB: Mings is fine, Carlos needs a chance now he's fit, Konsa and Chambers are ok as cover but we could do with replacing 1 of them.
DM: Kamara and Doug are superb, Dendoncker is decent as cover, Tim coming back should get a chance as well.
CM/WM: McGinn and Ramsey are good here, 1 signing and AJ Ramsey should be enough for now. Maybe Sanson can come back in?
AM/Wing: Buendia is fine, Coutinho can be a good option, Bert is good from the bench. Philogene might be worth a look as an option, replace Bailey.
Striker: Watkins is great, Cam deserves a chance to back him up, 1 more and we're good, could be the same player as the Bailey replacement.
I make that 4/5 signings in the summer (which is as many as I'd want regardless) to give us options everywhere without closing the door on the youngsters who have done well on loan.
I agree with most of that, but would say:
I really hope we keep Digne, as he showed what he's capable of on Saturday. He's not as good going forward as Moreno (even though he helped set up the chance for the goal), but he's a better defender. Emery said last week he wants two players for every position, so when left back looks extremely well covered, why change it?
There's no way on earth that Sanson is coming back. I'd be surprised if Philogene is seen as being an option for the squad next season either so we definitely need two versatile forwards who can both cover for, and play with Ollie. It might be overkill, but I'd love to see a Guendouzi type sign as well.
I do wonder if despite being on the bench, that Carlos isn't a bit more fucked than we realise. 3-0 up at home to Newcastle and he still didn't get even a couple of minutes at the end, which I found weird.
Just to be clear, I wasn't suggesting we let Digne go, I was pointing out that he's too good to sit on the bench every week. the extra games would help with it because we'd be able to guarantee him a decent amount of starts.
I have Guendouzi down as the player to compete with Ramsey and McGinn. The Sanson thing wasn't entirely serious but he's the only senior player who's on loan that might have case to be given more of a chance.
Carlos is a tough one really, he got fit as we were in the middle of a run were we've conceded 3 in 9, I get the feeling Emery isn't the sort to bring someone in just for fitness if it runs the risk of giving up a clean sheet, even in games where we're on top.
Philogene is really tough one, from what I've seen of him he's got the technical ability and pace to be a real threat but he's a bit raw still. I just wonder if he's someone that the extra direction and planning from Emery could help turn into the real deal. He's looked pretty good in a relegation battling side this year so I think he's worth a look. Duran is another option up there as well and he's done a decent job every time we've seen him (I didn't include him because I'd loan him out to the championship for the first half of next season).
With both of them (and Young and Patterson who have both been with the first team since Emery came in) we seem to have a lot of options for players who could be worth a look in the summer. If we do get a second attacker I'd expect hem to come in really late in the window, and maybe only on loan.
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We're *probably* not going to win the league next year, but we have a man in charge who's a serial Europa League winner. We've seen already what he can do with the smallest squad in the Premier League and only one of his own players, imagine what he's going to do when he gets a bit of backing.
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Yep, I agree.
In summary we need a new No.2, at least one central midfielder, one wide player and a striker.
Philogene isn't the man.
Archer, Ramsey A, and Iroegbunam are all good options to add.
As for Carlos, I suspect we're resting him for as long as we can. Absolutely no point rushing him back or pushing too hard when he doesn't need to play. The longer he can train and build strength and confidence the better.
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We're *probably* not going to win the league next year, but we have a man in charge who's a serial Europa League winner. We've seen already what he can do with the smallest squad in the Premier League and only one of his own players, imagine what he's going to do when he gets a bit of backing.
Absolutely. We'll be shopping in the more exclusive end of the market too.
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We're *probably* not going to win the league next year, but we have a man in charge who's a serial Europa League winner. We've seen already what he can do with the smallest squad in the Premier League and only one of his own players, imagine what he's going to do when he gets a bit of backing.
Oh ye of little faith ...
European football under Emery makes us a far more attractive proposition to those players uninitialed in the joys of B6. We can develop youngsters who may be "good enough" whilst at the same time buying what our manager thinks we need.
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Carlos is more one for next season when he's had a full pre-season with the rest of the squad. He'll be up to speed and understand exactly what Emery wants from him.
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Qualifying for Europe a year earlier than planned could cause us all sorts of problems. Squad depth will be a big issue, and signing too many players in one window can upset the balance of a squad. It could be bad. It could turn out really bad.
In fact, the only thing worse than qualifying for Europe would be not qualifying for Europe.
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Carlos is more one for next season when he's had a full pre-season with the rest of the squad. He'll be up to speed and understand exactly what Emery wants from him.
I could be wrong, but I don't think Emery is the sort of manager to substitute a central defender unless they have a specific issue? There are no tactical changes that would necessitate swapping out a central defender? It's a bit like the goalie, in that it's a position that never really gets swapped to "freshen things up". My guess is we'll only see Carlos from the start of a game, or if one of the first-choice centre-backs gets a mid-game injury.
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Carlos is more one for next season when he's had a full pre-season with the rest of the squad. He'll be up to speed and understand exactly what Emery wants from him.
I could be wrong, but I don't think Emery is the sort of manager to substitute a central defender unless they have a specific issue? There are no tactical changes that would necessitate swapping out a central defender? It's a bit like the goalie, in that it's a position that never really gets swapped to "freshen things up". My guess is we'll only see Carlos from the start of a game, or if one of the first-choice centre-backs gets a mid-game injury.
He's said he wants to give Carlos minutes when he's fit enough to. Newcastle was the game to do it, which can only mean that Carlos isn't really up to it yet.
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Qualifying for Europe a year earlier than planned could cause us all sorts of problems. Squad depth will be a big issue, and signing too many players in one window can upset the balance of a squad. It could be bad. It could turn out really bad.
In fact, the only thing worse than qualifying for Europe would be not qualifying for Europe.
On the other side, not qualifying for Europe could equally cause us all sorts of problems. I'd be disappointed if we missed out on a Europa cup place as Spurs are imminently catchable. If it's the lesser competition we have enough as it is in the squad with the loan signings coming back. We still have 18 pts to play for, let's get them and add some more quality where needed in the break.
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Qualifying for Europe a year earlier than planned could cause us all sorts of problems. Squad depth will be a big issue, and signing too many players in one window can upset the balance of a squad. It could be bad. It could turn out really bad.
In fact, the only thing worse than qualifying for Europe would be not qualifying for Europe.
On the other side, not qualifying for Europe could equally cause us all sorts of problems. I'd be disappointed if we missed out on a Europa cup place as Spurs are imminently catchable. If it's the lesser competition we have enough as it is in the squad with the loan signings coming back. We still have 18 pts to play for, let's get them and add some more quality where needed in the break.
Whooooosh!
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I couldn't disagree more. There's never an exact perfect time, but if you do well, you get European football then it's up to the owners/Purslow/Lange/Emery to put together a suitable squad. There's no guarantee that if we miss out that we'll achieve it next year, and what happens then if you get the likes of Martinez wanting to move on?
Exactly. We cannot be scared by the prospect of qualification. There’s no such thing as too early. Other sides manage to balance the extra workload and we are in a position where we have a bloke who has mastered that. We absolutely want qualification. Every single year from now on. We will build this summer, and hopefully in years to come compete on all 4 domestic and content trophy fronts each year.
The sides that balance the extra workload tend to be the 'top six' sides who have the squad depth to cope with it. A number of other teams who have qualified for European competitions have had poor following seasons in the league as they haven't had the depth in the squad to manage the workload.
On balance, I would like to see us play in Europe next season as I agree that you have to take the opportunity when it's there, as it might not be next season. I think we have a manager with a wealth of experience in European competitions who will know how to balance the workload of the squad and as I say, I think we would have a chance in both the Europa and the Conference tournaments (we would be one of the favourites in the latter).
Think it is going to be an ask though, simply because of the games Liverpool and Brighton have in hand over us. If we were on the same games, I would fancy us.
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Imagine Purslow visiting Emery.
'Unai, we're so pleased with how things are going. Fantastic. Far better than we had even hoped for, to be honest. Realistically of course, we won't be finishing in the top four, no problem there obviously, that would have been beyond our wildest dreams. There's a real chance now of course that we might get to finish 5th or 6th, which would be really good, of course. On most levels, anyway. And better than we'd thought, to be honest. However, trying to finish in 5th or 6th place carries the real risk that we might actually end up in 7th place, and having to take part in that Conference thing. Which we think it best to avoid, all told, for all sorts of reasons. So having weighed everything up therefore, what we'd very much like please, between now and the end of the season, and only for this season mind, is for you to fix it to ensure we finish 8th. Which would obviously still be really good. And better than expected. Would that be ok?'
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Imagine Purslow visiting Emery.
'Unai, we're so pleased with how things are going. Fantastic. Far better than we had even hoped for, to be honest. Realistically of course, we won't be finishing in the top four, no problem there obviously, that would have been beyond our wildest dreams. There's a real chance now of course that we might get to finish 5th or 6th, which would be really good, of course. On most levels, anyway. And better than we'd thought, to be honest. However, trying to finish in 5th or 6th place carries the real risk that we might actually end up in 7th place, and having to take part in that Conference thing. Which we think it best to avoid, all told, for all sorts of reasons. So having weighed everything up therefore, what we'd very much like please, between now and the end of the season, and only for this season mind, is for you to fix it to ensure we finish 8th. Which would obviously still be really good. And better than expected. Would that be ok?'
Don't think that is the case. If we get into Europe then great, bring it on. If we don't, then although it might be a bit disappointing, it might not be the worst thing in terms of next season.
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How would people feel if we "did a West Ham" next year and spent most of the season in the lower reaches of the Premier even though we were progressing in Europe?
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Imagine Purslow visiting Emery.
'Unai, we're so pleased with how things are going. Fantastic. Far better than we had even hoped for, to be honest. Realistically of course, we won't be finishing in the top four, no problem there obviously, that would have been beyond our wildest dreams. There's a real chance now of course that we might get to finish 5th or 6th, which would be really good, of course. On most levels, anyway. And better than we'd thought, to be honest. However, trying to finish in 5th or 6th place carries the real risk that we might actually end up in 7th place, and having to take part in that Conference thing. Which we think it best to avoid, all told, for all sorts of reasons. So having weighed everything up therefore, what we'd very much like please, between now and the end of the season, and only for this season mind, is for you to fix it to ensure we finish 8th. Which would obviously still be really good. And better than expected. Would that be ok? Oh, and while we're at it, can you keep an eye on Johan, I think he knows he's off and I'm pretty sure he has started to steal the stationary.'
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How would people feel if we "did a West Ham" next year and spent most of the season in the lower reaches of the Premier even though we were progressing in Europe?
If that turns out to be winning a trophy, thereby qualifying for the Europa, and having a chill last few weeks of the season - well, we'd have had worse seasons.
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How would people feel if we "did a West Ham" next year and spent most of the season in the lower reaches of the Premier even though we were progressing in Europe?
Ther's no reason why we should though. I don't think it's Europe that's held them back. Their main striker has been 33 year old Antonio, and they're tried to replace him with the £30m cart horse Scamacca. then add in the fact that players like Soucek have massively underperformed. We've got a better manager and better players in most positions.
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How would people feel if we "did a West Ham" next year and spent most of the season in the lower reaches of the Premier even though we were progressing in Europe?
Ther's no reason why we should though. I don't think it's Europe that's held them back. Their main striker has been 33 year old Antonio, and they're tried to replace him with the £30m cart horse Scamacca. then add in the fact that players like Soucek have massively underperformed. We've got a better manager and better players in most positions.
West Ham are also the worst example of the "too early for European football" position.
Two seasons ago they somehow managed to get from 16th the previous year to finish 6th, surprising everyone. The following year - their "squad is too small, not ready, can't compete" year, they got to the semi-finals of the Europa League and finished seventh in the league. And also put up a decent(ish) showing in both domestic cups.
The thing they went and fucked up was the consolidate from a position of strength bit, not the unexpected European qualification bit.
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Now we’ve announced proudly that our season ticket prices are in the top eight in the Premier League that’s our target then obviously. I assume we get a discount if we finish outside the top eight.
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I suppose the cautionary tale about West Ham is that even with back to back European qualifications they haven't been able to attract particularly top quality signings.
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I suppose the cautionary tale about West Ham is that even with back to back European qualifications they haven't been able to attract particularly top quality signings.
In terms of reputation, signing Italy's number nine and Brazil's number ten is probably attracting a greater pedigree than UEFA Conference League qualification really deserves.
The fact that they haven't adapted particularly well doesn't take away the statement of signing them.
Although I think Paqueta will probably come good.
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Yeah, fans of the Scab 6 clubs were dismayed when Paqueta went there as they felt he was "better" than West Ham. Mind you, many of them said the same about Bailey when we signed him.
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Yeah, fans of the Scab 6 clubs were dismayed when Paqueta went there as they felt he was "better" than West Ham. Mind you, many of them said the same about Bailey when we signed him.
Yup, a good comparison.
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Europe for me, full stop !!!Let the journey begin.
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Yeah, fans of the Scab 6 clubs were dismayed when Paqueta went there as they felt he was "better" than West Ham. Mind you, many of them said the same about Bailey when we signed him.
Yup, a good comparison.
Fair enough. I've never heard of anyone we sign these days so perhaps I'm not in a good position to judge others' transfers!
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Or any transfers full stop come to that
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I don't understand why we get four champions league places and less than four in the two 'lesser' competitions.
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I don't understand why we get four champions league places and less than four in the two 'lesser' competitions.
When you have 32 leagues involved, one league providing seven teams across three competitions seems to be plenty.
And I don't think anyone has ever said that the Europa League needs more teams and matches than it has already.
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How would people feel if we "did a West Ham" next year and spent most of the season in the lower reaches of the Premier even though we were progressing in Europe?
Isn't that more just due to most of their summer signings flopping?
They were in top 6 for most of 21/22 and they got to europa league SF and that has far higher standard of teams than what they've been playing in europe this season.
If we don't do well next season combining the two it will simply mean we haven't signed well enough but Emery is vastly experienced at juggling both so he'll know what's required.
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I don't understand why we get four champions league places and less than four in the two 'lesser' competitions.
When you have 32 leagues involved, one league providing seven teams across three competitions seems to be plenty.
And I don't think anyone has ever said that the Europa League needs more teams and matches than it has already.
I think the Conference League should be merged with the Europa League tbh. It would be one extra game.
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Bring back the Cup for Cup winners.
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Bring back the Cup for Cup winners.
Wouldn't really work though, would it?
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Bring back the Cup for Cup winners.
Wouldn't really work though, would it?
It would be like bringing back a Champions League for Champions, rather than teams finishing in 4th place. It will never catch on.
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Bring back the Cup for Cup winners.
Wouldn't really work though, would it?
It would be like bringing back a Champions League for Champions, rather than teams finishing in 4th place. It will never catch on.
I always found it maddening that when they made it not only for champions they changed its name from the European Cup to the precisely inaccurate 'Champions League'.
But I guess it's like that Teamster guy said about being ladylike - if you gotta say you are you probably ain't.
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Bring back the Cup for Cup winners.
Wouldn't really work though, would it?
It would be like bringing back a Champions League for Champions, rather than teams finishing in 4th place. It will never catch on.
And with good reason these days. I (and I get the feeling, most people on here) don't really care much for watching any of the European club competitions and I expect the only thing that will make me/us start is Villa playing in them.
Something that isn't going to turn on people who aren't already interested it is six months of Man City and PSG crushing the likes of FC Cluj and Ludogorets until the inevitable semi-finals of four of the champions of England, France, Spain, Italy and Germany.
I have no more than a passing interest either way, but I don't really see how a return to the original format makes it better than it currently is.
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Should be called the European Cup though.
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Bring back the Cup for Cup winners.
Wouldn't really work though, would it?
It would be like bringing back a Champions League for Champions, rather than teams finishing in 4th place. It will never catch on.
I always found it maddening that when they made it not only for champions they changed its name from the European Cup to the precisely inaccurate 'Champions League'.
To be fair, I think when they rebranded in 1992 it was still league champions only. 97-98 is when they first expanded it. At which point, yes, a name change was probably in order.
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Is that right? I was too young I guess but I seem to remember people calling it the European Cup.
Then again people still say the 'Premiership'.
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Then again people still say the 'Premiership'.
My feelings on such matters have been well-documented on this site over the years.
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Bring back the Cup for Cup winners.
Wouldn't really work though, would it?
It would be like bringing back a Champions League for Champions, rather than teams finishing in 4th place. It will never catch on.
And with good reason these days. I (and I get the feeling, most people on here) don't really care much for watching any of the European club competitions and I expect the only thing that will make me/us start is Villa playing in them.
Something that isn't going to turn on people who aren't already interested it is six months of Man City and PSG crushing the likes of FC Cluj and Ludogorets until the inevitable semi-finals of four of the champions of England, France, Spain, Italy and Germany.
I have no more than a passing interest either way, but I don't really see how a return to the original format makes it better than it currently is.
It destroys the certainty of income for the shark clubs, they'd be unable to stockpile players in the same way and it would subsequently breathe life into every league in Europe.
I honestly couldn't think of a single action that would do more to address the problems in club football.
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Banning state ownership of clubs would come a close second.
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Banning state ownership of clubs would come a close second.
Yes, a close second on the basis the ruination of the European Cup was already complete when they turned up and if anything led to it.
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Bring back the Cup for Cup winners.
Wouldn't really work though, would it?
It would be like bringing back a Champions League for Champions, rather than teams finishing in 4th place. It will never catch on.
And with good reason these days. I (and I get the feeling, most people on here) don't really care much for watching any of the European club competitions and I expect the only thing that will make me/us start is Villa playing in them.
Something that isn't going to turn on people who aren't already interested it is six months of Man City and PSG crushing the likes of FC Cluj and Ludogorets until the inevitable semi-finals of four of the champions of England, France, Spain, Italy and Germany.
I have no more than a passing interest either way, but I don't really see how a return to the original format makes it better than it currently is.
It destroys the certainty of income for the shark clubs, they'd be unable to stockpile players in the same way and it would subsequently breathe life into every league in Europe.
I honestly couldn't think of a single action that would do more to address the problems in club football.
Ten years ago when Champions League money was the biggest financial prize, maybe. Not now. Norwich got more Premier League money for finishing bottom last season than Milan will get Champions League money this season for getting to the semi-finals.
It would just accentuate the movement of the better players from other leagues to England. And while nothing lasts forever, and the Premier League money bubble will likely pop at some point - right now it would just strengthen the Premier League, not the rest of Europe.
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Expanding the Champions League to include the top four (or top however many in each European league) also had the effect of taking the wind out of the sails of those calling for a "European Super League". Yes, they had a bit of a go at it a couple of years ago that quickly fell on its arse, but the idea of trying to get the top European clubs to play each other more regularly effectively ended the calls for a european super league when it was introduced.
I have no doubt that if they created a competition for champions only, it would reignite those calls immediately.
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Bruno Fernandes in a cast/boot and with crutches. That's their best centre half and player in Martinez and Fernandes out for Sunday.
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Bruno Fernandes in a cast/boot and with crutches. That's their best centre half and player in Martinez and Fernandes out for Sunday.
Wouldn't it be nice to think they're on the cusp of not beating us at home in the league for 30 years?
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Bring back the Cup for Cup winners.
Wouldn't really work though, would it?
It would be like bringing back a Champions League for Champions, rather than teams finishing in 4th place. It will never catch on.
I always found it maddening that when they made it not only for champions they changed its name from the European Cup to the precisely inaccurate 'Champions League'.
The European Cup was officially known as the Coupe des Clubs Champions Européens.
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Yeah the Gabriel Hanot stuff, 'Wolves Champions of Europe' after watering the corners, all coming back now.
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Bruno Fernandes in a cast/boot and with crutches. That's their best centre half and player in Martinez and Fernandes out for Sunday.
Wouldn't it be nice to think they're on the cusp of not beating us at home in the league for 30 years?
Kourtney Haus says hi
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As does a skinny Gabby.
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Bruno Fernandes in a cast/boot and with crutches. That's their best centre half and player in Martinez and Fernandes out for Sunday.
Wouldn't it be nice to think they're on the cusp of not beating us at home in the league for 30 years?
Kourtney Haus says hi
I think Lee means them not beating us in the upcoming 30 years.
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We haven't doubled them in forever.
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Think tonight means the west London trio can just play amongst themselves for bragging rights on finishing 9th.
Meanwhile we are top of a mini league of 4 teams playing for the Europa League spots of 5th and 6th. I don't think we can catch 4th.
All the other teams have games in hand, Spurs are dropping like a stone, Liverpool look to have the easiest games and Brighton look great but have lots of tough matches to fit in.
I haven't done the predictor but think Liverpool will overtake us, we will beat Brighton in the final day for 6th and Spurs will disappear without trace before Kane signs for us in the summer because he wants European football .
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I think we can finish 6th - 8th depending on our results v Brighton and Liverpool. We can stay ahead of Spuds (who will lose v ManU) but the other 2 have a games in hand.
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I quite fancy the conference league to be honest, great chance to win it and into Europa next season. Is 7th now guaranteed to be a spot in that?
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I quite fancy the conference league to be honest, great chance to win it and into Europa next season. Is 7th now guaranteed to be a spot in that?
Yes, unless Man Utd end up finishing 8th
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I quite fancy the conference league to be honest, great chance to win it and into Europa next season. Is 7th now guaranteed to be a spot in that?
Yes, unless Man Utd end up finishing 8th
Yep. I'd prefer Europa League but I think if we qualify for any European competition under Emery the nights under lights at Villa Park would be electric
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Unai and Villa just fit each other like a fucking glove.
It makes my heart warm and emotional.
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Brighton have 7 games in May. 4 of them against the top 4. And us.
I think Liverpool will finish above us.
I guess Surs could react well or implode. 50-50
I think I we will finish 7th.
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5 points ahead of Brighton. That's key.
If they don't win at Forest then they'll have to win one of their very tough other spare games and/or beat us at VP.
Also think Wolves might get something against them at weekend aswell.
Am hopeful West Ham will hold Liverpool tomorrow with Antonio and Bowen in good form. Liverpool's game in hand though is at home to Fulham so on tonight's evidence that will be a breeze for them.
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Another 10 points from our remaining 5-games, to equal our highest points total in a 20-team EPL, would be great. 3-wins, a draw and a loss would do it. Fingers crossed.
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In terms of our run-in, I think Brighton are screwed. The games are coming thick and fast and at the wrong time of the season. If things are going wrong, they have no time to put them right. W
Can we do the double over Manchester United? Doubtful. L
Liverpool away. We've done it before. X
Wolves away. Fuck yeah. W
Spurs at home. Double Fuck yeah. W
+10 pts has got to see us finish 6th surely?!
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Man Utd [A] - W
Wolves [A] - D (they have form at Molineux, and this will be their cup final)
Spurs [H] - W
Liverpool [A] - D
Brighton [H] - W
11pts out of 15 by my reckoning... Finish on 65pts. Hard to call where we'll finish yet - All hinges on the form of Liverpool and Brighton (*Spurs are done).
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Our players are suffering now from a serious lack of options from the bench, particularly in midfield. We need those four injured players back and available, pronto. Ideally last night we'd have been able to hook Buendia when he started losing more and more possession, and Ramsey as soon as he had that ankle injury. Our run in now is exceptionally difficult and it's going to be a monumental effort to retain our current placing. Some people are dismissing Wolves as an easy three points but it's a derby game, away from home and they have started picking up results.
If we can kick off against Brighton still with any European qualifying fate still in our own hands I'd take that scenario right now.
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Man Utd [A] - FTF
Wolves [A] - FTF
Spurs [H] - FTF
Liverpool [A] - FTF
Brighton [H] - FTF
15 points out of a possible 15, leaving us on 69pts. 5th place, Europa League, job done.
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I genuinely don’t know. This isn’t a position I thought we’d be in several months ago, and even then when we lost 3 in a row, I thought we’d just settle for mid table and build on next year.
It’s wonderfully refreshing to be looking at this. I haven’t been this excited about Villa in a long time and to be in a European race is more than I could fathom when we had Gerrard as our coach.
All we can do is keep on winning, keep on getting results. The teams around us are going to be equally motivated, so it’s going to be hard. We will start to suffer from fatigue as there is no break until the end of the season now and we have a small squad.
Come what may, I’m bloody proud of being a Villa fan right - incredibly proud of our team, our squad and our club.
As fans, we just need to push the team in the last few games to do the best they can do. We could easily be in the position of Leicester right now, but we’re not - thanks to our owners.
Keep on winning, keep on getting points and we’ll see where the dice lie on the final day of the season.
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I still think it’s a tough ask but this team just keep surprising me. We will need the injured players back to have a chance and if we do then anything’s possible.
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Brighton have 7 games in May. 4 of them against the top 4. And us.
I think Liverpool will finish above us.
I guess Surs could react well or implode. 50-50
I think I we will finish 7th.
I agree. We are now more or less guaranteed 8th but that's no good. 7th is where we are likely to end up and that would be a great achievement.
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Add winning without playing well to the list of milestones.
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Forest and West Ham wins tonight would be very welcome.
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Forest and West Ham wins tonight would be very welcome.
Oh Yes! Even draws would be welcome.
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Isn't it great to be looking at results of other teams and it being about how high we can finish and not relegation related?
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I feel the players are a bit jaded and we couldn't cope with any more injuries to yesterday's starting 11.
But so far so good - we're showing resistance.
Liverpool's run in is easy - they will finish above us.
Spurs MAY get a new manager bounce, particularly if they get Poch in this week
Brighton are the main target. They are still playing extremely well, but the sheer amount of fixtures and quality of opponents makes it very difficult for them. If they get 6th they'll really deserve it.
I think it will be a last day shoot between us for either 6/7th or 7/8th (depending on whether Spurs continue to implode or have a Poch renaissance)
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I thought Poch is on his way to Chelsea?
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Chelsea are meant to be quite far down the path of appointing Poch as manager.
We do look jaded. I just hope we can raise our levels again now because the level of opponents is going to be rising in the last few games.
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I feel the players are a bit jaded and we couldn't cope with any more injuries to yesterday's starting 11.
But so far so good - we're showing resistance.
Liverpool's run in is easy - they will finish above us.
Think tonight will tell us a lot about where Liverpool are at. If they win easily they could go on a run, but if they drop points it's back in our hands.
We've only 5 games left each a week apart. Having no midweek games left might be an advantage in the run-in as it'll give our tired squad a breather.
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I feel the players are a bit jaded and we couldn't cope with any more injuries to yesterday's starting 11.
But so far so good - we're showing resistance.
Liverpool's run in is easy - they will finish above us.
Spurs MAY get a new manager bounce, particularly if they get Poch in this week
Brighton are the main target. They are still playing extremely well, but the sheer amount of fixtures and quality of opponents makes it very difficult for them. If they get 6th they'll really deserve it.
I think it will be a last day shoot between us for either 6/7th or 7/8th (depending on whether Spurs continue to implode or have a Poch renaissance)
Poch is going to Chelsea, doubt he'll have time to help Spurs as well!
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I don't think the players will be going into the remaining five games jaded. They have had no cup games, not many midweek games at all, and from here on in they won't have another midweek game. And against Man Utd we will have had 2 more days to rest than they will. I'm thinking we'll take 7 points from the next 3 games.
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I feel the players are a bit jaded and we couldn't cope with any more injuries to yesterday's starting 11.
But so far so good - we're showing resistance.
Liverpool's run in is easy - they will finish above us.
Spurs MAY get a new manager bounce, particularly if they get Poch in this week
Brighton are the main target. They are still playing extremely well, but the sheer amount of fixtures and quality of opponents makes it very difficult for them. If they get 6th they'll really deserve it.
I think it will be a last day shoot between us for either 6/7th or 7/8th (depending on whether Spurs continue to implode or have a Poch renaissance)
Poch is going to Chelsea, doubt he'll have time to help Spurs as well!
Well that's one less thing to worry about!
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Ah tits. I've done the season predictor twice and both times got us to 8th.
Of course I would have been happy with this a few months ago.
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I don't think the players will be going into the remaining five games jaded. They have had no cup games, not many midweek games at all, and from here on in they won't have another midweek game. And against Man Utd we will have had 2 more days to rest than they will. I'm thinking we'll take 7 points from the next 3 games.
So the question remains, why do we always look more knackered despite having more rest time than the team that played a couple of days before, normally in some forgotten corner of Europe?
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I don't think the players will be going into the remaining five games jaded. They have had no cup games, not many midweek games at all, and from here on in they won't have another midweek game. And against Man Utd we will have had 2 more days to rest than they will. I'm thinking we'll take 7 points from the next 3 games.
So the question remains, why do we always look more knackered despite having more rest time than the team that played a couple of days before, normally in some forgotten corner of Europe?
I'd imagine Unai's analysis sessions are rather draining, at least mentally.
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I don't think the players will be going into the remaining five games jaded. They have had no cup games, not many midweek games at all, and from here on in they won't have another midweek game. And against Man Utd we will have had 2 more days to rest than they will. I'm thinking we'll take 7 points from the next 3 games.
So the question remains, why do we always look more knackered despite having more rest time than the team that played a couple of days before, normally in some forgotten corner of Europe?
I don't think we do look more knackered. Against Brentford, a tough game away, we came on strong seeking an equaliser, and got it with three minutes left, and last night we managed the game out fairly comfortably. The game before those two was Newcastle.
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Wherever we finish, it really has been a remarkable season.
Never before has a club's training set up changed so significantly so quickly, with such astounding results.
He's clever in the way he does this, he knows he's got to get the best tune out of what he has currently, and then reconsider what he wants in the summer.
It's remarkable that in the last two games we've looked a long way off our best but we've still taken 4/6 points.
Under Gerrard and many previous managers, that would have been 0/6
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what is massively reassuring is that what he is doing is sustainable because he never fucking stops. He never accepts the status quo. We've won nothing yet and I am sure he has reminded every player at club about that fact. This is just the beginning.
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Whats strange is looking at games and wanting the bottom teams to win to stop the top teams from catching us, rather than the other way round.
So - good luck to West Ham and Forest tonight!
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One result went for us, the other didn't. 4 of Liverpool's remaining games are at home, including to us. Still in our hands though.
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Wherever we finish, it really has been a remarkable season.
Never before has a club's training set up changed so significantly so quickly, with such astounding results.
It doesn't mean it's been 'remarkable', it means we've finally joined the 21st century. My god, we've been a magnet for chancers for so, so long. Thankfully, there's no turning back. Now that is remarkable.
I remember DW telling me how our board had kept us back through most of the first half of the 20th century, methods and standards from the previous century; it's taken a very pissed of Egyptian to say enough is enough and drag us into the present day. We're in good hands. Finally.
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Cannot believe where we are compared to our prospects last November.
Nas bringing in the best manager we’ve had in 40 years, has turned the club around in the space of 5 short months!
And next season should be even better…..
European football to look forward to (hopefully!), Lerner’s blot of a badge finally exorcised from memory, (being replaced with that new majestic round badge), and the already mighty Villa Park getting a facelift in the form of a shiny new North Stand. In March next year, it’s also the club’s 150th anniversary!
This feels different to the false dawns of the past… There’s just an overriding sense that these guys know what they’re doing.
In terms of European qualification, I reckon Brighton along with Spurs will falter, which means if we go all in to win all 5 remaining games, we finish 5th. If we do that, the only team who can mathematically overtake us are Brighton.
European football as well as finishing above Liverpool, Chelsea and Spurs would be bloody brilliant! UTV
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One result went for us, the other didn't. 4 of Liverpool's remaining games are at home, including to us. Still in our hands though.
Brighton result was a big one. They have got three games in hand on us, npbut now have to win two of those if we can match their points tally in the other five games. First one is Manchester United next week, so a tough one.
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One result went for us, the other didn't. 4 of Liverpool's remaining games are at home, including to us. Still in our hands though.
Brighton result was a big one. They have got three games in hand on us, npbut now have to win two of those if we can match their points tally in the other five games. First one is Manchester United next week, so a tough one.
Way to look at things. If Brighton lose to all of Newcastle, Arsenal and us away and Man. City at home they can only reach a maximum of 61 points (and that's with us on at least 57 points).
I think they might drop some points in other games, Wolves are a tough team to break down if they score first so could see that being 1-1.
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Finishing higher than Brighton and Spurs is our target. Liverpool likely take 5th. After today 6th is very possible.
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Finishing higher than Brighton and Spurs is our target. Liverpool likely take 5th. After today 6th is very possible.
Absolutely this. Liverpool winning last night will keep Manchester United motivated tonight against Tottenham.
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Emery has managed the team brilliantly with a depleted squad, we have key players out, one which we may not see in a Villa shirt again.
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I think we're going to go on a bit of a drawing spree now which may weigh us down. Fascinated to see if we have another Newcastle performance in us but our run-in is tough.
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I think we're going to go on a bit of a drawing spree now which may weigh us down. Fascinated to see if we have another Newcastle performance in us but our run-in is tough.
If Spurs lose tonight and to us, that could be the difference-maker we need to make top seven.
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Brighton have got a tricky run in as well, and they're also playing twice a week for the rest of the season. They've got Arsenal, Man City, Man U, Newcastle and us in their remaining fixtures.
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I don't think the players will be going into the remaining five games jaded. They have had no cup games, not many midweek games at all, and from here on in they won't have another midweek game. And against Man Utd we will have had 2 more days to rest than they will. I'm thinking we'll take 7 points from the next 3 games.
So the question remains, why do we always look more knackered despite having more rest time than the team that played a couple of days before, normally in some forgotten corner of Europe?
Villa dominated the game in the first half against Fulham. Not so much in the 2nd half it's true but I think that was at least partly down to conserving energy. We saw out the game without much trouble so good strategy. Hopefully that will be to our advantage V Manure.
It would also help if they draw 5-5 with Spurs, get 15 minutes injury time and 2 players sent off.
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Brighton have got a tricky run in as well, and they're also playing twice a week for the rest of the season. They've got Arsenal, Man City, Man U, Newcastle and us in their remaining fixtures.
If we beat Brighton on the last day of the season we'll most probably finish above them. Possibly also Liverpool if we beat them but obviously a trickier prospect away at Anfield. I've a funny feeling we'll finish 6th (based on absolutely nothing scientific like a results predictor, or anything like that).
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I think we're underselling how good we actually are - We have the second best form in the league (*with an absolutely exceptional manager!), so we should be seen on an equal footing with pretty much every team bar Man City imo.
Ollie seems to always up his game against the big guns, and I wouldn't be surprised to see us pull maximum points from Old Trafford and Anfield. We're going to have to start to get out of that mindset that we're the underdog at some point, if we want to succeed. Even if Kamara is out for the remainder of the season, Dougie, JJ and McGinn are more than a match for their midfield lineups..... Curtis Jones FFS!?
The one I'm least confident about is Wolves away, so I'm wagering we'll get 13 out of 15 points. UTV!
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I think we're underselling how good we actually are - We have the second best form in the league (*with an absolutely exceptional manager!), so we should be seen on an equal footing with pretty much every team bar Man City imo.
Ollie seems to always up his game against the big guns, and I wouldn't be surprised to see us pull maximum points from Old Trafford and Anfield. We're going to have to start to get out of that mindset that we're the underdog at some point, if we want to succeed. Even if Kamara is out for the remainder of the season, Dougie, JJ and McGinn are more than a match for their midfield lineups..... Curtis Jones FFS!?
The one I'm least confident about is Wolves away, so I'm wagering we'll get 13 out of 15 points. UTV!
It's not so much that I'm not confident we can win up at Klanfield or the Theatre of Memes, more the probability of this ridiculous run coming to a halt at the hands of a bent ref in those venues.
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I think we're underselling how good we actually are - We have the second best form in the league (*with an absolutely exceptional manager!), so we should be seen on an equal footing with pretty much every team bar Man City imo.
Ollie seems to always up his game against the big guns, and I wouldn't be surprised to see us pull maximum points from Old Trafford and Anfield. We're going to have to start to get out of that mindset that we're the underdog at some point, if we want to succeed. Even if Kamara is out for the remainder of the season, Dougie, JJ and McGinn are more than a match for their midfield lineups..... Curtis Jones FFS!?
The one I'm least confident about is Wolves away, so I'm wagering we'll get 13 out of 15 points. UTV!
It's not so much that I'm not confident we can win up at Klanfield or the Theatre of Memes, more the probability of this ridiculous run coming to a halt at the hands of a bent ref in those venues.
Fair point. Especially at this end of the season where the powers that be don't want to upset the status quo.
On the subject of cheating, is that Toby jugheaded cheat, Bruno Fernandes crocked? Saw an image of him in a protective boot with crutches on Monday? That's another big plus for us if he's out.
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Hopefully, and I hope they give Spurs a good twatting tonight, causing the Spurs players to lose it and start kicking them all over the place. That would be grand.
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Hopefully, and I hope they give Spurs a good twatting tonight, causing the Spurs players to lose it and start kicking them all over the place. That would be grand.
Then all the Spurs players are suspended for us and they need to play the u-21s.
Actually they'd probably be more competitive.
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Hopefully, and I hope they give Spurs a good twatting tonight, causing the Spurs players to lose it and start kicking them all over the place. That would be grand.
Unfortunately the Spurs players would likely be shit at that too. Probably miss and kick themselves in the bollocks.
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The 'games in hand' that other teams have are:
Newcastle vs Brighton; Liverpool v Fulham; Man City vs West Ham; Brighton vs Man Utd; Brighton v Man City; Man Utd vs Chelsea.
To me, Brighton will do well to get anything out of that. Suppose they manage 1pt somewhere. Liverpool will probably beat Fulham. None of the other matches are particularly relevant. That would put the table something like:
4. Newcastle. - 62pts*
5. Liverpool - 56pts
6. Us - 54pts
7. Spurs - 53pts*
8. Brighton - 50pts
9. Brentford - 47pts
* to play tonight
I think catching up Liverpool will be challenging. We need to beat them, and then equal their record in the remaining games (they've a much better goal difference than us, so equal on points is no good).
Spurs are similar - beat them, and regardless of what they do tonight we just have to equal what they do. Our goal differences are similar.
We're starting to pull clear of Brighton. Keep up with the other 2, and their results will be no more relevant to us than Brentford or Fulham's.
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Hopefully, and I hope they give Spurs a good twatting tonight, causing the Spurs players to lose it and start kicking them all over the place. That would be grand.
Unfortunately the Spurs players would likely be shit at that too. Probably miss and kick themselves in the bollocks.
I'm thinking of that time they played Chelsea and bollocksed their chance of the title, so went about kicking the shit out of them which is of course perfectly acceptable given it was Chelsea. Still funny that they were in a 2 horse race with Leicester and finished 3rd.
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Chelsea with the likes of John Terry kicking the shit out of teams is understandable. Spurs are soft as a melted 99. Conte was right about all of them. I would love to them get a fucking battering tonight. Ryan Mason isn’t changing a thing of the likes of Mourinho, Conte, even Nuno couldn’t get a tune out of them.
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The likes of both Spurs and Chelsea going back to being the mid to lower table fodder I grew up loathing, on a more or less permanent basis, can't come soon enough.
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All it needs is for about 5 or 6 teams to go on an amazing run and Chelsea still aren’t safe from relegation. I can but dream….
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All it needs is for about 5 or 6 teams to go on an amazing run and Chelsea still aren’t safe from relegation. I can but dream….
I haven't worked it out but I bet that's not true unfortunately, as there are lots of games between all the teams at the bottom.
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All it needs is for about 5 or 6 teams to go on an amazing run and Chelsea still aren’t safe from relegation. I can but dream….
I haven't worked it out but I bet that's not true unfortunately, as there are lots of games between all the teams at the bottom.
F365 did - it's still just about possible.
11th) West Ham: 34 points to 43 points
Bournemouth (A) 0-4, Liverpool (H) 1-2, Crystal Palace (A) W, Man City (A) L, Man Utd (H) D, Brentford (A) D, Leeds (H) D, Leicester (A) W.
Only “disrespectful” VAR stopped us being bang on the money, with Liverpool sneaking a win at the London Stadium. David Moyes will cut Europa League Conference partying short to ensure a trouncing of Leicester on the final day. Cue Declan Rice tears in a fond farewell.
12th) Bournemouth: 33 points to 43 points
West Ham (H) 0-4, Southampton (A) W, Leeds (H) L, Chelsea (H) W, Crystal Palace (A) W, Man Utd (H) L, Everton (A) D.
Chelsea old boy Dominic Solanke to score the winner at Stamford Bridge as Bournemouth’s striker-less opponents notch the highest xG in recorded history without scoring a goal. Gary O’Neil takes all the acclaim and the Tottenham job.
13th) Crystal Palace: 37 points to 43 points
Everton (H) 0-0, Wolves (A) 0-2, West Ham (H) L, Tottenham (A) W, Bournemouth (H) L, Fulham (A) W, Nottingham Forest (H) L.
A rotten run of defeats to benefit their relegation rivals (and us for the purposes of this article) will test Roy’s blood pressure, but big away wins at Spurs (where the home fans will have entirely turned on their own team) and Fulham (who will have nothing to play for) will be enough for them.
14th) Nottingham Forest: 30 points to 41 points
Liverpool (A) 2-3, Brighton (H) 3-1, Brentford (A) D, Southampton (H) W, Chelsea (A) W, Arsenal (H) D, Crystal Palace (H) W.
Spot on – defeat away at Liverpool, win at home against Brighton. And that three points against the Seagulls suggests they will indeed beat Southampton and Crystal Palace at fortress City Ground. Steve Cooper’s side will win just their second away game of the season at Stamford Bridge in that relegation six-pointer. Frank Lampard’s request to become player-manager, with Chelsea goalless in their last seven, will be denied by the Premier League before kick-off.
15th) Wolves: 37 points to 40 points
Leicester (A) 2-1, Crystal Palace (H) 2-0, Brighton (A) L, Aston Villa (A) W, Man Utd (A) D, Everton (H) L, Arsenal (A) L.
They’ll get thumped away at Brighton and Arsenal, who will need to win by an nine-goal margin on the final day to stand any chance of usurping Manchester City and get close against a Wolves side with the willies. But as it turns out, with Chelsea f***ing it entirely, Diego Costa’s winner at Villa Park is enough.
16th) Leeds: 30 points to 40 points
Fulham (A) 1-2, Leicester (H) 1-1, Bournemouth (A) W, Man City (A) L, Newcastle (H) D, West Ham (A) W, Tottenham (H) W.
We know what you’re thinking – this is quite the run of results for quite a sh*t Leeds team. And if anything is going to save Chelsea (because it certainly doesn’t look as though they’re going to do it themselves) it will be Leeds failing to get ten points from their last five games.
17th) Everton: 28 points to 39 points
Crystal Palace (A) 0-0, Newcastle (H) W, Leicester (A) W, Brighton (A) D, Man City (H) L, Wolves (A) W, Bournemouth (H) D.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin to start scoring. The Everton players are booed off at half-time on the final day as they’re behind against Bournemouth, but those boos turn to cheers at the final whistle as a draw ensures their top-flight status on goal difference after chaos at Stamford Bridge.
18th) Chelsea: 39 points to 39 points
Brentford (H) 0-2, Arsenal (A) L, Bournemouth (A) L, Nottingham Forest (H) L, Manchester City (A) L, Man Utd (A) L, Newcastle (H) L.
Pointless in their last eight, Chelsea need a win on the final day to be sure of Premier League survival.
Mason Mount, handed his first start since mid-February, scores a cracker early in the second half to ease concerns, but Lampard rings the changes on the hour mark in an attempt to shut up shop and panic sets in as Newcastle pile on the pressure. A goal each for Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson in stoppage time condemns Chelsea to the Championship, at which point they beg Mount to stay amid an exodus and he tells them to f*** right off. Lampard stays, though. Every cloud.
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I so want this to happen however unlikely
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We have more chance of Champions League than Chelsea being relegated.
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We have more chance of Champions League than Chelsea being relegated.
It's still a chance.
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And maybe if it did happen in front of them, some Newcastle fans would finally understand why certain things in football are just funny.
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I so want this to happen however unlikely
Apart from the bit about Diego Costa scoring the winner against us (not at VP as they say, we've already played Wulfs at home).
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We have more chance of Champions League than Chelsea being relegated.
Is it being greedy to ask for both?
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We have more chance of Champions League than Chelsea being relegated.
Is it being greedy to ask for both?
perfectly reasonable.
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Nobody on here could even begin to grasp the level of self-loathing I feel right now, but for the sake of the bigger picture and a gamble on 4th rather than a likelier 6th or 7th, *grits teeth*, I want Tottenham to win tonight.
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I would like the Tottenham-Man United game to be very competitive so that they're knackered for Sunday. If it ends up being a comfortable scoreline, then United can go into second gear for the last part of the game.
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I'd like the game to go to extra time, a replay and then penalties all tonight.
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I think we will see a Liverpool resurgence - 5th
Spurs got a good point tonight and may well use this to push on and get 6th
I think it's really between us and Brighton and they have 3 games in hand. Could well come down to the final day.
VERY edgy now
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You're so desperate aren't you?
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my view would be great to be in Europe next season, however from a club perspective not a major let down, as we will get there for sure in another 12 months.
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my view would be great to be in Europe next season, however from a club perspective not a major let down, as we will get there for sure in another 12 months.
Same here.
Unai and the team have done an excellent job to give us a chance, but it won't be a big setback if we don't get there.
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No, im not desperate.
I'm well aware it's trendy to have little digs at me but as time goes on I think many members of this forum are starting to realise quite often I'm right and have excellent insight
We are on the verge of something special at the football club that nobody would have imagined a few months ago. I'm a little anxious this opportunity won't come around again anytime soon.
We need 100% from EVERYONE and our remaining fixtures are all cup finals and hopefully we will get enough points to achieve at least a Conference League position.
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Funny how things go. I'll be very pleased if Unai leads us into the Conference this season, and yet after the Fulham away game I was worried that a few more years of Gerrard in charge would see him take us into the Conference.
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A few back to help with the final push would help a lot, I think we will run out of steam and injuries will take its toll if we don’t get some support for the 13 that we now seem reliant on.
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Funny how things go. I'll be very pleased if Unai leads us into the Conference this season, and yet after the Fulham away game I was worried that a few more years of Gerrard in charge would see him take us into the Conference.
It is a quite astonishing turn around.
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Bit disappointed to move down a place last night but I really fancy us on Sunday and if we do win that's us three points behind Man U and ahead of Liverpool and Brighton for another week.
I understand people saying it's been a great turnaround regardless, which is true of course, but now we're close it would be a real shame not to see it out.
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Anyone see this?
Napoli fans following the team bus after they arrive home at 3am.
This sort of insanity is what I miss about Europe. Although obvs, 25k at home to FC Sovietmetalworks from Brno isn't the same.
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I think it's sad we won't play Napoli in the group stages of anything next year. Of course if we get Europa we could play them in the knockout rounds, but those are obviously testier and sharper-elbowed vibes. I'd have loved to see 3k relaxed Neapolitans at B6.
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I reckon we're going to finish 7th which I think would qualify us for Europa conference. We're going to need a bigger squad.
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No, we'll "bottle it" (I don't agree with this phrase but it's what the soundbites go for) and finish 8th. Our run-in is too tough.
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I worry about our legs with fatigue and small squad
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I think we will finish 6th. Emery seems to have it all in hand.
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Would be nice if we had a bit more depth to call upon. Who'd have thunk?
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I think we will finish 6th. Emery seems to have it all in hand.
Same here, see you in Dublin next May.
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I think we will finish 6th. Emery seems to have it all in hand.
Same here, see you in Dublin next May.
In the Gravediggers?
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I think we will finish 6th. Emery seems to have it all in hand.
Same here, see you in Dublin next May.
In the Gravediggers?
Of course, being an adopted Northsider. Maybe one or two in The Hut as we make our way into town.
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Is Slapper Face Jacks still going? I very much liked it in there.
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I like The Confession Box and Briophy's
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Is Slapper Face Jacks still going? I very much liked it in there.
I believe so, I've only been in it once after a very messy day watching Ireland v England in the rugby in 2001.
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I like The Confession Box and Briophy's
The Confession Box is a good pub (not been to Briody's) as is the nearby Cleary's on Amiens St. Let's hope we all get a chance to update our reviews. :)
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I used to like The Long Stone as well, but think that's been knocked down now.
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I reckon we're going to finish 7th which I think would qualify us for Europa conference. We're going to need a bigger squad.
Would take the Conference League to be honest, as I think it is a tournament we could potentially win.
Also, with the standard being a bit lower, we would be able to rotate the squad a bit more in the earlier stages.
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Think we'll just make it......
M City
Arsenal
Newcastle
M Utd
Liverpool
Spurs
Villa
Brighton
West London x3
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We will not finish below spurs.
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Looking at some of the big hitters lurking around the conference spots on the continent it could be a very competitive and interesting competition that we could go all the way in.
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Looking at some of the big hitters lurking around the conference spots on the continent it could be a very competitive and interesting competition that we could go all the way in.
Disgra...ah, good point actually.
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Looking at some of the big hitters lurking around the conference spots on the continent it could be a very competitive and interesting competition that we could go all the way in.
Disgra...ah, good point actually.
I know right? God damn it.
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Looking at some of the big hitters lurking around the conference spots on the continent it could be a very competitive and interesting competition that we could go all the way in.
Is that you Flin?
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I think the conference league final next year’s in Dublin
50,000 capacity
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If we get in to either the Europa League or the Conference thing, with Emery's absolutely outstanding record in European knock out competitions, I'm going to stick £500 on us to win it.
Unfortunately, everyone else knows said record, so the odds would be shite.
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If we get in to either the Europa League or the Conference thing, with Emery's absolutely outstanding record in European knock out competitions, I'm going to stick £500 on us to win it.
Unfortunately, everyone else knows said record, so the odds would be shite.
Let’s hope his record with us in our domestic knockout cups improves
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If we get in to either the Europa League or the Conference thing, with Emery's absolutely outstanding record in European knock out competitions, I'm going to stick £500 on us to win it.
Unfortunately, everyone else knows said record, so the odds would be shite.
You’ll benefit briefly from everyone writing off little Aston Villa until we start mowing teams down all across the continent.
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Let’s hope he doesn’t pick Olsen.
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I think the conference league final next year’s in Dublin
50,000 capacity
The Europa League final is in Dublin next season. The 2024 Europa Conference League final venue won't be decided till next month.
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We will not finish below spurs.
We will not finish above Brighton if they keep playing like this. That Enciso is totes incisive.
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Wolves have chucked this big time, no way will they be as bad next weekend.
Not even close to Brighton's strongest 11 either.
Actually reminds me of when we scrambled clear under Sherwood and then lost 6-1 at Southampton once safe.
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A Mane hat-trick in under five minutes. The first cracks in Sherwood's mirror.
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I think the conference league final next year’s in Dublin
50,000 capacity
The Europa League final is in Dublin next season. The 2024 Europa Conference League final venue won't be decided till next month.
Christ, that would be magnificent.
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Are we applying to host any of these finals in the future?
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Looking a lot less likely now , unfortunately
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Looking a lot less likely now , unfortunately
Yep, Champions League qualification is gone now.
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I'd say Europa also. Slim chance of conference which would be fantastic but think Brighton will take it . 3 games in hand and we look tired
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3-3
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4-3, Europe here we come when we beat Spurs. 8)
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We probably would need to win 3 out of our last 4 (Wolves, Spurs, Brighton) I reckon.
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5 of the 7 games Brighton have to play in May are against teams above them in the table. They play manyoo, arsenal and newcastle in the next 4.
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Possibly should be grateful of a further 12 months without the dream
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We probably would need to win 3 out of our last 4 (Wolves, Spurs, Brighton) I reckon.
Two and two draws.
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Does anyone know what's going on with tickets for the Brighton game? They were supposed to go on sale to claret members yesterday (1 May) at 5pm, but early this morning it simply just says 'Coming Soon'. No other announcement is available.
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Make sure you're logged in. I have thought the same a few times this season. It worked for me yesterday.
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Thanks. Yes indeed, it's early in the morning, but still feel a bit daft. Ticket bought.
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I still think we will get the Conference League.
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Conference League would be absolutely fantastic. I think Brighton will get 6th with so many games to play and it's out of us and spurs for 7th.
Wolves and Spurs are MUST WINS
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5 of the 7 games Brighton have to play in May are against teams above them in the table. They play manyoo, arsenal and newcastle in the next 4.
If we get 7 points from our remaining games, Brighton would need 9 from their remaining games to finish above us (they have got 7 left to play). 9 points and they would then need to probably win at least 3 of their games.
The Spurs and Brighton games are probably going to be the pivotal ones in determining if we get into Europe. Win both of those and I think we will have every chance.
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Three wins? Big ask.
Brighton's fixtures...
Man U H
Everton H
Arsenal A
Newcastle A
Southampton H
Man C H
Us A
7 or 8 points
Meaning we'll need at least 6 and to beat them.
Not over yet.
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I’m not it’s that big of an ask. I could easily see them beating Manure, Everton, and Saints at the very least.
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Three wins? Big ask.
Brighton's fixtures...
Man U H
Everton H
Arsenal A
Newcastle A
Southampton H
Man C H
Us A
7 or 8 points
Meaning we'll need at least 6 and to beat them.
Not over yet.
If we were playing that run of games, let alone in the space of a few weeks and irrespective of how we were playing, we would all be hopeful of a decent return let alone any grand expectations. That’s a very tough run in for them.
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I'd have us down for 8 - 9 points for that little run, assuming we are away to Brighton.
Win Everton/S'oton
Draw three of the others.
Lose two
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5 of the 7 games Brighton have to play in May are against teams above them in the table. They play manyoo, arsenal and newcastle in the next 4.
If we get 7 points from our remaining games, Brighton would need 9 from their remaining games to finish above us (they have got 7 left to play). 9 points and they would then need to probably win at least 3 of their games.
The Spurs and Brighton games are probably going to be the pivotal ones in determining if we get into Europe. Win both of those and I think we will have every chance.
Agreed, a win against Wolves would be nice but a draw and winning those two home games would give us a decent chance of Europe.
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I agree Brighton have some difficult fixtures but they're a really good team, I could see them winning most of them, it's just a case of whether they will tire with the frequency of them. I would be surprised if it wasn't them and Liverpool in 5 and 6. I think we will need to beat them last game though to get 7th unless Spurs manage to be even shitter than they already are. I don't think I've ever seen a shitter team be in contention for the top 6. I suppose it shows that just having a couple of top players can pull you out of the shit sometimes.
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On the 31st of March they were still in the top 4. Staggering.
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On the 31st of March they were still in the top 4. Staggering.
We were behind Chelsea when we met on April 1st!
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I agree Brighton have some difficult fixtures but they're a really good team, I could see them winning most of them, it's just a case of whether they will tire with the frequency of them. I would be surprised if it wasn't them and Liverpool in 5 and 6. I think we will need to beat them last game though to get 7th unless Spurs manage to be even shitter than they already are. I don't think I've ever seen a shitter team be in contention for the top 6. I suppose it shows that just having a couple of top players can pull you out of the shit sometimes.
Brighton are really, really good.
They slaughtered Wolves without even bothering to play 2 of their best players until 70 mins, and with another one of them out injured and replaced by Danny Fucking Wellbeck.
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I agree Brighton have some difficult fixtures but they're a really good team, I could see them winning most of them, it's just a case of whether they will tire with the frequency of them. I would be surprised if it wasn't them and Liverpool in 5 and 6. I think we will need to beat them last game though to get 7th unless Spurs manage to be even shitter than they already are. I don't think I've ever seen a shitter team be in contention for the top 6. I suppose it shows that just having a couple of top players can pull you out of the shit sometimes.
Brighton are really, really good.
They slaughtered Wolves without even bothering to play 2 of their best players until 70 mins, and with another one of them out injured and replaced by Danny Fucking Wellbeck.
Four of them even - the Brighton players most linked with big moves away, Caicdeo, MacAllister, Mitoma and Ferguson played 84 combined minutes and none started.
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Wolves were attrocious against Brighton, something I'm sure they'll rectify by Saturday. It would be as good as winning a trophy to them if they beat us.
We'll need 61-62 points to get 7th, although West Ham got it with 56 last season.
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Brighton also lost 3-1 to the mighty Nottingham Forest a week ago.
Sometimes they're a bit wet behind the ears and as good as their coach is, he doesn't have the wily brain of Emery. If it's a straight shoot-out on the last day, we'll do 'em.
As for Spudz, they think they're above the likes of the Europa Conference so if they do pip us to 7th, we can ask them to vacate their participation.
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The combination of those fixtures, their frequency and Brighton's squad size makes for quite the combination. It means they're going to have to sustain really high levels when in reality, fatigue is going to be a factor. Even with the 2 games against the strugglers, they'll be fighting for their lives so it's going to take a toll. They should be pretty knackered by the time they come to play us.
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The combination of those fixtures, their frequency and Brighton's squad size makes for quite the combination. It means they're going to have to sustain really high levels when in reality, fatigue is going to be a factor. Even with the 2 games against the strugglers, they'll be fighting for their lives so it's going to take a toll. They should be pretty knackered by the time they come to play us.
They've shown against Wolves that they'll rotate. They could hardly have easier games than Everton & Southampton. Not many of their key players will play 7 games. And their 3 most important have all just been rested.
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I think tomorrow nights game for them is quite key. Lose that and us get something on Saturday - even a draw - means that they're still quite a bit behind going into a difficult one against Everton on Monday and before their run in really gets tough. Us then playing first against Spuds gives us the opportunity to really put them under pressure. As pointed out they're good, but also managed to lose to Forest last week.
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The only way we can't finish top half is if Chelsea win all their games and we lose all of ours. Not really going to happen, so the first objective has been smashed.
I'd be quite disappointed if we missed out on Europe from here but I think 8th is probably the most likely.
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I just wanna win some more games. I’m not used to it yet so I still fucking love it.
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I just wanna win some more games. I’m not used to it yet so I still fucking love it.
https://twitter.com/GGreeneJr/status/1594407440078065674
The Future's bright, get your passport ready. 8)
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Can see Man. United getting turned over pretty comfortably. Always seems to happen on that rare yearly occasion when you want them to help us out a bit. Wanted them to get something at Anfield two months back and they lost 7-0 and couldn't even hang on to 2-0 lead at Spurs.
Brighton can hurt them in ways we can't and De Gea will chuck one in at some point I suspect.
It's really key for us that Brighton don't win as their other two spare games are Newcastle away and Man. City at home so this is by far the most winnable of the trio.
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Yes, with a champions League spot pretty much wrapped already, I envisage Man Utd rather going through the motions this evening. Brighton were the clearly better team in the FA Cup semi-final the other week, and I reckon they will win this game comfortably.
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The only way we can't finish top half is if Chelsea win all their games and we lose all of ours. Not really going to happen, so the first objective has been smashed.
I'd be quite disappointed if we missed out on Europe from here but I think 8th is probably the most likely.
I'd be gutted if Brentford (4 points behind) overtake us and we finish 9th. They've got Liverpool and Man City to play though, so hopefully it won't happen.
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The only way we can't finish top half is if Chelsea win all their games and we lose all of ours. Not really going to happen, so the first objective has been smashed.
I'd be quite disappointed if we missed out on Europe from here but I think 8th is probably the most likely.
I'd be gutted if Brentford (4 points behind) overtake us and we finish 9th. They've got Liverpool and Man City to play though, so hopefully it won't happen.
I was also concerned about that until I looked at their run-in. They've also got Spurs away so even if they win that it's good for us.
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8th is more or less guaranteed. 5th is not possible so let's see if the boys can deliver 6th as that could be brilliant.
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I think it's all over
Between us and spurs
I'm not very hopeful
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I think it's all over
Between us and spurs
I'm not very hopeful
My, that was quick, but you might want to look at the remaining fixtures. Win 3 of our 4 games and we'll likely finish 6th.
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I think it's all over
Between us and spurs
I'm not very hopeful
that surprises me, you're normally so positive
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Can see Man. United getting turned over pretty comfortably. Always seems to happen on that rare yearly occasion when you want them to help us out a bit. Wanted them to get something at Anfield two months back and they lost 7-0 and couldn't even hang on to 2-0 lead at Spurs.
Brighton can hurt them in ways we can't and De Gea will chuck one in at some point I suspect.
It's really key for us that Brighton don't win as their other two spare games are Newcastle away and Man. City at home so this is by far the most winnable of the trio.
Bad result for us I'm afraid.
Brighton beat Southampton and Everton at home on its own and that gets them to 61 points and they could easily get some points from the other games.
We need to win our next two to still have a chance of finishing above them on last day I think. Or perhaps it will work the other way, they'll win their next 3-4 and be already qualified for europe and so it will be a dead game for them compared to us.
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Yes, with a champions League spot pretty much wrapped already, I envisage Man Utd rather going through the motions this evening. Brighton were the clearly better team in the FA Cup semi-final the other week, and I reckon they will win this game comfortably.
Not sure what Man. United were smoking that second half. If Rashford is injured or disinterested they're a very average team going forward.
Liverpool are only 4 points off them now with better GD so Man. United are a long way from confirming top 4.
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We just need to take care of our own business, starting with a win tomorrow against Wolves. Nothing else will do, we need to get back ahead of Spurs.
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It's so tight, according to a thing on BBC Sport, there's a 9% chance of us getting 5th/6th and they have Liverpool at about 90%, Brighton about 70%, Spurs 24%. I'd agree and think we're aiming for 7th in reality.
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must win at Wolves to keep ourselves in the frame
home game against Spurs which i fancy us to win
we'll get nothing at Anfield (see Old Trafford)
then hopefully a Europe or bust decider against Brighton, they might have already qualified for Europe by then and might not be at it
with Spurs away at Leeds who hopefully will still be needing points to stay up and that 7th spot could be ours
thats the way i see it but it all starts on Saturday against Wolves
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If we're now mainly concentrating on finishing above Spurs then we need to be above them after playing them at home to stand a realistic chance. A point tomorrow might not be the end of the world if we beat them a week later as it would put us at least a point above them with two games to play.
I appreciate we then have to go to Anfield and they finish with two easier fixtures, but there is absoloutely no guarantee that Spurs will win their non-Villa games. Particularly on the final day when they have to go to Elland Road with Leeds probably fighting for their lives.
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I hope Leeds are fighting for their lives, win, but lose out anyway in horrible fashion.
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I wouldn't write Palace getting something at Tottenham tomorrow, they've hit some form since Hodgson came back.
I think we can get something at Liverpool too. In the games of theirs recently there's been weaknesses in their defence which can be exposed.
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Just four games to go we can make Europe I'm positive about this.
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It'll all be for nothing if we don't win at least a couple of our remaining games. Sadly, it looks to me like our season is fizzling out a bit. There are some tired legs in that squad and in the last couple of games we've lacked intensity.
Hope I'm wrong and we are able to get back to the level we showed against the Saudis.
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Just four games to go we can make Europe I'm positive about this.
All depends on availability I think Darren.
We are beginning to look a bit tired.
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We're back to playing once a week now though, which helps.
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Dudley's Allardyce always secretly wanted to manage the Villa. He can do us a favour in his last ever PL game and beat the Spuds.
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7th is in our own hands, anything more requires others to do worse than us.
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Sorry if this has already been mentioned but if West Ham win the Conference League then they would qualify for the Europa League next season and as they won't have qualified by virtue of their league position then the 8th placed EPL team will qualify for the Conference League.
Up the Hammers it is then!
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Sorry if this has already been mentioned but if West Ham win the Conference League then they would qualify for the Europa League next season and as they won't have qualified by virtue of their league position then the 8th placed EPL team will qualify for the Conference League.
Up the Hammers it is then!
Spam winning a trophy for Villa in Europe again? God, why do you test me so?
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Sorry if this has already been mentioned but if West Ham win the Conference League then they would qualify for the Europa League next season and as they won't have qualified by virtue of their league position then the 8th placed EPL team will qualify for the Conference League.
Up the Hammers it is then!
I'm not sure why that would be the case, and I'm almost certain it doesn't apply, unless they were to finish in the Top6/7.
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Sorry if this has already been mentioned but if West Ham win the Conference League then they would qualify for the Europa League next season and as they won't have qualified by virtue of their league position then the 8th placed EPL team will qualify for the Conference League.
Up the Hammers it is then!
I'm not sure why that would be the case, and I'm almost certain it doesn't apply, unless they were to finish in the Top6/7.
It isn't the case. The Conference winners go into the Europa League as an extra place, it has no bearing on qualification via the league.
"The winner of UEFA Europa Conference League is guaranteed a place in UEFA Europa League group stages. If a Premier League club win the UEFA Europa Conference League and do not qualify for the UEFA Europa League via the Premier League or the FA Cup, then they enter the UEFA Europa League group stages as an additional club. "
It makes no difference, so hope they lose.
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Sorry if this has already been mentioned but if West Ham win the Conference League then they would qualify for the Europa League next season and as they won't have qualified by virtue of their league position then the 8th placed EPL team will qualify for the Conference League.
Up the Hammers it is then!
I'm not sure why that would be the case, and I'm almost certain it doesn't apply, unless they were to finish in the Top6/7.
It isn't the case. The Conference winners go into the Europa League as an extra place, it has no bearing on qualification via the league.
"The winner of UEFA Europa Conference League is guaranteed a place in UEFA Europa League group stages. If a Premier League club win the UEFA Europa Conference League and do not qualify for the UEFA Europa League via the Premier League or the FA Cup, then they enter the UEFA Europa League group stages as an additional club. "
It makes no difference, so hope they lose.
Yeh, fak em.
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Amen brothers
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I think that’s it.
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Time for the cigar. It’s not happening this season.
Massive upgrades for next season needed.
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Next season. Then it'll be the season after that. Then the one after that.
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*funerals passport*
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I'm sad.
Its not over though, we have to beat Tottenham.
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Watching Spurs v Palace, Spurs get half chance, Kane , goal.
That Is the difference.
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It’s all gone tits up.
Strange as I would have put my house on it a couple of weeks ago.
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God feckin' dammit.
Ah well, still kind of amazing to be disappointed by that at this stage of the season. Doesn't stop you being disappointed, but there we are.
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We looked so superb against Newcastle and then piss poor in every match since then.
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We shot our load against Newcastle and have been knackered ever since. That was the apex of the the Emery fight back but it looks like we’ve gone as far as we can this season
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We looked so superb against Newcastle and then piss poor in every match since then.
Definite feeling of having peaked. Or getting actually taken seriously and a bit sussed.
Or maybe, maybe our players shouldn't have been giving away our tactics in interviews! But meh, I'm sure that actually made no difference, you just have to wonder.
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With a cost of living crisis, I’m glad I haven’t got to find £50 to watch us at home to Real Paella and Dynamo Concrete
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We looked so superb against Newcastle and then piss poor in every match since then.
I think we peaked and then ran out of gas, we have a very thin squad and in the end that is what has done us.
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We looked so superb against Newcastle and then piss poor in every match since then.
It's because all of a sudden those childhood dreams of playing in the UEFA Conference League were a possibility.
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With a cost of living crisis, I’m glad I haven’t got to find £50 to watch us at home to Real Paella and Dynamo Concrete
😂
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It's a minor miracle we've been so close to it after giving everyone an 11 game start.
And if we'd kept Gerrard longer we could now have Allardyce in charge trying to scramble enough points to stay up. I'm delighted with what we've done under Emery and the recent results don't change that.
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We looked so superb against Newcastle and then piss poor in every match since then.
Truth be told we were running out of energy and ideas leading up to the Saudi game. I thought that was the game where we'd finally stepped up but obviously it hasn't been the case.
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We absolutely must beat Spurs next week and then hope they fuck up against Brentford and Leeds. And if Leeds are fighting to stay up that helps. Ending our season with Liverpool and Brighton is nightmare for us also.
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The 10 game unbeaten run has artificially increased expectation and shows what a monumental effort that was. We have run out of steam but 8th is a massive achievement given the injuries and giving everybody else an 11 game start.
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Shades of 2020-21, This group can graft and I like them but they just can never seal the deal.
I am gutted.
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It's a minor miracle we've been so close to it after giving everyone an 11 game start.
And if we'd kept Gerrard longer we could now have Allardyce in charge trying to scramble enough points to stay up. I'm delighted with what we've done under Emery and the recent results don't change that.
Agreed. All the teams in this minileague race for Europe have had their 'good teaam being shit for a bit' spells - ours is coming now, which is annoying, but had we not given everyone else such a headstart it wouldn't be as damaging.
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It's a minor miracle we've been so close to it after giving everyone an 11 game start.
And if we'd kept Gerrard longer we could now have Allardyce in charge trying to scramble enough points to stay up. I'm delighted with what we've done under Emery and the recent results don't change that.
Agreed. All the teams in this minileague race for Europe have had their 'good teaam being shit for a bit' spells - ours is coming now, which is annoying, but had we not given everyone else such a headstart it wouldn't be as damaging.
Thank you for the perspective.
We're beating Spurs and getting 7th.
Conference League is happening.
Thank you.
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With a cost of living crisis, I’m glad I haven’t got to find £50 to watch us at home to Real Paella and Dynamo Concrete
😂
Dynamo Concrete sound great!
I hear their manager is really building something there. (Sorry.)
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With a cost of living crisis, I’m glad I haven’t got to find £50 to watch us at home to Real Paella and Dynamo Concrete
😂
Dynamo Concrete sound great!
I hear their manager is really building something there. (Sorry.)
They start their matches with real fluidity but quickly become static. Tough to break down though.
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With a cost of living crisis, I’m glad I haven’t got to find £50 to watch us at home to Real Paella and Dynamo Concrete
😂
Dynamo Concrete sound great!
I hear their manager is really building something there. (Sorry.)
They start their matches with real fluidity but quickly become static. Tough to break down though.
Quite brutal, too.
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It's a minor miracle we've been so close to it after giving everyone an 11 game start.
And if we'd kept Gerrard longer we could now have Allardyce in charge trying to scramble enough points to stay up. I'm delighted with what we've done under Emery and the recent results don't change that.
Completely agree. There’s a short term disappointment with the way that the game went today but it doesn’t detract from the massive progress we’ve made since Emery arrived.
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With a cost of living crisis, I’m glad I haven’t got to find £50 to watch us at home to Real Paella and Dynamo Concrete
😂
Dynamo Concrete sound great!
I hear their manager is really building something there. (Sorry.)
They start their matches with real fluidity but quickly become static. Tough to break down though.
Quite brutal, too.
A group game maybe, but over a two-legged tie I couldn't see us beating them on aggregate.
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Massive ask after todays defeat.
Had us and spurs down as draws, so them winning is a bit of a bugger.
I think the injuries to Kamara and Cash are the ones that have impacted us most.
I doubt Ash expected to play as much as he has, so must be really feeling the pace.
Kamara was arguably our best player this season so was always going to be a big miss.
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With a cost of living crisis, I’m glad I haven’t got to find £50 to watch us at home to Real Paella and Dynamo Concrete
😂
Dynamo Concrete sound great!
I hear their manager is really building something there. (Sorry.)
They start their matches with real fluidity but quickly become static. Tough to break down though.
Quite brutal, too.
A group game maybe, but over a two-legged tie I couldn't see us beating them on aggregate.
It'll come down to who has more grit.
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Hopefully we will have a pre season game in Europe- they just cannot handle expectation- Emery hopefully will get 4 players who are better in the summer
Centerback, attacking / creative midfielder, centre forward and a wide attacking forward
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It’s a shame that this is very unlikely now. That said, to be disappointed that we’re likely to miss out is testament to the job Unai has done given where we were. Really need to strengthen in the summer.
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Still think we will get 7th, think we will beat Spurs.
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It's the hope that kills you. When UE took over I would have been happy with 8th, now it will be a disappointment.
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Still think we will get 7th, think we will beat Spurs.
Don’t do it to yourself. Accept it, it’s fine.
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Other results stopped going our way a couple of weeks ago at just the precise moment that we started to lose some of that forward momentum. Just bloody typical
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It's still in our hands. Bizarrely.
However, just when some depth is needed... Who knows, we've a week to recover and plan, and get the 4 back up to speed.
-
With a cost of living crisis, I’m glad I haven’t got to find £50 to watch us at home to Real Paella and Dynamo Concrete
😂
Dynamo Concrete sound great!
I hear their manager is really building something there. (Sorry.)
They start their matches with real fluidity but quickly become static. Tough to break down though.
Quite brutal, too.
A group game maybe, but over a two-legged tie I couldn't see us beating them on aggregate.
It'll come down to who has more grit.
Yep, that's the foundation of success.
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Other results stopped going our way a couple of weeks ago at just the precise moment that we started to lose some of that forward momentum. Just bloody typical
I joked a few weeks ago that Liverpool would probably shake out of their coma and win six straight, they're 45 minutes away from doing so.
Annoying they've hit their best winning run of the season by a mile but that's what the better squads in the league are capable of after months of mediocre football.
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The key word that leaps out there is 'squad'. They have one worth the name, we don't. We have a 1st X, a choice of ineffective right winger and a draw full of odds and sods.
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Fuck it. Might be nuts but I say we still make it. We do Spurs next weekend, we will get a point at Anfield and beat Brighton. Spurs to draw vs Brentford and then lose last day at relegation threatened Leeds. We take that last spot.
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Fuck it. Might be nuts but I say we still make it. We do Spurs next weekend, we will get a point at Anfield and beat Brighton. Spurs to draw vs Brentford and then lose last day at relegation threatened Leeds. We take that last spot.
Man, I love your optimism!
The atmosphere next Saturday should be something else. Shit or bust!
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If we are going to go down in this fight for that last spot then let’s go down swinging. I don’t believe we will just throw in the towel. Everyone at the club wants to be in with a chance going into the last two games. Spurs on paper have easier games than us after next week but it won’t matter if we don’t put ourselves in position to put pressure on them. A big performance next week and we are right back in it.
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The key word that leaps out there is 'squad'. They have one worth the name, we don't. We have a 1st X, a choice of ineffective right winger and a draw full of odds and sods.
Yeah, that's about right I reckon
Still, sort that this summer, and we're looking up, big time.
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Fuck it. Might be nuts but I say we still make it. We do Spurs next weekend, we will get a point at Anfield and beat Brighton. Spurs to draw vs Brentford and then lose last day at relegation threatened Leeds. We take that last spot.
Nah. That's the sort of thing that Arsenal fans are saying despite their title ambitions evaporating weeks ago. We won't win another game this season. Draw against Spurs, losses to both Liverpool and Brighton. Emery's still done a great job, but this tail off is hugely disappointing.
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If we are going to go down in this fight for that last spot then let’s go down swinging. I don’t believe we will just throw in the towel. Everyone at the club wants to be in with a chance going into the last two games. Spurs on paper have easier games than us after next week but it won’t matter if we don’t put ourselves in position to put pressure on them. A big performance next week and we are right back in it.
It will be interesting to see how Emery approachs next week. I get the feeling he'll play it like the away game, keep things tight and 0-0 at half time and then step it up second.
I think we need to come out swinging like v Newcastle. It might go wrong but the manager talks of us playing with more risk so this is a perfect game to do that.
Liverpool and Newcastle were 3 or 4 nil up in first 15 minutes v this lot so you don't need endless exceptional moves to come off to score goals v Spurs.
Think crowd will start getting a bit tetchy again if we show fear in our play aswell.
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Didn’t NSWE have a five-year plan to be ‘best of the rest’? We’re there or thereabouts now I’d say. Time for the next plan?
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Spurs haven't been great, but Kane has 8 goals in his last 9 league games including 3 in the last 4, and Son has 4 in 6. Watkins has 0 in 4 and doesn't really look like he's getting back to his form before that any time soon.
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Spurs haven't been great, but Kane has 8 goals in his last 9 league games including 3 in the last 4, and Son has 4 in 6. Watkins has 0 in 4 and doesn't really look like he's getting back to his form before that any time soon.
You might end up being right. Last three weekends haven’t been great and maybe we’ve run out of steam at the wrong moment. I just think there is one more big effort next week and we beat Spurs leaving it all in the balance with two games to go. But 4 points from the last 12 has put a massive dent in our chances so it’s an uphill climb.
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Spurs haven't been great, but Kane has 8 goals in his last 9 league games including 3 in the last 4, and Son has 4 in 6. Watkins has 0 in 4 and doesn't really look like he's getting back to his form before that any time soon.
You might end up being right. Last three weekends haven’t been great and maybe we’ve run out of steam at the wrong moment. I just think there is one more big effort next week and we beat Spurs leaving it all in the balance with two games to go. But 4 points from the last 12 has put a massive dent in our chances so it’s an uphill climb.
We need to beat them 3-0 just to go ahead of them. They've then got Brentford at home and Leeds away. We've got Liverpool away and Brighton at home. No chance we're finishing above them, basically.
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We need to get to that final weekend with a shot at overtaking them. Much like Brighton will be hard for us Leeds away won’t be easy for them if Leeds need the points. Like I said, you’re probably right we fall short but it’s not over.
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Leeds are dreadful. Spurs will beat them easily, whether Leeds need the points or not. Brighton are probably the most in form team in the league right now other than Man City, and need the points too. I'd much rather have to face Leeds than them.
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That might be true but Spurs have lost plenty of games that on paper they should have done better in. If we beat them it’s not over.
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After Project Gerrard, getting ourselves in the position where European football was even a possibility has required us to maintain the third best form in the league over more than half of the season. However, we aren’t the third best team in the league, so the fact that we haven’t been able to maintain that form over the last 4-games shouldn’t be too surprising or dispiriting. It does feel like teams have been able to work us out, so I’m hoping that recruitment in the summer will allow us to adapt better to different opposition.
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I think Brentford will beat Spurs and they'll beat Leeds. I just also think we'll lose to Liverpool and at best get a draw against Brighton so it won't matter.
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Spurs haven't been great, but Kane has 8 goals in his last 9 league games including 3 in the last 4, and Son has 4 in 6. Watkins has 0 in 4 and doesn't really look like he's getting back to his form before that any time soon.
Yes their forwards will be a problem and can always decide tight games.
Just shows we need far more in final third next season if we seriously want to challenge for 6th or above. Son's had a very poor season but still got 10 premier league goals which is still more than Bailey and Buendia's combined totals which puts things in perspective a bit.
Duran punts are all well and good but we need some proven quality and also give Archer a proper chance.
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Or maybe, maybe our players shouldn't have been giving away our tactics in interviews! But meh, I'm sure that actually made no difference, you just have to wonder.
Yes, that's what I and a mate chatted about yesterday too. Ever since we told the world about exactly what Watkins now does, he has been shut down. And Ten Hag did a number on us for sure, completely nullifying our midfeld. I can't help thinking all our crowing in the press about what we do has had some impact.
Anyway, said mate of mine is a hopeless pessimist who always predict we'll lose. It's clearly self-aimed reverse psychology but he also proceeded to say we will now end the season with five straight losses. Which I nervously laughed away. But now I can't get it out of my head.
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Add me to the list of worriers that we were spilling our secrets a bit too readily.
And add a side order of very gentle fury at the people who moan that we never get 'credit' in the media after a half-decent draw against Ipswich. I am a rationalist. I therefore believe in the savage power of the jinx, as it relates to football. Whatever 'credit' is, we got it a few weeks ago. It now looks like that's all we're getting
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All the managers get all the tapes of all the games.
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Wasn't the McGinn quote something along the lines of we're very good at hiding what we do well. At the time when we're flying and look unbeatable it sounds great. Now it sounds like hubris.
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After Project Gerrard, getting ourselves in the position where European football was even a possibility has required us to maintain the third best form in the league over more than half of the season. However, we aren’t the third best team in the league, so the fact that we haven’t been able to maintain that form over the last 4-games shouldn’t be too surprising or dispiriting. It does feel like teams have been able to work us out, so I’m hoping that recruitment in the summer will allow us to adapt better to different opposition.
Thanks for taking the time to post, given how busy you are with trying to keep Leeds up! 😂
I agree with every word of this. Recruitment is key now. Other than four or five of the current 11 they are upgradable in terms of, they are ok, but there is better out there. I trust Emery to push for what he wants and Alemany will surely help that cause.
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I don’t buy this teams have worked us out, against Newcastle we were full of energy, movement and accurate passing and since then not.
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I don’t buy this teams have worked us out, against Newcastle we were full of energy, movement and accurate passing and since then not.
I think you're right. But also that we need to adapt in some situations a bit more too; our passing when the opposition make it really tight is letting us down a little.
It's taking good goals to beat us still. That header was really good yesterday (though should he have been able to win it in the first place?)
Spurs will be up for it next week, in fact, the way it's all going we've got the proverbial Cup Final every game...
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There's really no point looking at the permutations at this stage. Since Newcastle, we've been poor, the goals have dried up and there's next to no chance of getting 3 wins which won't even guarantee 7th place.
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I don’t buy this teams have worked us out, against Newcastle we were full of energy, movement and accurate passing and since then not.
I think you're right. But also that we need to adapt in some situations a bit more too; our passing when the opposition make it really tight is letting us down a little.
It's taking good goals to beat us still. That header was really good yesterday (though should he have been able to win it in the first place?)
For their goal I think all the tussling before the kick was taken, with the ref intervening a couple of times, seemed to disrupt our concentration and it was a pretty much unchallenged header. It makes you wonder whether the whole wrestling match was a premeditated plan to upset our organisation.
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Yep, it was Ramsey who was on him, and it's not the first time he's not quite been there, I wonder whether he has mental fatigue. Which is understandable in a younger player, again, where a replacement would be good.
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Leeds are dreadful. Spurs will beat them easily, whether Leeds need the points or not. Brighton are probably the most in form team in the league right now other than Man City, and need the points too. I'd much rather have to face Leeds than them.
Spurs form over the last 4 games is no better than our form. This is the opposite to an irrationally optimistic post.
There is no reason why we can’t beat spurs next week. There is also no reason why they won’t struggle against Brentford at home.
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Yep, it was Ramsey who was on him, and it's not the first time he's not quite been there, I wonder whether he has mental fatigue. Which is understandable in a younger player, again, where a replacement would be good.
It was a completely free header which is disappointing.
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I must say, I was impressed with Emery in his full interview with the BBC after the game (MotD only show some of it but the full thing is on the match report on the website).
He was pretty pragmatic - happy with how we controlled possession against Wolves, disappointing not to force an equaliser etc. But he quickly moved on, unprompted, to talk about the Spurs game and how basically it was a do or die for Europe. He's usually been circumspect talking about Europe but it felt he knows this is last chance saloon and that he's going to work hard all week to have a Newcastle-type performance prepared.
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I must say, I was impressed with Emery in his full interview with the BBC after the game (MotD only show some of it but the full thing is on the match report on the website).
He was pretty pragmatic - happy with how we controlled possession against Wolves, disappointing not to force an equaliser etc. But he quickly moved on, unprompted, to talk about the Spurs game and how basically it was a do or die for Europe. He's usually been circumspect talking about Europe but it felt he knows this is last chance saloon and that he's going to work hard all week to have a Newcastle-type performance prepared.
That makes me feel warm and fuzzy 8)
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What’s happened is nothing to do with what the players said. This is professional football at the highest level. Every PL team has scouts and analysts who pour over every detail trying to get an edge. They will have identified areas to stop us and some will do it better than others. We’ve lost two away games and not scored in them after an incredible run of results. It’s a combination of adjusted opponents tactics and the exhaustion of the training, attention to detail and fighting our way from 4th bottom to top 6 contenders in a few months. Mentally and physically that’s exhausting.
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I must say, I was impressed with Emery in his full interview with the BBC after the game (MotD only show some of it but the full thing is on the match report on the website).
He was pretty pragmatic - happy with how we controlled possession against Wolves, disappointing not to force an equaliser etc. But he quickly moved on, unprompted, to talk about the Spurs game and how basically it was a do or die for Europe. He's usually been circumspect talking about Europe but it felt he knows this is last chance saloon and that he's going to work hard all week to have a Newcastle-type performance prepared.
That makes me feel warm and fuzzy 8)
It's good to see you smile and not smirk.
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I must say, I was impressed with Emery in his full interview with the BBC after the game (MotD only show some of it but the full thing is on the match report on the website).
He was pretty pragmatic - happy with how we controlled possession against Wolves, disappointing not to force an equaliser etc. But he quickly moved on, unprompted, to talk about the Spurs game and how basically it was a do or die for Europe. He's usually been circumspect talking about Europe but it felt he knows this is last chance saloon and that he's going to work hard all week to have a Newcastle-type performance prepared.
Even a win probably isn't going to be enough though.
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We’ve blown it. Like we always do.
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We’ve blown it. Like we always do.
Just a ridiculous comment. What exactly have we blown. Given where we were when Emery took over, we have no right to even be in the mix for Europe. If you said in October we’ll finish 8th, each and every one of us would have more than accepted that. We may finish 7 still, but even if we do finish 8th, its been champions league form for the last 6 months, I’m not sure what else we can expect from a bloke who has been in charge for 6 months.
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We’ve blown it. Like we always do.
I think it’s amazing that we managed to give ourselves a fighting chance, given the start we had.
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I must say, I was impressed with Emery in his full interview with the BBC after the game (MotD only show some of it but the full thing is on the match report on the website).
He was pretty pragmatic - happy with how we controlled possession against Wolves, disappointing not to force an equaliser etc. But he quickly moved on, unprompted, to talk about the Spurs game and how basically it was a do or die for Europe. He's usually been circumspect talking about Europe but it felt he knows this is last chance saloon and that he's going to work hard all week to have a Newcastle-type performance prepared.
Even a win probably isn't going to be enough though.
In fairness you’re probably right, but Unai and this group have given us supporters hope and pride.
Very similar to when Dean Smith came in
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I must say, I was impressed with Emery in his full interview with the BBC after the game (MotD only show some of it but the full thing is on the match report on the website).
He was pretty pragmatic - happy with how we controlled possession against Wolves, disappointing not to force an equaliser etc. But he quickly moved on, unprompted, to talk about the Spurs game and how basically it was a do or die for Europe. He's usually been circumspect talking about Europe but it felt he knows this is last chance saloon and that he's going to work hard all week to have a Newcastle-type performance prepared.
That makes me feel warm and fuzzy 8)
It's good to see you smile and not smirk.
I'll be smirking all week if we see a performance like Newcastle 😏
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What’s happened is nothing to do with what the players said. This is professional football at the highest level. Every PL team has scouts and analysts who pour over every detail trying to get an edge. They will have identified areas to stop us and some will do it better than others. We’ve lost two away games and not scored in them after an incredible run of results. It’s a combination of adjusted opponents tactics and the exhaustion of the training, attention to detail and fighting our way from 4th bottom to top 6 contenders in a few months. Mentally and physically that’s exhausting.
Yeah, agree with all of this. We've done incredibly well on that run, I think Man Utd was mostly down to exhaustion, then for Wolves it's been a combination of a hangover from the streak ending, them being properly up for it, and Lopetegui just being a really good manager.
Whatever happens, Emery has worked miracles and I've no doubt that had he been in place for a whole season, we'd be looking at Champions League football. It'd be great to have European football next season, and I do think if we beat Spurs then there's a reasonable chance that we'll get that - not nailed on, of course, but I wouldn't bet against us. But make no mistake, we will have it - it feels more a case of when rather than if.
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I haven't really been paying attention to other clubs' fixtures so was surprised that Brighton still have to play Arsenal, Manchester City and Newcastle as well as us in their last six games.
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We’ve blown it. Like we always do.
Just a ridiculous comment. What exactly have we blown. Given where we were when Emery took over, we have no right to even be in the mix for Europe. If you said in October we’ll finish 8th, each and every one of us would have more than accepted that. We may finish 7 still, but even if we do finish 8th, its been champions league form for the last 6 months, I’m not sure what else we can expect from a bloke who has been in charge for 6 months.
Yeah, we’ve done incredibly well since Emery came in
But it still feels like we’ve blown it
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We’ve blown it. Like we always do.
Just a ridiculous comment. What exactly have we blown. Given where we were when Emery took over, we have no right to even be in the mix for Europe. If you said in October we’ll finish 8th, each and every one of us would have more than accepted that. We may finish 7 still, but even if we do finish 8th, its been champions league form for the last 6 months, I’m not sure what else we can expect from a bloke who has been in charge for 6 months.
Yeah, we’ve done incredibly well since Emery came in
But it still feels like we’ve blown it
Not the way I see it, but there you go each to their own. To have not blown it, we would of had to go 12 games unbeaten, after a pretty good run before the Leicester, Man City, Arsenal games. Who has these type of runs other than teams in the top 4, which we are clearly not…yet.
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It’s not over yet though is it? It’s still possible.
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Blown it is a strong statement overall but it will still have been a lost opportunity and disappointment if we don’t qualify given how hard we worked to get to this point.
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We had to go on our best run in the top flight for 25 years to put ourselves in with a chance of Europe. Being disappointed that we didn’t extend that run into perhaps our best ever run is misguided.
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But it would be a natural feeling to be disappointed considering the position we got ourselves into. It doesn’t dismiss or minimize the achievement to get there in the first place.
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It’s not over yet though is it? It’s still possible.
I think we beat spurs and it's still very much game on.
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It’s not over yet though is it? It’s still possible.
I think we beat spurs and it's still very much game on.
Let’s hope we find our form again and end as strong as possible. I’d be gutted if we miss out, however I wouldn’t say we blew it, very harsh.
It’s hard to be critical to anyone in this side, manager or owners. It was an incredible run which put us there, so credit to the players and especially the manager and our owners seem to be steering us to a new exciting era with good times ahead.
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Blowing it is what Spurs have done, going from safely in the top 4 to needing an upturn in form to hold on to 7th.
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It’s not over yet though is it? It’s still possible.
I think we beat spurs and it's still very much game on.
Let’s hope we find our form again and end as strong as possible. I’d be gutted if we miss out, however I wouldn’t say we blew it, very harsh.
It’s hard to be critical to anyone in this side, manager or owners. It was an incredible run which put us there, so credit to the players and especially the manager and our owners seem to be steering us to a new exciting era with good times ahead.
Yep and there’s still a chance.
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Well we've had our bit of a wobble but some big players are coming back from injury now. I just hope we are still in with a shout and it's winner takes all come the last game of the season. We're due another celebratory pitch invasion. When was the last time something massive was riding on the last game? It's usually watching a dead rubber stroll in the sunshine. If they've got to get something Brighton wont fancy coming to Aston that's for sure.
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I don't entirely agree with the argument that "we have been worked out". Teams have made it more difficult for us certainly and that combined with the lack of depth on the bench at a key part of the season has played into their hands. A fully fit squad for the entirety of the run in would have made an enormous difference.
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Setting up a low block and packing the defence out isn't the same as finding someone out.
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When was the last time something massive was riding on the last game?
Two playoff finals and the relegation decider at West Ham?
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Setting up a low block and packing the defence out isn't the same as finding someone out.
Spot on. Add Wolves converting a set piece - which happens - and we lose a game we dominated, especially in the first half.
Second half they defended well and disrupted play with endless fouls and we couldn't get the breakthrough.
The game against Newcastle was brilliant because they attacked in possession and pressed from the front and we were exceptional in how we played through them accurately and quickly.
The wins versus Forest and Fulham were much less exciting, though arguably we were just as competent with how we overcame a different challenge. UTV
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We’ve blown it at the time when we had done all the hard work. Next season you’d imagine Chelsea and Liverpool won’t be as average as they have been
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We’ve blown it at the time when we had done all the hard work. Next season you’d imagine Chelsea and Liverpool won’t be as average as they have been
Although also worth bearing in mind we won't be 'sitting out' the first dozen matches of the season next time around.
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From today's Athletic - which offers some perspective on things so far.
Aston Villa have stumbled but are still standing European qualification can still be achieved.
It was possible to draw only one conclusion from the chain of events stemming from Aston Villa’s humiliating defeat at Fulham back in October. This was a club in the grip of a major crisis.
Co-owner Nassef Sawiris had stormed out of Craven Cottage, vexed by the 3-0 defeat and Steven Gerrard’s failed tenure. An emergency board meeting was called inside the stadium before, in a corridor deep in the bowels of the stadium, CEO Christian Purslow sacked the man he had hoped would take Villa forward.
Gerrard sat with the players on the team bus en route back to Birmingham telling them they were good enough to climb away from relegation bother but, at that stage, it was only words. The ex-Rangers manager had run out of ideas and inspiration. The rebuild would not be straightforward for the next man through the door.
Villa were just three points off the foot of the table and outside the drop zone only on goal difference. Tottenham Hotspur were a distant 14 points ahead in third place — so far away that it was comical to even consider Villa clambering up anywhere near them this season.
But that was then. This is now.
In the wake of Saturday’s defeat at Wolverhampton Wanderers, Villa have three games still to play and nine points to target. One of those fixtures is a potentially season-defining match against Tottenham on Saturday. The campaign is still fully alive and kicking.
Villa have not “bottled it”. Not yet, anyway.
It is normal to feel downbeat in the aftermath of a defeat. The frustration at back-to-back losses at Manchester United and Molineux is understandable, particularly with the team’s grip on a top-seven place having been loosened. But it is still worth remembering just how far Villa have progressed, not least from those relegation concerns of the autumn.
A top-half finish is guaranteed for the first time in 12 years. Villa need a minimum of two draws to record their highest Premier League points haul for 13 years.
The fun has been restored under Unai Emery with Villa having won 16 games this season, a tally similar to the Martin O’Neill years when the team achieved three consecutive top-six finishes.
There are success stories that make you smile. Ollie Watkins breaking goalscoring records. John McGinn returning to his old self. Ashley Young showing there is life in the old dog yet and Tyrone Mings, Ezri Konsa and Emi Martinez forging a tight-knit unit at the back.
When Toti Gomes scored the winner for Wolves on Saturday, it was only the fifth goal Villa have conceded in 12 games. Under Emery, the team has scored in 21 out of 23 games.
The reality, though, is that such numbers were always going to be difficult to sustain.
Emery’s body language in the moments after the narrow 1-0 defeat at Molineux backed up what he had already hinted at in the week — that defeat would be costly in the race for Europa League or Europa Conference League qualification.
Granted, there is now no room for error. Certainly not on Saturday against Spurs. But Emery’s words from before the game still carry significant weight.
It would be “amazing” if Villa lined up against Tottenham with the chance to overtake them, the Spaniard said, and a victory at Villa Park by three goals this weekend would still do that.
Emery also added that it would be equally “fantastic” to be within touching distance of Brighton & Hove Albion when the sides meet on the final day of the season.
It is too early to know whether that is possible, but what is certain is that it is now a four-way shoot-out between Liverpool, Brighton, Tottenham and Villa for the three European spaces behind the top four. That is some improvement on the state of play when Emery arrived and Tottenham were a dot on the horizon.
Yes, there has been a dip in results since Villa’s stunning 3-0 win over Newcastle United three weeks ago. But the performance levels have not slipped radically.
Emery even admitted Villa were better while losing the last two games than in some of the others they won.
“I won’t change my idea,” he added, stressing he is pleased with the way his team continue to control games through possession and territory. Finding the ruthless streak that served them so well in previous weeks will be crucial in the games ahead given there is still so much to play for.
Seeing a threadbare squad boosted by the return of internationals Leon Bailey and Boubacar Kamara was a positive. Having Philippe Coutinho available should also help in the final games.
Most pleasing, though, was Diego Carlos’ return after nine months out. The Brazilian centre-back will make Villa stronger and the games ahead should not be so daunting with increased numbers from whom to call.
Emery’s side have given their fans numerous moments of joy in 2023, from the way they ripped Bournemouth to shreds in the final 10 minutes of a 3-0 victory, to the last-gasp winner at Leicester City and that wonderful display against Newcastle. They have become regular winners once again.
The atmosphere at Villa Park has been flat for years, but now there is a sense of excitement. Five home wins on the bounce without conceding suggests it has become a fortress. A make-or-break game against Tottenham awaits.
“It’s our final,” Emery added. To still have that opportunity ahead, particularly when one casts the mind back to that miserable night at Fulham, is remarkable. There is still plenty with which to be pleased — even on the back of a defeat.
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The atmosphere at Villa Park has been flat for years
Reductive, lazy and not really true. Still like Gregg but not happy with that.
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Not sure I agree with all the "blown it" comments. To be above Spurs and Brighton now we'd need to be on League winning form. That we've fallen very slightly short of that with a group of players that a good number of folk were saying weren't good enough to compete in the top half ... I mean, "blown it" is a bit strong!
We've done incredibly well to still be in the conversation for Europe at this stage, and beat Spurs at home & we're still very much in the conversation.
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Blown it would be if Spurs or Brighton don't get a place given they have been up there all season. It would be disappointing and huge missed opportunity if we didn't finish the job. Almost like the way we ended the season we just stayed up. How we managed that with 4 games to go is beyond miraculous.
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Whatever else happens, if we beat Spurs on Saturday then we will go into the last game of the season still with a chance of qualifying for Europe. With Brighton losing at the moment and with the games they have left, we might well still go into that game with sixth in our own hands.
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What a result this is for us.
Formula is pretty simple now so we better turn up v Spurs.
Beat them and Brighton and we get to 60 points. Brighton would then need to get two points out of Arsenal and Newcastle away and Man. City at home (aswell as beating Southampton).
It's there for us if we really want it and generally to finish top 6 you have to earn these things rather than it getting gift wrapped so we need one last push now and injured players are returning.
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This isn't fucking over.
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I'm smirking now.
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I'm smirking now.
What you smirking?
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If I’m Emery or the Villa players there shouldn’t be any more motivation needed going into next weekend. Not that Emery would need it or the players as they have been pretty focused. But this should give everyone a huge lift. Home at Villa Park we need to get a win and get something from Anfield.
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Blimey - I'd written off Europe after yesterday's result, and the Brighton go and find themselves four down to EVERTON. If this is how they're treating their games in hand then it's not done yet. Beat Spurs and it's all to play for again...
It's the hope that kills ya...
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This isn't fucking over.
Dunno, Risso and Kippax have dampened by expectations.
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The atmosphere at Villa Park has been flat for years
Reductive, lazy and not really true. Still like Gregg but not happy with that.
I didn't read that as being about "the match day crowd", but rather the atmosphere around the club as a whole since our pre-relegation days. I still don't think he's entirely correct, as we've had plenty of optimism in the last couple of years (in patches), but this is the first time in a long time we have some genuine long-term optimism about where the team can go under the current manager.
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This isn't fucking over.
Oh yes!
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As Taggart said:
I can't believe it. I can't believe it. Football. Bloody hell.
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We’ve blown it. Like we always do.
Lol
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We’ve blown it. Like we always do.
Lol
😂😂😂
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Do you want to bet against us?
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Beat Tottenham 3-0 on Saturday and we’re 6th again. Easy isn’t it??
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Upcoming fixtures for BHA
Sun 14 Arsenal A
Thu 18 Toon A
Sun 21 Soton H
Wed 24 Man City H
Sun 28 Villa A
5 games in 15 days
Everybody apart from Soton will be wanting points and Soton will be down by the time they face Brighton - worry and pressure free - "surprise" result?
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Beat Tottenham 3-0 on Saturday and we’re 6th again. Easy isn’t it??
Could easily happen.
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This isn't fucking over.
Dunno, Risso and Kippax have dampened by expectations.
They’re probably right when looking at all the permutations. But the Brighton results shows just how unpredictable things can be. And after getting battered they have two rock games. But it would be just like this season if they went and won of those games now. Still, we have a chance albeit small
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We just need to try and beat Spurs and then see what happens. We’ve got a poor record against them at home, need to address it.
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Brighton’s next couple are tough games. You never know. Might just come down to the last game after all. We still need favours though.
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"So it's still all to play for?"
"I think so, do you want to bet against us?"
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I don’t buy this teams have worked us out, against Newcastle we were full of energy, movement and accurate passing and since then not.
IMO you’re wrong. Newcastle came to us full of bluster, totally confident team absolutely not worried about us. They got smacked. Other teams including manu have worked on how to stop us and lately most have been successful.
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"So it's still all to play for?"
"I think so, do you want to bet against us?"
The only problem with that is the literally hundreds of times in the intervening 42 years in which we could have said that, and probably did, prior to proving it would have been a very good idea indeed to bet against us.
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Brighton’s next couple are tough games. You never know. Might just come down to the last game after all. We still need favours though.
The only thing in our favour is that they have 5 left to play in effectively 3 weeks. That’s going to take its toll however it will only help us if we help ourselves.
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I don’t buy this teams have worked us out, against Newcastle we were full of energy, movement and accurate passing and since then not.
IMO you’re wrong. Newcastle came to us full of bluster, totally confident team absolutely not worried about us. They got smacked. Other teams including manu have worked on how to stop us and lately most have been successful.
I disagree. Wolves didn't figure us out, we were far the better team, we just didn't take our chances and they took their only decent one. Man U maybe bullied us a bit but if the ref had given Casemiro the yellow card he deserved for scything through Moreno after about 15 minutes I don't think he dominates the game in the way he did. Fine margins really. Aside from that we've played well in spells for about 4months, Newcastle was the first time everything clicked for extended periods, not because they thought they could brush us aside but because we were just too good, the movement on our left in particular was unplayable, we made Trippier look like a pub league player.
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I don't think Wolves figured us out - in fact, I think if they have figured us out at any point this season, it was the match at our place where we couldn't get near them for 45 minutes.
It just didn't work out for us at the weekend, shit happens, we're not going to play well / win every week. Not yet, anyway.
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It'll be curious to see who dictates possession in the Spurs game or if it will be quite even. They'll probably be happy to play on the break.
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I don't think Wolves figured us out - in fact, I think if they have figured us out at any point this season, it was the match at our place where we couldn't get near them for 45 minutes.
True, that was a dismal experience for us. Lopetegui does well against Emery though so I think it is also OK to recognize he set them up a certain way and he got the result. They are both very accomplished managers.
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I just don't want this season to fizzle out disappointingly like the last two have. It would be great to go into the Brighton game still in with a chance of qualifying.
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I just don't want this season to fizzle out disappointingly like the last two have. It would be great to go into the Brighton game still in with a chance of qualifying.
That’s really it. We can look back if we don’t qualify and say didn’t we do great to even be in contention but in the moment, and overall given the position we put ourselves in it would be disappointing and a bit deflating. Even if we all hope that next season we won’t be giving the rest of the league an 11 game head start.
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Last season there was nothing to fizzle out, the season before we finished it with 2 wins.
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I don’t buy this teams have worked us out, against Newcastle we were full of energy, movement and accurate passing and since then not.
IMO you’re wrong. Newcastle came to us full of bluster, totally confident team absolutely not worried about us. They got smacked. Other teams including manu have worked on how to stop us and lately most have been successful.
I disagree. Wolves didn't figure us out, we were far the better team, we just didn't take our chances and they took their only decent one. Man U maybe bullied us a bit but if the ref had given Casemiro the yellow card he deserved for scything through Moreno after about 15 minutes I don't think he dominates the game in the way he did. Fine margins really. Aside from that we've played well in spells for about 4months, Newcastle was the first time everything clicked for extended periods, not because they thought they could brush us aside but because we were just too good, the movement on our left in particular was unplayable, we made Trippier look like a pub league player.
So, summing it up, you agree with me.
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Last season there was nothing to fizzle out, the season before we finished it with 2 wins.
We'd started the season well, wanted to stay in the hunt for Europe and at the start of May were 9th, 5 points behind 7th. The last two wins didn't make any difference to that, as we finished 11th. The season fizzled out.
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Yeah but we won at the Tottingham Hotspur Stadium and beat Chelsea at home in front of humans so it felt like an upswing.
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I don’t buy this teams have worked us out, against Newcastle we were full of energy, movement and accurate passing and since then not.
IMO you’re wrong. Newcastle came to us full of bluster, totally confident team absolutely not worried about us. They got smacked. Other teams including manu have worked on how to stop us and lately most have been successful.
I disagree. Wolves didn't figure us out, we were far the better team, we just didn't take our chances and they took their only decent one. Man U maybe bullied us a bit but if the ref had given Casemiro the yellow card he deserved for scything through Moreno after about 15 minutes I don't think he dominates the game in the way he did. Fine margins really. Aside from that we've played well in spells for about 4months, Newcastle was the first time everything clicked for extended periods, not because they thought they could brush us aside but because we were just too good, the movement on our left in particular was unplayable, we made Trippier look like a pub league player.
So, summing it up, you agree with me.
Nope.
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You need to explain your reply Paul_e. One word answer is not good enough.
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You need to explain your reply Paul_e. One word answer is not good enough.
Disagree.
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You need to explain your reply Paul_e. One word answer is not good enough.
Disagree.
Good.
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Good, I am glad you're onside.
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😏
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Beat Brighton and they'll need to take two points out of Arsenal and Newcastle away and Man. City at home to finish above us.
Think Brentford can hold Spurs next week and they certainly won't fancy Leeds away on final day.
All to play for.
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I don’t think Spurs have the stomach to go to Leeds last game and get a win. We have to get something next week at Anfield though. And Brighton aren’t guaranteed anything
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Good, I am glad you're onside.
VAR check pending.
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Beat Brighton and they'll need to take two points out of Arsenal and Newcastle away and Man. City at home to finish above us.
Think Brentford can hold Spurs next week and they certainly won't fancy Leeds away on final day.
All to play for.
Newcastle drawing at Leeds and with Liverpool breathing down theirs and Man Utd's neck, Newcastle will be desperate to beat Brighton.
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Spurs gone 7 consecutive away games without a win now. You have to go back to 23rd January, away at Fulham. Leeds have to do them.
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Hopefully Everton don't move too far ahead of Leeds before the last day as we need them to still be fighting for their lives and Elland Road will give as good as it can.
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I don’t think Spurs have the stomach to go to Leeds last game and get a win. We have to get something next week at Anfield though. And Brighton aren’t guaranteed anything
They'll still get chances. No chance whatsoever Leeds will execute a high line as expertly as we did.
Hopefully they don't play that Firpo guy again as he'll give away about 5 penalties if he gets in the vicinity of Kane at any point.
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Hopefully Everton don't move too far ahead of Leeds before the last day as we need them to still be fighting for their lives and Elland Road will give as good as it can.
Everton at home to Man City tomorrow.
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I know and Wolves away next week might be tricky or they might just be more up for it. That's two games Everton play before Leeds are in action again, away to West Ham next Sunday where they also need to get a result.
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The Brighton-Wolves game showed you can't rely on Wolves.
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I do wonder if Brighton's game against Southampton just got a little bit harder now the pressure is off the Southampton players, and they're basically playing for pride and to put themselves in the shop window, without the fear they will make the mistake that sends them down?
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Can't wait to play Dynamo Concrete next season honestly.
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Can't wait to play Dynamo Concrete next season honestly.
Sadly, I'd expect them to win on aggregate.
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Can't wait to play Dynamo Concrete next season honestly.
Sadly, I'd expect them to win on aggregate.
Bravo
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Can't wait to play Dynamo Concrete next season honestly.
Sadly, I'd expect them to win on aggregate.
Bravo
[/quotCan't wait to play Dynamo Concrete next season honestly.
Sadly, I'd expect them to win on aggregate.
Bravo
We need to cement our place before we start mixing it with these teams.
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I do wonder if Brighton's game against Southampton just got a little bit harder now the pressure is off the Southampton players, and they're basically playing for pride and to put themselves in the shop window, without the fear they will make the mistake that sends them down?
No. The twats have given up, they don’t care and they will lose their last two without a whimper.
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It’s in our hands. Brighton have lots of games to fit in and some big oppositions to face so it will go to last day even if we lose to Liverpool and we need to win that game.
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Assuming neither Arsenal or Man City drop points, Man City can win the league at Brighton. Despite their additional games I can only see Brighton picking up 3 points against Southampton; our game against them will be the Europe decider.
Spurs will lose at Leeds but finish ahead of us on goal difference unless we can pick up a point or three against Liverpool.
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We all know that playing teams already down isn’t a piece of piss. So while Brighton should win, playing a team without the pressure of a relegation battle won’t be easy.
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As long as Arsenal and Man City do us a favour, Brighton beating Southampton might only put them a point ahead of us, unless we get something at Liverpool. Then it's all the play for for the last game of the season. Spurs may implode though as Brentford are no pushovers and they won't fancy Leeds on the last day.
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Big blow Brighton in the lead at the Arse
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Let's just go and beat Liverpool and Brighton. Bollocks to it!
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realistically looking at fixtures need to win our two and hope Leeds beat Spurs last game.
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I think Brentford getting something at Spurs is slightly more realistic than us winning/drawing at Anfield.
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I think Brentford getting something at Spurs is slightly more realistic than us winning/drawing at Anfield.
I watched most of Liverpools game at home to Brentford last week and a draw wouldn’t of flattered Brentford. It will be hard but no impossible to get some sort of result there, either way hopefully Brentford will do us a favour at Spurs.
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Spurs will draw their last 2, we will lose at 'The Mighty Reds YNWA' then beat Brighton.....simples.
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I think Brentford getting something at Spurs is slightly more realistic than us winning/drawing at Anfield.
I can see us beating Liverpool. No idea why, just a hunch.
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I’m hoping we’re very motivated to get to the Conference League and Spurs will be really unmotivated and that will make a decisive difference.
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No news yet on where the 2024 Conference League final will be held, although some in the Greek media think it will be in Athens (AEK's ground).
The 2025 Europa League final is in Bilbao should we need any additional incentive to give Europe our best shot.
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No news yet on where the 2024 Conference League final will be held, although some in the Greek media think it will be in Athens (AEK's ground).
The 2025 Europa League final is in Bilbao should we need any additional incentive to give Europe our best shot.
Where is the CL final in 2025?
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No news yet on where the 2024 Conference League final will be held, although some in the Greek media think it will be in Athens (AEK's ground).
The 2025 Europa League final is in Bilbao should we need any additional incentive to give Europe our best shot.
Where is the CL final in 2025?
No idea, but the open top bus parade is going to be in Birmingham.
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I think Brentford getting something at Spurs is slightly more realistic than us winning/drawing at Anfield.
I can see us beating Liverpool. No idea why, just a hunch.
Me too. This may be fuelled by the staropraman I’m currently enjoying in the garden and the knowledge I’m paying my first visit to Anfield on Saturday.
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No news yet on where the 2024 Conference League final will be held, although some in the Greek media think it will be in Athens (AEK's ground).
The 2025 Europa League final is in Bilbao should we need any additional incentive to give Europe our best shot.
Where is the CL final in 2025?
Munich, let's hope we don't end up playing Bayern again when we get there.
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Yes, let’s hope that for their sake.
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No news yet on where the 2024 Conference League final will be held, although some in the Greek media think it will be in Athens (AEK's ground).
The 2025 Europa League final is in Bilbao should we need any additional incentive to give Europe our best shot.
Didn't someone from this Parish say it was in Dublin (2024 Conference League final ) ?
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2024 is Dublin, 2025 Bilbao
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No news yet on where the 2024 Conference League final will be held, although some in the Greek media think it will be in Athens (AEK's ground).
The 2025 Europa League final is in Bilbao should we need any additional incentive to give Europe our best shot.
Didn't someone from this Parish say it was in Dublin (2024 Conference League final ) ?
That's the Europa League final venue not the Europa Conference League one. Same with Bilbao in 2025.
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I think that's our European dream all but over I'm afraid. Spurs have Brentford and Leeds with a slightly better GD. We have Liverpool away and Brighton at home.
Annoyingly I think we will miss out. It must have been some time since spurs didn't qualify for European Football
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Do we want the conference league thing, or is it more effort/trouble than it’s worth?
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We haven’t been in Europe for a decade. I certainly want it.
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Of course we want it, great opportunity that may not come our way for a very long time.
Unfortunately I think we will miss out
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I have just booked a hotel in Athens on BV’s advice. Looking forward to it😀
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All of those pining for European awaydays must remember that over here we have special regulations concern the curvature and malformation of bananas and you are all going to have to respect that. Plus you can't order a meal or beer without the permission of European Commission. Be careful what you wish for.
I'm not sure you will get past Dover anyway.
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I think Brentford getting something at Spurs is slightly more realistic than us winning/drawing at Anfield.
I can see us beating Liverpool. No idea why, just a hunch.
Well we've taken points off everyone above us this season other than Arsenal, so we are due a result against Liverpool
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I think that's our European dream all but over I'm afraid. Spurs have Brentford and Leeds with a slightly better GD. We have Liverpool away and Brighton at home.
Annoyingly I think we will miss out. It must have been some time since spurs didn't qualify for European Football
Brentford could easily beat them. So could Leeds actually. It's Spurs.
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I wouldn't want to play that shithouse team Brentford. They'll also think they still have a remote possibility of getting Europe. If Leeds need to win on the last day I'd fancy them to beat this Spurs team. We just need a point more than Spurs over the last 2 games.
In all fairness Brighton deserve to qualify for Europe, they're a bloody side. They'll have sealed their place by the time they come to Villa Park.
But if we have to wait another season, so be it.
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Double post, somehow
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I have just booked a hotel in Athens on BV’s advice. Looking forward to it😀
Would be a decent trip as I haven't been to Athens. Will let you know when it's been confirmed, all I know is that it's definitely on May 29th.
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In reality, I think it’s us and Spurs for 7th now. I think Brighton will get enough points in their remaining games to secure 6th, so we’re going for 7th. Might not be the case as Brentford are a good side and Leeds could be scrapping for survival on the last day, but I think we’re probably going to need to get something at Anfield and beat Brighton to finish above Spurs.
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Do we want the conference league thing, or is it more effort/trouble than it’s worth?
For me, no.
It has fecked up West Ham in the league this year, non prestigious, non profitable and no benefit for attracting top players.
Focus fully on top 4 next season with no european distraction.
Apart from Man Shitty, we have no reason to fear anyone in the league. With a good pre season, 3 or 4 more quality players and no distractions I will be disappointed if we dont seriously challenge for top 4 next season.
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Do we want the conference league thing, or is it more effort/trouble than it’s worth?
10-12 million prize money if you win it, plus gate receipts, TV revenue etc.
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I think Brentford getting something at Spurs is slightly more realistic than us winning/drawing at Anfield.
I can see us beating Liverpool. No idea why, just a hunch.
Well we've taken points off everyone above us this season other than Arsenal, so we are due a result against Liverpool
yes this is very impressive. And if only VAR had done it’s job Arsenal game would have ended 2-2.
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Do we want the conference league thing, or is it more effort/trouble than it’s worth?
For me, no.
It has fecked up West Ham in the league this year, non prestigious, non profitable and no benefit for attracting top players.
Focus fully on top 4 next season with no european distraction.
Apart from Man Shitty, we have no reason to fear anyone in the league. With a good pre season, 3 or 4 more quality players and no distractions I will be disappointed if we dont seriously challenge for top 4 next season.
No it hasn't, Antonio being injured and/or out of form for most of the season and 3-4 other players being found out a bit (Soucek in particular) is where they've struggled.
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And they were in Europe last season and did well enough to qualify again through the league.
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I think Brentford getting something at Spurs is slightly more realistic than us winning/drawing at Anfield.
I can see us beating Liverpool. No idea why, just a hunch.
Well we've taken points off everyone above us this season other than Arsenal, so we are due a result against Liverpool
yes this is very impressive. And if only VAR had done it’s job Arsenal game would have ended 2-2.
Would it?
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And they were in Europe last season and did well enough to qualify again through the league.
Yeah, this gets regularly missed.
Also we need the games to help youngsters get more game time.
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Ah well. It’s the Final Countdown.
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Do we want the conference league thing, or is it more effort/trouble than it’s worth?
Yes
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Do we want the conference league thing, or is it more effort/trouble than it’s worth?
For me, no.
It has fecked up West Ham in the league this year, non prestigious, non profitable and no benefit for attracting top players.
Focus fully on top 4 next season with no european distraction.
Apart from Man Shitty, we have no reason to fear anyone in the league. With a good pre season, 3 or 4 more quality players and no distractions I will be disappointed if we dont seriously challenge for top 4 next season.
No it hasn't, Antonio being injured and/or out of form for most of the season and 3-4 other players being found out a bit (Soucek in particular) is where they've struggled.
Indeed - and the non-prestige thing is not really something we’re in a position to get too exercised about. We haven’t won a trophy since 1996, and haven’t been in Europe for over a decade. If we were to get into the Conference league, go on a good run, and potentially win it it would be really important for the club.
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In reality, I think it’s us and Spurs for 7th now. I think Brighton will get enough points in their remaining games to secure 6th, so we’re going for 7th. Might not be the case as Brentford are a good side and Leeds could be scrapping for survival on the last day, but I think we’re probably going to need to get something at Anfield and beat Brighton to finish above Spurs.
I agree. We need 6pts from the last 2 games now. However, Brighton are only 1pt ahead of us & have Newcastle (a), Soton (h), Man City (h) and us (a) left to play. Beat Liverpool and 6th place is still (just) possible provided Brighton get less than 5pts from their 3 games.
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Do we want the conference league thing, or is it more effort/trouble than it’s worth?
Yes
Of course.
I think you'd only need to ask the manager about playing in Europe.
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Do we want the conference league thing, or is it more effort/trouble than it’s worth?
For me, no.
It has fecked up West Ham in the league this year, non prestigious, non profitable and no benefit for attracting top players.
Focus fully on top 4 next season with no european distraction.
Apart from Man Shitty, we have no reason to fear anyone in the league. With a good pre season, 3 or 4 more quality players and no distractions I will be disappointed if we dont seriously challenge for top 4 next season.
No it hasn't, Antonio being injured and/or out of form for most of the season and 3-4 other players being found out a bit (Soucek in particular) is where they've struggled.
Indeed - and the non-prestige thing is not really something we’re in a position to get too exercised about. We haven’t won a trophy since 1996, and haven’t been in Europe for over a decade. If we were to get into the Conference league, go on a good run, and potentially win it it would be really important for the club.
Antonio (and 3 or 4 others) might be out of form because of their european involvement this season and all the time, energy and travel it involves!! This is exactly my concern.
I would rather have no involvement in the Conference League next season. Let it fuck up Spuds instead!! We have much bigger things to aim for next season, fully charged.
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Do we want the conference league thing, or is it more effort/trouble than it’s worth?
For me, no.
It has fecked up West Ham in the league this year, non prestigious, non profitable and no benefit for attracting top players.
Focus fully on top 4 next season with no european distraction.
Apart from Man Shitty, we have no reason to fear anyone in the league. With a good pre season, 3 or 4 more quality players and no distractions I will be disappointed if we dont seriously challenge for top 4 next season.
No it hasn't, Antonio being injured and/or out of form for most of the season and 3-4 other players being found out a bit (Soucek in particular) is where they've struggled.
Indeed - and the non-prestige thing is not really something we’re in a position to get too exercised about. We haven’t won a trophy since 1996, and haven’t been in Europe for over a decade. If we were to get into the Conference league, go on a good run, and potentially win it it would be really important for the club.
Antonio (and 3 or 4 others) might be out of form because of their european involvement this season and all the time, energy and travel it involves!! This is exactly my concern.
I would rather have no involvement in the Conference League next season. Let it fuck up Spuds instead!! We have much bigger things to aim for next season, fully charged.
I think the owners, the manager, the players and myself would strongly disagree
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Do we want the conference league thing, or is it more effort/trouble than it’s worth?
For me, no.
It has fecked up West Ham in the league this year, non prestigious, non profitable and no benefit for attracting top players.
Focus fully on top 4 next season with no european distraction.
Apart from Man Shitty, we have no reason to fear anyone in the league. With a good pre season, 3 or 4 more quality players and no distractions I will be disappointed if we dont seriously challenge for top 4 next season.
No it hasn't, Antonio being injured and/or out of form for most of the season and 3-4 other players being found out a bit (Soucek in particular) is where they've struggled.
Indeed - and the non-prestige thing is not really something we’re in a position to get too exercised about. We haven’t won a trophy since 1996, and haven’t been in Europe for over a decade. If we were to get into the Conference league, go on a good run, and potentially win it it would be really important for the club.
Antonio (and 3 or 4 others) might be out of form because of their european involvement this season and all the time, energy and travel it involves!! This is exactly my concern.
I would rather have no involvement in the Conference League next season. Let it fuck up Spuds instead!! We have much bigger things to aim for next season, fully charged.
This feels like its based on the assertion that there is something guaranteed next season, there are too many variables for that. If we don’t make it, fair enough, its been a massive effort, but if can get there we should grasp it.
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Even if we finish 8th it has still been a much better season than any of us could have expected in october.
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I don't think Spurs on the last day, away will be that bothered about the fight for the conference league spot which may help us whereas we will be motivated. That's not to say they're a bigger club, just a bunch of entitled pricks. I think it will come down to goal difference, we might have to beat Brighton by 2 or 3 goals.
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The objections against ConfLeague beggars belief. There were similar noises made on here back in MON’s day about Europa League. Then our manager also showed the same arrogance as some fans for that competition. Remembering his meek effort in CSKA away game and club's token gesture when losing twice to the mighty Rapid Vienna over next two seasons, it still boils my piss. In order to develop our width and breadth of capability we must start to compete in wider euro based completions. The best way to do that is to start competing in the weakest competition first where we can build the squad strength. Learn to play Thursday Sunday and manage a team based on 18 or so first teamers. There is no point in deluding ourselves that somehow we are going to waft into CL like birds of paradise and start rubbing shoulders with Bayern and Real with panache. We are more likely to get pummelled on a Wednesday and then get shafted by likes of Bmouth on Saturday.
Aston Villa FC MUST always compete at the very highest level in the game of football. We have the very best man in the world now in charge to build out strength and capability to start competing at the highest level but it’s going to take time. Let’s start if we can in a place from where we can organically grow. If that is ConfL, fine I am looking forward to it.
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The objections against ConfLeague beggars belief. There were similar noises made on here back in MON’s day about Europa League. Then our manager also showed the same arrogance as some fans for that competition. Remembering his meek effort in CSKA away game and club's token gesture when losing twice to the mighty Rapid Vienna over next two seasons, it still boils my piss. In order to develop our width and breadth of capability we must start to compete in wider euro based completions. The best way to do that is to start competing in the weakest competition first where we can build the squad strength. Learn to play Thursday Sunday and manage a team based on 18 or so first teamers. There is no point in deluding ourselves that somehow we are going to waft into CL like birds of paradise and start rubbing shoulders with Bayern and Real with panache. We are more likely to get pummelled on a Wednesday and then get shafted by likes of Bmouth on Saturday.
Aston Villa FC MUST always compete at the very highest level in the game of football. We have the very best man in the world now in charge to build out strength and capability to start competing at the highest level but it’s going to take time. Let’s start if we can in a place from where we can organically grow. If that is ConfL, fine I am looking forward to it.
Well said, a pox on the naysayers.
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The objections against ConfLeague beggars belief. There were similar noises made on here back in MON’s day about Europa League. Then our manager also showed the same arrogance as some fans for that competition. Remembering his meek effort in CSKA away game and club's token gesture when losing twice to the mighty Rapid Vienna over next two seasons, it still boils my piss. In order to develop our width and breadth of capability we must start to compete in wider euro based completions. The best way to do that is to start competing in the weakest competition first where we can build the squad strength. Learn to play Thursday Sunday and manage a team based on 18 or so first teamers. There is no point in deluding ourselves that somehow we are going to waft into CL like birds of paradise and start rubbing shoulders with Bayern and Real with panache. We are more likely to get pummelled on a Wednesday and then get shafted by likes of Bmouth on Saturday.
Aston Villa FC MUST always compete at the very highest level in the game of football. We have the very best man in the world now in charge to build out strength and capability to start competing at the highest level but it’s going to take time. Let’s start if we can in a place from where we can organically grow. If that is ConfL, fine I am looking forward to it.
Well said, a pox on the naysayers.
Totally agree. I don't care whether we play Oslo Boslo, Dynamo Crapo and Andulucian Averages - the 3rd competition is worth participation
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Totally agree. I don't care whether we play Oslo Boslo, Dynamo Crapo and Andulucian Averages - the 3rd competition is worth participation
Absolutely rob, in fact the more far flung and unheard of, the better. Would love an away trip to somewhere completely random in Estonia or similar.
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We need the competition, and the income it generates, to help push on. A win would qualify us for the next tier of European competition so we wouldn't need to rely on our finishing position in an ever more competitive league.
I might not have agreed before, but with the direction the club is now taking in its staffing recruitment and the rumoured player recruitment, we should aim to enter and win everything we can.
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Totally agree. I don't care whether we play Oslo Boslo, Dynamo Crapo and Andulucian Averages - the 3rd competition is worth participation
Absolutely rob, in fact the more far flung and unheard of, the better. Would love an away trip to somewhere completely random in Estonia or similar.
Absoultely this, fucking Champions League is full of the same boring teams every year that we've seen a million times. I want to see us draw a team I've never heard of that were formed as a works team for the railways in some far flung ex-Soviet state.
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It's Dynamo Concrete, managed by Ron Vlaar, gerrit right.
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Totally agree. I don't care whether we play Oslo Boslo, Dynamo Crapo and Andulucian Averages - the 3rd competition is worth participation
Absolutely rob, in fact the more far flung and unheard of, the better. Would love an away trip to somewhere completely random in Estonia or similar.
Absoultely this, fucking Champions League is full of the same boring teams every year that we've seen a million times. I want to see us draw a team I've never heard of that were formed as a works team for the railways in some far flung ex-Soviet state.
I went to Prague for a week in 1995, and in some pubs the beer was 5p a pint. I lived like a king on about £20 for the week. Is there anywhere left still like that? If so, that's where I want to go.
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I'd like a trip to Istanbul
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I'd like a trip to Istanbul
Let's see how the election goes first.
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There’s a club in Estonia called Eston Villa.
It’d be great to get drawn against them.
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There’s a club in Estonia called Eston Villa.
It’d be great to get drawn against them.
Alika the way you're thinking.
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Totally agree. I don't care whether we play Oslo Boslo, Dynamo Crapo and Andulucian Averages - the 3rd competition is worth participation
Absolutely rob, in fact the more far flung and unheard of, the better. Would love an away trip to somewhere completely random in Estonia or similar.
Absoultely this, fucking Champions League is full of the same boring teams every year that we've seen a million times. I want to see us draw a team I've never heard of that were formed as a works team for the railways in some far flung ex-Soviet state.
I went to Prague for a week in 1995, and in some pubs the beer was 5p a pint. I lived like a king on about £20 for the week. Is there anywhere left still like that? If so, that's where I want to go.
I went about 10 years later and it was much the same, I don't think I've ever eaten as well in my life let alone the booze, top level restaurants for the cost of a carvery
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Totally agree. I don't care whether we play Oslo Boslo, Dynamo Crapo and Andulucian Averages - the 3rd competition is worth participation
Absolutely rob, in fact the more far flung and unheard of, the better. Would love an away trip to somewhere completely random in Estonia or similar.
Absoultely this, fucking Champions League is full of the same boring teams every year that we've seen a million times. I want to see us draw a team I've never heard of that were formed as a works team for the railways in some far flung ex-Soviet state.
I went to Prague for a week in 1995, and in some pubs the beer was 5p a pint. I lived like a king on about £20 for the week. Is there anywhere left still like that? If so, that's where I want to go.
I went about 10 years later and it was much the same, I don't think I've ever eaten as well in my life let alone the booze, top level restaurants for the cost of a carvery
I went early 90's. The 5p beers in the more off pitch bars in the old town were fantastic, the original Budvar and Pilsner Urquell.
Tbh I was pretty disgusted at the prices in St Marks square, where it was as much a 30-50p a pint in some places.
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For those happy to play in Europe I get the positives but are you happy for our league form to dip like it inevitably will (see West Ham this season).
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For those happy to play in Europe I get the positives but are you happy for our league form to dip like it inevitably will (see West Ham this season).
West Ham are shit and have a shit manager though, and their form wasn't too bad last season when they got to the semis.
Sorry but it just feels like one of those tired cliches that people hide their poor form behind. We'd have more opportunities for players to play and the genious manager explicity wants it.
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For those happy to play in Europe I get the positives but are you happy for our league form to dip like it inevitably will (see West Ham this season).
That's where our summer transfer business and loan decisions come into play.
One thing is for sure though, we would have to rotate and we don't seem to take kindly to that when it goes tits up. People still moan about Moscow (although I agree that team was taking the piss - starting Salifou & Delfoouneso was prob a step too far)
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Sorry but it just feels like one of those tired cliches that people hide their poor form behind. We'd have more opportunities for players to play and the genious manager explicity wants it.
He also explicitly wins most European competitions he enters!
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We’re leaving together.
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Sorry but it just feels like one of those tired cliches that people hide their poor form behind. We'd have more opportunities for players to play and the genious manager explicity wants it.
He also explicitly wins most European competitions he enters!
True, but fuck me how have I posted 'genius' like that?
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No news yet on where the 2024 Conference League final will be held, although some in the Greek media think it will be in Athens (AEK's ground).
The 2025 Europa League final is in Bilbao should we need any additional incentive to give Europe our best shot.
It's written in the stars, a final in Emery's backyard where the Basque nation rise up with the Villa fans to see us lift the trophy, his trophy. Bring it on!
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Sorry but it just feels like one of those tired cliches that people hide their poor form behind. We'd have more opportunities for players to play and the genious manager explicity wants it.
He also explicitly wins most European competitions he enters!
True, but fuck me how have I posted 'genius' like that?
I did clock that and was hoping it was a rare aberration.
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True, but fuck me how have I posted 'genius' like that?
I did clock that and was hoping it was a rare aberration.
He was just being disingenious.
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No news yet on where the 2024 Conference League final will be held, although some in the Greek media think it will be in Athens (AEK's ground).
The 2025 Europa League final is in Bilbao should we need any additional incentive to give Europe our best shot.
It's written in the stars, a final in Emery's backyard where the Basque nation rise up with the Villa fans to see us lift the trophy, his trophy. Bring it on!
Would be a fun trip all right, especially with BE guiding us round the best bars and restaurants in town.
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Do we want the conference league thing, or is it more effort/trouble than it’s worth?
Yes
Which of the two questions is this your answer to?
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For those happy to play in Europe I get the positives but are you happy for our league form to dip like it inevitably will (see West Ham this season).
West Ham are shit and have a shit manager though, and their form wasn't too bad last season when they got to the semis.
Sorry but it just feels like one of those tired cliches that people hide their poor form behind. We'd have more opportunities for players to play and the genious manager explicity wants it.
It’s also an incredibly depressing view to take - we want to avoid being better as it comes with some risk. What’s the point if you don’t want to compete in every possible competition you can?
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No news yet on where the 2024 Conference League final will be held, although some in the Greek media think it will be in Athens (AEK's ground).
The 2025 Europa League final is in Bilbao should we need any additional incentive to give Europe our best shot.
It's written in the stars, a final in Emery's backyard where the Basque nation rise up with the Villa fans to see us lift the trophy, his trophy. Bring it on!
Would be a fun trip all right, especially with BE guiding us round the best bars and restaurants in town.
Count me in!
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I've said before, it seems a strange logic that some don't want us to qualify for Europe in case it affects the main aim next season, which is to qualify for Europe.
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For those happy to play in Europe I get the positives but are you happy for our league form to dip like it inevitably will (see West Ham this season).
West Ham are shit and have a shit manager though, and their form wasn't too bad last season when they got to the semis.
Sorry but it just feels like one of those tired cliches that people hide their poor form behind. We'd have more opportunities for players to play and the genious manager explicity wants it.
It’s also an incredibly depressing view to take - we want to avoid being better as it comes with some risk. What’s the point if you don’t want to compete in every possible competition you can?
I think it's more West Ham just signed poorly in last 12 months. Ings really hasn't made much impact at all and their other striker signings have flopped.
Pacqueta took under March to string a couple of decent games together so they're still relying on their core that was better 2-3 years ago with likes of Cresswell, Antonio, Soucek etc.
West Ham in 21/22 finished 7th in the league and made the europa league SFs so I'm not really sure playing in a less taxing tournament (when you look at the quality of opposition they've faced) has massively impacted on their league form.
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I've said before, it seems a strange logic that some don't want us to qualify for Europe in case it affects the main aim next season, which is to qualify for Europe.
Reminds me of when people didn't want us to get promoted as they enjoyed the 10 match winning runs v likes of Rotherham and Bolton.
We were so poor for so long it didn't feel realistic for some that we could ever become a realistic force in top half of prem ever again.
Four years later we've won 9 of our last 13 and turned over Spurs and Chelsea pretty comfortably.
As standards raise on the pitch under Emery hopefully the same will happen in the stands.
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With all due respect but anyone who wanted us to stay in the Championship because it was more fun winning games against the likes of Rotherham, than testing ourselves at the elite level of the PL is an idiot.
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With all due respect but anyone who wanted us to stay in the Championship because it was more fun winning games against the likes of Rotherham, than testing ourselves at the elite level of the PL is an idiot.
There were loads on here and elsewhere. It wasn't some Footy style lone wolf opinion.
Perhaps it was more in 2018 given who was managing and running us at the time but plenty didn't really want to go up and just lose most weeks in the prem.
Of course that's what happened in 19/20 but I think because we were so rubbish between 2011-16 people just thought that would be us for eternity at the top level rather than slowly establishing and then kicking on under ambitious owners like has happened.
I don't want to be digging up old threads from 4 years ago but I bet you there was one saying "do we really want to go up" and they'd be plenty saying no and would rather be a big fish in the championship.
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I went to Prague for a week in 1995, and in some pubs the beer was 5p a pint. I lived like a king on about £20 for the week. Is there anywhere left still like that? If so, that's where I want to go.
Minsk?
A couple of mates and I were planning a trip there a few years ago for similar reasons, but then Lukashenko 'won' another election and it all started kicking off.
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If we have genuine designs on Champions League, i think playing in the Europa (league or conference) is a great stepping stone.
It will give us european experience including the logistics of travelling, rotating and utilising a squad, and learning how to be savvy in home and away cup games.
Bring it on i say.
In the last 20 years the likes of Fulham and Middlesbrough, Liverpool, Chelsea, Man U, and Arsenal have all reached the final.
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With all due respect but anyone who wanted us to stay in the Championship because it was more fun winning games against the likes of Rotherham, than testing ourselves at the elite level of the PL is an idiot.
I enjoyed that Championship run a lot more than anything for about 10 years before it. I'd also say I felt that shit about the Villa, that at times,going out of business seemed like a preferable option than having the existence that a few others have had.
I also wouldn't have blamed people for wanting to stay there, if we'd retained the same unambitious owners and managers, because let's face it, we circled the drain for a long time with no hope.
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being competitive in the Championship is more fun than being cannon fodder for the PL. Thankfully it looks like those days are over.
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With all due respect but anyone who wanted us to stay in the Championship because it was more fun winning games against the likes of Rotherham, than testing ourselves at the elite level of the PL is an idiot.
There were loads on here and elsewhere. It wasn't some Footy style lone wolf opinion.
Perhaps it was more in 2018 given who was managing and running us at the time but plenty didn't really want to go up and just lose most weeks in the prem.
Of course that's what happened in 19/20 but I think because we were so rubbish between 2011-16 people just thought that would be us for eternity at the top level rather than slowly establishing and then kicking on under ambitious owners like has happened.
I don't want to be digging up old threads from 4 years ago but I bet you there was one saying "do we really want to go up" and they'd be plenty saying no and would rather be a big fish in the championship.
Oh I’m sure. Speaking for myself, I hated every aspect of the Championship. The last thing I ever wanted was to continue to enjoy the shit served up in that division. And living out here it’s impossible to get games on TV unless you are the one game they have selected in the available services. Otherwise it was grainy footage via Iraq or some other shit server. So I can guarantee I wanted nothing to do with that poxy division.
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I went to Prague for a week in 1995, and in some pubs the beer was 5p a pint. I lived like a king on about £20 for the week. Is there anywhere left still like that? If so, that's where I want to go.
Minsk?
A couple of mates and I were planning a trip there a few years ago for similar reasons, but then Lukashenko 'won' another election and it all started kicking off.
A few years ago I worked somewhere where we had an outsourced development team in Belarus.
It was a nightmare to get to - two flights a week to Belarus, both from Gatwick and every now and then they’d detain our visiting staff at the airport and question them for hours. And i don’t mean a couple of hours, more like ten.
You were also only allowed to stay there three days too.
I never went (in fact i killed off the contract with them) but everyone i know who went proclaimed the err “outside work” entertainments to be top notch and said it was the absolute world capital of attractive women.
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With all due respect but anyone who wanted us to stay in the Championship because it was more fun winning games against the likes of Rotherham, than testing ourselves at the elite level of the PL is an idiot.
The best thing about the Championship is loads of games. European football will give us that, plus it will ensure we build a stronger and larger squad.
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With all due respect but anyone who wanted us to stay in the Championship because it was more fun winning games against the likes of Rotherham, than testing ourselves at the elite level of the PL is an idiot.
Don't worry, we released them on frees to TBAR that summer and they've never returned.
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I went to Prague for a week in 1995, and in some pubs the beer was 5p a pint. I lived like a king on about £20 for the week. Is there anywhere left still like that? If so, that's where I want to go.
Minsk?
A couple of mates and I were planning a trip there a few years ago for similar reasons, but then Lukashenko 'won' another election and it all started kicking off.
A few years ago I worked somewhere where we had an outsourced development team in Belarus.
It was a nightmare to get to - two flights a week to Belarus, both from Gatwick and every now and then they’d detain our visiting staff at the airport and question them for hours. And i don’t mean a couple of hours, more like ten.
You were also only allowed to stay there three days too.
I never went (in fact i killed off the contract with them) but everyone i know who went proclaimed the err “outside work” entertainments to be top notch and said it was the absolute world capital of attractive women.
Mentioned before but an Israeli mate has an absolutely stunning Belarus girlfriend from Minsk. That amazing beauty and body soon loses its appeal when she opens her mouth, she's a foul mouthed racist scumbag. Horrible woman but she obviously thinks her views are normal which they may be in Belarus but they shocked me.
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I'm a contrary fucker and want us to miss out on Europe this season because of all the games that get moved to a blasted Sunday. We can just qualify for the CL next season instead where the games are not played on Thursdays.
Of course, I don't really want to miss out. Any European qualification helps attract better players and brings more Kudos to the Club. And I'm likely to drive to more games which will help both liver and bank account.
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If we do get into Europe, I bet we then promptly get drawn against Rapid Fucking Vienna again.
Remember this the second time around?
(https://i.guim.co.uk/img/static/sys-images/Sport/Pix/columnists/2010/8/26/1282856956519/aston-villa-006.jpg?width=620&quality=45&dpr=2&s=none)
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We managed to get ourselves knocked out by some shite down the years. Are NK Varteks still about?
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The Championship was shit, it nearly destroyed the club. Only reason there's fond memories is because of the last few months. Before going on the 10 game run we'd won 10 of the first 34 league games.
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We managed to get ourselves knocked out by some shite down the years. Are NK Varteks still about?
Plus we managed to lose to Trabzonspor before they became good.
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I think I'm changing my mind on Europe, I now want the following three year plan:
23/24: Top 6 finish and WIN the FA Cup, qualifying for the Europa League
24/25: 5th and WIN the Europa League in Bilbao with Emery and his mates
25/26 Top 4, FA Cup WIN and 1/4 finals of the Champions League
That will do for starters..
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The Championship was shit, it nearly destroyed the club. Only reason there's fond memories is because of the last few months. Before going on the 10 game run we'd won 10 of the first 34 league games.
That first season, spending a gazillion pounds to finish 13th whilst getting outplayed by teams put together with buttons.
And then the ignomy of having fans of theirs come on here telling us how football should be done.
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Original NK Varteks went bankrupt.
Another team called NK Varazdin (Town they're from) took their place and there is also a separate club called Varteks that was founded by their fans.
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I'm in Athens with some mates from Thursday to Sunday. I'll audit the beer prices and product quality in as many bars as I can manage. #TakingOneForTheTeam
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I think I'm changing my mind on Europe, I now want the following three year plan:
23/24: Top 6 finish and WIN the FA Cup, qualifying for the Europa League
24/25: 5th and WIN the Europa League in Bilbao with Emery and his mates
25/26 Top 4, FA Cup WIN and 1/4 finals of the Champions League
That will do for starters..
Where's your ambition man?
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I think I'm changing my mind on Europe, I now want the following three year plan:
23/24: Top 6 finish and WIN the FA Cup, qualifying for the Europa League
24/25: 5th and WIN the Europa League in Bilbao with Emery and his mates
25/26 Top 4, FA Cup WIN and 1/4 finals of the Champions League
That will do for starters..
Where's your ambition man?
I'm trying to keep it real man!
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Isn't iit usually about now we find out there's a fair play award for a spot in the Europa, and England has the best disciplinary record in Europe this year?
So 8th place will get a European spot?
Or Something :)
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Doesn't it go to the best-behaved club? I've vague memories of lowly-placed clubs getting in that way.
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It stopped being a thing in 2016
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That explains the vagueness of the memories, then.
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Not going to around for either of the last two games. In Netherlands this week and then heading to California for next couple of weeks.
Feel strangely calm, and do think we will make it somehow. Even if we don’t the future has nether looked brighter.
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And if only VAR had done it’s job Arsenal game would have ended 2-2.
Would it?
[/quote]
Yes. Jorginho’s goal would have been disallowed.
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Totally agree. I don't care whether we play Oslo Boslo, Dynamo Crapo and Andulucian Averages - the 3rd competition is worth participation
Absolutely rob, in fact the more far flung and unheard of, the better. Would love an away trip to somewhere completely random in Estonia or similar.
Absoultely this, fucking Champions League is full of the same boring teams every year that we've seen a million times. I want to see us draw a team I've never heard of that were formed as a works team for the railways in some far flung ex-Soviet state.
I went to Prague for a week in 1995, and in some pubs the beer was 5p a pint. I lived like a king on about £20 for the week. Is there anywhere left still like that? If so, that's where I want to go.
When I went to Serbia around 2006, it was like a paradise for idiotic 20-somethings. Beautiful weather, beautiful people, beer was 60p a pint, fags 40p a pack, disco biscuits about a quid a pop ... great times.
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Feel strangely calm, and do think we will make it somehow. Even if we don’t the future has nether looked brighter.
That would be the trip to the coffee shop.
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Prague has definitely gone more expensive. I’d been early 00’s and it was cheap ( £1-£2 a pint) but when I last went 2010 ish in one bar in the main square it was £10 a pint.
Bratislava was cheap, but they hated English stag do’s with an absolute passion.
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In 2001 i paid 48p for 4 decent lagers in Prague.
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I'm heading to live in Albania for a bit in September. I'm led to believe that the cost of living is very favourable.
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And if only VAR had done it’s job Arsenal game would have ended 2-2.
Would it?
Yes. Jorginho’s goal would have been disallowed.
[/quote]
.If we're getting into it, Martinez cost us one on goal difference after going up for a corner selfishly. He disobeyed orders.
I suspect that his shenanigans are one of the reasons why I wouldn't be surprised if he moved due to underlying relationship issues with Emery.
There's been an over compensation on how much he wants to be here and that to anyone who knows is pure spin to keep his status at Villa.
If he goes off to Pochettino and Chelsea I don't think people be so fond of him will they.
And that is not impossible.
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How many points has he saved us though? These sort of obsessions of single moments/incidents in a season are utterly pointless. See the Sheffield Utd non-goal the season we stayed up.
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And if only VAR had done it’s job Arsenal game would have ended 2-2.
Would it?
Yes. Jorginho’s goal would have been disallowed.
.If we're getting into it, Martinez cost us one on goal difference after going up for a corner selfishly. He disobeyed orders.
I suspect that his shenanigans are one of the reasons why I wouldn't be surprised if he moved due to underlying relationship issues with Emery.
There's been an over compensation on how much he wants to be here and that to anyone who knows is pure spin to keep his status at Villa.
If he goes off to Pochettino and Chelsea I don't think people be so fond of him will they.
And that is not impossible.
[/quote]
What relationship problems with Emery are you talking about? You are guessing or making this shit up, it's so boring
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I'm heading to live in Albania for a bit in September. I'm led to believe that the cost of living is very favourable.
Slumming it? Not quite the Latin charm.
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I'm heading to live in Albania for a bit in September. I'm led to believe that the cost of living is very favourable.
Slumming it? Not quite the Latin charm.
Not at all. From everything I've seen it's a beautiful country. The south coast is 20 minutes from Corfu. I'm looking forward to it!
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Yes 20 mins by rocket powered jetski unless you swim like the Black Marlin😂
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I'm heading to live in Albania for a bit in September. I'm led to believe that the cost of living is very favourable.
Slumming it? Not quite the Latin charm.
Not at all. From everything I've seen it's a beautiful country. The south coast is 20 minutes from Corfu. I'm looking forward to it!
Gangsta paradise.
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I'm heading to live in Albania for a bit in September. I'm led to believe that the cost of living is very favourable.
Are you some distant Habsberg relative that they keep sending to random locations to claim the throne? I didn't particularly notice the jaw when we met.
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I'm heading to live in Albania for a bit in September. I'm led to believe that the cost of living is very favourable.
I am currently traveling through Albania and in Himare. It's pissing down. It's the second time I have toured this country and it's more expensive than 2 years ago but still cheap. The countryside is beautiful and people very friendly. I prefer it to Montenegro which is also out of the Shengen. Cheapest diesel so far is Croatia though at £1.07
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I'm heading to live in Albania for a bit in September. I'm led to believe that the cost of living is very favourable.
Are you some distant Habsberg relative that they keep sending to random locations to claim the throne? I didn't particularly notice the jaw when we met.
I reckon it's places with non-extradition treaties with the UK...next stop Northern Cyprus!
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I'm heading to live in Albania for a bit in September. I'm led to believe that the cost of living is very favourable.
Are you some distant Habsberg relative that they keep sending to random locations to claim the throne? I didn't particularly notice the jaw when we met.
I reckon it's places with non-extradition treaties with the UK...next stop Northern Cyprus!
My Dad was in the Signals and was posted to Cyprus in the 50’s.
He took some photos of an abandoned village in what became ‘no man’s land’. Clothes hung on the line, no time to get them, that sort of stuff.
About 60 years later he managed to get back to the same village. Still no man’s land, but the authorities allow people in now. He stood in the same spot and took some photos. Clothes still hung on the line, albeit now rags and all the other stuff unmoved between weeds. It really was surreal.
He said it sent a shiver down his spine
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https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/65443681
An article titled "Which Premier League teams can secure European football?", and we don't even get a mention, except to say we are 1 point behind Brighton, but no discussion of any kind.
Like MOTD, there does seem to be some kind of sub-conscious bias against giving Villa any credit for anything.
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Fucking hell. It's like they can't bring themselves to mention our name!
"What about the Europa Conference League? That place is almost certain to go to one of the teams already mentioned."
Where they didn't mention Brentford at all, but then go on to say how they've still got a 1% chance!
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It has never been any different.
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I couldn't care less if they mention us or not really. Let's just do what we need to do.
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https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/65443681
An article titled "Which Premier League teams can secure European football?", and we don't even get a mention, except to say we are 1 point behind Brighton, but no discussion of any kind.
Like MOTD, there does seem to be some kind of sub-conscious bias against giving Villa any credit for anything.
To be fair, they don't say a lot about any team, it's hardly in depth.
"Liverpool currently occupy fifth position - although their sights are higher now.
They are seven points clear of sixth-placed Brighton, who have two games in hand, with Tottenham and Aston Villa just one point behind Albion.
According to Nielsen's Gracenote, Brighton (81%) and Liverpool (55%) are most likely to take those two spots."
Can't really see much to object about there.
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We will become more relevant in the national consciousness the more games we win. And our profile due to Emery and the run we have been on is already much higher. But we’ve had moments in the past where it appears we were about to achieve something and then done nothing with it. We need to sustain this for years not months to change the narrative. That’s all on us.
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They have a good long chat about how manyoo won't be in the conference, as well as mentioning spurs' and brentford's chances!
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We've been irrelevant for the last 10 years. Going to take a bit of time (and continued consistency on the pitch) to be talked about regularly in these conversations. But who cares... we know we are on the right path!
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We will become more relevant in the national consciousness the more games we win. And our profile due to Emery and the run we have been on is already much higher. But we’ve had moments in the past where it appears we were about to achieve something and then done nothing with it. We need to sustain this for years not months to change the narrative. That’s all on us.
I mentioned at about midnight on the Other Games thread how I'd discovered a Top Six menu on Now sports. They seem confused over the meaning of the word "top".
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To be honest, the article doesn't really offend me. It's a bit of a nothing piece anyway, and there's not much different between the coverage of ourselves & Spurs except to say that Spurs probably have the easier run in of the two clubs (which is fair).
Just want us to deny Liverpool Champions League football this weekend (by beating them), then beat Brighton so that we've got some form of European football to look forward to next season. That'd be miraculous given where we were at the start of November.
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I think we're being paranoid ormondroyds
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I'm not offended but I find it a bit weird that they give the chance of Tottenham and Brentford getting the conference league place but don't give ours.
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I don't care. This is the first season we've been in any sort of contention for anything in a decade. If we carry on the momentum next season, then we'll be in the media for sure, because they will believe we're in the mix then.
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We didn’t get the recognition we deserved in 81 and 82 so we won’t get any now.
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Seems the authorities are trying to disrupt Toney and Brentford in time for the Spurs game. Nice of them to wait until after he scored against us.
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Seems the authorities are trying to disrupt Toney and Brentford in time for the Spurs game. Nice of them to wait until after he scored against us.
I'm not going to criticise you because you're giving information that may or may not be known.
In truth, I was unaware of this and am grateful to you. I'd like to assume that those who already knew would have no reservations about your post, so perhaps you could be more like that when I offer up information.
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For those who may not be aware I would like to inform of next year's final of Europa and European conference league.
Europa League Final 22nd May 2024 Ireland
Aviva Stadium in Dublin.
European Conference Final 29th May 2024 Greece
AEK Athens's stadium, the Agia Sophia Stadium.
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Seems the authorities are trying to disrupt Toney and Brentford in time for the Spurs game. Nice of them to wait until after he scored against us.
I'm not going to criticise you because you're giving information that may or may not be known.
In truth, I was unaware of this and am grateful to you. I'd like to assume that those who already knew would have no reservations about your post, so perhaps you could be more like that when I offer up information.
It’s breaking news that he has been appearing in front of a disciplinary panel today. If I post like I’m the font of all knowledge and that everybody reading is enlightened by my superior wisdom and insight, criticise away.
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I'm heading to live in Albania for a bit in September. I'm led to believe that the cost of living is very favourable.
Are you some distant Habsberg relative that they keep sending to random locations to claim the throne? I didn't particularly notice the jaw when we met.
I reckon it's places with non-extradition treaties with the UK...next stop Northern Cyprus!
Northern Cyprus is on the list, as are Turkey, Kosovo and Montenegro! Lee's closer, I don't intend to take up the throne anywhere, but I'm open to espionage.
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Toney banned for 8 months. Fat lot of good that does us for this season. Presumably with immediate effect so he misses the game at Spurs now.
Can we ask for his goal to be revoked at their place and a 0-1 win awarded to us? Fucking joke, just start it from the end of the season.
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Seems the authorities are trying to disrupt Toney and Brentford in time for the Spurs game. Nice of them to wait until after he scored against us.
Eight month ban with immediate effect. FA protecting the brand. Advantage Spurs.
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Seems the authorities are trying to disrupt Toney and Brentford in time for the Spurs game. Nice of them to wait until after he scored against us.
Eight month ban with immediate effect. FA protecting the brand. Advantage Spurs.
Absolute joke. Could have waited 10 days for this. He pleaded (pled ?) guilty months ago.
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If it’s immediate effect this will rightly cause a few teams to ask questions. 2 games left, surely it’s from the end of the season.
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With Brentford going to Man City last game, could you imagine the absolute shitstorm there would be right now, if Arsenal had not just already surrendered their chances of the league title?
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With Brentford going to Man City last game, could you imagine the absolute shitstorm there would be right now, if Arsenal had not just already surrendered their chances of the league title?
Arsenal’s capitulation is probably what they were waiting for. Fuck the Villa.
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You really couldn't make this up.
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Seems the authorities are trying to disrupt Toney and Brentford in time for the Spurs game. Nice of them to wait until after he scored against us.
Eight month ban with immediate effect. FA protecting the brand. Advantage Spurs.
Absolute joke. Could have waited 10 days for this. He pleaded (pled ?) guilty months ago.
Pled is for our lesser cousins in the US. And those who wear kilts.
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Seems the authorities are trying to disrupt Toney and Brentford in time for the Spurs game. Nice of them to wait until after he scored against us.
Eight month ban with immediate effect. FA protecting the brand. Advantage Spurs.
Absolute joke. Could have waited 10 days for this. He pleaded (pled ?) guilty months ago.
Pled is for our lesser cousins in the US. And those who wear kilts.
Thanks.
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We'll just have to go to Liverpool and win.
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We'll just have to go to Liverpool and win.
…where the cartel have got VAR and the ref working for them.
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The minute he was charged he should've been suspended. Every single game in which has been involved with since has no credibility. Fucking bollocks.
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The minute he was charged he should've been suspended. Every single game in which has been involved with since has no credibility. Fucking bollocks.
This. And then a hearing to determine mitigation / sentencing
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Add to that Kane’s obligatory penalty so don’t see any chance of Brentford getting out of this match.
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1981: Aston Villa seal their first league title for 71 years despite losing their final game of the season 2–0 to Arsenal as Ipswich Town lose 2–1 to Middlesbrough, their third League defeat in four matches.
That was destiny.
And so this season can be....
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I'm crossing my fingers that we can get European football this season I think we can.
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Just need Brighton to slip up at the weekend and lose to Man City and it is still all to play for. Even if they draw at the weekend and lose to Man City, then even if we lose on Saturday then we will only be two points behind them going into the last game.
I really hope it goes to the last day as the atmosphere at VP will be special.
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I really hope so but seems unlikely that Brighton won't beat the one of the worst premier legaue teams around for some time. Brighton getting to 61 points, with their goal difference would probably be too much to overcome imo
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I really hope so but seems unlikely that Brighton won't beat the one of the worst premier legaue teams around for some time. Brighton getting to 61 points, with their goal difference would probably be too much to overcome imo
Yeah, this was always the problem. Them having Southampton left meant I didn't have much hope on that front, I think they'll flatten them. Although that can all change if we beat Liverpool (and the officials).
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All hinges on Man City turning up against them, and us claiming 6 pts from our 2 remaining games. Do that, we have Europa, as Spurs will lose to Brentford and draw with Leeds.
UTV
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My boss is a West Ham fan and he is cock-a-hoop this morning, and he said all their fans are, that they have made the conference final. I think it would still be a brilliant springboard for us to re-enter European competition, so I'm all for it if that's where we end up.
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My boss is a West Ham fan and he is cock-a-hoop this morning, and he said all their fans are, that they have made the conference final. I think it would still be a brilliant springboard for us to re-enter European competition, so I'm all for it if that's where we end up.
I still find it hard to reconcile some Villa fans not wanting what West Ham have had the last 3 years in terms of Europe.
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My boss is a West Ham fan and he is cock-a-hoop this morning, and he said all their fans are, that they have made the conference final. I think it would still be a brilliant springboard for us to re-enter European competition, so I'm all for it if that's where we end up.
As a Belgian mate of mine told me once ... you don't remember getting a draw in a difficult 3rd round tie - lifting the trophy is the bit you remember. It doesn't matter if the team you play in the final was shit.
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I hope they win it. They've respected the competition all the way through despite their league position. I'll expect us to do the same.
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I hope they win it. They've respected the competition all the way through despite their league position. I'll expect us to do the same.
That's a fair shout. I don't like West Ham but they are a proper club and it will mean a lot to them, which is how it should be.
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My boss is a West Ham fan and he is cock-a-hoop this morning, and he said all their fans are, that they have made the conference final. I think it would still be a brilliant springboard for us to re-enter European competition, so I'm all for it if that's where we end up.
I still find it hard to reconcile some Villa fans not wanting what West Ham have had the last 3 years in terms of Europe.
Absolutely. Two great runs they've had.
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My (Spurs) brother in law reckons that if City or Spam win their finals it creates extra places for English teams next year.
He's talking shite, right?
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My (Spurs) brother in law reckons that if City or Spam win their finals it creates extra places for English teams next year.
He's talking shite, right?
Yes.
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My (Spurs) brother in law reckons that if City or Spam win their finals it creates extra places for English teams next year.
He's talking shite, right?
Right.
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My boss is a West Ham fan and he is cock-a-hoop this morning, and he said all their fans are, that they have made the conference final. I think it would still be a brilliant springboard for us to re-enter European competition, so I'm all for it if that's where we end up.
I still find it hard to reconcile some Villa fans not wanting what West Ham have had the last 3 years in terms of Europe.
Absolutely. Two great runs they've had.
Agreed. Would love any form of European football.
Something different than playing the same old twats week in week out in the Premier League
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My boss is a West Ham fan and he is cock-a-hoop this morning, and he said all their fans are, that they have made the conference final. I think it would still be a brilliant springboard for us to re-enter European competition, so I'm all for it if that's where we end up.
Interesting debate on the radio last night asking who would have had the better season if West Ham win the Conference League and Brighton (didn't mention us) finish 6th. It was split really, as both would have qualified for the Europa League, but West Ham would have won a trophy (albeit a less prestigious one) whereas Brighton would have qualified through having a far better league season.
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I hope they win it. They've respected the competition all the way through despite their league position. I'll expect us to do the same.
That's a fair shout. I don't like West Ham but they are a proper club and it will mean a lot to them, which is how it should be.
That's all very fair, and reasonable - unless they lose to Leeds at the weekend, of course.
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My (Spurs) brother in law reckons that if City or Spam win their finals it creates extra places for English teams next year.
He's talking shite, right?
Yes.
As far as West Ham are concerned, it is sort of right, as it will mean we will have 8 teams in Europe rather than 7, but it only benefits West Ham. And given he is a Spurs fan, then yes, he must be talking shite!
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My boss is a West Ham fan and he is cock-a-hoop this morning, and he said all their fans are, that they have made the conference final. I think it would still be a brilliant springboard for us to re-enter European competition, so I'm all for it if that's where we end up.
Interesting debate on the radio last night asking who would have had the better season if West Ham win the Conference League and Brighton (didn't mention us) finish 6th. It was split really, as both would have qualified for the Europa League, but West Ham would have won a trophy (albeit a less prestigious one) whereas Brighton would have qualified through having a far better league season.
West Ham.
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A season in which you win a trophy is always going to be more memorable.
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I much prefer 94 and 96 over 93. There's a silver reason for it. If they win it, I'd take West Ham's season over Arsenal's and Newcastle's, let alone Brighton's.
When we think about 82, we're not getting depressed about finishing 11th.
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I was ambivalent about making it into this European tournament but then I remember winning the Inter-Toto cup against Basel 5-2 at Villa Park in 2001. Actually, that's not strictly true. I remember winning it at Villa Park but forgot the score, scorers (I know Hadji got one or two) and I'd forgotten the opposition. Even so, this Europa cup lite tournament is a recognized tournament and if we are to be in it, let's give it a go.
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I do think much of the snobbishness around the Conference League is the fact that we've had "the Conference" here in England for many years, and for many football fans it's a word associated with lower-level, non-league football.
The old third European competition (the Cup Winner's Cup) was always worth winning in my eyes, and I feel the same about the Conference League.
If it wasn't called 'conference' I imagine more English fans would feel positive about it.
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I do think much of the snobbishness around the Conference League is the fact that we've had "the Conference" here in England for many years, and for many football fans it's a word associated with lower-level, non-league football.
The old third European competition (the Cup Winner's Cup) was always worth winning in my eyes, and I feel the same about the Conference League.
If it wasn't called 'conference' I imagine more English fans would feel positive about it.
I agree - its like calling in "The minnows" - it needs a better name
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I do think much of the snobbishness around the Conference League is the fact that we've had "the Conference" here in England for many years, and for many football fans it's a word associated with lower-level, non-league football.
The old third European competition (the Cup Winner's Cup) was always worth winning in my eyes, and I feel the same about the Conference League.
If it wasn't called 'conference' I imagine more English fans would feel positive about it.
I think you're on to something here. When we get in it I'm hoping it will be changed to the 'European Absolute Legends League'.
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I do think much of the snobbishness around the Conference League is the fact that we've had "the Conference" here in England for many years, and for many football fans it's a word associated with lower-level, non-league football.
The old third European competition (the Cup Winner's Cup) was always worth winning in my eyes, and I feel the same about the Conference League.
If it wasn't called 'conference' I imagine more English fans would feel positive about it.
I think you're on to something here. When we get in it I'm hoping it will be changed to the 'European Absolute Legends League'.
That sounds a bit pedestrian from here. How about the 'Confederacy of Cool Mad European Disco Dream Lads'?
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I do think much of the snobbishness around the Conference League is the fact that we've had "the Conference" here in England for many years, and for many football fans it's a word associated with lower-level, non-league football.
The old third European competition (the Cup Winner's Cup) was always worth winning in my eyes, and I feel the same about the Conference League.
If it wasn't called 'conference' I imagine more English fans would feel positive about it.
This is exactly what is it.
Champions League
UEFA Cup
Continental Cup
Something like that. The rebrand of the UEFA Cup was a shit idea as well.
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I do think much of the snobbishness around the Conference League is the fact that we've had "the Conference" here in England for many years, and for many football fans it's a word associated with lower-level, non-league football.
The old third European competition (the Cup Winner's Cup) was always worth winning in my eyes, and I feel the same about the Conference League.
If it wasn't called 'conference' I imagine more English fans would feel positive about it.
I think you're on to something here. When we get in it I'm hoping it will be changed to the 'European Absolute Legends League'.
That sounds a bit pedestrian from here. How about the 'Confederacy of Cool Mad European Disco Dream Lads'?
Yeah... that's definitely better. Very 'Bob Mortimer'.
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I was ambivalent about making it into this European tournament but then I remember winning the Inter-Toto cup against Basel 5-2 at Villa Park in 2001. Actually, that's not strictly true. I remember winning it at Villa Park but forgot the score, scorers (I know Hadji got one or two) and I'd forgotten the opposition. Even so, this Europa cup lite tournament is a recognized tournament and if we are to be in it, let's give it a go.
Vassell, Angel (2), Ginola were our scorers. It was a good night, big crowd and comfortable win against a club who were CL regulars not long afterwards. The subsequent first round exit to Varteks is on a par with Helsingborg for our worst European result.
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The Conference League is the third tier European competition by design. I don't think its name makes any difference to how it is perceived. Understandably teams who have recently been in the Champions' League won't see qualifying for it as an achievement. Unlike us, who haven't had a sniff of Europe in 13 years. Hopefully it will be the first step on a journey of regular European competition over the coming years. I'm not massively confident we'll get 7th right now but I would be delighted if we did.
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I do think much of the snobbishness around the Conference League is the fact that we've had "the Conference" here in England for many years, and for many football fans it's a word associated with lower-level, non-league football.
The old third European competition (the Cup Winner's Cup) was always worth winning in my eyes, and I feel the same about the Conference League.
If it wasn't called 'conference' I imagine more English fans would feel positive about it.
I think you're on to something here. When we get in it I'm hoping it will be changed to the 'European Absolute Legends League'.
That sounds a bit pedestrian from here. How about the 'Confederacy of Cool Mad European Disco Dream Lads'?
I've already trademarked that for my stripper group
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Having read this thread, I've changed my mind. Initially thought Conference Cup was more of an obstacle than useful.
Weighing up the pros and cons on here, feck it, let's go full blast for qualification.
It's a bridge we need to cross sooner or later.
Sooner the better.
Come on the lads.
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A season in which you win a trophy is always going to be more memorable.
I got round to thinking that as well. If we do make it into one of the European tournaments next season, I would be fine with finishing lower in the league (maybe not as low as West Ham have) if it meant we had a proper tilt at winning it.
I agree about the above comments that the branding of ithe Conference League doesn't help it. It was saying on the radio last night that the capacity of the ground where the final is going to be played is only 19,000 and West Ham are only getting an allocation of 5,000, which again doesn't exactly reflect well.
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A season in which you win a trophy is always going to be more memorable.
Who will ever forget 2009? :)
You're right though, I'd be all for giving the ECL our best shot.
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I'm still quietly seething about Kanes cheating for their pen. That goal I the only reason they currently sit above us in the league. To paraphrase Keegan "I'd love it, love it if we finish above them"
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A season in which you win a trophy is always going to be more memorable.
I got round to thinking that as well. If we do make it into one of the European tournaments next season, I would be fine with finishing lower in the league (maybe not as low as West Ham have) if it meant we had a proper tilt at winning it.
I agree about the above comments that the branding of ithe Conference League doesn't help it. It was saying on the radio last night that the capacity of the ground where the final is going to be played is only 19,000 and West Ham are only getting an allocation of 5,000, which again doesn't exactly reflect well.
My WHam colleague says the competition was designed for baby teams, not PL behemoths with ten times the budget (ie West Ham and Alkmaar).
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I'm still quietly seething about Kanes cheating for their pen. That goal I the only reason they currently sit above us in the league. To paraphrase Keegan "I'd love it, love it if we finish above them"
They'd still be above us on goals scored.
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Here's a list (https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaconferenceleague/clubs/) of all the teams involved in this season's Conference competition, and the stage at when they went out. There's some decent-sized clubs in there.
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I'm still quietly seething about Kanes cheating for their pen. That goal I the only reason they currently sit above us in the league. To paraphrase Keegan "I'd love it, love it if we finish above them"
They'd still be above us on goals scored.
I heard someone on the radio say that without that penalty we would be level on points and level on goal difference so it would come down to a head to head of our games this season which we've won both. But I think you're right it would go to goals scored first.
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If we're in it then we're 2 cup runs away from the CL, with a manager that has a track record of those cup runs and we would have ended a near 30 year wait for trophies. I want us in it.
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I'd love to be in it too. Looking at that list the further down you go there are some proper random PES style teams. FC Magpies 😂
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I think that's our European dream all but over I'm afraid. Spurs have Brentford and Leeds with a slightly better GD. We have Liverpool away and Brighton at home.
Annoyingly I think we will miss out. It must have been some time since spurs didn't qualify for European Football
Brentford could easily beat them. So could Leeds actually. It's Spurs.
8) 8) 8) 8) 8) 8) 8) 8) 8) 8)
VOTE SMIRKER!!!
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It's on like Donkey Kong. Brentford have helped dent Spurs goal difference roo. But the Bees are on our tail now too!
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Imagine saying after Fulham away that 4 points from our last 2 games will see us qualify for Europe.
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It's on like Donkey Kong. Brentford have helped dent Spurs goal difference roo. But the Bees are on our tail now too!
Brentford could beat a mix and match Man. City 40-0 next weekend and it dosen't matter if we beat Brighton so that's a pretty simple formula regardless of what we do today.
More complicated with Spurs but way they reacted as soon as they went 1-2 down I can't see them doing much at fired up Leeds if they go behind.
Brighton also secure 6th now if we lose and they beat Southampton so given their endless fixtures over last month they won't be going full pelt v us.
All in all the prospects look very good for us now compared to two hours back so that's a little reward for all the hard work we've put in last three months.
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For the sake of simplicity, I would like all the teams currently occupying 16th to 19th places to have matching results this weekend. We need leeds to believe they still have a chance.
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Whatever happens now we are still in with a chance on the last game of the season. If you had said that to me at the point of Gerrard leaving I would have thought you were raving bonkers!
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We only need a point against Brighton to have European football providing we win this now v Liverpool.
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We only need a point against Brighton to have European football providing we win this now v Liverpool.
You may have hexxed it. You win fuck all at half time.
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Not really, I predicted a win in the pre-match thread and stood by it when I saw the line-up in the match thread before kick-off today, knowing Emery's plans and tactics and hoping the players would follow instructions. Of course, just because I thought Villa would win doesn't mean anything. I can't be responsible and given any credit nor receive criticism.
I can keep my faith in my convictions.
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Not really, I predicted a win in the pre-match thread and stood by it when I saw the line-up in the match thread before kick-off today, knowing Emery's plans and tactics and hoping the players would follow instructions. Of course, just because I thought Villa would win doesn't mean anything. I can't be responsible and given any credit nor receive criticism.
I can keep my faith in my convictions.
:D
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8)
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I haven't taken my passport back out of the drawer but I have ordered an Atlas of Europe on Amazon. 8)
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We might well have to win next week, who knows, but it’s in our hands.
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win and we are guaranteed europe of some kind. up to Brighton now to gt their Europa League place before they play us. watch out for brentford. but win and european football guaranteed,
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So, presuming Brighton win against Southampton, we need a win to be sure of conference and the Europa is gone.
Shame we couldn't hang on for the win.
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Win next week and yes Villa will be in Europe next season
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We just need to equal whatever Tottenham do. Leeds away won't be easy in their predicament.
Brighton may have already secured Europe before we play them and not be up for it as much as we will.
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I'm not discounting Southampton winning 15-0 tomorrow to move us up to 6th.
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We just need to equal whatever Tottenham do. Leeds away won't be easy in their predicament.
I thought that, but then realised that Brentford can overtake us if we don't win.
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We just need to equal whatever Tottenham do. Leeds away won't be easy in their predicament.
I thought that, but then realised that Brentford can overtake us if we don't win.
They would have to beat Man City.
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League champions and double cup finalists Man City. They may have other priorities, and Brentford at home isn't easy for anyone.
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Beat Brighton and cut out complications. Think Brighton will be done by then in terms of qualification.
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Brighton are going to be bloody knackered by the time we play them. They've been playing twice a week for a while now, and Abu Dhabi will make them run miles.
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League champions and double cup finalists Man City. They may have other priorities, and Brentford at home isn't easy for anyone.
Man City are a machine though with Robots for players.
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Brighton are going to be bloody knackered by the time we play them. They've been playing twice a week for a while now, and Abu Dhabi will make them run miles.
Hopefully its a nice hot, sunny day next Sunday and they tire even faster.
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Home form has been excellent so we should be confident in continuing the run we're on.
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It’s on! One more massive game left, what an incredible season. Best we’ve had for a very long time, I’m sure I was young, slim and had hair the last time we was this good.
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The fact we've got a Europe thread that is now nigh 100 pages is a near miracle. Imagine telling us that at the end of cabbage heads reign.
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I predicted over 60 points would get us Europe. The statsdint lie.
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If it's up for grabs for all 3 sides come the final day then i'm quietly confident of one thing. Brighton will be a lot more worried about playing us than we'll be about playing them.
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A season in which you win a trophy is always going to be more memorable.
Who will ever forget 2009? :)
"No goal for you!"
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Three points would have brought Europa seriously into the conversation but never mind, win and we're in Europe. That's incredible given where we were a third into the season. Favourite chant today, if it wasn't for Gerrard we'd be top.
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If it's up for grabs for all 3 sides come the final day then i'm quietly confident of one thing. Brighton will be a lot more worried about playing us than we'll be about playing them.
As a couple of guys have posted we can’t rule out Brentford, they’ve suddenly crept up.
So it’s up from grabs for 4
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Citeh will be rotating against Brighton and Brentford.
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Citeh will be rotating against Brighton and Brentford.
Bringing in players that would stroll into either opposition starting 11 and will also be fighting FA Cup & CL final squad places.
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Citeh will be rotating against Brighton and Brentford.
maybe a little but the one thing I really like about Guardiola is that he doesn't let them get lazy in dead games. I think they win both of those games, even if he lets them ease off a little.
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Citeh will be rotating against Brighton and Brentford.
maybe a little but the one thing I really like about Guardiola is that he doesn't let them get lazy in dead games. I think they win both of those games, even if he lets them ease off a little.
Didn't they lose a game a few seasons back with Scott Carson in goal?
That's the sort of rotation we don't want!
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Didn't they lose a game a few seasons back with Scott Carson in goal?
Nope.
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Just hope that PG frames Man C's last two games in terms of a fight for places in the CL final.
If Brighton take care of Soton tomorrow then that bar massive goal swings wraps up 6th and it just becomes a matter of us doing at least as well as both Brentford and Spurs next Sun...
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We win, we're in! Simples.
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Bring back the European Cup, Cup winners & UEFA. Fuck this nonsense.
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Division 1, 2, 3 and 4. Bollocks to the Premier and Championship crap as well
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I'm still quietly seething about Kanes cheating for their pen. That goal I the only reason they currently sit above us in the league. To paraphrase Keegan "I'd love it, love it if we finish above them"
They'd still be above us on goals scored.
I heard someone on the radio say that without that penalty we would be level on points and level on goal difference so it would come down to a head to head of our games this season which we've won both. But I think you're right it would go to goals scored first.
Edit: Ignore. Need better reading comprehension.
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26th Feb, Spurs beat Chelsea 2-0. Our respective records after that
PL25 GD+11 Pts 45 Pos 4th
PL24 GD-8 Pts 31 Pos 11th
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Citeh will be rotating against Brighton and Brentford.
Bringing in players that would stroll into either opposition starting 11 and will also be fighting FA Cup & CL final squad places.
That's the the crucial point of the matter.
Every time we have played them in recent years I have thought: Bloody hell, look at their bench.
They've been resting Joe when he is in top form. Which other team in the league would do that?
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We only need a point against Brighton to have European football providing we win this now v Liverpool.
Knobhead
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We only need a point against Brighton to have European football providing we win this now v Liverpool.
Knobhead
:D
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Bring back the European Cup, Cup winners & UEFA. Fuck this nonsense.
Yes, and whilst we are at it I would like the Birch twig and rule of thumb restored.
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We only need a point against Brighton to have European football providing we win this now v Liverpool.
Knobhead
Bit harsh there mate.
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If it's up for grabs for all 3 sides come the final day then i'm quietly confident of one thing. Brighton will be a lot more worried about playing us than we'll be about playing them.
As a couple of guys have posted we can’t rule out Brentford, they’ve suddenly crept up.
So it’s up from grabs for 4
Key thing for us though is it’s in our hands now and we aren’t relying on other results. A win and we will be playing European football next season.
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We only need a point against Brighton to have European football providing we win this now v Liverpool.
Knobhead
Bit harsh there mate.
Slight tongue in cheek but it does annoy me that people post during matches assuming we will win. Especially when we are away at Anfield. It was such an asinine point too.
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We only need a point against Brighton to have European football providing we win this now v Liverpool.
Knobhead
Bit harsh there mate.
It was such an asinine point too.
Aren’t they all?
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We only need a point against Brighton to have European football providing we win this now v Liverpool.
Knobhead
Bit harsh there mate.
Slight tongue in cheek but it does annoy me that people post during matches assuming we will win. Especially when we are away at Anfield. It was such an asinine point too.
Fair dos. Will be nice next year when we all assume we will win though!
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Fucking Leeds, they're all but gone so can't see them rousing themselves for Spurs.
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Fucking Leeds, they're all but gone so can't see them rousing themselves for Spurs.
I dunno it’s must win to stand any chance.
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Lads, it's Spurs.
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Well Brighton have guaranteed Europa League now, so hopefully they’ll be knackered and unmotivated against us.
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Where is the Conference final year?
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Where is the Conference final year?
This year it’s in Prague in a woefully under capacity stadium for a European final. Next year it’s at the Aviva in Dublin.
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Where is the Conference final year?
Athens
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Well Brighton have guaranteed Europa League now, so hopefully they’ll be knackered and unmotivated against us.
They've got a few first teamers who are expected to be moving on for big money. Will they want to risk their fitness (and the money) against us?
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Villa Park will be rocking next week. I'm really excited at the prospect of being in this competition, so let's hope the boys get the job done.
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Noticed Vitoria Guimaraes are in a Conference League placing also, wasn't there a rule saying two clubs with the same owner can't enter the same European competition or did I imagine that?
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Villa Park will be rocking next week. I'm really excited at the prospect of being in this competition, so let's hope the boys get the job done.
I want it to be Sheff United type of atmosphere and result. That was a fun day
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Just thinking if you’d told me we would be finishing 15 points ahead of Chelsea this season……
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Where is the Conference final year?
This year it’s in Prague in a woefully under capacity stadium for a European final. Next year it’s at the Aviva in Dublin.
No, the Europa League final is in Dublin this year and, as Lee points out, the Europa Conference League final is in Athens next year. Looks a nice, modern stadium but its capacity is only 32,500.
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Just thinking if you’d told me we would be finishing 15 points ahead of Chelsea this season……
OK, here goes.
We will finish at least 15 points ahead of Chelsea.
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Where is the Conference final year?
This year it’s in Prague in a woefully under capacity stadium for a European final. Next year it’s at the Aviva in Dublin.
No, the Europa League final is in Dublin this year and, as Lee points out, the Europa Conference League final is in Athens next year. Looks a nice, modern stadium but its capacity is only 32,500.
32k. What tuckin moron thinks that will be enough! Where are the other 80k Villa going to sit?
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Where is the Conference final year?
This year it’s in Prague in a woefully under capacity stadium for a European final. Next year it’s at the Aviva in Dublin.
No, the Europa League final is in Dublin this year and, as Lee points out, the Europa Conference League final is in Athens next year. Looks a nice, modern stadium but its capacity is only 32,500.
32k. What tuckin moron thinks that will be enough! Where are the other 80k Villa going to sit?
Get some cans in and sit up on the Acropolis
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Bloke behind me today reckons it's in Glasgow.
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If we draw Brentford could spoil the party.
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Where is the Conference final year?
This year it’s in Prague in a woefully under capacity stadium for a European final. Next year it’s at the Aviva in Dublin.
No, the Europa League final is in Dublin this year and, as Lee points out, the Europa Conference League final is in Athens next year. Looks a nice, modern stadium but its capacity is only 32,500.
32k. What tuckin moron thinks that will be enough! Where are the other 80k Villa going to sit?
And it’s lucky for Athens it’s not Leeds as another million will turn up for the final.
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Where is the Conference final year?
This year it’s in Prague in a woefully under capacity stadium for a European final. Next year it’s at the Aviva in Dublin.
No, the Europa League final is in Dublin this year and, as Lee points out, the Europa Conference League final is in Athens next year. Looks a nice, modern stadium but its capacity is only 32,500.
32k. What tuckin moron thinks that will be enough! Where are the other 80k Villa going to sit?
And it’s lucky for Athens it’s not Leeds as another million will turn up for the final.
Or Blues after the number they took over to Bruges that once. Not sure Birmingham airport would be able to cope with those kind of numbers.
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Athens eh? I'm 53 and I've never flown, although I've been to 7 European countries. Guess I'll have to get a 'chute, as I'm not driving there....
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If we draw Brentford could spoil the party.
We will have spoiled the party.
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Not sure if it’s been mentioned but it’s looking like there will be 5 English teams playing in the Champions League from 2024/25 onwards.
I’ve seen a few people mention us trying to crack the top 4 next season but in reality top 5 should be enough, and obviously feels more achievable.
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Not sure if it’s been mentioned but it’s looking like there will be 5 English teams playing in the Champions League from 2024/25 onwards.
I’ve seen a few people mention us trying to crack the top 4 next season but in reality top 5 should be enough, and obviously feels more achievable.
Right now I wouldn’t rule out top 1
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If we draw Brentford could spoil the party.
Mate at best, at their very best they will draw against Oilacity.
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Not sure if it’s been mentioned but it’s looking like there will be 5 English teams playing in the Champions League from 2024/25 onwards.
I’ve seen a few people mention us trying to crack the top 4 next season but in reality top 5 should be enough, and obviously feels more achievable.
Right now I wouldn’t rule out top 1
This is where I am too.
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Just win the FA Cup already. Please.
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We’re winning a trophy within the next 2-3 years, I’m absolutely convinced of it.
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2//3 years? How about 2/3 months??
Oh ok…where’s my coat, time for bus home😳
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FIFA 23 has spoken - Aston Villa 4 (Buendia 2, Young, Ramsey) Brighton 2 (Wellbeck, Undav.) We’re going to do it! Yay!!
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Didn't know they had FIFA 23 in Tipton.(Runs for exit)
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I'm probably tempting fate I know.
The Europa Conference League 23/24 kicks off on 13th July with the first qualifying round. We would not be starting until the play off round for the group stage on 7th August.
If we want a local derby, then cheer on Connahs Quay Nomads, Penybont, and Haverfordwest County to perform heroics to reach our stage.
Notable teams already qualified include Club Brugge, Gent, Hadjuk Split, Legia Warsaw, and Dinamo Minsk.
Others will follow as domestic leagues conclude and there will also be teams who haven't quite done enough dropping down from the Champions League and Europa League.
Quite a few teams from Ireland including St Patricks Athletic. If we cross paths with them, I expect God to be guest of honour at both legs and if I had my way he would take the kick off too !
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023%E2%80%9324_UEFA_Europa_Conference_League
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Didn't know they had FIFA 23 in Tipton.(Runs for exit)
It’s on gas powered wax cylinder
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Not sure if it’s been mentioned but it’s looking like there will be 5 English teams playing in the Champions League from 2024/25 onwards.
I’ve seen a few people mention us trying to crack the top 4 next season but in reality top 5 should be enough, and obviously feels more achievable.
Ridiculous. The name of the competition changed to Champions League when it pretty much ceased to be a league for champions. So stupid.
Anyway it's about time we were one of the clubs to take advantage of UEFA handing extra places out for this stupid competition.
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2//3 years? How about 2/3 months??
Oh ok…where’s my coat, time for bus home😳
Peace Cup maybe?
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I'm probably tempting fate I know.
The Europa Conference League 23/24 kicks off on 13th July with the first qualifying round. We would not be starting until the play off round for the group stage on 7th August.
If we want a local derby, then cheer on Connahs Quay Nomads, Penybont, and Haverfordwest County to perform heroics to reach our stage.
Notable teams already qualified include Club Brugge, Gent, Hadjuk Split, Legia Warsaw, and Dinamo Minsk.
Others will follow as domestic leagues conclude and there will also be teams who haven't quite done enough dropping down from the Champions League and Europa League.
Quite a few teams from Ireland including St Patricks Athletic. If we cross paths with them, I expect God to be guest of honour at both legs and if I had my way he would take the kick off too !
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023%E2%80%9324_UEFA_Europa_Conference_League
I'm assuming this is why we haven't announced a pre-season friendly for w/e of 5 August.
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Dinamo Minsk?
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Dinamo Minsk?
Interesting away leg.
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Dinamo Minsk?
Interesting away leg.
Good luck with Visas for that one.
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Dinamo Minsk?
Interesting away leg.
Good luck with Visas for that one.
Take 2,000, of whom 750 come back.
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I'm probably tempting fate I know.
The Europa Conference League 23/24 kicks off on 13th July with the first qualifying round. We would not be starting until the play off round for the group stage on 7th August.
If we want a local derby, then cheer on Connahs Quay Nomads, Penybont, and Haverfordwest County to perform heroics to reach our stage.
Notable teams already qualified include Club Brugge, Gent, Hadjuk Split, Legia Warsaw, and Dinamo Minsk.
Others will follow as domestic leagues conclude and there will also be teams who haven't quite done enough dropping down from the Champions League and Europa League.
Quite a few teams from Ireland including St Patricks Athletic. If we cross paths with them, I expect God to be guest of honour at both legs and if I had my way he would take the kick off too !
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023%E2%80%9324_UEFA_Europa_Conference_League
I'm assuming this is why we haven't announced a pre-season friendly for w/e of 5 August.
I do find that IF we will enter it will be 24th Aug first leg and 31th Aug second leg - the draw for this play off will be 7th Aug (Wiki). Shouldnt speculate like this of course.
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Not sure if it’s been mentioned but it’s looking like there will be 5 English teams playing in the Champions League from 2024/25 onwards.
I’ve seen a few people mention us trying to crack the top 4 next season but in reality top 5 should be enough, and obviously feels more achievable.
It's not going to work like that, it's the beginning of the implementation of a closed shop. The competition is expanding by 4 teams.
The extra four teams are going to be made up of a club that finishes third in UEFA's fifth-highest league, a smaller domestic champion, and two teams with the highest club coefficients. At present, this would be another team from England and Spain.
Here's the current list
https://www.uefa.com/nationalassociations/uefarankings/club/%23/yr/2023#/yr/2023
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I'm probably tempting fate I know.
The Europa Conference League 23/24 kicks off on 13th July with the first qualifying round. We would not be starting until the play off round for the group stage on 7th August.
If we want a local derby, then cheer on Connahs Quay Nomads, Penybont, and Haverfordwest County to perform heroics to reach our stage.
Notable teams already qualified include Club Brugge, Gent, Hadjuk Split, Legia Warsaw, and Dinamo Minsk.
Others will follow as domestic leagues conclude and there will also be teams who haven't quite done enough dropping down from the Champions League and Europa League.
Quite a few teams from Ireland including St Patricks Athletic. If we cross paths with them, I expect God to be guest of honour at both legs and if I had my way he would take the kick off too !
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023%E2%80%9324_UEFA_Europa_Conference_League
I'm assuming this is why we haven't announced a pre-season friendly for w/e of 5 August.
I do find that IF we will enter it will be 24th Aug first leg and 31th Aug second leg - the draw for this play off will be 7th Aug (Wiki). Shouldnt speculate like this of course.
Thanks. 31/08 is the wife's birthday so sure she'd be up for spending a few days taking in Eston Villa or some such other. Although agree about getting ahead of ourselves
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Not sure if it’s been mentioned but it’s looking like there will be 5 English teams playing in the Champions League from 2024/25 onwards.
I’ve seen a few people mention us trying to crack the top 4 next season but in reality top 5 should be enough, and obviously feels more achievable.
It's not going to work like that, it's the beginning of the implementation of a closed shop. The competition is expanding by 4 teams.
The extra four teams are going to be made up of a club that finishes third in UEFA's fifth-highest league, a smaller domestic champion, and two teams with the highest club coefficients. At present, this would be another team from England and Spain.
Here's the current list
https://www.uefa.com/nationalassociations/uefarankings/club/%23/yr/2023#/yr/2023
So Chelsea would have got CL this season under those rules. Fucking joke.
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Brighton winning today has made it very clear what we now have to do. A win next Sunday and we're in European football again next season. The atmosphere is going to be crackling at Villa Park and I just hope we have one more Newcastle / Spurs at home level of performance left in the tank. Think it could just be one game too far for Brighton and an early goal could see us run out comfortable winners.
Obviously want to see us in the highest level of competition possible, but I think the Conference League could be an ideal reintroduction into European competition for us. It's a tournament we should have a decent chance of progressing into the latter stages of and winning it earns a place in the next level of competition standard wise.
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We can't now realistically finish higher than 7th - there would have to be a 16 goal swing in the two games, and I think they'll actually get a result against City's B team, so I'm all for beating them and embracing the conference!
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Going in to the last day of the season with a realistic shot at European football next season is more than most of us would've hoped for at the start of the season, let alone at the start of November. Hopefully we'll grab the opportunity with both hands.
Think having European football in any form will help both expand the quality of players on offer, and the number of them we can give a decent number games to. It's not the be all and end all, but it'll make the next step up a hell of a lot easier.
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No matter what happens this coming week, I am so proud of the way the team have embraced Emery and fought like Lions even when it is not going their way. If we get the 7th spot great, if not I will still end the season with a smile on my face and hunger for 2023/2024 when we go again.
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It’s good Brighton qualified already and have an extra match to fit in.
I think we’ll go down to 10 men but win with a dinked penalty.
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Some Small Heathens are obsessed and terrified as to whether we will qualify . They have a Villa thread on there under the cleverly disguised title of Brighton in Europe.
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We will beat Brighton on Sunday. We’ll need to as Leeds will get beat but I’m confident that this team has the confidence and a manager in charge to get the job done.
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Some Small Heathens are obsessed and terrified as to whether we will qualify . They have a Villa thread on there under the cleverly disguised title of Brighton in Europe.
I love how they do that now, like the 'other games' thread that mysteriously appears if we've gone behind in a game.
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Some Small Heathens are obsessed and terrified as to whether we will qualify . They have a Villa thread on there under the cleverly disguised title of Brighton in Europe.
They’ve always been obsessed. I’ve got one at work who could name our squad, tell me about any injuries we’ve got and what we’ll need player wise if we qualify. I’m sure they’ll be showing our game on Sunday on a giant screen in Small Heath. They’ll get a better turnout than the few hundred that turn up to watch them from the 2 stands that are open on a match day.
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In our history, a 7th place finish has tended to herald quite a good season the following year: 1979-80, 91-92 and 97-98.
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Hopefully but 97-98 was actually a better season than the one that followed in my view. More wins, UEFA Cup qualification and more points I think. We may have finished a place higher but w actually did better in that 7th placed season.
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Some Small Heathens are obsessed and terrified as to whether we will qualify . They have a Villa thread on there under the cleverly disguised title of Brighton in Europe.
They’ve always been obsessed. I’ve got one at work who could name our squad, tell me about any injuries we’ve got and what we’ll need player wise if we qualify. I’m sure they’ll be showing our game on Sunday on a giant screen in Small Heath. They’ll get a better turnout than the few hundred that turn up to watch them from the 2 stands that are open on a match day.
What I've always said want to win a Villa quiz, pull together a Bluenose team
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Some Small Heathens are obsessed and terrified as to whether we will qualify . They have a Villa thread on there under the cleverly disguised title of Brighton in Europe.
They’ve always been obsessed. I’ve got one at work who could name our squad, tell me about any injuries we’ve got and what we’ll need player wise if we qualify. I’m sure they’ll be showing our game on Sunday on a giant screen in Small Heath. They’ll get a better turnout than the few hundred that turn up to watch them from the 2 stands that are open on a match day.
What I've always said want to win a Villa quiz, pull together a Bluenose team
It sounds odd but that’s 100% true.
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It’s good Brighton qualified already and have an extra match to fit in.
I think we’ll go down to 10 men but win with a dinked penalty.
I'd rather bring Dwight out of retirement to have a go than let Ollie take it.
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It’s good Brighton qualified already and have an extra match to fit in.
I think we’ll go down to 10 men but win with a dinked penalty.
I'd rather bring Dwight out of retirement to have a go than let Ollie take it.
I always thought penalties should be treated like other dead ball situations, so why the striker rather than (say) Doug or McGinn should take it was a bit beyond me.
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Hopefully but 97-98 was actually a better season than the one that followed in my view. More wins, UEFA Cup qualification and more points I think. We may have finished a place higher but w actually did better in that 7th placed season.
Agreed. The wheels came off so badly in 98/99 that it soured the earlier part of the season.
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Hopefully but 97-98 was actually a better season than the one that followed in my view. More wins, UEFA Cup qualification and more points I think. We may have finished a place higher but w actually did better in that 7th placed season.
Agreed. The wheels came off so badly in 98/99 that it soured the earlier part of the season.
Plus, 97-98 was like this season where we pulled off a bit of a miracle from a hopeless situation, that's always more fun than the other way around.
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A bit like this season even if we don't qualify.
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Hopefully but 97-98 was actually a better season than the one that followed in my view. More wins, UEFA Cup qualification and more points I think. We may have finished a place higher but w actually did better in that 7th placed season.
Agreed. The wheels came off so badly in 98/99 that it soured the earlier part of the season.
Yeah but at least we had a Steve Stone to show for it...
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It’s good Brighton qualified already and have an extra match to fit in.
I think we’ll go down to 10 men but win with a dinked penalty.
I'd rather bring Dwight out of retirement to have a go than let Ollie take it.
I always thought penalties should be treated like other dead ball situations, so why the striker rather than (say) Doug or McGinn should take it was a bit beyond me.
I agree. Strikers are usually great at hitting a moving ball, whereas any position on the pitch should be capable of hitting a stationary one, and the dead-ball specialists should be the best at that.
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It’s good Brighton qualified already and have an extra match to fit in.
I think we’ll go down to 10 men but win with a dinked penalty.
I'd rather bring Dwight out of retirement to have a go than let Ollie take it.
I always thought penalties should be treated like other dead ball situations, so why the striker rather than (say) Doug or McGinn should take it was a bit beyond me.
I agree. Strikers are usually great at hitting a moving ball, whereas any position on the pitch should be capable of hitting a stationary one, and the dead-ball specialists should be the best at that.
Any professional footballer should be able to score a penalty from 12 yards so it's mainly down to mentality, the technique can be enhanced by practice. It shouldn't necessarily default to the striker.
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It’s good Brighton qualified already and have an extra match to fit in.
I think we’ll go down to 10 men but win with a dinked penalty.
I'd rather bring Dwight out of retirement to have a go than let Ollie take it.
I always thought penalties should be treated like other dead ball situations, so why the striker rather than (say) Doug or McGinn should take it was a bit beyond me.
I agree. Strikers are usually great at hitting a moving ball, whereas any position on the pitch should be capable of hitting a stationary one, and the dead-ball specialists should be the best at that.
Any professional footballer should be able to take an unsaveable penalty but you see so many poorly taken penalties that it's evidently about calmness under pressure and mental strength more than anything else.
Ollie has missed more than he has scored during his career so by definition he is not good under pressure.
If we get a critical pen against Brighton I would be shocked (and terrified) if Ollie stepped up to take it.
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Coutinho has the best record in our squad for penalties, just a shame he doesn't play!
If we had a penalty shootout, I think my 5 would be...
Coutinho
Buendia
Luiz
McGinn
Digne
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It’s good Brighton qualified already and have an extra match to fit in.
I think we’ll go down to 10 men but win with a dinked penalty.
I'd rather bring Dwight out of retirement to have a go than let Ollie take it.
I always thought penalties should be treated like other dead ball situations, so why the striker rather than (say) Doug or McGinn should take it was a bit beyond me.
I agree. Strikers are usually great at hitting a moving ball, whereas any position on the pitch should be capable of hitting a stationary one, and the dead-ball specialists should be the best at that.
Any professional footballer should be able to take an unsaveable penalty but you see so many poorly taken penalties that it's evidently about calmness under pressure and mental strength more than anything else.
Ollie has missed more than he has scored during his career so by definition he is not good under pressure.
If we get a critical pen against Brighton I would be shocked (and terrified) if Ollie stepped up to take it.
Penalties get saved. It happens. If a big goalie guesses the right way then there is only a tiny part of the goal they can't get to in time.
But missing the target is a cardinal sin. I'd rather he fired it down the middle and have it bounce off a keeper who didn't move, than miss the target altogether. No more pens for Ollie please.
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It’s good Brighton qualified already and have an extra match to fit in.
I think we’ll go down to 10 men but win with a dinked penalty.
I'd rather bring Dwight out of retirement to have a go than let Ollie take it.
I always thought penalties should be treated like other dead ball situations, so why the striker rather than (say) Doug or McGinn should take it was a bit beyond me.
I agree. Strikers are usually great at hitting a moving ball, whereas any position on the pitch should be capable of hitting a stationary one, and the dead-ball specialists should be the best at that.
Any professional footballer should be able to take an unsaveable penalty but you see so many poorly taken penalties that it's evidently about calmness under pressure and mental strength more than anything else.
Ollie has missed more than he has scored during his career so by definition he is not good under pressure.
If we get a critical pen against Brighton I would be shocked (and terrified) if Ollie stepped up to take it.
Penalties get saved. It happens. If a big goalie guesses the right way then there is only a tiny part of the goal they can't get to in time.
But missing the target is a cardinal sin. I'd rather he fired it down the middle and have it bounce off a keeper who didn't move, than miss the target altogether. No more pens for Ollie please.
Agree completely. I don't know why they don't just practise top corner every time, it's the bit the keeper can't get.
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Sure I read somewhere that only 70% of penalties go in.
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Ollie's at his best when he has a split second to react instinctively. When he gets time to think about it and has to make a decision, (eg to drill it into the corner or dink it over a keeper) he often gets it wrong. I think it's the same for him when it come to penalties.
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Didn't Gabby and Vass have this issue as well? Shit thinkers, better on impulse?
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Didn't Gabby and Vass have this issue as well? Shit thinkers, better on impulse?
Yep, Agbonlahor in particular. Though thinking about anything is a struggle for him.
(https://twitter.com/i/status/546340275292213249)
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Ollie's at his best when he has a split second to react instinctively. When he gets time to think about it and has to make a decision, (eg to drill it into the corner or dink it over a keeper) he often gets it wrong. I think it's the same for him when it come to penalties.
That's what I think too. It might be worth his while doing a Fernandez style run up but I fear with the weight of that on his mind and the pen he'd end up falling on the ball or at best backhealing the ball in the other direction.
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Ramsey could be a penalty taker. He can place the ball at pace which is a good start. He's now a regular and the responsibility might bring his game on further. Anyone is better than Watkins for spot kicks.
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Sure I read somewhere that only 70% of penalties go in.
I think it's 78% in the premier league.
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The beautiful 80/20 rule to live life by.
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The beautiful 80/20 rule to live life by.
True, I've always lived by giving no more than 80% at work and saving the 20% for emergencies.
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Didn't Gabby and Vass have this issue as well? Shit thinkers, better on impulse?
Its official name is Theo Walcott Syndrome.
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The beautiful 80/20 rule to live life by.
True, I've always lived by giving no more than 80% at work and saving the 20% for emergencies.
You're doing it the wrong way around.
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So much of penalty taking is in the head. And because a player might be good in open play or hit a good free kick doesn’t necessarily make them a penalty taker. I was alway so impressed with AEG. Just cold which tells you a lot about him mentally. He might not have had the pure ability in the PL to be a top player but he was so reliable with that specific ability. They don’t grow on trees. For Ollie’s sake as much as the teams he should not take another one for us.
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They're changing the rules for pens next season, so the keeper is barely allowed to move
“Clarification that the goalkeeper must not behave in a manner that fails to show respect for the game and the opponent, i.e. by unfairly distracting the kicker,” it says.
“The defending goalkeeper must remain on the goal line, facing the kicker, between the goalposts, without touching the goalposts, crossbar or goal net, until the ball is kicked. The goalkeeper must not behave in a way that unfairly distracts the kicker, e.g. delay the taking of the kick or touch the goalposts, crossbar or goal net.”
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IF we qualify for the conference league, will we have to play a preliminary round? If so do we know when it will be?
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They're changing the rules for pens next season, so the keeper is barely allowed to move
“Clarification that the goalkeeper must not behave in a manner that fails to show respect for the game and the opponent, i.e. by unfairly distracting the kicker,” it says.
“The defending goalkeeper must remain on the goal line, facing the kicker, between the goalposts, without touching the goalposts, crossbar or goal net, until the ball is kicked. The goalkeeper must not behave in a way that unfairly distracts the kicker, e.g. delay the taking of the kick or touch the goalposts, crossbar or goal net.”
Is that true? Jesus, what a load of bollocks.
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IF we qualify for the conference league, will we have to play a preliminary round? If so do we know when it will be?
We would enter at the Play-off round stage. Draw is on Aug. 7th with the games on Aug. 24th & 31st.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023–24_UEFA_Europa_Conference_League
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Why don't they just make the keeper wear a blindfold and be done with it. Or if they are so bothered with fairness they could stop all the twatty run ups by takers.
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Why don't they just make the keeper wear a blindfold and be done with it. Or if they are so bothered with fairness they could stop all the twatty run ups by takers.
Completely agree.
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They're changing the rules for pens next season, so the keeper is barely allowed to move
“Clarification that the goalkeeper must not behave in a manner that fails to show respect for the game and the opponent, i.e. by unfairly distracting the kicker,” it says.
“The defending goalkeeper must remain on the goal line, facing the kicker, between the goalposts, without touching the goalposts, crossbar or goal net, until the ball is kicked. The goalkeeper must not behave in a way that unfairly distracts the kicker, e.g. delay the taking of the kick or touch the goalposts, crossbar or goal net.”
Emi’s Law.
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Why don't they just make the keeper wear a blindfold and be done with it. Or if they are so bothered with fairness they could stop all the twatty run ups by takers.
Completely agree.
X2
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They should ban the dodgy run-up as well in that case.
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IF we qualify for the conference league, will we have to play a preliminary round? If so do we know when it will be?
We would enter at the Play-off round stage. Draw is on Aug. 7th with the games on Aug. 24th & 31st.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023–24_UEFA_Europa_Conference_League
Thank you. Thought so with the dates. At a family music festival on 24th August so praying we arent at home over those dates.
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IF we qualify for the conference league, will we have to play a preliminary round? If so do we know when it will be?
We would enter at the Play-off round stage. Draw is on Aug. 7th with the games on Aug. 24th & 31st.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023–24_UEFA_Europa_Conference_League
If I have understood it correctly, two Scottish clubs could be in the Conference League qualifiers. If I have got it right, I think it is the two Edinburgh clubs who are in the qualifying places, so one of them would be an interesting draw.
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IF we qualify for the conference league, will we have to play a preliminary round? If so do we know when it will be?
We would enter at the Play-off round stage. Draw is on Aug. 7th with the games on Aug. 24th & 31st.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023–24_UEFA_Europa_Conference_League
If I have understood it correctly, two Scottish clubs could be in the Conference League qualifiers. If I have got it right, I think it is the two Edinburgh clubs who are in the qualifying places, so one of them would be an interesting draw.
More likely to be Aberdeen and Hearts with 3rd and 4th place having to get through 1 and 2 qualifying rounds respectively to be in the draw with us.
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24 and 31 August are now booked both home and away matches. Looking forward to either Aberdeen sur Mare or golden sands of portobello beach.
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If we win on Sunday and qualify for Europe, I really hope people don’t think it’s pitch-invasionworthy.
Aside from the embarrassment, I think the team deserve a nice send-off from the fans after the final whistle rather than being rushed down the tunnel in the name of security.
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If we win on Sunday and qualify for Europe, I really hope people don’t think it’s pitch-invasionworthy.
Aside from the embarrassment, I think the team deserve a nice send-off from the fans after the final whistle rather than being rushed down the tunnel in the name of security.
Agree, a pitch invasion for finishing 7th is a bit small time.
Really hope we qualify and get one of the Scottish sides in the groups though, preferably Aberdeen.
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A pitch invasion for 7th would be pathetically small time.
I'd much rather see the players and Emery walk around taking the applause.
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IF we qualify for the conference league, will we have to play a preliminary round? If so do we know when it will be?
We would enter at the Play-off round stage. Draw is on Aug. 7th with the games on Aug. 24th & 31st.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023–24_UEFA_Europa_Conference_League
If I have understood it correctly, two Scottish clubs could be in the Conference League qualifiers. If I have got it right, I think it is the two Edinburgh clubs who are in the qualifying places, so one of them would be an interesting draw.
More likely to be Aberdeen and Hearts with 3rd and 4th place having to get through 1 and 2 qualifying rounds respectively to be in the draw with us.
Ah, I think I got it wrong then. Thought 3rd place got Europa League and 4th and 5th went into Conference League qualification.
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If we win on Sunday and qualify for Europe, I really hope people don’t think it’s pitch-invasionworthy.
Aside from the embarrassment, I think the team deserve a nice send-off from the fans after the final whistle rather than being rushed down the tunnel in the name of security.
Perhaps I'm being dramatic, but a pitch invasion for finishing 7th would be the most pathetically tinpot thing I have any seen any set of fans do ever. I thought the pitch invasions for winning an FA Cup Quarter Final and a Play Off Semi Final were pretty tragic and very much beneath a club of our stature, but this would deservedly result in our fanbase being mocked for years to come. I'm sure it won't happen.
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If we win on Sunday and qualify for Europe, I really hope people don’t think it’s pitch-invasionworthy.
Aside from the embarrassment, I think the team deserve a nice send-off from the fans after the final whistle rather than being rushed down the tunnel in the name of security.
Perhaps I'm being dramatic, but a pitch invasion for finishing 7th would be the most pathetically tinpot thing I have any seen any set of fans do ever. I thought the pitch invasions for winning an FA Cup Quarter Final and a Play Off Semi Final were pretty tragic and very much beneath a club of our stature, but this would deservedly result in our fanbase being mocked for years to come. I'm sure it won't happen.
I'm pretty sure it will. There's always some pricks who will take any excuse.
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I hate invasions. It's completely selfish and they all end up with the same **** selfies. I'd rather applaud the players than stare at idiots running around like children.
I really hope it doesn't happen
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If we win on Sunday and qualify for Europe, I really hope people don’t think it’s pitch-invasionworthy.
Aside from the embarrassment, I think the team deserve a nice send-off from the fans after the final whistle rather than being rushed down the tunnel in the name of security.
They take a break before doing the lap of honour / appreciation / shame / whatever that season anyway.
But agree, a pitch invasion would be Albion levels of small time.
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They should ban the dodgy run-up as well in that case.
Absolutely, this has pissed me off since John Aldridge invented it.
It has got absolutely absurd in recent seasons, it needs to be stamped down on.
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A pitch invasion for 7th would be pathetically small time.
I'd much rather see the players and Emery walk around taking the applause.
Completely agree, in fact the thought of a pitch invasion hadn't even crossed my mind. It would be mortifying and rightly mocked.
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Getting into Europe would obviously be a great achievement, especially given how we started the season. But it is the Europa Conference League so no need to go too mental.
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Pitch invasions should be reserved for winning something or qualifying for a final.
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Pitch invasions should be reserved for winning something or qualifying for a final.
I'd say not even then. Sorry to be grumpy about them
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I agree with bully, the football pitch is a place of work and should be a place of safety. No invasions. The players should be allowed to celebrate on the pitch with the fans safely in the stands.
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Sunday is the final countdown
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Getting into Europe would obviously be a great achievement, especially given how we started the season. But it is the Europa Conference League so no need to go too mental.
That’s my view, in fact Ill go one more and say I see it as an unnecessary distraction from the competitions that really matter. I hope we play our second string in this (assuming we qualify) from the off (but with an Olsen upgrade)
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I want us to be in Europe. It gives us more games to develop players and gain experience, extra revenue, and a bit more pull in the transfer market.
What we can't do is concentrate on it above the league next season. We have to start consistently finishing high up in the table or it's for nothing. Some clubs prioritise their european campaign because for them it's a once in a lifetime opportunity. Our expectation is that this is the first of many, so lets make sure we qualify for europe again next season in the league.
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Getting into Europe would obviously be a great achievement, especially given how we started the season. But it is the Europa Conference League so no need to go too mental.
That’s my view, in fact Ill go one more and say I see it as an unnecessary distraction from the competitions that really matter. I hope we play our second string in this (assuming we qualify) from the off (but with an Olsen upgrade)
We need to win a trophy next season, 2024 will be our 150th anniversary. The FA Cup will do for starters. That would also see use automatically qualify for the 2024/25 Europa League with the final in Bilbao, Emery's backyard.
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If there is a pitch invasion, I say ban the lot of them and strip them of their STs. That'll get the queue down by a couple of thousand.
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If there is a pitch invasion, I say ban the lot of them and strip them of their STs. That'll get the queue down by a couple of thousand.
I wonder how many will pay the £1500 queue-jumping tax/terrace membership?
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Wouldn’t surprise me
We are the kings of the pitch invasion any excuse we’re on there
We brought the whole thing back into fashion with the ‘ back to the dark days’ match
I mean Caribou cup semi-final and we’re running all over the place it’s not a small time it’s what we do when we get a sniff of even the possibility of something good
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pitch invasion for finishing 7th - that's embarrassing.
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Has anybody actually suggested a pitch invasion or are people worrying about absolutely nothing?
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No to pitch invasions, yes to 3 nights of the city gridlocked with cars, people hanging out of them with flags, fireworks etc.
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Has anybody actually suggested a pitch invasion or are people worrying about absolutely nothing?
who is worrying?
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Has anybody actually suggested a pitch invasion or are people worrying about absolutely nothing?
who is worrying?
People discussing it over the last three pages.
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Has anybody actually suggested a pitch invasion or are people worrying about absolutely nothing?
who is worrying?
People discussing it over the last three pages.
I can see a return of the worried thread coming
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Has anybody actually suggested a pitch invasion or are people worrying about absolutely nothing?
Hopefully worrying about nothing. If we do qualify, and Prince William is in attendance, maybe a rousing rendition of 'God Save the King' would be a nice way to celebrate. Wouldn't want our fans to be accused of a return to the Dark Ages.
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Somehow Newcastle fans managed to stay in their places sensibly having qualified for the CL. There are always one or two bell ends out there though who might get carried away and influence others to enter the pitch. Let’s hope that doesn’t happen.
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No to pitch invasions, yes to 3 nights of the city gridlocked with cars, people hanging out of them with flags, fireworks etc.
Does that ever happen in England?
I didn't see such antics for jubilee or coronation.
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Has anybody actually suggested a pitch invasion or are people worrying about absolutely nothing?
who is worrying?
People discussing it over the last three pages.
I can see a return of the worried thread coming
Exactly let people have there theories. There's a reasonable concept here and people want to discuss it.
I'm against any sort of rule breaking though
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Do we need to bring out the Orange dot for Sunday? Or maybe Tony Butlers payer mat?
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Do we need to bring out the Orange dot for Sunday? Or maybe Tony Butlers payer mat?
We have no need for such lower table quackery these days. Trust in the wizardry of our Manager.
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Do we need to bring out the Orange dot for Sunday? Or maybe Tony Butlers payer mat?
No. The Dot lost all its power during the Lambert years. It’s dead, it’s no more, it has faded into an opaque mess that resembles Steven Gerrard.
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No to pitch invasions, yes to 3 nights of the city gridlocked with cars, people hanging out of them with flags, fireworks etc.
This happens down the Rock every Saturday night, not sure why, so nothing new to our city. Sorry I mean city that belongs to blose.
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Do we need to bring out the Orange dot for Sunday? Or maybe Tony Butlers payer mat?
I've seen references to the orange dot before but I've never known what it is all about. Can anyone explain? Thank you.
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Do we need to bring out the Orange dot for Sunday? Or maybe Tony Butlers payer mat?
I've seen references to the orange dot before but I've never known what it is all about. Can anyone explain? Thank you.
It's a dot, that's orange. And once had magical powers.
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Do we need to bring out the Orange dot for Sunday? Or maybe Tony Butlers payer mat?
I've seen references to the orange dot before but I've never known what it is all about. Can anyone explain? Thank you.
It's a dot, that's orange. And once had magical powers.
And it was brought out in desperation because as usual we were in deep shit. We had lost most if not all faith in whoever the manager was at the time and most of the players. We needed some kind of divine intervention just to get by. And even then, the power of our shitness was often too great even for the magic of the orange dot. Such was the magnitude of our uselessness.
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I never saw the orange dot. I don't believe anyone has seen it lately. Rumours I've heard is that it's been taken and is now in a high security lab in Wuhan.
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The Orange Dot will return only in our hour of greatest need
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The problem with the orange dot is that it didn’t work and should be consigned to the dustbin of history
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The problem with the orange dot is that it didn’t work and should be consigned to the dustbin of history
We should buy another one, a Spanish international dot.
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Punto Naranja
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Having been confident since Saturday we will do the necessary on Sunday, the nerves are starting to kick in.
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I'm sure the orange dot was resurrected in one of our Championship seasons, wasn't it?
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I still believe in the power of the dot. My sources say Emery keeps one in his pocket.
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Do we need to bring out the Orange dot for Sunday? Or maybe Tony Butlers payer mat?
I've seen references to the orange dot before but I've never known what it is all about. Can anyone explain? Thank you.
The Orange Dot is something that is, that was and that will be. I can't think of another way to explain it. Like God - but bigger.
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The Orange Dot is dead.
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I'm hoping Sunday will have a vibe like the final match of MON's first season v Sheffield Utd. Similar atmosphere, performance as good with a similar result.
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The orange dot is dead, long live the punto naranja.
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And its even fiercer hardcore mountain cousin, the puntu laranja.
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The orange dot went the way of the fish pie, once magical things that are consgined to history.
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The Orange Dot is dead.
They got a message from the Action Man, I'm happy hope you're happy too.
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(https://i.ibb.co/R3xJzNb/pngtree-bright-orange-circle-clipart-png-image-2382099.jpg)
LOOK UPON IT AND QUAKE SEAGULL OLBYUN!
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That’s fucked it.
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To get into Europe at the expense of spuds would make it glorious - they'll struggle to sign better players. Please let us do the business. Brighton - injured players don't command as big a transfer fee - watch yourselves.
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The problem with the orange dot is that it didn’t work and should be consigned to the dustbin of history
We should buy another one, a Spanish international dot.
I like hearing about this symbolism. It's a sign and I would develop this theory further regards oranges.
Emery managed Valenica and Sevilla where they have Spanish oranges so that's a sign.
Basically we are connected to oranges
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Hang on Paddington liked marmalade sandwiches. And so do I! Does that mean I'll get a call up?
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To get into Europe at the expense of spuds would make it glorious - they'll struggle to sign better players. Please let us do the business. Brighton - injured players don't command as big a transfer fee - watch yourselves.
And the manager recruitment process, that's already tricky for them could get trickier.
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Europa Conference League is to ensure a greater variety of countries are represented but it seems the finalist and winners will come from one of the top end clubs.
Last season Roma beat Feyenoord and this season its West Ham v Fiorentina.
Really hope we make it into Europe as there is a high chance of winning the trophy for sure I feel.
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Let's just get in it first.
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Let's just get in it first.
This x 1000!
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Sky Sports have confirmed they will be showing the Villa game live on the Sky Sports Football channel, with coverage starting just before kick-off at 4.25pm. It is being broadcast in addition to Leicester City vs West Ham United and Everton vs Bournemouth.
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Thanks for the explanation, being circular and orange myself I should have just felt the power of the orange dot. It's all I see now when I close my eyes, a sacrifice shall be made.
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Thanks for the explanation, being circular and orange myself I should have just felt the power of the orange dot. It's all I see now when I close my eyes, a sacrifice shall be made.
That's only required when it starts pulsating.
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Thanks for the explanation, being circular and orange myself I should have just felt the power of the orange dot. It's all I see now when I close my eyes, a sacrifice shall be made.
Don't squeeze yourself too much, we don't want you drying out especially with summer comin'.
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Is it me or anyone else not getting excited by the Conf League? It's a 3rd tier euro comp playing Andorra's finest.
I am excited by the progress we have made under Unai, what the summer may bring and where this club is heading....but is it that big a deal playing in the conf league?
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Well, winning it qualifies you for the Europa...
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Is it me or anyone else not getting excited by the Conf League? It's a 3rd tier euro comp playing Andorra's finest.
I am excited by the progress we have made under Unai, what the summer may bring and where this club is heading....but is it that big a deal playing in the conf league?
It can lead to an extra £15-20m of revenue that can be spent improving the squad, so yeah it's an important step.
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Before we get into the group stage of the Conference League, we will have to play a qualifying round in August
Hopefully we get through
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Is it me or anyone else not getting excited by the Conf League? It's a 3rd tier euro comp playing Andorra's finest.
I am excited by the progress we have made under Unai, what the summer may bring and where this club is heading....but is it that big a deal playing in the conf league?
It can lead to an extra £15-20m of revenue that can be spent improving the squad, so yeah it's an important step.
I get that and winning it brings Europa qualification, but just the prestige of it is a bit…
I’ll still be screaming the team on Sunday to get this final win.
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Well, winning it qualifies you for the Europa...
Not much good when you've already qualified for the Champions League.
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Is it me or anyone else not getting excited by the Conf League? It's a 3rd tier euro comp playing Andorra's finest.
I am excited by the progress we have made under Unai, what the summer may bring and where this club is heading....but is it that big a deal playing in the conf league?
It can lead to an extra £15-20m of revenue that can be spent improving the squad, so yeah it's an important step.
I get that and winning it brings Europa qualification, but just the prestige of it is a bit…
I’ll still be screaming the team on Sunday to get this final win.
Is it any less prestigious than say the Cup Winners Cup used to be? Its a bit like saying the League Cup isnt as prestigious as any domestic tournament, yes it may not have the cache of the FA Cup but I notice every club includes it within there list of honours won and newbee "big clubs" Cit£h and Chelski deliberately targeted it to get there trophy counts up. I'm hoping we do the same.
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Is it me or anyone else not getting excited by the Conf League? It's a 3rd tier euro comp playing Andorra's finest.
I am excited by the progress we have made under Unai, what the summer may bring and where this club is heading....but is it that big a deal playing in the conf league?
I think the fact that they always pick small stadiums for the final tells its own story. I get that it's European competition, but it still has that mickey mouse feel about it.
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The League Cup feels prestigious by the time you reach the semi final and final stages.
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The club, the manager and the players seem to be excited by the prospect and that will do for me.
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Is it me or anyone else not getting excited by the Conf League? It's a 3rd tier euro comp playing Andorra's finest.
I am excited by the progress we have made under Unai, what the summer may bring and where this club is heading....but is it that big a deal playing in the conf league?
I think the fact that they always pick small stadiums for the final tells its own story. I get that it's European competition, but it still has that mickey mouse feel about it.
And UEFA have admitted already that's been a mistake and need to rectify it.
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Is it me or anyone else not getting excited by the Conf League? It's a 3rd tier euro comp playing Andorra's finest.
I am excited by the progress we have made under Unai, what the summer may bring and where this club is heading....but is it that big a deal playing in the conf league?
Roma won it last year, and they're in the Europa League final this year.
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Is it me or anyone else not getting excited by the Conf League? It's a 3rd tier euro comp playing Andorra's finest.
As long as we don't take them lightly. https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/40475647
More generally, what LeeB said.
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It means we will play more matches, you spend more time on H&V and will give your life more meaning and less meaning at the same time.
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Is it me or anyone else not getting excited by the Conf League? It's a 3rd tier euro comp playing Andorra's finest.
I am excited by the progress we have made under Unai, what the summer may bring and where this club is heading....but is it that big a deal playing in the conf league?
I am excited about the prospect of being back in European competition to be honest. Think it will be a good step back into European football and hopefully a step towards us competing in higher level competitions.
Would still love to see us win the Europa League (though wish it was still a two legged knockout competition and called the UEFA Cup, but there you go) and this could be a stepping stone in that process.
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I am excited by it. It's a tangible achievement at the end of the season. It might not mean a lot to Man Citeh but with the times we've had since 2010 we can hardly think we're above it.
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It means we will play more matches, you spend more time on H&V and will give your life more meaning and less meaning at the same time.
Ha, so very true.
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Just looking at West Hams Season and which games are played on which days. (Done quickly so there is a margin of error) This excludes FA and EFL games
AV WH
Mon 2 2
Tues 2 0
Wed 2 6 (1 EC Game)
Thu 1 0 (19 EC Games)
Fri 2 1
Sat 18 11
Sun 11 18
In conclusion - 7 extra games on Sunday rather than a Saturday, plus alot of football (potentially) on a Thursday Evening...
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Just looking at West Hams Season and which games are played on which days. (Done quickly so there is a margin of error) This excludes FA and EFL games
AV WH
Mon 2 2
Tues 2 0
Wed 2 6 (1 EC Game)
Thu 1 0 (19 EC Games)
Fri 2 1
Sat 18 11
Sun 11 18
In conclusion - 7 extra games on Sunday rather than a Saturday, plus alot of football (potentially) on a Thursday Evening...
Excellent, let’s build that squad to challenge on all fronts.
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Don't want to be a wet blanket but we haven't qualified yet.
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Is it me or anyone else not getting excited by the Conf League? It's a 3rd tier euro comp playing Andorra's finest.
I am excited by the progress we have made under Unai, what the summer may bring and where this club is heading....but is it that big a deal playing in the conf league?
I'm excited about it.
For a start, we need the extra games to build up our squad depth - and with that, start challenging for the Champions League places (and beyond) consistently.
More importantly ... if you look at the teams who've got to the knockout rounds, there's a far bigger range of weird & wonderful countries to visit. Probably more interesting, in terms of experience travelling abroad, than you'd get in the Champions League or even UEFA Cup. The CL in particular feels a lot like it's the same few teams most seasons.
I also think you'd look at the sides who reached the knockout stages this season, and personally - I think there's less than half a dozen sides who, if we played them, we'd not go in as heavy favourites.
I dunno what it is about fun trips to weird places with cheap beer to see Villa (probably) win that appeals, but ...
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We've done fuck all of note in the league for over a decade, and have spent most of it being very shit, we're not really in a position to think the Conference is below us.
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We've done fuck all of note in the league for over a decade, and have spent most of it being very shit, we're not really in a position to think the Conference is below us.
The odd shiny moment aside, we've done fuck all for the majority of the past 40 years. We are a big club, we are bigger club in our own eyes than understood or appreciated by most of the football watching population. Getting back into Europe for next season would be a magnificent achievement. We can dream of loftier ambitions after we take the first step back to national and continental relevance.
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It's also a damn sight more pretigious than being in the second division or the bottom half of the top flight, which is where we've spent the previous 11 seasons.
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We've done fuck all of note in the league for over a decade, and have spent most of it being very shit, we're not really in a position to think the Conference is below us.
The odd shiny moment aside, we've done fuck all for the majority of the past 40 years. We are a big club, we are bigger club in our own eyes than understood or appreciated by most of the football watching population. Getting back into Europe for next season would be a magnificent achievement. We can dream of loftier ambitions after we take the first step back to national and continental relevance.
Yeah, absolutely. As has been gone over before, over the past 100 years our trophy cabinet has been quite bare really. Looking purely in terms of trophies, you can pretty much split it in to three short bursts:
- (Big gap from 1921 onwards)
- FA Cup (1957) and League Cup (1961*)
- League Cup (1975), League Cup (1977), League (1981), European Cup (1982)
- League Cup (1994), League Cup (1996)
- (Big gap in the 21st century)
I mean, whilst there's definitely clubs that have worse records than us ... it's not setting the world alight either.
I'd be happy if we started winning trophies, regardless of what they are
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I have absolutely zero excitement about this. Yes it’s progress, but it could well be at the detriment of our next season. Perhaps I’m tainted from the O’Neill days of surrender “to concentrate on the league”. But I can’t see the real benefits unless we play the second stringers. I’d rather we finished in the top 6 next season and/or win a domestic trophy. This just seems like a whole lot of extra hoops to jump through to get the Europa.
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Why does it have to be one or the other?
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Is it me or anyone else not getting excited by the Conf League? It's a 3rd tier euro comp playing Andorra's finest.
I am excited by the progress we have made under Unai, what the summer may bring and where this club is heading....but is it that big a deal playing in the conf league?
Yes, it is a big deal and I am very excited at the prospect.
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It's European football! It's the whole point of finishing higher up the table!
West Ham are going to play in the final of a continental competition, against Fiorentina in Prague. What isn't romantic about that?
I genuinely don't understand the mentality that turns its nose up at this.
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We've done fuck all of note in the league for over a decade, and have spent most of it being very shit, we're not really in a position to think the Conference is below us.
The odd shiny moment aside, we've done fuck all for the majority of the past 40 years. We are a big club, we are bigger club in our own eyes than understood or appreciated by most of the football watching population. Getting back into Europe for next season would be a magnificent achievement. We can dream of loftier ambitions after we take the first step back to national and continental relevance.
Yeah, absolutely. As has been gone over before, over the past 100 years our trophy cabinet has been quite bare really. Looking purely in terms of trophies, you can pretty much split it in to three short bursts:
- (Big gap from 1921 onwards)
- FA Cup (1957) and League Cup (1961*)
- League Cup (1975), League Cup (1977), League (1981), European Cup (1982)
- League Cup (1994), League Cup (1996)
- (Big gap in the 21st century)
I mean, whilst there's definitely clubs that have worse records than us ... it's not setting the world alight either.
I'd be happy if we started winning trophies, regardless of what they are
- 2024 Conference League and League Cup
- 2025 Europa League and FA Cup
- 2026 Premier League
- 2027 Champions League, League Cup and FA Cup (again)
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I don't want champions league. It's just full of all the worst ****** in world football.
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Article from The Athletic...
Big Six? Great Eight? Is there a route into England’s elite for Newcastle, Brighton and Villa?
Jordan Campbell
May 20, 2023
In June 2018, Southampton vice-chairman Les Reed had Norwich City midfielder James Maddison sitting in his office with a contract ready to be signed. He hoped the 21-year-old would get their strategy of spotting and polishing up potential back on track.
Having risen from administration in League One in 2009 to consecutive Premier League finishes of eighth, seventh, sixth and eighth between 2013-14 and 2016-17, the poster boys of sustainable success in English football had dropped to 17th.
By this point, however, Leicester City had usurped them as the best of the rest outside the top six. They had done what Southampton had failed to by obliterating the glass ceiling to win the league title in 2015-16 and, after reaching the Champions League quarter-finals in their debut appearance, they had deeper pockets.
Even so, Reed maintains it only became a tug of war because the strategy that had elevated them to such heights had been diluted by the Chinese owners who had taken over the club in 2017.
“Maddison was ready to join but I couldn’t get authority from China and that let Leicester in,” Reed tells The Athletic.
“The way we ran our recruitment allowed us to make decisions very quickly under (previous owner) Katharina Liebherr as I had authority to spend £10m or £15m on a player.
“We had been buying players who were our first-choice targets but the new owners brought a completely different approach. When you slow the process down, you lose the ability to get into players quickly before the others, so we were ending up with our third or fourth choice in some cases.
“Those are the fine lines in the Premier League. It’s so competitive that a few wrong decisions at that level can leave you struggling.”
In many ways, the Maddison deal is the juncture at which the seemingly infallible plan of buying low and selling high at both clubs started to stray into something less disciplined, before eventually failing.
For Southampton, the inability to convert their interest was evidence of systemic recruitment issues, the very thing that had propelled them to such heights.
For Leicester, the England midfielder should have gone on to be their next big sale but his continued presence in the team five years later is emblematic of a team that has been allowed to drift into staleness.
Both clubs have held the baton as the Premier League’s model club but, with Southampton relegated and Leicester on the brink, they also serve as a cautionary tale as to how quickly that status can unravel.
Now there is a new batch of clubs who fancy their chances of invading the top six, part of a growing Premier League middle class, but what lessons can be learned from those who did so but couldn’t make their success permanent?
Is it even possible, once you’ve disrupted the natural order, to stay there?
Last month, Aston Villa manager Unai Emery declared the ‘big six’ dead. The Spaniard considers the tag obsolete, suggesting that the clique has been extended to as wide as a top ten.
When a term designed to differentiate an exclusive group ends up encompassing exactly half of the competitors, it is perhaps time to retire words like ‘big’ or ‘top’ as adjectives, but Emery made a pertinent point about the Premier League’s direction of travel towards a quasi-Super League.
Mikel Arteta has said that this year’s Premier League is the strongest he has seen in 22 years. This is a division that has included Todd Boehly’s Chelsea being steered like a man who drives an automatic but was sold a manual, a Tottenham team piggy-backing on Harry Kane, a Liverpool team defending as if unaware of the offside rule for the first seven months and a Manchester United who may be better but endure away trips as well as a SpaceX flight.
It looks inevitable that most of the top six teams will be stronger next season. With Newcastle already in third, less than two years after being purchased by the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), it seems inevitable that they will cement their place in a new top seven, too.
They need to be treated as a different beast to Brighton and Aston Villa but are we nearing the point where the sheer depth of the league puts the established order under threat, or are they just the latest pretenders who will be in the mix for a few years before dropping away?
The make-up of the top six was set in since 2009-10 where City have maintained their presence ever since and Spurs did so for 13 consecutive seasons. There was a five-year period between 2014-15 and 2018-19 when the top six almost wrote itself, bar Leicester’s title win messing with the matrix, but there are always disruptors who attempt to rearrange the order.
The depth of the Premier League’s quality is shown in the global club rankings produced by Omar Chaudhuri, chief intelligence officer at Twenty First Group, a consultancy that provides sports intelligence to clubs, leagues and governing bodies.
Their model gauges the gap between the Premier League and the next-best league to be bigger than the gap between any two leagues in world football. The Premier League has 11 clubs in the world’s top 30, compared to five for Spain, four Italy, four for Germany and six in total from other leagues. England used to have between six and eight at most.
In some respects, it is a form of underachievement, given English clubs occupied 16 of the top 30 spots in the latest Deloitte Money League, but the trend shows the Premier League is pulling away.
Why has the dominance of the top six been so entrenched?
Football finance expert Kieran Maguire points to the most recent booms in TV rights money, pinpointing 2014 and 2017 as pivotal moments in the top six solidifying an insurmountable financial advantage.
On both occasions, there was around a 70 per cent increase in the overall TV revenue pot. The fight between UK broadcasters BT and Sky over market share led to the former paying an astronomical £1.2 billion for exclusivity on Champions League rights, which sees English clubs benefit through the TV pool workings.
“For a club unlike Newcastle to make it into the top six is pushing it because it becomes a virtuous circle. You’ve got to become a disruptor and make it to the Champions League for a start,” Maguire says.
“The competition is worth a minimum of £30 million. If you do well it’s worth double and if you establish yourself then the payments from the ten-year co-efficient shares means it is potentially £100m within a few years. If you get to the latter stages consistently then it is potentially £150m.”
He pitches the Champions League as 3.5 times more lucrative than the Europa League and reforms to the competition from season 2024-25 mean that the Premier League will likely have five Champions League spots.
An additional berth will be given to each of the two countries whose clubs collectively performed best in Europe the previous year — the Premier League has fallen into that category in six of the past seven seasons — so next season could be even more crucial with potentially half the league in contention for five spots compared to what has traditionally been six scrapping over four.
This game of musical chairs can be cut-throat. Build a team like Leicester who became champions with the 15th largest wage budget in a league that had only ever gone to the top three spenders? They’ll view you as an existential threat, flick the cartel switch and try to ensure you never get another sniff.
That’s what happened in 2016 as the big six forced through changes to how overseas TV revenue is split. At the outset of the Premier League it was split evenly due to it being loss-making but in recent years overseas rights have overtaken the domestic rights, so the top six argued it should be based on where teams finish. Since 2017, 50 per cent of the increased overseas revenue is split evenly and the rest is split on position.
Richard Battle, founding director of Left Field Football Consulting which works with clubs on strategy and analytics, spent a season at Everton as head of football strategy so he knows how challenging it is to break into this elite group.
“What makes the current grouping of ‘big six’ clubs different from those in the past is that the label is as fitting in terms of financial performance as it is in league performance,” he says.
“In 2021-22, Tottenham and Arsenal ranked fifth and sixth out of the group in revenue terms, with revenue of €523m and €433m.
“The next highest was West Ham with €301m. That represents a revenue gap of €130m between the ‘big 6’ and the ‘peloton’, even in a season where neither North London club played in the Champions League. In other words, it will take more than just qualification for the Champions League to close the gap financially.”
The way Spurs forced their way in is proof that it isn’t just nine-figure ownership investment required to get there, clubs can grow this organically through having on-field success.
“In 2007-08, Spurs finished 11th and revenues that were 55 per cent less than the top club in the league. They were able to break the stranglehold of the then ‘big 4′ in 2010, get into the Champions League, and since then the gap to the highest-earning club has effectively halved, to 28 per cent,” says Chaudhuri.
“In that time, Spurs’ commercial revenue, generated primarily from sponsorships, has grown nearly five-fold, compared to West Ham — a London rival and suitable comparator club — whose commercial revenue has ‘only’ doubled.”
“Commercial income is increasingly important for clubs, because it’s the one area of income that is theoretically totally ‘open market’. Spurs’ growth in commercial income has even enabled them to overtake Arsenal since 2018.
“It is a long-term game and sponsors will wait to see if you’re a one-season wonder or the real deal.”
The difficulty of being Southampton in 2016 or Brighton in 2023 is that they become victims of their own success. The club becomes known for how smoothly it operates, it becomes the envy of others and the big guns soon gather to feast on the top talents.
Brighton may lose Alexis Mac Allister and Moises Caicedo this summer. Their manager Roberto De Zerbi is also attracting attention, having only taken over in September from Graham Potter, who had been poached by Chelsea.
“Get your recruitment right and then subtly move to the next level. Don’t start spending fortunes on a marquee player where you’re relying on one player,” says Les Reed, reflecting on what he learned from the golden years and the rougher end period he experienced at Southampton between 2010 and 2018. Reed was head of football development and support from 2010 to 2014, with Nicola Cortes in charge of football operations, a role Reed took up subsequently.
“Keep the same process, just fine-tune it. Some clubs get to a certain level and pat themselves on the back. I think that’s what the Chinese owners thought: that there was a Virgil [van Dijk] around every corner.
“Brighton get it. I’ve had loads of discussions with those guys and they know what is required and that it’s not a given. They could drop a couple of places but I think they know what they need to do to keep there and keep prodding at the top six.”
Southampton built a formidable side under Mauricio Pochettino and then Ronald Koeman, at one point achieving the enviable ambition of having a 50-50 split between academy players and project players in their starting XI.
Victor Wanyama, Dejan Lovren, Sadio Mane, Morgan Schneiderlin, Nathaniel Clyne and Virgil van Dijk brought in around £215 million within four season to showcase their recruitment expertise. Luke Shaw, Adam Lallana and Callum Chambers were sold for a further £85 million and cemented the academy’s prestige derived from producing Gareth Bale, Theo Walcott and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain a generation earlier.
“Is there a route in? Yes, but the funding gap is a reality so you need to approach it in a different way.
“We took advantage of the unconscious bias that is in scouting by investing in Sportscode and hiring our own analysts using our own algorithms. We bought licences for every league so we had all this data coming in and created a bespoke server to store it all and a cinema to show it on, which allowed us to interrogate quickly.”
Southampton had coped with the churn by sourcing Dusan Tadic, Oriel Romeu, Graziano Pelle and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg as replacements and promoting James Ward-Prowse from within, but those increased funds led to far less success shopping at the next price tier.
Since 2016-17, the year the drop-off in their level began, Southampton spent £15 million or more on a player 14 times with only Hojbjerg considered a success. Sofiane Boufal, Guido Carrillo, Mario Lemina, Wesley Hoedt and Danny Ings were all bought and either sold or freed at a combined loss of nearly £88 million. After five consecutive seasons in the bottom half, they will be a Championship side next season.
“It was about succession and Toby Alderweireld replaced Van Dijk, Graziano Pelle replaced Ricky Lambert, Dusan Tadic replaced Lallana. They were never going to play together. We had to accept they were going to go once we had exposed them. You can’t say, ‘Ah another one is gone’, you’ve just got to keep doing it.
“After Pochettino we realised we had to start scouting coaches so we had a succession plan but that is more difficult and it becomes hard when you don’t have stability.”
It is not just the players or managers they come for. Reed hired three heads of recruitment in Dave Burke, Paul Mitchell and Ross Wilson but they all moved on between 2012 and 2019. Martyn Glover then took over but he joined Leicester last year and his replacement Joe Shields only spent three months at the club before jumping ship to Chelsea. Now, Tom Stockwell, the brains behind the black box, is joining Nottingham Forest and data scientist Alex Kleyn is going to Manchester United.
David Reddin had worked with the British & Irish Lions, England Rugby, British Olympics and the FA on performance and strategy. He founded Pitch 32, a company which provides football club investors with long-term advice across all areas, and is also chief football officer at third-tier Spanish club CD Castellon where the ambition is to disrupt the league system and reach La Liga inside six seasons.
“Clubs need to define what they can do better or differently to their peers to change their odds of performance. And ideally build protective moats to prevent others overcoming it,” says Reddin.
“City have a moat around global clubs and therefore talent. No other group will touch that for years, if at all. Brighton and maybe Brentford have a moat around data and insight for recruitment and performance. It’s hard to replicate that as both clubs benefit from the expertise and skill of their owners’ related gambling businesses with hundreds of employees, which is not something a club can do alone.
“Interestingly, perhaps if the Super League is truly dead and Financial Fair Play becomes more of a reality, then opportunities for disrupters with a definitive external advantage become bigger. I still believe most clubs miss a lot of disruptive opportunities as football doesn’t yet embrace many practices which are standard elsewhere.”
For Leicester, the story of decline has been sharper but also brought on by a budget that was growing out of control.
They had their own steady stream of transfer revenue with N’Golo Kante, Danny Drinkwater, Riyad Mahrez, Harry Maguire and Ben Chilwell all contributing to an annual banker that totalled more than £250 million. It funded most of their subsequent re-investment but then COVID-19 came along and killed their revenue streams, an impact the top clubs were better equipped to deal with.
Leicester chased the top six but club officials knew it was a moving target and the model of selling a player every year stopped in 2020-21 even though they spent significantly. Keeping hold of assets would have been been justified had they made the Champions League but when Brendan Rodgers’ side blew fourth place down the home stretch in both the 2019-20 and 2020-21 seasons, before missing out on Europe by four points last season, that absent revenue took its toll.
Leicester’s wages-to-income ratio went well past UEFA’s 70 per cent red line, which saw Rodgers’ request for upgrades last summer met with the reality that they couldn’t buy before they sold.
Still, much like Villa are pouring resources into their academy in an attempt to produce more players like Jack Grealish (whose move to Manchester City has ensured Villa still have room to spend heavily this summer), Leicester had commenced building work to fit 8,000 new seats in their stadium and build a sprawling complex in the surrounding area to grow new revenue streams.
They are still pressing ahead with it but it is now the turn of Villa and Brighton to have their go at finding a way to disrupt the top six.
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I have absolutely zero excitement about this. Yes it’s progress, but it could well be at the detriment of our next season. Perhaps I’m tainted from the O’Neill days of surrender “to concentrate on the league”. But I can’t see the real benefits unless we play the second stringers. I’d rather we finished in the top 6 next season and/or win a domestic trophy. This just seems like a whole lot of extra hoops to jump through to get the Europa.
If we finish in the top six, will that be exciting or something that there's no point being happy about because it'll just be a distraction the following season?
As PWS is fond of saying, complaining about qualifying for Europe because it might distract us from qualifying for Europe the following season seems a little masochistic.
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"This is a division that has included Todd Boehly’s Chelsea being steered like a man who drives an automatic but was sold a manual, a Tottenham team piggy-backing on Harry Kane, a Liverpool team defending as if unaware of the offside rule for the first seven months and a Manchester United who may be better but endure away trips as well as a SpaceX flight."
My favourite bit.
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Newcastle apparently about to sign £25m a year shirt sponsorship deal with Sela, an events company backed by the Saudi PIF which owns, errr, Newcastle United.
And so it starts.
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Newcastle apparently about to sign £25m a year shirt sponsorship deal with Sela, an events company backed by the Saudi PIF which owns, errr, Newcastle United.
And so it starts.
Why isn't it a rule that sponsors can't have any links to the ownership? It seems pretty obvious. Or is there one and there is some sneaky loop hole or some shit?
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We've done fuck all of note in the league for over a decade, and have spent most of it being very shit, we're not really in a position to think the Conference is below us.
The odd shiny moment aside, we've done fuck all for the majority of the past 40 years. We are a big club, we are bigger club in our own eyes than understood or appreciated by most of the football watching population. Getting back into Europe for next season would be a magnificent achievement. We can dream of loftier ambitions after we take the first step back to national and continental relevance.
Yeah, absolutely. As has been gone over before, over the past 100 years our trophy cabinet has been quite bare really. Looking purely in terms of trophies, you can pretty much split it in to three short bursts:
- (Big gap from 1921 onwards)
- FA Cup (1957) and League Cup (1961*)
- League Cup (1975), League Cup (1977), League (1981), European Cup (1982)
- League Cup (1994), League Cup (1996)
- (Big gap in the 21st century)
I mean, whilst there's definitely clubs that have worse records than us ... it's not setting the world alight either.
I'd be happy if we started winning trophies, regardless of what they are
- 2024 Conference League and League Cup
- 2025 Europa League and FA Cup
- 2026 Premier League
- 2027 Champions League, League Cup and FA Cup (again)
Why aren't we doing the quadruple in 2027? Emery out.
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Re the Athletic article, it emphasises what a challenge it is to get into the European places given the massive financial disadvantage we have compared to those teams who've been doing it for years. Another reason why we should grab any opportunity we get. Everyone assumes we will be better next season and I hope we are, but it ain't necessarily so.
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Also had no idea Southampton finished as high as 6th. I guess Leicester winning the league took the attention away. Us being shite probably meant I wasn't paying much attention either.
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Re the Athletic article, it emphasises what a challenge it is to get into the European places given the massive financial disadvantage we have compared to those teams who've been doing it for years. Another reason why we should grab any opportunity we get. Everyone assumes we will be better next season and I hope we are, but it ain't necessarily so.
It's a good article. It not only emphasises what a challenge it is to get to the top six, but also how difficult it is to stay there when you do.
I was listening to a discussion on the radio the other day where someone was saying how far ahead Brighton's scouting and player identification system is compared to other clubs. Listening to it, I couldn't help but think of the film "Moneyball" and how in simple terms (though I'm sure it was a bit more complex in real life) after having their best players continually picked off by wealthier teams, the Oakland A's devised a player identification process which enabled them to compete on a budget they could afford.
As the article explains though, that model can be fraught with danger though as it only needs one cycle of losing your best players and recruiting poorly to replace them and you slip away. That's the challenge we are facing over the next few years.
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I’d disagree we’re in the same position as a Brighton Brentford or Southampton. We have the advantage of the extra level of support that being in a large metro area and surrounding hinterland brings. Our turnover is already overshadowing the likes of these clubs as we can haul in our 40k soon to be 50k fans and leverage that to our benefit. The difficulty is broaching the gap to Spurs/Arsenal from a base of £200+m to £350-£400m. As West Ham have found despite all the advantages of being in that there London and having a “free” 60k stadium it doesn’t just happen without both football operations expertise (Moyes really?) and huge commercial deals.
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I’d disagree we’re in the same position as a Brighton Brentford or Southampton. We have the advantage of the extra level of support that being in a large metro area and surrounding hinterland brings. Our turnover is already overshadowing the likes of these clubs as we can haul in our 40k soon to be 50k fans and leverage that to our benefit. The difficulty is broaching the gap to Spurs/Arsenal from a base of £200+m to £350-£400m. As West Ham have found despite all the advantages of being in that there London and having a “free” 60k stadium it doesn’t just happen without both football operations expertise (Moyes really?) and huge commercial deals.
I agree with that and we potentially have greater spending power than any of those other clubs as well. West Ham are a small fish in the big London pond and are a very mediocre club that benefit from a media love-in.
We, on the other hand, are comfortably the biggest club between London and Manchester and have a lot more potential if we can get things right.
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I recall an article by a football economist fifteen years ago about why are on a different level in terms of potential compared to our peers.
The depressing part obvs that fifteen years later we haven’t fulfilled it
I’ll try to find the article.
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I have said for years we have done nothing to recognise the level of support we traditionally had from the shires surrounding Birmingham.
Of course this plays into the hands that lot regarding them being the only real team in Brum which is petty and childish.
But our potential catchment area is huge.
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I have said for years we have done nothing to recognise the level of support we traditionally had from the shires surrounding Birmingham.
Of course this plays into the hands that lot regarding them being the only real team in Brum which is petty and childish.
No it doesn't - we've got massive support both in the city AND in the shires.
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I have absolutely zero excitement about this. Yes it’s progress, but it could well be at the detriment of our next season. Perhaps I’m tainted from the O’Neill days of surrender “to concentrate on the league”. But I can’t see the real benefits unless we play the second stringers. I’d rather we finished in the top 6 next season and/or win a domestic trophy. This just seems like a whole lot of extra hoops to jump through to get the Europa.
Following Villa in Europe is absolutely brilliant and worthy of being excited about. Small followings, big followings, random places, it's always a great craic. It's worthy of being excited about after 13 years and I think we'll have a crack at winning it.
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Staggered anyone thinks this would be a bad thing.
I'm tired of being also-rans. West Ham are in a European final, imagine how that feels for them. I want some of that back.
We're a club who has finished top half once in a decade. Over a decade.
Not wanting to play in Europe in case it stops us qualifying for Europe next season seems nuts.
Also, don't forget, we have a manager who practically hoovers up European cup silverware.
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I thinks it's more that people dont want us to struggle rather than not get into Europe. It was only a few months ago West Ham bought Ings off us because it was looking a bit iffy for them, although mind you they have Davd Sullivan and we have our Richy Rich pair. That said, I'll be disappointed if we don't do it tomorrrow.
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I thinks it's more that people dont want us to struggle rather than not get into Europe. It was only a few months ago West Ham bought Ings off us because it was looking a bit iffy for them, although mind you they have Davd Sullivan and we have our Richy Rich pair. That said, I'll be disappointed if we don't do it tomorrrow.
Yeah I sort of understand, but it’s incredibly self defeating. You’ve got to trust the club to get it right, they might not, but with our manager we have every chance. I’ll be gutted if we don’t make it, it’s an important step in our progression, and it’s earlier than we could have hoped.
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Does anyone not want us to win the FA Cup in case we are disappointed if we don't win it the following year?
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Does anyone not want us to win the FA Cup in case we are disappointed if we don't win it the following year?
Hardly the same thing really.
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Staggered anyone thinks this would be a bad thing.
I'm tired of being also-rans. West Ham are in a European final, imagine how that feels for them. I want some of that back.
We're a club who has finished top half once in a decade. Over a decade.
Not wanting to play in Europe in case it stops us qualifying for Europe next season seems nuts.
Also, don't forget, we have a manager who practically hoovers up European cup silverware.
Added to that it helps with the sales pitch to prospective new players.
Not that the Europa Conference League on its own is a massive draw. But: Successful, highly rated manager, committed wealthy owners and back in European football for the first time in 13 years. It all feeds into the narrative of a club on the up.
Which was prob more difficult to argue last summer when we finished 14th.
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Fair point .My clumsy way of saying "let the future take care of itself".
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European away days are what I’ve missed for years. Going to Rennes last summer just wet the appetite. This club should be in Europe every season and I’ll be absolutely gutted if we don’t make it.
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I've never been to a European away game so would love the chance. I expect it would be virtually impossible to get tickets for non season ticket holders though.
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Go anyway just for the craic.
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I probably will tbh.
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I think it'd be a weird mix of the sort of small club UEFA thought would end up in this competition (hence the tiny final venue), your FC Tractorfactory of Tirana type, but then the likes of Fiorentina (I've been to a few of their matches, the ground is a dump, but it's big, and the city, well, the city is magnificent) which would be great away trips.
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Re the Athletic article, it emphasises what a challenge it is to get into the European places given the massive financial disadvantage we have compared to those teams who've been doing it for years. Another reason why we should grab any opportunity we get. Everyone assumes we will be better next season and I hope we are, but it ain't necessarily so.
Emery made a great point the other day and it's obviously the plan for the future, "to get a strong position in the top seven and to STAY with them". That last part really registers with me, I've been more interested in the points we get rather than the position as the points will take care of the latter, plus we are in touching distance with those above us.
Tomorrow we could end the season on 61 points, worst case 12 points behind 4th place, 14 behind third which is some achievement given what went on up until November. West Ham finished 7th last season but were 15 and 18 points behind 4th and 3rd. We've got to stay within the top pack which might sound obvious but it's the real challenge. Everything else will take care of itself including Europe and trophies.
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I've never been to a European away game so would love the chance. I expect it would be virtually impossible to get tickets for non season ticket holders though.
Just go because you never know what you can pick up while there.
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I have absolutely zero excitement about this. Yes it’s progress, but it could well be at the detriment of our next season. Perhaps I’m tainted from the O’Neill days of surrender “to concentrate on the league”. But I can’t see the real benefits unless we play the second stringers. I’d rather we finished in the top 6 next season and/or win a domestic trophy. This just seems like a whole lot of extra hoops to jump through to get the Europa.
Following Villa in Europe is absolutely brilliant and worthy of being excited about. Small followings, big followings, random places, it's always a great craic. It's worthy of being excited about after 13 years and I think we'll have a crack at winning it.
If West Ham are holding the trophy at the end of the final I dare anyone to say "Yeah I couldn't be arsed to have any of that."
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I've never been to a European away game so would love the chance. I expect it would be virtually impossible to get tickets for non season ticket holders though.
Just go because you never know what you can pick up while there.
I've picked up a few things in Europen cities in the past...
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I have absolutely zero excitement about this. Yes it’s progress, but it could well be at the detriment of our next season. Perhaps I’m tainted from the O’Neill days of surrender “to concentrate on the league”. But I can’t see the real benefits unless we play the second stringers. I’d rather we finished in the top 6 next season and/or win a domestic trophy. This just seems like a whole lot of extra hoops to jump through to get the Europa.
I can see your points and there is no right or wrong way to feel we all want Villa to be successful long-term
But I have to say I feel exactly the opposite way
I see it as a massive game and I’m as nervous as anything about it, European football in any capacity for the first time in 13 years will be the cherry on top of an unbelievable season
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I've never been to a European away game so would love the chance. I expect it would be virtually impossible to get tickets for non season ticket holders though.
Just go because you never know what you can pick up while there.
I've picked up a few things in Europen cities in the past...
Fridge magnets?
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I thinks it's more that people dont want us to struggle rather than not get into Europe. It was only a few months ago West Ham bought Ings off us because it was looking a bit iffy for them, although mind you they have Davd Sullivan and we have our Richy Rich pair. That said, I'll be disappointed if we don't do it tomorrrow.
Why have these people decided that West Ham were poor this season because of their European games?
Last season in Europe when nobody expected them to qualify (so the actual parallel to our potential qualification) they got to the semi finals and still had a really decent domestic season.
Were any of their fans upset about what impact European football had on them last year?
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I'm definitely excited by the prospect of European football coming back to Villa Park just the thought of Aston Villa going to some far off places in Europe is well worth it.
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Man it would be so exciting if we did it. Just staying calm until tomorrow afternoon
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I thinks it's more that people dont want us to struggle rather than not get into Europe. It was only a few months ago West Ham bought Ings off us because it was looking a bit iffy for them, although mind you they have Davd Sullivan and we have our Richy Rich pair. That said, I'll be disappointed if we don't do it tomorrrow.
Why have these people decided that West Ham were poor this season because of their European games?
Last season in Europe when nobody expected them to qualify (so the actual parallel to our potential qualification) they got to the semi finals and still had a really decent domestic season.
Were any of their fans upset about what impact European football had on them last year?
Exactly. West have have been bad because they let David Moyes spend big money on a striker. The man's a genius when it comes to spotting gnarly centre-halves from the Championship, but only a fool would let him buy a striker. Let alone an Italian striker. Dickheads.
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I have absolutely zero excitement about this. Yes it’s progress, but it could well be at the detriment of our next season. Perhaps I’m tainted from the O’Neill days of surrender “to concentrate on the league”. But I can’t see the real benefits unless we play the second stringers. I’d rather we finished in the top 6 next season and/or win a domestic trophy. This just seems like a whole lot of extra hoops to jump through to get the Europa.
I can see your points and there is no right or wrong way to feel we all want Villa to be successful long-term
But I have to say I feel exactly the opposite way
I see it as a massive game and I’m as nervous as anything about it, European football in any capacity for the first time in 13 years will be the cherry on top of an unbelievable season
What I’d say is just look at Roma. It’s really helped them.
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We're not West Ham and our manager is certainly not Moyes.
Always aim for the best. If you come up short then so be it but to think you didn't try is unforgivable.
That's what MON did in Moscow and it killed us. And him.
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I've never been to a European away game so would love the chance. I expect it would be virtually impossible to get tickets for non season ticket holders though.
Just go because you never know what you can pick up while there.
I've picked up a few things in Europen cities in the past...
Is that why they’re golden now?
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I'm definitely excited by the prospect of European football coming back to Villa Park just the thought of Aston Villa going to some far off places in Europe is well worth it.
Exactly.
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I'm excited at the prospect of being in Europe but also, excited at showing the TV audience far and wide, what an atmosphere Villa Park can generate when the crowd are on top form.
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This is why Emery has come to our club. That's why Nassef Sawiris stepped in midseason. I believe this will be our finest game of the season, and I have a strong feeling it will be spectacular. I'm talking about 4 5 or 6 goals!
Brighton have earned their plaudits, but Villa will make a significant statement today, and I'm getting more excited by the minute for a return to European football.
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I've never been to a European away game so would love the chance. I expect it would be virtually impossible to get tickets for non season ticket holders though.
Just go because you never know what you can pick up while there.
I've picked up a few things in Europen cities in the past...
There’s some fantastic bargains on offer if you know where to go.
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I have absolutely zero excitement about this. Yes it’s progress, but it could well be at the detriment of our next season. Perhaps I’m tainted from the O’Neill days of surrender “to concentrate on the league”. But I can’t see the real benefits unless we play the second stringers. I’d rather we finished in the top 6 next season and/or win a domestic trophy. This just seems like a whole lot of extra hoops to jump through to get the Europa.
Following Villa in Europe is absolutely brilliant and worthy of being excited about. Small followings, big followings, random places, it's always a great craic. It's worthy of being excited about after 13 years and I think we'll have a crack at winning it.
Point of order - craic isn't a countable noun.
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Noted. So I could have less craic, but not fewer craics.
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Yes, good lad.
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I've never been to a European away game so would love the chance. I expect it would be virtually impossible to get tickets for non season ticket holders though.
Just go because you never know what you can pick up while there.
I've picked up a few things in Europen cities in the past...
Is that why they’re golden now?
Swollenballs
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Not that much of it on here but few villa fans I know berating the conference league as small time and irrelevant. However it has been so long since we were in Europe, we should take every chance to get there. If we don’t we will still have the fire in our bellies next season. I have been as negative as any this season but we have had a fantastic season. We are so used to it falling down around us we are nervous when we succeed lest it is another false dawn.
Remember the story from the Simpsons when Homer wanted to see Mr T. He said he would go later and when he got to the mall Mr T had gone….
We have come a long way this season and we have a villa to make us happy. Imagine back in 2016 if we were told we would be 8th and in with a chance of Europe. Only once has putting it off til next season helped us, that was when we didn’t go up in 2018 when shoe express was in charge.
So come on Villa, do us proud and if it doesn’t happen, we’ll next season is gonna be epic
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Not knowing much about this conference competition , why was it set up and why does 7th place not just go into the europa cup. Ive just not followed the format , do the winners go into Europa ?
Do the shit Europa teams go into it at a later date?
Anyway Im still excited .
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Not knowing much about this conference competition , why was it set up and why does 7th place not just go into the europa cup. Ive just not followed the format , do the winners go into Europa ?
Do the shit Europa teams go into it at a later date?
Anyway Im still excited .
The point is for the smaller European clubs not to get lost (and battered) in the bigger European competitions. It gives a more realistic goal to achieve for the Estonian champions. It's not really made for prem teams but I will be more than happy to be involved, we should be able to win it.
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Surprised Max Stokes and his mate were saying this is our biggest game for decades on the podcast they do.
There's no way in my mind this is bigger than 2019 play offs or last day at West Ham in 2020.
Lose on that day and we don't just lose Grealish but Mings and probably McGinn and Martinez would never have joined a championship club so we'd have had to rebuild back in championship with a completely different group and who knows how long it would've taken to get promoted again.
If we miss out today it's disappointing but need to look at the last three months and see we're a proper top level unit now back to front so no reason why we can't start next season very well and see where that takes us.
In 12 months time it wouldn't shock me if we've already qualified for europe by final game.
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Yeah, pods and "content providers" need to big-up the latest event hence a bit of hyperbolix about today's game.
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Agreed SHQ, there is no way this is bigger than either of those two, or than the FA or even League Cup finals.
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Vitoria Guimarães have qualified for the Conference League finishing 6th (1 point behind 5th) so will go into the early round of the competition, first game scheduled for July 27th. If they get through and we qualify, can we play them having the same owners?
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Not knowing much about this conference competition , why was it set up and why does 7th place not just go into the europa cup. Ive just not followed the format , do the winners go into Europa ?
Do the shit Europa teams go into it at a later date?
Anyway Im still excited .
The point is for the smaller European clubs not to get lost (and battered) in the bigger European competitions. It gives a more realistic goal to achieve for the Estonian champions. It's not really made for prem teams but I will be more than happy to be involved, we should be able to win it.
Yep it helps spread the earnings a bit. The money smaller teams can earn is pretty significant.
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Yeah, pods and "content providers" need to big-up the latest event hence a bit of hyperbolix about today's game.
Not that surprising when their name includes Max and Stokes.
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Vitoria Guimarães have qualified for the Conference League finishing 6th (1 point behind 5th) so will go into the early round of the competition, first game scheduled for July 27th. If they get through and we qualify, can we play them having the same owners?
We only own 45% of them, suspect that'll make a difference.
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Vitoria Guimarães have qualified for the Conference League finishing 6th (1 point behind 5th) so will go into the early round of the competition, first game scheduled for July 27th. If they get through and we qualify, can we play them having the same owners?
We only own 45% of them, suspect that'll make a difference.
Gotcha! An away day there would be ace. I love Guimarães, one of my favourite places in Portugal. I'd seriously consider moving up there in a few years time.
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We’re on our way!
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Amazing
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Not only do we have it, spare a thought for our 'friends' that will be absolutely distraught.
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We bloody did it!
Look back to Gerard’s rule and now where we are is totally unthinkable. What a season.
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Hold on to your passports!
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Unbelievable. What a manager!
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I love this team!!!!
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Emery's main aim was to make sure we stayed up, and look at us now. The man is a genius.
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Get in! Never in doubt!
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Not bad considering the team is full of players that aren't top half standard.
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Unbelievable
I love you unai
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Bloody fantastic 👏
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Archer and Ramsey jnr back in the set up now.
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Fanbloodytastic! What a season they turned out to be. Gerrard is this seasons Whelan.
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Taxi !!!
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Hold on to your passports!
Never mind Europe, let's hit Seattle!
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When is the first game?
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Anyone have any more info than what's on here? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023%E2%80%9324_UEFA_Europa_Conference_League
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Smirker, I apologise. I doubted you. Won't happen again. Can I be the first to claim that we will be inserted as favourites to win the Europa Conference?
WHAT A RUN! WHAT A MANAGER!!
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Qualifying round begins on July 13. Hmm.
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Smirker, I apologise. I doubted you. Won't happen again. Can I be the first to claim that we will be inserted as favourites to win the Europa Conference?
WHAT A RUN! WHAT A MANAGER!!
No worries mate, today is a day of celebration.
Just remember to VOTE SMIRKER!
8)
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Qualifying round begins on July 13. Hmm.
Nah we’re in play off round, which is August.
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Play-offs: 24 and 31 August 2023
Must mean we get a bye to the next round of the League Cup.
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Smirker, I apologise. I doubted you. Won't happen again. Can I be the first to claim that we will be inserted as favourites to win the Europa Conference?
WHAT A RUN! WHAT A MANAGER!!
No worries mate, today is a day of celebration.
Just remember to VOTE SMIRKER!
8)
I doth my cap to you and will indeed vote Smirker!
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We go into the last round before the group stages. There's 3 rounds before we enter.
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We go into the last round before the group stages. There's 3 rounds before we enter.
What sort of date is that Mr Shin?
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Qualifying round begins on July 13. Hmm.
Nah we’re in play off round, which is August.
Better.
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We are going to need a bigger squad, that's for sure. I expect Ashley to get a new contract next week as we will need him.
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I definitely give Ash another year, what a pro and role model for players like Ramsey.
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We go into the last round before the group stages. There's 3 rounds before we enter.
What sort of date is that Mr Shin?
Last week of August.
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Shame the serial losers from Tottenham missed out completely on Europe….
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This thread has been an emotional rollercoaster.
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We're all on the march with Unai's army.
We're all going to Progrès Niederkorn.
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Bayer Leverkeusen will be in it. Other possibles are Juventus, Monaco, best of all Athletico Bilbao if they can just move up one place in La Liga,
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Can’t wait, me and the daughter are off on a European adventure
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We’ve blown it. Like we always do.
Lol
I’m sorry. I have to.
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Anyone have any more info than what's on here? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023%E2%80%9324_UEFA_Europa_Conference_League
Does that mean we’ll play the team who finish 5th in the French league?
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In the qualifying rounds representing Gibralter there will be Bruno's Magpies. The club was formed in 2013, initially as a group of friends who drank at the Bruno's Bar & Restaurant in Gibralter. Qualified as winners of this seasons Rock Cup. Dean Holdsworth is technical director of development and they have a guy called Jack Storer who played 4 times for SHA.
Or you may fancy FC Arsenal Tivat of Montenegro, Paide Linnameeskond of Estonia, or Differdange 03 of Luxembourg. Personally I'd like Haverfordwest County, don't need a passport and we get a big allocation when they switch it to Swansea.
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Anyone have any more info than what's on here? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023%E2%80%9324_UEFA_Europa_Conference_League
Does that mean we’ll play the team who finish 5th in the French league?
No, they'll be seeded like us.
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Anyone have any more info than what's on here? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023%E2%80%9324_UEFA_Europa_Conference_League
Does that mean we’ll play the team who finish 5th in the French league?
No, that's just the teams that will enter that round.
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Anyone have any more info than what's on here? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023%E2%80%9324_UEFA_Europa_Conference_League
Does that mean we’ll play the team who finish 5th in the French league?
No, that's just the teams that will enter that round.
Ahh, cheers, mate
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Despite us having no recent European points, as the English representative we will most likely be seeded.
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In the qualifying rounds representing Gibralter there will be Bruno's Magpies. The club was formed in 2013, initially as a group of friends who drank at the Bruno's Bar & Restaurant in Gibralter. Qualified as winners of this seasons Rock Cup. Dean Holdsworth is technical director of development and they have a guy called Jack Storer who played 4 times for SHA.
Or you may fancy FC Arsenal Tivat of Montenegro, Paide Linnameeskond of Estonia, or Differdange 03 of Luxembourg. Personally I'd like Haverfordwest County, don't need a passport and we get a big allocation when they switch it to Swansea.
Tivat in Macedonia could be nice enough, depending on what time of the year we'd face them. Off the Adriatic Coast and decent temperatures. Hotels are a bit jaded, mind.
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Anyone have any more info than what's on here? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023%E2%80%9324_UEFA_Europa_Conference_League
Does that mean we’ll play the team who finish 5th in the French league?
No
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This is brilliant news can't wait.
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Anyone have any more info than what's on here? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023%E2%80%9324_UEFA_Europa_Conference_League
Wouldn't mind one of Derry City, Dundalk, St. Pat's, Hearts or Aberdeen as I don't recall us playing an Irish or Scottish team in Europe.
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It's a great achievement given where we were and how much ground we made up.
I hope we give it our all like West Ham have done.
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Brought to an end 12 years of being out of Europe. The longest drought since that first foray to Antwerp in 1975.
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It's a great achievement given where we were and how much ground we made up.
I hope we give it our all like West Ham have done.
I don’t think you need to worry about that. Unai likes to win in Europe.
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This banner which was draped from the UT is a momento from when I got evicted as we disappeared down the drain. It happens to live in the same drawer as my passport. What a journey it's been since then!
(https://i.ibb.co/TmpP1H6/IMG-20230528-200718.jpg) (https://ibb.co/TmpP1H6)
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Any idea when our first game is likely to be - date wise?
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Any idea when our first game is likely to be - date wise?
We'll be in playoff round 24/31 August. Draw is 7th August
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I may be getting ahead of myself but bugger it…the final venue only holds 32k!
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Anyone have any more info than what's on here? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023%E2%80%9324_UEFA_Europa_Conference_League
Wouldn't mind one of Derry City, Dundalk, St. Pat's, Hearts or Aberdeen as I don't recall us playing an Irish or Scottish team in Europe.
Fuck that I wanna go somewhere hot
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Any idea when our first game is likely to be - date wise?
We'll be in playoff round 24/31 August. Draw is 7th August
Cheers - look forward to it.
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No need to contemplate it for a while, but I wouldn’t mind a UK or Irish team in the qualifiers.
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Anyone have any more info than what's on here? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023%E2%80%9324_UEFA_Europa_Conference_League
Wouldn't mind one of Derry City, Dundalk, St. Pat's, Hearts or Aberdeen as I don't recall us playing an Irish or Scottish team in Europe.
Fuck that I wanna go somewhere hot
Me too ! Something like Rennes last summer would do. Also I recall it was quite warm in Rotterdam back in the day. So not just for the fans it obviously suits the team as well.
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Just a point of caution. We have to get through a 2 legged qualifier at the end of August before we get to the group stage and the real fun. I can't be alone in thinking we would go far in this year's FA Cup and look what happened.
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Sometimes Aberdeen has temperatures of 15 degrees on August, I'll have you know
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I'm over the moon that we have got European football back at Villa Park.
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Just a point of caution. We have to get through a 2 legged qualifier at the end of August before we get to the group stage and the real fun. I can't be alone in thinking we would go far in this year's FA Cup and look what happened.
Well of course, but it’s pretty clear Unai knows what he’s doing. The Stevenage game was horrible, but we still should have won comfortably. Across 2 legs I fancy us against most teams.
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I may be getting ahead of myself but bugger it…the final venue only holds 32k!
Yes, we are aiming to get to Molineux the Agia Sophia stadium in Wolverhampton Athens on 29th May 2024.
(https://i.ibb.co/Y01XJK5/aek-agia-sofia-opap-arena.jpg) (https://ibb.co/Y01XJK5)
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Congrats on getting into Europe Villains. It's an incredible achievement considering how poor you were early in the season. I remember well early in the season Villa vs West Ham at Villa Park, quite possibly one of the worst games of football I've ever watched. Emery has transformed you into a team that is exciting to watch, and getting 7th and qualifying for the Conference League is fully deserved. Thursday night football is, IMO, the superior football anyway (Tuesday and Wednesday are the warm up for the main event). There's lots of great teams in it, you'll travel all over Europe, and watching your team win on the continent is great. I hope you do well, and I hope West Ham win next week and join you in Europe next season.
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Best of luck in the Final sendo. It's certainly good to get the respect of other fans and pundits with the work that Unai Emery is doing. Looking forward to the summer and seeing what sort of quality we bring in.
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Cheers sendo! Best of luck in the final, I know a few Hammers fans and they're all sound. If nothing else, Moyes and Rice seem to be decent blokes so wouldn't mind them finishing off their stints at West Ham with some silverware.
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I'm over the moon that we have got European football back at Villa Park.
You and me both brother
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Yeah, good luck in the final. You've treated the competition with the respect it deserves, and I doubt we'll do anything but the same with our manager. Rumour is he likes to win stuff!
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I hope West Ham get smashed in the final. Same as I do every English club that isn't us.
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I hope West Ham get smashed in the final. Same as I do every English club that isn't us.
I agree.
No truck with Sendo, though - nice to hear from you, mate.
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Not knowing much about this conference competition , why was it set up and why does 7th place not just go into the europa cup. Ive just not followed the format , do the winners go into Europa ?
Do the shit Europa teams go into it at a later date?
Anyway Im still excited .
The point is for the smaller European clubs not to get lost (and battered) in the bigger European competitions. It gives a more realistic goal to achieve for the Estonian champions. It's not really made for prem teams but I will be more than happy to be involved, we should be able to win it.
Yeah, I agree. To me it's really out to sell itself to teams from places like the Irish league, where there's a semi-decent chance of them getting to the group stage. Or even Welsh teams, I think it's basically if you qualify for the Champions League then win 2 of 4 qualifying games you end up in the Conference... so for someone like TNS, get a beatable side in the first round (e.g one from Faroe Islands or somewhere), then you really only have to get one win against a biggish side, e.g. one of Rangers' occasional brainfarts to be playing European football in to December.
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I hope West Ham get smashed in the final. Same as I do every English club that isn't us.
Anyone out of the scab 6 I genuinely don't mind
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Apart from Blues obvs
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I hope West Ham get smashed in the final. Same as I do every English club that isn't us.
Anyone out of the scab 6 I genuinely don't mind
Not for me. Bollocks to any English club that isn't us.
Having said that, I wished very, very strongly that Small Heath hadn't won the League Cup, but as soon as I found out they had, I messaged every one of my nose mates to congratulate them and tell them to enjoy.
Apart from fans of the plastic six, and maybe Newcastle, I'd find it hard to begrudge a real football fan that joy. So I hope West Ham lose, but I hope Sendo enjoys the final and, if they win, I hope he celebrates like there's no tomorrow.
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I hope West Ham get smashed in the final. Same as I do every English club that isn't us.
Anyone out of the scab 6 I genuinely don't mind
Them getting in to the Europa League means they can attract better players, ones that we may also be in for and will also make them better next season. So no, I don't want them to win. I know we might not see them as a rival next season and I don't think they will be (especially losing Rice) but a player weighing up their options will not think the same. "You're in London, you're in Europa, how much a week?! Go on then."
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So if it’s reasonable accessible
How many of us will be at the first away game?
I’m going. Tickets or not.
Could be c10k.
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I hope West Ham get smashed in the final. Same as I do every English club that isn't us.
Anyone out of the scab 6 I genuinely don't mind
Yeah. The odd thing is, I remember kind-of supporting whichever English (and Scottish) sides were in Europe, although probably the last time I wanted one of the scab 6 to do anything other than be humiliated was probably Manc Utd in 1998.
That feeling isn't transferred to Wham, though. Hope they win.
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I hope West Ham get smashed in the final. Same as I do every English club that isn't us.
Nah hope they lose. Still hold a grudge after watching us lose in the GT1 era against a shire West Ham team managed by shilly-shally Bonds. Awful fans spitting through the cage at us and very hostile exit. Fuck em.
Anyone out of the scab 6 I genuinely don't mind
Yeah. The odd thing is, I remember kind-of supporting whichever English (and Scottish) sides were in Europe, although probably the last time I wanted one of the scab 6 to do anything other than be humiliated was probably Manc Utd in 1998.
That feeling isn't transferred to Wham, though. Hope they win.
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Does any one have a list of the teams that have qualified for the conference?
What is the format of the competition?
Cheers.
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"After securing 7th place, Aston Villa confirmed their spot in the Play-off round of the UECL and they are currently projected to enter the group stage.
If they enter the group stage, Aston Villa should be placed in the Pot 2."
(https://i.ibb.co/tcpX39n/20230529-082656.png)
(https://i.ibb.co/BNx6Xc5/20230529-082659.png)
Source, tweet nicked from here: https://twitter.com/UefaRankings/status/1662883080380530688?t=NLX2STl4OOHochORYstpNQ&s=19
Is this any good? Obviously not the official draw yet but gives an idea..
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Hope we don’t get Brugge, with all those thousands of Blues still stuck there, we won’t be able to drink in that city either.
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Rijeka would be a great away trip.
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Ok, I can understand all the systems on a 767. I can tell you all about the Canal systems in the U.K., I can even have a conversation about calculus.
But I cannot understand the Europa Conference league. I’m sure I’ll understand it in the annuls of time and I’m glad we’re in it. But at the moment, it seems like it’s a whole world of surrealist confusion to me!
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Am I being thick here, why are some teams in the top list but then don’t appear in a ‘pot’?
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The 2023/24 Europa League final will be held in Dublin in May 2024
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Am I being thick here, why are some teams in the top list but then don’t appear in a ‘pot’?
Because they’re projected not to get through the qualifying round.
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The 2023/24 Europa League final will be held in Dublin in May 2024
That's why McGinn went. Top dedication to pre-match prep.
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Still quite a few countries with a set of fixtures to go, like Italy and Spain.
Also, some countries have Playoffs to get into it, like The Netherlands.
We could do without Sevilla finishing in the Conference League spot. If they do then we'd be unseeded if we got through to the Group Stage.
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The Spanish teams aren't in the projections because they had to finish their tea before playong their final games.
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Still quite a few countries with a set of fixtures to go, like Italy and Spain.
Also, some countries have Playoffs to get into it, like The Netherlands.
We could do without Sevilla finishing in the Conference League spot. If they do then we'd be unseeded if we got through to the Group Stage.
Daft question time (and I’m going to have plenty about this competition!) but what are the advantages in this competition of being seeded v unseeded?
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Being seeded for the groups, in theory you'd get 2 teams weaker than you.
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"After securing 7th place, Aston Villa confirmed their spot in the Play-off round of the UECL and they are currently projected to enter the group stage.
If they enter the group stage, Aston Villa should be placed in the Pot 2."
(https://i.ibb.co/tcpX39n/20230529-082656.png)
(https://i.ibb.co/BNx6Xc5/20230529-082659.png)
Source, tweet nicked from here: https://twitter.com/UefaRankings/status/1662883080380530688?t=NLX2STl4OOHochORYstpNQ&s=19
Is this any good? Obviously not the official draw yet but gives an idea..
Unlikely as it is ... YSN/TNS, please. They'll change the ground to Wrexham and it'll be mental.
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How’s the hangovers for those who imbibe today?
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That play off round has some potentially tricky ties.
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That play off round has some potentially tricky ties.
Especially for the poor buggers who get drawn against Aston Villa.
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That play off round has some potentially tricky ties.
We’ve all spotted Rapid Vienna haven't we??
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That play off round has some potentially tricky ties.
We’ve all spotted Rapid Vienna haven't we??
Third time's the charm
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That play off round has some potentially tricky ties.
We’ve all spotted Rapid Vienna haven't we??
Third time's the charm
They can stick there fucking “nightmare returns” up their arse.
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Nice mix of big teams like Juventus and Frankfurt, and places that I'll have to look up like Cuckaricki and Mostar.
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There is a hell of a lot of guesswork going into what BE posted before.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023%E2%80%9324_UEFA_Europa_Conference_League
This will be getting a lot of viewing over the coming weeks and months. In truth, we won't know what to expect until our draw on 7th August and even then it will probably be an either/or draw because the 3rd qualifying round won't have been completed.
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Didn’t Mostar get flattened in that early 90s stramash down in the Balkans?
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Looking at West Ham this season, this is where they played away.
I expect a similar diverse mix, should we progress past the qualifying round. (I’m taking nothing for granted, remember Stevenage)
Viborg - Denmark
FCSB – Romania
Silkeborg – Denmark
Anderlecht – Belgium
AEK Larnaca – Cyprus
Gent – Belgium
AZ Alkmaar – Holland
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That play off round has some potentially tricky ties.
I was thinking that, I was expecting Dynamo Riga girls under 12’s not bloody Juventus and Fenerbace!!
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The final is in Dublin. Imagine it?
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The final is in Dublin. Imagine it?
Thats the Europa League final I think.
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The final is in Dublin. Imagine it?
Athens isn't it?
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That's the Europa League, the Conference Final is in Athens.
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The final is in Dublin. Imagine it?
Of the Europa League.
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Balls
Athens is nice though
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Wonder if we’ll get a trip to Russia?
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When do we play our first game?
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I'd have liked Europa, but perhaps this is a perfect reintroduction for us into Europe. A slightly kinder level of competition (though we must take it 100% seriously of course - I too remember St*v*n*g*) as we get a bit of a groove back for the whole Sunday-Thursday routine.
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I guess it depends how far we get, but assuming a decent way how many games are likely to be on Sunday's rather than Saturday's?
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I guess it depends how far we get, but assuming a decent way how many games are likely to be on Sunday's rather than Saturday's?
If we get to the group stage it will be 8 before Xmas
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We should take the competition very seriously , I'd say it's our best chance of getting Europa if the likes of Chelsea and Spurs pick up.
We will need a '2nd team' almost to compete on all fronts. I think Coutinho will be very useful in the competition, if we can get him fit. Ashley Young should also be given a two year contract
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We should take the competition very seriously , I'd say it's our best chance of getting Europa if the likes of Chelsea and Spurs pick up.
We will need a '2nd team' almost to compete on all fronts. I think Coutinho will be very useful in the competition, if we can get him fit. Ashley Young should also be given a two year contract
I wouldn't say it's our 'best chance' as the vagaries of knockout tournaments always introduce unfavourable probabilities. I get what you mean though - the English representative in the Conference League will always be among the favourites.
As for a '2nd team', again, I see what you mean, but I'd rather put it as 'competition in every position', rather than a first eleven with understudies.
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Cheers B.E.
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The final is in Dublin. Imagine it?
Liverpool in a European final in Dublin, I'd rather not.
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The final is in Dublin. Imagine it?
Liverpool in a European final in Dublin, I'd rather not.
Oh, they'll be there, mate.
You just know it.
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If it was a choice between this and the old UEFA Cup I'd take the UEFA Cup all day long.
But the Europa League is mental. You'd need to play the same amount of games as half a league campaign to win it. Whereas with the Conference League there's six ties and then the final. Until they change the format in 24/25 and about five million teams enter.
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If it was a choice between this and the old UEFA Cup I'd take the UEFA Cup all day long.
But the Europa League is mental. You'd need to play the same amount of games as half a league campaign to win it. Whereas with the Conference League there's six ties and then the final. Until they change the format in 24/25 and about five million teams enter.
The Conference final will be West Ham's 15th game in the competition, exactly the same as Roma in the Europa League final.
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If it was a choice between this and the old UEFA Cup I'd take the UEFA Cup all day long.
But the Europa League is mental. You'd need to play the same amount of games as half a league campaign to win it. Whereas with the Conference League there's six ties and then the final. Until they change the format in 24/25 and about five million teams enter.
There would be five knockout ties before the final (including the play-off round) plus the group stage so 17 games in total.
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https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/UEFA_Europa_Conference_League
So exactly how does this work for us? A play-off to see if we get in to the group stage?
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West Ham went straight into the group stage no?
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Yes, a play-off round with games on Aug. 24th and 31st to get into the group stage. The draw is on Aug. 7th.
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Bah.
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West Ham went straight into the group stage no?
They played Viborg from Denmark in the play off round
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(https://i.ibb.co/xSrTHhG/Screenshot-20230529-104947-Samsung-Internet.jpg) (https://ibb.co/xSrTHhG)
This was the seeding pots this season. TBH some tough looking potential ties in there.
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Merge existing Europe thread? This is being discussed there.
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My brain hurts.
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We're currently the lowest seeded team, which would help us in the draw. That would mean away on August 24th, home on August 31st.
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Dates of rounds here;
https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaconferenceleague/news/027a-1641db958909-46702780984f-1000--2023-24-uefa-europa-conference-league-matches-final-key-/ (https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaconferenceleague/news/027a-1641db958909-46702780984f-1000--2023-24-uefa-europa-conference-league-matches-final-key-/)
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West Ham went straight into the group stage no?
They played Viborg from Denmark in the play off round
Won 6-1 on aggregate so it was very easy for them.
Fiorentina actually played FC Twente and only got through 2-1 on aggregate so I'd very much like to be seeded for play off round as I assume West Ham were.
Please tell me Rapid Vienna are nowhere to be seen in this competition.....
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They’re currently in it, with one round to play I’m told.
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I noticed Hajduk Split are in the competition. Seeing a Villa play them in their Poljud ground would be fantastic.
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I noticed Hajduk Split are in the competition. Seeing a Villa play them in their Poljud ground would be fantastic.
Plus it's one of those names (like Ujpest Dozsa) that evoke memories of bygone days when trips to Eastern Europe seemed an exotic adventiure.
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There is also a chance we could play Juve which, to be clear, I want with everything I have in my petty little soul. I've met some true wanker Juventini here for whom Villa are just some 'small kleb' you scroll past on Fifa to get to 'Manchesterrr'. Beating them would give me unreal joy.
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My brain hurts.
Like a warehouse.
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My brain hurts.
Like a warehouse.
;D Your taste is impeccable…
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(https://i.ibb.co/xSrTHhG/Screenshot-20230529-104947-Samsung-Internet.jpg) (https://ibb.co/xSrTHhG)
This was the seeding pots this season. TBH some tough looking potential ties in there.
Always strange to see a team called Young Boys.
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(https://i.ibb.co/xSrTHhG/Screenshot-20230529-104947-Samsung-Internet.jpg) (https://ibb.co/xSrTHhG)
This was the seeding pots this season. TBH some tough looking potential ties in there.
Always strange to see a team called Young Boys.
Philip Schofield is a big fan.
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Aston Villa are back in Europe. The giant is waking up.
By Gregg Evans
The noise was unfathomable. The celebrations wild.
As a seventh-place finish secured qualification to the Europa Conference League play-off round and a return to competing on the continent for the first time in 13 years, Aston Villa’s owners Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens rejoiced.
On the pitch, they hugged the inspirational captain John McGinn, who led the team to a 2-1 win over Brighton & Hove Albion.
Unai Emery, the manager who made all this happen, raised his hands with a typically low-key but proud celebration. “I’ll have a champagne because it’s a champagne moment,” he laughed after.
Emi Martinez, meanwhile, dropped to the floor and counted his blessings. Diego Carlos piggybacked a topless Douglas Luiz, the player of the season and scorer of one of Villa’s goals alongside Ollie Watkins. Tyrone Mings remained as cool as a cucumber and said: “We didn’t let the fans down.”
Not a single player did, and that was appreciated in the stands as the supporters lapped it all up.
For the new generation, this felt like the next best thing to actually winning a trophy.
For those who witnessed much greater times, when Villa were the best team in the country just over 40 years ago and then the champions of Europe in 1982, they will hope this is the rebirth of a sleeping giant.
Finishing seventh is a wonderful achievement for a club that was concerned about relegation earlier this season. The extra prize money, worth around £1.5million per Premier League position, is also helpful, but still there is so much more room for growth.
Perhaps under the elite coach, Emery, this club can start dreaming about becoming elite again.
Villa are a force to be reckoned with now, no doubt. The way they finished the season shows that.
Seven home victories in a row and a total of 49 points from 25 games which included victories against Manchester United, Tottenham (twice) Chelsea, Brighton (twice) and a point against Liverpool at Anfield.
Such form over the course of the season would have seen Villa finish in the Champions League places. They have been that good since November.
And there aren’t many stadiums in England quite like Villa Park right now, either. Supporters were encouraged to turn up early to welcome the team bus and an email was sent out to members describing the day as ‘the last dance’.
Birmingham Airport turned claret and blue as supporters jetted in from Belfast and Dublin.
The scene outside the stadium as early as 90 minutes before kick-off was also quite the picture.
Sawiris, Edens and CEO Christian Purslow, all three who have been here from the start of this rebuild, were nervous but excited. When taking over in 2018 they had a plan to take Villa back into Europe within five years and despite some bumps in the road, they achieved it after flying over the final hurdle.
Brighton sang before kick-off ‘we’re all going on a European tour’ and by full-time Villa supporters were able to join in.
What an atmosphere they created, and what a performance.
Emery was right to be worried about the game, but after riding through a nervy hour of football, Villa eventually got a grip and controlled the final 30 minutes to get the job done. They pressed high and at the right time and it was enough to restrict Roberto De Zerbi’s men.
Asked how Villa got over the line, goalkeeper Martinez said: “The manager told us to play our game and I think we were outstanding from the first minute.”
Matty Cash said: “It’s a dream come true to be playing in Europe and to do it with these boys and this manager is great.”
Emery was also delighted but declared this success as only “the first step”.
“I want more moments like this,” he said.
With the Spaniard around, there’s every chance there will be.
There was so much to like about this particular victory, but Villa put all the groundwork in long before this, first by winning regularly on the road — think back to the reverse fixture with Brighton before the World Cup break that got it all started.
Villa then beat Tottenham, Leeds United, Everton and Chelsea between other results into the new year.
The players felt the pinch with fewer days off, extended training time, and longer video sessions after defeats to Manchester City, Leicester City and Arsenal, but it was that run of games where Villa conceded 11 goals that inspired a serious fix-up, and what happened next was impressive.
Villa beat Crystal Palace, Bournemouth, Nottingham Forest, Newcastle, Fulham and Tottenham at home and conceded just one goal — a Harry Kane penalty to set up the final-day showdown.
Mixing grit and determination with star quality, a ruthless streak and a clear identity made Villa a feared force.
Brighton had achieved their own objective of qualifying for the Europa League with a week to spare but played with freedom and an unpredictable edge.
But still there was no stopping Villa from making it seven wins in a row at home in the Premier League for the first time since the 1992-93 season.
Villa challenged for the title that year, a mission supporters would love to see again.
As Martinez said, though, when addressing the supporters: “Next season we go for the Champions League — that’s our aim.”
Expect a busy summer as Villa prepare for the new challenge.
-
Worth a read to see out potential outcome and draw possibilities, https://twitter.com/uefarankings/status/1663152062593392640?s=48&t=6iBV-Ol4fQUyMjvKB4z6eg
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My brain hurts.
Like a warehouse.
And it’s been five years in July since our saviours bought the club.
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So it’s all in the air, basically! I’m going to relax and see what is the case when it comes to our draw, as it’s way too complicated to be assessing all that.
-
My brain hurts.
Like a warehouse.
And it’s been five years in July since our saviours bought the club.
But luckily, the world didn’t end.
-
My brain hurts.
Like a warehouse.
And it’s been five years in July since our saviours bought the club.
But luckily, the world didn’t end.
True, changed immeasurably for the better.
-
Worth a read to see out potential outcome and draw possibilities, https://twitter.com/uefarankings/status/1663152062593392640?s=48&t=6iBV-Ol4fQUyMjvKB4z6eg
Do you think the author has a girlfriend?
-
The bit I got is we need to be cheering on on Seville
-
Worth a read to see out potential outcome and draw possibilities, https://twitter.com/uefarankings/status/1663152062593392640?s=48&t=6iBV-Ol4fQUyMjvKB4z6eg
Do you think the author has a girlfriend?
Why?
-
Worth a read to see out potential outcome and draw possibilities, https://twitter.com/uefarankings/status/1663152062593392640?s=48&t=6iBV-Ol4fQUyMjvKB4z6eg
Do you think the author has a girlfriend?
Why?
It didn't strike me as the work of someone who gets out much.
-
Worth a read to see out potential outcome and draw possibilities, https://twitter.com/uefarankings/status/1663152062593392640?s=48&t=6iBV-Ol4fQUyMjvKB4z6eg
Does anyone remember "Golden Balls"?
-
Worth a read to see out potential outcome and draw possibilities, https://twitter.com/uefarankings/status/1663152062593392640?s=48&t=6iBV-Ol4fQUyMjvKB4z6eg
Do you think the author has a girlfriend?
Why?
It didn't strike me as the work of someone who gets out much.
Someone posting about football on the internet. Yeah, what a loser that guy must be.
-
Worth a read to see out potential outcome and draw possibilities, https://twitter.com/uefarankings/status/1663152062593392640?s=48&t=6iBV-Ol4fQUyMjvKB4z6eg
Does anyone remember "Golden Balls"?
Or Numberwang.
Just stick all the balls in a hat, get some old fossil to pick them out and if Juventus get Athletic Bilbao in the first round that's tough tits
-
Nobody is going to want to play us.
-
Worth a read to see out potential outcome and draw possibilities, https://twitter.com/uefarankings/status/1663152062593392640?s=48&t=6iBV-Ol4fQUyMjvKB4z6eg
Does anyone remember "Golden Balls"?
Or Numberwang.
It does seem incredibly convoluted... Not that I've got any better idea how to organise it!
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Numberwang was just a poor man’s Quizzlestick.
-
There are so many assumptions in that Twitter thread it's not much use really. Hasn't stopped me checking the Basel score though!
-
So just to keep on track in a game we should apparently be interested in according to Mr La-di-da Euro Rankings it’s Basel 0 Grasshoppers 0 at half time. Apparently Basel have a good coefficient and this is bad news for us so we want Grasshoppers to FTF.
-
By my calculations, football gets 6.35% more ruined every time maths comes into the beautiful game.
-
Can't believe I'm doing this as well - but as things stand St Gallen are in 5th place. Not the first idea where that is.
-
Switzerland? Sorry…0
-
And inevitably Basel score
-
And inevitably Basel score
Emery out
-
And inevitably Basel score
Can’t brush a result like that under the carpet.
-
Worth a read to see out potential outcome and draw possibilities, https://twitter.com/uefarankings/status/1663152062593392640?s=48&t=6iBV-Ol4fQUyMjvKB4z6eg
As clear as mud and I have a headache now.
-
Looks like we have sneaked into the seeded side of the draw. But but the danger is Rapid Vienna are in the unseeded pot. Nightmare could return😟
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Have we bitten off more than we can chew. A lot of games and at the time of writing not a strong squad. We will need to rotate but as seen against Stevenage and Manure we may have a strong starting 11 but certainly lack back up players. Perhaps a decent second string goalkeeper may change things.
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Well, we need to do it at some point.
To me, we need to make sure we are up there in the top six in the league next season as a priority. After that, go as far as we can in the cups and europe.
The extra revenue comes in handy, we already have quite a few players who don’t get many minutes, plus several good youngsters ready to take the next step up. I think we will be fine.
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The draw's not until the 7th of August, I'll wait until then. But it only leaves a couple of weeks before the play off game.
I don't suppose it will be much easier to get tickets than it is for away games. I'm assuming tickets will be issued against passport details.
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I reckon we should just give the place to Spurs, they'll be able to cope.
-
I'd like to have seen someone telling Ron Saunders that his team weren't ready for Europe.
-
It's a bit early to worry about the number of games given we haven't even made the group stage yet. And it's not like we don't have plenty of notice that we're in Europe and a transfer window opening soon.
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The goalie was the main problem in those cup games have we ever won a game with him in nets ?
A strong second goalkeeper is essential
We need better back ups than the Augustinsons of this world, but I think that will sort it self out over the summer
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The goalie was the main problem in those cup games have we ever won a game with him in nets ?
A strong second goalkeeper is essential
We need better back ups than the Augustinsons of this world, but I think that will sort it self out over the summer
Spurs away we had Olsen in goal.
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…yes to new signings but also leave space for the like of Ramsey, Archer and Tim to get full games in Europe.
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Looks like we have sneaked into the seeded side of the draw. But but the danger is Rapid Vienna are in the unseeded pot. Nightmare could return😟
Haha with another self-important banner.
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It’s fantastic that we have options!
Good players who want to be here and compete.
The funds and pull to bring better plays in.
A crop of talented young players with potential to blood.
If We can’t put a good squad together with all that going for us, we never will.
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The goalie was the main problem in those cup games have we ever won a game with him in nets ?
A strong second goalkeeper is essential
We need better back ups than the Augustinsons of this world, but I think that will sort it self out over the summer
He was a left back mate!
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He'd have still been better than Olsen.
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The goalie was the main problem in those cup games have we ever won a game with him in nets ?
A strong second goalkeeper is essential
We need better back ups than the Augustinsons of this world, but I think that will sort it self out over the summer
He was a left back mate!
Yeah I know, but he still played in those cup games
And you’re not going to win football matches with competition winning players
-
and yet a football club won't win many competitions without winning football matches
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The goalie was the main problem in those cup games have we ever won a game with him in nets ?
A strong second goalkeeper is essential
We need better back ups than the Augustinsons of this world, but I think that will sort it self out over the summer
He was a left back mate!
Yeah I know, but he still played in those cup games
And you’re not going to win football matches with competition winning players
Probably why we sent him home and bought Moreno then.
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Didn't realise that the Conference League allows for 12 substitutes. Should be to name 2 keepers again in that comp.
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I’ve just dug out my euro 76/77 panini, for old times sake!
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Didn't realise that the Conference League allows for 12 substitutes. Should be to name 2 keepers again in that comp.
Let the good times roll!
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Not sure if it's already been mentioned, but I think we also get a bye to the 3rd round of the League Cup next season.
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Nice mix of big teams like Juventus and Frankfurt, and places that I'll have to look up like Cuckaricki and Mostar.
Think Cuckaricki are a team from Belgrade
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Nice mix of big teams like Juventus and Frankfurt, and places that I'll have to look up like Cuckaricki and Mostar.
Think Cuckaricki are a team from Belgrade
I went to Mostar a few years ago. I thought it was a fascinating place with 2 main clubs HŠK Zrinjski and Velez.
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Not sure if it's already been mentioned, but I think we also get a bye to the 3rd round of the League Cup next season.
What do we have to do to get a bye to the 4th round of the FA cup? I'm trying to convince my son that we've been there!
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It’s 4am and I’ve woken in the night I’m reading the complex Twitter thread m, got to go check the Basel score. Happier days ahead.
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Looks like we have sneaked into the seeded side of the draw. But but the danger is Rapid Vienna are in the unseeded pot. Nightmare could return😟
All sorts of teams from the Champions and Europa League drop into the conference too.
It's a while since Rangers were last at VP.
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Didn't realise that the Conference League allows for 12 substitutes. Should be to name 2 keepers again in that comp.
Expect at least 3 sub keepers of there's that many places on the bench tbh
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My opinion on the 'are we able to cope" lets prioritise the conference cup as if you win you go in europa anyway. Play weaker teams in dometic cups.
Also lets not forget we had a WC half way in season. Its a perfect opportunity to use some youngsters too. Archer kesler ans timmy
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And inevitably Basel score
Can’t brush a result like that under the carpet.
Boom, boom!
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Think Cuckaricki are a team from Belgrade
I thought it was next door to Billericay ...
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Just listened to the Claret & Blue Podcast . If Seville finish 7th in the league , we may get bumped down into the unseeded pot. If , however, they win the Europa Cup final against Roma , we will stay in the seeded pot.I will be watching the final tomorrow now !
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The only downside i can think of is, dont some of the games kick off at 5.45pm or something daft like that or was just teams who played in the arse end of nowhere?
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Not sure if it's already been mentioned, but I think we also get a bye to the 3rd round of the League Cup next season.
That would certainly help us.
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The only downside i can think of is, dont some of the games kick off at 5.45pm or something daft like that or was just teams who played in the arse end of nowhere?
If we make the groups, some of the away games will be at that time. English teams at home generally get 8pm slot for TV audiences
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Out of the La Liga teams in contention is it just Sevilla who can knock us out of the seedings by finishing 7th?
Sevilla seem to be one of five teams in La Liga who can realistically finish 7th with one game to go. If Osasuna, Bilbao or Girona match their result they can't come 7th, so I guess them coming 7th is pretty unlikely.
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Do we now get a bye to the third round of the League Cup as well?
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I was never any good at maths or quantum physics so I’m struggling with all these Europa CL permutations
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I was never any good at maths or quantum physics so I’m struggling with all these Europa CL permutations
Same, I just want to know who to support in any given moment e.g. Sevilla tomorrow (and failing that, any of the other clubs going for seventh in Spain on the weekend). Don't show me the working, just give me the outcome.
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I was never any good at maths or quantum physics so I’m struggling with all these Europa CL permutations
I teach Maths and Economics. I still don't understand it!
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Do we now get a bye to the third round of the League Cup as well?
Ooh, yeah...
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When I looked at La Liga it seemed pretty unlikely Sevilla would get 7th. Also, all that seeding stuff makes assumptions on competitions that haven't been completed and the results of qualifying rounds that haven't even been drawn yet. So dare I say, it's a load of bollocks.
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All supporting Sevilla in the Europa League Final then?
Like them anyway, after continually knocking Manure out and also Juventus this season.
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Would be far from unhappy with either winning - however, if Roma do manage it, we'll have to hope one of the clubs 7th-10th in La Liga can get a win on the weekend.
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The goalie was the main problem in those cup games have we ever won a game with him in nets ?
A strong second goalkeeper is essential
We need better back ups than the Augustinsons of this world, but I think that will sort it self out over the summer
He was a left back mate!
Yeah I know, but he still played in those cup games
And you’re not going to win football matches with competition winning players
Probably why we sent him home and bought Moreno then.
Exactly, nowhere near good enough
And you’re not gonna win cup games by playing people like that in them
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I was never any good at maths or quantum physics so I’m struggling with all these Europa CL permutations
I teach Maths and Economics. I still don't understand it!
"I got one art O Level, it did nothing for me"
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it did nothing for me"
Oh, Vienna!
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Ha! Rapid response.
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it did nothing for me"
Oh, Vienna!
Shaddup You Face !
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it did nothing for me"
Oh, Vienna!
Ooh Miss Jones.
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So who are we likely to face who are any good?
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I like the UECL anthem.
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At least this time I don't think we will be getting beaten by teams I've never heard of.
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I like the UECL anthem.
Has it got a syncopated beat ?
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I had to google that but I'm so thick I still don't understand.
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At least this time I don't think we will be getting beaten by teams I've never heard of.
Yeah, we've all heard of Rapid Vienna by now
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TOP 20 TEAMS IN EUROPE 🌍
The Global Club Soccer Rankings have been updated for the final time this season, with 640 international club teams compared by Soccer Power Index…👀
(https://i.ibb.co/gg2x0Gq/20230531-115306.jpg)
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What is interesting is the poll result. Some 27% did not believe Villa would even make the top 7...
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Call them out and burn them all. No place here for non believers
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Presumably dates back to March 4th when we were still around mid-table. That alone shows how far we've come in a short space of time.
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What is interesting is the poll result. Some 27% did not believe Villa would even make the top 7...
Some of those might have been after the Manure / Wolves double loss which, at least the latter was looked at as three points dropped. Following that up with matches against Spurs, 'The Mighty Reds YNWA' and Brighton and I can see why people might have voted "not a chance".
Then you have the people who don't want to get their hopes up so will vote for the worst case so "well I expected it to happen" if it comes to pass, and pleasantly surprised if it doesn't.
And then you have "fans" like Wilma.
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I voted no.
But I cant remember when & why...
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Sometime next season ‘Aarhus at home and still 100’’s of tickets left a week before the game. Disgrace.’
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I don't care who we're drawn against. I'd expect everyone, including the likes of Juventus and Sevilla would rather avoid playing us for sure.
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Aarhus at home
There's always something happening and it's usually quite loud.
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Aarhus at home
There's always something happening and it's usually quite loud.
Bravo - Huge round of applause
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Aarhus at home
There's always something happening and it's usually quite loud.
Bravo - Huge round of applause
Where have you been? That joke has been done many times before and variations of it. Probably as far back as when that single was released.
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I was about to follow it up with a poor ‘in the middle of our street.’
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I’m getting really confused now. Are we going to be seeded or not?
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I’m getting really confused now. Are we going to be seeded or not?
It depends who gets to the Play Off Round.
Current estimates have us as the highest coefficient unseeded team in that Play Off Round draw but the more teams with better coefficients who either qualify for either ECL or EL or don’t qualify then we end up with a chance of being seeded as their places are taken by lower coefficient teams.
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I’m getting really confused now. Are we going to be seeded or not?
Still to be confirmed.
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And that's numberwang!
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Europa Conference League = x² =(Y +55.555²-MP+xG²) / 45%+ XIA =
42
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Useful article on seeding here:
https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aston-villa-europa-conference-league-27033070
Basically, as people have been saying, lots of ifs, buts and maybes. However, we are close to being seeded is my takeaway.
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It all just makes me think of The IT Crowd. 'As I said - I am fully seeded.'
Interesting stuff though Anthenagin! It would obviously make a huge difference to us to be a little bit more confident of a group stage spot.
It's also kind of fun to be caring about such things as the Turkish Cup final. 'Mon then Fenerbahçe!
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Everyone is worrying about Rapid Wien, but I've just noticed that MŠK Žilina are in the Conference League too....
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Is Trabzonspor still knocking around so we can eliminated at home on away goals again?
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Is Trabzonspor still knocking around so we can eliminated at home on away goals again?
Probably the loudest and maddest away fans I’ve seen at Villa
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Is Trabzonspor still knocking around so we can eliminated at home on away goals again?
Are.
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Is Trabzonspor still knocking around so we can eliminated at home on away goals again?
Won the league in 21/22, and current home of Trézéguet.
-
Trabzonspor not qualified for Europe this year.
Besiktas are in the Conference as well as the winners of the cup final - Fenerbahce v Basaksehir
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Besiktas are in the Conference as well as the winners of the cup final - Fenerbahce v Basaksehir
Istanbul away anyone?
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Is Trabzonspor still knocking around so we can eliminated at home on away goals again?
Are.
The needle on my "do I give a fuck about Is vs Are at this moment" meter just snapped off. But thanks for pointing it out.
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Is Trabzonspor still knocking around so we can eliminated at home on away goals again?
Are.
Don’t you mean ‘ah’ if you’re agreeing with him in a Black Country twang?
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Besiktas are in the Conference as well as the winners of the cup final - Fenerbahce v Basaksehir
Istanbul away anyone?
Great city.
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Is Trabzonspor still knocking around so we can eliminated at home on away goals again?
Probably the loudest and maddest away fans I’ve seen at Villa
And the temerity to do it wearing claret and blue while we wore our white away shirts!
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Is Trabzonspor still knocking around so we can eliminated at home on away goals again?
Are.
The needle on my "do I give a fuck about Is vs Are at this moment" meter just snapped off. But thanks for pointing it out.
We'll, I dooooo apologise. Anyway, is Villa seeded or not?
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It absolutely is "are" and none of this fucking Americanised "is" bollocks.
And I don't care if someone points us at a 17th century grammar book which sets the precedence, and nor do I care what people said 100 years ago.
Sport teams = plural. Always.
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The same goes for 'gotten' too. Stop it!
-
Also, anyone who goes into a shop or restaurant or similar establishment, looks at the menu, then starts the conversation with the person serving them with "Can I get ..." needs to take themselves out to a remote location, and shoot themselves. Leaving written instructions for their discovered corpse to be thrown into the sea, where they belong.
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The Villa Social Media YTS person is hereby found guilty of using the third person singular in the way of the heretic. The gibbet is too good for them.
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Good job he didn't split an infinitive.
-
The dude doing the on-pitch interviews on Sunday looked about 12. Did a perfectly good job, mind.
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Also, anyone who goes into a shop or restaurant or similar establishment, looks at the menu, then starts the conversation with the person serving them with "Can I get ..." needs to take themselves out to a remote location, and shoot themselves. Leaving written instructions for their discovered corpse to be thrown into the sea, where they belong.
I use 'can I get...', but I picked it up in Scotland, where I did some growing up, and it's the standard way to ask for something, rather than from American TV or, God forbid, people.
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The same goes for 'gotten' too. Stop it!
I quite like "ill-gotten gains" existing in my mental dictionary.
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...and none of this fucking Americanised bollocks.
and you can add "My bad" to the list of obnoxious, vulgar Americanisms !
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If we're descending into generically bad American crimes against the English language, I offer the most egregious of all: normalcy.
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‘Uptick’
An effrontery of a word that deserves to be pinned out on the grass, covered in gravy and consumed by tigers!
-
Also, anyone who goes into a shop or restaurant or similar establishment, looks at the menu, then starts the conversation with the person serving them with "Can I get ..." needs to take themselves out to a remote location, and shoot themselves. Leaving written instructions for their discovered corpse to be thrown into the sea, where they belong.
I use 'can I get...', but I picked it up in Scotland, where I did some growing up, and it's the standard way to ask for something, rather than from American TV or, God forbid, people.
Often times Americans will just say get me ………
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Surely everyone likes their eggs over easy.
-
If we're descending into generically bad American crimes against the English language, I offer the most egregious of all: normalcy.
God yes this is hideous. Also: 'a couple things'.
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Saying someone's pissed when they actually mean they're pissed off.
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All the above. '100%'
That get my craw - nobody is going to say 92%, 54%...
It makes me 'super' angry - super is good, so how can anyone be 'super' anything?
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"Could care less."
-
As long as your ;) understood, who gives a shit?
Edit: I do it all the time with my brother so I'm a massive hypocrite.
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Sorry if this has been asked and answered already but will the US tour go ahead as planned?
-
Sorry if this has been asked and answered already but will the US tour go ahead as planned?
Yes
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It absolutely is "are" and none of this fucking Americanised "is" bollocks.
And I don't care if someone points us at a 17th century grammar book which sets the precedence, and nor do I care what people said 100 years ago.
Sport teams = plural. Always.
It’s not Americanised. It’s simply correct.
Unless “One Aston Villa. There are only one Aston Villa”.
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The same goes for 'gotten' too. Stop it!
I quite like "ill-gotten gains" existing in my mental dictionary.
I did say "gotten" and not "ill-gotten" so that's fine. :-)
-
Besiktas are in the Conference as well as the winners of the cup final - Fenerbahce v Basaksehir
Istanbul away anyone?
Great city.
I'm sure it is, I'm just not convinced Villa playing away there would be the ideal time for a first visit.
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The dude doing the on-pitch interviews on Sunday looked about 12. Did a perfectly good job, mind.
He asked a couple of the players some awkward questions though which seemed a bit inappropriate given that he asked them in front of nearly 40,000 people.
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The dude doing the on-pitch interviews on Sunday looked about 12. Did a perfectly good job, mind.
He asked a couple of the players some awkward questions though which seemed a bit inappropriate given that he asked them in front of nearly 40,000 people.
"You've got a sticky toffe pudding, do you have custard or cream?"
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Winningest and Burglarized are two more for the list.
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The dude doing the on-pitch interviews on Sunday looked about 12. Did a perfectly good job, mind.
He asked a couple of the players some awkward questions though which seemed a bit inappropriate given that he asked them in front of nearly 40,000 people.
"You've got a sticky toffe pudding, do you have custard or cream?"
He asked Ashley Young if he was going to be signing a new contract whilst the management team, the owners and AY's famuly were all on the pitch. He then for some reason asked Matty Cash about the 'secret of his hair' when its been evident that he has had some 'issues' in that area. Both players seemed a bit embarrassed really and it just didn't seem appropriate.
-
How will away tickets be distributed?
-
While we're on about really annoying Americanisms....I fucking hate it when I hear that someone has "passed". It's passed away. When somebody says the Queen has passed I assume they mean wind not died. RIP your maj.
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When we all go on a European tour many of us will get "pissed". This means we will have had a few drinks.
If we lose the game we will be "pissed off". We may also get even more "pissed" by drinking more alcohol. Teetotallers will not be "pissed" if we lose, they will be "pissed off" like the "pissed off pissed" drinkers. Never in the field of human interaction have I heard anyone from up my end using "pissed" to mean "annoyed" or "angry".
COYEVB!
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“Momentarily” in the sense of “in a moment” rather than “for a moment”.
-
I hope they sort out the draw soon because this could be a long thread if we are to fill it with linguistic quibbles.*
*This is McGrath's work though so...
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Winningest and Burglarized are two more for the list.
Burglarized is kind of funny though.
On the Villa-plural-or-not question - the club in abstract is singular ('Aston Villa is a football club in England') and anything related to the club in reality is plural ('Aston Villa have won', 'Aston Villa are trying to sign Asensio').
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The dude doing the on-pitch interviews on Sunday looked about 12. Did a perfectly good job, mind.
He asked a couple of the players some awkward questions though which seemed a bit inappropriate given that he asked them in front of nearly 40,000 people.
"You've got a sticky toffe pudding, do you have custard or cream?"
He asked Ashley Young if he was going to be signing a new contract whilst the management team, the owners and AY's famuly were all on the pitch. He then for some reason asked Matty Cash about the 'secret of his hair' when its been evident that he has had some 'issues' in that area. Both players seemed a bit embarrassed really and it just didn't seem appropriate.
Cringe moments.
But he does the ex-player interviews before games in the fan area outside the North and to be fair to him he's usually pretty good at them Hopefully he'll learn. I think he's ok.
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"Winningest" is such a bat shit mental word, but a clear example of a single word being needed to sum up a concept, so you can see the rationality there.
I like it. I'd never, ever use it, obviously, but it makes me smile.
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Anyone know what the latest is on seeding? After Sevilla won EL and I believe Cluj won last night, which was one that affects us I think?
-
Anyone know what the latest is on seeding? After Sevilla won EL and I believe Cluj won last night, which was one that affects us I think?
Think its all eyes on the Turkish cup final and hoping higher coefficient teams get knocked out of the preliminary rounds before our play off?
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"Winningest" is such a bat shit mental word, but a clear example of a single word being needed to sum up a concept, so you can see the rationality there.
I like it. I'd never, ever use it, obviously, but it makes me smile.
Winning most is used in Racing all the time. Drives me mad along with dozens of other, lazy, stock phrases used in the sport.
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"Winningest" is such a bat shit mental word, but a clear example of a single word being needed to sum up a concept, so you can see the rationality there.
I like it. I'd never, ever use it, obviously, but it makes me smile.
Can't say I'm a fan, but I do like the ability to make a distinction between the side that wins the most trinkets (Man City) and the best team (us, obvs).
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I might be in the wrong here, but I have an disproportionately irrational dislike when I hear some of the terms used for nationalities. Two particular ones are Roger Federer being referred to as "the Swiss" and Ronaldo as "the Portuguese" with nothing following it. It's like a person from England or Britain being referred to as "the English" or "the British".
It just doesn't sound right. Surely in the case of Federer, something should have come after it ie. "the Swiss player".
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Why do people put the word "the" in front of all foreign stadium names?
People will say "The San Siro", but would never say "The Old Trafford"
Although people say "The Etihad", but maybe that's because it's sponsored? Anyway, it annoys me.
-
Why do people put the word "the" in front of all foreign stadium names?
People will say "The San Siro", but would never say "The Old Trafford"
Although people say "The Etihad", but maybe that's because it's sponsored? Anyway, it annoys me.
"The Asda" and "The Tesco" but never "The Sainsbury"?
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I might be in the wrong here, but I have an disproportionately irrational dislike when I hear some of the terms used for nationalities. Two particular ones are Roger Federer being referred to as "the Swiss" and Ronaldo as "the Portuguese" with nothing following it. It's like a person from England or Britain being referred to as "the English" or "the British".
It just doesn't sound right. Surely in the case of Federer, something should have come after it ie. "the Swiss player".
I agree, it winds me up something proper.
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Why do people put the word "the" in front of all foreign stadium names?
People will say "The San Siro", but would never say "The Old Trafford"
Although people say "The Etihad", but maybe that's because it's sponsored? Anyway, it annoys me.
I don't know about other languages (but suspect Italian, French and Portuguese would be similar) but in Spanish, the name of something like a football stadium (other nouns are available!) would always be preceded by the definite article, so it's probably just a literal translation in most cases.
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So is it 'The Sty' or just 'Sty'?
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So is it 'The Sty' or just 'Sty'?
It's 'no puedo hacerlo, estoy trabajando por las noches en el Rover'.
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Anyone know what the latest is on seeding? After Sevilla won EL and I believe Cluj won last night, which was one that affects us I think?
This is the oracle you need.
We have a runner in the Turkish Cup Final. Need to keep an eye on Denmark. And then hope that one of nine higher co-efficient teams slip up before Emery's mighty Villa get stuck in for the play off round.
UEFA rankings on twitter linky (https://twitter.com/UefaRankings/status/1664224915099115520)
Cluj have already won.
So now we need Midtjylland to screw up, or for Fenerbahçe to win the Turkish cup. I think.
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Why do people put the word "the" in front of all foreign stadium names?
People will say "The San Siro", but would never say "The Old Trafford"
Although people say "The Etihad", but maybe that's because it's sponsored? Anyway, it annoys me.
It may be Al Etihad but never The Etihad.
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It all just makes me think of The IT Crowd. 'As I said - I am fully seeded.'
Love that exchange.
"I'm a professional tennis player."
"Where do you play?"
"Where don't I play."
"Wimbledon?"
"I don't play there."
"Are you seeded, Moss?"
"Bit of a personal question..."
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Why do people put the word "the" in front of all foreign stadium names?
People will say "The San Siro", but would never say "The Old Trafford"
Although people say "The Etihad", but maybe that's because it's sponsored? Anyway, it annoys me.
One of the first mistakes I remember getting corrected on working in Italy was talking to a colleague and using the definite article with San Siro. It's just 'San Siro' not 'Il San Siro'.
Confusingly, they do use the definite article with some stadia (l'Olimpico, for example).
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Although one thing I really like is the respectful use of the definite article for us - "the Villa" when used that way by non Villa fans, it strikes me as a mark of respect.
Not that many other clubs get that.
The Arsenal?
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Anyone know what the latest is on seeding? After Sevilla won EL and I believe Cluj won last night, which was one that affects us I think?
This is the oracle you need.
We have a runner in the Turkish Cup Final. Need to keep an eye on Denmark. And then hope that one of nine higher co-efficient teams slip up before Emery's mighty Villa get stuck in for the play off round.
UEFA rankings on twitter linky (https://twitter.com/UefaRankings/status/1664224915099115520)
Cluj have already won.
So now we need Midtjylland to screw up, or for Fenerbahçe to win the Turkish cup. I think.
The Denmark bit of that at least is bollocks. Midtjylland can't qualify for Europe at all.
-
Anyone know what the latest is on seeding? After Sevilla won EL and I believe Cluj won last night, which was one that affects us I think?
This is the oracle you need.
We have a runner in the Turkish Cup Final. Need to keep an eye on Denmark. And then hope that one of nine higher co-efficient teams slip up before Emery's mighty Villa get stuck in for the play off round.
UEFA rankings on twitter linky (https://twitter.com/UefaRankings/status/1664224915099115520)
Cluj have already won.
So now we need Midtjylland to screw up, or for Fenerbahçe to win the Turkish cup. I think.
The Denmark bit of that at least is bollocks. Midtjylland can't qualify for Europe at all.
Not according to this:
Wiki link (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2022%E2%80%9323_Danish_Superliga#Qualification_round)
The 4th-placed team of the championship round advances to a play-off match against the winning team of the qualification round (no. 7) in a single-leg tie, with the team from the championship round as hosts. The winner earns a place in the Europa Conference League second qualifying round.
That 7th team is them.
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That's the relegation half of the league. The league splits in 2 after 22 games. Midtjylland will finish top of the bottom half.
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Why do people put the word "the" in front of all foreign stadium names?
People will say "The San Siro", but would never say "The Old Trafford"
Although people say "The Etihad", but maybe that's because it's sponsored? Anyway, it annoys me.
I don't know about other languages (but suspect Italian, French and Portuguese would be similar) but in Spanish, the name of something like a football stadium (other nouns are available!) would always be preceded by the definite article, so it's probably just a literal translation in most cases.
Not sure about that. My theory would be that it's to do with whether the word "stadium" is in there, at which point your definite article, referring to the stadium comes in.
So it will be el estadio de Mestella, but it's not el Camp Nou, it's just Camp Nou. If you're talking about lo stadio Giuseppe Meazza then you have your definite article but it's just San Siro if you're referring to it that way.
This is from a "gut feeling" rather than "confident and authoritative" position though.
As to why someone would say in English, "the Nou Camp" or "the San Siro", it's probably just to do with lots of people being wrong.
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Why do people put the word "the" in front of all foreign stadium names?
People will say "The San Siro", but would never say "The Old Trafford"
Although people say "The Etihad", but maybe that's because it's sponsored? Anyway, it annoys me.
I don't know about other languages (but suspect Italian, French and Portuguese would be similar) but in Spanish, the name of something like a football stadium (other nouns are available!) would always be preceded by the definite article, so it's probably just a literal translation in most cases.
Not sure about that. My theory would be that it's to do with whether the word "stadium" is in there, at which point your definite article, referring to the stadium comes in.
So it will be el estadio de Mestella, but it's not el Camp Nou, it's just Camp Nou. If you're talking about lo stadio Giuseppe Meazza then you have your definite article but it's just San Siro if you're referring to it that way.
This is from a "gut feeling" rather than "confident and authoritative" position though.
As to why someone would say in English, "the Nou Camp" or "the San Siro", it's probably just to do with lots of people being wrong.
Camp Nou would be said in Catalan, which (according to Catalans and only Catalans of my acquaintance) is nothing like Spanish.
I'm pretty sure that I'm right about the definite article for proper nouns in Spanish (even more so now I've checked with the Mrs, whose Spanish kicks the shit out of mine. And she's an Engliish language teacher. She got grammar game).
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Catalan is closer to French historically, a different branch of language (Gallo-Romance) from Spanish, but it does naturally show tons of Spanish influence especially in vocab. From what I understand they're even more crazy about articles than Italians. In Italian you have to say 'la mia cosa' - 'the my thing' - but in Catalan you have to even use it with fecking names - 'el Josep' etc.
Anyway, BE should really get to this thread sharpish so as to sort shit out.
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¿Pueden ambos decirnos la respuesta definitiva?
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Why do people put the word "the" in front of all foreign stadium names?
People will say "The San Siro", but would never say "The Old Trafford"
Although people say "The Etihad", but maybe that's because it's sponsored? Anyway, it annoys me.
I don't know about other languages (but suspect Italian, French and Portuguese would be similar) but in Spanish, the name of something like a football stadium (other nouns are available!) would always be preceded by the definite article, so it's probably just a literal translation in most cases.
Not sure about that. My theory would be that it's to do with whether the word "stadium" is in there, at which point your definite article, referring to the stadium comes in.
So it will be el estadio de Mestella, but it's not el Camp Nou, it's just Camp Nou. If you're talking about lo stadio Giuseppe Meazza then you have your definite article but it's just San Siro if you're referring to it that way.
This is from a "gut feeling" rather than "confident and authoritative" position though.
As to why someone would say in English, "the Nou Camp" or "the San Siro", it's probably just to do with lots of people being wrong.
Camp Nou would be said in Catalan, which (according to Catalans and only Catalans of my acquaintance) is nothing like Spanish.
I bet that Camp Nou would still be Camp Nou for a speaker of Castilian Spanish, rather than el Campo nuevo.
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What does that matter if we're talking about why, in English, people use the definite article when referring to, say, 'the Mestalla Stadium'?
My contention is that people are (probably) just translating from El Estadio de Mestalla, and that the Mestalla is so called because it's a Spanish proper noun, and they always come after the definite article.
I never claimed to know what a Galician-speaker would call Camp Nou - we call it Camp Nou in English, right?!
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What does that matter if we're talking about why, in English, people use the definite article when referring to, say, 'the Mestalla Stadium'?
My contention is that people are (probably) just translating from El Estadio de Mestalla, and that the Mestalla is so called because it's a Spanish proper noun, and they always come after the definite article.
I never claimed to know what a Galician-speaker would call Camp Nou - we call it Camp Nou in English, right?!
H&V.
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I call it a big shithole from personal experience
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What does that matter if we're talking about why, in English, people use the definite article when referring to, say, 'the Mestalla Stadium'?
My contention is that people are (probably) just translating from El Estadio de Mestalla, and that the Mestalla is so called because it's a Spanish proper noun, and they always come after the definite article.
I never claimed to know what a Galician-speaker would call Camp Nou - we call it Camp Nou in English, right?!
Spotify Camp Nou, these days.
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I've always been more of a Limewire man.
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When Limewire and Napster came out, pre any legal streaming, I was working at the BBC.
One of my colleagues made a fair amount of money burning audio CDs with content downloaded from there (CDs and equipment all on the BBC).
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I never claimed to know what a Galician-speaker would call Camp Nou - we call it Camp Nou in English, right?!
I reckon about 2% of English speakers call it Camp Nou.
The rest call it The Nou Camp.
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Waiting 28 hours for a new film to be downloaded on Limewire only for it to be the Turkish version, good times. You knew it was too good to be true ya dickhead. I was around 13 when using it, the risk of the porn I was downloading possibly bricking the family PC was the ultimate gambit, what a buzz.
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Waiting 28 hours for a new film to be downloaded on Limewire only for it to be the Turkish version, good times. You knew it was too good to be true ya dickhead. I was around 13 when using it, the risk of the porn I was downloading possibly bricking the family PC was the ultimate gambit, what a buzz.
Or when you downloaded about five albums in one go, and when you went to listen, every single track was Bill Clinton saying "I did not have sexual relations with that woman" over and over.
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Waiting 28 hours for a new film to be downloaded on Limewire only for it to be the Turkish version, good times. You knew it was too good to be true ya dickhead. I was around 13 when using it, the risk of the porn I was downloading possibly bricking the family PC was the ultimate gambit, what a buzz.
Or when you downloaded about five albums in one go, and when you went to listen, every single track was Bill Clinton saying "I did not have sexual relations with that woman" over and over.
Surely every RHCP lyric is essentially, 'I had loads of sexual relations with that woman. And her mates. And my mates'? You must've been gutted!
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Waiting 28 hours for a new film to be downloaded on Limewire only for it to be the Turkish version, good times. You knew it was too good to be true ya dickhead. I was around 13 when using it, the risk of the porn I was downloading possibly bricking the family PC was the ultimate gambit, what a buzz.
Or when you downloaded about five albums in one go, and when you went to listen, every single track was Bill Clinton saying "I did not have sexual relations with that woman" over and over.
Surely every RHCP lyric is essentially, 'I had loads of sexual relations with that woman. And her mates. And my mates'? You must've been gutted!
I wasn't into them at that point. It was mainly U2 back then.
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Well they've never had sexual relations with anyone.
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Oh, and Kasabian.
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Stop it now, you're upsetting me.
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Sorry, I'll PM you one of my favourite ever songs to cheer you up. Just let me dig out my James Blunt.
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Waiting 28 hours for a new film to be downloaded on Limewire only for it to be the Turkish version, good times. You knew it was too good to be true ya dickhead. I was around 13 when using it, the risk of the porn I was downloading possibly bricking the family PC was the ultimate gambit, what a buzz.
Or when you downloaded about five albums in one go, and when you went to listen, every single track was Bill Clinton saying "I did not have sexual relations with that woman" over and over.
Did that actually happen? That's great if it did.
-
Waiting 28 hours for a new film to be downloaded on Limewire only for it to be the Turkish version, good times. You knew it was too good to be true ya dickhead. I was around 13 when using it, the risk of the porn I was downloading possibly bricking the family PC was the ultimate gambit, what a buzz.
Or when you downloaded about five albums in one go, and when you went to listen, every single track was Bill Clinton saying "I did not have sexual relations with that woman" over and over.
Surely every RHCP lyric is essentially, 'I had loads of sexual relations with that woman. And her mates. And my mates'? You must've been gutted!
I wasn't into them at that point. It was mainly U2 back then.
You just don’t give a fuck what anyone thinks of you do you?
Fair play.
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Waiting 28 hours for a new film to be downloaded on Limewire only for it to be the Turkish version, good times. You knew it was too good to be true ya dickhead. I was around 13 when using it, the risk of the porn I was downloading possibly bricking the family PC was the ultimate gambit, what a buzz.
Or when you downloaded about five albums in one go, and when you went to listen, every single track was Bill Clinton saying "I did not have sexual relations with that woman" over and over.
Did that actually happen? That's great if it did.
Yeah! I don't know who was uploading all of these things, but you'd download something and it would be that audio clip on repeat. Easy to spot the small file size if it's a video you're looking for, but when it's a 3-minute track, you just don't know.
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Waiting 28 hours for a new film to be downloaded on Limewire only for it to be the Turkish version, good times. You knew it was too good to be true ya dickhead. I was around 13 when using it, the risk of the porn I was downloading possibly bricking the family PC was the ultimate gambit, what a buzz.
Or when you downloaded about five albums in one go, and when you went to listen, every single track was Bill Clinton saying "I did not have sexual relations with that woman" over and over.
Surely every RHCP lyric is essentially, 'I had loads of sexual relations with that woman. And her mates. And my mates'? You must've been gutted!
I wasn't into them at that point. It was mainly U2 back then.
You just don’t give a fuck what anyone thinks of you do you?
Fair play.
I like the way it gives me a sense of identity on here. "It's Rory, the guy with dreadful taste."
That's why I don't often mention what I actually do like; because it would puncture the mystique.
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Waiting 28 hours for a new film to be downloaded on Limewire only for it to be the Turkish version, good times. You knew it was too good to be true ya dickhead. I was around 13 when using it, the risk of the porn I was downloading possibly bricking the family PC was the ultimate gambit, what a buzz.
Or when you downloaded about five albums in one go, and when you went to listen, every single track was Bill Clinton saying "I did not have sexual relations with that woman" over and over.
Surely every RHCP lyric is essentially, 'I had loads of sexual relations with that woman. And her mates. And my mates'? You must've been gutted!
I wasn't into them at that point. It was mainly U2 back then.
You just don’t give a fuck what anyone thinks of you do you?
Fair play.
I like the way it gives me a sense of identity on here. "It's Rory, the guy with dreadful taste."
That's why I don't often mention what I actually do like; because it would puncture the mystique.
Nah, it’s Rory, a great bloke but much too tolerant of twats.
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Waiting 28 hours for a new film to be downloaded on Limewire only for it to be the Turkish version, good times. You knew it was too good to be true ya dickhead. I was around 13 when using it, the risk of the porn I was downloading possibly bricking the family PC was the ultimate gambit, what a buzz.
Or when you downloaded about five albums in one go, and when you went to listen, every single track was Bill Clinton saying "I did not have sexual relations with that woman" over and over.
Surely every RHCP lyric is essentially, 'I had loads of sexual relations with that woman. And her mates. And my mates'? You must've been gutted!
I wasn't into them at that point. It was mainly U2 back then.
You just don’t give a fuck what anyone thinks of you do you?
Fair play.
I like the way it gives me a sense of identity on here. "It's Rory, the guy with dreadful taste."
That's why I don't often mention what I actually do like; because it would puncture the mystique.
Nah, it’s Rory, a great bloke but much too tolerant of twats.
I'll take that, Percy!
Thankfully, my tolerance of twats is not too heavily tested on this fine site.
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Waiting 28 hours for a new film to be downloaded on Limewire only for it to be the Turkish version, good times. You knew it was too good to be true ya dickhead. I was around 13 when using it, the risk of the porn I was downloading possibly bricking the family PC was the ultimate gambit, what a buzz.
Or when you downloaded about five albums in one go, and when you went to listen, every single track was Bill Clinton saying "I did not have sexual relations with that woman" over and over.
Surely every RHCP lyric is essentially, 'I had loads of sexual relations with that woman. And her mates. And my mates'? You must've been gutted!
I wasn't into them at that point. It was mainly U2 back then.
I will now rush to tell my brother this news
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Waiting 28 hours for a new film to be downloaded on Limewire only for it to be the Turkish version, good times. You knew it was too good to be true ya dickhead. I was around 13 when using it, the risk of the porn I was downloading possibly bricking the family PC was the ultimate gambit, what a buzz.
Or when you downloaded about five albums in one go, and when you went to listen, every single track was Bill Clinton saying "I did not have sexual relations with that woman" over and over.
Did that actually happen? That's great if it did.
And a voice message from the FBI saying you were very naughty for trying to download the files.
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I like the way it gives me a sense of identity on here. "It's Rory, the guy with dreadful taste."
That's why I don't often mention what I actually do like; because it would puncture the mystique.
I now have, "It's Rory, with the dreadful, unpopular taste." going through my head to the old Lilt jingle.
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I like the way it gives me a sense of identity on here. "It's Rory, the guy with dreadful taste."
That's why I don't often mention what I actually do like; because it would puncture the mystique.
I now have, "It's Rory, with the dreadful, unpopular taste." going through my head to the old Lilt jingle.
Diet Rory tastes terrible and has terrible taste
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That's the relegation half of the league. The league splits in 2 after 22 games. Midtjylland will finish top of the bottom half.
Which the article confirms will place them in a Europa Conference League play off against the team finishing fourth in the top half league.
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That's the relegation half of the league. The league splits in 2 after 22 games. Midtjylland will finish top of the bottom half.
Which the article confirms will place them in a Europa Conference League play off against the team finishing fourth in the top half league.
Yeah, exigo is right. This is off Wiki:
'The 4th-placed team of the championship round advances to a play-off match against the winning team of the qualification round (no. 7) in a single-leg tie, with the team from the championship round as hosts. The winner earns a place in the Europa Conference League second qualifying round.'
It's also on the Flashscore table. I guess it gives a reward to winning the relegation group.
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When is CDBullyWee coming back anyway? He's missed.
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When is CDBullyWee coming back anyway? He's missed.
It's Rory's fault.
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Midtjylland one up with a dodgy VAR penalty. Ref giving them everything.
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Game on! Equaliser from another iffy pen.
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When is CDBullyWee coming back anyway? He's missed.
He's not going to come back if you keep 'deadnaming' him. :(
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Oh, what has he metamorphosed into? A BullyweeButterfly I hope.
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That's the relegation half of the league. The league splits in 2 after 22 games. Midtjylland will finish top of the bottom half.
Which the article confirms will place them in a Europa Conference League play off against the team finishing fourth in the top half league.
Yeah, exigo is right. This is off Wiki:
'The 4th-placed team of the championship round advances to a play-off match against the winning team of the qualification round (no. 7) in a single-leg tie, with the team from the championship round as hosts. The winner earns a place in the Europa Conference League second qualifying round.'
It's also on the Flashscore table. I guess it gives a reward to winning the relegation group.
Yes, and now Midtjylland have won, we could do with them losing that play-off and Fenerbahce winning the Turkish Cup.
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When is CDBullyWee coming back anyway? He's missed.
It's Rory's fault.
He messaged me in February to say he couldn't take any more of LeeB's caravan anecdotes.
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When is CDBullyWee coming back anyway? He's missed.
It's Rory's fault.
He messaged me in February to say he couldn't take any more of LeeB's caravan anecdotes.
I reckon it was learning of his property empire that tipped him over the edge.
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When is CDBullyWee coming back anyway? He's missed.
It's Rory's fault.
He messaged me in February to say he couldn't take any more of LeeB's caravan anecdotes.
I reckon it was learning of his property empire that tipped him over the edge.
That was a blow to us all.
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Look, providing Internet service was never part of the agreement, and sharing with 17 other occupants would choke the speeds anyway
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RB Leipzig won the DFB Pokal. So I think Eintracht Frankfurt join in Playoff Round of Conference League (instead of Bayer Leverkusen).
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Look, providing Internet service was never part of the agreement, and sharing with 17 other occupants would choke the speeds anyway
Landlord scum.
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That's the relegation half of the league. The league splits in 2 after 22 games. Midtjylland will finish top of the bottom half.
Which the article confirms will place them in a Europa Conference League play off against the team finishing fourth in the top half league.
Yeah, exigo is right. This is off Wiki:
'The 4th-placed team of the championship round advances to a play-off match against the winning team of the qualification round (no. 7) in a single-leg tie, with the team from the championship round as hosts. The winner earns a place in the Europa Conference League second qualifying round.'
It's also on the Flashscore table. I guess it gives a reward to winning the relegation group.
Yes, and now Midtjylland have won, we could do with them losing that play-off and Fenerbahce winning the Turkish Cup.
Apologies exigo. They changed the rules when the conference league was introduced. I apparently wasn't paying attention. Anyway. Yesterday's result just confirmed that FCM finish in 7th with more points than the teams in 5th and 6th thanks to the crap way they decide things over here.
Anyway the qualification game is Friday at 5pm UK time between FCM and Viborg who West Ham beat twice this year.
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Osasuna got the Conference place for Spain.
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After Roma's result, looks like Juve will be joining us.
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A Villa vs Juve final would be mouthwatering.
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Not that we're getting ahead of ourselves!
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Who would David Platt cheer for ?
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After Roma's result, looks like Juve will be joining us.
At least they won't have Platini, Boniek and Rossi this time!
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Who would David Platt cheer for ?
ABV I reckon.
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Could we get them in the play off round?
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Could we get them in the play off round?
If we're unseeded, yes.
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I would like to be unseeded in the draw and get Juventus
Knock them out
Then get drawn in a group with
Eintracht Frankfurt
Fanerbache
Partisan Belgrade
Club Bruges
Then to Progress through to a final with rapid Vienna
Just to spice things up a bit
(I know this can’t happen really because of the group seedings)
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Going to Belgrade and Istanbul could be 'interesting' for our fans going over there.
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Who would David Platt cheer for ?
Man Utd and Arsenal
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From that UEFA Rankings Twitter page:
For Villa to become seeded this week, first Viborg need to defeat Midtjylland on Friday, and then Fenerbahçe to defeat Başakşehir on Sunday.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Fx2KCMKWcAAbVXa?format=png)
So, on the currently projected list:
- Villa will go one place up if both Midtjylland and Başakşehir lose this week
- Villa will stay on the same place if only one of these happens
- Villa will go one place down if both Midtjylland and Başakşehir win this week
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Fx2MOe1WcAMwN1I?format=png)
If Aston Villa stay on the top of unseeded list after this week, then one of nine teams in orange will have to be eliminated in the UECL - QR2 for Villa to become seeded.
If Aston Villa go one place down this week, then two of nine teams would have to be eliminated.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Fx2OTN7WcAEQwvm?format=png)
Aston Villa could also become seeded if UEFA suspends Juventus from European competitions.
Then Juventus would be replaced by Fiorentina (who would be placed behind Villa) or there would be movements in the draw if there is no Seria A team in it (if Fiorentina win UECL).
https://twitter.com/UefaRankings/status/1665647579793637376
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Thanks for posting this Dave.
So teams with 2* start in QR2 and teams with 3* start in QR3 when do teams with no * start? QR1?
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We love you Viborg, we do...
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It's so ridiculously complicated. I guess it keeps someone on the gravy train though. Plus it means there's some football being played late July and early August that may have a bearing on what happens for us..
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I'm just going to wait for the fixture announcement on Pravda. This is more complicated than the plot of Catch 22.
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I'm just going to wait for the fixture announcement on Pravda. This is more complicated than the plot of Catch 22.
Yes, absolutely right. But surely the plot of Catch 22 isn't that complicated?
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I’ll nip down to Bletchley Park which is near me and try and borrow that Enigma machine to try and help us out a bit
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I just want to play someone in a place that isn't too far from Tokyo.
Russia would have been perfect, if not for that fucking scrote, Putin.
Kazakhstan will have to do. Or Finland.
I had a dream that we played in Israel.
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We don't really deserve to be seeded.
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I don't mind if we are seeded or not, to be honest.
I think next season we need to try and consolidate our place in the league and ensure we have european football the following season too. I know everyone wants to win it, but if a good run comes at the expense of a good league position, we will have taken a step backwards.
It will take us a few seasons to build to the point we can challenge on all fronts.
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I'm just going to wait for the fixture announcement on Pravda. This is more complicated than the plot of Catch 22.
Yes, absolutely right. But surely the plot of Catch 22 isn't that complicated?
Confusing then. Jeez.
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I'm just going to wait for the fixture announcement on Pravda. This is more complicated than the plot of Catch 22.
Yes, absolutely right. But surely the plot of Catch 22 isn't that complicated?
Confusing then. Jeez.
It's the greatest catch there is! ;D
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I'm just going to wait for the fixture announcement on Pravda. This is more complicated than the plot of Catch 22.
Yes, absolutely right. But surely the plot of Catch 22 isn't that complicated?
I reckon Europa Conference League 23/24 were the sequels to Catch 22.
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I'm just going to wait for the fixture announcement on Pravda. This is more complicated than the plot of Catch 22.
Yes, absolutely right. But surely the plot of Catch 22 isn't that complicated?
I reckon Europa Conference League 23/24 were the sequels to Catch 22.
Where are the Rapid Viennas of yesteryear?
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I can see Fenerbahce winning just not Tuborg.
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https://twitter.com/tomberry76/status/1665362628892295169?s=46&t=fPyiXcae7CCzHj_x8UdphA
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https://twitter.com/tomberry76/status/1665362628892295169?s=46&t=fPyiXcae7CCzHj_x8UdphA
Marvellous, I put in the 'things that make you smile' thread a bit earlier
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https://twitter.com/tomberry76/status/1665362628892295169?s=46&t=fPyiXcae7CCzHj_x8UdphA
Fantastic!!!!!
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I can see Fenerbahce winning just not Tuborg.
We don't care about Tuborg. It's Viborg who need to win.
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Tuborg are like, totally tubular.
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Isn’t is massively ace chewing on this subject than wondering what could have been? Or how we avoid relegation again next season.
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Isn’t is massively ace chewing on this subject than wondering what could have been? Or how we avoid relegation again next season.
I wonder when we'll reach the magic 40 points...
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Tuborg are like, totally tubular.
Tuborg's a Danish beer. Tastes like a shit version of Carlsberg Export.
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Seeing as Carlsberg Export is piss in a can, that's not high praise!
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Isn’t is massively ace chewing on this subject than wondering what could have been? Or how we avoid relegation again next season.
I wonder when we'll reach the magic 40 points...
Game 14 would be my guess.
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I just want to play someone in a place that isn't too far from Tokyo.
Russia would have been perfect, if not for that fucking scrote, Putin.
Kazakhstan will have to do. Or Finland.
I had a dream that we played in Israel.
You do realise it's called Europa CL? But it's a shame that Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk Albion are not on the list as it would be a skip and jump from Wakkanai ;D
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Isn’t is massively ace chewing on this subject than wondering what could have been? Or how we avoid relegation again next season.
I wonder when we'll reach the magic 40 points...
Game 14 would be my guess.
Do you really think we will drop 2 points Luton away in game 12?
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No.
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Tuborg are like, totally tubular.
Tuborg's a Danish beer. Tastes like a shit version of Carlsberg Export.
Isnt that the kind of stuff they sell in council estate pubs and dodgy holiday parks?
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Isn’t is massively ace chewing on this subject than wondering what could have been? Or how we avoid relegation again next season.
I wonder when we'll reach the magic 40 points...
Game 14 would be my guess.
Do you really think we will drop 2 points Luton away in game 12?
Curse of the ex-player. Nakamba header on 88' to level it up at 2-2. Emery will shrug it off and win the following week at the Etihad.
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Emery never shrugs off not winning, he takes it like an arrow to the heart.
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No, but he doesn't let it affect him as he has the confidence that he'll put it right pronto.
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Tuborg are like, totally tubular.
Tuborg's a Danish beer. Tastes like a shit version of Carlsberg Export.
Isnt that the kind of stuff they sell in council estate pubs and dodgy holiday parks?
Probably.
(https://www.my-food-online.net/media/image/56/58/e8/Tuborg_12x1Liter_Dose.jpg)
Don't be fooled by the "premium quality" bit. It's genuinely awful.
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'Premium Quality' just means 'doesn't contain actual cholera'.
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I remember drinking that at some gig I went to about 10 years ago and the best I could say is it wasn’t quite as bad as Carlsberg.
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I remember drinking that at some gig I went to about 10 years ago and the best I could say is it wasn’t quite as bad as Carlsberg.
They always used to sell it at the Academy. Warm, flat and in a plastic pint cup. Bargain at £6
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Tuborg are like, totally tubular.
Tuborg's a Danish beer. Tastes like a shit version of Carlsberg Export.
Isnt that the kind of stuff they sell in council estate pubs and dodgy holiday parks?
LeeB's your man to answer this question. When he's not in his caravan he's evicting one of his many tenants.
Tuborg used to have the festival market sewn up 10-15 years ago. It tastes better when it's free.
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Fantastic achievement to make Europe ! So very happy.
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Have you been out celebrating since we qualified?
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Tuborg are like, totally tubular.
Tuborg's a Danish beer. Tastes like a shit version of Carlsberg Export.
Isnt that the kind of stuff they sell in council estate pubs and dodgy holiday parks?
Probably.
(https://www.my-food-online.net/media/image/56/58/e8/Tuborg_12x1Liter_Dose.jpg)
Don't be fooled by the "premium quality" bit. It's genuinely awful.
Agreed. It's basically carlsberg in a different can.
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I'm fairly sure that Tuborg beer was on the scene in the UK before Carlsberg took hold. I remember it as a particularly weak beer then, weaker than Carling Black Label maybe. it then disappeared until about 5-6 years ago when I seen it sold on draught at the Academy as the main beer, it had a reasonable strength. It's not great but is better than Red Stripe.
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I remember drinking Tuborg Gold in the pub at lunchtime when in sixth form, so 1978.
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I remember drinking Tuborg Gold in the pub at lunchtime when in sixth form, so 1978.
Back then anything that wasn’t Skol or Carling Black Label was considered exotic and the height of sophistication.
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Anyone fancy a Hofmeister?
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I remember drinking Tuborg Gold in the pub at lunchtime when in sixth form, so 1978.
Back then anything that wasn’t Skol or Carling Black Label was considered exotic and the height of sophistication.
But you'd get called a poof for drinking it? Halcyon days...
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Anyone fancy a Hofmeister?
Follow the bear…
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Whatever happened to Hemeling? And why did it take so long?
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Oranjeboom, its a lager not a tune.
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Pelican came in pint bottles.3 or 4 of them and you didn't know your name!
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I remember drinking Tuborg Gold in the pub at lunchtime when in sixth form, so 1978.
Back then anything that wasn’t Skol or Carling Black Label was considered exotic and the height of sophistication.
Draft Lowenbrau is the exotic one I remember from those days. Used to be next to the Double Diamond tap.
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I had a dream that we played in Israel.
Were all the Villa fans waving anti-Apartheid flags?
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Whatever happened to Hemeling? And why did it take so long?
Was that the one that Lawrie McMenemy used to advertise?
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Whatever happened to Hemeling? And why did it take so long?
Was that the one that Lawrie McMenemy used to advertise?
Barbican?
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Lawrie McMenemy, he was unavoidable in football TV coverage for decades.
I assumed he'd have gone toes up years ago, but apparently still around at 86.
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West Ham won it, they step up to the Europa League rather than the Conference?
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West Ham won it, they step up to the Europa League rather than the Conference?
Yes.
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West Ham won it, they step up to the Europa League rather than the Conference?
Win the Europa next season and they'll be in the CL.
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West Ham won it, they step up to the Europa League rather than the Conference?
Yes.
Thanks for confirming. Hope two claret and blue clubs in a row.
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West Ham won it, they step up to the Europa League rather than the Conference?
Win the Europa next season and they'll be in the CL.
There's a better chance of Lord Lucan doing crowd control on Shergar at that final than West Ham reaching the Champions League through it.
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Rangers reached the final last year, and they aren't a better side than West Ham. And the quality of the final this year was wank. I think it's unlikely they'll win it but it's a possibility.
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West Ham won it, they step up to the Europa League rather than the Conference?
Win the Europa next season and they'll be in the CL.
There's a better chance of Lord Lucan doing crowd control on Shergar at that final than West Ham reaching the Champions League through it.
They did well in it last season and the quality of the final this season was piss poor. It's nowhere near that level of impossibility, it's much more likely than finishing 4th.
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5th gets Champions League football next year doesn't it?
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Rangers reached the final last year, and they aren't a better side than West Ham. And the quality of the final this year was wank. I think it's unlikely they'll win it but it's a possibility.
The 'mighty YNWA reds' are in it next season, so will likely be one of the favourites. Will be interesting to see how Brighton fare as well.
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Just checked details of the final ....29th May in Athens ...... might gamble and get flights booked to Greece or book a weeks holiday and do an internal flight
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I'm looking forward to seeing us in the Conference League.
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8 english clubs in Europe next season MCFC, AFC, NUFC, MUFC,LFC, BHA, WHU and us...almost half the Premeirship. lots of games to be moved about.
well done West Ham....it is going to be hell down here for a few months as they bang on and on and on about it as there are alot of WHU supporters here in Cambridgeshire :(
UTV
The Doc
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We were already planning to be in Crete around then!
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Just checked details of the final ....29th May in Athens ...... might gamble and get flights booked to Greece or book a weeks holiday and do an internal flight
My wedding anniversary. The Mrs has already seen through my offer of a long weekend in Athens to celebrate.
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I might be due a trip home. Will see if I can go to Greece on the way home.
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Going to book flights and a hotel *just in case*. Worst case scenario is I get a few days in Athens, somewhere I've never been.
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What does West Ham winning do, if anything, to the complicated maths about our seeding or otherwise? Is there an upside to those twats winning it?
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What does West Ham winning do, if anything, to the complicated maths about our seeding or otherwise? Is there an upside to those twats winning it?
It shouldn't matter Risso, we are Aston Villa we will beat everyone.
The seedings for this competition need an Alan Turing brain to work out.
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5th gets Champions League football next year doesn't it?
That's a good point.
Uefa from end of next season going to give two extra places to leagues that have highest co-efficients I think so I assume West Ham and inevitably Man. City winning their respective competitions pushes premier league as one of those leagues unless it's some weird formula they use?
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5th gets Champions League football next year doesn't it?
That's a good point.
Uefa from end of next season going to give two extra places to leagues that have highest co-efficients I think so I assume West Ham and inevitably Man. City winning their respective competitions pushes premier league as one of those leagues unless it's some weird formula they use?
England is miles ahead of Spain in second already, so this season will push to gap from first two second bigger than the gap from second to fourth.
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Going to book flights and a hotel *just in case*. Worst case scenario is I get a few days in Athens, somewhere I've never been.
I think I'll do the same. An epic adventure on the cards!
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What does West Ham winning do, if anything, to the complicated maths about our seeding or otherwise? Is there an upside to those twats winning it?
It shouldn't matter Risso, we are Aston Villa we will beat everyone.
The seedings for this competition need an Alan Turing brain to work out.
No change. Still supporting Viborg tomorrow and Fenerbahce on Sunday to get us a seeded place.
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Going to book flights and a hotel *just in case*. Worst case scenario is I get a few days in Athens, somewhere I've never been.
I think I'll do the same. An epic adventure on the cards!
I'm going to do it by boat, like Jason and the Argonauts
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Going to book flights and a hotel *just in case*. Worst case scenario is I get a few days in Athens, somewhere I've never been.
I think I'll do the same. An epic adventure on the cards!
I'm going to do it by boat, like Jason and the Argonauts
Now you're talking, mate!
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Read this morning loads of West Ham fans flew to Dublin and got connection to Prague. Apparently much cheaper then flying direct from UK.
Might be worth checking if Athens becomes real.
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Going to book flights and a hotel *just in case*. Worst case scenario is I get a few days in Athens, somewhere I've never been.
I think I'll do the same. An epic adventure on the cards!
I'm going to do it by boat, like Jason and the Argonauts
Now you're talking, mate!
Drop some acid before leaving port, fuck up the bronze giant, get the fleece, in the bar singing HEITS by lunchtime
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Going to book flights and a hotel *just in case*. Worst case scenario is I get a few days in Athens, somewhere I've never been.
I think I'll do the same. An epic adventure on the cards!
I'm going to do it by boat, like Jason and the Argonauts
Now you're talking, mate!
Drop some acid before leaving port, fuck up the bronze giant, get the fleece, in the bar singing HEITS by lunchtime
:D
Where do I sign up for your crew?
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Going to book flights and a hotel *just in case*. Worst case scenario is I get a few days in Athens, somewhere I've never been.
I think I'll do the same. An epic adventure on the cards!
I'm going to do it by boat, like Jason and the Argonauts
Now you're talking, mate!
Drop some acid before leaving port, fuck up the bronze giant, get the fleece, in the bar singing HEITS by lunchtime
:D
Where do I sign up for your crew?
Welcome aboard Vice Admiral!
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Read this morning loads of West Ham fans flew to Dublin and got connection to Prague. Apparently much cheaper then flying direct from UK.
Might be worth checking if Athens becomes real.
For the eternally optimistic, you can do it by rail:
https://www.seat61.com/Greece.htm
It's worth checking against other options, but you can do it on a 5 day* interrail pass which covers rail & ferries for under 300€:
https://www.interrail.eu/en/interrail-passes/global-pass
You'll need to get a seat reservation for the Eurostar, though, which costs an extra 20€ or something each way. You can use it in your own country for the first/last journey of the trip, e.g. it covers you going from Witton station to London St Pancras, as long as you go a reasonably direct route - and will cover the journey home too.
Interrail passes cover a return journey in your own country, so e.g. you could use them to go Birmingham -> London St Pancras, then London St Pancras -> Birmingham on the way back.
* you actually need 6 days travel, but you're probably best off buying the last leg on the way there as a single which'll be like 9€ as opposed to spending an extra 60€ on a longer pass. It may well be cheaper to buy individual advanced tickets for this, but it gives an upper limit as to what you'd pay to get there by land.
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Just checked details of the final ....29th May in Athens ...... might gamble and get flights booked to Greece or book a weeks holiday and do an internal flight
I mentioned the same to my wife, she wasn’t impressed. It’s also half term so prices are likely to be high.
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I booked my Athens hotel last week. I made sure the free cancellation deadline was after the semi final though!
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5th gets Champions League football next year doesn't it?
I thought this, however someone on here said that was wrong as although England will get a 5th team in the CL, it won’t necessarily mean the 5th place team but a team with the highest coefficient who didn’t qualify. Therefore this year it would have been Chelsea!
So I obviously hope this is wrong and you are right!
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Going to book flights and a hotel *just in case*. Worst case scenario is I get a few days in Athens, somewhere I've never been.
I think I'll do the same. An epic adventure on the cards!
I'm going to do it by boat, like Jason and the Argonauts
Now you're talking, mate!
Drop some acid before leaving port, fuck up the bronze giant, get the fleece, in the bar singing HEITS by lunchtime
:D
Where do I sign up for your crew?
Welcome aboard Vice Admiral!
Im in, but not as cabin boy.
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I spent some time earlier looking at some Juventus forums (I know, it's a slow day) to see what they were saying about the Conference League next year.
Their general line of thought seems to be that if we got drawn against them, we would win, we're the strongest team in the competition, and with Emery, we've practically got it won before a ball is kicked.
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This over confidence is going to bite us in the ass.
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I wonder what their score prediction was for Stevenage.
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I spent some time earlier looking at some Juventus forums (I know, it's a slow day) to see what they were saying about the Conference League next year.
Their general line of thought seems to be that if we got drawn against them, we would win, we're the strongest team in the competition, and with Emery, we've practically got it won before a ball is kicked.
This needs to be leavened a bit by the fact that Juve fans are having an enormous strop right now, just absolutely wallowing in self-pity.
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I spent some time earlier looking at some Juventus forums (I know, it's a slow day) to see what they were saying about the Conference League next year.
Their general line of thought seems to be that if we got drawn against them, we would win, we're the strongest team in the competition, and with Emery, we've practically got it won before a ball is kicked.
See, I know there are macro issues around the comparitive financial strengths of the English and Italian games, but the thought of Juventus shitting themselves about facing us is both a testament to Emery's work and a complete headfuck.
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This over confidence is going to bite us in the ass.
Yup.
Plus, if we did a WHAM! and won the bloody thing while showing everyone how shit we really are by dropping down the league table, all the good work we are doing to increase revenue and be attractive to a better class of players goes out the window.
The priority next season must be to show that we are serious about breaking into the top six, continue building our revenue and reputation, and use that to help build a squad capable of competing on multiple fronts.
I know we all want a trophy. But if that comes with a 14th place finish, it's too big a price to pay.
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This over confidence is going to bite us in the ass.
Yup.
Plus, if we did a WHAM! and won the bloody thing while showing everyone how shit we really are by dropping down the league table, all the good work we are doing to increase revenue and be attractive to a better class of players goes out the window.
The priority next season must be to show that we are serious about breaking into the top six, continue building our revenue and reputation, and use that to help build a squad capable of competing on multiple fronts.
I know we all want a trophy. But if that comes with a 14th place finish, it's too big a price to pay.
With respect, is it bollocks. The point of football is winning trophies.
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Plus, if we did a WHAM! and won the bloody thing while showing everyone how shit we really are by dropping down the league table, all the good work we are doing to increase revenue and be attractive to a better class of players goes out the window.
The priority next season must be to show that we are serious about breaking into the top six, continue building our revenue and reputation, and use that to help build a squad capable of competing on multiple fronts.
I know we all want a trophy. But if that comes with a 14th place finish, it's too big a price to pay.
Is there anything that suggests that West Ham's extra European games are anything to do with their league performance?
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Plus, if we did a WHAM! and won the bloody thing while showing everyone how shit we really are by dropping down the league table, all the good work we are doing to increase revenue and be attractive to a better class of players goes out the window.
The priority next season must be to show that we are serious about breaking into the top six, continue building our revenue and reputation, and use that to help build a squad capable of competing on multiple fronts.
I know we all want a trophy. But if that comes with a 14th place finish, it's too big a price to pay.
Is there anything that suggests that West Ham's extra European games are anything to do with their league performance?
The got to the semi final of the higher competition last year whilst finishing 7th, which seems to be forgotten by all those making that point.
They're 14th because they made some bad signings, not because of being in Europe.
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I didn't say if we try and win it we will end up 14th.
I'm saying that if it comes to a choice between where we focus, at this point in time we need to choose the Premier League.
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West Ham's form picked up quite noticeably from about March onwards, which would suggest that it wasn't tiredness or being in Europe that caused their shit first half of the season form.
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We've the perfect manager as long as he's backed by sufficient recruitment to deal with the European schedule.
He's already proven with last seasons squad that players can seamlessly adapt to coming into the team.
We're clearly a season ahead of schedule anyway and I can't wait.
I think we could be top 6 plus some very strong Cup runs for next season.
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Doubly confident post!
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I spent some time earlier looking at some Juventus forums (I know, it's a slow day) to see what they were saying about the Conference League next year.
Their general line of thought seems to be that if we got drawn against them, we would win, we're the strongest team in the competition, and with Emery, we've practically got it won before a ball is kicked.
I agree with that and there is nothing wrong with overconfidence. I am NOT cancelling my hotel in Athens.
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If the best of the standard is based on what was offered up last night we should win it at a canter really. West Ham were no great shakes but did enough and were the better team on the night at least. Previous Vila teams would contrive to screw it up but not under Emery.
Yes, it would be good to add the trophy to our list but I wouldn't be as over the top celebrating as though it was some massive achievement if we did win it. Besides, we'll still be celebrating the League, FA cup and League cup wins.
-
I spent some time earlier looking at some Juventus forums (I know, it's a slow day) to see what they were saying about the Conference League next year.
Their general line of thought seems to be that if we got drawn against them, we would win, we're the strongest team in the competition, and with Emery, we've practically got it won before a ball is kicked.
I agree with that and there is nothing wrong with overconfidence. I am NOT cancelling my hotel in Athens.
I look forward to seeing you there!
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West Ham's form picked up quite noticeably from about March onwards, which would suggest that it wasn't tiredness or being in Europe that caused their shit first half of the season form.
It was the lack of Danny Ings in their squad..
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Read this morning loads of West Ham fans flew to Dublin and got connection to Prague. Apparently much cheaper then flying direct from UK.
Might be worth checking if Athens becomes real.
For the eternally optimistic, you can do it by rail:
https://www.seat61.com/Greece.htm
It's worth checking against other options, but you can do it on a 5 day* interrail pass which covers rail & ferries for under 300€:
https://www.interrail.eu/en/interrail-passes/global-pass
You'll need to get a seat reservation for the Eurostar, though, which costs an extra 20€ or something each way. You can use it in your own country for the first/last journey of the trip, e.g. it covers you going from Witton station to London St Pancras, as long as you go a reasonably direct route - and will cover the journey home too.
Interrail passes cover a return journey in your own country, so e.g. you could use them to go Birmingham -> London St Pancras, then London St Pancras -> Birmingham on the way back.
* you actually need 6 days travel, but you're probably best off buying the last leg on the way there as a single which'll be like 9€ as opposed to spending an extra 60€ on a longer pass. It may well be cheaper to buy individual advanced tickets for this, but it gives an upper limit as to what you'd pay to get there by land.
Great bit of research and a wonderful option. Now if you could figure out something similar from Melbourne…
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This over confidence is going to bite us in the ass.
Yup.
Plus, if we did a WHAM! and won the bloody thing while showing everyone how shit we really are by dropping down the league table, all the good work we are doing to increase revenue and be attractive to a better class of players goes out the window.
The priority next season must be to show that we are serious about breaking into the top six, continue building our revenue and reputation, and use that to help build a squad capable of competing on multiple fronts.
I know we all want a trophy. But if that comes with a 14th place finish, it's too big a price to pay.
With respect, is it bollocks. The point of football is winning trophies.
Is it? I bet Arsenal fans enjoyed their season game by game far more than West Ham fans did. And are looking forward to next season more.
I’ll take runners-up in all four competitions over winning a cup and getting relegated!
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Is it? I bet Arsenal fans enjoyed their season game by game far more than West Ham fans did. And are looking forward to next season more.
I’ll take runners-up in all four competitions over winning a cup and getting relegated!
I bet West Hams fans (especially those in Prague) enjoyed last night more than Arsenal enjoyed any one match this year. Also, the record books now list them as a European trophy winner, something Arsenal have only ever done once, and that was 30 years ago. (Ignoring the Fairs Cup)
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This over confidence is going to bite us in the ass.
Yup.
Plus, if we did a WHAM! and won the bloody thing while showing everyone how shit we really are by dropping down the league table, all the good work we are doing to increase revenue and be attractive to a better class of players goes out the window.
The priority next season must be to show that we are serious about breaking into the top six, continue building our revenue and reputation, and use that to help build a squad capable of competing on multiple fronts.
I know we all want a trophy. But if that comes with a 14th place finish, it's too big a price to pay.
With respect, is it bollocks. The point of football is winning trophies.
I disagree, who remembers the intertoto wins? League position and aspiring to the big boys cup is where it is at.
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The Inter-Toto was a qualifier which is why no one remembers it with any great excitement. I have little doubt that the vast majority of us enjoyed winning the League Cup more in 94 and 96 than we did finishing 2nd and 4th around the same.
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It's about more than just the short term. Yes, a cup now is better than league position. But league position is what is going to set us up to compete for the next decade, not a trophy.
I want a cup, of course I do. But I want sustained success, and in the current footballing world that means a consistent top six finish as a foundation. Then you give yourself the best chance of winning multiple trophies.
Spurs have won jack shit in the last 10 years, but their turnover is over £500m while we are struggling to hit £200m. They are a more attractive destination for players, and they can afford them, despite having won nothing!
Now, I'd be bloody ashamed to have all that and win nothing, it takes a very special level of incompetence. But give Emery that kind of foundation and we'd win loads!
That's what I want. And I'd trade a cup in the next 12 months for it any day of the week.
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On the other hand, a cup win on top of finishing top 4 will feel very special.
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"And we're gonna shake 'em up when the turnover goes up"
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"And we're gonna shake 'em up when the turnover goes up"
;D
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I'd rather win trophies. I doubt anyone reminisces about seasons we made a tidy profit on the bank balance, they sure as fuck do about 75, 77, 81, 82, 94 and 96.
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So league cup or top 4 and champions league ?
latter for me as the profile and money will enable us to improve. judging by the teams we put out pretty much all of our managers in recent years agree with that too.
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League Cup. You can finish 4th, get knocked out first qualifier you are in and so who cares. People will always remember the LC win. Anyone think many Everton fans fondly think back to losing to Villareal and Bucharest in 2005 or their trophy wins?
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I'd rather win trophies. I doubt anyone reminisces about seasons we made a tidy profit on the bank balance, they sure as fuck do about 75, 77, 81, 82, 94 and 96.
Again, completely missing the point...
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The Inter-Toto was a qualifier which is why no one remembers it with any great excitement. I have little doubt that the vast majority of us enjoyed winning the League Cup more in 94 and 96 than we did finishing 2nd and 4th around the same.
Exactly
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I'd rather win trophies. I doubt anyone reminisces about seasons we made a tidy profit on the bank balance, they sure as fuck do about 75, 77, 81, 82, 94 and 96.
Again, completely missing the point...
It really isn't.
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I was at both wins and they're the absolute highlights of my bear 40 years watching us, without a shadow of a doubt.
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I'd rather win trophies. I doubt anyone reminisces about seasons we made a tidy profit on the bank balance, they sure as fuck do about 75, 77, 81, 82, 94 and 96.
Again, completely missing the point...
It really isn't.
Ah yes, you're arguing against the "finishing high in the league is better than winning a cup" point that literally nobody has made... ::)
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It doesn't have to be either/or.
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Ah yes, you're arguing against the "finishing high in the league is better than winning a cup" point that literally nobody has made... ::)
"I know we all want a trophy. But if that comes with a 14th place finish, it's too big a price to pay."
"I disagree, who remembers the intertoto wins? League position and aspiring to the big boys cup is where it is at."
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Ah yes, you're arguing against the "finishing high in the league is better than winning a cup" point that literally nobody has made... ::)
"I know we all want a trophy. But if that comes with a 14th place finish, it's too big a price to pay."
"I disagree, who remembers the intertoto wins? League position and aspiring to the big boys cup is where it is at."
Yep, '...if that comes with..'
You're oversimplifying what I've said by ignoring all of my reasoning, hence missing the actual point.
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It wasn't you that said those. So no, i'm not missing the point as I wasn't replying to you.
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It wasn't you that said those. So no, i'm not missing the point as I wasn't replying to you.
Except I did say the first thing..
But it's cool, you can win if you want! 8)
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Is that because you don't like winning things? :-*
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On the 5th place getting CL football:
'Two places are reserved for the two countries with the highest coefficient score in current season.'
So previous seasons don't matter, and:
'The total points earned by every nation’s clubs - with bonus points for reaching certain stages plus match-related points - are divided by the number of sides in European competitions.'
So the advantage of having more teams in European competitions is weighted out.
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Considering how much we drone on and on about our one European trophy won so far, it's surprising to see the thought of winning another one brushed away if it might impact our league performance.
We finished 11th the year we won the European Cup.
I wonder how many people were saying "Ah, it's all well and good, but look at the league table) this time 41 years ago.
And I know, football has changed, top four yada yada yada, but this it is so long since we won anything at all, and this is a prestigious European competition - one which, if you win it, guarantees you entry into the Europa League the next season anyway!
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Ah yes, you're arguing against the "finishing high in the league is better than winning a cup" point that literally nobody has made... ::)
"I know we all want a trophy. But if that comes with a 14th place finish, it's too big a price to pay."
"I disagree, who remembers the intertoto wins? League position and aspiring to the big boys cup is where it is at."
Yep, '...if that comes with..'
You're oversimplifying what I've said by ignoring all of my reasoning, hence missing the actual point.
I think you're both right. It's about winning trophies, that's the most important thing. Definitely. But also, sometimes missing out on a trophy can be better for the team in the longer term. I doubt there's a Villa fan alive who now wishes they could go back and win the play-off final against Fulham, for example. It's not saying it's exactly the same thing, obviously, but I can see the logic in arguing that you'd take a champions league place via the league, ahead of winning the Europa Conference, IF it kick-started a process that meant the team would be stronger and more competitive for the next four or five years and beyond.
Would you sacrifice a chance of winning a trophy if it significantly increased your chances of winning the next 20 trophies we competed for, domestically and in Europe? I'm not sure I would, personally, but I can totally see the logic for those that would.
All that said, Emery strikes me as the sort of manager who would rather have a European trophy on his CV than a top 4 league finish.
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I spent some time earlier looking at some Juventus forums (I know, it's a slow day) to see what they were saying about the Conference League next year.
Their general line of thought seems to be that if we got drawn against them, we would win, we're the strongest team in the competition, and with Emery, we've practically got it won before a ball is kicked.
I agree with that and there is nothing wrong with overconfidence. I am NOT cancelling my hotel in Athens.
Screw it, you're right. Booked a (cancellable) hotel in Athens. I ain't missing out on this one like I missed out on the last one*.
* admittedly I was less than 3 weeks old at the time, so maybe it was justifiable that I wasn't taken to Rotterdam, but still ...
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For the record, I accept both sides of the argument about league vs cups, and think we should just come to a compromise and we just decide to win everything.
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I'd never swop 1970/71, the season we missed out on promotion from the old third division (finishing third), but reached the League Cup final, which we lost to Tottenham, for one where we went up but didn't reach that final.
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I spent some time earlier looking at some Juventus forums (I know, it's a slow day) to see what they were saying about the Conference League next year.
Their general line of thought seems to be that if we got drawn against them, we would win, we're the strongest team in the competition, and with Emery, we've practically got it won before a ball is kicked.
I agree with that and there is nothing wrong with overconfidence. I am NOT cancelling my hotel in Athens.
Screw it, you're right. Booked a (cancellable) hotel in Athens. I ain't missing out on this one like I missed out on the last one*.
I've just applied for Greek citizenship so I don't get stuck in a queue at Athens airport with thousands of Brexit casualties.
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I think I agree with Doggie. Right now I'd rather establish ourselves as a top 4 club with the money, players and likely success that should bring than, say, win the league cup.
Now of course as others have said it's not mutually exclusive and I'd love us to win a pot. But if presented as an 'either or' conundrum, right now I'd prefer an established place at the top table.
Declan Rice has just lifted a trophy, and it's been a brilliant adventure for the fans - but he'll leave this summer. I want us to be in an established position where our best players want to stay. Ultimately that means being in the CL. Once we are, trophies should follow.
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I don't think there's such a thing as an established top 4 club any more though. Other than Citeh with their unlimited wealth, is anyone guaranteed a top 4 place? Look at Liverpool, Chelsea, Spurs this season. Throw Man U, Arsenal and Newcastle into the equation, they can't all qualify for the CL every year.
Finishing in the top 4 would be great but I'd rather have a shiny pot to look at personally.
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Emery won't do what MON did at CSKA Moscow.
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This is the sort of size and quality of Squad needed for Europe and to still compete in the Prem
Goal Keepers
Martinez/ Raya
Defence
Foyth/Cash
Pau Torres/Konsa
I'm Eric laporte/Mings
Moreno/Digne
Midfield /Attack
Tielmans/Kamara
Guendouzi/Luiz
Lo Celso /Buendia
McGinn/Ward Prowse
Nico Williams/Bailey/Lee Kang Inn
Ramsey/Barnes/Alberto Moleiro
Pedro Goncalves /Coutinho/Summerville
Strikers
Santiago Giménez/Watkins/Archer/Marcus Thuram
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This is the sort of size and quality of Squad needed for Europe and to still compete in the Prem
Goal Keepers
Martinez/ Raya
Defence
Foyth/Cash
Pau Torres/Konsa
I'm Eric laporte/Mings
Moreno/Digne
Midfield /Attack
Tielmans/Kamara
Guendouzi/Luiz
Lo Celso /Buendia
McGinn/Ward Prowse
Nico Williams/Bailey/Lee Kang Inn
Ramsey/Barnes/Alberto Moleiro
Pedro Goncalves /Coutinho/Summerville
Strikers
Santiago Giménez/Watkins/Archer/Marcus Thuram
So we need to sign around 15 players?
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I think Emery and Mochi plan on only signing 6 at least and most 7 players.
I've doubled that but would think unlikely. I do think there's a chance of the 15 named some will be coming in.
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This is the sort of size and quality of Squad needed for Europe and to still compete in the Prem
Goal Keepers
Martinez/ Raya
Defence
Foyth/Cash
Pau Torres/Konsa
I'm Eric laporte/Mings
Moreno/Digne
Midfield /Attack
Tielmans/Kamara
Guendouzi/Luiz
Lo Celso /Buendia
McGinn/Ward Prowse
Nico Williams/Bailey/Lee Kang Inn
Ramsey/Barnes/Alberto Moleiro
Pedro Goncalves /Coutinho/Summerville
Strikers
Santiago Giménez/Watkins/Archer/Marcus Thuram
So we need to sign around 15 players?
And at least double the wage bill whilst the very best we can hope for in terms of additional income is about 15%. I suppose we could always double ticket prices to pay the wages of half of the additions.
FFS - someone else who has been playing Championship Manager.
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This is the sort of size and quality of Squad needed for Europe and to still compete in the Prem
Goal Keepers
Martinez/ Raya
Defence
Foyth/Cash
Pau Torres/Konsa
I'm Eric laporte/Mings
Moreno/Digne
Midfield /Attack
Tielmans/Kamara
Guendouzi/Luiz
Lo Celso /Buendia
McGinn/Ward Prowse
Nico Williams/Bailey/Lee Kang Inn
Ramsey/Barnes/Alberto Moleiro
Pedro Goncalves /Coutinho/Summerville
Strikers
Santiago Giménez/Watkins/Archer/Marcus Thuram
So we need to sign around 15 players?
And at least double the wage bill whilst the very best we can hope for in terms of additional income is about 15%. I suppose we could always double ticket prices to pay the wages of half of the additions.
FFS - someone else who has been playing Championship Manager.
Monchi did a video content playing Football Manager 2021.
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This over confidence is going to bite us in the ass.
Yup.
Plus, if we did a WHAM! and won the bloody thing while showing everyone how shit we really are by dropping down the league table, all the good work we are doing to increase revenue and be attractive to a better class of players goes out the window.
The priority next season must be to show that we are serious about breaking into the top six, continue building our revenue and reputation, and use that to help build a squad capable of competing on multiple fronts.
I know we all want a trophy. But if that comes with a 14th place finish, it's too big a price to pay.
We can do both. Or shall we qualify for Europe and then put it off for another day.? Let’s just go and try and win something next year. That’s how you attract investors players etc
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This over confidence is going to bite us in the ass.
Yup.
Plus, if we did a WHAM! and won the bloody thing while showing everyone how shit we really are by dropping down the league table, all the good work we are doing to increase revenue and be attractive to a better class of players goes out the window.
The priority next season must be to show that we are serious about breaking into the top six, continue building our revenue and reputation, and use that to help build a squad capable of competing on multiple fronts.
I know we all want a trophy. But if that comes with a 14th place finish, it's too big a price to pay.
We can do both. Or shall we qualify for Europe and then put it off for another day.? Let’s just go and try and win something next year. That’s how you attract investors players etc
That's why a big squad is needed with quality and football intelligence shining through.
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Could anybody point out to me an instance where a team was progressing in Europe but their league form was suffering, so sent out a team to scupper their European chances and their league form improved sufficiently that they qualified for Europe again? There must be loads, surely.
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I should have added, after all it went sooo swimmingly when we tried it.
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Considering how much we drone on and on about our one European trophy won so far, it's surprising to see the thought of winning another one brushed away if it might impact our league performance.
We finished 11th the year we won the European Cup.
I wonder how many people were saying "Ah, it's all well and good, but look at the league table) this time 41 years ago.
And I know, football has changed, top four yada yada yada, but this it is so long since we won anything at all, and this is a prestigious European competition - one which, if you win it, guarantees you entry into the Europa League the next season anyway!
Eh hem; 2 European trophies won...
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Hang on....Footy had admitted that he is Eric Laporte. I'm trying to work out if that makes his posts all make sense now or not!
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Hang on....Footy had admitted that he is Eric Laporte. I'm trying to work out if that makes his posts all make sense now or not!
Google it, it's actually quite a funny story.
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Basically, given that we need to sign so many players, and also given that we're taking Sevilla's Monkey Magic man, would it not be cheaper to just buy Sevilla? They even already have our name in theirs.
It reminds me of Lew Grade's quip - "Raise the Titanic? It would have been cheaper to lower the Atlantic".
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If we can't hack this european competition what chance would we stand in the champions league.
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Viborg v Midtjylland 0-0 after 20. Midtjylland are dirty bruisers, and the ref's letting them get away with it to some degree.
Game's legit streaming on the Bet365 site.
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If V Sports bought Sevilla, could we add their honours to our own?
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Viborg v Midtjylland 0-0 after 20. Midtjylland are dirty bruisers, and the ref's letting them get away with it to some degree.
Game's legit streaming on the Bet365 site.
Thanks for reminding me.
Most promising player to look out for is probably Gustav Isaksen, Midtjylland's right winger.
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Finishing is woeful at both ends so far
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Emiliano Martinez has just been booked, as is traditional. Even if this one plays for Midtjylland.
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Emiliano Martinez has just been booked, as is traditional. Even if this one plays for Midtjylland.
Time-wasting?
This version keeps getting linked with Everton and West Ham. It shows up in the NewsNow results because of the name.
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Emiliano Martinez has just been booked, as is traditional. Even if this one plays for Midtjylland.
Time-wasting?
This version keeps getting linked with Everton and West Ham. It shows up in the NewsNow results because of the name.
I hope so, he's absolute toss from the FCM games I've seen.
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1-0 FCM.
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Midtjylland 1-0 up. Bollocks.
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No defending the indefensible from the Danish commentators. "Idiocy of the lowest kind."
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Midtjylland 1-0 up. Bollocks.
So does this now mean we get Juve in the play offs ?
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As it stands, according to the Mail.
Seeded: Juventus, Eintracht Frankfurt, Lille, Club Brugge, Basel, Panathinaikos, AZ Alkmaar, Servette, Gent, Dynamo Kyiv, Istanbul Basaksehir, Fenerbahce, CFR Cluj, Midtjylland, Partizan Belgrade, PAOK, Maccabi Tel Aviv.
Unseeded: Aston Villa, Osasuna, Viktoria Plzen, Bodo/Glimt, Lech Poznan, Rapid Wien, Hapoel Beer Sheva, Djurgarden, APOEL, Besiktas, CSKA Sofia, Rijeka, Twente, Arouca, Vitoria Guimaraes, FCSB, Legia Warsaw.
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I thought we were part of the seeded group?
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According to the mail, at the moment we're not. But fuck knows.
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aston-villa-europa-conference-league-27090913.amp
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Of those teams in the provisional seeded pot 14 of them need to go through one or two rounds of qualifying so there’s no guarantee they’ll even make it to the play off round. That said even if they all do there’s no one there Juventus, Frankfurt and Lille apart we should be worried about facing.
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I want us to be in the same pot as Rapid Vienna. More concerned about them than meeting most of the 'seeded' teams.
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Fuck Rapid Vienna! If we meet them, they are going to a Basque funeral. FTF!
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I think Rapid Vienna would be more worried about playing us.
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Midtjylland 1-0 up. Bollocks.
So does this now mean we get Juve in the play offs ?
Potentially BUT there are teams with a higher coefficient that play in earlier play off rounds so, if they get knocked out early, then we move up.
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Midtjylland 1-0 up. Bollocks.
So does this now mean we get Juve in the play offs ?
Potentially BUT there are teams with a higher coefficient that play in earlier play off rounds so, if they get knocked out early, then we move up.
Thanks. I understand the system - just preparing for the inevitable.
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I'll be interested to see if we are the favourites to win it when it kicks off. With Emery's pedigree you'd imagine we'd be in the top 3 or 4 with the bookies.
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For the sake of any trolls reading this, despite years of disappointments some of us have more confidence in Aston Villa than others.
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There are some tricky ties if we end up unseeded. But I’ll be honest after 10 years + outside of European football, however the coefficients work, it’s hard to argue. On the flip side I imagine the seeded teams would be horrified to face us.
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I'm just looking forward to seeing the place rocking in August under the floodlights. I believe we can beat anybody in this competition.
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I'll be interested to see if we are the favourites to win it when it kicks off. With Emery's pedigree you'd imagine we'd be in the top 3 or 4 with the bookies.
With the Uk bookies we will be but I’d guess German/Spanish bookies probably won’t rate us as highly
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I'll be interested to see if we are the favourites to win it when it kicks off. With Emery's pedigree you'd imagine we'd be in the top 3 or 4 with the bookies.
With the Uk bookies we will be but I’d guess German/Spanish bookies probably won’t rate us as highly
As someone who doesn't gamble, I've often wondered about stuff like this. Why wouldn't you just place your bet in the location where you get the best odds? Or play them off against each other if they offer such different odds? If they're not all the same odds (or close to it), surely it's a market rife for exploitation?
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Isn't it strange that seeded teams have to play earlier rounds than we do?
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Isn't it strange that seeded teams have to play earlier rounds than we do?
They’re not seeded yet.
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I'll be interested to see if we are the favourites to win it when it kicks off. With Emery's pedigree you'd imagine we'd be in the top 3 or 4 with the bookies.
With the Uk bookies we will be but I’d guess German/Spanish bookies probably won’t rate us as highly
As someone who doesn't gamble, I've often wondered about stuff like this. Why wouldn't you just place your bet in the location where you get the best odds? Or play them off against each other if they offer such different odds? If they're not all the same odds (or close to it), surely it's a market rife for exploitation?
Because it's a hassle having so many accounts and because betting in decent size only where a bookie's prices are unusually competitive is likely to have you marked down as shrewd and have your stakes limited pretty rapidly. I assume bookmakers offer different odds to people in different countries. So rather than having to create a domestic network of beards (people to put bets on for you where you've been closed down who you have to give a cut to until they get closed down whereupon you need to find more of them...), I suppose you would need an international network to fully exploit said international price variation.
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Few kit stealers fans at work. Have thanked them for keeping it warm for us for the next 12 months
-
This over confidence is going to bite us in the ass.
Yup.
Plus, if we did a WHAM! and won the bloody thing while showing everyone how shit we really are by dropping down the league table, all the good work we are doing to increase revenue and be attractive to a better class of players goes out the window.
The priority next season must be to show that we are serious about breaking into the top six, continue building our revenue and reputation, and use that to help build a squad capable of competing on multiple fronts.
I know we all want a trophy. But if that comes with a 14th place finish, it's too big a price to pay.
We can do both. Or shall we qualify for Europe and then put it off for another day.? Let’s just go and try and win something next year. That’s how you attract investors players etc
We could always just decide to want to win stuff for the sake of it. Novel idea, I know...
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The dates: https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaconferenceleague/news/027a-1641db958909-46702780984f-1000--2023-24-uefa-europa-conference-league-matches-final-key-/
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As someone who doesn't gamble, I've often wondered about stuff like this. Why wouldn't you just place your bet in the location where you get the best odds? Or play them off against each other if they offer such different odds? If they're not all the same odds (or close to it), surely it's a market rife for exploitation?
Wait till you hear about the same flights having differing prices depending on your O&D (origin and/or destination).
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When I told the Missus this morning that I might be off to Athens at the end of next May it was met with a surprising amount of positivity…I might book up early just in case!
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When I told the Missus this morning that I might be off to Athens at the end of next May it was met with a surprising amount of positivity…I might book up early just in case!
That's been my approach. "Right, family holiday to Athens next May half term! What do you think?". Gone down well, particularly with the little girl who'd been made aware of why that night be a nice time to go but she definitely shouldn't tell mummy just yet :D
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When I told the Missus this morning that I might be off to Athens at the end of next May it was met with a surprising amount of positivity…I might book up early just in case!
That's been my approach. "Right, family holiday to Athens next May half term! What do you think?". Gone down well, particularly with the little girl who'd been made aware of why that night be a nice time to go but she definitely shouldn't tell mummy just yet :D
What’s the actual date of the final?
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When I told the Missus this morning that I might be off to Athens at the end of next May it was met with a surprising amount of positivity…I might book up early just in case!
That's been my approach. "Right, family holiday to Athens next May half term! What do you think?". Gone down well, particularly with the little girl who'd been made aware of why that night be a nice time to go but she definitely shouldn't tell mummy just yet :D
What’s the actual date of the final?
29th
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Villa 1982 run now on ITV.
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What’s the actual date of the final?
29th
Which stadium in Athens?
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What’s the actual date of the final?
29th
Which stadium in Athens?
Agia Sophia Stadium (aka OPAP Arena) which is the home stadium of AEK Athens.
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Villa 1982 run now on ITV.
How did it end up?
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What’s the actual date of the final?
29th
Which stadium in Athens?
Agia Sophia Stadium (aka OPAP Arena) which is the home stadium of AEK Athens.
Looks as shit as Leicester's crisp bowl, with yellow seats.
Still, it won't matter when we're all drunk and naked, cavorting in the streets in celebration.
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I'm not interested in whether we're seeded or what draw we get. We have the best manager in the world, and we can beat anybody.
Give it five years, and the world will know our Unai could floss his teeth with that shiny-headed* manicured-bearded, cardigan-wearing tosser from the oil cheats.
But, such are his standards of hygiene, Unai would seek out a supplementary flossing material. Because a charlatan gobshite is not fecking substantial enough.
* Sorry Paddy.
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What’s the actual date of the final?
29th
Which stadium in Athens?
Agia Sophia Stadium (aka OPAP Arena) which is the home stadium of AEK Athens.
Of course, I knew that as the hotel I have previously booked is right next door😟
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I’m sort of glad West Ham won it this season now (I wasn’t much at the time) as the country can see its importance and significance. Yes it’s the 3rd tier European trophy but it’s a European trophy.
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I’m sort of glad West Ham won it this season now (I wasn’t much at the time) as the country can see its importance and significance. Yes it’s the 3rd tier European trophy but it’s a European trophy.
I view it as a European League Cup, not as prestigious as the 2 older trophies but would still be a very welcome addition to our trophy cabinet.
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Agia Sophia Stadium (aka OPAP Arena) which is the home stadium of AEK Athens.
Of course, I knew that as the hotel I have previously booked is right next door😟
Good man, I'll book mine this week once the we're within the 350 days window.
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Agia Sophia Stadium (aka OPAP Arena) which is the home stadium of AEK Athens.
Of course, I knew that as the hotel I have previously booked is right next door😟
Good man, I'll book mine this week once the we're within the 350 days window.
I am staying in Lee Bs floating caravan.
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I’m sort of glad West Ham won it this season now (I wasn’t much at the time) as the country can see its importance and significance. Yes it’s the 3rd tier European trophy but it’s a European trophy.
For me, the overriding benefit was knowing that I imagine, at least, most of the Villa squad would have watched that and they'll have been thinking "I want some of that".
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I’m sort of glad West Ham won it this season now (I wasn’t much at the time) as the country can see its importance and significance. Yes it’s the 3rd tier European trophy but it’s a European trophy.
I view it as a European League Cup, not as prestigious as the 2 older trophies but would still be a very welcome addition to our trophy cabinet.
I see it as same level as the original third competition, the CWC.
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I’m sort of glad West Ham won it this season now (I wasn’t much at the time) as the country can see its importance and significance. Yes it’s the 3rd tier European trophy but it’s a European trophy.
I view it as a European League Cup, not as prestigious as the 2 older trophies but would still be a very welcome addition to our trophy cabinet.
I see it as same level as the original third competition, the CWC.
Is the correct answer.
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Take the winner aside you can see what it meant to their fans. As odious as many of them are that’s their first trophy in forever as it would be for us. I can’t wait to win it next year
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I don't think West Ham fans are odious.
Their owners are, though.
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Fenerbahce 2 - 0 up at half-time in the Turkish cup final which I think is good news for us regarding the prospect of being seeded.
As far as I understand the mathematical equation anyway.
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I don't think West Ham fans are odious.
Their owners are, though.
Sure, we shouldn’t generalise, and I have WHU supporting mates, but I think it’s fair to say that the guys who launched projectiles at the Fiorentina players are odious.
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Fenerbahce 2 - 0 up at half-time in the Turkish cup final which I think is good news for us regarding the prospect of being seeded.
As far as I understand the mathematical equation anyway.
Finished 2-0 so good for us, just a shame that Erdogan's team lost. :(
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I don't think West Ham fans are odious.
Their owners are, though.
I would say that being of a non white disposition amongst some fan bases varies in experience. West Ham was never a fun place to visit while I lived there. Not saying we don’t have our wankers, because we do. But they’re not my cup of tea. Leicester fans can be like that too as I experienced while going to Filbert Street back in my uni days in the early 90’s.
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I’m sort of glad West Ham won it this season now (I wasn’t much at the time) as the country can see its importance and significance. Yes it’s the 3rd tier European trophy but it’s a European trophy.
I view it as a European League Cup, not as prestigious as the 2 older trophies but would still be a very welcome addition to our trophy cabinet.
I see it as same level as the original third competition, the CWC.
Is the correct answer.
Cup Winners Cup slayed a lot harder than this Conference thing. We'll be well shot of it when we reach the Champions League Final in 2025.
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Fenerbahce 2 - 0 up at half-time in the Turkish cup final which I think is good news for us regarding the prospect of being seeded.
As far as I understand the mathematical equation anyway.
Finished 2-0 so good for us, just a shame that Erdogan's team lost. :(
Game hasn't finished yet. Still 2-0
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Fenerbahce 2 - 0 up at half-time in the Turkish cup final which I think is good news for us regarding the prospect of being seeded.
As far as I understand the mathematical equation anyway.
Finished 2-0 so good for us, just a shame that Erdogan's team lost. :(
Game hasn't finished yet. Still 2-0
Yeah you're right, an hour gone now. When I checked it said 'Final' under the score but it's obviously a reference to the game itself. ::)
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CWC was far easier to win than the Uefa, and was probably easier to win than the Conference. Mainly because of more games and having sides from the Europa drop in as well.
I remember when we were playing Inter in the Uefa Man Utd were playing Wrexham in the CWC, and iirc it wasn't even a full strength Wrexham side due to the foreign players rule at the time.
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Although you did have to win a cup competition to get into it in the first place.
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Although you did have to win a cup competition to get into it in the first place.
Or lose the final if the winners were already in Europe. Depending when it was.
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Although you did have to win a cup competition to get into it in the first place.
Or lose the final if the winners were already in Europe. Depending when it was.
Yes, weren't we the first FA Cup losers not to progress to European competition, after we lost to Arsenal who had already guaranteed a CL spot?
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CWC was far easier to win than the Uefa, and was probably easier to win than the Conference. Mainly because of more games and having sides from the Europa drop in as well.
I remember when we were playing Inter in the Uefa Man Utd were playing Wrexham in the CWC, and iirc it wasn't even a full strength Wrexham side due to the foreign players rule at the time.
For a place in the last eight, after overcoming Pécs (anyone?) in the first round.
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Fenerbahce 2 - 0 was the final result, Batshuayi got both goals.
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So we now can't be seeded, is that right?
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So we now can't be seeded, is that right?
I thought this result was good for us although not entirely sure why
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So we now can't be seeded, is that right?
Nope, the seeding only matter to us at the round we come in. If a few of the higher ranked sides in the knockouts lose then we might end up seeded still.
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Basaksehir not in Europe, Adana Demirspor get the place instead and they have worse coefficient than us.
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So we now can't be seeded, is that right?
I thought this result was good for us although not entirely sure why
Apparently it puts us at the top of the unseeded teams, so a bit closer to being seeded come draw time.
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So we now can't be seeded, is that right?
I thought this result was good for us although not entirely sure why
I'm the other way around, thought we needed Başakşehir to win. Funk knows.
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We shouldn't really be seeded anyway.
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So we now can't be seeded, is that right?
I thought this result was good for us although not entirely sure why
I'm the other way around, thought we needed Başakşehir to win. Funk knows.
It's simple now...🙂
In the 2nd Qualifying Round, we need one of these teams to get knocked out so we can then be seeded:
Bruges
Basel
Gent
Fenerbahce
CFR Cluj
Midtjylland
PAOK Salonika
Maccabi Tel Aviv
Viktoria Plzen
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[It's simple now...🙂
In the 2nd Qualifying Round, we need one of these teams to get knocked out so we can then be seeded:
Bruges
Basel
Gent
Fenerbahce
CFR Cluj
Midtjylland
PAOK Salonika
Maccabi Tel Aviv
Viktoria Plzen
With the added bonus that we wouldn't have to play any of them in the play-off round?
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The Cup Winners Cup was always destined to die when they opened up the champions league more. If it was still going now, who would be Englands representative?
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[It's simple now...🙂
In the 2nd Qualifying Round, we need one of these teams to get knocked out so we can then be seeded:
Bruges
Basel
Gent
Fenerbahce
CFR Cluj
Midtjylland
PAOK Salonika
Maccabi Tel Aviv
Viktoria Plzen
With the added bonus that we wouldn't have to play any of them in the play-off round?
Correct.
We'd play an unseeded team, although some of them that are projected to be unseeded don't look like complete mugs.
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The Cup Winners Cup was always destined to die when they opened up the champions league more. If it was still going now, who would be Englands representative?
Good question. Presumably Sheffield United or Brighton, unless Brighton opted for Europa League anyway.
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The dates: https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaconferenceleague/news/027a-1641db958909-46702780984f-1000--2023-24-uefa-europa-conference-league-matches-final-key-/
Am I missing something?
But that says Final venue/host to be decided in due course.
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I see we could potentially play Vitoria Guimares at some point. I assume Nas and Wes will instruct them to roll over for us. That's how it works right?
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The Cup Winners Cup was always destined to die when they opened up the champions league more. If it was still going now, who would be Englands representative?
Good question. Presumably Sheffield United or Brighton, unless Brighton opted for Europa League anyway.
Which would, of course, be nonsense. It perfectly highlights why this competition is no more. Imagine having the season we’ve just had and losing out on Europe to Sheffield United because they beat Wrexham and Blackburn.
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At his best, Tielemans seems very versatile, but in a good "excellent in all midfield areas" way rather than a utility "jack of all trades" one. Great range of passing, an excellent shot and good defensively, loads there for Emery to get his teeth into.
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At his best, Tielemans seems very versatile, but in a good "excellent in all midfield areas" way rather than a utility "jack of all trades" one. Great range of passing, an excellent shot and good defensively, loads there for Emery to get his teeth into.
Almost every decent analysis I've seen of him is that he has all the physical attributes and technical ability to be world class but he sometimes needs a nudge to put it all together and, as someone said earlier, he's a bit of a follower rather than a leader so we'd need someone like McGinn alongside lighting rockets up his arse to get the best out of him.
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WHam fan at work says that a lot of their lot are hoping they finish 3rd in their Europa League group so that they can drop back into the Conference and win it again!
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WHam fan at work says that a lot of their lot are hoping they finish 3rd in their Europa League group so that they can drop back into the Conference and win it again!
Do you promoted to the Champions league for winning the Europa league outright ?
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WHam fan at work says that a lot of their lot are hoping they finish 3rd in their Europa League group so that they can drop back into the Conference and win it again!
Do you promoted to the Champions league for winning the Europa league outright ?
Yes
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WHam fan at work says that a lot of their lot are hoping they finish 3rd in their Europa League group so that they can drop back into the Conference and win it again!
I can see a flaw in their plan.
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WHam fan at work says that a lot of their lot are hoping they finish 3rd in their Europa League group so that they can drop back into the Conference and win it again!
I can see a flaw in their plan.
I guess they've seen a plan in their flaws ...
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Quick question - how are the coefficients worked out? Is it based on the overall country's success in the competition, the individual club's record in Europe, or a bit of both? Seems slightly odd that England's only entrant into this competition this year possibly isn't going to be seeded.
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I think it's a bit of both. Our coefficient on our own would be zero if it only goes back a few years.
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I think it's a bit of both. Our coefficient on our own would be zero if it only goes back a few years.
It is both. I don't know what the formula is, but someone explained to me last season that the "score" is for the club, based on their performances in European competition, but then also a fixed number of points are added based on their domestic league. So every Premier League team in Europe gets XX points added to their coefficient simply for being in the premier league. We could, in theory, be ranked higher than a team from a poor league that has been in Europe every year for the last five years (assuming they've done pretty badly once there). It's also a rolling five-year thing, so a couple of years in Europe would boost us pretty significantly.
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It does take time though West Ham have been in Europe for two seasons now I think and despite wining the UECL they still aren’t ranked in the top 20 clubs by coefficient.
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Quick question - how are the coefficients worked out? Is it based on the overall country's success in the competition, the individual club's record in Europe, or a bit of both? Seems slightly odd that England's only entrant into this competition this year possibly isn't going to be seeded.
Right, from here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UEFA_coefficient#Men's_club_coefficient
The club coefficient is either the sum of the points earned by the club in the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League and UEFA Europa Conference League over the previous five seasons or 20% of the club's association coefficient over the same period, whichever coefficient is higher
So, each national association has a coefficient. This is made up from the average performance in Europe for the clubs from that country over the past 5 seasons. Some points are awarded for every single game that takes place. If we draw our first leg in the playoffs, we'll get (a small) number of points added to the English coefficient even if we lost the 2nd leg. Obviously the further in the competition you get, the more points you get for a win or draw.
So, Man City winning the Champions League means that English sides generally will be slightly higher rated for the next 5 years. Likewise West Ham winning the Conference League. But the same applies all the way down, e.g. Ireland will have got a slightly improved coefficient because Shamrock Rovers beat Ferencváros 1-0 in the Europa League playoff 2nd leg last season (even though they got pumped 4-0 in the first leg)
Current association coefficients here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UEFA_coefficient#Current_ranking
The important one for us is the first line. When 'random English club' enters a European competition, they get at least the average coefficient for an English club. So, for us, we've not qualified for Europe for the past 5 seasons, so rather than ranking us below TNS (who have qualified every season), we're seeded based on 'English clubs generally get this far'.
However, if your club average is higher than the national average over 5 seasons, you take that instead. So here:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UEFA_coefficient#Current_club_ranking
You can see Man City, Liverpool, Chelsea, Man Utd, Arsenal .. maybe some others .. have consistently performed above average, so they use their own club coefficient rather than the national association one..
As far as I can see, we're likely to be 'stuck' on the national co-efficient for a little while yet. If/when we start regularly doing well in competitions, however, we'll get our own ranking.
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Thanks chaps.
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The way I see it is that it might be better to play a seeded team early. If we fail then a lot of fan money and time is saved. The squad can then concentrate on the domestic competitions. I do think though that seeded or unseeded we will beat whatever is put in front of us with "the Seeded teams" wanting to avoid us.
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The way I see it is that it might be better to play a seeded team early. If we fail then a lot of fan money and time is saved. The squad can then concentrate on the domestic competitions. I do think though that seeded or unseeded we will beat whatever is put in front of us with "the Seeded teams" wanting to avoid us.
I agree that all the seeded teams will be hoping to avoid us.
However I dont think that saving time and money will be much of a consolation to people if we lose in the playoffs. I'd be gutted if after all that hard work and incredible run of form and results to get us here we get knocked out of a competition we should be winning before it even starts.
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The way I see it is that it might be better to play a seeded team early. If we fail then a lot of fan money and time is saved.
Let's hope we're saved the time and money of an FA Cup final trip as well then! Blimey Bren, that's a bit odd mate.
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The way I see it is that it might be better to play a seeded team early. If we fail then a lot of fan money and time is saved. The squad can then concentrate on the domestic competitions. I do think though that seeded or unseeded we will beat whatever is put in front of us with "the Seeded teams" wanting to avoid us.
I agree that all the seeded teams will be hoping to avoid us.
However I dont think that saving time and money will be much of a consolation to people if we lose in the playoffs. I'd be gutted if after all that hard work and incredible run of form and results to get us here we get knocked out of a competition we should be winning before it even starts.
Again...!
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The way I see it is that it might be better to play a seeded team early. If we fail then a lot of fan money and time is saved. The squad can then concentrate on the domestic competitions. I do think though that seeded or unseeded we will beat whatever is put in front of us with "the Seeded teams" wanting to avoid us.
I agree that all the seeded teams will be hoping to avoid us.
However I dont think that saving time and money will be much of a consolation to people if we lose in the playoffs. I'd be gutted if after all that hard work and incredible run of form and results to get us here we get knocked out of a competition we should be winning before it even starts.
Again...!
Exactly our record in European competition this century is frankly embarrassing for a club of this size.
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Our record in all cup competitions this century is absolutely shameful.
By my reckoning, 29 English clubs have been to a domestic or european cup final this century, with 14 winning a trophy.
14 clubs have contested only one final, of which only 2 (Blackburn Rovers and Swansea City) have won one.
We are 7th for finals contested, and the team to have been to the most finals this century without ever winning a cup.
Of the teams who have contested more than one final, only 2 others have failed to win any of them - Cardiff City and Southampton (both with 2 finals each).
The average win ratio is 30.2%, compared to our 0%.
Team | Finals | Wins | Win % |
Chelsea | 22 | 13 | 59.1 |
Liverpool | 17 | 10 | 58.8 |
Man United | 17 | 9 | 52.9 |
Arsenal | 13 | 7 | 53.8 |
Man City | 12 | 10 | 83.3 |
Tottenham Hotspurs | 6 | 1 | 16.7 |
Aston Villa | 4 | 0 | 0.0 |
Leicester City | 2 | 2 | 100.0 |
Blackburn Rovers | 1 | 1 | 100.0 |
Swansea City | 1 | 1 | 100.0 |
Birmingham City | 2 | 1 | 50.0 |
Middlesbrough | 2 | 1 | 50.0 |
Portsmouth | 2 | 1 | 50.0 |
West Ham United | 2 | 1 | 50.0 |
Wigan Athletic | 2 | 1 | 50.0 |
Cardiff City | 2 | 0 | 0.0 |
Southampton | 2 | 0 | 0.0 |
Bolton Wanderers | 1 | 0 | 0.0 |
Bradford City | 1 | 0 | 0.0 |
Crystal Palace | 1 | 0 | 0.0 |
Everton | 1 | 0 | 0.0 |
Fulham | 1 | 0 | 0.0 |
Hull City | 1 | 0 | 0.0 |
Millwall | 1 | 0 | 0.0 |
Newcastle United | 1 | 0 | 0.0 |
Stoke City | 1 | 0 | 0.0 |
Sunderland | 1 | 0 | 0.0 |
Tranmere Rovers | 1 | 0 | 0.0 |
Watford | 1 | 0 | 0.0 |
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So we've reached more finals than anyone other than the scab six despite having the worst decade in our history (2010s). Not too bad when it's put like that.
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So we've reached more finals than anyone other than the scab six despite having the worst decade in our history (2010s). Not too bad when it's put like that.
1 final every 5-6 years since the start of the premier league isn't bad, only winning 2 of them is annoying.
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The real "what ifs" for me in this era are the finals we didn't get to in 2004 and 2013.
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So we've reached more finals than anyone other than the scab six despite having the worst decade in our history (2010s). Not too bad when it's put like that.
This is why the Dogheads, Tescos and particularly the Sty Dwellers hate us so much. What we consider to be one of the worst periods in our history would constitute a golden age for all of them.
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The way I see it is that it might be better to play a seeded team early. If we fail then a lot of fan money and time is saved.
Let's hope we're saved the time and money of an FA Cup final trip as well then! Blimey Bren, that's a bit odd mate.
Disappointing, I didn't have Bren down as a Eurosceptic. :(
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The way I see it is that it might be better to play a seeded team early. If we fail then a lot of fan money and time is saved.
Let's hope we're saved the time and money of an FA Cup final trip as well then! Blimey Bren, that's a bit odd mate.
Let's not bother registering with the FA either, then we'll never lose a game!
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So some questions:
When do we have the definitive list of all entrants into the ECL?
When do they state who are the seeded teams?
When is the draw made for the KO?
When realistically do we play our qualifier?
Sorry but just plain English will do :)
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So some questions:
When do we have the definitive list of all entrants into the ECL?
When do they state who are the seeded teams?
When is the draw made for the KO?
When realistically do we play our qualifier?
Sorry but just plain English will do :)
The draw for the round we enter in is on Aug7th, and the games themselves will be on the 24th and 31st
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So some questions:
When do we have the definitive list of all entrants into the ECL?
When do they state who are the seeded teams?
When is the draw made for the KO?
When realistically do we play our qualifier?
Sorry but just plain English will do :)
The draw for the round we enter in is on Aug7th, and the games themselves will be on the 24th and 31st
For the seedings thing - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023%E2%80%9324_UEFA_Europa_Conference_League#Schedule
Those are the dates for the various qualifying rounds and, as should be clear the draw for the play-off round happens before the 3rd round of qualifying so seedings are based on either teams that are joining at the same stage as us or whichever the highest ranked team in each QR3 tie is. Once all the QR3 ties are known we'll know how things need to play out for us. The draw is 24th July but there may be some games that make a difference still so we won't know for sure which side we're in until the games on 3rd August have all played out.
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So much easier back in 1982 ;) when you played who you drew out of the hat :)
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How will tickets be allocated?
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The way I see it is that it might be better to play a seeded team early. If we fail then a lot of fan money and time is saved.
Let's hope we're saved the time and money of an FA Cup final trip as well then! Blimey Bren, that's a bit odd mate.
Disappointing, I didn't have Bren down as a Eurosceptic. :(
I'm not at all. On reflection maybe it sounds that way but I'd rather hit the more difficult teams early than later when we might be fighting on many fronts. Once we're into it half way through the season I'll be all in.
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European qualification spots for next season possibly
If next season England finish Top 2 in the one-year Country ranking, then at the end of Premier League season:
Top 5 - Champions League, Group stage
6th/7th - Europa League, Group stage
8th - Europa Conference League, Play-off
https://twitter.com/uefarankings/status/1669266070681575424?s=46&t=0-BUXD66ovTcofwrbTW4Ag
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European qualification spots for next season possibly
If next season England finish Top 2 in the one-year Country ranking, then at the end of Premier League season:
Top 5 - Champions League, Group stage
Can you imagine the howls of 'spawny Vilers' from SHA and Olbiyun if we finish 5th next year and get a CL spot? :D
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European qualification spots for next season possibly
If next season England finish Top 2 in the one-year Country ranking, then at the end of Premier League season:
Top 5 - Champions League, Group stage
Can you imagine the howls of 'spawny Vilers' from SHA and Olbiyun if we finish 5th next year and get a CL spot? :D
It'd definitely hurt their brains. For them, imagining league places that high up makes them feel right dizzy like when I think about an infinite universe or one where I didn't exist.
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European qualification spots for next season possibly
If next season England finish Top 2 in the one-year Country ranking, then at the end of Premier League season:
Top 5 - Champions League, Group stage
Can you imagine the howls of 'spawny Vilers' from SHA and Olbiyun if we finish 5th next year and get a CL spot? :D
It'd definitely hurt their brains. For them, imagining league places that high up makes them feel right dizzy like when I think about an infinite universe or one where I didn't exist.
I find it harder to imagine a finite universe. Like, what's outside of that then? I imagine that's what the concept of European football must be like to the Stripeys.
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In simple terms I think we now need one team from the seeded section to lose in the Conference League qualifiers to lose their seeding and for us to go up one into the seeded teams. I think.
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Shouldn’t we just be seeded as a matter of divine right because we’re Aston Villa and we’re absolutely massive?
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Shouldn’t we just be seeded as a matter of divine right because we’re Aston Villa and we’re absolutely massive?
Can't you do your FIFA'23 simulation of the Conference scenarios and see where we end-up?
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So we've reached more finals than anyone other than the scab six despite having the worst decade in our history (2010s). Not too bad when it's put like that.
We have competed for a trophy or a title at least once every decade right throughout our history, except for the decade after World War 2.
We might not have won them all, but that level of consistency is pretty impressive.
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I am in a bit of dilemma now with the release of FA cup dates next season. Final is on 25 May and my flight to Athens for the ECL final is booked for 24 May. No idea what to do??
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Pray that we get drawn against Stevenage or Rapid Vienna which should eliminate us from one of the cups.
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I am in a bit of dilemma now with the release of FA cup dates next season. Final is on 25 May and my flight to Athens for the ECL final is booked for 24 May. No idea what to do??
I'll take the cup final ticket, of you ;D ;D
thanks in advance :) :)
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I am in a bit of dilemma now with the release of FA cup dates next season. Final is on 25 May and my flight to Athens for the ECL final is booked for 24 May. No idea what to do??
Fly back again for the FA Cup then after we win it go back to Athens!
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Good tips but I like Drummond's idea the best.
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The boy's new passport landed on the doormat today ahead of our exploits. The government website says there's currently a 12-week wait, however it's come back inside 3 weeks of applying. And if you angle it just right in a certain light you might possibly think it has an indigo tinge. And somebody might need to let the printers know the queen's been dead a while now.
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The boy's new passport landed on the doormat today ahead of our exploits. The government website says there's currently a 12-week wait, however it's come back inside 3 weeks of applying. And if you angle it just right in a certain light you might possibly think it has an indigo tinge. And somebody might need to let the printers know the queen's been dead a while now.
She's not dead, she lives on in our hearts.
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She's gone away to someone else's bed.
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And somebody might need to let the printers know the queen's been dead a while now.
President Biden seems to think she's still alive, maybe he knows something we don't.
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As ever, thanks Eamonn.
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I did think of using the "fucking with a slip of a man" zinger but didn't want to upset Liz loyalists.
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Could've compromised on them finding his made up name on her ankle chain.
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First qualifying round
Edit
The draw for the first qualifying round will be held on 20 June 2023.
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Includes 3 teams from each of Ireland, Northern Ireland and Wales, as well as our old friends MSK Zilina.
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In case anyone is in anyway interested. Oh and the Second qualifying round draw is tomorrow.
First qualifying round draw for UEFA Europa Conference League
Group 1
Sutjeska (MNE) vs Cosmos (SMR)
Balzan (MLT) vs Domžale (SVN)
Vaduz (LIE) vs Neman Grodno (BLR)
Ararat-Armenia (ARM) vs Egnatia (ALB)
Torpedo Kutaisi (GEO) vs Sarajevo (BIH)
Group 2
Alashkert (ARM) vs Arsenal Tivat (MNE)
Željezničar (BIH) vs Dinamo Minsk (BLR)
La Fiorita (SMR) vs Zimbru Chisinau (MDA)
Maribor (SVN) vs Birkirkara (MLT)
Tirana (ALB) vs Dinamo Batumi (GEO)
Group 3
Dundalk (IRL) vs Magpies (GIB)
Víkingur (FRO) vs Inter Escaldes (AND)
Progrès Niederkorn (LUX) vs Gjilani (KOS)
Linfield (NIR) vs Vllaznia (ALB)
KA (ISL) vs Connah's Quay Nomads (WAL)
Group 4
Shkëndija (MKD) vs Haverfordwest (WAL)
Haka (FIN) vs Crusaders (NIR)
HB (FRO) vs Derry City (IRL)
Riga (LVA) vs Víkingur Reykjavík (ISL)
Žilina (SVK) vs Levadia Tallinn (EST)
Group 5
Pyunik (ARM) vs Narva Trans (EST)
Panevezys (LTU) vs Milsami (MDA)
Tobol Kostanay (KAZ) vs Honka Espoo (FIN)
Dunajská Streda (SVK) vs Dila Gori (GEO)
Makedonija (MKD) vs RFS (LVA)
Group 6
Dukagjini (KOS) vs Europa (GIB)
Penybont (WAL) vs FC Santa Coloma (AND)
Hegelmann Litauen (LTU) vs Shkupi (MKD)
Diddeleng (LUX) vs St Patrick's (IRL)
B36 (FRO) vs Paide (EST)
Gżira United (MLT) vs Glentoran (NIR)
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Thank you.
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Good tips but I like Drummond's idea the best.
Well, if you change your mind I won't head to Athens till the Tuesday. Hotel booked for 2 nights, flights can wait till we're a bit closer to the final.
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I've only heard of sixteen of those teams.
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I've only heard of sixteen of those teams.
I think some of them are made up.
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I've only heard of sixteen of those teams.
Same here, and half of them are from Ireland.
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Seems our connection with Vitoria is being investigated by UEFA, with the possibility of us being kicked out.
Chelsea and Man City are fine though.
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Dundalk please, I have family in Carlingford. If we can play them away during August that would be fine. Oysters, Guinness and Villa are a perfect combination.
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Seems our connection with Vitoria is being investigated by UEFA, with the possibility of us being kicked out.
Chelsea and Man City are fine though.
I think the possibility of anything happening is incredibly slim but it did make me laugh that this is being brought up now.
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Dundalk please, I have family in Carlingford. If we can play them away during August that would be fine. Oysters, Guinness and Villa are a perfect combination.
Oysters, Guinness and Villa.
That'd look good on a flag
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Dundalk please, I have family in Carlingford. If we can play them away during August that would be fine. Oysters, Guinness and Villa are a perfect combination.
Oysters, Guinness and Villa.
That'd look good on a flag
Not in that order. At least the Guineas is all vegan these days :)
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Seems our connection with Vitoria is being investigated by UEFA, with the possibility of us being kicked out.
Chelsea and Man City are fine though.
Basically, UEFA rules say that two clubs with the same common ownership can't be in the same competition, which I suppose is fair enough as that would be a conflict. The rules state this:
"No individual or legal entity may have control or influence over more than one club participating in a UEFA club competition, such control or influence being defined in this context as:
- holding a majority of the shareholders’ voting rights;
- having the right to appoint or remove a majority of the members of the administrative, management or supervisory body of the club;
- being a shareholder and alone controlling a majority of the shareholders’ voting rights pursuant to an agreement entered into with other shareholders of the club; or
- being able to exercise by any means a decisive influence in the decision-making of the club."
Villa are obviously in the same competition as Vittoria, who finished 6th. If any of the above applied, we'd have to leave to be replaced by Spurs as Vittoria finished higher in their league.
However, NSWE only bought 46% of the shares if I remember correctly, so as long as there's no other mechanism for them controlling Vittoria indirectly, then we should be good. It would literally be the most Villa-y thing ever to be kicked out over a technicality.
-
I would guess that NSWE did their homework on this.
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Could we ask Vittoria to pull out and offer them £1.75m or whatever for their lost income (they'd be a perennial bottom-two placed finisher in the group stages, right?)?
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https://www.sportbusiness.com/news/aston-villa-owners-buy-46-per-cent-stake-in-vitoria-de-guimaraes-for-e5-5m/
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Apparently the Vittoria boss has aleady said it's not a problem and was all thought about at the time.
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Dundalk please, I have family in Carlingford. If we can play them away during August that would be fine. Oysters, Guinness and Villa are a perfect combination.
Oysters, Guinness and Villa.
That'd look good on a flag
Oysters and Guinness - bagsy not taking a shit after you
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From @UefaRankings on twitter
These are Europa Conference League QR2 ties of nine teams (in bold) of which at least one needs to lose its tie in order for Aston Villa to become seeded in the Play-off round.
All these nine teams will play the first QR2 leg at home.
(https://i.ibb.co/CQ90kWq/Fz-JRXGGXs-AUF8-A-format-png-name-small.png) (https://ibb.co/CQ90kWq)
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I guess there's always a chance of a shock but I don't see it in those fixtures.
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Cheers Towser. You'd think one of them would lose at least. Looks like Fenerbache are a shoe in to get through.
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Dundalk please, I have family in Carlingford. If we can play them away during August that would be fine. Oysters, Guinness and Villa are a perfect combination.
Any of the Irish, Scottish or Welsh teams would be good.
Dundalk have drawn Bruno's Magpies (Gib) and would then play the winners of KA (Isl) or Connah's Quay Nomads (Cym). It's on!
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Dundalk please, I have family in Carlingford. If we can play them away during August that would be fine. Oysters, Guinness and Villa are a perfect combination.
Any of the Irish, Scottish or Welsh teams would be good.
Dundalk have drawn Bruno's Magpies (Gib) and would then play the winners of KA (Isl) or Connah's Quay Nomads (Cym). It's on!
Ah, that's a brilliant draw for Cei Connah. Probably going to watch their game at home - win that (and IMO KA will be tough but beatable) and the 2nd round game sounds winnable too. Hopefully it'll be Dundalk, the away game for that has the potential to be a bit of a laugh 8)
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I guess there's always a chance of a shock but I don't see it in those fixtures.
Yes we may well have to wait to see if the 3rd qualifying round throws up stronger rivals for one of the 9.
Adana may trouble Cluj.
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I guess there's always a chance of a shock but I don't see it in those fixtures.
Yes we may well have to wait to see if the 3rd qualifying round throws up stronger rivals for one of the 9.
Adana may trouble Cluj.
I don't think them losing in 3QR helps us because the winner of the tie retains the higher coefficient.
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Let's face it we are getting Juventus aren't we.
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Apparently the Vittoria boss has aleady said it's not a problem and was all thought about at the time.
Not a problem for them, it would be us that gets kicked out of the competition. Realistically, UEFA will look at it and a couple of other clubs but they see the future of owners investing in smaller clubs and are all for it. They realise they need to change a few clauses in their rulebook.
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Let's face it we are getting Juventus aren't we.
Which would be a real shame……for Juventus
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Dundalk please, I have family in Carlingford. If we can play them away during August that would be fine. Oysters, Guinness and Villa are a perfect combination.
Any of the Irish, Scottish or Welsh teams would be good.
Dundalk have drawn Bruno's Magpies (Gib) and would then play the winners of KA (Isl) or Connah's Quay Nomads (Cym). It's on!
Ah, that's a brilliant draw for Cei Connah. Probably going to watch their game at home - win that (and IMO KA will be tough but beatable) and the 2nd round game sounds winnable too. Hopefully it'll be Dundalk, the away game for that has the potential to be a bit of a laugh 8)
One of my best mates is from "The Town" and a big Dundalk fan so we should be able to put you right if Connah do play them.
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I guess there's always a chance of a shock but I don't see it in those fixtures.
Yes we may well have to wait to see if the 3rd qualifying round throws up stronger rivals for one of the 9.
Adana may trouble Cluj.
I don't think them losing in 3QR helps us because the winner of the tie retains the higher coefficient.
Oh yes, I'd forgotten that 🙁. So we wouldn't know until Q3 is completed.
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I guess there's always a chance of a shock but I don't see it in those fixtures.
Yes we may well have to wait to see if the 3rd qualifying round throws up stronger rivals for one of the 9.
Adana may trouble Cluj.
I don't think them losing in 3QR helps us because the winner of the tie retains the higher coefficient.
Oh yes, I'd forgotten that 🙁. So we wouldn't know until Q3 is completed.
No, the other way round. The seedings and draw happen before Q3 so the seedings are set by the highest ranked team in every tie, who wins the games in the Q3 makes no difference to us which is why we 'need' one of those bold teams to lose to be seeded, that's the only thing that can cause it to happen. As soon as the Q2 games are done we'll know which side of the draw we're in.
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?
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Apparently we could now be seeded if Juventus accept a one year ban from European comp. Fiorentina to join in place
https://twitter.com/uefarankings/status/1672242612923686914?s=46&t=0-BUXD66ovTcofwrbTW4Ag
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Apparently we could now be seeded if Juventus accept a one year ban from European comp. Fiorentina to join in place
https://twitter.com/uefarankings/status/1672242612923686914?s=46&t=0-BUXD66ovTcofwrbTW4Ag
How on earth have Fiorentina got a lower
Coefficient than us? They got to the Final of this last year.
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Apparently we could now be seeded if Juventus accept a one year ban from European comp. Fiorentina to join in place
https://twitter.com/uefarankings/status/1672242612923686914?s=46&t=0-BUXD66ovTcofwrbTW4Ag
I guess if you're Juventus and you have to take a year banned from Europe then the time you "only" got the Conference League due to your points deduction is the one to go for.
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Apparently we could now be seeded if Juventus accept a one year ban from European comp. Fiorentina to join in place
https://twitter.com/uefarankings/status/1672242612923686914?s=46&t=0-BUXD66ovTcofwrbTW4Ag
I guess if you're Juventus and you have to take a year banned from Europe then the time you "only" got the Conference League due to your points deduction is the one to go for.
Absolutely perfect for them if they can pull it off.
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Apparently we could now be seeded if Juventus accept a one year ban from European comp. Fiorentina to join in place
https://twitter.com/uefarankings/status/1672242612923686914?s=46&t=0-BUXD66ovTcofwrbTW4Ag
It would be welcome news even without the seeding implications for us.
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More talk of someone called 'Juventus' being banned from european competition for one season and pushing us into a seeded pot;
https://twitter.com/UefaRankings/status/1673614951389319169?s=20 (https://twitter.com/UefaRankings/status/1673614951389319169?s=20)
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More talk of someone called 'Juventus' being banned from european competition for one season and pushing us into a seeded pot;
https://twitter.com/UefaRankings/status/1673614951389319169?s=20 (https://twitter.com/UefaRankings/status/1673614951389319169?s=20)
Yes, then we draw the unseeded Fiorentina in the play-offs.....
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More talk of someone called 'Juventus' being banned from european competition for one season and pushing us into a seeded pot;
https://twitter.com/UefaRankings/status/1673614951389319169?s=20 (https://twitter.com/UefaRankings/status/1673614951389319169?s=20)
Yes, then we draw the unseeded Fiorentina in the play-offs.....
We'd beat them anyway
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More talk of someone called 'Juventus' being banned from european competition for one season and pushing us into a seeded pot;
https://twitter.com/UefaRankings/status/1673614951389319169?s=20 (https://twitter.com/UefaRankings/status/1673614951389319169?s=20)
Yes, then we draw the unseeded Fiorentina in the play-offs.....
We'd beat them anyway
Maybe, but I'd prefer to shop elsewhere given the chance.
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UEFA having a meeting about us/Vitoria, among others: https://twitter.com/samcunningham/status/1673308397674872838
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But they've ok with Man City/Girona or Chelsea/Vitesse Arnham for years?
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I don't think they've ever been in the same competition. Could easily be wrong though.
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I think this may be the key bit;
"Uefa investigated Red Bull Salzburg and RB Leipzig, both linked to the energy drinks giant, after they qualified for the Champions League in 2017 but found that 'no individual or legal entity had a decisive influence over more than one club'".
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I think this may be the key bit;
"Uefa investigated Red Bull Salzburg and RB Leipzig, both linked to the energy drinks giant, after they qualified for the Champions League in 2017 but found that 'no individual or legal entity had a decisive influence over more than one club'".
Which, translates as "They're German, so it's ok"
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I think this may be the key bit;
"Uefa investigated Red Bull Salzburg and RB Leipzig, both linked to the energy drinks giant, after they qualified for the Champions League in 2017 but found that 'no individual or legal entity had a decisive influence over more than one club'".
Which, translates as "They're German, so it's ok"
What's happened!?
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UEFA having a meeting about us/Vitoria, among others: https://twitter.com/samcunningham/status/1673308397674872838
The journalist is just shit stirring. There's no problem with us and Vittoria as V Sports only control 46% of Vittoria, less than the 51% you need for control. I believe the UEFA meeting is about relaxing the rules, anyway. The Vittoria president has confirmed that this was all checked as being legit when Nas and Wes invested.
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UEFA having a meeting about us/Vitoria, among others: https://twitter.com/samcunningham/status/1673308397674872838
The journalist is just shit stirring. There's no problem with us and Vittoria as V Sports only control 46% of Vittoria, less than the 51% you need for control. I believe the UEFA meeting is about relaxing the rules, anyway. The Vittoria president has confirmed that this was all checked as being legit when Nas and Wes invested.
Yeah, you can't really imagine these guys bollocksing up over something like this. Lerner or Shitty Shoes, yeah absolutely, but not this lot
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Red Bull Salzburg and Leipzig have both been in the Champion's League
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I can well imagine the discussion trying to work out how to support the Red Bull and City models and fucking the likes of Brighton and us.
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“The lower ranked team would be disqualified” which is Vitoria anyway.
As Risso said, there really is nothing to see here
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No aren’t they ranked higher than us as they finished higher in their league?
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Only Woma wank higher than us.
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No aren’t they ranked higher than us as they finished higher in their league?
I thought it was based on coefficient? Ours is 21.914 and theirs is 11.243.
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“The lower ranked team would be disqualified” which is Vitoria anyway.
As Risso said, there really is nothing to see here
No, if it was a problem (which it isn't) then we'd be removed, as Vittoria finished higher in the league (6th). The rankings only come into play if two teams finished in the same position.
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So the finals going to be in Athens, AEK Stadium. 31,000 capacity, improvement on the 19,000 one in Prague for the West Ham game.
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So the finals going to be in Athens, AEK Stadium. 31,000 capacity, improvement on the 19,000 one in Prague for the West Ham game.
You'd imagine we might get 10k for that?
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Apparently, this announcement says V Sports have reduced our holding in Vitoria to 17%;
https://vitoriasc.pt/en/2023/06/29/comunicado-7/ (https://vitoriasc.pt/en/2023/06/29/comunicado-7/)
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https://www.avfc.co.uk/news/2023/june/29/v-sports-announces-the-reduction-of-its-stake-in-vitoria-sport-clube---futebol--sad/
Reduced our holding to 29% by giving 17% back and no director on their board
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With that news, it quickly reduces Johan Lange’s global perspective . I wonder wether he actually will remain around now in new regime
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This is to ensure our place in Europe cannot be removed because of controlling 2 clubs in the same competition, nothing to do with Lange’s position.
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So Chelsea and Abu Dhabi can own stakes all over the place but this is the one the regulators look at?
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So Chelsea and Abu Dhabi can own stakes all over the place but this is the one the regulators look at?
Assume the problem is that there's 2 clubs in the same competition. Which isn't a problem for Chelsea/Strasbourg as they both finished in the bottom half last season.
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So the finals going to be in Athens, AEK Stadium. 31,000 capacity, improvement on the 19,000 one in Prague for the West Ham game.
Yet the stadium they're using in 2025 is a 45k seater. Not that we'll have to worry about it.
You'd think any European final, regardless of the clubs, would fill a 60k stadium. Even if two tinpot clubs got through you'd expect locals might be interested in attending.
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So the finals going to be in Athens, AEK Stadium. 31,000 capacity, improvement on the 19,000 one in Prague for the West Ham game.
For anyone here thinking of booking a hotel room for the Final dates I'd get on it sooner rather than later. I booked mine 2 weeks ago, €150 per night and cancellable a day in advance of check-in. Just checked availability, that hotel is now booked out and the two other IHG hotels have doubled in price.
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Similar to BV, I have booked a Marriott in central area cancellable up to 27 May at £137 per night.
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Similar to BV, I have booked a Marriott in central area cancellable up to 27 May at £137 per night.
Snap. I booked the Electra Palace. £300 for two nights.
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I've booked an apartment in the centre of Athens for £41 with free cancellation. Sure this will be as good as gold.
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I've booked an apartment in the centre of Athens for £41 with free cancellation. Sure this will be as good as gold.
It’s called a Tent.
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If we get to the final against another side with a bit of support, don't be surprised if they cancel all your reservations and quadruple the price closer to the date.
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I've booked an apartment in the centre of Athens for £41 with free cancellation. Sure this will be as good as gold.
My dad worked in Athens for a short while back in the mid 70s. He reckoned you could sleep on someone's roof for 3-4 drachma a night. Said it was fine as long as it didn't rain, and you were OK sleeping around some pretty sketchy folk.
Dunno if that's still a thing, but if it is then there's always that option.
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If we get to the final against another side with a bit of support, don't be surprised if they cancel all your reservations and quadruple the price closer to the date.
Yeah, that's a possibility and I think it's allowed under their T&Cs. Something similar happened with the hotels in Liverpool after it was announced as the Eurovision host, but hoping my elite status with IHG protects me to some degree. If they do cancel it (and Villa don't get to the final) I'll be looking for 'compensation' points for a free night elsewhere. Still, nothing to be lost by booking now and see what transpires.
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It's only a 30,000 seat stadium and Athens is a popular tourism destination so they should be able to cope with the visitors I'd guess.
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It's only a 30,000 seat stadium and Athens is a popular tourism destination so they should be able to cope with the visitors I'd guess.
True but then again, look how many West Ham fans went to their final vs the number of tickets they actually got.
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Strange headline on Sky from a newspaper “UEFA force Villa to sell”.
No other info than that.
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Got it….
https://inews.co.uk/sport/football/aston-villa-owners-reduce-stake-vitoria-guimaraes-both-clubs-conference-league-2445066
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Not sure what the whole arrangement was - but I was once involved in a business that acquired a 40% shareholding but 83% of the voting rights over the company - maybe this was one of those?
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I've booked an apartment in the centre of Athens for £41 with free cancellation. Sure this will be as good as gold.
It’s called a Tent.
I saw someone on here booked a place so mainly to amuse myself on a bad day I booked a two bed appt for 4 nights for the grand total of £100, cancelable until 21/5; I just had another look
“ Private bathroom • Balcony • Air conditioning • Kitchen • Washing machine • Towels • Linen • Desk • Refrigerator • Tea/Coffee maker • Iron • Heating • Oven • Stovetop • Toilet paper“
Never stayed in a place that advertises toilet paper, have stayed in one or two in Africa and India where I wish they had!
Presuming we get there and I can drag someone /others along (it let me book for 4 adults but I think it’s a single and a double) that’s gotta be good value. Wasn’t the cheapest but had high reviews!
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I've booked from the 27th to the 31st 😂
Have just under a year to think of a viable excuse to get out of University work, only one month into the semester.
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I've booked from the 27th to the 31st 😂
Have just under a year to think of a viable excuse to get out of University work, only one month into the semester.
I'll phone up and pretend to be your dad if you like mate. "He's very ill, won't be back until next week!"
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Looking ahead the San Mamés has a 53,000 capacity. Can't wait!
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I've booked from the 27th to the 31st 😂
Have just under a year to think of a viable excuse to get out of University work, only one month into the semester.
You’ve got loads of time to perfect your phoning in sick act.
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I've booked an apartment in the centre of Athens for £41 with free cancellation. Sure this will be as good as gold.
It’s called a Tent.
I saw someone on here booked a place so mainly to amuse myself on a bad day I booked a two bed appt for 4 nights for the grand total of £100, cancelable until 21/5; I just had another look
“ Private bathroom • Balcony • Air conditioning • Kitchen • Washing machine • Towels • Linen • Desk • Refrigerator • Tea/Coffee maker • Iron • Heating • Oven • Stovetop • Toilet paper“
Never stayed in a place that advertises toilet paper, have stayed in one or two in Africa and India where I wish they had!
Presuming we get there and I can drag someone /others along (it let me book for 4 adults but I think it’s a single and a double) that’s gotta be good value. Wasn’t the cheapest but had high reviews!
(https://i.ibb.co/vhDskrd/bastardos-logo-300x212.png) (https://ibb.co/vhDskrd)
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Apparently away ticket prices will be capped at 25 Euros and the away allocation is 5% of capacity. Obviously home sides can give more if they want.
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https://twitter.com/RobHarris/status/1677318482445123585
Rob Harris
@RobHarris
Aston Villa and Brighton cleared to play in European competitions next season after UEFA found no multi-club ownership conflicts.
But they can't transfer players with their related clubs, cooperate on anything or use joint scouting/player databases
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I've booked from the 27th to the 31st 😂
Have just under a year to think of a viable excuse to get out of University work, only one month into the semester.
You’ve got loads of time to perfect your phoning in sick act.
Just tell your boss you have got a bad bout of diarrhea. It's a conversation stopper!!
Used to do the trick for me.
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https://twitter.com/RobHarris/status/1677318482445123585
Rob Harris
@RobHarris
Aston Villa and Brighton cleared to play in European competitions next season after UEFA found no multi-club ownership conflicts.
But they can't transfer players with their related clubs, cooperate on anything or use joint scouting/player databases
Which puts Lange in a somewhat tricky spot you'd think.
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Databases rule football, AI players are the next leap forward. Unfortunately, their post-match interviews will be even more robotic than the dozy human players, yeah, obviously.
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Man city??
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Man city??
There are no rules that apply to Abu Dhabi however the clubs thy own in Melbourne and USA are hardly going to have players good enough for League 1 nevermind PL.
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The outcome reflects poorly on the management of our Club.we
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The outcome reflects poorly on the management of our Club.we
? Please explain
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With the new rules on visas you’d think that our Portuguese brothers are needed as a location to sign <18yo EU players.
The sharing of databases would be integral to that. Does this rule go away once either one of us is not in the same competition?
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Why always us? Like when we were the only club in the history of world football to be found guilty of tapping a player up that never actually joined.
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Why always us? Like when we were the only club in the history of world football to be found guilty of tapping a player up that never actually joined.
Because we are perceived as "big enough" to make an example out of to make it look like they are actually doing something other than making thrones out of stacks of £50 notes.
But they also perceive us as "not big enough" for us to fight back against their corruption...
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Man city??
There are no rules that apply to Abu Dhabi however the clubs thy own in Melbourne and USA are hardly going to have players good enough for League 1 nevermind PL.
Don't they own a a significant stake in Girona as well?
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Juventus will NOT play the Europa Conference League!
- Fiorentina will enter the Play-off round instead
- Aston Villa are moved to the seeded side of the draw
- Juventus will play European competitions in 2024/25
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https://twitter.com/uefarankings/status/1678000632295305216?s=46&t=6iBV-Ol4fQUyMjvKB4z6eg
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What difference will this make to the draw for our potential opponents?
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What difference will this make to the draw for our potential opponents?
We will get some rubbish like Rapid Vienna, or MŠK Zilina ;)
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What difference will this make to the draw for our potential opponents?
Looking at the teams it should mean an easier draw. Away trip to Bilbao, anyone?
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Great if we're seeded but I'd rather play Juve along the way as we owe them one (the Peace Cup doesn't count). They shouldn't be allowed to negotiate their punishment with UEFA either, who the hell do they think they are?
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What difference will this make to the draw for our potential opponents?
We will get some rubbish like Rapid Vienna, or MŠK Zilina ;)
We owe Rapid Vienna a beating
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Not a third August in Vienna though, maybe later in the competition.
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What difference will this make to the draw for our potential opponents?
Looking at the teams it should mean an easier draw. Away trip to Bilbao, anyone?
Yes, please. I wouldn't mind a few days in Florence too.
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What difference will this make to the draw for our potential opponents?
Looking at the teams it should mean an easier draw. Away trip to Bilbao, anyone?
Yes, please. I wouldn't mind a few days in Florence too.
If Florence is ready for you.
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Not a third August in Vienna though, maybe later in the competition.
No, please no as it will be a recurring nightmare.
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Not a third August in Vienna though, maybe later in the competition.
Vienna means nothing to me.
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I hope we don't Lament the draw.
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Bit mad Fiorentina have a lower coefficient than us having reached a European final last season
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Yep there are benefits to other English clubs winning European trophies to get that national coefficient up.
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An Italian team won it the year before? It is a bit mad we are ranked above them.
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What happened with Osasuna ?
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What happened with Osasuna ?
Financial irregularities from a few years ago apparently.
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What difference will this make to the draw for our potential opponents?
Looking at the teams it should mean an easier draw. Away trip to Bilbao, anyone?
Absolutely, after the last time which was the best away trip ever, the people are fantastic!
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Similar to BV, I have booked a Marriott in central area cancellable up to 27 May at £137 per night.
I have been looking closer to the stadium but finding that difficult. I have not been to Athens so not sure how easy it is to get around. Any suggestions on hotel location would be welcomed*
Last time i pre booked a ticket for a hotel and final was not a good omen - Bradford in CC semi :(
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Are people going to go even without a ticket?
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Are people going to go even without a ticket?
Of course
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Similar to BV, I have booked a Marriott in central area cancellable up to 27 May at £137 per night.
I have been looking closer to the stadium but finding that difficult. I have not been to Athens so not sure how easy it is to get around. Any suggestions on hotel location would be welcomed*
Last time i pre booked a ticket for a hotel and final was not a good omen - Bradford in CC semi :(
I went a couple of months ago with a few mates. We were fairly central so walked to most places, though there seemed to be a few Metro stations dotted about. Fairly typically, the airport is a bit of a distance from the centre and it took under an hour on the Metro with one change.
The stadium is a bit north of the centre, so the search for a hotel might depend on whether you have a ticket. If you do, then being in the suburbs around the stadia could be an option versus central hotels catering for tourists - though that said, the city gets loads of tourists so central Athens has lots of accommodation. It struck me that a lot was independently owned rather than big hotel chains - though I might be wrong ... drink was taken ;)
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Similar to BV, I have booked a Marriott in central area cancellable up to 27 May at £137 per night.
I have been looking closer to the stadium but finding that difficult. I have not been to Athens so not sure how easy it is to get around. Any suggestions on hotel location would be welcomed*
I've never been to Athens so probably better to heed those that have. I didn't worry unduly about being close to the stadium as I'd only be going there for the game. I'd look at staying somewhere more central as I presume that's where the Villa fans would be spending most of their time.
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To be fair BV, having just looked on a map, the stadium is still fairly central - probably 2 miles from the Acropolis. UTV.
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I lived in Athens for a while until 2019. It's an easy city to get around for the most part and taxis are dead cheap and plentiful anyway.
Heaps of accommodation and most of it is central - I'd recommend staying central or north just for convenience. There's a bar called Athens Sports Bar near the acropolis which sponsored our Villa supporters club team also and home of the Athens Lions!
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Are people going to go even without a ticket?
Yes, absolutely.
-
Are people going to go even without a ticket?
Yes, absolutely.
Only if Monty and Ads are going, we'll need someone to translate the Classical Greek inscriptions.
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I have some members of extended family who live in Athens so I'm hoping to be able to call in a favour or two.
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I'm not booking a hotel after that Bradford debacle. And that was the semi final!
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Yes, you lot are a lot less pessimistic about Villa than me obviously
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Hotel booked - very reasonably priced for 3 people
Just need a Villa final and a ticket and a flight :)
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Are people going to go even without a ticket?
Yes, absolutely.
100%
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Are people going to go even without a ticket?
Yes, absolutely.
Only if Monty and Ads are going, we'll need someone to translate the Classical Greek inscriptions.
Why? They've been chiselled off, and residing in the British Museum.
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Are people going to go even without a ticket?
Yes, absolutely.
Only if Monty and Ads are going, we'll need someone to translate the Classical Greek inscriptions.
Why? They've been chiselled off, and residing in the British Museum.
Have they lost their marbles?
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Are people going to go even without a ticket?
Yes, absolutely.
Only if Monty and Ads are going, we'll need someone to translate the Classical Greek inscriptions.
Why? They've been chiselled off, and residing in the British Museum.
Have they lost their marbles?
(Applause)
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Are people going to go even without a ticket?
Yes, absolutely.
Yes - but I’ll try and get one if the Villa are playing!
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The good thing about hubris is that it's a really old word, and never gets used anymore.
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It's like the trope of the Jairmans putting towels on sun loungers, only the Jairmans are Villa fans and the sunloungers are Greek hotel rooms.
I wonder who's going to get the trophy and date of the final with "Winners - Aston Villa" tatooed on their leg first?
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How Villa would it be to fail to qualify for the group stages?
The night we are knocked out (if) then Booking.com will be hit with a cancellation flood they have never experienced before :)
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I wonder who's going to get the trophy and date of the final with "Winners - Aston Villa" tatooed on their leg first?
They'd have a proper badge conundrum, mind.
The Lerner MS Paint one, or the new-but-only-for-a-season-because-marketing-yada-yada round one?
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Credit to any Paide fan who made it from Estonia to the Faroe Islands tonight for their goalless draw against B36 in the Europa Conference League.
Reminds me of sitting on a coach from Villa Park to Bordeaux for 17 hours each way for a nil nil.
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I booked a 2 bed apartment in Athens the day we qualified . Only £120 a night and fully cancellable up to 1pm on the day of the final
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Credit to any Paide fan who made it from Estonia to the Faroe Islands tonight for their goalless draw against B36 in the Europa Conference League.
Reminds me of sitting on a coach from Villa Park to Bordeaux for 17 hours each way for a nil nil.
How come Castle Bromwich are playing in the Faroe Islands?
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Credit to any Paide fan who made it from Estonia to the Faroe Islands tonight for their goalless draw against B36 in the Europa Conference League.
Reminds me of sitting on a coach from Villa Park to Bordeaux for 17 hours each way for a nil nil.
How come Castle Bromwich are playing in the Faroe Islands?
Respect that postcode knowledge Chris, and we'd batter them for what it's worth
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Credit to any Paide fan who made it from Estonia to the Faroe Islands tonight for their goalless draw against B36 in the Europa Conference League.
Reminds me of sitting on a coach from Villa Park to Bordeaux for 17 hours each way for a nil nil.
How come Castle Bromwich are playing in the Faroe Islands?
Respect that postcode knowledge Chris, and we'd batter them for what it's worth
It also covers Smith's Wood, Bromford, and Hodge Hill.
The Faroese league also has teams called B68 and B71.
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Credit to any Paide fan who made it from Estonia to the Faroe Islands tonight for their goalless draw against B36 in the Europa Conference League.
Reminds me of sitting on a coach from Villa Park to Bordeaux for 17 hours each way for a nil nil.
How come Castle Bromwich are playing in the Faroe Islands?
Respect that postcode knowledge Chris, and we'd batter them for what it's worth
It also covers Smith's Wood, Bromford, and Hodge Hill.
The Faroese league also has teams called B68 and B71.
The Estonian league has a team called Eston Villa.
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Credit to any Paide fan who made it from Estonia to the Faroe Islands tonight for their goalless draw against B36 in the Europa Conference League.
Reminds me of sitting on a coach from Villa Park to Bordeaux for 17 hours each way for a nil nil.
How come Castle Bromwich are playing in the Faroe Islands?
Respect that postcode knowledge Chris, and we'd batter them for what it's worth
It also covers Smith's Wood, Bromford, and Hodge Hill.
The Faroese league also has teams called B68 and B71.
The Estonian league has a team called Eston Villa.
Now they have a badge we can get behind. Can't worry about where a lion is facing if it's all letters.
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Credit to any Paide fan who made it from Estonia to the Faroe Islands tonight for their goalless draw against B36 in the Europa Conference League.
Reminds me of sitting on a coach from Villa Park to Bordeaux for 17 hours each way for a nil nil.
How come Castle Bromwich are playing in the Faroe Islands?
Respect that postcode knowledge Chris, and we'd batter them for what it's worth
It also covers Smith's Wood, Bromford, and Hodge Hill.
The Faroese league also has teams called B68 and B71.
The Estonian league has a team called Eston Villa.
All good omens in my opinion
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Credit to any Paide fan who made it from Estonia to the Faroe Islands tonight for their goalless draw against B36 in the Europa Conference League.
Reminds me of sitting on a coach from Villa Park to Bordeaux for 17 hours each way for a nil nil.
How come Castle Bromwich are playing in the Faroe Islands?
Respect that postcode knowledge Chris, and we'd batter them for what it's worth
It also covers Smith's Wood, Bromford, and Hodge Hill.
The Faroese league also has teams called B68 and B71.
The Estonian league has a team called Eston Villa.
I would love to draw them at some point in the future.
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Went to my local teams first qualifying round 1st leg tonight, 1~1 draw . Used to be known as Bridgend Town, but following a merger a few years ago now play under their Welsh name of Pen-y-Bont in the JD Welsh Premier. First ever game in Europe tonight, ground not conforming to UEFA standards so played at Bridgend RFC. As UEFA rules state all seating, a capacity of 1410 there which for a tiny South wales town was a great atmosphere.
Take the tie away to Santa Coloma in Andorra next week.
Hoping for some more success in a few more qualifiers to get the Villa down here !!
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Went to my local teams first qualifying round 1st leg tonight, 1~1 draw . Used to be known as Bridgend Town, but following a merger a few years ago now play under their Welsh name of Pen-y-Bont in the JD Welsh Premier. First ever game in Europe tonight, ground not conforming to UEFA standards so played at Bridgend RFC. As UEFA rules state all seating, a capacity of 1410 there which for a tiny South wales town was a great atmosphere.
Take the tie away to Santa Coloma in Andorra next week.
Hoping for some more success in a few more qualifiers to get the Villa down here !!
Sounds brilliant Daz, can't wait for us to get started.
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If we do end up seeded because of Juventus being kicked out, does it make any difference to whether we'll be home or away first? Trying to plan summer travel etc.
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I looked at the results earlier and as I was skimming down the page thought I saw 'Arsenal Twat'. A second look and it's actually 'Arsenal Tivat'. Which was disappointing.
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If we do end up seeded because of Juventus being kicked out, does it make any difference to whether we'll be home or away first? Trying to plan summer travel etc.
I don’t think so. That aspect is still decided by the draw.
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I looked at the results earlier and as I was skimming down the page thought I saw 'Arsenal Twat'. A second look and it's actually 'Arsenal Tivat'. Which was disappointing.
I did the exact same thing
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Went to my local teams first qualifying round 1st leg tonight, 1~1 draw . Used to be known as Bridgend Town, but following a merger a few years ago now play under their Welsh name of Pen-y-Bont in the JD Welsh Premier. First ever game in Europe tonight, ground not conforming to UEFA standards so played at Bridgend RFC. As UEFA rules state all seating, a capacity of 1410 there which for a tiny South wales town was a great atmosphere.
Take the tie away to Santa Coloma in Andorra next week.
Hoping for some more success in a few more qualifiers to get the Villa down here !!
Good luck. My local-ish side (Connah's Quay Nomads) lost 2-0 to KA, so not looking great but might turn it around.
TNS did alright in the Chumps League (lost 3-1 away to Hacken). Probably have the best chance of getting through along with yourselves.
Mostly looking forward to watching Bala in "Europe" in the Scottish Challenge Cup tho. Think that'll be a bit of a laugh, especially for any unfortunate souls that end up being draw away to Bala!
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I watched a bit of the Derry City game last night , they were away to a Scandinavian team (I think) , the football was at an extremely low level.
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Went to my local teams first qualifying round 1st leg tonight, 1~1 draw . Used to be known as Bridgend Town, but following a merger a few years ago now play under their Welsh name of Pen-y-Bont in the JD Welsh Premier. First ever game in Europe tonight, ground not conforming to UEFA standards so played at Bridgend RFC. As UEFA rules state all seating, a capacity of 1410 there which for a tiny South wales town was a great atmosphere.
Take the tie away to Santa Coloma in Andorra next week.
Hoping for some more success in a few more qualifiers to get the Villa down here !!
Good luck. My local-ish side (Connah's Quay Nomads) lost 2-0 to KA, so not looking great but might turn it around.
TNS did alright in the Chumps League (lost 3-1 away to Hacken). Probably have the best chance of getting through along with yourselves.
Mostly looking forward to watching Bala in "Europe" in the Scottish Challenge Cup tho. Think that'll be a bit of a laugh, especially for any unfortunate souls that end up being draw away to Bala!
Algy, believe it or not Chris Venables scored our equaliser last night on his debut….. having been signed from Bala !
It’s going to be tough for Pen-y-Bont in next weeks second leg in Andora with temperature heat wave currently going around southern Europe 😎.
Good luck to your locals too. Another couple of qualifying rounds to get Villa in the draw !?
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Hopefully Derry City can progress further, wife from the city so would be a good excuse to visit although I don't she would be happy
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Hopefully Derry City can progress further, wife from the city so would be a good excuse to visit although I don't she would be happy
Maybe take her with you then ;D
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I keep trying to persuade the Mrs that we should move to Derry so she can get an Irish passport like me (apologies to veterans of the Brexit threads). She prefers the idea of Albania (she's never been to either place, but the weather is a bit better there).
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Hopefully Derry City can progress further, wife from the city so would be a good excuse to visit although I don't she would be happy
Maybe take her with you then ;D
I wouldn't have a choice, she wouldn't be happy that I can see the Villa but couldn't go with her on previous occasions
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I keep trying to persuade the Mrs that we should move to Derry so she can get an Irish passport like me (apologies to veterans of the Brexit threads). She prefers the idea of Albania (she's never been to either place, but the weather is a bit better there).
Supposedly going to live there next year and will make sure I have a Aston Villa flag made,too many Liverpool and Manchester United f ers there including relatives
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I keep trying to persuade the Mrs that we should move to Derry so she can get an Irish passport like me (apologies to veterans of the Brexit threads). She prefers the idea of Albania (she's never been to either place, but the weather is a bit better there).
Supposedly going to live there next year and will make sure I have a Aston Villa flag made,too many Liverpool and Manchester United f ers there including relatives
I reckon the Man Utd and Liverpool ones will be the least of your worries, flag-wise!
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I keep trying to persuade the Mrs that we should move to Derry so she can get an Irish passport like me (apologies to veterans of the Brexit threads). She prefers the idea of Albania (she's never been to either place, but the weather is a bit better there).
Supposedly going to live there next year and will make sure I have a Aston Villa flag made,too many Liverpool and Manchester United f ers there including relatives
I reckon the Man Utd and Liverpool ones will be the least of your worries, flag-wise!
misspelled flags,it spelt flegs
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Best thing about Derry is that you can watch 2 teams play home games in the same stadium, but in different Association's Leagues (Derry City and Institute).
Think Institute's ground was damaged, so they groundshare with Derry.
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Best thing about Derry is that you can watch 2 teams play home games in the same stadium, but in different Association's Leagues (Derry City and Institute).
Think Institute's ground was damaged, so they groundshare with Derry.
river overflowed badly and think knotweed was discovered on the land
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Probably been posted previously, but with first qualifying round second legs this week, I thought I’d post other dates of note. I’ll also put them into the Tv games moved thread as potentially the Saturday fixtures after every date will be moved to Sunday kick offs, regardless of live Tv or not
Europa Conference League 2023/24 schedule
When are the 2023/24 Europa Conference League qualification rounds?
First qualifying round: 13 and 20 July 2023
Second qualifying round: 27 July and 3 August 2023
Third qualifying round: 10 and 17 August 2023
Play-offs: 24 and 31 August 2023
When are the 2023/24 Europa Conference League group stage matches?
Matchday 1: 21 September 2023
Matchday 2: 5 October 2023
Matchday 3: 26 October 2023
Matchday 4: 9 November 2023
Matchday 5: 30 November 2023
Matchday 6: 14 December 2023
When is the 2023/24 Europa Conference League knockout stage?
Knockout round play-offs: 15 and 22 February 2024
Round of 16: 7 and 14 March 2024
Quarter-finals: 11 and 18 April 2024
Semi-finals: 2 and 9 May 2024
Final: 29 May 2024
When are the 2023/24 Europa Conference League draws?
First qualifying round: 20 June 2023
Second qualifying round: 21 June 2023
Third qualifying round: 24 July 2023
Play-off round: 7 August 2023
Group stage: 1 September 2023
Knockout round play-off: 18 December 2023
Round of 16: 23 February 2024
Quarter-finals & Semi-finals: 15 March 2024
Where is the Europa Conference League final in 2024?
The Agia Sofia Stadium in Athens (AEK stadium) will host the 2024 final, which will be played on 29 May 2024.
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Probably been posted previously, but with first qualifying round second legs this week, I thought I’d post other dates of note. I’ll also put them into the Tv games moved thread as potentially the Saturday fixtures after every date will be moved to Sunday kick offs, regardless of live Tv or not
Europa Conference League 2023/24 schedule
When are the 2023/24 Europa Conference League qualification rounds?
First qualifying round: 13 and 20 July 2023
Second qualifying round: 27 July and 3 August 2023
Third qualifying round: 10 and 17 August 2023
Play-offs: 24 and 31 August 2023
When are the 2023/24 Europa Conference League group stage matches?
Matchday 1: 21 September 2023
Matchday 2: 5 October 2023
Matchday 3: 26 October 2023
Matchday 4: 9 November 2023
Matchday 5: 30 November 2023
Matchday 6: 14 December 2023
When is the 2023/24 Europa Conference League knockout stage?
Knockout round play-offs: 15 and 22 February 2024
Round of 16: 7 and 14 March 2024
Quarter-finals: 11 and 18 April 2024
Semi-finals: 2 and 9 May 2024
Final: 29 May 2024
When are the 2023/24 Europa Conference League draws?
First qualifying round: 20 June 2023
Second qualifying round: 21 June 2023
Third qualifying round: 24 July 2023
Play-off round: 7 August 2023
Group stage: 1 September 2023
Knockout round play-off: 18 December 2023
Round of 16: 23 February 2024
Quarter-finals & Semi-finals: 15 March 2024
Where is the Europa Conference League final in 2024?
The Agia Sofia Stadium in Athens (AEK stadium) will host the 2024 final, which will be played on 29 May 2024.
That’s a sharp turnaround between the 3rd qualifying round and the play offs. Only a week between us knowing who we are playing and the actual game itself. Is this correct or am I reading it wrong?
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That’s a sharp turnaround between the 3rd qualifying round and the play offs. Only a week between us knowing who we are playing and the actual game itself. Is this correct or am I reading it wrong?
Good point, Unai will only be able to analyse their last 15 games in that short timeframe.
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That’s a sharp turnaround between the 3rd qualifying round and the play offs. Only a week between us knowing who we are playing and the actual game itself. Is this correct or am I reading it wrong?
Good point, Unai will only be able to analyse their last 15 games in that short timeframe.
He’s probably analysed every team in it since we qualified. Not much time to book travel etc but I’d rather be in this position than not at all.
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I don't think every team we could play in the play offs will be involved in the Third Qualifying round? So there is a chance that we will know the opposition on 7 August.
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Didn't Larne win the league up north, recently? I remember how they were whipping boys when I half-followed the Norn Irish league, growing up.
Seemed unlikelier than Lesta (or us) becoming the champions of England.
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Didn't Larne win the league up north, recently? I remember how they were whipping boys when I half-followed the Norn Irish league, growing up.
Seemed unlikelier than Lesta (or us) becoming the champions of England.
My mum is from Larne. It's easily the worst town in the world.
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Didn't Larne win the league up north, recently? I remember how they were whipping boys when I half-followed the Norn Irish league, growing up.
Seemed unlikelier than Lesta (or us) becoming the champions of England.
My mum is from Larne. It's easily the worst town in the world.
I went there for a week with work in about 2006, christ what a toilet. It seemed to be mainly Unionist (is that right?) and everybody was dressed like a video about the Troubles from the 70s. Gangs of filthy teenagers in flapping flares carting loads of pallets around to make a huge bonfire.
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I don't think every team we could play in the play offs will be involved in the Third Qualifying round? So there is a chance that we will know the opposition on 7 August.
That would make sense. I did wonder if I’d got it right. Thanks.
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Didn't Larne win the league up north, recently? I remember how they were whipping boys when I half-followed the Norn Irish league, growing up.
Seemed unlikelier than Lesta (or us) becoming the champions of England.
My mum is from Larne. It's easily the worst town in the world.
I went there for a week with work in about 2006, christ what a toilet. It seemed to be mainly Unionist (is that right?) and everybody was dressed like a video about the Troubles from the 70s. Gangs of filthy teenagers in flapping flares carting loads of pallets around to make a huge bonfire.
Yes, it's overwhelmingly Unionist. I haven't been there for over a decade, but when I was out drinking with my cousin and uncle last time, I was strongly advised not to tell anyone my name!
Edit: my name is Paddy, for anyone who doesn't know!
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In case they'd seen your stand up?
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Even more basic than that!
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I don't think every team we could play in the play offs will be involved in the Third Qualifying round? So there is a chance that we will know the opposition on 7 August.
This is correct but odds are it will be an either/or draw as only five teams (including us) enter at that round.
Incidentally, Wikipedia still have Juve competing in it. Has something changed since they were supposedly banned?
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I was in Larne once and did note their enthusiastic support of flags and not surrendering.
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Even more basic than that!
I know mate!
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Didn't Larne win the league up north, recently? I remember how they were whipping boys when I half-followed the Norn Irish league, growing up.
Seemed unlikelier than Lesta (or us) becoming the champions of England.
They've had a major injection of cash from one of the founders of Purple Bricks, who's a local lad and I believe is not of the no surrendering persuasion.
Anyway...https://twitter.com/larnefc/status/1333471004828590080?lang=en
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In case they'd seen your stand up?
Ooh, that's cold man.
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Yes, I heard Larne splashed the cash last year
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Didn't Larne win the league up north, recently? I remember how they were whipping boys when I half-followed the Norn Irish league, growing up.
Seemed unlikelier than Lesta (or us) becoming the champions of England.
My mum is from Larne. It's easily the worst town in the world.
I went there for a week with work in about 2006, christ what a toilet. It seemed to be mainly Unionist (is that right?) and everybody was dressed like a video about the Troubles from the 70s. Gangs of filthy teenagers in flapping flares carting loads of pallets around to make a huge bonfire.
Yes, it's overwhelmingly Unionist. I haven't been there for over a decade, but when I was out drinking with my cousin and uncle last time, I was strongly advised not to tell anyone my name!
Edit: my name is Paddy, for anyone who doesn't know!
Linfield are in it and should get through to the next round, you would be very welcome there if we play them
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Doesn’t look like we will be playing against the might of Domzale in the Conference League as it looks like they are going out.
A weight off my mind, don’t know about anyone else’s!!
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Does the Europa league have a play off at the end of August like the conference league? And do the losers of the play offs enter the conference league?
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Does the Europa league have a play off at the end of August like the conference league? And do the losers of the play offs enter the conference league?
Yes. There are clubs who drop out of the Europa League final qualifying round into the Conf League Group draw.
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Doesn’t look like we will be playing against the might of Domzale in the Conference League as it looks like they are going out.
A weight off my mind, don’t know about anyone else’s!!
They made a decent fist of it after losing the first leg 4-1 at home. I think a Maltese side knocking out a Slovenian side is probably a shock?
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Does the Europa league have a play off at the end of August like the conference league? And do the losers of the play offs enter the conference league?
Yes. There are clubs who drop out of the Europa League final qualifying round into the Conf League Group draw.
My son's mate is a Hammer, and he's booked a hotel in Athens as he is convinced they will bomb out of the Europa and be back with us and get to the final again!
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Please tell me that as we are seeded we will play away on 24 and home on 31 August? I have committed to something on 31st and won't be able to travel :'(
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We are seeded
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But that doesn't mean we are away in the first leg
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Luck of the draw. First out the hat is at home first.
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Wouldn't there have to be two different pots though? So one, either seeded or not, would have to be drawn first?
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I’m sure they said seeded teams will be away first.
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I’m sure they said seeded teams will be away first.
Taken from UEFA Rankings on Twitter and Wiki,
Prior to the draw, UEFA may form groups of seeded teams and unseeded teams in accordance with the principles set by the Club Competitions Committee. The first team drawn in each tie will be the home team of the first leg.
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What date is the draw ?
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What date is the draw ?
7th August
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What date is the draw ?
7th August
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I’m sure they said seeded teams will be away first.
Taken from UEFA Rankings on Twitter and Wiki,
Prior to the draw, UEFA may form groups of seeded teams and unseeded teams in accordance with the principles set by the Club Competitions Committee. The first team drawn in each tie will be the home team of the first leg.
Does that not depend on if they pull out of seeded or unseeded pot first, that is if they have two pots? And also if there are going to be equal number of seeded and unseeded teams after the final qualifying round.
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I’m sure they said seeded teams will be away first.
Taken from UEFA Rankings on Twitter and Wiki,
Prior to the draw, UEFA may form groups of seeded teams and unseeded teams in accordance with the principles set by the Club Competitions Committee. The first team drawn in each tie will be the home team of the first leg.
Does that not depend on if they pull out of seeded or unseeded pot first, that is if they have two pots? And also if there are going to be equal number of seeded and unseeded teams after the final qualifying round.
Everyone gets reseeded after the Play Off Round into 4 pots. Let’s worry about that if we get there.
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I’m sure they said seeded teams will be away first.
Taken from UEFA Rankings on Twitter and Wiki,
Prior to the draw, UEFA may form groups of seeded teams and unseeded teams in accordance with the principles set by the Club Competitions Committee. The first team drawn in each tie will be the home team of the first leg.
Does that not depend on if they pull out of seeded or unseeded pot first, that is if they have two pots? And also if there are going to be equal number of seeded and unseeded teams after the final qualifying round.
I’m gonna leave all worry of seeded and unseeded pots to the manager of the local fertility clinic.
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I keep trying to persuade the Mrs that we should move to Derry so she can get an Irish passport like me (apologies to veterans of the Brexit threads). She prefers the idea of Albania (she's never been to either place, but the weather is a bit better there).
How long do you have to live in Derry to get the passport? Do you need sponsorship via work or something too?
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I keep trying to persuade the Mrs that we should move to Derry so she can get an Irish passport like me (apologies to veterans of the Brexit threads). She prefers the idea of Albania (she's never been to either place, but the weather is a bit better there).
How long do you have to live in Derry to get the passport? Do you need sponsorship via work or something too?
Three years on the island of Ireland.
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I keep trying to persuade the Mrs that we should move to Derry so she can get an Irish passport like me (apologies to veterans of the Brexit threads). She prefers the idea of Albania (she's never been to either place, but the weather is a bit better there).
How long do you have to live in Derry to get the passport? Do you need sponsorship via work or something too?
From the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs website:
The spouse or civil partner of an Irish citizen may apply for Irish citizenship through naturalisation after three years of marriage/civil partnership plus three years residence on the island of Ireland.
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I’m sure they said seeded teams will be away first.
Taken from UEFA Rankings on Twitter and Wiki,
Prior to the draw, UEFA may form groups of seeded teams and unseeded teams in accordance with the principles set by the Club Competitions Committee. The first team drawn in each tie will be the home team of the first leg.
Does that not depend on if they pull out of seeded or unseeded pot first, that is if they have two pots? And also if there are going to be equal number of seeded and unseeded teams after the final qualifying round.
Not sure about the technicalities of the draw. UEFA seem to make everything as complicated as possible. Before the draw, they’ll split the seeded and unseeded into smaller groups based on undisclosed info relating to UEFA coefficients. They release this at 0900 CET on the morning of the draw, which takes place at 1400 CET.
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Is it just me , or does the permutations of seeding , fixtures , cup draws and all the other gubbins that go with Europa Conference League seem more complex than Quantum Physics.
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I've given up trying to understand it all. I'll just wait for the August 7th draw.
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To be fair, it is whittling down 135 entrants entering at different stages into 17 spots within seven weeks. Adding in the further complication of 25 additional teams joining the qualifying/play off rounds having participated in other UEFA competitions. This happens every summer but we've never paid a lot of attention before because why would we? It's quite mad really that this is the most intensive period of European fixtures at any stage of the season and that the majority of teams that qualify for Europe don't play beyond August.
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Is it just me , or does the permutations of seeding , fixtures , cup draws and all the other gubbins that go with Europa Conference League seem more complex than Quantum Physics.
We'll probably get drawn against Hajduk Split.
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Is it just me , or does the permutations of seeding , fixtures , cup draws and all the other gubbins that go with Europa Conference League seem more complex than Quantum Physics.
We'll probably get drawn against Hajduk Split.
I wouldn't mind a trip to their Poljud ground.
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Is it just me , or does the permutations of seeding , fixtures , cup draws and all the other gubbins that go with Europa Conference League seem more complex than Quantum Physics.
Yes agree. Im just waiting for someone to tell me exactly what is happening, given up trying to work it out.
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Derry, Dundalk, Linfield, Crusaders and Haverfordwest are through in tonight's qualifiers.
St. Pat's, Glentoran and Connah's Quay Nomads are out.
Shamrock Rovers and Larne lost in last night's CL qualifiers and have dropped into the UECL.
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Is it just me , or does the permutations of seeding , fixtures , cup draws and all the other gubbins that go with Europa Conference League seem more complex than Quantum Physics.
We'll probably get drawn against Hajduk Split.
I wouldn't mind a trip to their Poljud ground.
It's fucking well rowdy over there, would make me nervous that one. Most of the balkans tbh, and Greece would be scary and all
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Comedy own goal for St. Pat's tonight but it still wasn't enough. https://twitter.com/brfootball/status/1682127679410012160
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Derry, Dundalk, Linfield, Crusaders and Haverfordwest are through in tonight's qualifiers.
St. Pat's, Glentoran and Connah's Quay Nomads are out.
Shamrock Rovers and Larne lost in last night's CL qualifiers and have dropped into the UECL.
The Irish/UK teams that got knocked out - would they have expected to beat the clubs they came up against? ie which countries were they from?
I only heard that Derry City had squeaked through in their Conference League tie and I thought they might have taken a scalp. Then I saw it was a bunch of amateurs from the Faroe Islands! FFS!
I don't see how things have noticeably improved since the switch to summer soccer in Ireland. Ostensibly done to improve European chances and improve attendances but apart from Dundalk and Shamrock Rovers making a Europa group stage before being also-rans, has anything actually got better as a whole for the League of Ireland?
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Derry, Dundalk, Linfield, Crusaders and Haverfordwest are through in tonight's qualifiers.
St. Pat's, Glentoran and Connah's Quay Nomads are out.
Shamrock Rovers and Larne lost in last night's CL qualifiers and have dropped into the UECL.
The Irish/UK teams that got knocked out - would they have expected to beat the clubs they came up against? ie which countries were they from?
I only heard that Derry City had squeaked through in their Conference League tie and I thought they might have taken a scalp. Then I saw it was a bunch of amateurs from the Faroe Islands! FFS!
I don't see how things have noticeably improved since the switch to summer soccer in Ireland. Ostensibly done to improve European chances and improve attendances but apart from Dundalk and Shamrock Rovers making a Europa group stage before being also-rans, has anything actually got better as a whole for the League of Ireland?
Dunno about the others, but ..
Welsh clubs in Europe:
Haverfordwest did brilliantly to win against Shkëndija. They finished 7th in the Welsh league, only qualified through the playoffs, and on paper had the hardest draw of the Conference League clubs. Lost 1-0 in the away leg, won 1-0 in the home leg. Sure home advantage helps for them - it's a git of a place to get to.
Connah's Quay Nomads - lost to KA (Iceland) 4-0 on agg. Slightly disappointing, thought it was a winnable game for CQN and the next round would've seen them play Dundalk, another potentially beatable team.
Penybont - lost to Santa Colomba (Andorra). Disappointing. There's not many national leagues that you'd expect Welsh teams to generally go in favourites against. I mentioned CQN's games as winnable - that was glass half full territory, realistically the Icelandic league is much stronger than the Welsh league currently. Penybont I thought were nailed on to go through.
The New Saints - lost to Hacken BK (Sweden). As expected really. Kept the scores respectable, which is a good start. They've got some club from Luxembourg next round. Beat them and I think maybe TNS have a chance of making the group stages, if they get a kind draw. There's 3 or 4 decent sides in the Champions Path for the Conference League, but they're mostly ones that are ... well, they're winnable games in the sense that it might be a bit of an unexpected result, but not beyond the realms of possibility.
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Overall, it's been a reasonably decent year for the Welsh clubs. You don't expect much, you know that the best Welsh players - the ones who are good enough to be professional footballers & identified as such will play in the English league, so you're hoping for Mark Delaney undiscovered gems and getting the most out of semi-pro footballers.
Haverfordwest did well, and I'm still hopeful that at some point TNS will do something. I know they're not particularly popular with most Welsh football fans, but the way I see it is that they represent the best chance of raising the profile of the Welsh game, maybe making it slightly more attractive for Welsh players to stay in Wales. And bring Merthyr Town in to the Welsh league system maybe - they're an outlier in being a side playing in England but would maybe be better off in the Welsh league (and the Welsh league would be better with them in it). Especially now that Colwyn Bay have moved over.
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What do you mean stay in Wales, Algy? TNS is in England!
Gutted about Penybont, had already pencilled in a trip across from Cardiff for the next round...
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Derry, Dundalk, Linfield, Crusaders and Haverfordwest are through in tonight's qualifiers.
St. Pat's, Glentoran and Connah's Quay Nomads are out.
Shamrock Rovers and Larne lost in last night's CL qualifiers and have dropped into the UECL.
The Irish/UK teams that got knocked out - would they have expected to beat the clubs they came up against? ie which countries were they from?
I only heard that Derry City had squeaked through in their Conference League tie and I thought they might have taken a scalp. Then I saw it was a bunch of amateurs from the Faroe Islands! FFS!
I don't see how things have noticeably improved since the switch to summer soccer in Ireland. Ostensibly done to improve European chances and improve attendances but apart from Dundalk and Shamrock Rovers making a Europa group stage before being also-rans, has anything actually got better as a whole for the League of Ireland?
Dunno about the others, but ..
Welsh clubs in Europe:
Haverfordwest did brilliantly to win against Shkëndija. They finished 7th in the Welsh league, only qualified through the playoffs, and on paper had the hardest draw of the Conference League clubs. Lost 1-0 in the away leg, won 1-0 in the home leg. Sure home advantage helps for them - it's a git of a place to get to.
Connah's Quay Nomads - lost to KA (Iceland) 4-0 on agg. Slightly disappointing, thought it was a winnable game for CQN and the next round would've seen them play Dundalk, another potentially beatable team.
Penybont - lost to Santa Colomba (Andorra). Disappointing. There's not many national leagues that you'd expect Welsh teams to generally go in favourites against. I mentioned CQN's games as winnable - that was glass half full territory, realistically the Icelandic league is much stronger than the Welsh league currently. Penybont I thought were nailed on to go through.
The New Saints - lost to Hacken BK (Sweden). As expected really. Kept the scores respectable, which is a good start. They've got some club from Luxembourg next round. Beat them and I think maybe TNS have a chance of making the group stages, if they get a kind draw. There's 3 or 4 decent sides in the Champions Path for the Conference League, but they're mostly ones that are ... well, they're winnable games in the sense that it might be a bit of an unexpected result, but not beyond the realms of possibility.
Gutted Pen-y-Bont went out, but brilliant news for Welsh league that Haverfordwest got through as it currently means that 4 teams from Welsh premier will qualify for Europe again this season.
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Haverfordwest sounds like a town that would buy a monorail
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What do you mean stay in Wales, Algy? TNS is in England!
Gutted about Penybont, had already pencilled in a trip across from Cardiff for the next round...
Nah, people bring this up but I'm not having it. Croesoswallt* is Welsh. It's blatantly obvious that it's Welsh to anyone who's been there. It may be the 'wrong' side of the border, but I'm not having it that it's anything other than a predominantly Welsh town. In fact, I'm going down Wrexham barracks tonight to round up the TAs and we're gonna take the fucker back.
* I know technically they don't play in Oswestry either ...
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What do you mean stay in Wales, Algy? TNS is in England!
Gutted about Penybont, had already pencilled in a trip across from Cardiff for the next round...
Nah, people bring this up but I'm not having it. Croesoswallt* is Welsh. It's blatantly obvious that it's Welsh to anyone who's been there. It may be the 'wrong' side of the border, but I'm not having it that it's anything other than a predominantly Welsh town. In fact, I'm going down Wrexham barracks tonight to round up the TAs and we're gonna take the fucker back.
* I know technically they don't play in Oswestry either ...
I thought TNS were Total Network Solutions, are they the same team as The New Saints?
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What date is the draw ?
7th August
Thanks
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What date is the draw ?
7th August
Thanks
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What do you mean stay in Wales, Algy? TNS is in England!
Gutted about Penybont, had already pencilled in a trip across from Cardiff for the next round...
Nah, people bring this up but I'm not having it. Croesoswallt* is Welsh. It's blatantly obvious that it's Welsh to anyone who's been there. It may be the 'wrong' side of the border, but I'm not having it that it's anything other than a predominantly Welsh town. In fact, I'm going down Wrexham barracks tonight to round up the TAs and we're gonna take the fucker back.
* I know technically they don't play in Oswestry either ...
I thought TNS were Total Network Solutions, are they the same team as The New Saints?
Yes, same team who changed their name several years ago.
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Apparently Osasuna reinstated after appeal at CAS. All very confusing to me. Would Juventus be able to challenge a suspension if they were or have they just pulled out? I thought they had pulled out.
https://twitter.com/uefarankings/status/1683792387867389952?s=46&t=MO9Hr66rdA1GUp0mSdtQrA
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UEFA are starting a new disciplinary case against them for having the audacity to exercise their right to go to the CAS. How is that natural justice?
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I was just coming on to post this about Osasuna.
Haven't seen anything official about Juve. Do we know for certain they're not entering? UEFA's official website and Wiki have them entering in the playoff round.
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https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaconferenceleague/clubs/
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023%E2%80%9324_UEFA_Europa_Conference_League_qualifying_phase_and_play-off_round#Play-off_round
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It’s either really complicated as a qualification process or I no longer have the time and patience to understand how things work.
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I don't think I've understood the last 60 pages of this thread. I'll wait until we're drawn against our first opponents.
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When's the draw?
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When's the draw?
Auguest 7th.
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Are Juventus getting the boot? Getting a bit close to the date of the draw if they are.
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Bumping this handy guide since people are asking for draw dates
Probably been posted previously, but with first qualifying round second legs this week, I thought I’d post other dates of note. I’ll also put them into the Tv games moved thread as potentially the Saturday fixtures after every date will be moved to Sunday kick offs, regardless of live Tv or not
Europa Conference League 2023/24 schedule
When are the 2023/24 Europa Conference League qualification rounds?
First qualifying round: 13 and 20 July 2023
Second qualifying round: 27 July and 3 August 2023
Third qualifying round: 10 and 17 August 2023
Play-offs: 24 and 31 August 2023
When are the 2023/24 Europa Conference League group stage matches?
Matchday 1: 21 September 2023
Matchday 2: 5 October 2023
Matchday 3: 26 October 2023
Matchday 4: 9 November 2023
Matchday 5: 30 November 2023
Matchday 6: 14 December 2023
When is the 2023/24 Europa Conference League knockout stage?
Knockout round play-offs: 15 and 22 February 2024
Round of 16: 7 and 14 March 2024
Quarter-finals: 11 and 18 April 2024
Semi-finals: 2 and 9 May 2024
Final: 29 May 2024
When are the 2023/24 Europa Conference League draws?
First qualifying round: 20 June 2023
Second qualifying round: 21 June 2023
Third qualifying round: 24 July 2023
Play-off round: 7 August 2023
Group stage: 1 September 2023
Knockout round play-off: 18 December 2023
Round of 16: 23 February 2024
Quarter-finals & Semi-finals: 15 March 2024
Where is the Europa Conference League final in 2024?
The Agia Sofia Stadium in Athens (AEK stadium) will host the 2024 final, which will be played on 29 May 2024.
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Already have, I think. Fiorentina have taken their place, and we're now, somehow, seeded.
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Already have, I think. Fiorentina have taken their place, and we're now, somehow, seeded.
They're still listed on that UEFA link above, so nothing's happened yet by the look of it.
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When's the draw?
Auguest 7th.
Thanks. Where's the final?
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We are not seeded yet as Ferencvaros dropped out of the CL last week I think. We are in pot 3 unless and until Juve get the boot or one of the other seeded teams drops out in the next qualifying round I think!
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It’s either really complicated as a qualification process or I no longer have the time and patience to understand how things work.
Just think of it like the third round Cup draw. We'll be in it, fuck knows who we'll be playing, but it's definitely our year.
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It’s either really complicated as a qualification process or I no longer have the time and patience to understand how things work.
Just think of it like the third round Cup draw. We'll be in it, fuck knows who we'll be playing, but it's definitely our year.
Won’t be like that. We can’t draw Manchester United away.
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I just want Legia Warsaw or Pogon Szczecin and I will be H&V city guide for a ticket!
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When's the draw?
Auguest 7th.
Thanks. Where's the final?
Athens. Keep up - everyone's booked their hotel room there already!
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It’s either really complicated as a qualification process or I no longer have the time and patience to understand how things work.
Just think of it like the third round Cup draw. We'll be in it, fuck knows who we'll be playing, but it's definitely our year.
So we are out before the group stages. Great.
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It’s either really complicated as a qualification process or I no longer have the time and patience to understand how things work.
Just think of it like the third round Cup draw. We'll be in it, fuck knows who we'll be playing, but it's definitely our year.
Won’t be like that. We can’t draw Manchester United away.
Or Stevenage at home
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Stevenage at home was another sliding doors moment for us. Massively shit at the time but ultimately became the platform for our recovery and how we performed the rest of the season.
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Stevenage at home was another sliding doors moment for us. Massively shit at the time but ultimately became the platform for our recovery and how we performed the rest of the season.
Er, no.
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I just want Legia Warsaw or Pogon Szczecin and I will be H&V city guide for a ticket!
Now that has got me thinking!
Who on here is in a town/ near a club in Europe who would be our wo/man in the know/on location/local correspondent/guide/translator? I guess there are a bunch that can drop down from the other completion/s too?
Not that I’m likely to get out of childcare for a trip that I can’t afford but I can but fantasise…
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Stevenage at home was another sliding doors moment for us. Massively shit at the time but ultimately became the platform for our recovery and how we performed the rest of the season.
Er, no.
In your opinion. In mine it gave Emery valuable info about some of the players he had at the club and who he could trust. It didn’t shock me he didn’t rotate the side much outside of need for most of the remainder of the season. We don’t need to relitigate the game. In the right hands, bad things can teach and educate and lead to good things.
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A ‘sliding door’ moment is something that happens that completely changes the course of events. All it changed was that we weren’t in the FA Cup any more. Had we beaten Stevenage, we could just have easily gone on and still had the excellent season it ended up being. Of course he didn’t rotate the team much after, just like he didn’t before. He simply picked a team he thought would get past a lower league team, and it backfired. He surely didn’t need to see how shit Olsen was again after his display in the League Cup.
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Stevenage at home was another sliding doors moment for us. Massively shit at the time but ultimately became the platform for our recovery and how we performed the rest of the season.
Er, no.
In your opinion. In mine it gave Emery valuable info about some of the players he had at the club and who he could trust. It didn’t shock me he didn’t rotate the side much outside of need for most of the remainder of the season. We don’t need to relitigate the game. In the right hands, bad things can teach and educate and lead to good things.
The one area he has yet to address and needs to be addressed quickly is the back up keeper. They appear to be very relaxed about it. Maybe they’re all over it but there isn’t a sign anywhere that they are. To me it’s such a problem area that if Martinez is out for a few weeks we will be screwed.
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we will get Man Utd A
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Stevenage at home was another sliding doors moment for us. Massively shit at the time but ultimately became the platform for our recovery and how we performed the rest of the season.
Er, no.
In your opinion. In mine it gave Emery valuable info about some of the players he had at the club and who he could trust. It didn’t shock me he didn’t rotate the side much outside of need for most of the remainder of the season. We don’t need to relitigate the game. In the right hands, bad things can teach and educate and lead to good things.
The one area he has yet to address and needs to be addressed quickly is the back up keeper. They appear to be very relaxed about it. Maybe they’re all over it but there isn’t a sign anywhere that they are. To me it’s such a problem area that if Martinez is out for a few weeks we will be screwed.
Is there nothing to be said for just finding someone with abnormally large hands who is prepared to windmill up and down the goal line for 90 minutes in the early rounds?
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Stevenage at home was another sliding doors moment for us. Massively shit at the time but ultimately became the platform for our recovery and how we performed the rest of the season.
Er, no.
In your opinion. In mine it gave Emery valuable info about some of the players he had at the club and who he could trust. It didn’t shock me he didn’t rotate the side much outside of need for most of the remainder of the season. We don’t need to relitigate the game. In the right hands, bad things can teach and educate and lead to good things.
The one area he has yet to address and needs to be addressed quickly is the back up keeper. They appear to be very relaxed about it. Maybe they’re all over it but there isn’t a sign anywhere that they are. To me it’s such a problem area that if Martinez is out for a few weeks we will be screwed.
Is there nothing to be said for just finding someone with abnormally large hands who is prepared to windmill up and down the goal line for 90 minutes in the early rounds?
Sepp Maier is only 79, I'd have him over Olsen still
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Juventus have been handed a one-year ban from European competitions by UEFA for breaches of club licensing and financial fair play.
The Italian club have also been fined €20million.
So that's Fiorentina in, and us definitely seeded right?
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Juventus have been handed a one-year ban from European competitions by UEFA for breaches of club licensing and financial fair play.
The Italian club have also been fined €20million.
So that's Fiorentina in, and us definitely seeded right?
Yep were now seeded.
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Juventus have been handed a one-year ban from European competitions by UEFA for breaches of club licensing and financial fair play.
The Italian club have also been fined €20million.
So that's Fiorentina in, and us definitely seeded right?
Yep were now seeded.
Have kind of lost interest till the draw next week, but I vaguely remember reading that it might also depend on the coefficient of the teams dropping down from the Europa League. Not sure if this still is (or ever was) a possibility.
On the plus side, Rapid Vienna only won 1-0 at home last night so might be out by the play-off round.
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Juventus kicked out.
From the BBC
Juventus have been kicked out of this season's Europa Conference League by Uefa and fined for breaching Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules.
European football's governing body has also fined Chelsea for breaching FFP rules as a result of "submitting incomplete financial information".
Uefa says the matter relates to transactions which took place between 2012 and 2019.
Juventus have been fined £17.14m, while Chelsea have been fined £8.57m.
The Italian club will only have to pay half of their fine if their financial records for the next three years comply with regulations, while Chelsea have already agreed to pay the settlement figure.
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Again!
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fucking hell just make the draw already
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fucking hell just make the draw already
I have absolutely no idea how any of this works.
Is it the most complicated format ever?
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fucking hell just make the draw already
I have absolutely no idea how any of this works.
Is it the most complicated format ever?
No.
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We have a really good chance in this competition. I hope we give it everything.
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Stevenage at home was another sliding doors moment for us. Massively shit at the time but ultimately became the platform for our recovery and how we performed the rest of the season.
Er, no.
In your opinion. In mine it gave Emery valuable info about some of the players he had at the club and who he could trust. It didn’t shock me he didn’t rotate the side much outside of need for most of the remainder of the season. We don’t need to relitigate the game. In the right hands, bad things can teach and educate and lead to good things.
If it was such valuable info how come Olsen is still our no2 keeper then
We should never be going out to the likes of Stevenage in a cup competition there is no silver lining whatsoever
Just another year we fucked about and won nothing
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Could do with another seed being knocked out, so we can't draw Fiorentina
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Could do with another seed being knocked out, so we can't draw Fiorentina
Basel are 3-1 down from their first leg which would fit the bill.
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Could do with another seed being knocked out, so we can't draw Fiorentina
How does that work then?
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Could do with another seed being knocked out, so we can't draw Fiorentina
How does that work then?
Another seed gets knocked out, Fiorentina move to the seeded side like us.
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I would love it to be Fiorentina, fantastic trip.
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Could do with another seed being knocked out, so we can't draw Fiorentina
Basel are 3-1 down from their first leg which would fit the bill.
Home draws as well for Cluj, PAOK and Plzen.
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Could do with another seed being knocked out, so we can't draw Fiorentina
Who West Ham seen off in the final to win it? They weren’t much good and if we can’t beat them should we end up against them then so be it. We will, or at least should be the favourites in the tournament. I fear no one.
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fucking hell just make the draw already
I have absolutely no idea how any of this works.
Is it the most complicated format ever?
Just you wait until they start using their butchered version of the Swiss system from next season
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Juventus, Utd and Chelsea punished, but what, if anything, is happening with City. Did City run out of brown paper bags and are awaiting fresh supplies before this miraculously resolves itself in their favor ?
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Could do with another seed being knocked out, so we can't draw Fiorentina
How does that work then?
Another seed gets knocked out, Fiorentina move to the seeded side like us.
Ah right, thank you.
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These are the seeded teams that i fancy a visit to:: Club Brugge, Basel, Panathinaikos, AZ Alkmaar ( obviously we would need to borrow Knowlsy as security), Fenerbahce, , Partizan Belgrade, Maccabi Tel Aviv, Lillle, Eintracht Frankfurt .
These are the unseeded teams i fancy in the 7th August draw: , Lech Poznan, Rapid Wien, , Besiktas, CSKA Sofia, Twente, Arouca, Legia Warsaw, Rosenborg, Fiorentina
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Love Bruges or Frankfurt.
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Love Bruges or Frankfurt.
Not Bruges, lovely city but we'd never be able to bring as many as Small Heath did.
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Love Bruges or Frankfurt.
Not Bruges, lovely city but we'd never be able to bring as many as Small Heath did.
We might be able to discover the ones still lost over there.
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You want to be wary around the alcoves in Koningin Astridpark if you go to Bruges.
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Juventus, Utd and Chelsea punished, but what, if anything, is happening with City. Did City run out of brown paper bags and are awaiting fresh supplies before this miraculously resolves itself in their favor ?
Its coming.
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These are the seeded teams that i fancy a visit to:: Club Brugge, Basel, Panathinaikos, AZ Alkmaar ( obviously we would need to borrow Knowlsy as security), Fenerbahce, , Partizan Belgrade, Maccabi Tel Aviv, Lillle, Eintracht Frankfurt .
These are the unseeded teams i fancy in the 7th August draw: , Lech Poznan, Rapid Wien, , Besiktas, CSKA Sofia, Twente, Arouca, Legia Warsaw, Rosenborg, Fiorentina
To be honest, some of them sound a bit difficult for a qualifying round. Would prefer someone like TNS or Haverfordwest over two legs to get into the group stage first!!
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Love Bruges or Frankfurt.
Frankfurt are a shower of twats. It would be a right load of grief playing them.
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Didn't Lille knock us out of Europe before?
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Didn't Lille knock us out of Europe before?
Intertoto in 2002. Drew at their place but they beat us at home.
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Cheers Meanwood. Was at the home game, but seem to have blocked the memory out.
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Depending on who we draw how do you think the ticket uptake will go
I told my kids we would go if it was a reasonable trip. We are season-ticket holders but I’m beginning to doubt if we will get tickets now because it seems as though our first trip in Europe for ages will be quite popular
Btw I just sent that from a hot beach in Kos
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I'm looking forward to August 7th more than my birthday.
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I'm looking forward to August 7th more than my birthday.
Me too. Although we won't know who we're playing until 17th. Unless the first leg results in a comprehensive win for someone.
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Cheers Meanwood. Was at the home game, but seem to have blocked the memory out.
One of their goals was a huge deflection I think but can't remember much else
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I'm looking forward to August 7th more than my birthday.
Me too. Although we won't know who we're playing until 17th. Unless the first leg results in a comprehensive win for someone.
Is that right? I thought we played on the 17th?
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I'm looking forward to August 7th more than my birthday.
Me too. Although we won't know who we're playing until 17th. Unless the first leg results in a comprehensive win for someone.
Is that right? I thought we played on the 17th?
We play on the 24th and 31st.
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Depending on who we draw how do you think the ticket uptake will go
I told my kids we would go if it was a reasonable trip. We are season-ticket holders but I’m beginning to doubt if we will get tickets now because it seems as though our first trip in Europe for ages will be quite popular
Btw I just sent that from a hot beach in Kos
Going on what West Ham were given last season there won’t be many. I think the official ruling is that the home team give 5% of the capacity to away fans. There’s always more than 1 way to get a ticket though and I’ll be going hoping to get 1 when I’m there if I can’t get 1 officially. Many West Ham fans did the same last season at certain grounds.
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I'm looking forward to August 7th more than my birthday.
Me too. Although we won't know who we're playing until 17th. Unless the first leg results in a comprehensive win for someone.
Is that right? I thought we played on the 17th?
We play on the 24th and 31st.
Then I've booked the wrong time off work 🙃
Thank you for bringing this to my attention
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I've just read through and worked out the format for the ECL and feel like I should be awarded an A-Level or something...
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I'm looking forward to August 7th more than my birthday.
Me too. Although we won't know who we're playing until 17th. Unless the first leg results in a comprehensive win for someone.
Wait.... does that mean that even when the draw is made on the 7th we'll be getting an either/or opponent?
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I'm looking forward to August 7th more than my birthday.
Me too. Although we won't know who we're playing until 17th. Unless the first leg results in a comprehensive win for someone.
Wait.... does that mean that even when the draw is made on the 7th we'll be getting an either/or opponent?
Yes.
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I'm looking forward to August 7th more than my birthday.
Me too. Although we won't know who we're playing until 17th. Unless the first leg results in a comprehensive win for someone.
Is that right? I thought we played on the 17th?
We play on the 24th and 31st.
Then I've booked the wrong time off work 🙃
Thank you for bringing this to my attention
Unlucky…..Eddie😊
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I'm looking forward to August 7th more than my birthday.
Yeah but if your birthday isn't til next...March or something, that may not mean much.
If it's next week - well, many happy returns!
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I've just read through and worked out the format for the ECL and feel like I should be awarded an A-Level or something...
They were going to have a Conference League themed question on Only Connect but it was deemed too difficult.
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I'm looking forward to August 7th more than my birthday.
Me too. Although we won't know who we're playing until 17th. Unless the first leg results in a comprehensive win for someone.
Is that right? I thought we played on the 17th?
We play on the 24th and 31st.
Then I've booked the wrong time off work 🙃
Thank you for bringing this to my attention
Unlucky…..Eddie😊
Nah, he found out in time to change it so Lucky again.
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I've just read through and worked out the format for the ECL and feel like I should be awarded an A-Level or something...
They were going to have a Conference League themed question on Only Connect but it was deemed too difficult.
It's almost as complicated as the knockout system for Only Connect...
Of course the competition has the debris of 2 other competitions to pick up as they go along
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I've just read through and worked out the format for the ECL and feel like I should be awarded an A-Level or something...
Seems a fitting way to acknowledge the devaluation of both A-levels and european football.
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I've just read through and worked out the format for the ECL and feel like I should be awarded an A-Level or something...
Seems a fitting way to acknowledge the devaluation of both A-levels and european football.
:D
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Just booked an apartment with a view of the Acropolis for 5 days for the 26th to the 31st. Tempting fate like a Kopite here.
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Just booked an apartment with a view of the Acropolis for 5 days for the 26th to the 31st. Tempting fate like a Kopite here.
Me and my mate have done the same. Worst case scenario it's a few days in a historic city I've never been to.
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Just booked an apartment with a view of the Acropolis for 5 days for the 26th to the 31st. Tempting fate like a Kopite here.
Me and my mate have done the same. Worst case scenario it's a few days in a historic city I've never been to.
Yeah my thinking too. Oozing history, places to go and eat, so worst things happen at sea. Still, if we could win the thing, then even better. Gatwick seems to be best for flights.
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Booked mine 2 weeks ago. Same basis if no final then nice little holiday
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I’ve been watching some of the matches in the play off rounds and can’t believe how small some of the grounds are. One of them seemed to be in the middle of a forest!! If we draw that team, whoever they were, I’d imagine we would be allocated 10 tickets for our away following!!
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Who's that?
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There's a lot of sub 10k grounds. Ballkani who are likely to make it to the 3rd qualifying round have a 3k capacity. I only know that as I randomly looked them up the other day. There's quite possibly smaller grounds as well.
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The Andorran grounds are fun. They're all tiny and tucked into whatever flat land they can find for them so most have mountains pressed up on 2-3 sides.
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I spotted yesterday that Haverfordwest have had to host their home game in Cardiff on Thursday (a mere 2-hour drive from their home ground, but a 30-minute walk for me) , so I've stumped up a princely £11 for a ticket. Attendance looks like it will be about 1k in a 33k stadium.
I'm spending all week in the office telling the Cardiff City fans how exciting it is to have European football in town.
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I spotted yesterday that Haverfordwest have had to host their home game in Cardiff on Thursday (a mere 2-hour drive from their home ground, but a 30-minute walk for me) , so I've stumped up a princely £11 for a ticket. Attendance looks like it will be about 1k in a 33k stadium.
I'm spending all week in the office telling the Cardiff City fans how exciting it is to have European football in town.
;D
They lost 2-1 away, didn't they? So not impossible that Haverfordwest could be in the 3rd qualifying round ...
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I'm sure some of the Irish teams have played in bigger grounds when playing big name teams in European qualifying games. Granted we may not count as a big name team in the wilds of Andora or Slovakia, so maybe that won't come into it.
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Think there's a requirement for some clubs to play at bigger grounds, e.g. Connah's Quay Nomads (perhaps appropriately) play their European matches at Rhyl's ground.
TNS have played at the Racecourse Ground in Wrexham before when they get a 'big' team.
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Think all the Gibraltar teams play at the same stadium, which must be AstroTurf.
How do they arrange all the fixtures for their domestic League?
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Think there's a requirement for some clubs to play at bigger grounds, e.g. Connah's Quay Nomads (perhaps appropriately) play their European matches at Rhyl's ground.
TNS have played at the Racecourse Ground in Wrexham before when they get a 'big' team.
Might be wrong, but I seem to remember TNS playing either Liverpool or Manchester City at the then named Millennium Stadium in a European competition as well.
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We had to play at the Hawthorns too when the Trinity was being done. Very odd.
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Yeah, and the ref blew up after 86 minutes, probably couldn't wait to get out of the dump.
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We had to play at the Hawthorns too when the Trinity was being done. Very odd.
Was that when we stank the place out Vs Celta Vigo?
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That's the game. 19 bookings it felt like.
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I was there. I've only been to the Hawthorns twice. Once for that game, and the other to See Telford Vs (I think) Leeds in an FA Cup (I think) replay in the late 80s when I was a wee lad. I won't be going again.
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Btw I just sent that from a hot beach in Kos
I was on Paradiso Beach, Kos on Sunday too, what are the chances?!!
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Btw I just sent that from a hot beach in Kos
I was on Paradiso Beach, Kos on Sunday too, what are the chances?!!
Doing the 3 island tour today on a boat named the Poseidon hope it doesn’t go the way of the film
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To be fair the Hawthorns is probably the best of our small neighbours grounds. It's the queue to get into the Smethwick that is the worst aspect. No pubs close by, but it's only up the road from Villa Park anyway.
Ground all largely normal, single tier stuff inside, not a million miles away from the pitch as you are at Molineux, which must be the 2nd worst away end in the league. Small minded behaviour from them restricts pubs too.
The Sty is a tumbledown hovel, even if the Agbonlahor End is a broadly normal 2 tier effort. No pubs, moody as out- although the glory stakes make it the most enjoyable to visit.
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I've only been to the Hawthorns once, which was a tour of the ground for my mate's birthday. Highlight of the whole thing was that Dennis Mortimer was the tour guide.
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That's the game. 19 bookings it felt like.
Remember it well. Truly he worst refereeing performance I've ever seen. He was that bad, even Ian Taylor was laughing at one point.
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I’ve got a Blackburn supporting mate and I went to the Hawthorns with him last season to watch WBA vs Blackburn. It was a night game. It was absolutely dog shit.
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That's the game. 19 bookings it felt like.
Didn't the ref blow up about 5 minutes early as well?
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That's the game. 19 bookings it felt like.
Didn't the ref blow up about 5 minutes early as well?
Yes, he had to restart it.
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I once went to the Hawthorns, a mate had a spare in hospitality so a freebie, they played Cardiff so had a few quid in the ground on the late Pete Whittingham to score and walked out about 100 quid up….I quite like that ground :-)
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I once went to the Hawthorns, a mate had a spare in hospitality so a freebie, they played Cardiff so had a few quid in the ground on the late Pete Whittingham to score and walked out about 100 quid up….I quite like that ground :-)
Final, irrevocable warning.
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I like the fact that if you stand on the touchline, you can reach up and touch the roof of the "Main" Stand quite comfortably.
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I was on holiday for the Celta Vigo debacle there but did go to the Hawthorns in the earlier round against Marilia Pribram (I think? Weren't they previously Dukla Prague?) Sure this was Luc Nilis' debut. He certainly played and scored.
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Just checked and my memory didn't let me down 8)
https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/aston-villa_fc-marila-pribram/index/spielbericht/2232867
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Btw I just sent that from a hot beach in Kos
I was on Paradiso Beach, Kos on Sunday too, what are the chances?!!
Doing the 3 island tour today on a boat named the Poseidon hope it doesn’t go the way of the film
Ha! Fingers crossed then! We’re off home today so lots of glum faces. Enjoy the rest of your holiday!
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I was on holiday for the Celta Vigo debacle there but did go to the Hawthorns in the earlier round against Marilia Pribram (I think? Weren't they previously Dukla Prague?) Sure this was Luc Nilis' debut. He certainly played and scored.
Blimey. Handn’t realised our very own HMHB reference point!
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I once went to the Hawthorns, a mate had a spare in hospitality so a freebie, they played Cardiff so had a few quid in the ground on the late Pete Whittingham to score and walked out about 100 quid up….I quite like that ground :-)
Final, irrevocable warning.
Thought you might say that Dave….they lost that night though!
Was the weirdest thing when we played the ‘home’ games there in Europe - most remembered for that referee who made Rennie & Dowd look competent
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To be fair the Hawthorns is probably the best of our small neighbours grounds. It's the queue to get into the Smethwick that is the worst aspect. No pubs close by, but it's only up the road from Villa Park anyway.
Ground all largely normal, single tier stuff inside, not a million miles away from the pitch as you are at Molineux, which must be the 2nd worst away end in the league. Small minded behaviour from them restricts pubs too.
The Sty is a tumbledown hovel, even if the Agbonlahor End is a broadly normal 2 tier effort. No pubs, moody as out- although the glory stakes make it the most enjoyable to visit.
Although I think it might be the Brummie Road Stand where all the food/drink stuff is accessible only up a large flight of stairs.
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Yes that's right. There's a pair of kiosks that are higher up accessible via stairs to make more room in the concourse.
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That's the game. 19 bookings it felt like.
Didn't the ref blow up about 5 minutes early as well?
I think his name was Dieter Schoch and he got banned by the Swiss FA not long after. He had refereed us before, the Strommsgodset away game a year or two before, with no problems.
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That's the game. 19 bookings it felt like.
Didn't the ref blow up about 5 minutes early as well?
I think his name was Dieter Schoch and he got banned by the Swiss FA not long after. He had refereed us before, the Strommsgodset away game a year or two before, with no problems.
He was dreadful. The Independent report from the time: Link (https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news/red-didi-may-feel-official-wrath-over-villa-farce-696596.html)
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That Celta Vigo ref was so bad that it was funny.
Kept sending players off for being fouled as well.
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I think Steve Stone split his head open that game a s well? Loads of blood
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I think Steve Stone split his head open that game a s well? Loads of blood
Like getting blood from a ....
No I won't say it.
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I once went to the Hawthorns, a mate had a spare in hospitality so a freebie, they played Cardiff so had a few quid in the ground on the late Pete Whittingham to score and walked out about 100 quid up….I quite like that ground :-)
I went once too, my old man worked for Vauxhall and got all kinds of freebies from the finance rep.
When we were in the hospitality suite (which as I recall was small and shit), Jeff Astle was sitting at the next table.
Fortunately, the rep redeemed himself by bagging us a couple of tickets to the Cup Final in 2000.
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Heavy work for Pogon Szczecin against Linfield, but they got through tonight.
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Haverfordwest have levelled up their tie and gone into extra time.
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Heavy work for Pogon Szczecin against Linfield, but they got through tonight.
Ah bollocks! My uncle is a Vice-President of Linfield. He'll be disappointed.
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When is the draw lads?
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When is the draw lads?
Monday
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Basel have gone out so we're 100% seeded even if Juventus somehow sneak back in (which I don't think can happen anyway).
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Haverfordwest have levelled up their tie and gone into extra time.
B36 go back in front with a well dodgy penalty.
https://www.s4c.cymru/clic/Live
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Vitoria, the nswe team in portugal, are 1-0 down on the night so 4-4 on aggregate with about 10 to go in normal time.
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Heavy work for Pogon Szczecin against Linfield, but they got through tonight.
Ah bollocks! My uncle is a Vice-President of Linfield. He'll be disappointed.
So does he rub it in that he is a VP and you are only a mayor?
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I'm a deputy mayor.
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Vitoria, the nswe team in portugal, are 1-0 down on the night so 4-4 on aggregate with about 10 to go in normal time.
Great, Nas can buy his shares back and share the database again!
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When is the draw lads?
Monday
Thanks Risso 8)
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When is the draw lads?
Monday
Thanks Risso 8)
It’s at 1pm and is on UEFA.tv which you can get through the website. Be prepared though for Europa League Play Off draw first I think before the Conf League and 2 UEFA suits and a likely incomprehensible way of making the draw. I’ve blanked out the work diary for two hours to watch and will now spend the weekend looking at the 3 round qualifying pairing I’d most like to draw.
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I won't be watching it but I'll check my phone around then for news.
Hope we get a juicy group.
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I won't be watching it but I'll check my phone around then for news.
Hope we get a juicy group.
There's a play off round before the group stage
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I won't be watching it but I'll check my phone around then for news.
Hope we get a juicy group.
There's a play off round before the group stage
Correct, he's just all in a tizzy having perused the latest Blues training gear.
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Anyone not watching the draw live isn't a real fan
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Good result for Derry City tonight, earnings in the region of £850,000 from participating in the competition so far, play in Kazakhstan next
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20,000 on the so-called waiting list and they can’t even be bothered to tune into UEFA’s website on a work day…. ITS A DISGRACE
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20,000 on the so-called waiting list and they can’t even be bothered to tune into UEFA’s website on a work day…. ITS A DISGRACE
All too busy waxing their Teslars in Lichfield / Cheltenham etc
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Derry, Hibs and Hearts will be in the draw for the play-off round.
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Derry, Hibs and Hearts will be in the draw for the play-off round.
Londonderry A would be ace
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Derry, Hibs and Hearts will be in the draw for the play-off round.
Londonderry A would be ace
Indeed, I've never been to a city where the first 6 letters are silent.
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Derry, Hibs and Hearts will be in the draw for the play-off round.
Londonderry A would be ace
Indeed, I've never been to a city where the first 6 letters are silent.
No Surrender ;D
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Derry, Hibs and Hearts will be in the draw for the play-off round.
Londonderry A would be ace
Indeed, I've never been to a city where the first 6 letters are silent.
No Surrender ;D
You might want to consider changing your username. ;)
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Once A Tim - THE Celtic fanzine.
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Pack it in please.
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Noted.
I watched some of the Hibs game was on BBC Scotland (on my stick ?) smooth game for them
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So this is the list of potential opponents.
Before the Play-off round draw is made on Monday, teams will be additionally split into smaller groups, so number of potential opponents for Villa will be reduced.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F2o4YmVWwAIojM3?format=webp&name=small)
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With the same sense of inevitability that the FA Cup third round draw brings, it'll be Rapid Vienna.
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Ignore Rapid Wien we won't get them
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Pack it in please.
Good suggestion
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Derry, Hibs and Hearts will be in the draw for the play-off round.
wife is always on about visiting Edinburgh, possiblity we might go now for some reason or other
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Stayed in Leith once and it was great fun.
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Stayed in Leith once and it was great fun.
Was there sunshine? Thank you, thank you.
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Derry, Hibs and Hearts will be in the draw for the play-off round.
wife is always on about visiting Edinburgh, possiblity we might go now for some reason or other
Well it's possible they all will be in the draw, but equally I wouldn't be surprised if only one of them, or none of them made it either.
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I would like us to get Hibernian or Hearts.
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Any team that means the least travel, I think. Not sure how the league fixtures fall around the ties but I wouldn't be keen on the squad having to travel to Azerbaijan or the likes midweek.
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Any team that means the least travel, I think. Not sure how the league fixtures fall around the ties but I wouldn't be keen on the squad having to travel to Azerbaijan or the likes midweek.
Could be worse than Azerbaijan - if Derry lose their tie we might end up playing East of the Urals......
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I would like us to get Hibernian or Hearts.
Yeah, would be a game that attracts interest and one we should take care of over two legs.
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Guessing Edvard is hoping we draw B36 or KI.
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There's a team from Belarus in amongst that lot. I thought the Belarusian teams had been banned. Also two teams without a nationality given.
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Guessing Edvard is hoping we draw B36 or KI.
What unromantic names! Ugh...Edvard, can't you tell them to rename more memorably?
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Anything as close to Tokyo as possible, please.
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I would like us to get Hibernian or Hearts.
Yeah, would be a game that attracts interest and one we should take care of over two legs.
Also it's at the tail end of the festival season, so you've pretty much got 24hr drinking going on (pubs open til 3am, clubs open til 5am, then the first pubs reopen their doors at 5am ... though your pros go for a wander up Calton Hill (overlooking Hibs' ground) and wait for the 6am opening jobs, since they're of a (slightly) higher calibre.
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Guessing Edvard is hoping we draw B36 or KI.
What unromantic names! Ugh...Edvard, can't you tell them to rename more memorably?
Think one is Boldklubben or similar, which presumably means Ballclub. Founded in 1936.
KI is Klaksvik and then something that I can't spell or prounounce.
Assume we are all AB Argir fans on here anyway, what with the claret and blue kits?
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There's a team from Belarus in amongst that lot. I thought the Belarusian teams had been banned. Also two teams without a nationality given.
Dila Gori are from Geirgia and Neftci Baku are from Azerbaijan. Caucasustastic!
I too thought a visit to Belarus could be interesting from a geopolitical perspective.
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Derry City would be a great draw if they get through.
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Guessing Edvard is hoping we draw B36 or KI.
What unromantic names! Ugh...Edvard, can't you tell them to rename more memorably?
Think one is Boldklubben or similar, which presumably means Ballclub. Founded in 1936.
KI is Klaksvik and then something that I can't spell or prounounce.
Assume we are all AB Argir fans on here anyway, what with the claret and blue kits?
B36 stands for Ballclub 36, due to be founded in 1936, and also has a co name now, that is FC Torshavn.
KI or KÍ stands for Klaskvíkar Ítrottarfelag - Sportsclub of Klaksvik.
And as you correctly say, AB (Argja Bóltfelag, Ballclub of Argir) are using claret and blue, as they were founded in 1973 by Johnny Nyby, who was indeed a Villa supporter and picked the colors from Aston Villa
To be honest, I would prefer that Villa met a Faroese team in group stages
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B36? For our first trip after 13 years out of Europe I hope we get to travel a bit further than Castle Bromwich.
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Guessing Edvard is hoping we draw B36 or KI.
Can't draw KÍ until group stages, as they are secured a spot there.
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B36? For our first trip after 13 years out of Europe I hope we get to travel a bit further than Castle Bromwich.
I've never been, but good people seem to come from there, so can't wait.
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Derry City would be a great draw if they get through.
They have to play the home game in the next round in Dublin at Shamrock Rovers ground because there own ground is not up to standard
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Cheers Edvard and good to know about AB Argir.
So ideally B36 in Playoff Round and then KI in the Group Stage.
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No as the flights will be mega.
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Cheers Edvard and good to know about AB Argir.
So ideally B36 in Playoff Round and then KI in the Group Stage.
We will have a whale of a time.
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Without wanting to sound Wilma-ish, I hope the club don't take the piss with the ticket prices for this competition.
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Without wanting to sound Wilma-ish, I hope the club don't take the piss with the ticket prices for this competition.
Would £40 surprise you?
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Without wanting to sound Wilma-ish, I hope the club don't take the piss with the ticket prices for this competition.
Would £40 surprise you?
Is that what they're planning?
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Without wanting to sound Wilma-ish, I hope the club don't take the piss with the ticket prices for this competition.
Would £40 surprise you?
Is that what they're planning?
I don't know but I wouldn't put anything past them.
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Surely no more than £30 for the early stages . But if we reach the QF etc i'd expect Cat A pricing will be deployed
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West Ham tickets were much cheaper than that.
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Surely no more than £30 for the early stages . But if we reach the QF etc i'd expect Cat A pricing will be deployed
That wouldn't be too unreasonable I suppose. European quarter and semi-finals don't come around that often and both would probably sell out twice over. Would be much more inclined to pay Cat A price for a latter stage European game than a league game against bloody Wolves.
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Without wanting to sound Wilma-ish, I hope the club don't take the piss with the ticket prices for this competition.
Would £40 surprise you?
Not in the slightest, they know after a dozen years without European football season ticket holders won’t want to miss European games so they’ll maximise what they can milk out of us.
Might be interesting if we get into the groups, the novelty of Thursday nights wears off and we are playing FC ArseendofTurkey on a schoolnight, pouring with rain, to see if they can fill the ground at £40 a head
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Without wanting to sound Wilma-ish, I hope the club don't take the piss with the ticket prices for this competition.
Would £40 surprise you?
Not in the slightest, they know after a dozen years without European football season ticket holders won’t want to miss European games so they’ll maximise what they can milk out of us.
Might be interesting if we get into the groups, the novelty of Thursday nights wears off and we are playing FC ArseendofTurkey on a schoolnight, pouring with rain, to see if they can fill the ground at £40 a head
That won’t happen - FCArseendofTurkey were knocked out by BakuBeyond in the last round.
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Are NorfolkNGood still in?
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What will be interesting is seeing how many of the thirty-thousand-in-waiting, or for that matter a lot of our newer regulars, will want to see a match that isn't in the Greatest League in the World.
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On a Thursday night!
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What will be interesting is seeing how many of the thirty-thousand-in-waiting, or for that matter a lot of our newer regulars, will want to see a match that isn't in the Greatest League in the World.
Absolutely-perhaps they are planning £100 Thursday night seats in the Terrace View
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We'd better bloody win this qualifier.
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I’d rather we get drawn against 44DD than B36! At least if it all goes tits up, we can’t complain.
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Surely no more than £30 for the early stages . But if we reach the QF etc i'd expect Cat A pricing will be deployed
I do hope it's a little more than that, otherwise the place will be full of underclass chavs.
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On a Thursday night!
In Stoke…..oh sorry different conversation
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Surely no more than £30 for the early stages . But if we reach the QF etc i'd expect Cat A pricing will be deployed
I do hope it's a little more than that, otherwise the place will be full of underclass chavs.
Yes, we'll be able to smell them from Terrace View if the wind blows in the wrong direction as it used to with that wretched sauce factory on the hill.
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https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaconferenceleague/draws/
"The 2023/24 UEFA Europa Conference League play-off round draw will be held at the House of European Football in Nyon, Switzerland, on Monday 7 August at 14:00 CET.
Seedings, any groupings and the procedure will be available here from 09:00 CET on the day of the draw."
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https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaconferenceleague/draws/
"The 2023/24 UEFA Europa Conference League play-off round draw will be held at the House of European Football in Nyon, Switzerland, on Monday 7 August at 14:00 CET.
Seedings, any groupings and the procedure will be available here from 09:00 CET on the day of the draw."
Whoop! Blanks out meeting in diary from 8am
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What time tomorrow do we know our fate?
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What time tomorrow do we know our fate?
Between 1 and 2 pm
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So who would we most want to avoid in the unseeded lot?
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No one to really fear but I’d prefer to avoid a mega long trip before either Burnley or Liverpool away.
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what's Kazakhstan like in mid/late August
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what's Kazakhstan like in mid/late August
It's a very Nice!!!
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I have plotted and forecast its Poland, Croatia, Romanian , or outside chance for Cyprus.
If it's not there I understand its a tie v Scotland, Norway, Vienna or Turkey, Holland or Spain.
That's on percentage calls.
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Well I'll know first because I'm still in Valencia and we're an hour ahead. Anyone want a PM ?
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I have plotted and forecast its Poland, Croatia, Romanian , or outside chance for Cyprus.
If it's not there I understand its a tie v Scotland, Norway, Vienna or Turkey, Holland or Spain.
That's on percentage calls.
What formula have you used to calculate this?
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Are Fiorentina seeded now?
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I have plotted and forecast its Poland, Croatia, Romanian , or outside chance for Cyprus.
If it's not there I understand its a tie v Scotland, Norway, Vienna or Turkey, Holland or Spain.
That's on percentage calls.
What formula have you used to calculate this?
Probably a MATCH function.
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I have plotted and forecast its Poland, Croatia, Romanian , or outside chance for Cyprus.
If it's not there I understand its a tie v Scotland, Norway, Vienna or Turkey, Holland or Spain.
That's on percentage calls.
What formula have you used to calculate this?
They chucked down some asparagus and analysed how they landed. I wish that wasn't a thing but I remember seeing it on TV once.
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I have plotted and forecast its Poland, Croatia, Romanian , or outside chance for Cyprus.
If it's not there I understand its a tie v Scotland, Norway, Vienna or Turkey, Holland or Spain.
That's on percentage calls.
I also think it will be against a team from a European country.
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So who would we most want to avoid in the unseeded lot?
Really would prefer a very straightforward tie in the qualification round that we could preferably finish off in the first leg and then some decent opposition in the group stage.
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I have plotted and forecast its Poland, Croatia, Romanian , or outside chance for Cyprus.
If it's not there I understand its a tie v Scotland, Norway, Vienna or Turkey, Holland or Spain.
That's on percentage calls.
What formula have you used to calculate this?
Mushrooms
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I have plotted and forecast its Poland, Croatia, Romanian , or outside chance for Cyprus.
If it's not there I understand its a tie v Scotland, Norway, Vienna or Turkey, Holland or Spain.
That's on percentage calls.
I also think it will be against a team from a European country.
Depends on your definition of Europe. Israel, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan all had teams in the competition for example.
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I have plotted and forecast its Poland, Croatia, Romanian , or outside chance for Cyprus.
If it's not there I understand its a tie v Scotland, Norway, Vienna or Turkey, Holland or Spain.
That's on percentage calls.
I also think it will be against a team from a European country.
Think my old geography teacher would disagree about Israel or Kazakhstan being in Europe...
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From uefa.com
Play-offs – Champions path
Time: 14:00 CET
Number of teams involved: 10 (5 through the UEFA Europa Conference League third qualifying round champions path and 5 through the UEFA Europa League third qualifying round champions path)
Number of seeded teams: 5
Number of matches: 2 x 5
Matchdays: 24 and 31 August 2023
Kick-off times to be announced by: 11 August 2023 (first and second legs)
Conditions of the draw
In accordance with paragraphs 13.05 and 13.06 of the Regulations of the UEFA Europa Conference League 2023/24, the UEFA administration forms groups and seeds clubs for the play-off draw based on their entry stage in the competition. The clubs entering from the third qualifying round of the UEFA Europa League are seeded above the clubs that progress from the third qualifying round of the UEFA Europa Conference League champions path.
The ten teams (the five winners of the UEFA Europa Conference League third qualifying round champions path ties, indicated for the purposes of this draw as Winners of Matches 1 to 5, and the five teams that enter through the third qualifying round of the UEFA Europa League champions path, indicated for the purposes of this draw as Match 1 to 5) are divided into one group of four teams (Group 1) and one group of six teams (Group 2).
Within each of the two groups, the teams are divided into an equal number of seeded and unseeded teams.
As decided by the UEFA Executive Committee, teams from Kosovo and Bosnia-Herzegovina cannot be drawn against each other.
Any changes of date and fixture reversals will be communicated in writing to the clubs and national associations tomorrow, 8 August, by 18:00 CET.
Groupings
Group 1
Match 1: FK Žalgiris Vilnius (LTU) / BK Häcken (SWE)
Match 2: FC Sheriff Tiraspol (MDA) / FC BATE Borisov (BLR)
Winners of match 1: Hamrun Spartans FC (MLT) / Ferencvárosi TC (HUN)
Winners of match 2: FC Ballkani (KOS) / Lincoln Red Imps FC (GIB)
Group 2
Match 3: HŠK Zrinjski (BIH) / Breidablik (ISL)
Match 4: Qarabağ FK (AZE) / HJK Helsinki (FIN)
Match 5: FC Astana (KAZ) / PFC Ludogorets 1945 (BUL)
Winners of match 3: Valmiera FC (LVA) / FK Partizani (ALB)
Winners of match 4: FCV Farul Constanța (ROU) / FC Flora Tallinn (EST)
Winners of match 5: FC Struga (MKD) / FC Swift Hesper (LUX)
Draw procedure
Starting with Group 1, three bowls are prepared for the draw, with the balls representing the seeded and unseeded teams of the group placed in the corresponding marked bowls.
One ball is taken from each bowl and placed in the third empty central bowl, where they are shuffled. The first team drawn from this bowl will play their first match at home against the second team drawn.
The same procedure is carried out with the remaining balls to complete all the pairings for Group 1.
The procedure is then repeated to determine the pairings for Group 2.
Play-offs – Main path
Time: 14:10 CET
Number of teams involved: 34 (5 directly, 27 through the UEFA Europa Conference League third qualifying round main path and 2 through the UEFA Europa League third qualifying round main path)
Number of seeded teams: 17
Number of matches: 2 x 17
Matchdays: 24 and 31 August 2023
Kick-off times to be announced by: 11 August 2023 (first and second legs)
Conditions of the draw
In accordance with paragraphs 13.03 and 13.04 of the Regulations of the UEFA Europa Conference League 2023/24, the UEFA administration seeds clubs for the play-off draw based on the club rankings established at the beginning of the season and the principles set by the Club Competitions Committee.
The 34 teams (five that enter the competition at this stage, 27 that enter through the third qualifying round of the UEFA Europa Conference League main path and two that enter through the UEFA Europa League third qualifying round main path) are divided into three groups of eight teams (Groups 1 to 3) and one group of ten teams (Group 4).
Within each of the four groups, the teams are divided into an equal number of seeded and unseeded teams.
Teams from the same association must not be drawn against each other.
If any club in a third qualifying round match has a coefficient that would entitle it to be seeded for the play-off draw, the winner of that match is automatically seeded for the draw.
Any changes of date and fixture reversals will be communicated in writing to the clubs and national associations tomorrow, 8 August, by 18:00 CET.
Groupings
Group 1
1: Eintracht Frankfurt (GER)
2: Fenerbahçe SK (TUR) / NK Maribor (SVN)
3: Omonoia FC (CYP) / FC Midtjylland (DEN)
4: FK Bodø/Glimt (NOR) / FC Pyunik (ARM)
5: Hapoel Beer-Sheva FC (ISR) / PFC Levski Sofia (BUL)
6: FC Twente (NED) / Riga FC (LVA)
7: Legia Warszawa (POL) / FK Austria Wien (AUT)
8: Sepsi OSK Sfantu Gheorghe (ROU) / FC Aktobe (KAZ)
Group 2
1: KAA Gent (BEL) / MKS Pogoń Szczecin (POL)
2: Aris Thessaloniki FC (GRE) / FC Dynamo Kyiv (UKR)
3: LOSC Lille (FRA)
4: FC Viktoria Plzeň (CZE) / Gzira United FC (MLT)
5: FC Dila Gori (GEO) / APOEL FC (CYP)
6: Beşiktaş JK (TUR) / Neftçi PFK (AZE)
7: B36 Tórshavn (FRO) / HNK Rijeka (CRO)
8: FC Tobol Kostanay (KAZ) / Derry City FC (IRL)
Group 3
1: SK Slavia Praha (CZE) / SC Dnipro-1 (UKR)
2: FC Santa Coloma (AND) / AZ Alkmaar (NED)
3: Olympiacos FC (GRE) / KRC Genk (BEL)
4: Aston Villa FC (ENG)
5: KKS Lech Poznań (POL) / FC Spartak Trnava (SVK)
6: FC Arouca (POR) / SK Brann (NOR)
7: Adana Demirspor (TUR) / NK Osijek (CRO)
8: Hibernian FC (SCO) / FC Luzern (SUI)
Group 4
1: Club Brugge (BEL) / KA Akureyri (ISL)
2: Sabah (AZE) / FK Partizan (SRB)
3: HNK Hajduk Split (CRO) / PAOK FC (GRE)
4: AEK Larnaca FC (CYP) / Maccabi Tel-Aviv FC (ISR)
5: ACF Fiorentina (ITA)
6: CA Osasuna (ESP)
7: SK Rapid Wien (AUT) / Debreceni VSC (HUN)
8: Fotbal Club FCSB (ROU) / FC Nordsjælland (DEN)
9: Rosenborg BK (NOR) / Heart of Midlothian FC (SCO)
10: NK Celje (SVN) / FC Neman Grodno (BLR)
Draw procedure
Groups 1 to 3
All the clubs in each of the three groups are randomly assigned a number: 1 to 4 for the seeded teams and 5 to 8 for the unseeded teams.
Three bowls are prepared for the draw, with the balls containing the numbers for the seeded and unseeded teams for Groups 1 to 3 placed in the correspondingly marked bowls.
One ball is taken from each of those bowls and placed in the third empty central bowl, where they are shuffled. The number shown from the first ball drawn from this bowl indicates the home teams of the first pairing of all three groups, and they will play against the teams indicated by the number of the ball drawn second from this bowl.
For example, if the first ball drawn contains the number 2 and the second the number 8, the clubs that have been assigned the numbers 2 and 8 in each of the three groups will play each other. The first ball drawn, here containing the number 2, designates the home team for the first leg in all three ties.
The same procedure is carried out with the remaining balls to complete the pairings of these three groups.
Group 4
The procedure for this group is exactly the same as above, with the only difference being that the seeded teams are assigned numbers 1 to 5 and the unseeded teams assigned numbers 6 to 10.
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I have plotted and forecast its Poland, Croatia, Romanian , or outside chance for Cyprus.
If it's not there I understand its a tie v Scotland, Norway, Vienna or Turkey, Holland or Spain.
That's on percentage calls.
I also think it will be against a team from a European country.
Depends on your definition of Europe. Israel, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan all had teams in the competition for example.
Well I've done the math.
Yes I've discounted Georgia, Bosnia, Montenegro, Slovakia, Czechs, Slovenia as possibilities and unlikely to be contending.
So I have ruled them out being opponents.
I would also rule out the teams from nations Luxembourg, Estonia, Gibraltar, Malta through their ties.
Israel is certainly a possible Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan too
but my theory points elsewhere though I expect at least one of these nations to qualify
Expected opponents:
Certainly I say if it's not a match v Rapid Vienna then let us see its a tie like an Rosenborg, Osasuna, Twente, Besiktas, FCSB (FC Steaua București) Ferencvaros Rather than unheard ofs like Tobol Kustanai of Kazakhstan who I see beating Derry City.
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So it’s one of this lot.
1: SK Slavia Praha (CZE) / SC Dnipro-1 (UKR)
2: FC Santa Coloma (AND) / AZ Alkmaar (NED)
3: Olympiacos FC (GRE) / KRC Genk (BEL)
4: Aston Villa FC (ENG)
5: KKS Lech Poznań (POL) / FC Spartak Trnava (SVK)
6: FC Arouca (POR) / SK Brann (NOR)
7: Adana Demirspor (TUR) / NK Osijek (CRO)
8: Hibernian FC (SCO) / FC Luzern (SUI)
-
The Rapid curse has been avoided
-
Think I'd rather not a Turkish or Portuguese team, based on relative strength of their leagues.
Although I note Scottish and Swiss leagues have higher coefficient than Turkey so maybe I'm talking bollocks.
-
I would like Hibs.
-
So it’s one of this lot.
1: SK Slavia Praha (CZE) / SC Dnipro-1 (UKR)
2: FC Santa Coloma (AND) / AZ Alkmaar (NED)
3: Olympiacos FC (GRE) / KRC Genk (BEL)
4: Aston Villa FC (ENG)
5: KKS Lech Poznań (POL) / FC Spartak Trnava (SVK)
6: FC Arouca (POR) / SK Brann (NOR)
7: Adana Demirspor (TUR) / NK Osijek (CRO)
8: Hibernian FC (SCO) / FC Luzern (SUI)
As the seeded teams are 1-4, you can hone it down to one of this lot:
5: KKS Lech Poznań (POL) / FC Spartak Trnava (SVK)
6: FC Arouca (POR) / SK Brann (NOR)
7: Adana Demirspor (TUR) / NK Osijek (CRO)
8: Hibernian FC (SCO) / FC Luzern (SUI)
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So it’s one of this lot.
1: SK Slavia Praha (CZE) / SC Dnipro-1 (UKR)
2: FC Santa Coloma (AND) / AZ Alkmaar (NED)
3: Olympiacos FC (GRE) / KRC Genk (BEL)
4: Aston Villa FC (ENG)
5: KKS Lech Poznań (POL) / FC Spartak Trnava (SVK)
6: FC Arouca (POR) / SK Brann (NOR)
7: Adana Demirspor (TUR) / NK Osijek (CRO)
8: Hibernian FC (SCO) / FC Luzern (SUI)
As the seeded teams are 1-4, you can hone it down to one of this lot:
5: KKS Lech Poznań (POL) / FC Spartak Trnava (SVK)
6: FC Arouca (POR) / SK Brann (NOR)
7: Adana Demirspor (TUR) / NK Osijek (CRO)
8: Hibernian FC (SCO) / FC Luzern (SUI)
Thanks GP, had forgotten that bit!!
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I’m on holiday in Albuferia for the first leg so I’ve just googled Arouca. It’s like being on holiday in Cornwall and playing Newcastle.
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I’m on holiday in Albuferia for the first leg so I’ve just googled Arouca. It’s like being on holiday in Cornwall and playing Newcastle.
That depends if get drawn home or away first.
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I used to own a house that previous owners had named Lucerne, so we'll get them.
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I used to own a house that previous owners had named Lucerne, so we'll get them.
A good omen though, or a foul portent?
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I’m on holiday in Albuferia for the first leg so I’ve just googled Arouca. It’s like being on holiday in Cornwall and playing Newcastle.
That depends if get drawn home or away first.
Well of course. I said I was away for the first leg
-
So when all is said and done at about 1.30PM we will know the pair we have drawn but still not know where to go for away leg till the 17 August?
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Yes
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There is also the potential for matches to be moved to Tuesday or Wednesday and for order of legs to be reversed. This should all be confirmed by 5pm tomorrow.
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I do think Hibs would be fantastic. It saves a glitzy continental tie until the competition proper, is doable by car and coach for the fans, and I think they give an away allocation up to about 3.5k for some matches, so a good number will be able to go.
Plus, I've been re-watching Rab C. Nesbitt on Britbox, so I'm pretty sure I can communicate with the locals and successfully order a swally.
-
Luzern would be a lovely place to go on an away trip this time of year.
Lech Poznan looks like the one to avoid there.
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Adana Demirspor are managed by Patrick Kluivert. 32k ground. Bet we get them.
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I have plotted and forecast its Poland, Croatia, Romanian , or outside chance for Cyprus.
If it's not there I understand its a tie v Scotland, Norway, Vienna or Turkey, Holland or Spain.
That's on percentage calls.
I also think it will be against a team from a European country.
Think my old geography teacher would disagree about Israel or Kazakhstan being in Europe...
Eurovision rules, Algy! 🌟
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I do think Hibs would be fantastic. It saves a glitzy continental tie until the competition proper, is doable by car and coach for the fans, and I think they give an away allocation up to about 3.5k for some matches, so a good number will be able to go.
Plus, I've been re-watching Rab C. Nesbitt on Britbox, so I'm pretty sure I can communicate with the locals and successfully order a swally.
I would love us to draw Hibs.
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I have plotted and forecast its Poland, Croatia, Romanian , or outside chance for Cyprus.
If it's not there I understand its a tie v Scotland, Norway, Vienna or Turkey, Holland or Spain.
That's on percentage calls.
I also think it will be against a team from a European country.
Think my old geography teacher would disagree about Israel or Kazakhstan being in Europe...
Eurovision rules, Algy! 🌟
So we could play Melbourne then 😉
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Hibs would be ideal, and the winner of tie 7 probably best avoided.
-
I have plotted and forecast its Poland, Croatia, Romanian , or outside chance for Cyprus.
If it's not there I understand its a tie v Scotland, Norway, Vienna or Turkey, Holland or Spain.
That's on percentage calls.
I also think it will be against a team from a European country.
Think my old geography teacher would disagree about Israel or Kazakhstan being in Europe...
Eurovision rules, Algy! 🌟
So we could play Melbourne then 😉
I just thought of that as you posted it, Dave!
Carbon footprint v showbiz. Hmmm, can see it happening, maybe next season.
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I used to own a house that previous owners had named Lucerne, so we'll get them.
A good omen though, or a foul portent?
Well, it was a nice house, Edwardian, in which we brought up the children, but we did end up having to sell it when we divorced - so could be either, I guess.
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Hibs away would be good, can try one of them Doner Kebab pie things then
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Don't really see the appeal in getting back into European football and wanting the first away match to be played in Scotland. How boring.
Although, their manager is that fucking gobshite Lee Johnson. Remember him getting all arsey before we played, and demolished, his Bristol City side? The midget wanker.
Still, it should be more about playing FC Collective Farm #135 from Transnistria, or Real Bocadillo, some Andorran side.
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I have plotted and forecast its Poland, Croatia, Romanian , or outside chance for Cyprus.
If it's not there I understand its a tie v Scotland, Norway, Vienna or Turkey, Holland or Spain.
That's on percentage calls.
I also think it will be against a team from a European country.
Think my old geography teacher would disagree about Israel or Kazakhstan being in Europe...
Eurovision rules, Algy! 🌟
A song for Europe. I remember all those moments lost in wonder that we'll never find again.
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So when all is said and done at about 1.30PM we will know the pair we have drawn but still not know where to go for away leg till the 17 August?
I'll be able to work it out as it will be a mismatch tie so the strongest should survive and then get beaten by Villa!
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So it’s one of this lot.
1: SK Slavia Praha (CZE) / SC Dnipro-1 (UKR)
2: FC Santa Coloma (AND) / AZ Alkmaar (NED)
3: Olympiacos FC (GRE) / KRC Genk (BEL)
4: Aston Villa FC (ENG)
5: KKS Lech Poznań (POL) / FC Spartak Trnava (SVK)
6: FC Arouca (POR) / SK Brann (NOR)
7: Adana Demirspor (TUR) / NK Osijek (CRO)
8: Hibernian FC (SCO) / FC Luzern (SUI)
As the seeded teams are 1-4, you can hone it down to one of this lot:
5: KKS Lech Poznań (POL) / FC Spartak Trnava (SVK)
6: FC Arouca (POR) / SK Brann (NOR)
7: Adana Demirspor (TUR) / NK Osijek (CRO)
8: Hibernian FC (SCO) / FC Luzern (SUI)
Thanks GP, had forgotten that bit!!
Thanks as I suspected.
Poland, Croatia, Romanian , or outside chance for Cyprus.
If it's not there I understand its a tie v Scotland, Norway, Vienna or Turkey, Holland or Spain.
That's on percentage calls.
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Where have you got those countries from Footy, it’s Poland, Slovakia, Portugal, Norway, Turkey, Croatia, Scotland or Switzerland.
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Luzern would be a lovely place to go on an away trip this time of year.
Lech Poznan looks like the one to avoid there.
Luzern managed by all-time top Liechtenstein goalscorer Mario Frick.
Poznań have a bigger ground than us!
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I’m on holiday in Albuferia for the first leg so I’ve just googled Arouca. It’s like being on holiday in Cornwall and playing Newcastle.
Pro-tip from somebody that sold Sunderland away in the Legue Cup while we were on holiday in Edinburgh, don't tell the better half just how far it really is. It makes the surprise all the better when you're en route.
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https://www.heroesandvillains.info/forumv3/index.php?topic=63791.msg4405105#msg4405105
I just read the draw arrangements and it seems that we can be drawn to play against teams from all 4 groups, due to some random selection action involving 3 dishes and numbered balls split according to whether they are seeded or not.
I await the outcome with interest, it sounds as if someone was heavily under the influence of something psychedelic when they came up with it.
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So are we all hoping to whisk our other halves away on a romantic trip to Edinburgh?
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Where have you got those countries from Footy, it’s Poland, Slovakia, Portugal, Norway, Turkey, Croatia, Scotland or Switzerland.
so basically, somewhere in Europe then. We'll done footy.
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So are we all hoping to whisk our other halves away on a romantic trip to Edinburgh?
Er, no!
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https://www.heroesandvillains.info/forumv3/index.php?topic=63791.msg4405105#msg4405105
I just read the draw arrangements and it seems that we can be drawn to play against teams from all 4 groups, due to some random selection action involving 3 dishes and numbered balls split according to whether they are seeded or not.
I await the outcome with interest, it sounds as if someone was heavily under the influence of something psychedelic when they came up with it.
No we can only draw teams 5-8 in our group. I’m pretty sure it means that whichever numbers are drawn, ie 2v8, 4v5 etc, that applies to each of the 8 team groups.
The confusing part of the draw is that ties may be reversed after the draw as UEFA wont allow two games within a 50 mile radius of each other to played on the same day. This could mean reversing the legs or moving the clashing fixture to the Wednesday, and Europa League games take priory over Conference League games. Although higher ranked teams also seem to get some priority.
Having said that I can only see that would affect us if both Hibs & Hearts are drawn at home.
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So are we all hoping to whisk our other halves away on a romantic trip to Edinburgh?
Really, really hope it's the Famous Edinburgh Hibees.
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Think my old geography teacher would disagree about Israel or Kazakhstan being in Europe...
Eurovision rules, Algy! 🌟
A song for Europe. I remember all those moments lost in wonder that we'll never find again.
When it comes to the FA Cup, we've been saying 'What's Another Year?' for as long as I can remember. :(
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If it is Hibs, it will be a big deal for SJM.
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I used to own a house that previous owners had named Lucerne, so we'll get them.
Interestingly, and apropos of nothing, Lucerne is a an anagram of "enculer" in French.
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If it is Hibs, it will be a big deal for SJM.
Same for Des Bremner and Alex Cropley, you'd imagine.
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If it is Hibs, it will be a big deal for SJM.
Same for Des Bremner and Alex Cropley, you'd imagine.
Ulises De La Cruz and Didier Agathe too.
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So we could play Melbourne then 😉
Yes please! Imagine watching a game on a balmy 25 degree evening in December. Though some of you lot might need to leave a few minutes before the final whistle to make it home in time for tea.
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If it is Hibs, it will be a big deal for SJM.
Would be maybe the only time I’d be tempted to join in an opposition song with the Sunshine on Leith, love the video of that at Hampden on SJM’s big day out…
Maybe wouldn’t but would appreciate the experience.
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If it is Hibs, it will be a big deal for SJM.
Same for Des Bremner and Alex Cropley, you'd imagine.
Ulises De La Cruz and Didier Agathe too.
Renton from Trainspotting.
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If it is Hibs, it will be a big deal for SJM.
Same for Des Bremner and Alex Cropley, you'd imagine.
Brilliant as they were, I can't see either getting a run out, even in a Europa Conference game. UTV
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Ulises de La Cruz played for Hibs too I think.
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Ulises de La Cruz played for Hibs too I think.
Nothing gets past this lad.
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Think my old geography teacher would disagree about Israel or Kazakhstan being in Europe...
Eurovision rules, Algy! 🌟
A song for Europe. I remember all those moments lost in wonder that we'll never find again.
When it comes to the FA Cup, we've been saying 'What's Another Year?' for as long as I can remember. :(
i'm still singing "I wanna be a polar bear" from the '70's
Edited for the spectacular quote fail
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Villa have been placed in Group 3 and are seeded (numbered 1-4), meaning they will face one of the following unseeded teams (numbered 5-8):
Group 3
1: SK Slavia Praha (CZE) / SC Dnipro-1 (UKR)
2: FC Santa Coloma (AND) / AZ Alkmaar (NED)
3: Olympiacos FC (GRE) / KRC Genk (BEL)
4: Aston Villa FC (ENG)
5: KKS Lech Poznań (POL) / FC Spartak Trnava (SVK)
6: FC Arouca (POR) / SK Brann (NOR)
7: Adana Demirspor (TUR) / NK Osijek (CRO)
8: Hibernian FC (SCO) / FC Luzern (SUI)
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If it is Hibs, it will be a big deal for SJM.
Same for Des Bremner and Alex Cropley, you'd imagine.
Brilliant as they were, I can't see either getting a run out, even in a Europa Conference game. UTV
We'd probably still win, even if they did.
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Sorry if this has been asked before, but what time is the draw?
-
Sorry if this has been asked before, but what time is the draw?
Starts at 1pm, so expect to know our opponents at about 3.45pm.
-
Sorry if this has been asked before, but what time is the draw?
Starts at 1pm, so expect to know our opponents about 3.45pm.
I believe it is being broadcast here;
https://www.uefa.tv/ (https://www.uefa.tv/)
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Thanks to both
-
Don't forget Isaiah Osbourne. Think he played for Hibs.
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So are we all hoping to whisk our other halves away on a romantic trip to Edinburgh?
Silly boy, you.
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So are we all hoping to whisk our other halves away on a romantic trip to Edinburgh?
Normally yes, but with the Festival Fringe on, there won't be suitably luxurious rooms available to take other halves. A bit unfortunate really. :(
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Don't forget Isaiah Osbourne. Think he played for Hibs.
Was he the one that (allegedly) stole from other players' lockers?
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If it is Hibs, it will be a big deal for SJM.
Same for Des Bremner and Alex Cropley, you'd imagine.
Brilliant as they were, I can't see either getting a run out, even in a Europa Conference game. UTV
We'd probably still win, even if they did.
I imagine Des Bremner can still run non-stop for 90 minutes. He was perpetual motion and a fantastic player.
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Don't forget Isaiah Osbourne. Think he played for Hibs.
Was he the one that (allegedly) stole from other players' lockers?
No, that fella subsequently went to Blues. They were a better fit for him.
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Don't forget Isaiah Osbourne. Think he played for Hibs.
Was he the one that (allegedly) stole from other players' lockers?
No, that fella subsequently went to Blues. They were a better fit for him.
His name was Noel Blake. He went on to gain a fishing position within the England International set-up.
I never really disliked him. I was always prepared to cut him a bit of slack regarding the thieving incident, so did Villa seeing as they didn't sack him.
As I wasn't aware of his personal situation, upbringing etc, I was prepared to try and give him a chance. Once he went to Bloose he became an archetypical arsehole like the rest of 'em and most likely a fucking tea leaf to boot. ;)
I genuinely hope he sorted his life out.
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The draw can be seen here:
https://www.uefa.tv/video/live/245770/ (https://www.uefa.tv/video/live/245770/)
or also here: https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaconferenceleague/draws/ (https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaconferenceleague/draws/)
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You could show filums on this chaps forehead.
-
OK what’s going on at Nyon? I am at Edgbaston watching the one dayer so relying on you boys and girls.
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OK what’s going on at Nyon? I am at Edgbaston watching the one dayer so relying on you boys and girls.
I presume they have to go through the 'technical' explanations first then draw Groups 1 & 2, so no news for a while.
-
Bloody hell. I’m confused by the explanation of the explanation of the draw process.
-
Where did he get the jacket, looks too big for him
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OK what’s going on at Nyon? I am at Edgbaston watching the one dayer so relying on you boys and girls.
I presume they have to go through the 'technical' explanations first then draw Groups 1 & 2, so no news for a while.
Ta I will check again at 1.30
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I'm lost.
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OK what’s going on at Nyon? I am at Edgbaston watching the one dayer so relying on you boys and girls.
Just looked at the score, you'll probably be home before the draw is finished mate
-
I'm lost.
Yep, no clue whats occurring here?
-
I havent got a clue what's going on. The clues in 3-2-1 were simpler.
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OK what’s going on at Nyon? I am at Edgbaston watching the one dayer so relying on you boys and girls.
I presume they have to go through the 'technical' explanations first then draw Groups 1 & 2, so no news for a while.
Ta I will check again at 1.30
Think they're drawing the 'Champions' path first before getting onto Groups 1,2 & 3 in the 'Main' path.
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Bloody hell. I’m confused by the explanation of the explanation of the draw process.
Totally confused. We only have one tie to qualify?
-
This is the most bizarrely complicated thing I’ve ever seen.
-
Have Goole Town been drawn yet?
-
This is painful
-
How ridiculously overcomplex is this
-
So we're in group 4? Up next?
-
I'm losing the will to live
-
UEFA chaps, just stick the balls in a bag, stir them up, and pick them out. Job done. You don’t even need to warm the Villa ball up as Man U aren’t in the competition.
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How incredibly boring is this
Hurry up
-
We need to exhume Stephen Hawking
-
They've broken the stream
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So we're in group 4? Up next?
No, we're team No. 4 in Group 3.
-
Numberwang!
-
Back to work?
Hardly digging holes ffs!
-
When I started at university I wandered into a biochemistry lecture by mistake, and was too embarrassed to leave so I just sat there. It made more sense than this.
-
How incredibly boring is this
If the two lads are visiting Tokyo, I'll pass on your details to them. They'd be great craic!
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I miss Graham Kelly's thousand yard stare into the camera on completion of the FA Cup draw.
-
Hibs
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OK what’s going on at Nyon? I am at Edgbaston watching the one dayer so relying on you boys and girls.
Just looked at the score, you'll probably be home before the draw is finished mate
That’s true. The country yokels have made a mess of it so far.
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Hibs A
-
Hibs/Luzern
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Hibs or Luzern away :D
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Hibernian or FC Luzern!
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Both nice cities, but both will take a dent from the bank balance!
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What an uninspiring draw
Oh well. Smash them, Villa!
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I'd prefer not to have Hibs as they'll be well up for it.
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I really hope it's Hibernian, that's a fantastic draw!
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Please be Hibs!
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I like the idea of repeating the numbers so the draw itself is quicker, makes sense to me when you have seedings and all different entry points into the competition.
Anyway, first leg away to the winner of the Hibs game, happy with that.
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How incredibly boring is this
If the two lads are visiting Tokyo, I'll pass on your details to them. They'd be great craic!
Haha. I know exactly where I'd take them.
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Insight! 8)
-
So no idea how we got here but we’ve got either Hibs or some team from Switzerland?
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I am in Edinburgh that day
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what date is the game ?
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Ha! Just seen Hibs manager!
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How "Villa" would it be after all this to get knoc...............................
Not with Super Unai Emery - bet he is already compiling his dossier ;)
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Home or away first?
-
Hope it's Hibs for McGinn's sake.
-
Lee Johnson!
-
Home or away first?
Away
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Brilliant stuff, c'mon the Hibees (against Luzern).
-
I'd prefer not to have Hibs as they'll be well up for it.
It’s the John McGinn derby though you’d hope however up to it any team is to play as this stage, we will beat them by being better with two chances.
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Brilliant! Hibs are a lovely club with great, friendly supporters.
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The first leg will be played at Easter Road or Swissporarena on Thursday, August 24.
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Home or away first?
A 24/08
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When do Hibs and Lucerne play?
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Home or away first?
Away
Cheers PWS.
-
When do Hibs and Lucerne play?
Thursday.
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Ha! Just seen Hibs manager!
Yes indeed. Horrible shit
-
Hearts also drawn at home so I imagine a tie will have to be moved or swapped.
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Hearts also drawn at home so I imagine a tie will have to be moved or swapped.
Just spotted that so no booking ahead quite yet.
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When do Hibs and Lucerne play?
Thursday.
Next two Thursdays
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I hope it’s Luzern as I want to check my bank accounts whilst there
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If we do get Hibs. I’m on very good terms with a restaurant owner in Edinburgh. A super place.
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I hope it’s Luzern as I want to check my bank accounts whilst there
Lucerne is a lovely City stayed on the lake there.
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Lucerne stadium holds 17,000, so a reasonable size.
-
These games are televised are they not?
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Easter Road holds 20,000
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I'd prefer not to have Hibs as they'll be well up for it.
It’s the John McGinn derby though you’d hope however up to it any team is to play as this stage, we will beat them by being better with two chances.
It's also the Jake Doyle-Hayes derby.
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I hope it’s Luzern as I want to check my bank accounts whilst there
Lovely indeed. Nice bridge across the lake If I remember well.
Lucerne is a lovely City stayed on the lake there.
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Apparently away ticket prices will be capped at 25 Euros and the away allocation is 5% of capacity. Obviously home sides can give more if they want.
A reminder of prices and away allocations.
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completely confused watching that
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Took a look at the Luzern squad list, only one name I've ever heard - Max Meyer who was supposed to be the bright young hope of German football a few years back, then signed a massive contract at Palace when his contract ran out at Schalke.
Hardly did anything for them over three seasons and ended up kicking around Danish, Turkish and now Swiss football for the last few years. Seems to be doing pretty well for them now though.
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so, who are we playing and when...can someone PLEASE summarise ???
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When's the draw?
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Can we still get Juventus?
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so, who are we playing and when...can someone PLEASE summarise ???
Hibs or Lucerne 24th 31st August away first unless there is a clash with Hearts
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so, who are we playing and when...can someone PLEASE summarise ???
Hibs or Luzern - draw away in first leg 24 Aug but that might change as Hearts also drawn at home. 2nd leg a week later.
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Will Barry take the penalty?
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so, who are we playing and when...can someone PLEASE summarise ???
Either Hibs or Lucerne. Away on the 24th Aug and Home on the 31st Aug
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Hibbs would be the better draw.
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How do they resolve City clash?
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Hibs view
https://www.hibs.net/showthread.php?363232-UEFA-Europa-Conference-League-Play-off-draw
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If managed to get match tickets may have to drive, trains coming in at over £300 for and the lad, plane over £400
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The usual away allocation at Hibs is 3500, i'd imagine we'll get a fair bit less than that depending on how they segregate.
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Please let it be Hibs so that absolute whopper Lee Johnson can moan about us having 2 home ends again.
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Hibs v Luzern this Thursday at 1930, then the second leg on Thurs 17th at 1945.
Anyone know if they will be on UEFA tv? Can't see them on the normal channels.
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Would this be the first time we've played a Scottish team at Villa Park since 1976?
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Hibs view
https://www.hibs.net/showthread.php?363232-UEFA-Europa-Conference-League-Play-off-draw
apparently JamTarts will be moved
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Hibs game *could* be Wednesday 23rd August, unless Hearts move. Hibs would have to get through first. If its Luserne then that will be 24th August. Home game almost certain to be 31st August against either team.
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Would this be the first time we've played a Scottish team at Villa Park since 1976?
Hib, 1989.
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Hibs view
https://www.hibs.net/showthread.php?363232-UEFA-Europa-Conference-League-Play-off-draw
apparently JamTarts will be moved
I think they're guessing there
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Are they also drawing the groups today or will that wait until the matches have been played?
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Who have Hearts got?
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Who have Hearts got?
Think it was PAOK or whoever they are playing.
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A European draw. This time a year ago we were bemoaning another shit defeat at Bournemouth.
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Are they also drawing the groups today or will that wait until the matches have been played?
Group draw on 1st Sept.
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A European draw. This time a year ago we were bemoaning another shit defeat at Bournemouth.
As long as we’re not left bemoaning Olsen chucking one in.
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Great ties both of them.
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Do Hibs fans generally quite like us because of the SJM factor?
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A European draw. This time a year ago we were bemoaning another shit defeat at Bournemouth.
As long as we’re not left bemoaning Olsen chucking one in.
I'd like us to go with Martinez in net, for every game.
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I believe it would be our first competitive match against a Scottish side since getting twatted 6-1 in the FA Cup 4th round away to Queens Park in 1884.
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Hibs view
https://www.hibs.net/showthread.php?363232-UEFA-Europa-Conference-League-Play-off-draw
We're such a big draw, we've crashed their forum.
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I believe it would be our first competitive match against a Scottish side since getting twatted 6-1 in the FA Cup 4th round away to Queens Park in 1884.
Great stat.
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I believe it would be our first competitive match against a Scottish side since getting twatted 6-1 in the FA Cup 4th round away to Queens Park in 1884.
I think we beat Rangers after that. Cup semi-final?
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I believe it would be our first competitive match against a Scottish side since getting twatted 6-1 in the FA Cup 4th round away to Queens Park in 1884.
I think we beat Rangers after that. Cup semi-final?
Yes we did. 1887.
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Percy is right, we beat Rangers 3-1 in 1887, match was played in Crewe.
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I believe it would be our first competitive match against a Scottish side since getting twatted 6-1 in the FA Cup 4th round away to Queens Park in 1884.
I think we beat Rangers after that. Cup semi-final?
Yes we did. 1887.
Indeed. Just googled to check my memory.
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Percy is right, we beat Rangers 3-1 in 1887, match was played in Crewe.
Why was it played in Crewe?
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Either opponent should be pretty handy in terms of travel etc. with games against Burnley and Liverpool the following weekends. Could have been worse.
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Didn't we play Hibs in some sort of friendly relatively recently?
Seem to recall there was a bit of, shall we say, overly boisterous behaviour on the day?
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Lucerne is a fantastic place for anyone thinking of going (if they get through)
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Do Hibs fans generally quite like us because of the SJM factor?
Maybe, but I think it's more to do with the fact they're looking forward to the 500 mile walk or more.
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Apparently, changes and fixture reversals will be decided by tomorrow evening;
"Any changes of date and fixture reversals will be communicated in writing to the clubs and national associations by 18:00 CET on 8 August."
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Didn’t Hibs lose to an Andorran side last week in the away leg?
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I reckon we're the big draw in this competition, with our history, squad, manager and that we're in the Premier League.
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I really want us to play Hibs that's the draw I wanted.
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Nicely done by the Beeb. https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/66424517
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Hibs view
https://www.hibs.net/showthread.php?363232-UEFA-Europa-Conference-League-Play-off-draw
We're such a big draw, we've crashed their forum.
Bit defeatist aren't they? Expecting to lose to Lucerne.
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Hibs view
https://www.hibs.net/showthread.php?363232-UEFA-Europa-Conference-League-Play-off-draw
We're such a big draw, we've crashed their forum.
Bit defeatist aren't they? Expecting to lose to Lucerne.
More realists I'd say, they lost 3-2 at home to St. Mirren yesterday. We'll probably be as disappointed as them if they don't go through.
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Their midfielder Joe Newell is from Tamworth and a nose.
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Their midfielder Joe Newell is from Tamworth and a nose.
Can't be right, they are all Brummies.
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Their midfielder Joe Newell is from Tamworth and a nose.
Can't be right, they are all Brummies.
Thank You for some Insight.
I can reveal Harry McKirdy and Doyle Hayes are Villa academy graduates. Many here are familiar with them to a degree.
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Did you know from next season it will be simply called the Uefa Conference league. So this is our one and only chance to lift the Uefa Europa Conference League trophy!
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Their midfielder Joe Newell is from Tamworth and a nose.
Can't be right, they are all Brummies.
Thank You for some Insight.
I can reveal Harry McKirdy and Doyle Hayes are Villa academy graduates. Many here are familiar with them to a degree.
I’m not familiar. Can you help me out?
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Getting a ticket for the Hibs game 24th August will be difficult enough, getting accommodation in Edinburgh in August more difficult still.
-
Would this be the first time we've played a Scottish team at Villa Park since 1976?
Hib, 1989.
Was that friendly the first appearance of God? I seem to recall it may have been the case for Kent Nielsen
-
Hibs view
https://www.hibs.net/showthread.php?363232-UEFA-Europa-Conference-League-Play-off-draw
We're such a big draw, we've crashed their forum.
Bit defeatist aren't they? Expecting to lose to Lucerne.
Hibernian been poor for a few seasons
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Hibs view
https://www.hibs.net/showthread.php?363232-UEFA-Europa-Conference-League-Play-off-draw
We're such a big draw, we've crashed their forum.
Bit defeatist aren't they? Expecting to lose to Lucerne.
Hibernian been poor for a few seasons
They seem to think we're not bothered about it and it won't sell out so they'll get loads of tickets. If it is Hibs, I would expect it to sell out, fingers crossed.
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Getting a ticket for the Hibs game 24th August will be difficult enough, getting accommodation in Edinburgh in August more difficult still.
We are up there the night after watching my daughter at The Fringe and yep, hotels are £££ and scarce!
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Percy is right, we beat Rangers 3-1 in 1887, match was played in Crewe.
Why was it played in Crewe?
From something I read long ago I think the official reason at the time was 'convenient trains'.
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Percy is right, we beat Rangers 3-1 in 1887, match was played in Crewe.
Why was it played in Crewe?
From something I read long ago I think the official reason at the time was 'convenient trains'.
Crewe was the centre of the rail network.
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Getting a ticket for the Hibs game 24th August will be difficult enough, getting accommodation in Edinburgh in August more difficult still.
Premier Inn coming in at about £200
This game might still get switched to Villa Park first cos of the Hearts game
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Percy is right, we beat Rangers 3-1 in 1887, match was played in Crewe.
Why was it played in Crewe?
From something I read long ago I think the official reason at the time was 'convenient trains'.
Crewe was the centre of the rail network.
It's all change now....sorry, couldn't resist.
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Oh Mr. Porter !
-
I've lost track of what's going on.
-
Percy is right, we beat Rangers 3-1 in 1887, match was played in Crewe.
Why was it played in Crewe?
From something I read long ago I think the official reason at the time was 'convenient trains'.
Crewe was the centre of the rail network.
As a matter of interest do you know whether that game was played at what is now Gresty Road? I asked the Crewe club historian (self-appointed) when I lived there and he never gave me an answer.
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If we are playing Hibs, it needs to be second leg away for me. Make it so!
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If we are playing Hibs, it needs to be second leg away for me. Make it so!
That would be my preference.
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I've lost track of what's going on.
Is that in general?
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As a matter of interest do you know whether that game was played at what is now Gresty Road? I asked the Crewe club historian (self-appointed) when I lived there and he never gave me an answer.
No it was at The Alexandra Recreation Ground, also known as Nantwich Road.
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I don't like Hibs' chances of getting through. I'd say 4th place in the Swiss league is probably of a higher quality than 5th place in Scotland. I hope I'm wrong as I have a lot of time for the Hibees.
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As a matter of interest do you know whether that game was played at what is now Gresty Road? I asked the Crewe club historian (self-appointed) when I lived there and he never gave me an answer.
No it was at The Alexandra Recreation Ground, also known as Nantwich Road.
Thanks PWS.
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I don't like Hibs' chances of getting through. I'd say 4th place in the Swiss league is probably of a higher quality than 5th place in Scotland. I hope I'm wrong as I have a lot of time for the Hibees.
Not that it really matters/means anything but I think Hibs UEFA coefficient is slightly higher so not a foregone conclusion they’re any worse or better. Then again it’s Hibs and their Manager is that pint sized pillock Johnson so swings and roundabouts.
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I've lost track of what's going on.
Is that in general?
It's hard to gauge.
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Percy is right, we beat Rangers 3-1 in 1887, match was played in Crewe.
Why was it played in Crewe?
Suppose it was handy for both sides as relatively between us both and on a train line.
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Hopefully Hibbs make it through. I don't fancy spending £12 a pint.
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As a matter of interest do you know whether that game was played at what is now Gresty Road? I asked the Crewe club historian (self-appointed) when I lived there and he never gave me an answer.
After the furore several years ago about the then club historian/ documentator / librarian, was the position retained and filled by someone else. Or one that disappeared with Lerners interests?
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Hopefully Hibbs make it through. I don't fancy spending £12 a pint.
Cheaper then Edinburgh during The Fringe I would have thought.
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Percy is right, we beat Rangers 3-1 in 1887, match was played in Crewe.
Why was it played in Crewe?
From something I read long ago I think the official reason at the time was 'convenient trains'.
Crewe was the centre of the rail network.
(https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/3cd95e88d8f9287307e5c8c1eda88334c6c9c813/481_764_3973_2384/master/3973.jpg?width=620&dpr=2&s=none)
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Hopefully Hibbs make it through. I don't fancy spending £12 a pint.
Cheaper then Edinburgh during The Fringe I would have thought.
Yep, don't expect any reasonable hotel prices either.
A friend of mine paid £420 just for last Saturday night
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If we are playing Hibs, it needs to be second leg away for me. Make it so!
That would be my preference.
Just bugger off both of you. It has to be 24th or even 23rd to suit me. I am, I let you know, bigger supporters than you both!
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Hopefully Hibbs make it through. I don't fancy spending £12 a pint.
OK Fred😊
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Percy is right, we beat Rangers 3-1 in 1887, match was played in Crewe.
Why was it played in Crewe?
From something I read long ago I think the official reason at the time was 'convenient trains'.
Crewe was the centre of the rail network.
(https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/3cd95e88d8f9287307e5c8c1eda88334c6c9c813/481_764_3973_2384/master/3973.jpg?width=620&dpr=2&s=none)
Fucking hell. They're an ambitious bunch.
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Percy is right, we beat Rangers 3-1 in 1887, match was played in Crewe.
Why was it played in Crewe?
Because Bruce Springsteen was playing at Villa Park.
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Percy is right, we beat Rangers 3-1 in 1887, match was played in Crewe.
Why was it played in Crewe?
From something I read long ago I think the official reason at the time was 'convenient trains'.
Crewe was the centre of the rail network.
It's all change now....sorry, couldn't resist.
Winning this competition it's a platform we could build on and steam ahead further up the league
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If we are playing Hibs, it needs to be second leg away for me. Make it so!
That would be my preference.
I wonder if that would be the preference of Unai Emery and his team.
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If we are playing Hibs, it needs to be second leg away for me. Make it so!
That would be my preference.
Just bugger off both of you. It has to be 24th or even 23rd to suit me. I am, I let you know, bigger supporters than you both!
The first leg will be away.
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The first leg will be away.
Hope so, although not ideal for any travelling fans.
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If we are playing Hibs, it needs to be second leg away for me. Make it so!
That would be my preference.
Just bugger off both of you. It has to be 24th or even 23rd to suit me. I am, I let you know, bigger supporters than you both!
The first leg will be away.
Said with certainty CL?
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We'll know tomorrow what the plan is for if both Hearts and Hibs go through. So at present, no, it isn't definite.
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If we are playing Hibs, it needs to be second leg away for me. Make it so!
That would be my preference.
Just bugger off both of you. It has to be 24th or even 23rd to suit me. I am, I let you know, bigger supporters than you both!
The first leg will be away.
Said with certainty CL?
I believe it is based on coefficient ranking and Hearts will get the advantage of playing away first as they finished higher than Hibs.
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They won’t switch the ties. If hearts and hibs get through, then one will be Wednesday and one Thursday. The second leg will still be at home surely.
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If we are playing Hibs, it needs to be second leg away for me. Make it so!
That would be my preference.
Just bugger off both of you. It has to be 24th or even 23rd to suit me. I am, I let you know, bigger supporters than you both!
We know that, but do UEFA? You may want to pass them a brown envelope, just in case they’ve ‘forgotten’
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I assume they will make a decision tomorrow on the basis that both go through. Wouldn't surprise me if neither do.
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Would this be the first time we've played a Scottish team at Villa Park since 1976?
Hib, 1989.
Was that friendly the first appearance of God? I seem to recall it may have been the case for Kent Nielsen
Seem to remember through the mists of time that Adrian Heath played for us in that game as well. Only played a couple of games if I recall correctly, so guess he was on some kind of trial? Seem to remember Hibs having a really smart Adidas kit, but that is about it.
Hope it is Hibs really. Would definitely add a bit of interest and spice to the tie, along with the John McGinn / Des Bremner angle.
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Not forgetting Alex Cropley and UDLC.
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Hibs view
https://www.hibs.net/showthread.php?363232-UEFA-Europa-Conference-League-Play-off-draw
We're such a big draw, we've crashed their forum.
Bit defeatist aren't they? Expecting to lose to Lucerne.
Hibernian been poor for a few seasons
They seem to think we're not bothered about it and it won't sell out so they'll get loads of tickets. If it is Hibs, I would expect it to sell out, fingers crossed.
If they get the pricing right and the fact that it's still in the school holidays and it will be our first game back in European competition for over a decade, then I think it will be a big crowd. Even more so if we start the season well.
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Hibs view
https://www.hibs.net/showthread.php?363232-UEFA-Europa-Conference-League-Play-off-draw
They sound confident:
“Hibs defence is as solid as a melted toblerone sitting on a deck chair wearing a t shirt saying if I was chocolate I’d eat myself.”
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Will the away tickets be subject to away scheme?
-
Would this be the first time we've played a Scottish team at Villa Park since 1976?
Hib, 1989.
Was that friendly the first appearance of God? I seem to recall it may have been the case for Kent Nielsen
Seem to remember through the mists of time that Adrian Heath played for us in that game as well. Only played a couple of games if I recall correctly, so guess he was on some kind of trial? Seem to remember Hibs having a really smart Adidas kit, but that is about it.
Hope it is Hibs really. Would definitely add a bit of interest and spice to the tie, along with the John McGinn / Des Bremner angle.
Was that the game where George Best ended up wearing a Villa shirt? Was the Hummel kit.
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Will the away tickets be subject to away scheme?
There is no away scheme and hasn't been for a few years. There's no agreed system yet, could be anything including a ballot for the European aways. I would suspect it will mirror the league away game allotment, but more will filter through.
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Has anyone found what channel the Hibs v Luzern game is on? Fancy doing an Emery and researching our opponents.
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Would this be the first time we've played a Scottish team at Villa Park since 1976?
Hib, 1989.
Was that friendly the first appearance of God? I seem to recall it may have been the case for Kent Nielsen
Seem to remember through the mists of time that Adrian Heath played for us in that game as well. Only played a couple of games if I recall correctly, so guess he was on some kind of trial? Seem to remember Hibs having a really smart Adidas kit, but that is about it.
Hope it is Hibs really. Would definitely add a bit of interest and spice to the tie, along with the John McGinn / Des Bremner angle.
Was that the game where George Best ended up wearing a Villa shirt? Was the Hummel kit.
No, that was during a fundraiser game v West Brom for the victims of the Bradford fire.
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Has anyone found what channel the Hibs v Luzern game is on? Fancy doing an Emery and researching our opponents.
SRF Zwei Schweiz HD
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Hibs view
https://www.hibs.net/showthread.php?363232-UEFA-Europa-Conference-League-Play-off-draw
They sound confident:
“Hibs defence is as solid as a melted toblerone sitting on a deck chair wearing a t shirt saying if I was chocolate I’d eat myself.”
Most of them only want the match to see SJM on their pitch again. I don' think any think they will be getting a chance to go any further. Hope they get their wish.
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Who has the tv rights for the conference league?
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TNT Sports
-
Has anyone found what channel the Hibs v Luzern game is on? Fancy doing an Emery and researching our opponents.
SRF Zwei Schweiz HD
Using my extensive knowledge of German, this means SRF Two Switzerland HD.
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Cheers WV.
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Hotel reserved in Edinburgh to cover either 24th or 23rd. Four Point Sheraton near Haymarket train station. Booking a room in Luzern is a bit more of a problem at the moment.
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FCL are no mugs and a proper football team with a solid ST support. At 17000, the capacity is only 3000 smaller than Easter Rd. They pull up to around 14,000 for the big games so there will not be many spares.
Their manager Herr Frick was a hugely experienced footballer playing over 664 games.
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Their manager Herr Frick was a hugely experienced footballer playing over 664 games.
Although he did miss several seasons as he was on a mission to locate the Fallen Madonna With The Big Boobies.
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Their manager Herr Frick was a hugely experienced footballer playing over 664 games.
Although he did miss several seasons as he was on a mission to locate the Fallen Madonna With The Big Boobies.
Caused controversy when he told his players "You may kiss me".
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Has anyone found what channel the Hibs v Luzern game is on? Fancy doing an Emery and researching our opponents.
SRF Zwei Schweiz HD
Using my extensive knowledge of German, this means SRF Two Switzerland HD.
I bet Emery will be shown in the crowd, sat there inscrutably soaking in every detail of the two sides. Monchi and Vidagamy alongside him to mop up any details that he misses (AS IF).
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Their manager Herr Frick was a hugely experienced footballer playing over 664 games.
Although he did miss several seasons as he was on a mission to locate the Fallen Madonna With The Big Boobies.
Big fan of Klopp as well.
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FCL are no mugs and a proper football team with a solid ST support. At 17000, the capacity is only 3000 smaller than Easter Rd. They pull up to around 14,000 for the big games so there will not be many spares.
It would of course be interesting to see us play Hibs but I feel that Luzern would be a 'proper' European tie, whereas playing a Scottish side a bit preseason friendly-ish
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I've seen us play 2 Swiss sides (FC Zurich and FC Basel). We haven't played a Scottish team in a competitive match since 1897.
Bring on the Hibees I say.
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Apparently 1st leg of Hibs v Luzern will be on BBC Scotland.
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https://www.hibernianfc.co.uk/article/hibs-vs-fc-luzern-to-be-shown-on-bbc
Indeed so
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Not sure if this is right but does Sawiris' brother own 12.5% of Lucerne ?
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Sweet!
-
Apparently 1st leg of Hibs v Luzern will be on BBC Scotland.
I'm washing my hair that night
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Not sure if this is right but does Sawiris' brother own 12.5% of Lucerne ?
According to Wiki, yes.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samih_Sawiris
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I wonder if the brotherly connection makes it a grudge match. Nas still resenting the hugely controversial goal from a game in the living room when they were kids.
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https://www.hibernianfc.co.uk/article/hibs-vs-fc-luzern-to-be-shown-on-bbc
Indeed so
And iPlayer
"As well as being on the BBC Scotland channel, the matches will also be available on BBC iPlayer and with accompanying live text coverage on the BBC Sport website and app.
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(https://i.ibb.co/jz90Lp9/Screenshot-20230808-130433-Chrome.jpg) (https://ibb.co/jz90Lp9)
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Apparently 1st leg of Hibs v Luzern will be on BBC Scotland.
I'm washing my hair that night
This Thu isn't it? Going out, tck...
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I don't like Hibs' chances of getting through. I'd say 4th place in the Swiss league is probably of a higher quality than 5th place in Scotland. I hope I'm wrong as I have a lot of time for the Hibees.
Not that it really matters/means anything but I think Hibs UEFA coefficient is slightly higher so not a foregone conclusion they’re any worse or better. Then again it’s Hibs and their Manager is that pint sized pillock Johnson so swings and roundabouts.
He's not so popular with the Hibs support following defeats away to Andorra whatnots and at home to St Mirren. I guess though he'll be in charge against us if we do meet them as European progress should keep him in the post
-
TNT Sports
Down the pub it is then...
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If we draw Lucerne will people look at driving ?
It’s about 9 hours from the euro tunnel (560 miles)
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If we draw Lucerne will people look at driving ?
It’s about 9 hours from the euro tunnel (560 miles)
Hibs fans would walk that or more.
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If we draw Lucerne will people look at driving ?
It’s about 9 hours from the euro tunnel (560 miles)
Hibs fans would walk that or more.
;D
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Hotel reserved in Edinburgh to cover either 24th or 23rd. Four Point Sheraton near Haymarket train station. Booking a room in Luzern is a bit more of a problem at the moment.
I dunno what the prices are at the moment, but in case it helps anyone... if you're really stuck, my old uni (Heriot-Watt) has a shit-tonne of rooms available, unadvertised, in the halls of residence:
https://www.hw.ac.uk/uk/edinburgh/accommodation.htm
The number 25 bus starts there, it's 30-40mins to the top of Leith Walk (depending traffic etc), which is walking distance from Easter Road. 24hr bus service, varies from every 12mins (peak) through to every 20mins (between midnight & 5am)
Useful if you're needing not-extortionate accommodation during the festival :)
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The best way to get to Easter Road is to to drink your bodyweight at the Holyrood 9A then walk yourself sober down the Mile.
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I used to live above the Holyrood Tavern.
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A reminder that European matches aren't all jolly fun days.
AEK Athens v Dinamo Zagreb CL qualifier has been postponed.
A man has died after being stabbed in violence among fans of AEK Athens and Dinamo Zagreb in Athens, police said.
The man was stabbed several times in clashes among fans of both clubs outside AEK’s stadium in Nea Philadelphia late on Monday, a police official said. Police said 100 to 120 Dinamo fans had shown up late on Monday near the AEK stadium, and where AEK fans had gathered.
Clashes broke out more than an hour after the visiting team’s training session ended and the team had left the stadium, with fans from both sides hurling flares, makeshift explosives and stones, police said.
Three Greek and five Croatian fans were also injured and being treated, and 98 people were arrested over taking part in the violence, the police official said.
Dinamo condemned the incident. “Such events are not in line with the values and ethics we promote as a club and community,” they said in a statement.
A Greek police spokesperson said the Champions League qualifying-round match between AEK and Dinamo scheduled to take place at AEK’s stadium on Tuesday had been postponed.
Greek football has been plagued by violence on and off the pitch and authorities have repeatedly promised to clean up the game. Fights between fans are frequent before or after a game despite heavy fines.
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It's a good job there's not a showpiece final being held there any time soon, oh right
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I used to live above the Holyrood Tavern.
Used to live round the corner up St Mary's Street. The 9A was the best local choice for drinking alone without being recognised. Then I told everyone about it being good and there went that.
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I used to live above the Holyrood Tavern.
Ha, used to go for pre-Dogma drinks there 8)
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A reminder that European matches aren't all jolly fun days.
AEK Athens v Dinamo Zagreb CL qualifier has been postponed.
A man has died after being stabbed in violence among fans of AEK Athens and Dinamo Zagreb in Athens, police said.
The man was stabbed several times in clashes among fans of both clubs outside AEK’s stadium in Nea Philadelphia late on Monday, a police official said. Police said 100 to 120 Dinamo fans had shown up late on Monday near the AEK stadium, and where AEK fans had gathered.
Clashes broke out more than an hour after the visiting team’s training session ended and the team had left the stadium, with fans from both sides hurling flares, makeshift explosives and stones, police said.
Three Greek and five Croatian fans were also injured and being treated, and 98 people were arrested over taking part in the violence, the police official said.
Dinamo condemned the incident. “Such events are not in line with the values and ethics we promote as a club and community,” they said in a statement.
A Greek police spokesperson said the Champions League qualifying-round match between AEK and Dinamo scheduled to take place at AEK’s stadium on Tuesday had been postponed.
Greek football has been plagued by violence on and off the pitch and authorities have repeatedly promised to clean up the game. Fights between fans are frequent before or after a game despite heavy fines.
And unfortunately English fans are still seen as the No1 target.
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Has anyone found what channel the Hibs v Luzern game is on? Fancy doing an Emery and researching our opponents.
BBC Scotland and I think live on I Player too.
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If probably drive to Hibbs if its them. Closer to me than Palace is.
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I used to live above the Holyrood Tavern.
Used to live round the corner up St Mary's Street. The 9A was the best local choice for drinking alone without being recognised. Then I told everyone about it being good and there went that.
There are lots of places I can go without being recognised.
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Hibs have got the full allocation of 796 tickets for their away leg in Switzerland, but say Luzern might allow ‘some more’ if the demand is there.
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No change to the date or order of the tie then?
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If probably drive to Hibbs if its them. Closer to me than Palace is.
As is Mordor.
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A reminder that European matches aren't all jolly fun days.
AEK Athens v Dinamo Zagreb CL qualifier has been postponed.
Aren't Serbian and Greek football fans a bit cosy (possibly because of the whole Eastern Orthodox thing)? Not sure if this translates into antagonism between Greek and Croatian fans.
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The 9A was the best local choice for drinking alone without being recognised.
Rock star? MI6 officer? registered sex-offender? SPL footballer?
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The 9A was the best local choice for drinking alone without being recognised.
Rock star? MI6 officer? registered sex-offender? SPL footballer?
Hitchcock lookalike.
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The 9A was the best local choice for drinking alone without being recognised.
Rock star? MI6 officer? registered sex-offender? SPL footballer?
Scottish golfer.
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Wee Willie Frankie?
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The 9A was the best local choice for drinking alone without being recognised.
Rock star? MI6 officer? registered sex-offender? SPL footballer?
Porn star?
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The 9A was the best local choice for drinking alone without being recognised.
Rock star? MI6 officer? registered sex-offender? SPL footballer?
Stripper in Sheffield
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The 9A was the best local choice for drinking alone without being recognised.
Rock star? MI6 officer? registered sex-offender? SPL footballer?
Stripper in Sheffield
;D
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Think Dinamo Zagreb have a history of large hooligan following.
Don't remember hearing that AEK were especially dodgy.
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Think Dinamo Zagreb have a history of large hooligan following.
Don't remember hearing that AEK were especially dodgy.
AEK Basketball fans have a bit of a reputation.
They recently had all home fans banned from watching them and a fine (which has since been reduced) https://basketnews.com/news-192478-aek-season-long-fine-with-no-home-fans-has-been-partially-reduced.html
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The 9A was the best local choice for drinking alone without being recognised.
Rock star? MI6 officer? registered sex-offender? SPL footballer?
Stripper in Sheffield
Sheffield: Sex City
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The 9A was the best local choice for drinking alone without being recognised.
Rock star? MI6 officer? registered sex-offender? SPL footballer?
Stripper in Sheffield
Sheffield: Sex City
The women there certainly have to steel themselves.
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The 9A was the best local choice for drinking alone without being recognised.
Rock star? MI6 officer? registered sex-offender? SPL footballer?
Stripper in Sheffield
Sheffield: Sex City
The women there certainly have to steel themselves.
I'm sure you have irons in the fire...
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Think Dinamo Zagreb have a history of large hooligan following.
Don't remember hearing that AEK were especially dodgy.
AEK Basketball fans have a bit of a reputation.
They recently had all home fans banned from watching them and a fine (which has since been reduced) https://basketnews.com/news-192478-aek-season-long-fine-with-no-home-fans-has-been-partially-reduced.html
The violence in Greek teams/supporters is totally widespread - when I was there I went to see Kalithea who were league 2 at the time and fans of another team arrived midway through the match to fight, not even the team they were playing that day.
There's been history between Greek fans and Croatians too, but even when away fans were banned for the WC play off game I went to in Athens it didn't stop the ultras from Athens teams turning up to batter each other outside. Absolutely relentless.
I love the city and will definitely go if we make the final but honestly I wouldn't be surprised to see Greek ultras turning up to cause trouble even if they're not represented.
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Sounds like fun if we get to the Final then.
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Think Dinamo Zagreb have a history of large hooligan following.
Don't remember hearing that AEK were especially dodgy.
AEK Basketball fans have a bit of a reputation.
They recently had all home fans banned from watching them and a fine (which has since been reduced) https://basketnews.com/news-192478-aek-season-long-fine-with-no-home-fans-has-been-partially-reduced.html
The violence in Greek teams/supporters is totally widespread - when I was there I went to see Kalithea who were league 2 at the time and fans of another team arrived midway through the match to fight, not even the team they were playing that day.
There's been history between Greek fans and Croatians too, but even when away fans were banned for the WC play off game I went to in Athens it didn't stop the ultras from Athens teams turning up to batter each other outside. Absolutely relentless.
I love the city and will definitely go if we make the final but honestly I wouldn't be surprised to see Greek ultras turning up to cause trouble even if they're not represented.
Sounds like a Greek Tragedy
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Don't know if this has already been posted . Tickets now on sale for season ticket holders for home leg ...£30
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Don't know if this has already been posted . Tickets now on sale for season ticket holders for home leg ...£30
Except they are not. Email was well ahead of Ticket site putting em up.
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30 odd quid for Thursday night 3rd tier European competition against Hibs or a team I've never heard of. They really have lost the plot
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The 9A was the best local choice for drinking alone without being recognised.
Rock star? MI6 officer? registered sex-offender? SPL footballer?
Stripper in Sheffield
Sheffield: Sex City
The women there certainly have to steel themselves.
The wit is cutting here like knife through butter.
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Don't know if this has already been posted . Tickets now on sale for season ticket holders for home leg ...£30
Except they are not. Email was well ahead of Ticket site putting em up.
information on website now
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£30 quid for upper Holte and £11 for the nipper. Will take that all the way through.
Remember to click "here" and not mash the block your season ticket is in from map...
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30 odd quid for Thursday night 3rd tier European competition against Hibs or a team I've never heard of. They really have lost the plot
Probably shouldn’t go then.
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30 odd quid for Thursday night 3rd tier European competition against Hibs or a team I've never heard of. They really have lost the plot
Probably shouldn’t go then.
Don't bother, he's just a sad troll. His AI poem the other day was a proper mask slipping pisstake too far.
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30 odd quid for Thursday night 3rd tier European competition against Hibs or a team I've never heard of. They really have lost the plot
Just purchased 3. Can't believe tickets are so cheap. Well done Villa.
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I won't be
If you want to accept the constant attack on the working class then that's your choice. West Ham United a London club charged £15 for their games last season.
It's a disgrace
Not even a ST Discount
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30 odd quid for Thursday night 3rd tier European competition against Hibs or a team I've never heard of. They really have lost the plot
Just purchased 3. Can't believe tickets are so cheap. Well done Villa.
Bargain, well done Villa.
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I won't be
If you want to accept the constant attack on the working class then that's your choice. West Ham United a London club charged £15 for their games last season.
It's a disgrace
Not even a ST Discount
The chairs under your bridge are probably more comfortable anyway..
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Spammers can't fill their stadium without quids for a quid and tourists.
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I won't be
If you want to accept the constant attack on the working class then that's your choice. West Ham United a London club charged £15 for their games last season.
It's a disgrace
Not even a ST Discount
Just got off the phone to Chris Heck, he said he doesn’t want you there. He’s going to serve olives instead of chips too.
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I won't be
If you want to accept the constant attack on the working class then that's your choice. West Ham United a London club charged £15 for their games last season.
It's a disgrace
Not even a ST Discount
Isn't it sort of reverse snobbery to think the working class deserve special treatment?
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30 quid sounds fair enough.
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30 quid sounds fair enough.
Of course it is. Except for one person on here that will find raindrops of shit in every ray of sunshine.
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If they’d been a quid he would say they should be free.
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30 quid sounds fair enough.
Of course it is. Except for one person on here that will find raindrops of shit in every ray of sunshine.
Not me, I think 30 quid is a bit steep to be honest
£15-£20 with concession’s would have been about right and seen the place packed
If it’s Hibs we’ll probably sell out, but if it’s the Swiss lot probably not
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I was expecting around £20 as well as its only a qualifying round.
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30 quid sounds fair enough.
Of course it is. Except for one person on here that will find raindrops of shit in every ray of sunshine.
Not me, I think 30 quid is a bit steep to be honest
£15-£20 with concession’s would have been about right and seen the place packed
If it’s Hibs we’ll probably sell out, but if it’s the Swiss lot probably not
Have to agree. It’s £10 a ticket too dear, also I signed up to the cup scheme so do I have to do anything?
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£30 is too much for a qualifier.
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It will be interesting to see what the gate is . As its still school holidays etc it might be a tricky one to guess with fans being away etc
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I won't be
If you want to accept the constant attack on the working class then that's your choice. West Ham United a London club charged £15 for their games last season.
It's a disgrace
Not even a ST Discount
well, that's not quite true, is it?
https://www.whufc.com/tickets/home-matches/uefa-europa-conference-league-three-match-package
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Is this automatically part of the cup scheme?
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For anyone interested, live coverage of Hibs v Luzern.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/live/football/66442571
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cheers
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£30 odd is unacceptable for a qualifying round, without even a small discount for season ticket holders.
By the looks of the Hibernian stadium and the turnout , it looks like they aren't really bothered by it
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£30 is too much for a qualifier.
It is. However, if there’s one thing this regime is good at it’s making (milking) the most from any opportunity. They’ve figured in a big demand based on our European absence the last 10 years. Therefore it's £30. If we’re in it next season it will be less, if it’s a CL qualifier it will be more.
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I won't be
If you want to accept the constant attack on the working class then that's your choice. West Ham United a London club charged £15 for their games last season.
It's a disgrace
Not even a ST Discount
well, that's not quite true, is it?
https://www.whufc.com/tickets/home-matches/uefa-europa-conference-league-three-match-package
You're refering to the group stage , which still offers some very good prices for packages depending on bands you go for. Good value
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What's this "only" the qualifying round? It's a European competition that many of us on here have booked accommodation for the final in a fit of hubris and excitement, competition on a Thursday, something we've been far too poor to play in for 13 years. I'd love to get away with paying nowt, but stop dumbing down like we're too good for it.
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I'm delighted we're in it and it's a fantastic opportunity for us, just think they could have priced it fairer to pack the park. We could have 5,000 empty if it's the Swiss outfit
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I won't be
If you want to accept the constant attack on the working class then that's your choice. West Ham United a London club charged £15 for their games last season.
It's a disgrace
Not even a ST Discount
Isn't it sort of reverse snobbery to think the working class deserve special treatment?
The rules are complicated. Forum consensus appears to be it's OK for middle class social democrats to say the working class deserve special treatment (and for left of centre or centrist governments to follow through largely with attempts to re-educate them), but evil and cynical for the Tories to say the same (and then probably not bother/leave them to their own devices unless they've embraced a new drug). And it's no good for the working class to say they deserve anything both for the reason you state and because if they are white they are probably racist, voted for Brexit and have bad taste (unless it's pride about almost anything Birmingham related except the obvious), so shouldn't be enabled (hence the preference for re-education).
I'd go with if an event ends up close to selling out, then the price however high is ex post justifiable. However, so many sporting events go ahead with high ticket prices but sparse crowds and that seems unjustifiable. I think the former is more likely than the latter here.
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I'll be going but I am a bit annoyed they haven't announced kick off time yet. I assume 7.45 which, being middle class, clashes with my evening meal time.
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I'll be going but I am a bit annoyed they haven't announced kick off time yet. I assume 7.45 which, being middle class, clashes with my evening meal time.
The middle class can eat?!
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30 quid sounds fair enough.
Of course it is. Except for one person on here that will find raindrops of shit in every ray of sunshine.
Nope , £20 is plenty for this stage of the competition.
Same for League & FA Cup... £20 is plenty for early rounds.
As good as it is to be back in European football let's not kid ourselves that it's nothing more than a 3rd rate competition.
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I'll be going but I am a bit annoyed they haven't announced kick off time yet. I assume 7.45 which, being middle class, clashes with my evening meal time.
The middle class can eat?!
Almost exclusively supper in the Terrace View.
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I'm just glad to pay £30 that means we are in European competition.
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So you won’tbe attending, Flin5tone?
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Hibs lead through the Brummie
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I won't be going. Skint.
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1-1 nothing to worry about here
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Should've been a red card there
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The ref was too lenient in the first half and has a bit of a problem now as the tackles are flying in.
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20 man brawl now.
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I'll be going but I am a bit annoyed they haven't announced kick off time yet. I assume 7.45 which, being middle class, clashes with my evening meal time.
A lot of the games seem to be starting at 19:30.
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Book your hotels in Edinburgh, the Swiss won’t score two at home
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I've booked an apartment in Edinburgh. Pricey as fuck, but at least I can drive it.
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I'll be going but I am a bit annoyed they haven't announced kick off time yet. I assume 7.45 which, being middle class, clashes with my evening meal time.
A lot of the games seem to be starting at 19:30.
19.45 according to match ticket
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Caught the last 20 mins , was like a league 1 side vs national league.
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Hibs lead through the Brummie
And he's not Villa a supporter, he's from the dark side , he's a big bluenose, means he goes down when they play the Villa
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When are home tickets likely to go on sale?
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£32 for my seat plus probably half a day off work. Plus all the aggro of getting to Aston through rush hour , think I'll pass.
£15 would have been fair for a preliminary round vs piss poor opposition
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On sale now.
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When are home tickets likely to go on sale?
They are now for ST. Claret members 14th General sale 21st
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When are home tickets likely to go on sale?
They are now for ST. Claret members 14th General sale 21st
Thanks mate. £32 is a bit steep, was thinking they would be below £30.
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£32 to watch Olsen, Dendonker , Bailey etc . Seems steep to me
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£32 to watch Olsen, Dendonker , Bailey etc . Seems steep to me
They would only be playing if we have a comfortable lead from the first leg.
Also, the traffic for an evening game won't be so bad, as it's school holidays.
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The team will have to be rotated due to the proximity of Prem games. If it'is Hibs they'll be wanting to boot a few of ours. No risking the star players start the B team
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£32 to watch Olsen, Dendonker , Bailey etc . Seems steep to me
Grow up
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£32 to watch Olsen, Dendonker , Bailey etc . Seems steep to me
You do have a choice you know and don't have to go.
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Sounds like away tickets will be incredibly difficult to get hold of.
A lot of us who thought we were having a “European tour” might find that’s a bit of a damp squib.
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See you in Lithuania mate! 😂
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£32 to watch Olsen, Dendonker , Bailey etc . Seems steep to me
You do have a choice you know and don't have to go.
Totally agree, I just think the price Is a bit high, still expect a decent gate
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I hope like the Terrace View it will backfire on the football club and they'll end up scrambling around , cold calling those with a booking history to buy a ticket.
There's no way we sell out if it's the Swiss team, possibly Hibs but at those prices and it being a night game I wouldn't expect it.
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Received the email form the club and saw the below - if we get to the Final I am sure that you will need to be a season ticket holder who has been to every home game and maybe a couple of away games to have a chance of getting a final ticket.
Please note, attendance at this fixture may be included in any future sales criteria required for further potential UEFA Europa Conference League matches.
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£32 to watch Aston Villa.
FTFY
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£32 to watch Aston Villa.
FTFY
Weird isn't it? Fight to get into a competition, then turn your nose up at it first opportunity over the price you'd pay to watch us play Newcastle on Saturday.
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£32 to watch Aston Villa.
FTFY
Weird isn't it? Fight to get into a competition, then turn your nose up at it first opportunity over the price you'd pay to watch us play Newcastle on Saturday.
not weird for me, I can't afford to go to any more games than my ST
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The £32 wasn't the bit I was picking on. It was the tuning the nose up at watching certain players from our squad. £45m worth of players no less.
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Years of waiting for an interesting European tie and we get a visit to Scotland!
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Years of waiting for an interesting European tie and we get a visit to Scotland!
😂 Yeah, this is it for me, too. Course, I'll still be waking up at god knows what time to watch it!
If I was back home, and planning on going to the away leg, I'd be hoping Luzern turn it around. And I don't like Hibernian, so there's that aswell.
Will be a nice game for those with a connection to Hibs, though. And Mcginn!
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Years of waiting for an interesting European tie and we get a visit to Scotland!
Well, at least they wanted to stay in the EU.
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The £32 wasn't the bit I was picking on. It was the tuning the nose up at watching certain players from our squad. £45m worth of players no less.
Apologies , it was a somewhat childish post of mine . Though I really don't rate Olsen or Bailey . I quite like Dendonker though, solid enough CM.
I do think £32 is steep though for a qualifier
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Up here in the frozen North, Oldham Athletic are charging £24 to watch them in the Conference League.
Now that's a bargain.
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30 quid sounds fair enough.
Of course it is. Except for one person on here that will find raindrops of shit in every ray of sunshine.
Of course the key point he missed out was it was 15 quid for the worst view seats which probably account for a 1000-3000 seats in a stadium that hold 62500.
The majority which give the same views as our stands started at £33.
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Up here in the frozen North, Oldham Athletic are charging £24 to watch them in the Conference League.
Now that's a bargain.
Didn't the town lose its theatre recently?
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Up here in the frozen North, Oldham Athletic are charging £24 to watch them in the Conference League.
Now that's a bargain.
Didn't the town lose its theatre recently?
Thats a bit careless. How do you lose a building?
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Up here in the frozen North, Oldham Athletic are charging £24 to watch them in the Conference League.
Now that's a bargain.
Didn't the town lose its theatre recently?
Thats a bit careless. How do you lose a building?
Crooked house disappeared overnight, it’s possible.
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I think the prices are a bit high,I expected in the region of £1.50
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I think the prices are a bit high,I expected in the region of £1.50
😂
Try the Cambodian football league. I believe it was even cheaper than that 12 years ago.
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Just seen the pricing for the fixture on the club website. Seems like it is split into 'zones' and £32 is for 'Zone 1' tickets (halfway line Trinity Road). £30, £27 and £25 for other zones. £11 for kids.
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What are Hibs fans like . Are they likely to dismantle the rest of Aston before they go home
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What are Hibs fans like . Are they likely to dismantle the rest of Aston before they go home
They're human beings, like most of the people on here.
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What are Hibs fans like . Are they likely to dismantle the rest of Aston before they go home
Most of them are Scottish, the majority from Edinburgh. There will be some you wouldn't want your daughter bringing home, some more who will be a bit loud but basically harmless and a lot more who will turn up, interact pleasantly with anyone who talks to them, support their team and go home. In other words they'll be like every other set of supporters who turn up at Villa Park.
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Hibs managed to drag a fair following of dicks with them to the pre season at Villa Park in 1989. CCS, I think they call themselves…
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Just seen the pricing for the fixture on the club website. Seems like it is split into 'zones' and £32 is for 'Zone 1' tickets (halfway line Trinity Road). £30, £27 and £25 for other zones. £11 for kids.
It seems StoneyFlint is comparing prices for the cheapest few seats in West Ham against the most expensive ones in Villa park. Top trolling there.
The Viborg match (their qualifier) was £20 for limited view, £25, £30 and £40. They also had "1966" seats at £50 and £60. They ended up with 30k in a 62k stadium.
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WTF 1966??? Celebrating the year they lost a cup final to the baggies??
Or are we going to unveil the 2022 lounge and claim we won the World Cup?
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What are Hibs fans like . Are they likely to dismantle the rest of Aston before they go home
They're human beings, like most of the people on here.
Of flesh and blood I'm made
Human, born to make mistakes
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Hibs managed to drag a fair following of dicks with them to the pre season at Villa Park in 1989. CCS, I think they call themselves…
They did call themselves that (Capital City Service, which sounds quite sweet). They were pretty notorious back in the 80s/90s. I doubt they're still a going concern.
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Hibs managed to drag a fair following of dicks with them to the pre season at Villa Park in 1989. CCS, I think they call themselves…
They did call themselves that (Capital City Service, which sounds quite sweet). They were pretty notorious back in the 80s/90s. I doubt they're still a going concern.
Sound more like a second tier hedge fund
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Details about Away tickets from PRAVDA
Aston Villa can confirm initial ticketing details for the away leg of the club’s UEFA Europa Conference League play-off round.
Villa will travel to either Scottish side Hibernian or FC Luzern of Switzerland in the first leg of their play-off tie, which is scheduled for Thursday, August 24.
The final line-up for the play-off round is nearing its completion, with Hibs and Luzern due to face each other in their third qualifying round second leg on August 17, when Villa will discover their opponent.
Full ticketing details, including prices and on-sale dates, will be released once the fixture is confirmed.
Sales criteria for away tickets will be the following:
i) 8+ years consecutive season ticket holder with 19 away league games from 2022/23 season
ii) Season ticket holder with 19 away league games from 2022/23 season
iii) Season ticket holder with 11+ away league games from 2022/23 season
iv) Season ticket holders
Supporters will be able to purchase tickets either by phone (0333 323 1874) or online at tickets.avfc.co.uk.
Each supporter who purchases a ticket will be required to complete a European Travel Form which details travel plans, time of arrival in the host country and accommodation details.
Once you have purchased your ticket and completed the travel form, a ticket eligibility voucher will be forwarded to you by email. You must bring a paper copy of this voucher with you to the host country, which will be exchanged for your ticket.
Your ticket(s) will be issued to you in the host country by Aston Villa staff and the address and collection details will be outlined on the ticket eligibility voucher.
Your numbered voucher along with driving licence and/or passport photo ID will be required to exchange for a match ticket. Tickets are strictly for personal use only, cannot be resold and are non-transferable.
All supporters will need to comply with our Europa Conference League Away Match policy, which includes an agreement to complete the European Travel Form no later than 48 hours prior to the fixture. If the form is not completed and submitted to the club, your ticket sale may be cancelled.
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Seems to put a stop to reference swapping. Wonder if any aways will get to members and not just ST holders.
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What are Hibs fans like . Are they likely to dismantle the rest of Aston before they go home
They're human beings, like most of the people on here.
Of flesh and blood I'm made
Human, born to make mistakes
However I have seen films, read and heard many times those people being described as uncouth hordes who will stop at nothing to pillage and drink all the beer. My worry is that there in not much beer in Aston and not much left to pillage. :'(
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Seems a heck of a faff to go to Scotland. Do you have to provide accomodation details if you are driving there and straight back after the match?
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Wanting everyone's travel plans seems a tad excessive.
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Just seen the pricing for the fixture on the club website. Seems like it is split into 'zones' and £32 is for 'Zone 1' tickets (halfway line Trinity Road). £30, £27 and £25 for other zones. £11 for kids.
It seems StoneyFlint is comparing prices for the cheapest few seats in West Ham against the most expensive ones in Villa park. Top trolling there.
For once I think he'll be happy. I can't see him complaining at paying £11.
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Wanting everyone's travel plans seems a tad excessive.
Get coach to Edinburgh, get coach back to Birmingham, they should understand that I think
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Do you have to say which services you are stopping for a piss at
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Just seen the pricing for the fixture on the club website. Seems like it is split into 'zones' and £32 is for 'Zone 1' tickets (halfway line Trinity Road). £30, £27 and £25 for other zones. £11 for kids.
It seems StoneyFlint is comparing prices for the cheapest few seats in West Ham against the most expensive ones in Villa park. Top trolling there.
For once I think he'll be happy. I can't see him complaining at paying £11.
you naive, foolish man. It should be under 10 for kids. Won't you for once think of the working class child working in factories and as chimney sweeps?
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Do you have to say which services you are stopping for a piss at
no stopping allowed, plastic bottles included in cost of travel
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Wanting everyone's travel plans seems a tad excessive.
Another Brexit bonus maybe? West Ham were doing something similar as well and if the travel form wasn't completed, the tickets could be cancelled. I suspect the form means nothing for the Hibs match but want to get fans attuned that they need all that info for the next rounds.
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I don't see the problem. As someone who wants a fair crack at tickets why would anyone complain about these measures unless they are circumventing the system (ie: trying to jump the queue or manipulate their place at the front of it).
Not sure I'm totally accurate but seem to recall having to do this back in the day also ?
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Wanting everyone's travel plans seems a tad excessive.
Uefa regulations, I believe. We're playing abroad.
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I don't see the problem. As someone who wants a fair crack at tickets why would anyone complain about these measures unless they are circumventing the system (ie: trying to jump the queue or manipulate their place at the front of it).
Yes, seems sensible to me too.
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Legacy of English hooligans in Europe
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Wanting everyone's travel plans seems a tad excessive.
Too right it does.
What the fuck has it got to do with them?
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I assume that form will have space to cover both options, Edinburgh and Luzern? Or will we need to fill in two forms?
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Not sure I'm totally accurate but seem to recall having to do this back in the day also ?
I don't remember providing that info for the two trips to Vienna or to Hamburg or Prague the year before that.
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The England Travel Club used to ask for proof of travel / accommodation info for all away games. They then scrapped this in favour of 100% ticket collection in person in the city the game was being played in, meaning proof of travel was obviously unnecessary.
The fact Villa seem to be doing both seems a bit over the top.
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I suspect they might be trialling both for now, or the pickup is due to the very fast turnaround of tickets (less then a week to pick them up before away match) means it is easier for Villa to dole them out in the city.
We will know more in the Group stages as we have more time to plan for those.
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I don't see the problem. As someone who wants a fair crack at tickets why would anyone complain about these measures unless they are circumventing the system (ie: trying to jump the queue or manipulate their place at the front of it).
Not sure I'm totally accurate but seem to recall having to do this back in the day also ?
Hard to manipulate it when you have to do this once in the country you're visiting. But what the fuck does it have to do with the club what people are doing on what will be for many, a short holiday.
Your numbered voucher along with driving licence and/or passport photo ID will be required to exchange for a match ticket. Tickets are strictly for personal use only, cannot be resold and are non-transferable.
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The ticketing thing is quite good. It stops fans buying cheap available tickets to go towards their booking history.
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The ticketing thing is quite good. It stops fans buying cheap available tickets to go towards their booking history.
It's a good idea, maybe they will widen it to EPL away games
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It’s certainly a bit of a rigmarole
But I’m not against it, it helps makes sure people buying tickets are actually going
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It’s certainly a bit of a rigmarole
But I’m not against it, it helps makes sure people buying tickets are actually going
Anything that helps other STHs get a bit of away history credit is a good thing. Whether it’ll get to season ticket holders for either Hibs or Lucerne is another thing.
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It’s certainly a bit of a rigmarole
But I’m not against it, it helps makes sure people buying tickets are actually going
Anything that helps other STHs get a bit of away history credit is a good thing. Whether it’ll get to season ticket holders for either Hibs or Lucerne is another thing.
Are the Terrace View 700 getting any of the tickets ???
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It’s certainly a bit of a rigmarole
But I’m not against it, it helps makes sure people buying tickets are actually going
Anything that helps other STHs get a bit of away history credit is a good thing. Whether it’ll get to season ticket holders for either Hibs or Lucerne is another thing.
Are the Terrace View 700 getting any of the tickets ???
Delivered to their hotels for an extra £100.
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Went on the site earlier to get tickets for the second leg and there weren't many left. Are season ticket seats being held at this moment, as I guess we are looking at a sell out if not?
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It’s certainly a bit of a rigmarole
But I’m not against it, it helps makes sure people buying tickets are actually going
Anything that helps other STHs get a bit of away history credit is a good thing. Whether it’ll get to season ticket holders for either Hibs or Lucerne is another thing.
Are the Terrace View 700 getting any of the tickets ???
Delivered to their hotels for an extra £100 with a Pizzahut 'pineapple special' and a few grams of Columbia's finest.
FTFY
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Went on the site earlier to get tickets for the second leg and there weren't many left. Are season ticket seats being held at this moment, as I guess we are looking at a sell out if not?
Yep Season Ticket seats held until 21st.
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Anyone know if the home leg comes under the cup scheme? I’ve assumed it does and I don’t have to do anything but there’s no mention of it in the tickets details.
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There isn't a cup scheme any more is there?
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I’m sure I ticked a cup scheme box on my season ticket renewal - probably imagined it then. Thanks.
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A cup scheme will be made available to season ticket holders who wish to have their seat purchased automatically for each home cup match. If their usual seat is allocated to the opposition (due to competition rules) or the area is unavailable to purchase for a cup game then alternative seating will be offered.
https://www.avfc.co.uk/fans/fans-charter/ticketing/
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Good prices for this, would like to think the group games would be priced similar if we get through.
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I’m sure I ticked a cup scheme box on my season ticket renewal - probably imagined it then. Thanks.
You need to check your account to see if under alerts there is a ticket reserved for you to buy.
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Good prices for this, would like to think the group games would be priced similar if we get through.
Coming soon, Conference League 3 game bundle. £115. Save £5 on the match day prices.
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I noted that away ticket information page stated that date of the tie is yet to be decided, is that because if it's Hibs it could be 23 rather than 24 August?
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I noted that away ticket information page stated that date of the tie is yet to be decided, is that because if it's Hibs it could be 23 rather than 24 August?
I think you'll find that it's due to Hearts playing Rosenberg in the same competition. If they win the tie, then due to EUFA not allowing clubs within a 50-mile radius to each play at home on the same night, the Hibs v Villa game would be moved to the previous night.
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I noted that away ticket information page stated that date of the tie is yet to be decided, is that because if it's Hibs it could be 23 rather than 24 August?
I think you'll find that it's due to Hearts playing Rosenberg in the same competition. If they win the tie, then due to EUFA not allowing clubs within a 50-mile radius to each play at home on the same night, the Hibs v Villa game would be moved to the previous night.
Nope
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Bit confused - the BBC web site for fixtures have us as the away leg being Wednesday 23rd Aug
Surely this is wrong?
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yes, it is wrong
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It's the BBC.
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1-0 Hibs. 4-1 on agg
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1-1 now
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If we play Hibs, I'm fairly confident their main tactic will be to kick us off the pitch.
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If we play Hibs, I'm fairly confident their main tactic will be to kick us off the pitch.
home game is now sold out
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2-1 Luzern.
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So are we playing Hibs on 23 or 24 next week?
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If we play Hibs, I'm fairly confident their main tactic will be to kick us off the pitch.
home game is now sold out
Lot of seats held back for season ticket holders will become available on 21/8.
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So are we playing Hibs on 23 or 24 next week?
Need to know asap really as I can do Hibs away on the Thursday but not on the Wednesday.
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Being lazy here. What’s the deadline for STs to claim their seat?
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Being lazy here. What’s the deadline for STs to claim their seat?
Monday Aug. 21st, 5pm.
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Being lazy here. What’s the deadline for STs to claim their seat?
Monday Aug. 21st, 5pm.
Cheers
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Well Hearts are through, and hibs are 2 goals to the good in injury time....so does that mean we are the wednesday?
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Well Hearts are through, and hibs are 2 goals to the good in injury time....so does that mean we are the wednesday?
I read somewhere that if both go through Hearts will move dates.
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I hope we are the Thursday still as I've booked Wed-Fri and fancy a mooch about the day before. Not been up there since 2009.
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Just looking at the play off draw and there’s some tasty ties across the draw.
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The battle of Britain then.
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Well Hearts are through, and hibs are 2 goals to the good in injury time....so does that mean we are the wednesday?
I read somewhere that if both go through Hearts will move dates.
UEFA rules state that the team who finished lower have to move, so it would be Hibs v us, presumably on the Wednesday. Unless the police interfere for some reason.
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This is a great tie, really looking forward to it
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I hope we are the Thursday still as I've booked Wed-Fri and fancy a mooch about the day before. Not been up there since 2009.
Gorgeous city
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Would rather it gets moved to Wednesday as with short travel Sunday-Wednesday is o.k recovery time and then we have extra 24 hours to prepare for Burnley match.
Pretty happy with that, will certainly attract a 40k crowd to VP. Just realised Lee Johnson is their manager, he got done here 5-0 with Bristol City in one of the championship seasons and then bizarrely moaned about us celebrating the goals too loudly or something so that will add a bit more amusement.
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It’s going to be on Wednesday.
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Lee Johnson said Wednesday but he's not very good at making his say stick.
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It’s going to be on Wednesday.
I've been brave/stupid and booked the train for wednesday now.....seems everyone is saying Wednesday
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Is it Burnely and Liverpool we have between the ties? Not too bad only having to go to Edinburgh and back.
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Away is Weds 23rd, 5.45pm kick off.
Home is Thurs 31st at 8pm.
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And for anyone wondering why it's 5.45pm, UEFA don't allow Europa Conference League games to take place at the same time as UEFA Champions League games.
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So we will buying 5 players and playing a match. Busy night for Emery.
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Away is Weds 23rd, 5.45pm kick off.
Home is Thurs 31st at 8pm.
Oh good, I can cancel my night off.
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Away is Weds 23rd, 5.45pm kick off.
Home is Thurs 31st at 8pm.
Fucking bollocks and double bollocks.
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This is a great tie, really looking forward to it
Same here, the Joe Ward derby should be a cracker.
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Gonna be a special evening for SJM.
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Gonna be a special evening for SJM.
And Joe Newell, massive Birmingham supporter
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I hope we absolutely thrash them.
Think it will be tough up there, though.
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Away is Weds 23rd, 5.45pm kick off.
Home is Thurs 31st at 8pm.
Fucking bollocks and double bollocks.
Snap. Away is Weds 23rd, 5.45pm kick off.
Home is Thurs 31st at 8pm.
Fucking bollocks and double bollocks.
Snap. I can't do the Wednesday. I was able to go with it being the Thursday and I'm in the first sales criteria. Gutted.
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I've just checked AVFC, and the home leg is showing as sold out. Not sure if they are holding any back, but if not, that really is phenomenal, and just shows how long we have been savouring a return to European footie! What will JJ say when he sees the crowd? ;D
Edit: - to say I just noticed there is still a link for ST holders to reserve their seat, so not fully sold out yet then....
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For the 1 millionth time, it’s not sold out as Season Ticket holders have until 5pm tonight to claim their seat.
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Any season ticket holders seats that haven't purchased by Monday will go back on sale then.
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For the 1 millionth time, it’s not sold out as Season Ticket holders have until 5pm tonight to claim their seat.
Yes I spotted that when I went back just after posting!
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For the 1 millionth time, it’s not sold out as Season Ticket holders have until 5pm tonight to claim their seat.
Yes I spotted that when I went back just after posting!
Sorry wasn’t having a go.
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Away is Weds 23rd, 5.45pm kick off.
Home is Thurs 31st at 8pm.
Oh how come it's been moved to Wednesday? And why the hell 5.45 pm. How many Hibs fans won't be able to go now owing to not being able to knock off early?
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As Hearts finished higher and similar got through, so the game is a Wednesday, wherein Champions League football is on and other competitions cannot clash. Fabregas had fouled Barry and therefore was off the pitch when Young took the penalty.
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Away is Weds 23rd, 5.45pm kick off.
Home is Thurs 31st at 8pm.
Oh how come it's been moved to Wednesday? And why the hell 5.45 pm. How many Hibs fans won't be able to go now owing to not being able to knock off early?
UEFA rules. Firstly two clubs cannot play within 50 miles of each other at the same time, and there are CL games on and other games are not allowed to be played at the same time hence the early KO.
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And for anyone wondering why it's 5.45pm, UEFA don't allow Europa Conference League games to take place at the same time as UEFA Champions League games.
That is ridiculous and I can't see the point...oh wait, let me guess...*television*...fuck the attending support. Television...
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The early kick-off thing - doesn't that effect Europa League Thursday games too? I'm sure I've randomly seen Arsenal play in a former Soviet State on a Thursday tea-time in recent times.
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And for anyone wondering why it's 5.45pm, UEFA don't allow Europa Conference League games to take place at the same time as UEFA Champions League games.
That is ridiculous and I can't see the point...oh wait, let me guess...*television*...fuck the attending support. Television...
Of course it is, supporter consideration being bottom of the pile is hardly a new thing. We were all set for the away game until Hearts won last night.
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On-Sale Dates
DATE: TIME: ON SALE TO:
Friday, August 18 3pm 8+ years consecutive Season Ticket Holders with 19 away league games from 2022/23 season
Friday, August 18 5pm 2023/24 Season Ticket Holders with 19 away league games from 2022/23 season
Saturday, August 19 10am
2023/24 Season Ticket Holders with 11+ away league games from 2022/23 season
Saturday, August 19 12noon
2023/24 Season Ticket Holders
Saturday, August 19 2pm
Members
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With only 1078 tickets available there is no chance that there will be any left at the end of day today. So no chance of a ticket for me however I can help someone with hotel and transport needs ;)
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What a pathetic allocation that is, Hibs had that many in Switzerland last night.
My guess is Villa took the minimum to avoid having to having to extra staff up there to dish the tickets out on Weds.
Sod the fans as usual and any plans we had made to get there.
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Isn’t it more likely that Hibs want to fill the ground with their fans?
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What a pathetic allocation that is, Hibs had that many in Switzerland last night.
My guess is Villa took the minimum to avoid having to having to extra staff up there to dish the tickets out on Weds.
Sod the fans as usual and any plans we had made to get there.
They only give small allocations in league games as well. Think this is pretty standard
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Is the away leg on TV anywhere?
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What a pathetic allocation that is, Hibs had that many in Switzerland last night.
My guess is Villa took the minimum to avoid having to having to extra staff up there to dish the tickets out on Weds.
Sod the fans as usual and any plans we had made to get there.
They only give small allocations in league games as well. Think this is pretty standard
5% minimum to away fans is the competition rule is it not ? Assume they'll sell theirs out easily.
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Is the away leg on TV anywhere?
Is my question as well!
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I hope we give them the same down here, but I doubt it.
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Crap allocation. They give the whole end for league matches.
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Why such a small allocation? Surely they'd want loads of us up there? For financial reasons etc
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Not really. They can sell out to their own fans and it might even encourage a few to attend again when the likes of Ross County visit. We represent a pie and a pint, once in our lifetime.
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Flights were good from Bristol as well. Bugger!!
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Away is Weds 23rd, 5.45pm kick off.
Home is Thurs 31st at 8pm.
Oh how come it's been moved to Wednesday? And why the hell 5.45 pm. How many Hibs fans won't be able to go now owing to not being able to knock off early?
They're all unemployed up there so KO time won't be an issue
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What a pathetic allocation that is, Hibs had that many in Switzerland last night.
My guess is Villa took the minimum to avoid having to having to extra staff up there to dish the tickets out on Weds.
Sod the fans as usual and any plans we had made to get there.
Don’t think that will be anything like the case….they will fill the ground with their fans so that will be the allocation we are given
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Is the away leg on TV anywhere?
Is my question as well!
Their home leg was on BBC Scotland then at kick off it was available here on iPlayer.
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Game will definitely be on TV somewhere
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Is the away leg on TV anywhere?
Is my question as well!
TNT, the channel formerly known as BT Sport will be showing it. There maybe others.
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Just taken a look at a couple of their forums
1. They are not happy about the kick off time, unsurprisingly
2. The general thought is that it'll be a matter of their keeping the score down, although the Newcastle result has buoyed them a little
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Why such a small allocation? Surely they'd want loads of us up there? For financial reasons etc
You would have thought so that people of a third world occupied colonial country would show a little bit less arrogance and be more compliant :D
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What a pathetic allocation that is, Hibs had that many in Switzerland last night.
My guess is Villa took the minimum to avoid having to having to extra staff up there to dish the tickets out on Weds.
Sod the fans as usual and any plans we had made to get there.
Don’t think that will be anything like the case….they will fill the ground with their fans so that will be the allocation we are given
I guess so I suppose, but I’m of a mindset lately where I have a very low opinion and lack of trust when it comes to anything our club does for fans. I have probably jumped to the wrong conclusion, we’ll see. But can you ever seeing us taking a larger allocation in Europe if it’s on offer when there’s no financial gain to the club to do so, just the inconvenience of handling it all?
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Why such a small allocation? Surely they'd want loads of us up there? For financial reasons etc
You would have thought so that people of a third world occupied colonial country would show a little bit less arrogance and be more compliant :D
Haha. Absolutely, mate!
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Just taken a look at a couple of their forums
1. They are not happy about the kick off time, unsurprisingly
2. The general thought is that it'll be a matter of their keeping the score down, although the Newcastle result has buoyed them a little
Somebody should point them towards our recent cup record againt supposedly lesser teams. I'll be happy at this stage if we scrape through on away goals.
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The away goals rule was scrapped a couple of years ago.
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I feel physically sick.
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I feel physically sick.
Why?
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Who would win between Stevenage and Hibs?
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Who would win between Stevenage and Hibs?
Football
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Does make me chuckle that we wait an age for some European football at Villa & we end up not even having to leave the island... 😂
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Who would win between Stevenage and Hibs?
Football
It's the World Cup final of managers who are c***s.
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Who would win between Stevenage and Hibs?
Football
It's the World Cup final of managers who are c***s.
:) :)
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Does make me chuckle that we wait an age for some European football at Villa & we end up not even having to leave the island... 😂
and a ridiculous KO time when many people will be at work or commuting
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Does make me chuckle that we wait an age for some European football at Villa & we end up not even having to leave the island... 😂
and a ridiculous KO time when many people will be at work or commuting
And a standard KO time for UEFA competitions for some time now.....
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Does make me chuckle that we wait an age for some European football at Villa & we end up not even having to leave the island... 😂
and a ridiculous KO time when many people will be at work or commuting
And a standard KO time for UEFA competitions for some time now.....
Yes get with the program Timbo
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Does make me chuckle that we wait an age for some European football at Villa & we end up not even having to leave the island... 😂
and a ridiculous KO time when many people will be at work or commuting
And a standard KO time for UEFA competitions for some time now.....
even so , it's still a ridiculous time to play professional football
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13 years in the waiting! Cannot fucking wait!
They're unallocated seating, so you cannot choose where you're sat.
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Just taken a look at a couple of their forums
1. They are not happy about the kick off time, unsurprisingly
2. The general thought is that it'll be a matter of their keeping the score down, although the Newcastle result has buoyed them a little
Somebody should point them towards our recent cup record againt supposedly lesser teams. I'll be happy at this stage if we scrape through on away goals.
This, all day long. No way will this tie be a walkover. We've lot against some right shit in the cups over the last 15 years, far worse teams than Hibs.
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Law of averages says we must win one sooner or later this could be our year
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With only 1078 tickets available there is no chance that there will be any left at the end of day today. So no chance of a ticket for me however I can help someone with hotel and transport needs ;)
Some Hibs fans doubt they'll sell out and think they may yet increase our allocation, so don't cancel the travel plans just yet.
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Why wouldn't they sell out to us? We've got McGinn...
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Why wouldn't they sell out to us? We've got McGinn...
Kick-off time mainly, others say it will definitely sell out because it's 'the Villa' coming to town*.
*They may actually just have said that it's their biggest game in years.
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Speaking of which, what are the thoughts on likely ticket availability for the home game?
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Their average attendance isn't far off capacity is it? Easter Road isn't exactly an enormodome.
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Their average attendance isn't far off capacity is it? Easter Road isn't exactly an enormodome.
17,500 in a 20k ground.
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Speaking of which, what are the thoughts on likely ticket availability for the home game?
Depends on whether you're planning on trying to get one through the #*!@ing app.
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Credit to Hibernian, charging £21.50 for season ticket holders
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Speaking of which, what are the thoughts on likely ticket availability for the home game?
If you want one mate shout now?
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Speaking of which, what are the thoughts on likely ticket availability for the home game?
should be fine.
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What a pathetic allocation that is, Hibs had that many in Switzerland last night.
My guess is Villa took the minimum to avoid having to having to extra staff up there to dish the tickets out on Weds.
Sod the fans as usual and any plans we had made to get there.
Don’t think that will be anything like the case….they will fill the ground with their fans so that will be the allocation we are given
I guess so I suppose, but I’m of a mindset lately where I have a very low opinion and lack of trust when it comes to anything our club does for fans. I have probably jumped to the wrong conclusion, we’ll see. But can you ever seeing us taking a larger allocation in Europe if it’s on offer when there’s no financial gain to the club to do so, just the inconvenience of handling it all?
I've seen Steve Gough (been running independent travel to Villa games, including Europe, since the Boer war) on social media citing the same logic as you, mate. He claims Villa turned down a larger allocation and the extra paperwork was put forward as a reason.
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Just taken a look at a couple of their forums
1. They are not happy about the kick off time, unsurprisingly
2. The general thought is that it'll be a matter of their keeping the score down, although the Newcastle result has buoyed them a little
Somebody should point them towards our recent cup record againt supposedly lesser teams. I'll be happy at this stage if we scrape through on away goals.
This, all day long. No way will this tie be a walkover. We've lot against some right shit in the cups over the last 15 years, far worse teams than Hibs.
I'm with Risso on this too. Hibs will be manically motivated for this tie
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Not showing on TNT TV schedule as yet.
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Remember those muppets Rapid Vienna?
Who, I believe, play in green and white? Them?
*shudder*
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They play Fiorentina in the play-off round.
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If i was playing in this game i'd definitely bring me shinpads
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It's not fair that Hibbs will have fans behind both goals.
Sockless dwarf.
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Any ideas how many away tickets are left after today? It isn't showing as sold out yet.
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Any ideas how many away tickets are left after today? It isn't showing as sold out yet.
Around 118 I think
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Any ideas how many away tickets are left after today? It isn't showing as sold out yet.
There's no way of checking, as when you purchase, you didn't get the chance to choose your seat. Could be upper or lower tier, no clue.
The allocation is effectively the same as Bournemouth, so with some not being able to go, you'd think there would be a couple hundred left.
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Any ideas how many away tickets are left after today? It isn't showing as sold out yet.
There's no way of checking, as when you purchase, you didn't get the chance to choose your seat. Could be upper or lower tier, no clue.
The allocation is effectively the same as Bournemouth, so with some not being able to go, you'd think there would be a couple hundred left.
It's the hope that kills you
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I tell a lie, there's 178 seats left.
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It's not fair that Hibbs will have fans behind both goals.
Sockless dwarf.
It's Hibs. Hibs. Hibs! HIBS!*
*Unless I'm missing some kind of in-joke, in which case it's not funny and you ought to be ashamed of yourself.
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I tell a lie, there's 178 seats left.
Thank you. That will be a mad rush lottery tomorrow then
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It's not fair that Hibbs will have fans behind both goals.
Sockless dwarf.
It's Hibs. Hibs. Hibs! HIBS!*
*Unless I'm missing some kind of in-joke, in which case it's not funny and you ought to be ashamed of yourself.
Post above confirms that Ads is a liar so no need to get a b in your bonnet.
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I will spell Hibbbs correctly in future.
In terms of tickets, good luck tomorrow gents.
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Fuck it, I'm going anyway. I promised the lad I'd take him wherever our first game was, tickets or not, so in some ways it's a blessing it's 'only' Edinburgh*, but in others it's a waste of school holidays to not be trying to make our way across Kazakhstan or some such outpost.
*The niece loves Edinburgh after we took her there about 4 years ago. She's already decided it's where she wants to go to uni. So I've gotta take her too as she's invited herself.
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I feel physically sick.
Why?
Risso’s post and our history Clamps. Maybe you can help me relax.
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We've won 1 of out last 8 European matches, and we still went out on away goals after winning that one.
That should cheer you up.
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About as relevant to us smashing Hibbbbs senseless, twice, as that time we done gone and won the European Cup.
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Fuck it, I'm going anyway. I promised the lad I'd take him wherever our first game was, tickets or not, so in some ways it's a blessing it's 'only' Edinburgh*, but in others it's a waste of school holidays to not be trying to make our way across Kazakhstan or some such outpost.
*The niece loves Edinburgh after we took her there about 4 years ago. She's already decided it's where she wants to go to uni. So I've gotta take her too as she's invited herself.
Ha, I was the same. First visited Edinburgh when I was 12, was going up on my own at 16. I absolutely loved the place (still do). Moved there for uni as soon as I could.
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Not showing on TNT TV schedule as yet.
Spurs supporting friend of mine said the play off round when they were in it wasn't televised on BT but some random channel instead. I was kind of hoping it might be BBC Scotland like their last home leg.
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Can’t see an outright market for the conference league on Bet365, would this be available once the qualifiers are complete?
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Hibs any good these days??
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Hibs any good these days??
Short arse Johnson being their Manager ought to tell you all you need to know.
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Not showing on TNT TV schedule as yet.
TNT would want a deal agreed with both clubs for two legs so may be having a little difficulty tiding that up.
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Can’t see an outright market for the conference league on Bet365, would this be available once the qualifiers are complete?
Oddschecker has one company offering an outright winner, and we're the only one they're offering odds on - 3/1 to win the competition.
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Can’t see an outright market for the conference league on Bet365, would this be available once the qualifiers are complete?
Oddschecker has one company offering an outright winner, and we're the only one they're offering odds on - 3/1 to win the competition.
Cheers, hardly flying under the radar then!
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I tell a lie, there's 178 seats left.
Thank you. That will be a mad rush lottery tomorrow then
Sold out before the 10am window opened today
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Yep, I was on at 9:50 and was telling me it was sold out >:( >:(
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I can't believe this isn't going to be televised.
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Really? Not even BBC Scotland?
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I can't believe this isn't going to be televised.
If I wake/stay up for it mate, I'll send you a stream
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I can't believe this isn't going to be televised.
If I wake/stay up for it mate, I'll send you a stream
Cheers mate.
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Astonvilla82 and myself are both on the HibeesBounce fanzine site at the mo. Friendly lot. Only been called a stupid brummie prick once, which is a pleasant surprise...
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The thinking there seems to be that someone somewhere will pick this up for TV. Just seems unreal that a home nations tie is going to remain on the shelf...
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The thinking there seems to be that someone somewhere will pick this up for TV. Just seems unreal that a home nations tie is going to remain on the shelf...
It’s on BBC Scotland.
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The thinking there seems to be that someone somewhere will pick this up for TV. Just seems unreal that a home nations tie is going to remain on the shelf...
It’s on BBC Scotland.
And iPlayer in England!
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Astonvilla82 and myself are both on the HibeesBounce fanzine site at the mo. Friendly lot. Only been called a stupid brummie prick once, which is a pleasant surprise...
wife calls me that once a week
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Astonvilla82 and myself are both on the HibeesBounce fanzine site at the mo. Friendly lot. Only been called a stupid brummie prick once, which is a pleasant surprise...
I assume you haven't found their 'Off Topic' section then.
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Astonvilla82 and myself are both on the HibeesBounce fanzine site at the mo. Friendly lot. Only been called a stupid brummie prick once, which is a pleasant surprise...
I assume you haven't found their 'Off Topic' section then.
I think he might have posted one of his "jokes".
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Tickets are moving fast for the home game. There's fewer than a hundred available in the UT. And that's with the released ones from STHs that didn't take up the offer. I've bagged the seat of my neighbour for my nipper.
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Fair few Hibs fans claiming to have bought tickets in the home end, i'm suspecting most are talking bollocks.
https://www.hibs.net/showthread.php?363486-VILLA-Away-Purchased
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Fair few Hibs fans claiming to have bought tickets in the home end, i'm suspecting most are talking bollocks.
https://www.hibs.net/showthread.php?363486-VILLA-Away-Purchased
Quoted on another Hibs website as well.
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Could be interesting 🥊
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Tickets are moving fast for the home game. There's fewer than a hundred available in the UT. And that's with the released ones from STHs that didn't take up the offer. I've bagged the seat of my neighbour for my nipper.
Purely for nostalgia I have to say ITS A DISGRACE!! Could sell them for £2.50 each to the working classes
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But please not in Trinity Upper!
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Fair few Hibs fans claiming to have bought tickets in the home end, i'm suspecting most are talking bollocks.
https://www.hibs.net/showthread.php?363486-VILLA-Away-Purchased
I don't think they are, having read the thread it all seems pretty genuine.
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I got a ticket! Hooray!
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Me too! Well, three.
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The thinking there seems to be that someone somewhere will pick this up for TV. Just seems unreal that a home nations tie is going to remain on the shelf...
It’s on BBC Scotland.
And iPlayer in England!
That'll do me, thanks 😊
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Tickets are moving fast for the home game. There's fewer than a hundred available in the UT. And that's with the released ones from STHs that didn't take up the offer. I've bagged the seat of my neighbour for my nipper.
Purely for nostalgia I have to say ITS A DISGRACE!! Could sell them for £2.50 each to the working classes
£2.50? absolutely disgusting price I wouldn't pay that when I can stand on Aston Park and listen to the roar of the crowd for nothing
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If anyone is travelling up from West Wales (Cardigan, Aberystwyth) and wants to share a lift, let me know.
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Does anyone know if you can park in powerleague car park for evening games?
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Does anyone know if you can park in powerleague car park for evening games?
I doubt it as it's in use at that time
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Fair few Hibs fans claiming to have bought tickets in the home end, i'm suspecting most are talking bollocks.
https://www.hibs.net/showthread.php?363486-VILLA-Away-Purchased
I don't think they are, having read the thread it all seems pretty genuine.
Yeah I posted it while I was reading the first page,, reading more of it does seem legit. It does beg the question of how is it so easy for them to register and buy tickets.
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Surely if someone sets up an account with an Edinburgh address it raises questions at the club....surely?
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Would they be physically attacked in the Villa end, though?
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The club and police have cancelled any tickets purchased and the criteria will be changing.
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All clubs nowadays have built-in restrictions such that new accounts and postcodes from near away team's location are not allowed to purchase. However because of online ticketing people can set up an account with a fake address as all comms are via email. Stopping newly registered accounts from purchasing is much more effective.
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Does anyone know if you can park in powerleague car park for evening games?
Up until recently i was playing 5 a side every Wednesday and before that Thursdays at the powerleague and it was hard enough getting parked just for that. Given that I’d say theres no chance of parking for Villa being available.
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Surprising that it was so easy for so many of them to buy tickets in the Villa ends. I wonder what was different about this game that allowed it.
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It’s very rare that you need previous booking history to buy a ticket when it gets to general sale.
This season for example it’s only the Arsenal Liverpool Man Utd and Wolves fixtures that require previous booking history.
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Seems harsh enough to me as it doesn't feel like the sort of game that would result in trouble. There've been plenty of instances of villa fans having bought in home sections.
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One there seems to be saying he’s got a ticket in the Villa end at Easter Road. Surely not? Most of us can’t get one of those!
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Must have been to 19 aways last season, as he won't get given a ticket tomorrow if his ID doesn't match what's already linked up on the club database.
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Surprising that it was so easy for so many of them to buy tickets in the Villa ends. I wonder what was different about this game that allowed it.
Not a given that they’llget away with it.
Friend of mine bought a home end ticket at Derby.
Sale went through then shortly before the match they cancelled it as they’d cross referenced his details with Villa and knew he was a ST holder.
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Do you just get an e-ticket when purchasing singles? If so whats to stop just using a Bham address for the account and then getting the e-ticket through?
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Do you just get an e-ticket when purchasing singles? If so whats to stop just using a Bham address for the account and then getting the e-ticket through?
Would you not have to put the address that your bank card is registered to? I’m never sure and have been successful getting tickets in home ends several times using my proper address, but West Ham phoned me up to tell me they’d have to cancel a booking a couple of seasons ago (yet will let me buy for any other opponent should I want to) and Burton Albion’s system, despite me having a reference with them for going to 2 or 3 of their league games in each of the last 3 seasons, wouldn’t let me buy from them when Villa U21s played there because I have a Birmingham postcode, so got them through Villa.
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One there seems to be saying he’s got a ticket in the Villa end at Easter Road. Surely not? Most of us can’t get one of those!
That is on par with blue noses taking over Holte End.
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Villa won't sell me a home leg ticket despite a Birmingham address and bank.
Not bought a ticket under my ID since the Championship days and had to reactivate my account so its fair enough I guess. Does feel like Villa gone from one extreme to the other if it was initially on general sale though.
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Went onto the ticket sales just out of interest and there's a message in big writing at the top of the page saying something like THESE TICKETS ARE FOR ASTON VILLA FANS ONLY!
Has that always been there or is it a reaction to Hibs fans?
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Went onto the ticket sales just out of interest and there's a message in big writing at the top of the page saying something like THESE TICKETS ARE FOR ASTON VILLA FANS ONLY!
Has that always been there or is it a reaction to Hibs fans?
I checked yesterday and didn't see the message
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Tickets purchased from this site are for home fans only
UEFA Conference League Play Off
Aston Villa v Hibernian
UEFA Conference League Play Off
Villa Park
Last tickets
31 Aug 2023
Thu 20:00Buy
PLEASE NOTE DATE AND TIME OF THE MATCH ARE TBC
On Sale Dates:
Season Ticket holders - Online from 10 August 5pm - Phone from 11 August 10am
Claret, Villan and Cub Members - Online from 14 August 5pm - Phone from 15 August 10am
General Sale- Online from 21 August 5pm - Phone from 22 August 10am
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So next week if you find yourself sat next to a very pale, silent ginger you'll know
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Would they be physically attacked in the Villa end, though?
In my experience only if they score and celebrate
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So next week if you find yourself sat next to a very pale, silent ginger you'll know
Sounds like me as kid (I was never one for making any noise as too shy plus autistic). Still can't join in chanting even at nearly 50! No hair these days though.
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Will they be cancelling the tickets?
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One there seems to be saying he’s got a ticket in the Villa end at Easter Road. Surely not? Most of us can’t get one of those!
I'd guess that this complete and utter bo**ux.
Those few of us who qualify for a ticket tomorrow only found out how to collect our tickets this afternoon....and photo id is required!
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So next week if you find yourself sat next to a very pale, silent ginger you'll know
Quite a few celts down the Villa, included myself, could describe a number of us.
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Went onto the ticket sales just out of interest and there's a message in big writing at the top of the page saying something like THESE TICKETS ARE FOR ASTON VILLA FANS ONLY!
Has that always been there or is it a reaction to Hibs fans?
It's always been there.
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Seems harsh enough to me as it doesn't feel like the sort of game that would result in trouble. There've been plenty of instances of villa fans having bought in home sections.
I think odd ones here and there (including an Edinburgh dwelling mate of mine tomorrow) are always going to happen and can be tolerated on the understanding they respectfully keep their mouth shut. As soon as you get groups of away fans in home ends it will embolden them and likely lead to aggro.
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Would they be physically attacked in the Villa end, though?
I hope not. I hope we are better than that as they are from "Europe" and not our League rivals but there are some ****** who frequent Villa Park wearing our colours.
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It was pretty daft of the club to put this tie on general sale as you didn't need to be Einstein to know there'd be a good chance of away fans buying them. AS MV says, if it's the odd one then no problem, happens at most games, but seems there's a fair few bought them just on that one thread so you have to assume quite a few more have as well and you only need a small group to be twats and suddenly our return to Europe is in the news for the wrong reasons.
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Can't we all hide in the Terrace Bar if it all kicks off?
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Hibs had a handy firm back in the day i'm told. They'd all be in their 50's and 60's now mind
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so i've been told the ticket pick up location is a 35 minute walk from the ground. What a palava , they don't make it easy do they .
Glad i'll be at home on the couch
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The pick up is Biddy Mulligans which is 2 miles from the ground and a 14 minute walk.
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The pick up is Biddy Mulligans which is 2 miles from the ground and a 14 minute walk.
I think you need to check Maps again
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The pick up is Biddy Mulligans which is 2 miles from the ground and a 14 minute walk.
the official message from Villa says 35 min walk
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Oh yeah looked at the taxi bloke instead of the walking chap.
I'm not sure why it's a palava. In Prague, Hamburg Odense, Madrid etc etc, you didn't drink by the ground, but in the city/town centres. Given this place appears 10 minutes away from most of the hotels (9 for mine) I'm not sure I get the issue, especially when it doesn't effect him.
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What time's the window for collection?
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What time's the window for collection?
10am - 4pm
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So next week if you find yourself sat next to a very pale, silent ginger you'll know
Quite a few celts down the Villa, included myself, could describe a number of us.
Not me, I'm not the silent type.
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Making it central if the ground isn't makes sense I guess. I wonder if the pub paid the club for the extra custom!
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Suspect it suits the Police too, as its absolutely rammed with the Fringe as it is.
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Lee Johnson is a little ******
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Lee Johnson is a little ******
He'll be in the 4th officials ear all game
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Lee Johnson is a little ******
He'll be in the 4th officials ear all game
Does he have a step ladder?
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Decent spot for a European away pub in fairness. Quite a square sort of vibe around it.
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Bloke outside is fucking hilarious!
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Oh yeah looked at the taxi bloke instead of the walking chap.
If you were hoping to spot Alex Cropley I think he retired a few years back. It was always on my bucket list to share a cab ride with Alex driving. Another was to call in at Deacy's in Galway and meet the great man himself.
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Biddy is in Grassmarket so most fans will be there or thereabouts during the day.
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Biddy is in Grassmarket so most fans will be there or thereabouts during the day.
Hi Steve
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The pick up is Biddy Mulligans which is 2 miles from the ground and a 14 minute walk.
2 miles in 14 mins? Are you Seb Coe in disguise?
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Biddy is in Grassmarket so most fans will be there or thereabouts during the day.
Hi Steve
Just roll your sleeves up and get on with it as it is what it is.
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We're favourites to win the whole competition at 3/1.
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We're favourites to win the whole competition at 3/1.
We might as well get a trophy replica made and ready to go in that display cabinet in the tunnel area.
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Biddy is in Grassmarket so most fans will be there or thereabouts during the day.
Hi Steve
Hello!
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Biddy is in Grassmarket so most fans will be there or thereabouts during the day.
Hi Steve
Just roll your sleeves up and get on with it as it is what it is.
wor tulips will be shooting up
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We're favourites to win the whole competition at 3/1.
We might as well get a trophy replica made and ready to go in that display cabinet in the tunnel area.
Agree mate.
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We're favourites to win the whole competition at 3/1.
We might as well get a trophy replica made and ready to go in that display cabinet in the tunnel area.
Does anyone know when the victory parade in Brum will be? I want to make sure I get a flight back from Athens in time for it.
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We're favourites to win the whole competition at 3/1.
We might as well get a trophy replica made and ready to go in that display cabinet in the tunnel area.
Does anyone know when the victory parade in Brum will be? I want to make sure I get a flight back from Athens in time for it.
It’s shocking that you have not booked the flight so far. I thought you were booked on the same BA first class flight as myself🤦🏾
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We're favourites to win the whole competition at 3/1.
We might as well get a trophy replica made and ready to go in that display cabinet in the tunnel area.
Does anyone know when the victory parade in Brum will be? I want to make sure I get a flight back from Athens in time for it.
It’s shocking that you have not booked the flight so far. I thought you were booked on the same BA first class flight as myself🤦🏾
Unfortunately, BA don't offer first class on their intra-Europe flights. Mind you, with the way their product has declined, some might say they don't offer it anywhere.
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Unfortunately, BA don't offer first class on their intra-Europe flights. Mind you, with the way their product has declined, some might say they don't offer it anywhere.
I must say I found their last few business class flights to China/S Korea very disappointing. Tatty old aircrafts with unimaginative service. Emirates and Cathay are wiping the floor with them.
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I had to be a turbo-Karen to BA earlier this year. Absolutely terrible, terrible service. I emailed the CEO in the end and they offered a £1000 voucher, for which I devoured their sweaty paws.
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Villa are now cancelling tickets bought by Hibs fans.
https://www.hibs.net/showthread.php?363486-VILLA-Away-Purchased/page7
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Villa are now cancelling tickets bought by Hibs fans.
https://www.hibs.net/showthread.php?363486-VILLA-Away-Purchased/page7
There will still be plenty still dotted around unless they are literally cancelling every single ticket bought without a purchase history? I'm sure plenty of Hibs fans will have ordered tickets with non-Edinburgh postcodes. I worked with a Hibs fan for years in Brum, I'm sure he's tried to get a ticket.
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Dear Ticket Purchaser for the Aston Villa v Hibernian F.C. Match,
We wish to inform you that it is against the ground regulations of Aston Villa Football Club to allow away supporters into home areas.
To ensure the safety of all fans attending the game, we have received credible information regarding Hibernian supporters who have acquired tickets intended for home supporters. As a result, we have taken immediate action.
Tickets purchased by individuals without a previous booking history with Aston Villa Football Club and who we believe to be Hibernian supporters will be returned and a refund will be provided. Additionally, individuals without a booking history will be ineligible to purchase tickets for this fixture.
The electronic tickets you have received will not grant you, or any other supporter, access to Villa Park on Thursday 31st August 2023. Should any visiting club supporters attempt to enter home areas of the ground, they will be immediately reported to police.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Kind Regards,
Aston Villa Ticket Office
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I’m not going but always good to chat with decent away fans as long as they behave themselves, and you can understand them. Doubt there would have been mither but can’t blame the club for being totally risk averse.
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We don’t want to look small time by allowing any away fcukers in home areas. Surely with our ‘33000’ waiting list we can fill the ground for this one?
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Are the working classes going to pay £30 to see a dead rubber?
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We don’t want to look small time by allowing any away fcukers in home areas. Surely with our ‘33000’ waiting list we can fill the ground for this one?
Only 2 tickets left according to the Villa website
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Are the working classes going to pay £30 to see a dead rubber?
Three Two seats still available (at £25) if they hurry.
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I’m not going but always good to chat with decent away fans as long as they behave themselves, and you can understand them. Doubt there would have been mither but can’t blame the club for being totally risk averse.
It only takes one idiot from either side and you got problems
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and you can understand them
Rules out the Scots then 😉
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Based on last year's competition prize money.
Villa will get nearly €3M for qualifying for the Group Stage.
Another €500K for every win, with €166K for a draw.
€650K for topping the group, or €325K if you finish second.
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Win it with lots of wins along the way and it’s something like a €25m boost to the coffers and up to 30 coefficient points which is important for seeding purposes moving forwards.
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Qualifying for the group stage should cover Digne's wages if he ends up staying.
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We're favourites to win the whole competition at 3/1.
We might as well get a trophy replica made and ready to go in that display cabinet in the tunnel area.
Does anyone know when the victory parade in Brum will be? I want to make sure I get a flight back from Athens in time for it.
it's fully booked up by Birmingham City till next year because of the ground improvements, buying a player over £10000,big bright shining badge on the stadium, getting a crowd of over 12000 and having a waiting list of 20 million for season tickets, but more importantly there is extra overtime shifts at the Longbridge,in other words we are completely f**ked
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I have a spare for K2 for the home leg if anyone is after one?
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When is the draw for the group stages?
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When is the draw for the group stages?
Next Friday…seeds announced in the morning, draw from 1.30pm
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When is the draw for the group stages?
Us and that's about it for now
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When is the draw for the group stages?
Friday 1st Sept
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https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023%E2%80%9324_UEFA_Europa_Conference_League
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Misread that, thought you were asking who was in it!
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Thanks for the date. Looking at the fixtures, there are some well-known names in the draw.
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Thanks for the date. Looking at the fixtures, there are some well-known names in the draw.
I was looking at that the other day and there’s some big teams with a lot more recent European experience than we have…Dynamo Kyiv, Besiktas, Fenerbahce, Frankfurt then some smaller teams but still with the Euro experience like Lille, Twente and Bruges.
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We're favourites to win the whole competition at 3/1.
We might as well get a trophy replica made and ready to go in that display cabinet in the tunnel area.
Does anyone know when the victory parade in Brum will be? I want to make sure I get a flight back from Athens in time for it.
it's fully booked up by Birmingham City till next year because of the ground improvements, buying a player over £10000,big bright shining badge on the stadium, getting a crowd of over 12000 and having a waiting list of 20 million for season tickets, but more importantly there is extra overtime shifts at the Longbridge,in other words we are completely f**ked
You missed out their perennial 'Brew XI most fans drinking in town trophy' celebration.
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Hope we don't draw Bruges. It would be pretty scary over there with all those bluse fans about.
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Hope we don't draw Bruges. It would be pretty scary over there with all those bluse fans about.
Plus we’d need to take more than the 10k that they supposedly took over or they’ll be putting that on their honours list as well.
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When is the draw for the group stages?
I hope the draw is as thrilling and fascinating as the last one . UEFA really know how to turn on the razz-ma-tazz
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Is there a chance we could draw Hearts in the group stages or are they in a separate pot for some reason?
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We're favourites to win the whole competition at 3/1.
We might as well get a trophy replica made and ready to go in that display cabinet in the tunnel area.
Does anyone know when the victory parade in Brum will be? I want to make sure I get a flight back from Athens in time for it.
it's fully booked up by Birmingham City till next year because of the ground improvements, buying a player over £10000,big bright shining badge on the stadium, getting a crowd of over 12000 and having a waiting list of 20 million for season tickets, but more importantly there is extra overtime shifts at the Longbridge,in other words we are completely f**ked
You missed out their perennial 'Brew XI most fans drinking in town trophy' celebration.
memory not as good it was, can't remember even winning the European Cup in 1982
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Hope we don't draw Bruges. It would be pretty scary over there with all those bluse fans about.
Whatever amount we brought over to that game if it should happen it would be nowhere near the amount they managed even if it was twice as many.
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Is there a chance we could draw Hearts in the group stages or are they in a separate pot for some reason?
Yep, from how I understand it there's a 1 in 4 chance of drawing Hearts in the next round, assuming both us & them get through
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Thanks for the date. Looking at the fixtures, there are some well-known names in the draw.
I was looking at that the other day and there’s some big teams with a lot more recent European experience than we have…Dynamo Kyiv, Besiktas, Fenerbahce, Frankfurt then some smaller teams but still with the Euro experience like Lille, Twente and Bruges.
Looking at tonight’s scores we won’t be playing Twente. Or Ajax, in the group stage anyway. I fancied Alkmaar to be our biggest threat but they’ve not had a good home leg tonight.
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Hearts have been beaten 2-1 at home tonight so there is not much chance of seeing them in the League.
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Is there a chance we could draw Hearts in the group stages or are they in a separate pot for some reason?
Yep, from how I understand it there's a 1 in 4 chance of drawing Hearts in the next round, assuming both us & them get through
1 in 8 isn’t it. 8 groups.
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Is there a chance we could draw Hearts in the group stages or are they in a separate pot for some reason?
Yep, from how I understand it there's a 1 in 4 chance of drawing Hearts in the next round, assuming both us & them get through
I'm sure they said in commentary last night that Aberdeen could be in the Conference League group stage if they lose their Europa League play off.
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I'm sure they said in commentary last night that Aberdeen could be in the Conference League group stage if they lose their Europa League play off.
That sounds right. There will be 22 winners in the Conference League play-off round, and they will be joined by the 10 losers of the Europa League play-off round to make up the 32 teams in the Conference League group stages.
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Hibs have sacked the Lee Johnson
https://x.com/skysportsnews/status/1695770339945464295?s=61&t=0hDYp8sAC4KCDeo1iQp4OQ
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Spoilsports!
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Spoilsports!
Looks like the tweet has been deleted so there's still a chance. :)
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Spoilsports!
Looks like the tweet has been deleted so there's still a chance. :)
Nah, hibs have tweeted it themselves.
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Spoilsports!
Looks like the tweet has been deleted so there's still a chance. :)
Nah, hibs have tweeted it themselves.
No surprise, not many managers have lost to Villa and Livingston in the same week and kept their job.
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Looks like we’re in Pot 2 in the draw.
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Pots officially announced at 8am tomorrow, draw at 1.30pm.
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Someone’s put something on X with all the pots already but I can’t get a link.
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Pot 1
Germany Eintracht Frankfurt CC: 77.000
Croatia Dinamo Zagreb CC: 55.000
Belgium Club Brugge CC: 54.000
Netherlands AZ CC: 47.500
Belgium Gent CC: 37.500
Turkey Fenerbahçe CC: 30.000
France Lille CC: 30.000
Hungary Ferencváros CC: 27.000
Pot 2
Greece PAOK CC: 25.000
Slovakia Slovan Bratislava CC: 24.500
Israel Maccabi Tel Aviv CC: 24.000
Czech Republic Viktoria Plzeň CC: 22.000
England Aston Villa CC: 21.914
Bulgaria Ludogorets Razgrad CC: 21.000
Italy Fiorentina CC: 20.000
Pot 2 or 3
Norway Bodø/Glimt CC: 20.000
Pot 3
Belgium Genk CC: 18.000
Ukraine Zorya Luhansk CC: 16.000
Kazakhstan Astana CC: 14.000
Turkey Beşiktaş CC: 14.000
Finland HJK CC: 11.000
Slovakia Spartak Trnava CC: 10.500
Slovenia Olimpija Ljubljana CC: 9.000
Pot 4
Bosnia and Herzegovina Zrinjski Mostar CC: 8.500
Faroe Islands KÍ CC: 8.000
Sweden [[Hacken] CC: 8.000
Serbia Čukarički CC: 6.475
Switzerland Lugano CC: 6.335
Iceland Breiðablik CC: 6.000
Denmark Nordsjælland CC: 5.565
Kosovo Ballkani CC: 3.000
The draw for the group stage will be held on 1 September 2023. The 32 teams will be drawn into eight groups of four. For the draw, the teams will be seeded into four pots, each of eight teams, based on their Club coefficients (CC).[20] Teams from the same association and, for political reasons, teams from Serbia and Kosovo could not be drawn into the same group.
Breiðablik, Čukarički, KÍ, Olimpija Ljubljana and Zrinjski Mostar will make their debut appearances in a UEFA competition group stage. Breiðablik, KÍ and Zrinjski Mostar will be the first teams from Iceland, the Faroe Islands and Bosnia and Herzegovina, respectively, to play in a UEFA competition group stage.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023%E2%80%9324_UEFA_Europa_Conference_League
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Shouldn't be scared of any of those teams in pot 1.
Anyway,
Lille, Genk and KI are the ones I would want.
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Zagreb, Astana, Ballkani.
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Ferencvaros, Lubljiana and Lugano for me.
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There's a nice little map showing the location of all the teams. Apart from Astana which being on a longtitude further east than Kabul is not shown. They are the Europa Conference equivalent of Norwich.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023%E2%80%9324_UEFA_Europa_Conference_League
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My dad worked in Almaty in Kazakhstan. It was right on the eastern border.
10 hour flight…5 hour flight over Europe, 5 hour flight over Kazakh!!! It’s huge.
If we get Astana and you can afford it, it will be a once in a lifetime experience.
In Almaty it was no different than being in many Eastern Europe cities. Bars trying to be “Western” and the old Architecture was very 30s/40s/50s apartments.
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I think the kindest draw in terms of opponents could be:
Ferencvaros
HJK Helsinki
Breidablik
The toughest could be:
Eintracht Frankfurt
Besiktas
Nordsjaelland
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Aren't Aberdeen in it?
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Aren't Aberdeen in it?
They're in pot4, I think. Hacken are the Swedish team they lost to tonight, so they shouldn't be there.
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Don't think we can draw Fiorentina, as we are both in pot 2.
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Would like to visit Zagreb but their fans are bell ends
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Would like to visit Zagreb but their fans are bell ends
Amazing place. I went in 2010.
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Don't know if I've missed it, but there doesn't seem to be a Spanish team in the draw. Anyone know why?
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Don't know if I've missed it, but there doesn't seem to be a Spanish team in the draw. Anyone know why?
Osasuna got knocked out by Bruges.
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Would like to visit Zagreb but their fans are bell ends
Amazing place. I went in 2010.
Wonderful place, I've been twice.
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Would like to visit Zagreb but their fans are bell ends
Amazing place. I went in 2010.
Wonderful place, I've been twice.
The amount of good looking women there was ridiculous. :D
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Would like to visit Zagreb but their fans are bell ends
Amazing place. I went in 2010.
Wonderful place, I've been twice.
The amount of good looking women there was ridiculous. :D
offset by thick set,bald ,vest wearing tattooed ugly blokes.
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Would like to visit Zagreb but their fans are bell ends
Amazing place. I went in 2010.
Wonderful place, I've been twice.
The amount of good looking women there was ridiculous. :D
offset by thick set,bald ,vest wearing tattooed uglies.
I don't have any tattoos :)
-
Would like to visit Zagreb but their fans are bell ends
Amazing place. I went in 2010.
Wonderful place, I've been twice.
The amount of good looking women there was ridiculous. :D
offset by thick set,bald ,vest wearing tattooed uglies.
I don't have any tattoos :)
I am sure you can get some there :)
-
Would like to visit Zagreb but their fans are bell ends
Amazing place. I went in 2010.
Wonderful place, I've been twice.
The amount of good looking women there was ridiculous. :D
offset by thick set,bald ,vest wearing tattooed uglies.
I don't have any tattoos :)
I am sure you can get some there :)
I'll pass :)
-
Would like to visit Zagreb but their fans are bell ends
Amazing place. I went in 2010.
Wonderful place, I've been twice.
The amount of good looking women there was ridiculous. :D
offset by thick set,bald ,vest wearing tattooed uglies.
I don't have any tattoos :)
I am sure you can get some there :)
I'll pass :)
You don’t want to be original then?
Still time to wear shorts to show off your new calf tattoo.
-
Would like to visit Zagreb but their fans are bell ends
Amazing place. I went in 2010.
Wonderful place, I've been twice.
The amount of good looking women there was ridiculous. :D
Yes, it's unreal. And please don't take this as a mysoginistic post in any way, I've just never seen so many objectively beautiful women in one place.
-
Would like to visit Zagreb but their fans are bell ends
Amazing place. I went in 2010.
Wonderful place, I've been twice.
The amount of good looking women there was ridiculous. :D
Yes, it's unreal. And please don't take this as a mysoginistic post in any way, I've just never seen so many objectively beautiful women in one place.
Florence was up there, so was Olso. But Zagreb is a different level.
-
Wouldn't mind Bruges. Be nice to bump into a couple hundred thousand true Brummies that are still lost there on their way to Le Sherlock Rue.
-
Just been reading about the draw. We’ve been paired with Brighton in the Europa League draw to avoid TV fixture clashes.
Kick off times for fixtures are either 1630 or 1845 or 2100 all CET. You play three matches at the 1630/1845 slot and three matches at the 2100 slot.
Not quite sure about a 1530 home kick off on a Thursday!
-
I've had a look at West Ham's games last season and their home games were at 8pm. Generally English teams get the home games at 8pm due to the TV audiences so i'd be shocked if we have any early home kick offs. Not a guarantee though.
-
The pairing with Brighton means if Brighton are drawn in groups A-D in the Europa League we could only go into E-H in the Conference draw, and vice versa. So the options will be very much reduced by the time it comes to our draw as it will effectively be half decided as most teams are paired with another for TV.
-
I've had a look at West Ham's games last season and their home games were at 8pm. Generally English teams get the home games at 8pm due to the TV audiences so i'd be shocked if we have any early home kick offs. Not a guarantee though.
I might be wrong but I think the kick off times are decided by which group your drawn in, so A-D might be 8pm in week 1 and 5.45 week 2 and E-H the opposite etc. There will be 2 English teams at home each Thursday (Villa or Brighton and Liverpool or West Ham) and so one home & one away at 5.45 and same at 8pm.
-
I've had a look at West Ham's games last season and their home games were at 8pm. Generally English teams get the home games at 8pm due to the TV audiences so i'd be shocked if we have any early home kick offs. Not a guarantee though.
I might be wrong but I think the kick off times are decided by which group your drawn in, so A-D might be 8pm in week 1 and 5.45 week 2 and E-H the opposite etc. There will be 2 English teams at home each Thursday (Villa or Brighton and Liverpool or West Ham) and so one home & one away at 5.45 and same at 8pm.
That makes sense, thanks DeKuip.
-
You know that the Champions League teams come down to the Europa league if they finish 3rd
does this happen in the Europa league also do some drop into the conference league competition halfway through ?
-
Yes.
-
Yes.
Oh, I didn’t know that
So we might meet some very much stronger teams later on if we stay in
-
Yes.
Oh, I didn’t know that
So we might meet some very much stronger teams later on if we stay in
Hope so, that's when I'd be really up for it. A European semifinal against Ajax or Bayer Leverkusen...
-
You know that the Champions League teams come down to the Europa league if they finish 3rd
does this happen in the Europa league also do some drop into the conference league competition halfway through ?
Yes, meaning it's possible we could play another Scottish team later in the competition.
-
You know that the Champions League teams come down to the Europa league if they finish 3rd
does this happen in the Europa league also do some drop into the conference league competition halfway through ?
Yes, meaning it's possible we could play another Scottish team later in the competition.
Well we could be drawn with Aberdeen today, though I don't think it's possible to drop through two competitions, i.e. from Champs to Europa to Conference in one season, meaning meeting Celtic would be impossible?
-
You know that the Champions League teams come down to the Europa league if they finish 3rd
does this happen in the Europa league also do some drop into the conference league competition halfway through ?
The 8 Conference group winners progress to the last 16.
The 8 group runners up have to play a knockout round against the 8 teams that drop down.
-
You know that the Champions League teams come down to the Europa league if they finish 3rd
does this happen in the Europa league also do some drop into the conference league competition halfway through ?
Yes, meaning it's possible we could play another Scottish team later in the competition.
Well we could be drawn with Aberdeen today, though I don't think it's possible to drop through two competitions, i.e. from Champs to Europa to Conference in one season, meaning meeting Celtic would be impossible?
Celtic played in all 3 two years ago.
-
There is a chance Rangers could that this season.
-
Oh. well that's shit then.
Thanks for confirming. Got to love a competition whose entrants can change multiple times during the process of playing it.
-
The draw will be live on the UEFA website.
Currently showing the Europa draw.
-
I assume they'll mention us winning the European Cup in '82 as part of the draw today, given the host seemed keen to have a fact about every team. Noticed we were included twice in the Newcastle montage during yesterday's CL draw. :(
-
Chap opening the balls has got particularly long arms.
-
West Ham in Group A so does that mean we can only go into E-H?
-
No as we're matched with Brighton apparently
-
Nice easy introduction to Europe for Brighton so far.
-
Potential tough group for Brighton. Who are now in B so we are in E-H.
-
Chap opening the balls has got particularly long arms.
Someone on RAWK said that Joe Cole looked liked he was defusing a bomb during yesterday's draw.
-
Brighton have Ajax, Marseille and AEK Athens.
-
Sorry why do Brighton or West Ham have any bearing on our draw?
-
Sorry why do Brighton or West Ham have any bearing on our draw?
Matched with a club for TV.
-
Sorry why do Brighton or West Ham have any bearing on our draw?
Apparently something to do with local TV timings as all the matches are on a Thursday.
-
Sorry why do Brighton or West Ham have any bearing on our draw?
None at this stage but could theoretically drop fiwn to the Conference League later on.
-
Ah ok thanks.
-
Brighton have Ajax, Marseille and AEK Athens.
That seems sticky enough for a Europa League group.
-
I won't be able to watch the draw so I am trusting all of you to ensure my travel arrangements are to nice places 8)
-
I want Frankfurt. Have a German friend and when we were in the Championship and Frankfurt were on the up, I said how great it would be if Villa got back up and into Europe to get drawn against them and now it could happen. It would be so good.
Make it happen, football gods 8)
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Sorry why do Brighton or West Ham have any bearing on our draw?
None at this stage but could theoretically drop fiwn to the Conference League later on.
Supposedly it does as matches in groups A-D have certain ko times and E-H have others. Country teams are then paired off across both competitions which supposedly means we now can't be drawn in groups A-D as Brighton have been drawn in B.
-
I want Frankfurt. Have a German friend and when we were in the Championship and Frankfurt were on the up, I said how great it would be if Villa got back up and into Europe to get drawn against them and now it could happen. It would be so good.
Make it happen, football gods 8)
No thanks, one of the better teams in the draw and their fans seem to have a few 'issues'.
-
Being lazy here but will the fixtures be announced as soon as the group is drawn, or at a later date?
-
You know that the Champions League teams come down to the Europa league if they finish 3rd
does this happen in the Europa league also do some drop into the conference league competition halfway through ?
Yes, meaning it's possible we could play another Scottish team later in the competition.
Well we could be drawn with Aberdeen today, though I don't think it's possible to drop through two competitions, i.e. from Champs to Europa to Conference in one season, meaning meeting Celtic would be impossible?
It is, but only if the club gets knocked out of the Champions League before the group stages (and gets to at least the 2nd qualifying round).
Breidablik have played in all 3 this year - beat Shamrock Rovers in the Champions League 1st Round, lost to FC Copenhagen in the 2nd Round, lost to Zrinjski Mostar (Bosnia) in the Europa League 3rd qualifying round, then beat Struga (Macedonia) in the Conference League playoff.
Basically it's the hope for Welsh sides (realistically TNS) to get in to the group stages in a European competition, which would be huge for the Welsh Premier League. Get a decent (easy) draw in the 1st quaifying round, then they only need to win one of the next 3 matches in Europe and they're guaranteed group stage football in one of the competitions. And you can see that some of the teams who get to the conference league playoff games are a bit ropey and potentially ... well, it'd be an upset, but it's not completely beyond the realms of possibility that someone like TNS could beat them.
-
I want Frankfurt. Have a German friend and when we were in the Championship and Frankfurt were on the up, I said how great it would be if Villa got back up and into Europe to get drawn against them and now it could happen. It would be so good.
Make it happen, football gods 8)
No thanks, one of the better teams in the draw and their fans seem to have a few 'issues'.
And more importantly, Frankfurt isn't a particularly inspiring German City.
-
Their fans are all black wearing Millwall wannabee gimps.
-
I want Frankfurt. Have a German friend and when we were in the Championship and Frankfurt were on the up, I said how great it would be if Villa got back up and into Europe to get drawn against them and now it could happen. It would be so good.
Make it happen, football gods 8)
No thanks, one of the better teams in the draw and their fans seem to have a few 'issues'.
😂 I understand that.
-
Is the draw on SSN or UEFA tv ?
-
UEFA TV and TNT Sports
-
https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaconferenceleague/draws/2024/2001792/
-
UEFA TV and TNT Sports
Thanks. Forgot about TNT.
-
Doubt we'll see Liverpool, West Ham or Rangers dropping into the Conference League, they've pretty handy groups. Probably better for us if Brighton finish second in their group as well.
-
Any Irish folk know if West Ham's games last season were shown on the Irish channels (not UTV/ITV)? I know the final was but were any of the group games?
-
Any Irish folk know if West Ham's games last season were shown on the Irish channels (not UTV/ITV)? I know the final was but were any of the group games?
Doubtful as Virgin Media normally show a Europa League game. Even more doubtful with Liverpool in it.
-
If we finish 2nd we'll be playing a side that finishes third in these groups. Win the group and we skip that play-off round.
Europa League group stage draw in full
Group A: WEST HAM, Olympiacos, Freiburg, TSC Backa Topola
Group B: Ajax, Marseille, BRIGHTON, AEK Athens
Group C: RANGERS, Real Betis, Sparta Prague, Aris Limassol
Group D: Atalanta, Sporting Lisbon, Sturm Graz, Rakow
Group E: LIVERPOOL, LASK, Union St-Gilloise, Toulouse
Group F: Villarreal, Rennes, Maccabi Haifa, Panathinaikos
Group G: Roma, Slavia Prague, Sheriff Tiraspol, Servette
Group H: Bayer Leverkusen, Qarabag, Molde, BK Hacken
-
LASK are not a UK team so why highlight them......
-
Following the Europa League draw the way I read it is we’ll go into groups E to H (as Brighton went into Group B of Europa League), which means we can’t play Lille or Brugge now but have a 1 in 4 chance of drawing AZ Alkmaar (tough one), and same for Legia Warsaw and Aberdeen.
We’ll be home same Thursdays as Liverpool too if I’m reading it right.
-
Because that's the name they go by.
-
I predict some pleasant scenes between AEK and Marseille fans.
-
That Brighton group is very strong.
-
https://twitter.com/europacnfleague/status/1697579149643137440
-
I predict some pleasant scenes between AEK and Marseille fans.
At least Ajax fans are known to be very friendly...
-
Any Irish folk know if West Ham's games last season were shown on the Irish channels (not UTV/ITV)? I know the final was but were any of the group games?
Doubtful as Virgin Media normally show a Europa League game. Even more doubtful with Liverpool in it.
Ugh, you're probably right.
-
Hoping for Brugge, Nordsjælland and Legia Warsaw.
-
Clubs from Nordic countries will be scheduled away on matchday 6. A maximum of two clubs per group will therefore have venues that are exposed to severe winter conditions and/or cannot guarantee facilities fit for use in severe weather conditions.
-
I predict some pleasant scenes between AEK and Marseille fans.
At least Ajax fans are known to be very friendly...
😂
-
Hoping for Brugge, Nordsjælland and Legia Warsaw.
If the same TV pairings ruling is in effect then I think we can't get Brugge as they might have been paired with Union Saint-Gilloise. Could still get one of Genk of Gent though.
-
Here we go then.
-
https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaconferenceleague/draws/?utm_campaign=uecl-draw-gs&utm_content=preview-feed&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter
Live stream
-
UEFA TV is free if you can get the app. I know it’s the lowest of the three competitions but fuck me it is so great we are back in this kind of conversation, versus the ones Everton fans or Wolves are currently engaged in. Those years were just horrible.
-
Fucking hell, get on with it
-
Fucking hell, I was a bit pissed off I'd need mute on whilst at work, but now that I've seen it's Alex effing Scott, I'm really pleased!
-
Ace now we have Mark Noble.
-
Christ, what has Mark Noble got on his feet?
-
Noble has been on the beds. Looks like my garden fence.
-
Noble has been on the beds. Looks like my garden fence.
How is he only 36? Looks about 50. Proper old man's hair do.
-
Ace now we have Mark Noble.
He needs some clippers running through his hair.
-
The reverb is meant to make it sound epic. But it just makes it sound like they've broken into an empty warehouse.
How many more has-beens are they going to drag on?
-
They're tearing the arse out of this. Draw the fucking balls, you c*nts!
-
Please just get on with the Numberwang bollocks.
-
They look like a couple of bouncers.
-
Rhubarb rhubarb rhubarb
-
Noble has been on the beds. Looks like my garden fence.
How is he only 36? Looks about 50. Proper old man's hair do.
He’s like the footballers we saw from back in the 60’s. Blokes in their 20’s looking like pensioners.
-
Bad suit for telly the Greek bloke is wearing.
-
I suspect we'll still draw Man United.
-
Please just get on with the Numberwang bollocks.
"Giles?"
"Numberwank".
The incidental music is suspisciously Russian sounding.
-
I hope we get a few more speeches.
-
I thought that was Claudio Ranieri for a moment.
-
Want Breidablik. They're organised, but that's it really
-
I hope we get a few more speeches.
I might tune in again around 5pm when they've finished explaining how the draw works.
-
I assume PWS will be watching two minutes ahead of the rest of us?
-
Who are the Villa reps in the crowd?
-
Please not Eintracht.
-
Who are the Villa reps in the crowd?
Dan Bardell
-
Jeeez they can waffle on
-
I wonder how much these UEFA officials pay themselves for a piss easy job.
-
Wrong badge.
-
That Greek bloke is a bit of a unit.
-
I wonder how much these UEFA officials pay themselves for a piss easy job.
A million, billion, quadzillion Euros.
-
Please not Eintracht.
I've been to one of their games. Utter chaos.
-
Jasper Carrot should be explaining this.
-
The Conference League draws are more complicated than quantum physics.
-
Who are the Villa reps in the crowd?
Dan Bardell
Elmo, Tommy Jordan and Matt Beno
-
Didn't listen to a word of that.
-
Fuck ME, this is convoluted!
-
I've just zoned out through all that explanation.
-
Here we go....
-
I would want a better toy than that out of my Kinder Egg.
-
I wonder how much these UEFA officials pay themselves for a piss easy job.
A million, billion, quadzillion Euros.
I should have applied for a job there 30 years ago.
I would be a senior bod by now. Not too senior just enough to take a few bungs and have a couple of yachts.
-
I always think of HMHB when I see Gent.
-
Just have numbered balls you nobbers, no need for Kinder Egg capsules!
-
Makes quantum mechanics seem a piece of piss.
-
I always think of HMHB when I see Gent.
You can't put your foot up in Europe, you can't show your studs on the 'nent.
-
Who are the Villa reps in the crowd?
Dan Bardell
He really does love himself as the voice of Villa
-
So a group seed of either Fenerbache, Fraknfurt, Alkmaar or Ferencvaros.
-
So we can have one of......
AZ Alkmaar
Ferencvaros
Frankfurt or
Fenerbache
-
Pot 2 here we go
-
I always think of HMHB when I see Gent.
You can't put your foot up in Europe, you can't show your studs on the 'nent.
They take a dim view to a slightly raised shoe
-
Noble unable to read.
-
Alex bloody Scott is the new Claudia Winckleman gets bloody everywhere
-
Alkmaar then
-
Alkmaar
-
With AZ Alkmaar
-
Group E, AZ Alkmaar
-
Group E
-
And there we are!
AZ ALkmaar
-
Alex bloody Scott is the new Claudia Winckleman gets bloody everywhere
This is absolutely as it should be.
-
Ok so a trip to Netherlands set. Alkmaar have started their new season with 2 wins from 2
-
Was it Alkmaar that West Ham had the trouble with last year?
-
Was it Alkmaar that West Ham had the trouble with last year?
Yep
-
Was it Alkmaar that West Ham had the trouble with last year?
Yep
-
Alkmaar will think they're playing West Ham again and try to kill us! This is where the blue camouflage kit comes in handy.
-
Blimey, a European game 20mins from my house. Sh!te stadium though
-
I hope it's Genk as I can spell that one
-
Legia Warsaw
-
Half hour from the Dam.
-
AZ Alkmaar
Aston Villa
Legia Warsaw
-
Legia
-
Walsall?
-
Warsaw
-
Fuck me, this is a group of death.
-
Thugs
Nice place to drink in, however.
-
Tough draw legia.
-
Is that Alan Pardew with Alex Scott?
-
Away trips look like fun.
-
Fuck me, this is a group of death.
For those teams playing us. Emery has probably already got a massive dossier on these teams.
-
Cheap flights to Warsaw
-
I thought this competition was full of unknowns?
-
Alex bloody Scott is the new Claudia Winckleman gets bloody everywhere
Indeed, surprised Jermaine Jenas hasn't shown up.
-
Where's Micah Richards when you don't need the gurning imbecile?
-
Fuck me, this is a group of death.
For those teams playing us
Too right TV, will be tough for the others to see who finishes runner-up.
-
Where's Micah Richards when you don't need the gurning imbecile?
He is such a wanker. Failed his way to success
-
Alex bloody Scott is the new Claudia Winckleman gets bloody everywhere
Indeed, surprised Jermaine Jenas hasn't shown up.
And Romesh
-
Warzavillain gets a local travel to see us. Just need Edvard to get the same now.
edit: Shame
-
Where's Micah Richards when you don't need the gurning imbecile?
He is such a wanker. Failed his way to success
It says a lot when I'd prefer to listen to Robbie Savage than Micah Richards
-
Matt needs to shut the fuck up
-
A Faroes team would be nice
-
Aberdeen?
-
We'll probably get some nutcase club in Turkey.
-
Zrinski
-
AZ Alkmaar
Aston Villa
Legia Warsaw
Zrinjski
-
Zrinjski
-
Tough draw legia.
Cashy's going home.
He's going home
He's going home
He's going...
Cashy's going home
-
Zrinski
Gesundheit!
-
Nutters
-
How come champions of countries are in this ??
-
Good draw.
-
Zrinski
That's a racehorse isn't it?
-
Our European tour is sponsored by Stone Island
-
So 3 very friendly places for away fans.
-
Can we carry over to other games the 10 goals in each leg we will score against Zrinjski?
-
Unfortunately, not the Faroese.
-
Well, don't think we'll be resting too many in the earlier games.
-
Zrinjski
Good dancer and racehorse, but their best days are behind them.
-
Zrinjski
Sounds like the noise someone would make when they catch their penis in their fly.
-
We will fight them on the beaches
-
Is that the lot?
-
We're all going on a Scrabble winning tour :)
-
we know what dates which ties will be yet? or will that be calculated later?
-
Mostar would be an awesome trip!
-
All three teams in our group are unbeaten so far this season in their respective leagues
-
we know what dates which ties will be yet? or will that be calculated later?
We'll know tomorrow at the latest.
-
Is that the lot?
You want more ?
Isn't at already unfair that Villa have to play and extra game since there's teams from Bosnia and Herzegovina in the group ?
-
We're all going on a Scabble winning tour :)
Scrabble.
-
So 3 very friendly places for away fans.
Mostar is a great town.
-
we know what dates which ties will be yet? or will that be calculated later?
By Saturday apparently
-
So in summary: cheese eaters and eastern European/Balkan butters.
Sorry, nutters.
-
Mostar is an awesome spot
-
Where's Micah Richards when you don't need the gurning imbecile?
He is such a wanker. Failed his way to success
Gives us all hope.
-
Is their stadium in Mostar up to code or will they play somewhere else?
-
Zrinjski
Sounds like the noise someone would make when they catch their penis in their fly.
"Zrinjski" said Glenn Peen, cutting off his chap.
-
We're all going on a Scabble winning tour :)
Scrabble.
1 point deducted
-
That'd be a great trip, Mostar. Some very serious recent history in that place, sadly.
-
Nowhere anywhere near Tokyo for me to fly to.
It's a disgrace. Emery out!
-
As my Polish brother in law just said:
“ Legia is disaster
I watch game yesterday”
-
Nowhere anywhere near Tokyo for me to fly to.
It's a disgrace. Emery out!
Astana was drawn in another group.
-
Mostar would be an awesome trip!
A six-hour drive from where I'll be in Albania. Hmmmmm.
-
Tough tour!
-
As my Polish brother in law just said:
“ Legia is disaster
I watch game yesterday”
Can't work out if he is optimistic or pessimistic?
-
Mostar would be an awesome trip!
Flights look tricky
-
Zrinski’s stadium capacity 9,000
-
As my Polish brother in law just said:
“ Legia is disaster
I watch game yesterday”
In what way does he think it's a disaster?
-
Quick, book up this hotel.
http://www.vilaparkmostar.com/
-
Ours certainly the group of death - had to be with all the FUNERALING we will be dishing out.
-
Ours certainly the group of death - had to be with all the FUNERALING we will be dishing out.
Ha.
I have to say, Im really enjoying the funeraling stuff.
-
Is that the lot?
You want more ?
Isn't at already unfair that Villa have to play and extra game since there's teams from Bosnia and Herzegovina in the group ?
Two extra games, as we have to play teams from Holland and the Netherlands.
-
Capacities
Warsaw 31k
Alkmaar 19,500
Zrinjski 9k
-
Great draw that. Mostar looks actually quite quaint. Alkmaar and Warsaw are two great trips.
Allocations should be 1500 for Poland, 970 in Holland and 450 in Bosnia.
-
Our European tour is sponsored by Stone Island
Ha! It certainly is. I've just read the experience Aberdeen fans had in Mostar. Very 1980s with black masks.
-
Alkmaar and Warsaw would be great places to go to, however, high risk of pavement dancing style boorish behaviour not going down too well there.
-
Mostar is an amazing place to visit.
-
Around 50 Aberdeen supporters have been attacked in Bosnia before their Europa League qualifier.
Fans who had gathered at the Black Dog pub in Mostar were targeted on Wednesday night by a group reportedly carrying bats and flares.
Reports say at least two fans were taken to hospital following the incident.
Aberdeen Evening Express journalist Sean Wallace was among those caught up in the violence.
He wrote on Twitter: "Sore head after being bottled by masked Bosnian hooligans in Mostar.
Wallace later clarified the group were associated with the team Zrinjski Mostar.
-
Great draw that. Mostar looks actually quite quaint. Alkmaar and Warsaw are two great trips.
Allocations should be 1500 for Poland, 970 in Holland and 450 in Bosnia.
They have a Shankly's bar so you will be home from home.
-
Part of Alkmaar sounds like it's in Somerset
Winkelcentrum de Mare
-
Zrinjski
Sounds like the noise someone would make when they catch their penis in their fly.
LOL!
-
Around 50 Aberdeen supporters have been attacked in Bosnia before their Europa League qualifier.
Fans who had gathered at the Black Dog pub in Mostar were targeted on Wednesday night by a group reportedly carrying bats and flares.
Reports say at least two fans were taken to hospital following the incident.
Aberdeen Evening Express journalist Sean Wallace was among those caught up in the violence.
He wrote on Twitter: "Sore head after being bottled by masked Bosnian hooligans in Mostar.
Wallace later clarified the group were associated with the team Zrinjski Mostar.
I'll watch from the safety of the couch
-
wonder if alkmaars 15 year old balaclarva wearing hoolies will try and take the holte 🤣🤣we need that west ham fans number !!
-
Given the potentially 'lively' off the pitch nature of these teams, I predict Villa will only take small allocations, and people will get annoyed.
-
its a closed shop anyway !! lets see how brave the ' im a better fan than you are ' brigade get on out in bosnia & warsaw
-
Do we know the dates we'll play each team, i.e. not just 'ECL match week 3'?
-
Ours certainly the group of death - had to be with all the FUNERALING we will be dishing out.
Ha.
I have to say, Im really enjoying the funeraling stuff.
The best thing to come out of H&V in the decade of doom (2010-2019) and its inventor was only a fleeting poster. Saranyu, we salute you and may you never be funeralled.
-
At least Warsaw fans were very well behaved in Leicester a couple of years ago...
-
Bit disappointed
Doesn’t look like there’s a decent trip there for me and 2 teenage school kids without taking your life into your own hands
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wonder if alkmaars 15 year old balaclarva wearing hoolies will try and take the holte 🤣🤣we need that west ham fans number !!
Ironically AZ was always styled as a family club, which made last year's shenanigans even more crappy. AZ ultras high on drugs and booze have pushed most families out - nice city, decent walk from the centre to the stadium, but suspect there will be loads of trouble.
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Part of Alkmaar sounds like it's in Somerset
Winkelcentrum de Mare
Sounds like it's the Red Light District.
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I mentioned AZ Alkmaar last night, as being the team who the highly impressive Ibrahim Sadiq is signing for today. One to watch for sure.
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Bit disappointed
Doesn’t look like there’s a decent trip there for me and 2 teenage school kids without taking your life into your own hands
I imagne if you're not stood outside a pub with hundreds of other Villa fans you'll be OK. I've no interest in doing that anyway.
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Do we know the dates we'll play each team, i.e. not just 'ECL match week 3'?
I think I heard them say they will be announced on Saturday.
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Three men have been sentenced after clashes between police and football fans at a Europa League match.
Leicestershire Police said 14 officers were attacked and injured during the game between Leicester City and Legia Warsaw on 25 November.
Two needed hospital treatment, with one suffering a broken wrist.
Flares were set off at the King Power Stadium and fans tried to breach the line between the two sets of supporters, the force added.
At Loughborough Magistrates' Court on Friday, Karol Kaliszewicz admitted two counts of assaulting an emergency worker against two police officers, who did not sustain serious injuries.
The 34-year-old also admitted one count of assault against a steward.
Kaliszewicz, of West Plaza, Town Lane, Staines upon Thames, was handed a 12-month community order, told to carry out 240 hours of unpaid work and received a three-year football banning order.
Daniel Beldycki, 31, of Taunton Road in Leicester, pleaded guilty to a charge of using threatening or abusive or insulting words or behaviour with intent to cause fear of or provoke unlawful violence.
He was handed a 12-month community order and told to do 50 hours of unpaid work. He was also given a three-year banning order.
Nathan Cramp, 30, of Westfield Close, Blaby, admitted using threatening or abusive words or behaviour to cause harassment, alarm or distress.
He was handed a conditional discharge.
Det Ch Insp Paul Kenyon, of Leicestershire Police, said: "A significant amount of resource from the police, as well as from the club, were deployed to respond to this unnecessary and uncalled for disorder.
"The actions of some resulted in 14 officers being assaulted and injured. This is simply not acceptable and inquiries into the events of that evening are still continuing."
The Foxes won the game 3-1 but were ultimately knocked out of the Europa League by Napoli on 9 December.
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Mostar is a great place, their ground is a hovel though. Two hour train ride from Sarajevo (great scenery) which is also well worth a visit.
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Bit disappointed
Doesn’t look like there’s a decent trip there for me and 2 teenage school kids without taking your life into your own hands
I imagne if you're not stood outside a pub with hundreds of other Villa fans you'll be OK. I've no interest in doing that anyway.
I don't really understand why people do that at all. Go to some lovely European city, spend it outside invariably the worst pubs there, drinking shit beer, surrounded by compatriots, getting as pissed as they possibly can.
Nein danke.
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Bit disappointed
Doesn’t look like there’s a decent trip there for me and 2 teenage school kids without taking your life into your own hands
I imagne if you're not stood outside a pub with hundreds of other Villa fans you'll be OK. I've no interest in doing that anyway.
Same here, my motto is, go in the exact opposite direction.
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Do we know the dates we'll play each team, i.e. not just 'ECL match week 3'?
I think I heard them say they will be announced on Saturday.
Thanks!
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Bit disappointed
Doesn’t look like there’s a decent trip there for me and 2 teenage school kids without taking your life into your own hands
I imagne if you're not stood outside a pub with hundreds of other Villa fans you'll be OK. I've no interest in doing that anyway.
Same here, my motto is, go in the exact opposite direction.
100%
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It depends, if wearing colours and wanting to feel part of the 'Villa on tour' thing then the old safety in numbers can play a part. If you don't want to wear colours and be a part of that then odds are high you'll be fine if you don't act like a knob.
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I went to Hamburg in the O'Neill years. Just before Christmas so had a lovely time at the Christmas market. Felt completely safe even with a Villa scarf and had locals coming up to talk about our trip and wishing us well.
Thought we'd try the Reeperbahn and see what the Villa fans were up to. Immediately returned to the market.
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Didn't see any issues in Hamburg. I was talking to a copper and she was saying, despite having 3 times as many supporters, we were much better behaved than Ajax had been. Quite why I was talking to the attractive blonde lady in uniform (tbf it was frumpy green) is anybodies guess.
Some radom Austrians tried to offer us out in Vienna. They also came and nicked Hatchet's Sutton Coldfield flag in the first year and kept it for the return the following year. Generally speaking, the badly behaved gimps are always the locals and seldom us.
Alkmaar isn't far from Amsterdam at all. But probably a lot cheaper to stay out that way than Amsterdam. Plus have to collect tickets from there- any thoughts from our Dutch brothers or those that have been before?
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Out the 3 ALKmar would seem the best bet, especially with the ticket allocation if that is correct
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All three teams in our group are unbeaten so far this season in their respective leagues
Maybe so, but Mostar have already had to get knocked out of two European competitions to end up in this one
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Alkmaar gave West Ham 975 tickets for their match.
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Alkmaar gave West Ham 975 tickets for their match.
Oh not so good then
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Bit disappointed
Doesn’t look like there’s a decent trip there for me and 2 teenage school kids without taking your life into your own hands
I imagne if you're not stood outside a pub with hundreds of other Villa fans you'll be OK. I've no interest in doing that anyway.
I don't really understand why people do that at all. Go to some lovely European city, spend it outside invariably the worst pubs there, drinking shit beer, surrounded by compatriots, getting as pissed as they possibly can.
Nein danke.
Well that many inside you i'd reckon you would be a little bit pissed.
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Do we know the dates we'll play each team, i.e. not just 'ECL match week 3'?
I think I heard them say they will be announced on Saturday.
Thanks!
Saturday 11am at the latest. Supposedly they need to check out other factors for the cities / countries involved including CL match times (load of fans at an airport as other fans arrive) and chats with the reps, plus stuff like what PWS posted on Nordic teams last matches being away. Once all sorted they will announce the matches so could be sooner if no obvious issues.
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Really pleased with this draw. AZ the biggest challenge on the pitch I would assume but we should be too strong for them. All three are very tempting away venues to visit even if managing to get tickets seems slim.
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Do we play all teams at home and away?
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Warzavillain gets a local travel to see us. Just need Edvard to get the same now.
edit: Shame
This is where we find out that Warzavillan actually lives in Walzall.
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Bit disappointed
Doesn’t look like there’s a decent trip there for me and 2 teenage school kids without taking your life into your own hands
I imagne if you're not stood outside a pub with hundreds of other Villa fans you'll be OK. I've no interest in doing that anyway.
Indeed. Keep away from the Irish bar in the square in any city whilst we are playing there.
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Alkmaar gave West Ham 975 tickets for their match.
Wasn't that a semi final though?
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Do we play all teams at home and away?
Yes, home and away against each team in our group.
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As my Polish brother in law just said:
“ Legia is disaster
I watch game yesterday”
In what way does he think it's a disaster?
They are not very good. Blow hot and cold.
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Alkmaar gave West Ham 975 tickets for their match.
Wasn't that a semi final though?
Each away club gets 5% of the capacity so 975 sounds about right.
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Alkmaar gave West Ham 975 tickets for their match.
Wasn't that a semi final though?
It was but it's likely to be our allocation as well.
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1500 for Warsaw at least. Tiny for Bosnia, but might not be that popular.
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Clubs can give more than 5%, but i'd imagine most want as big a home advantage as possible so won't give more. Same as we didn't with Hibs.
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If you’re going to Almaar it’s worth looking at Haarlem as a base. About 20 miles south but cracking place.
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If you’re going to Almaar it’s worth looking at Haarlem as a base. About 20 miles south but cracking place.
Maybe catch a Globe Trotters game while there as well.
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If you’re going to Almaar it’s worth looking at Haarlem as a base. About 20 miles south but cracking place.
Maybe catch a Globe Trotters game while there as well.
Watch out for the notorious 116th Street crew of the Genovese crime family though.
(Kidding - civilians have nothing to worry about).
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If you’re going to Almaar it’s worth looking at Haarlem as a base. About 20 miles south but cracking place.
Maybe catch a Globe Trotters game while there as well.
You may struggle 😄
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Clubs can give more than 5%, but i'd imagine most want as big a home advantage as possible so won't give more. Same as we didn't with Hibs.
Yep. With such small capacities anymore would give the away side less of an advantage. Then there’s the input from the Police etc
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Clubs can give more than 5%, but i'd imagine most want as big a home advantage as possible so won't give more. Same as we didn't with Hibs.
Yep. With such small capacities anymore would give the away side less of an advantage. Then there’s the input from the Police etc
Trying to take the Sting out of the visiting support
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Ha ha! Bit of a slip up there!
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Three hooligan hotspots?
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Three hooligan hotspots?
Don't know what the Bosnians will be like, but would imagine the other two will bring a 'tasty' following to Villa Park.
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Three hooligan hotspots?
Don't know what the Bosnians will be like, but would imagine the other two will bring a 'tasty' following to Villa Park.
I’ve never met a Eastern European fella who wasn’t as hard as nails
Made of granite most of them
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Are Alkmaar quite decent?
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Three hooligan hotspots?
Don't know what the Bosnians will be like, but would imagine the other two will bring a 'tasty' following to Villa Park.
When I lived in Poland, which as a place I loved, I couldn't believe how violent some of the fans were. Great atmosphere though
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Have completed some preliminary research for all 3 venues travel etc. For Zrinjski, Sarajevo looks like the route of choice with Wizz from Luton and then train from Sarajevo to Mostar. But more likely to be a minimum 3 day trip. The other two are a breeze.
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If you’re going to Almaar it’s worth looking at Haarlem as a base. About 20 miles south but cracking place.
Trains to Alkmaar available? What's Alkmaar like to stay?
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I'd imagine there will be a fair few Polish and Bosnians that live here that will want to be at the VP games.
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If you’re going to Almaar it’s worth looking at Haarlem as a base. About 20 miles south but cracking place.
Trains to Alkmaar available? What's Alkmaar like to stay?
Nice, quiet town when we played there pre-season in O’Leary’s days, but most Villa fans then stayed in Amsterdam and got the train up. More Villa there that weekend than the number of tickets we’ll get at this ugly new ground they have!
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If you’re going to Almaar it’s worth looking at Haarlem as a base. About 20 miles south but cracking place.
Trains to Alkmaar available? What's Alkmaar like to stay?
Yes, about 40 mins on the train.
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If you’re going to Almaar it’s worth looking at Haarlem as a base. About 20 miles south but cracking place.
Trains to Alkmaar available? What's Alkmaar like to stay?
Yes, about 40 mins on the train. I’ve never stayed in Alkmaar but have friends in Haarlem so visited them, nice place.
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I'd imagine there will be a fair few Polish and Bosnians that live here that will want to be at the VP games.
I went to Fulham v (I forget which Polish team) about 10 years ago with the Streatham Polish contingent. It was loud and crazy, but all violence seemed to be rival Polish expats.
I was in the neutral stand and the stewards were overwhelmed by fans ignoring their ticketing.
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Nice, quiet town when we played there pre-season in O’Leary’s days, but most Villa fans then stayed in Amsterdam and got the train up. More Villa there that weekend than the number of tickets we’ll get at this ugly new ground they have!
Amsterdam is less than €20 return on the train, and the journey only takes 37 mins.
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Nice group. We'll smash all of these losers 8)
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This group feels like a proper European competition and we should get some good crowds. Think we’ll have a million spectators at Villa Park this season for the first time since God knows when. The seventies?
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The thing I remember most from a football discussion I had when I went to Mostar a few years ago was Zrinski were banned from playing in the old Yugoslav league up until the early 90s because they had been part of the Nazi supported Croatian league during World War Two. This partially explains why I'd only heard if Velez up to then. Mostar is a great place though
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I'm happy with the draw I can see us winning the group I just hope those fans from Holland and Poland behave themselves at Villa Park.
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Is it just me doing my usual or is this the relative group of death in the Conference?
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I thought Group D was the 'Group of Mild Discomfort personally.
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Hopefully it won’t come to this, but if we finish 2nd in our group, we have to play a further play off against a team who finished 3rd in the Europa league group before the round of 16. If we win the group. We go straight to the round of 16.
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Zrinjski seem to be the Croat team of Mostar and Velez are the Bosniak team. Zrinjski play in Velez's old stadium.
Zrinjski were banned from the Yugoslav League from 1945-1992, due to playing in the Nazi Fascist League. They reformed in 1992.
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Is it just me doing my usual or is this the relative group of death in the Conference?
I don't think so. Legia and Zrinjski will be very limited in my opinion. AZ more of a challenge but if we don't finish at least second we'll have really fucked up.
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Zrinjski seem to be the Croat team of Mostar and Velez are the Bosniak team. Zrinjski play in Velez's old stadium.
Zrinjski were banned from the Yugoslav League from 1945-1992, due to playing in the Nazi Fascist League. They reformed in 1992.
Sound a great bunch of lads
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21 Sep Legia Warsaw Away
5 Oct Zrinjski Home
26 Oct Alkmaar away
9 Nov Alkmaar Home
30 Nov Legia Warsaw Home
14 Dec Zrinjski Away
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21 Sep Legia Warsaw Away
5 Oct Zrinjski Home
26 Oct Alkmaar away
9 Nov Alkmaar Home
30 Nov Legia Warsaw Home
14 Dec Zrinjski Away
Thanks Horatio. Where have you got this from?
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From Dale Johnson ESPN on twitter
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Away matches 1745 k.o
Home matches 2000 k.0.
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Cheers HH.
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Poland first, smashing that.
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Warsaw and Alkmaar don't look too tricky to get to.
Mostar is a different matter.
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I see the Alkmaar's ground is an edge of town by the bypass job. Wonder what public transport round there is like...
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This group feels like a proper European competition and we should get some good crowds. Think we’ll have a million spectators at Villa Park this season for the first time since God knows when. The seventies?
1977, and we’ve only done it three times in total.
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Am I right in thinking this hasn't been officially confirmed yet? I thought they were meant to be announced today by 11 our time.
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Poland first, smashing that.
On the day I'm out of Poland. Nearly 30 years living in Warsaw and I won't be here when Villa come.
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Poland first, smashing that.
On the day I'm out of Poland. Nearly 30 years living in Warsaw and I won't be here when Villa come.
Flights are already through the window too!
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Poland first, smashing that.
On the day I'm out of Poland. Nearly 30 years living in Warsaw and I won't be here when Villa come.
Does that mean your house is free? ;)
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Pravda
Villa’s full fixture schedule in Group E is as follows:
Matchday 1: Legia Warszawa v Aston Villa - Thursday, September 21 (ko 5.45pm BST)
Matchday 2: Aston Villa v HŠK Zrinjski - Thursday, October 5 (ko 8pm BST)
Matchday 3: AZ Alkmaar v Aston Villa - Thursday, October 26 (ko 5.45pm BST)
Matchday 4: Aston Villa v AZ Alkmaar - Thursday, November 9 (ko 8pm BST)
Matchday 5: Aston Villa v Legia Warszawa - Thursday, November 30 (ko 8pm BST)
Matchday 6: HŠK Zrinjski v Aston Villa - Thursday, December 14 (ko 5.45pm BST)
Full ticketing details will be confirmed in due course.
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Going Wednesday to Saturday with Warsaw. I've wanted to visit Poland for a while. Liverpool with RyanAir is decent enough on price.
Stopping in Amsterdam for Alkmaar given its only a short hop. Manchester best for me for Holland with EasyJet.
For Bosnia, I'm thinking of flying into Croatia and getting a bus or hire car over from Dubrovnik or Split as the flights to Sarajevo are a pain in the arse.
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Warsaw and Alkmaar don't look too tricky to get to.
Mostar is a different matter.
Tui and Wizz do direct flights to Sarajevo, then Mostar is about 2 hours by car.
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Warsaw and Alkmaar don't look too tricky to get to.
Mostar is a different matter.
Tui and Wizz do direct flights to Sarajevo, then Mostar is about 2 hours by car.
From which airport? I haven't found any direct.
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Luton had a direct flight.
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Luton had a direct flight.
Cheers. Arrives 11.05 on the day of the match.
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A taxi from Sarajevo looks like it's about £100, not too bad if there's a few of you I guess.
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3 match home pack in upper Witton where I sit.
I’m predicting £150 !!!!!!
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Going Wednesday to Saturday with Warsaw. I've wanted to visit Poland for a while. Liverpool with RyanAir is decent enough on price.
Managed to get sub-£100 flights from Stansted from Tuesday to Saturday.
Nearer the time I’ll be happy to sort out some meet-ups.
Doubt I’ll get an away ticket, but will head straight to the stadium from the airport and see if any home tickets are available.
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3 match home pack in upper Witton where I sit.
I’m predicting £150 !!!!!!
hopefully a lot less, the Hibs game was well priced,a full stadium also means more sales of catering, which should at least equal itself out
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Looks like I'll miss the away games because of work commitments which is annoying. Could have done with them all being 8pm games. Hope that's the case with the knock-out round games.
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Just done a load of flight checking and was ready to put it all in motion then realised I’m on holiday that week. Doh!
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Going Wednesday to Saturday with Warsaw. I've wanted to visit Poland for a while. Liverpool with RyanAir is decent enough on price.
Managed to get sub-£100 flights from Stansted from Tuesday to Saturday.
Nearer the time I’ll be happy to sort out some meet-ups.
Doubt I’ll get an away ticket, but will head straight to the stadium from the airport and see if any home tickets are available.
Good luck, mate. You're a braver man than I am 😂
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Amsterdam £200 return with KLM Wednesday to Friday from Brum. Not much increase from the normal price that I paid a couple of months back. Cheaper than Easyjet.
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Away matches v Chelsea, wolves, Bournemouth and Brentford moved to Sunday, home matches v Luton and Fulham.
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Amsterdam £200 return with KLM Wednesday to Friday from Brum. Not much increase from the normal price that I paid a couple of months back. Cheaper than Easyjet.
Yep, thats the one me and my son have gone for. Now just need the match tickets…
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Going Wednesday to Saturday with Warsaw. I've wanted to visit Poland for a while. Liverpool with RyanAir is decent enough on price.
Managed to get sub-£100 flights from Stansted from Tuesday to Saturday.
Nearer the time I’ll be happy to sort out some meet-ups.
Doubt I’ll get an away ticket, but will head straight to the stadium from the airport and see if any home tickets are available.
Good luck, mate. You're a braver man than I am 😂
I’ve been to see Legia before and Pogon Szczecin so know what to expect! When the fans spot you are English they like to chat and are interested in what you think of their ground etc.
Some even halted a tram once because they noticed I might miss it!
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No messing about. Flying from BHX with KLM Thursday morning 6AM and return on Friday.
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This group feels like a proper European competition and we should get some good crowds. Think we’ll have a million spectators at Villa Park this season for the first time since God knows when. The seventies?
1977, and we’ve only done it three times in total.
Cheers Sam.
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Away matches v Chelsea, wolves, Bournemouth and Brentford moved to Sunday, home matches v Luton and Fulham.
Was wondering if Chelsea may get rearranged again or Everton in cup otherwise we are currently thurs sat tues in fixture list. If Chelsea gets pushed to sun would Everton be moved to wed ?
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Everton in the cup will almost certainly be the Wednesday
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Warwaw Booked. Flying out of Heathrow on the 6.30AM on Thursday. Friday. Back into Luton, Land at 10AM.
Hopeful of a ticket as have 19 aways for last season.
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anyone think there will be tickets about in the home areas at Alkmaar to snafle up if I can’t get villa ones
Worst case scenario a nice couple of days in Amsterdam with kids
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Going Wednesday to Saturday with Warsaw. I've wanted to visit Poland for a while. Liverpool with RyanAir is decent enough on price.
Stopping in Amsterdam for Alkmaar given its only a short hop. Manchester best for me for Holland with EasyJet.
For Bosnia, I'm thinking of flying into Croatia and getting a bus or hire car over from Dubrovnik or Split as the flights to Sarajevo are a pain in the arse.
Mostar is around two and a half hours from Dubrovnik by road. I went while I was on holiday in Cavtat (10 minutes from the airport) a few years ago. Interesting place.
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Away matches v Chelsea, wolves, Bournemouth and Brentford moved to Sunday, home matches v Luton and Fulham.
The Luton game being moved means that I can now go to a ‘Teeth of the Sea’ gig.
Hopefully the other changes will free me up for a couple more gigs
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3 match home pack in upper Witton where I sit.
I’m predicting £150 !!!!!!
Any idea on when home ticket information is likely to come out?
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Away matches v Chelsea, wolves, Bournemouth and Brentford moved to Sunday, home matches v Luton and Fulham.
The Luton game being moved means that I can now go to a ‘Teeth of the Sea’ gig.
Hopefully the other changes will free me up for a couple more gigs
Nothing official on the moves yet, just that they should be moved now we know the days. As someone mentioned, it might also have a knock-on with the cup match against Everton (currently scheduled for the Tuesday after the Chelsea match) and the Villa/Citeh PL match on 5th December as well.
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I'm looking forward to the group stage.
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Sorry if it's been mentioned elsewhere (I'd not seen it if so), but the first ever final was won courtesy of a Zaniolo goal.
Bit of history repeating itself would be nice.
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Sorry if it's been mentioned elsewhere (I'd not seen it if so), but the first ever final was won courtesy of a Zaniolo goal.
Bit of history repeating itself would be nice.
And then WWIII the day after?
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Warsaw and Alkmaar don't look too tricky to get to.
Mostar is a different matter.
Tui and Wizz do direct flights to Sarajevo, then Mostar is about 2 hours by car.
From which airport? I haven't found any direct.
We’ve booked flights from Luton to Sarajevo. Got a hotel booked for 1 night in Mostar ( there’s actually a hotel called Villa Park) and 2 nights in Sarajevo.
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Plenty of choice on apartments in Warsaw. Managed to get one that's £65 a night. Prices are pretty cheap for the quality you get, which hopefully translates to the local ale.
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Reading this thread am genuinely interested to know how many of you are going to these places assuming you'll get tickets and how many are just chancing they will?
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Warsaw and Alkmaar don't look too tricky to get to.
Mostar is a different matter.
Tui and Wizz do direct flights to Sarajevo, then Mostar is about 2 hours by car.
From which airport? I haven't found any direct.
We’ve booked flights from Luton to Sarajevo. Got a hotel booked for 1 night in Mostar ( there’s actually a hotel called Villa Park) and 2 nights in Sarajevo.
Try the Sarajevo Brewery, you can get really well fed and lubricated in there pretty cheaply. It’s only short walk over the river from the Latin Bridge. I was there last year, loved the place.
Only had about 3hrs in Mostar stopping off on the way to Dubrovnik - those Velez fans are handy with the spray cans!
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Reading this thread am genuinely interested to know how many of you are going to these places assuming you'll get tickets and how many are just chancing they will?
I have 19 aways for last season but didn't do Hibs. Hopeful of a Liga Warsaw ticket.
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At the risk of sounding like a billy no mates. I'm travelling solo to Warsaw. I'm on the 6.30am flight out of Heathrow on Thursday 21st. If anyone would like to travel with me, safety in numbers and all that please drop me a PM.
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Booked up for Legia in the hope of getting lucky for a ticket given the relatively short notice, bigger allocation and the potential moodiness putting some people off. On that basis, does anyone expect it to go down to ST holders if we get about 1.5k tickets?
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Leicester got 1731 two seasons ago at Legia. Crowd wasn’t sold out at 27097. No reason we shouldn’t get the same.
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There's 1500ish in the 19 category according to the Chelsea sales criteria today. A good chunk won't go I wouldn't have thought, so it should be a good chance for others to pile in here.
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How many of the 19 category will buy a ticket for the away games and then just sell them on that facebook page?
For the away games in Europe the criteria should be just a ballot for each game to all season ticket holders, if you get a ticket then you have to collect from Villa park, with proof of your flight details
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None, as you collect the ticket in country from 10am on the day of the game.
An entire ballot side stepping loyalty is wrong.
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There's 1500ish in the 19 category according to the Chelsea sales criteria today. A good chunk won't go I wouldn't have thought, so it should be a good chance for others to pile in here.
It's funny Ads. I'm on 19 away but still nervous about getting a ticket as couldn't make Hibs.
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There's 1500ish in the 19 category according to the Chelsea sales criteria today. A good chunk won't go I wouldn't have thought, so it should be a good chance for others to pile in here.
It's funny Ads. I'm on 19 away but still nervous about getting a ticket as couldn't make Hibs.
With 1700, if that's what we get, it would be impossible not make it, even if there's a 19+ 8 years + Hibs category first. You'll be absolutely fine I reckon.
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There's 1500ish in the 19 category according to the Chelsea sales criteria today. A good chunk won't go I wouldn't have thought, so it should be a good chance for others to pile in here.
It's funny Ads. I'm on 19 away but still nervous about getting a ticket as couldn't make Hibs.
With 1700, if that's what we get, it would be impossible not make it, even if there's a 19+ 8 years + Hibs category first. You'll be absolutely fine I reckon.
By all accounts Leicester were given 1700 but only took 800. I won't be settled until I get confirmation of a successful purchase.
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A guy who sits by me - only missed Bournemouth away last season (could not get a ticket) and therefore went to 18 away games
Due to this he is now lumped in the category of 15 + away games for this season and not guaranteed a ticket for a few of the away games
Any one who is currently in the 19 away games category and fails to get a ticket for Luton (the allocation will be less than 1,500 tickets) will from next season be in the 15 + away games category.
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There's 1500ish in the 19 category according to the Chelsea sales criteria today. A good chunk won't go I wouldn't have thought, so it should be a good chance for others to pile in here.
It's funny Ads. I'm on 19 away but still nervous about getting a ticket as couldn't make Hibs.
It's no way comparable with Hibs. Hibs is like going to Newcastle but just a little further. Same Country. Warsaw is a different "kettle of fish' as they say. I doubt it if we will take more than 1500.
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There's 1500ish in the 19 category according to the Chelsea sales criteria today. A good chunk won't go I wouldn't have thought, so it should be a good chance for others to pile in here.
It's funny Ads. I'm on 19 away but still nervous about getting a ticket as couldn't make Hibs.
It's no way comparable with Hibs. Hibs is like going to Newcastle but just a little further. Same Country. Warsaw is a different "kettle of fish' as they say. I doubt it if we will take more than 1500.
Not so sure myself, if we get 1700 there’ll be no doubt in my mind they all go before it gets anywhere near STHs with no away history like myself.
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I have no idea how we have 1500 with 19+ when Bournemouth only gave us 1200 odd last season.
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At the risk of sounding like a billy no mates. I'm travelling solo to Warsaw. I'm on the 6.30am flight out of Heathrow on Thursday 21st. If anyone would like to travel with me, safety in numbers and all that please drop me a PM.
My Son and I are out there from the wednesday, happy to meet up when you get to warsaw for a drink or food
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I have no idea how we have 1500 with 19+ when Bournemouth only gave us 1200 odd last season.
Bolton and Manure in League cup? Or wouldn't they count towards the 19+?
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I have no idea how we have 1500 with 19+ when Bournemouth only gave us 1200 odd last season.
It's to account for players and the like tickets I think. Somebody explained it pre-Hibs.
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In one week and 6 days we will have played Liga Warsaw away. Still no news of tickets going on sale. This is getting ridiculous now.
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I wonder if the club are trying to discourage too many going in order to minimise the chance of trouble
Didn’t we take a smaller allocation for Hibs than we could have, possibly for the same reason?
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I wonder if the club are trying to discourage too many going in order to minimise the chance of trouble
Didn’t we take a smaller allocation for Hibs than we could have, possibly for the same reason?
Believe Hibs originally offered the minimum 5% and did offer more but it was too late to organise it from a administration point of view
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I've booked flights and hotels yet still no need on tickets Really poor from the club. I do wonder if they are trying to get away with a small allocation and blame it on timing.
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Has anybody looked in to potentially going in the home end at Legia? Spoke to a Leicester mate who went there two years ago, and they looked in to it at the time as they weren't sure if they'd be given an allocation so soon after Covid.
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Has anybody looked in to potentially going in the home end at Legia? Spoke to a Leicester mate who went there two years ago, and they looked in to it at the time as they weren't sure if they'd be given an allocation so soon after Covid.
Legia Warsaw not a place I’d choose to go with the home fans.
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I've just phoned the ticket office. Sophie said no news, agrees it's ridiculous. She guess is later today or first thing Monday.
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Has anybody looked in to potentially going in the home end at Legia? Spoke to a Leicester mate who went there two years ago, and they looked in to it at the time as they weren't sure if they'd be given an allocation so soon after Covid.
Legia Warsaw not a place I’d choose to go with the home fans.
Is there likely to be violence towards visiting fans. I know they like their flares and fireworks displays but does it extend to violence too ?
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I've just phoned the ticket office. Staff said no news, agrees it's ridiculous. She guess is later today or first thing Monday.
Not sure mentioning someone by name is helpful to them to be fair.
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It's definitely slow but the hold up might not be entirely Villa's fault if Legia Warsaw don't have their ducks in a row
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I've just phoned the ticket office. Sophie said no news, agrees it's ridiculous. She guess is later today or first thing Monday.
Yep, I rang yesterday and was told they had no idea what was happening with the Legia tickets at all...except it will follow the same pattern as Hibs...tough eligibility, travel form, Photo id, collect at nominated venue near the stadium on the day!
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I wonder if the club are trying to discourage too many going in order to minimise the chance of trouble
As tickets are handed out at a pub on location it maybe Balden and his trusty team of spotters recommend fans stay in that square/space and Polish plod can button it up.
Most people did hang around where the tickets were collected from in Edinburgh to be fair, although there wasn't a whiff of aggro or anything moody about the day.
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I've just phoned the ticket office. Staff said no news, agrees it's ridiculous. She guess is later today or first thing Monday.
Not sure mentioning someone by name is helpful to them to be fair.
She's only stating the obvious. Not to put tickets on sale until a week before supporters fly out to Poland is ridiculous.
Apparently the Villa delegate are flying out to Poland on Monday.
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Pricing is on the OS (home games)
have to say, I think they’re very reasonable.
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You'd hope we thought to speak to someone at Leicester as they played them home and away a couple of years ago, espeically about the crowd issues they had.
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You'd hope we thought to speak to someone at Leicester as they played them home and away a couple of years ago, espeically about the crowd issues they had.
I would be amazed if we hadn’t.
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Ticket prices published. Fill ya boots everyone.
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Genuinely think they have got this one spot on in terms of pricing.
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Genuinely think they have got this one spot on in terms of pricing.
Same
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Pricing is on the OS (home games)
have to say, I think they’re very reasonable.
I misread the first table initially and thought they were taking the complete piss for a single ticket price. €35 for the most expensive ticket is not bad going at all.
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Fair play, I've given them shit for the Everton prices but they've done well with those.
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Weirdly, i'm more likely to suck up the Everton price now the Conference League is more reasonable. I thought I was looking at £150 in total for all four games before that announcement
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Do you think they've listened?
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I wonder if they picked up on the backlash of the Everton prices or were planning these prices all along.
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I wonder if they picked up on the backlash of the Everton prices or were planning these prices all along.
I think the former or they would've set more or less the same price for Everton.
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Has anybody looked in to potentially going in the home end at Legia? Spoke to a Leicester mate who went there two years ago, and they looked in to it at the time as they weren't sure if they'd be given an allocation so soon after Covid.
Legia Warsaw not a place I’d choose to go with the home fans.
Is there likely to be violence towards visiting fans. I know they like their flares and fireworks displays but does it extend to violence too ?
You have to register with Legia to buy online so they’ll probably prevent you buying that way for this game. For any league game in Poland you need to to show passport/ID at the ticket office to buy a ticket and again when you enter the ground, so you’d expect they’ll look to stop you that way too for this game.
Always worth a try though of course.
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.
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I'm flyuing out from Leeds airport on the Wednesday morning back Saturday AM....rubbish journey, but better pricing and works with the days, anyone else on that fiight to Warsaw?
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I'm flyuing out from Leeds airport on the Wednesday morning back Saturday AM....rubbish journey, but better pricing and works with the days, anyone else on that fiight to Warsaw?
You'll love it, mate.
Poland is a great place, and Warsaw a great city.
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I am happy to be of service :-)
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I'm flyuing out from Leeds airport on the Wednesday morning back Saturday AM....rubbish journey, but better pricing and works with the days, anyone else on that fiight to Warsaw?
Unfortunately not but does remind me of two of us taking the train from Leeds to Middlesbrough in the 80s and being met by half of Cleveland's finest with several double decker buses laid on to take us to the ground.
Safe travels.
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Far too cheap, all the riff-raff will be getting in at these prices. And what about FFP? It's a fucking disgrace.
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Far too cheap, all the riff-raff will be getting in at these prices. And what about FFP? It's a fucking disgrace.
flights look expensive. Will stick to the old dodgy stick
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I’m going with family members to Amsterdam, got no chance of getting ticket for the match in Alkmaar though as I don’t think it will get down to just season-ticket holders
looking at it as having a nice time in a place we’ve never been to before
Might pop over to Alkmaar on the day just to see the ground from the outside, but I’m a bit unsure of hanging around there during the game as you hear different stories about the locals and we have females and teenagers with us
My missus doesn’t even like football, and she’s already booking up for the Anne Franke thing
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Everton League Cup prices were far too high, but thankfully these prices are much more reasonable.
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Everton League Cup prices were far too high, but thankfully these prices are much more reasonable.
there are only too high if it's not a sell out, which I be surprised if it is
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Has anybody looked in to potentially going in the home end at Legia? Spoke to a Leicester mate who went there two years ago, and they looked in to it at the time as they weren't sure if they'd be given an allocation so soon after Covid.
Legia Warsaw not a place I’d choose to go with the home fans.
Is there likely to be violence towards visiting fans. I know they like their flares and fireworks displays but does it extend to violence too ?
You have to register with Legia to buy online so they’ll probably prevent you buying that way for this game. For any league game in Poland you need to to show passport/ID at the ticket office to buy a ticket and again when you enter the ground, so you’d expect they’ll look to stop you that way too for this game.
Always worth a try though of course.
i'm not going , just wondered what Villa fans going can expect
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Bought flights to Bosnia this week. Will be a tiny allocation but I reckon most others will try for Warsaw and/or Amsterdam so might get lucky with a match ticket. If not, I am sure Mostar is lovely in midwinter.
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Legia have been selling out their league home games so far this season. Will be difficult to get a ticket as the locals see this as a big game so demand will be high. It will be a fantastic experience as they are really organised when it comes to the flares and the whole show. Hoping to get a ticket through neighbour who's a season ticket holder.
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I’ll go down to the stadium straight after I arrive and see if there’s any tickets left over. But I doubt it very much. I was lucky last season to get a ticket for a league game.
I’ll start a thread in the Tickets/Travel section of the forum sometime over the weekend with my limited Warsaw knowledge. But it is very Old Town-centric.
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With the 3 match deal my normal seat will cost £22 per match, both my teenagers just under a tenner a match. Thats more like it.
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I don't understand the discrepancy between the prices for the European games and the League Cup game. I can only think the expectation is the Everton game won't be as big a draw so the club are maximising the income from it which is a bit cynical.
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I don't understand the discrepancy between the prices for the European games and the League Cup game. I can only think the expectation is the Everton game won't be as big a draw so the club are maximising the income from it which is a bit cynical.
They've made certain it's not a big draw at those prices.
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I don't understand the discrepancy between the prices for the European games and the League Cup game. I can only think the expectation is the Everton game won't be as big a draw so the club are maximising the income from it which is a bit cynical.
Deal guarantees attendances when the last game could be a dead rubber
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I don't understand the discrepancy between the prices for the European games and the League Cup game. I can only think the expectation is the Everton game won't be as big a draw so the club are maximising the income from it which is a bit cynical.
It is, and the Everton tickets are over priced, though again mine are not too bad for me and my 13 year old (£43 combined), but its a balancing act complaining about this when the Euro tickets are so reasonable
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Good prices for the group games.
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I suppose if you add the Everton game to the 3 Euro game deal and then average the 4 games, it’s pretty reasonable.
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I suppose if you add the Everton game to the 3 Euro game deal and then average the 4 games, it’s pretty reasonable.
Good way of looking at it. Me and the kids will be at all four, which will take the stress out of trying to get, and being able to afford, league games. Although we’re going to the Brighton game as well.
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I suppose if you add the Everton game to the 3 Euro game deal and then average the 4 games, it’s pretty reasonable.
Good way of looking at it. Me and the kids will be at all four, which will take the stress out of trying to get, and being able to afford, league games. Although we’re going to the Brighton game as well.
If we beat Eerton, when is the round after?
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If we beat Eerton, when is the round after?
First week in November, I think. Or week commencing Oct 30th, to be more precise.
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If we beat Eerton, when is the round after?
First week in November, I think. Or week commencing Oct 30th, to be more precise.
Niiiice, got the week off.
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Probably explains the delay
(https://i.ibb.co/NK0ryzP/IMG-6743.png) (https://ibb.co/NK0ryzP)
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Scandalous after all our hardcore support have sorted out travel arrangements
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Scandalous after all our hardcore support have sorted out travel arrangements
you can still watch it in a bar in Warsaw.
Anyone booking flights etc in advance surely takes on board the risk
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Scandalous after all our hardcore support have sorted out travel arrangements
you can still watch it in a bar in Warsaw.
Anyone booking flights etc in advance surely takes on board the risk
They could have announced this earlier though to give supporters a decision to make. I've booked up but If I had this news a week ago I might not have.
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Scandalous after all our hardcore support have sorted out travel arrangements
you can still watch it in a bar in Warsaw.
Anyone booking flights etc in advance surely takes on board the risk
They could have announced this earlier though to give supporters a decision to make. I've booked up but If I had this news a week ago I might not have.
yeah i see what you mean
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I’d be amazed if this news to Villa.
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This won't be behind closed doors for first offences. Precedent is suspended for a couple of years. We wouldn't be going out Monday if it was a behind closed doors game.
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This won't be behind closed doors for first offences. Precedent is suspended for a couple of years. We wouldn't be going out Monday if it was a behind closed doors game.
I’m sure they had a warning a few seasons back against Leicester.
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Blimey, they've had crowd & ticket bans aplenty. The club itself got banned from European competition for two years back in the late noughties.
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November '21, Leicester. https://sportsleo.com/news/2021/11/leicester-vs-legia-warsaw-europa-league-clash-witnesses-crowd-trouble/
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November '21, Leicester. https://sportsleo.com/news/2021/11/leicester-vs-legia-warsaw-europa-league-clash-witnesses-crowd-trouble/
That’s the one. A crowd ban would be a bit harsh on our fans but I wouldn’t rule it out.
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Fuck, fuck and double fuck🤦🏾
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They’ve got a rap sheet, as long as your arm. They played Real Madrid behind closed doors a few seasons back and the statement they put out then was more or less word for word as the current one. Word over there amongst some of their fans is it’ll be behind closed doors. Best we can hope for is a closure of the home end for our game.
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They’ve got a rap sheet, as long as your arm. They played Real Madrid behind closed doors a few seasons back and the statement they put out then was more or less word for word as the current one. Word over there amongst some of their fans is it’ll be behind closed doors. Best we can hope for is a closure of the home end for our game.
If they let us in but not their own fans it could really kick off either in the town or outside the ground. I'll be absolutely gutted if we aren't allowed in
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They’ve got a rap sheet, as long as your arm. They played Real Madrid behind closed doors a few seasons back and the statement they put out then was more or less word for word as the current one. Word over there amongst some of their fans is it’ll be behind closed doors. Best we can hope for is a closure of the home end for our game.
If they let us in but not their own fans it could really kick off either in the town or outside the ground. I'll be absolutely gutted if we aren't allowed in
When I say the home end, I just mean the stand behind the goal, where all their problems come from. They’ll sell the other three stands, including the seats they normally keep empty next to the away section. This could mean they’ll close off a no man’s land inside the away section, instead, cutting our allocation.
(https://i.ibb.co/fCgSG42/IMG-6748.png) (https://ibb.co/fCgSG42)
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They’ve got a rap sheet, as long as your arm. They played Real Madrid behind closed doors a few seasons back and the statement they put out then was more or less word for word as the current one. Word over there amongst some of their fans is it’ll be behind closed doors. Best we can hope for is a closure of the home end for our game.
If they let us in but not their own fans it could really kick off either in the town or outside the ground. I'll be absolutely gutted if we aren't allowed in
When I say the home end, I just mean the stand behind the goal, where all their problems come from. They’ll sell the other three stands, including the seats they normally keep empty next to the away section. This could mean they’ll close off a no man’s land inside the away section, instead, cutting our allocation.
(https://i.ibb.co/fCgSG42/IMG-6748.png) (https://ibb.co/fCgSG42)
How many seats do you think that could give us?
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Hard to say exactly, but it wouldn’t be less than about 1200, I’d have thought, as that away section holds about 1730. This is all supposition on my part, of course. Obviously, a fine for them is our best scenario and we get the full allocation.
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Legia Warsaw fans seem to think they may close their main end for the game.
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Legia Warsaw fans seem to think they may close their main end for the game.
What will that achieve
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Empty seats m’lord.
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https://x.com/_kjs1874/status/1701185623728538021?t=8-3fS73ZF3zDwmn3U1qVcA&s=08
Fuckin pisstake.
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(https://i.ibb.co/b15Lsv3/IMG-6754.png) (https://ibb.co/b15Lsv3)
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Wankers
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https://x.com/_kjs1874/status/1701185623728538021?t=8-3fS73ZF3zDwmn3U1qVcA&s=08
Fuckin pisstake.
These guys still have to hit the same criteria, they can't just pick the away games they want, need to go to all the aways to maintain the away games.
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https://x.com/_kjs1874/status/1701185623728538021?t=8-3fS73ZF3zDwmn3U1qVcA&s=08
Fuckin pisstake.
These guys still have to hit the same criteria, they can't just pick the away games they want, need to go to all the aways to maintain the away games.
Yeh, but why are they being contacted before in that case?
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Wankers
bet they leave early as well
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https://x.com/_kjs1874/status/1701185623728538021?t=8-3fS73ZF3zDwmn3U1qVcA&s=08
Fuckin pisstake.
These guys still have to hit the same criteria, they can't just pick the away games they want, need to go to all the aways to maintain the away games.
That may be true but given the way the commercial department have gone about things recently, I doubt it. Money talks, and they've very much given the impression that they're willing to listen to it.
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Behind Closed Doors, apart from hospitality?
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Behind Closed Doors, apart from hospitality?
Closed doors and drawn curtains in this country
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Do Terrace View wallys get priority as well???
Runs away...................
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https://x.com/_kjs1874/status/1701185623728538021?t=8-3fS73ZF3zDwmn3U1qVcA&s=08
Fuckin pisstake.
These guys still have to hit the same criteria, they can't just pick the away games they want, need to go to all the aways to maintain the away games.
Do you seriously think that’s the case?
Money buys you the right to queue jump in the world of these people and it stinks.
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I wouldn't get too upset about people in corporate getting tickets they're not entitled to. You have to put your name down for every away game you want to go to. I haven't been offered a sigle ticket yet, and the way it's going I don't expect to.
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I get the impression this a pretty standard email and that the corporate member would still need to hit all the appropriate criteria.
Nothing to see here.
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I get the impression this a pretty standard email and that the corporate member would still need to hit all the appropriate criteria.
Nothing to see here.
It is, and they do.
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1700 tickets and on sale Wednesday.
Boooooom!
They're doing 8+ years for 19, 15, 11 before reverting to ST holders with less than 8 years but 19 aways.
Sales criteria suggest if everybody wanted one it would go down to ST with 19 aways, but it will go a bit deeper you'd think than that.
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(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F5wUHIqWUAAlUxb?format=jpg&name=medium)
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So Thursday 6pm for me, unlike Ads I’m not that optimistic.
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i think this may go to ST holders . Flights are bloody expensive
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At the risk of sounding stupid, how don those eligibility numbers work?
For example if there are 700 with 8 years and 19 aways and 1300 for 8 years and 15 aways, does the 1300 include the 700?
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At the risk of sounding stupid, how don those eligibility numbers work?
For example if there are 700 with 8 years and 19 aways and 1300 for 8 years and 15 aways, does the 1300 include the 700?
It includes everybody eligible for that category, so the 1300 would include the 700.
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At the risk of sounding stupid, how don those eligibility numbers work?
For example if there are 700 with 8 years and 19 aways and 1300 for 8 years and 15 aways, does the 1300 include the 700?
It must do. Main reason I think so is when you consider the Bournemouth allocation.
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reckon about 1200 will sell then 500 will get to ST holders and maybe a handful to GS
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i think this may go to ST holders . Flights are bloody expensive
Fingers crossed.
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It still doesn’t make sense though that 2,000 could have done 19 away last season as only 1300 could have gone to Bournemouth.
This doesn’t affect me so not the reason I’m moaning here but will cause arguments come the Bosnia trip I imagine - but how can someone who’s been a STH for 8 years and went to 11 aways last season get priority over someone who went to all 19 but hasn’t had a season ticket as long. That seems to be stacked against younger fans to me.
I wouldnt expect to get priority for a League Cup final ticket because I’m old enough to have gone in 1971 and all the ones after that.
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What would happen if someone bought a ticket but then didn't attend . By that i mean they just bought the ticket and threw it in a drawer just to keep their booking history up ??
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What would happen if someone bought a ticket but then didn't attend . By that i mean they just bought the ticket and threw it in a drawer just to keep their booking history up ??
You can't do that, as we have to collect the tickets in Warsaw on the day of the game.
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The tickets are issued in Poland. The kicker is people who will buy with no intention of going to keep a record up. It would be criminal if we had 100’s of empty seats because of that and people in bars outside the stadium.
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The tickets are issued in Poland. The kicker is people who will buy with no intention of going to keep a record up. It would be criminal if we had 100’s of empty seats because of that and people in bars outside the stadium.
You can’t do that either but I’m unsure on the penalty for doing it.
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It still doesn’t make sense though that 2,000 could have done 19 away last season as only 1300 could have gone to Bournemouth.
701 and 535 in the two 19 game categories.
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The tickets are issued in Poland. The kicker is people who will buy with no intention of going to keep a record up. It would be criminal if we had 100’s of empty seats because of that and people in bars outside the stadium.
You can’t do that either but I’m unsure on the penalty for doing it.
I’ve read somewhere, if you don’t collect your ticket, you don’t get it recorded against your booking history.
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The tickets are issued in Poland. The kicker is people who will buy with no intention of going to keep a record up. It would be criminal if we had 100’s of empty seats because of that and people in bars outside the stadium.
You can’t do that either but I’m unsure on the penalty for doing it.
I’ve read somewhere, if you don’t collect your ticket, you don’t get it recorded against your booking history.
[/The tickets are issued in Poland. The kicker is people who will buy with no intention of going to keep a record up. It would be criminal if we had 100’s of empty seats because of that and people in bars outside the stadium.
You can’t do that either but I’m unsure on the penalty for doing it.
I’ve read somewhere, if you don’t collect your ticket, you don’t get it recorded against your booking history.
Which is fair, but doesn’t give someone the ticket on the day who genuinely would have gone.
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The tickets are issued in Poland. The kicker is people who will buy with no intention of going to keep a record up. It would be criminal if we had 100’s of empty seats because of that and people in bars outside the stadium.
You can’t do that either but I’m unsure on the penalty for doing it.
I’ve read somewhere, if you don’t collect your ticket, you don’t get it recorded against your booking history.
[/The tickets are issued in Poland. The kicker is people who will buy with no intention of going to keep a record up. It would be criminal if we had 100’s of empty seats because of that and people in bars outside the stadium.
You can’t do that either but I’m unsure on the penalty for doing it.
I’ve read somewhere, if you don’t collect your ticket, you don’t get it recorded against your booking history.
Which is fair, but doesn’t give someone the ticket on the day who genuinely would have gone.
If it doesn’t give you the credit on your booking history then surely no one is that daft to do it?
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It still doesn’t make sense though that 2,000 could have done 19 away last season as only 1300 could have gone to Bournemouth.
701 and 535 in the two 19 game categories.
Yes I misread that a bit didn’t I!
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The tickets are issued in Poland. The kicker is people who will buy with no intention of going to keep a record up. It would be criminal if we had 100’s of empty seats because of that and people in bars outside the stadium.
You can’t do that either but I’m unsure on the penalty for doing it.
I’ve read somewhere, if you don’t collect your ticket, you don’t get it recorded against your booking history.
[/The tickets are issued in Poland. The kicker is people who will buy with no intention of going to keep a record up. It would be criminal if we had 100’s of empty seats because of that and people in bars outside the stadium.
You can’t do that either but I’m unsure on the penalty for doing it.
I’ve read somewhere, if you don’t collect your ticket, you don’t get it recorded against your booking history.
Which is fair, but doesn’t give someone the ticket on the day who genuinely would have gone.
If it doesn’t give you the credit on your booking history then surely no one is that daft to do it?
Yes of course!
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The tickets are issued in Poland. The kicker is people who will buy with no intention of going to keep a record up. It would be criminal if we had 100’s of empty seats because of that and people in bars outside the stadium.
that's what i was alluding to .
We already know loads of the "19 a season away games group" buy tickets to every game and don't always go but do it to keep up their booking history
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Dont know what the answer is but this away ticket closed shop is just wrong
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The tickets are issued in Poland. The kicker is people who will buy with no intention of going to keep a record up. It would be criminal if we had 100’s of empty seats because of that and people in bars outside the stadium.
that's what i was alluding to .
We already know loads of the "19 a season away games group" buy tickets to every game and don't always go but do it to keep up their booking history
But as has been said that’s not how European aways work as you physically have to pick the ticket up, if you don’t then it doesn’t count to your booking history. Come on this isn’t rocket science.
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I note that Almaar are top of the Eredivisie League after the first three games. Not sure who they've played but am looking forward to watching the game against us in a couple of weeks.
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The tickets are issued in Poland. The kicker is people who will buy with no intention of going to keep a record up. It would be criminal if we had 100’s of empty seats because of that and people in bars outside the stadium.
that's what i was alluding to .
We already know loads of the "19 a season away games group" buy tickets to every game and don't always go but do it to keep up their booking history
But as has been said that’s not how European aways work as you physically have to pick the ticket up, if you don’t then it doesn’t count to your booking history. Come on this isn’t rocket science.
the question was , what is the deterrent and penalty to them booking the tickets , not going and denying another fan a ticket . (i get they have to pick them up , i get they don't count towards booking history )
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I note that Almaar are top of the Eredivisie League after the first three games. Not sure who they've played but am looking forward to watching the game against us in a couple of weeks.
They beat Vitesse A 2-0 , the other 2 teams i have literally never heard of (Go Ahead Eagles was one of them ??)
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The tickets are issued in Poland. The kicker is people who will buy with no intention of going to keep a record up. It would be criminal if we had 100’s of empty seats because of that and people in bars outside the stadium.
that's what i was alluding to .
We already know loads of the "19 a season away games group" buy tickets to every game and don't always go but do it to keep up their booking history
But as has been said that’s not how European aways work as you physically have to pick the ticket up, if you don’t then it doesn’t count to your booking history. Come on this isn’t rocket science.
the question was , what is the deterrent and penalty to them booking the tickets , not going and denying another fan a ticket . (i get they have to pick them up , i get they don't count towards booking history )
You’ve just answered your own question.
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I note that Almaar are top of the Eredivisie League after the first three games. Not sure who they've played but am looking forward to watching the game against us in a couple of weeks.
They beat Vitesse A 2-0 , the other 2 teams i have literally never heard of (Go Ahead Eagles was one of them ??)
Let's hope we don't hear them mentioned again this weekend.
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The tickets are issued in Poland. The kicker is people who will buy with no intention of going to keep a record up. It would be criminal if we had 100’s of empty seats because of that and people in bars outside the stadium.
that's what i was alluding to .
We already know loads of the "19 a season away games group" buy tickets to every game and don't always go but do it to keep up their booking history
But as has been said that’s not how European aways work as you physically have to pick the ticket up, if you don’t then it doesn’t count to your booking history. Come on this isn’t rocket science.
the question was , what is the deterrent and penalty to them booking the tickets , not going and denying another fan a ticket . (i get they have to pick them up , i get they don't count towards booking history )
You’ve just answered your own question.
what is the penalty ? Hopefully a lengthy ban from buying tickets
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I note that Almaar are top of the Eredivisie League after the first three games. Not sure who they've played but am looking forward to watching the game against us in a couple of weeks.
They beat Vitesse A 2-0 , the other 2 teams i have literally never heard of (Go Ahead Eagles was one of them ??)
Let's hope we don't hear them mentioned again this weekend.
the other team was - RKC Waalwijk, yeah me neither
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The only people who will buy tickets and not attend the game in Warsaw would be those who get arrested for too much arm waving or those that cannot handle their ale, usually they are in the same sphere. Nobody is buying a ticket that they won't use, its utterly pointless.
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Ads kind of beat me to it. The detterent is that they would be wasting their money doing something which won't benefit them.
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Unless they are retarded and don't read the small print
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Oof!
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My prediction for tickets is that they'll sell out pretty sharpish on Thursday when they hit general ST holders.
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Unless they are retarded and don't read the small print
That kind of insult is best left in the eighties.
Pretty sure one person could pick up several tickets in Edinburgh.
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Yeah agree I think it's going to ST holders , I can't find any reasonable price flights so I'm out . Probably can't afford 2 days annual leave either in fairness
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Unless they are retarded and don't read the small print
That kind of insult is best left in the eighties.
Pretty sure one person could pick up several tickets in Edinburgh.
How can 1 person pick up several tickets ? I thought it was ID required for every single ticket ?
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Unless they are retarded and don't read the small print
That kind of insult is best left in the eighties.
Pretty sure one person could pick up several tickets in Edinburgh.
How can 1 person pick up several tickets ? I thought it was ID required for every single ticket ?
Sure if you have a lead booker then they can collect for their family. All my ids are linked..
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Unless they are retarded and don't read the small print
That kind of insult is best left in the eighties.
Pretty sure one person could pick up several tickets in Edinburgh.
How can 1 person pick up several tickets ? I thought it was ID required for every single ticket ?
Sure if you have a lead booker then they can collect for their family. All my ids are linked..
So the lead booker could collect the tickets and preserve anyone linked to their account and pass the other tickets on ? Flawed if so
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Unless they are retarded and don't read the small print
I rarely, if ever, read the small print.
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Unless they are retarded and don't read the small print
I rarely, if ever, read the small print.
So in the event someone doesn't read the finer details and book tickets and don't go , do they go unpunished? As they could be denying another fan a ticket , that fan may even be in Warsaw making do with watching in a bar. Whereas the fan booking the ticket to keep up the booking history (they didn't read the small print) gets to carry on as usual . Then there is the lead booker angle now too.
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(https://media.giphy.com/media/jSxK33dwEMbkY/giphy.gif)
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Unless they are retarded and don't read the small print
Retarded?
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As in stupid and "don't " read the small print . Not stupid and "can't " read the small print.
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As in stupid and "don't " read the small print . Not stupid and "can't " read the small print.
retarded
/rɪˈtɑːdɪd/
adjective
1.
OFFENSIVE•DATED
less advanced in mental, physical, or social development than is usual for one's age.
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As in To act retarded not BE retarded , as in act stupid which might be an acceptable word
stupid
/ˈstjuːpɪd/
adjective
having or showing a great lack of intelligence or common sense.
"I was stupid enough to think she was perfect"
I will certainly apologise if the word is offensive or finds offence it was certainly not aimed that way
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Imagine, Tim, if it were a racial slur instead. Or a homophobic one! 'I said to act like a bumboy not BE a bumboy.' Not really 100% improvement is it?
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In today's language many words are used , take the word "dumb" as an example .
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Imagine, Tim, if it were a racial slur instead. Or a homophobic one! 'I said to act like a bumboy not BE a bumboy.' Not really 100% improvement is it?
But it was neither of those though . It was used in the same way as the day to day use of stupid or dumb or moronic or fuckwit or twat or idiot . Sift through the thousands or millions of times that has been used
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In today's language many words are used , take the word "dumb" as an example .
'Dumb' always had a double meaning (German 'dumm' means stupid, not unable to speak); 'retarded', like 'spastic', is different, in that it's now never used to mean what it used to medically speaking, but is an insult related to that old meaning - i.e. mentally disabled.
It's just not one of those you bandy about.
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The definition of dumb is doubling down on ones mistake when an apology or retraction would have been smarter. AKA The Rubiales Syndrome.
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The definition of dumb is doubling down on ones mistake when an apology or retraction would have been smarter. AKA The Rubiales Syndrome.
I did apologise as above
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BE retarded? BE a bumboy? I'm not having this. Tsk!
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Who gets to decide if words like retarded are acceptable or not?
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English teachers of the non-leather patched variety, lexicographers, society, usage, evolution, that balanced, intelligent bloke down the pub for whom you have a secret, confusing mancrush.
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What can possibly go wrong 1700 Villa fans queuing for tickets in the middle of Warsaw!!
I am told by some of my Polish work colleagues that if i were going to be very careful where i drink etc...
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Going back a few pages, Go Ahead Eagles would be my favourite Dutch team if I could be arsed to have favourite foreign teams. Based in Deventer - fantastic city and where they filmed a lot of A Bridge Too Far - they have one of the greatest football names outside Aston. Their ground is a real throwback English effort and they play in the Melchester Rovers strip. The best place in The Netherlands to watch a game.
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I am told by some of my Polish work colleagues that if i were going to be very careful where i drink etc...
Oh come on then ask your workmate to give us a clue, like where exactly or where not?
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Going back a few pages, Go Ahead Eagles would be my favourite Dutch team if I could be arsed to have favourite foreign teams. Based in Deventer - fantastic city and where they filmed a lot of A Bridge Too Far - they have one of the greatest football names outside Aston. Their ground is a real throwback English effort and they play in the Melchester Rovers strip. The best place in The Netherlands to watch a game.
The most polite name in football. Always had a soft spot for Den Haag myself.
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ADO (proun: ahh day oh). You've got to love some of these names. Anyway, they have some sort of link to Legia I think. They also have a relationship with corruption that fits the home of government and international diplomacy. Going against the city's peace and justice image, the club attracts some who like to keep the Dutch hooligan flag flying. The game in that country could be so good if Ajax would do the decent thing and piss off.
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Going back a few pages, Go Ahead Eagles would be my favourite Dutch team if I could be arsed to have favourite foreign teams. Based in Deventer - fantastic city and where they filmed a lot of A Bridge Too Far….
For one game every season, Vitesse Arnhem change from their usual kit and wear a claret and blue version. I think it is in recognition of the Paras and the “ Bridge too Far” Battle of Arnhem. Which is commemorated this month.
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Yep, it's the colours of (insert number) Airborne. Claret & blue is everywhere in the city all the time. They should just become Villa fans and be done with it.
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Yep, it's the colours of (insert number) Airborne. Claret & blue is everywhere in the city all the time. They should just become Villa fans and be done with it.
They could just change their name to Arnhem Vitesse to become AVFC
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What can possibly go wrong 1700 Villa fans queuing for tickets in the middle of Warsaw!!
I am told by some of my Polish work colleagues that if i were going to be very careful where i drink etc...
If I were going - and I am not, because I have auto identified as too 'retarded' (no offence meant, I obviously mean it to mean the other thing, not that one, I thought that was clear) to understand how to pick up the tickets - I wouldn't be thinking about where I would be drinking.
I'd be working up a list of cultural sights I would like to see in a city which must surely rival any other European capital, particularly in terms of the darkest period(s) of the 20th century.
I know different people like different things but being in a new city and spending your time rammed into a pub with people who live two miles from you, singing songs you all sing every week together, I will never understand that.
We get all excited about travelling around Europe to watch football (that bit, I do get) but then treat it exactly the same as a new away in some other new part of the UK, except with cheaper beer (sometimes).
Sheesh.
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What can possibly go wrong 1700 Villa fans queuing for tickets in the middle of Warsaw!!
I am told by some of my Polish work colleagues that if i were going to be very careful where i drink etc...
If I were going - and I am not, because I have auto identified as too 'retarded' (no offence meant, I obviously mean it to mean the other thing, not that one, I thought that was clear) to understand how to pick up the tickets - I wouldn't be thinking about where I would be drinking.
I'd be working up a list of cultural sights I would like to see in a city which must surely rival any other European capital, particularly in terms of the darkest period(s) of the 20th century.
I know different people like different things but being in a new city and spending your time rammed into a pub with people who live two miles from you, singing songs you all sing every week together, I will never understand that.
We get all excited about travelling around Europe to watch football (that bit, I do get) but then treat it exactly the same as a new away in some other new part of the UK, except with cheaper beer (sometimes).
Sheesh.
Yeah, bollocks to that.
You find the local town square, get in the fountain, then pavement dance to bewildered commuters.
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Yeah, bollocks to that.
You find the local town square, get in the fountain, then pavement dance to bewildered commuters.
NOW you're talking.
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What can possibly go wrong 1700 Villa fans queuing for tickets in the middle of Warsaw!!
I am told by some of my Polish work colleagues that if i were going to be very careful where i drink etc...
I'd be working up a list of cultural sights I would like to see in a city which must surely rival any other European capital, particularly in terms of the darkest period(s) of the 20th century.
I know different people like different things but being in a new city and spending your time rammed into a pub with people who live two miles from you, singing songs you all sing every week together, I will never understand that.
We get all excited about travelling around Europe to watch football (that bit, I do get) but then treat it exactly the same as a new away in some other new part of the UK, except with cheaper beer (sometimes).
Sheesh.
Now I’m going to be in a 1700 strong queue to get into the Warsaw Rising Museum. Thanks.
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Every week we follow,
the boys in claret and blue,
we visit sights in Europe,
from Anne Frank's house to the Louvre
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Yep, it's the colours of (insert number) Airborne. Claret & blue is everywhere in the city all the time. They should just become Villa fans and be done with it.
They could just change their name to Arnhem Vitesse to become AVFC
Applause!
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Every week we follow,
the boys in claret and blue,
we visit sights in Europe,
from Anne Frank's house to the Louvre
We've seen the Mona Lisa
Michaelangelo's David too
We even saw Manneken Pis
In Nineteen Eighty Two!
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What can possibly go wrong 1700 Villa fans queuing for tickets in the middle of Warsaw!!
I am told by some of my Polish work colleagues that if i were going to be very careful where i drink etc...
I'd be working up a list of cultural sights I would like to see in a city which must surely rival any other European capital, particularly in terms of the darkest period(s) of the 20th century.
I know different people like different things but being in a new city and spending your time rammed into a pub with people who live two miles from you, singing songs you all sing every week together, I will never understand that.
We get all excited about travelling around Europe to watch football (that bit, I do get) but then treat it exactly the same as a new away in some other new part of the UK, except with cheaper beer (sometimes).
Sheesh.
Now I’m going to be in a 1700 strong queue to get into the Warsaw Rising Museum. Thanks.
Ha ha ha, excellent!
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Every week we follow,
the boys in claret and blue,
we visit sights in Europe,
from Anne Frank's house to the Louvre
We've seen the Mona Lisa
Michaelangelo's David too
We even saw Manneken Pis
In Nineteen Eighty Two!
Excellent efforts, but a song with foreign words in it will never catch on.
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Lots to see my Lord, lots to see.
Lots to see my Lord, lots to see
Oh Lord lots to see..
Manneken pissed my Lord...
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My old man said "Fryderyk Chopin"
And I said "Bollocks! Wilanów!
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Culture Vultures my lord, culture vultures
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My old man said "Fryderyk Chopin"
And I said "Bollocks! Wilanów!
"With Banksy and Dali, Sandro Botticelli..."
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"If you like Matisse,
then you're a bluenose bastard,
and you ain't no friend of mine"
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One Mona Lisa,
There's only one Mona Lisa....
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Heigh-ho, heigh-ho, it's up the Louvre we go
If you are a Titian fan surrender or you'll die
We will follow DaVinci
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And it's Vincent Willem,
Vincent Willem Van Gogh,
He's by far the greatest artist, the world has ever seen.
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Sigmund Freud rolls to the ball to Plato...
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Interesting……
(https://i.ibb.co/s5TMZkR/IMG-6757.png) (https://ibb.co/s5TMZkR)
Ticket4football.com
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Interesting……
(https://i.ibb.co/s5TMZkR/IMG-6757.png) (https://ibb.co/s5TMZkR)
Ticket4football.com
i'd say thats a scam
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Interesting……
(https://i.ibb.co/s5TMZkR/IMG-6757.png) (https://ibb.co/s5TMZkR)
Interesting……
(https://i.ibb.co/s5TMZkR/IMG-6757.png) (https://ibb.co/s5TMZkR)
Ticket4football.com
Alkmaar Terras uitzicht
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This comment for buying tickets in Family ares on UCEL 3 match matinee tickets page has confused me:
The Family Areas are C8, C9, B7 and A8 in the Trinity Road Stand with a ratio of three adults per 1 child
Surely its 3 child tickets per 1 adult?
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This comment for buying tickets in Family ares on UCEL 3 match matinee tickets page has confused me:
The Family Areas are C8, C9, B7 and A8 in the Trinity Road Stand with a ratio of three adults per 1 child
Surely its 3 child tickets per 1 adult?
The club's looking to tap into the Chinese market. Like it!
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Mom, Dad and Mom’s new boyfriend. Bit unfair on the kids whose parents aren’t having affairs though.
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Ooops
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Yep, it's the colours of (insert number) Airborne. Claret & blue is everywhere in the city all the time. They should just become Villa fans and be done with it.
6th
I have a rather attractive pin badge from pegasus Bridge to go with my Villa ones. My Grandad must have loved wearing it. Well probably didn't think much about the colours as he was chucking himself out of a plane.
Edit: not sure it was the 6th at Arnhem. My Grandad was at the Ardennes not Arnhem.
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It was the 1st Airborne Division at Market Garden.
Edit: Jeremy Clarkson did a good documentary on his former father in law, Major Robert Cain, who won the VC there.
In Holland on 19th September, 1944, Major Cain was commanding a rifle company of the South Staffordshire Regiment during the Battle of Arnhem when his company was cut off from the rest of the battalion and during the next six days was closely engaged with enemy tanks, self-propelled guns and infantry. The Germans made repeated attempts to break into the company position by infiltration and had they succeeded in doing so the whole situation of the Airborne Troops would have been jeopardised.
Major Cain, by his outstanding devotion to duty and remarkable powers of leadership, was to a large extent personally responsible for saving a vital sector from falling into the hands of the enemy.
On 20th September a Tiger tank approached the area held by his company and Major Cain went out alone to deal with it armed with a Piat. Taking up a position he held his fire until the tank was only 20 yards away when he opened up. The tank immediately halted and turned its guns on him, shooting away a corner of the house near where this officer was lying. Although wounded by machine gun bullets and falling masonry, Major Cain continued firing until he had scored several direct hits, immobilised the tank and supervised the bringing up of a 75 mm. howitzer which completely destroyed it. Only then would he consent to have his wounds dressed.
In the next morning this officer drove off three more
tanks by the fearless use of his Piat, on each occasion leaving cover and taking up position in open ground with complete disregard for his personal safety.
During the following days, Major Cain was everywhere where danger threatened, moving amongst his men and encouraging them by his fearless example to hold out. He refused rest and medical attention in spite of the fact that his hearing had been seriously impaired because of a perforated eardrum and he was suffering from multiple wounds.
On 25 September the enemy made a concerted attack on Major Cain's position, using self-propelled guns, flame throwers and infantry. By this time the last Piat had been put out of action and Major Cain was armed with only a light 2" mortar. However, by a skilful use of this weapon and his daring leadership of the few men still under his command, he completely demoralized the enemy who, after an engagement lasting more than three hours, withdrew in disorder.
Throughout the whole course of the Battle of Arnhem, Major Cain showed superb gallantry. His powers of endurance and leadership were the admiration of all his fellow officers and stories of his valour were being constantly exchanged amongst the troops. His coolness and courage under incessant fire could not be surpassed.
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Bit late to this one but if I was as workshy as the rest of you I would have gone with.
Caravagg - i- o, i-o, its up the Holte We Go.
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Da Vinci, Da Vinci
You're the greatest,
Holte End say
Da Vinci, Da Vinci
Better than Rembrandt anyway
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It was the 1st Airborne Division at Market Garden.
Jeremy Clarkson did a good
And there it is, the singularity. Why are we all still here?!
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Unless they are retarded and don't read the small print
That kind of insult is best left in the eighties.
Pretty sure one person could pick up several tickets in Edinburgh.
How can 1 person pick up several tickets ? I thought it was ID required for every single ticket ?
Sure if you have a lead booker then they can collect for their family. All my ids are linked..
So the lead booker could collect the tickets and preserve anyone linked to their account and pass the other tickets on ? Flawed if so
You all had to show your ID and pick up your tickets individually at Hibs, we had one person that had ID for his daughter and had her ticket, she was delayed flying back from holiday, but they would not give the ticket to her dad who had her driving licence.
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Walk on, Walk on
With no hope in your hearts
As you won’t be seeing Van Gough Art
The queue is all round the block.
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My old man smoked weed in Amsterdam
I looked at some paintings by Van Gogh
He ate cake and was stoned for hours
I rode a bike and went looking at flowers
There’s windmills and churches, more canals than Venice
But for Anne Frank’s House you’ll have to wait in line
So if you want some fun go window shopping,
Where you’ll meet some friends of mine.
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My old man smoked weed in Amsterdam
I looked at some paintings by Van Gogh
He ate cake and was stoned for hours
I rode a bike and went looking at flowers
There’s windmills and churches, more canals than Venice
But for Anne Frank’s House you’ll have to wait in line
So if you want some fun go window shopping,
Where you’ll meet some friends of mine.
Marvellous. A worthy addition to a brilliant thread. I’ve been giggling at it all evening.
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My old man smoked weed in Amsterdam
I looked at some paintings by Van Gogh
He ate cake and was stoned for hours
I rode a bike and went looking at flowers
There’s windmills and churches, more canals than Venice
But for Anne Frank’s House you’ll have to wait in line
So if you want some fun go window shopping,
Where you’ll meet some friends of mine.
Great stuff, we have a winner.
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Chim chiminey
Chim chiminey
Chim chim cheroo
We’re going to Mostar to look at the view
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I loved Warsaw. Went to Auschwitz (an experience which is simply indescribable), went to the salt mines (beautiful carvings) and then got driven deep into the woods to fire guns (AK, shotgun, pistol) where I absolutely wasn't shitting myself. Some Polish looking TA in all camo were doing firing drills and watching us shoot which wasn't intimidating at all. I will say though that I found the AK to be far easier to shoot than I imagined, to the point where I thought it was scarily easy. Very attractive women around and relatively cheap, also. Great place to go.
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I loved Warsaw. Went to Auschwitz (an experience which is simply indescribable), went to the salt mines (beautiful carvings) and then got driven deep into the woods to fire guns (AK, shotgun, pistol) where I absolutely wasn't shitting myself. Some Polish looking TA in all camo were doing firing drills and watching us shoot which wasn't intimidating at all. I will say though that I found the AK to be far easier to shoot than I imagined, to the point where I thought it was scarily easy. Very attractive women around and relatively cheap, also. Great place to go.
I'd recommend anybody who chooses to go to Auschwitz to donate generously, but forgo the guided tours.
I went as part of a school tour, found it overly commercialised and was misquoted in the Birmingham Mail for good measure. They even cut out my best comment: "the only thing missing is a fast food van called 'Auschwitz Burger-Now".
(https://i.ibb.co/LgB47jx/7-B782-F70-CA54-4-AE8-DF6-DA60-F0-F60-E1-F5-2.jpg) (https://ibb.co/LgB47jx)
(I'm the fat skinhead.)
Go, think, absorb. Experience it as a human being, not a tourist.
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I loved Warsaw. Went to Auschwitz (an experience which is simply indescribable), went to the salt mines (beautiful carvings) and then got driven deep into the woods to fire guns (AK, shotgun, pistol) where I absolutely wasn't shitting myself. Some Polish looking TA in all camo were doing firing drills and watching us shoot which wasn't intimidating at all. I will say though that I found the AK to be far easier to shoot than I imagined, to the point where I thought it was scarily easy. Very attractive women around and relatively cheap, also. Great place to go.
I'd recommend anybody who chooses to go to Auschwitz to donate generously, but forgo the guided tours.
I went as part of a school tour, found it overly commercialised and was misquoted in the Birmingham Mail for good measure. They even cut out my best comment: "the only thing missing is a fast food van called 'Auschwitz Burger-Now".
(https://i.ibb.co/LgB47jx/7-B782-F70-CA54-4-AE8-DF6-DA60-F0-F60-E1-F5-2.jpg) (https://ibb.co/LgB47jx)
(I'm the fat skinhead.)
Go, think, absorb. Experience it as a human being, not a tourist.
I went during the 2006 World Cup.
Extremely interesting, though not as creepy and morbid as I expected. When I was living in Phnom Penh, my balcony overlooked Tuol Sleng. An utterly horrific place.
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My dad and sister went when they were over there for the Gornik UEFA Cup game in '77.
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I'd advise anyone who has the opportunity, to go. As long as you don't buy all the Jewish propaganda - some people argue it wasn't a normal POW camp, and even that Jews were intentionally murdered there!
Get some space at Birkenau. Take your time. Appreciate the scale. Guided tours simply cannot do justice to something like that.
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My old man smoked weed in Amsterdam
I looked at some paintings by Van Gogh
He ate cake and was stoned for hours
I rode a bike and went looking at flowers
There’s windmills and churches, more canals than Venice
But for Anne Frank’s House you’ll have to wait in line
So if you want some fun go window shopping,
Where you’ll meet some friends of mine.
Brilliant.
-
I loved Warsaw. Went to Auschwitz (an experience which is simply indescribable), went to the salt mines (beautiful carvings) and then got driven deep into the woods to fire guns (AK, shotgun, pistol) where I absolutely wasn't shitting myself. Some Polish looking TA in all camo were doing firing drills and watching us shoot which wasn't intimidating at all. I will say though that I found the AK to be far easier to shoot than I imagined, to the point where I thought it was scarily easy. Very attractive women around and relatively cheap, also. Great place to go.
I'd recommend anybody who chooses to go to Auschwitz to donate generously, but forgo the guided tours.
I went as part of a school tour, found it overly commercialised and was misquoted in the Birmingham Mail for good measure. They even cut out my best comment: "the only thing missing is a fast food van called 'Auschwitz Burger-Now".
(https://i.ibb.co/LgB47jx/7-B782-F70-CA54-4-AE8-DF6-DA60-F0-F60-E1-F5-2.jpg) (https://ibb.co/LgB47jx)
(I'm the fat skinhead.)
Go, think, absorb. Experience it as a human being, not a tourist.
Completely agree with Rory here. It's easy enough to get to by public transport. Personally found it quite overwhelming, the Auschwitz II particularly so, but maybe because I just wandered around with thoughts in my head.
If you are planning on going - or even if you're not - "If This Is A Man" by Primo Levi is a really powerful book about his experiences there. Italian Jew who fought with the anti-fascist resistance, before being caught and sent there. Was one of the few who survived. I'll not try to paraphrase anything he writes in there, I can't do it justice. But it's an incredible piece. You won't enjoy reading it, but it is such a worthwhile experience.
I'd recommend getting an edition that also has his second book (The Truce) in too, as that covers his absolutely incredible journey home from Auschwitz to Turin, but only after the Russians had marched them all to Belarus (!) first. The majority of published versions include both books. It offers some relatively light relief to the first book.
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I'd recommend anybody who chooses to go to Auschwitz to donate generously, but forgo the guided tours.
I went as part of a school tour, found it overly commercialised and was misquoted in the Birmingham Mail for good measure. They even cut out my best comment: "the only thing missing is a fast food van called 'Auschwitz Burger-Now".
Served with Arbeit Macht freis?
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I loved Warsaw. Went to Auschwitz (an experience which is simply indescribable), went to the salt mines (beautiful carvings) and then got driven deep into the woods to fire guns (AK, shotgun, pistol) where I absolutely wasn't shitting myself. Some Polish looking TA in all camo were doing firing drills and watching us shoot which wasn't intimidating at all. I will say though that I found the AK to be far easier to shoot than I imagined, to the point where I thought it was scarily easy. Very attractive women around and relatively cheap, also. Great place to go.
You should do a fans guide on the prostitution rates around Europe.
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I'd recommend anybody who chooses to go to Auschwitz to donate generously, but forgo the guided tours.
I went as part of a school tour, found it overly commercialised and was misquoted in the Birmingham Mail for good measure. They even cut out my best comment: "the only thing missing is a fast food van called 'Auschwitz Burger-Now".
Served with Arbeit Macht freis?
Very good.
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I went as part of a school tour, found it overly commercialised and was misquoted in the Birmingham Mail for good measure. They even cut out my best comment: "the only thing missing is a fast food van called 'Auschwitz Burger-Now".
Fury as Villa Fan goes to Auschwitz and bemoans lack of burger places.
They saluted Hitler as well.
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I'd recommend anybody who chooses to go to Auschwitz to donate generously, but forgo the guided tours.
I went as part of a school tour, found it overly commercialised and was misquoted in the Birmingham Mail for good measure. They even cut out my best comment: "the only thing missing is a fast food van called 'Auschwitz Burger-Now".
I disagree with that. I’d say the guided tour was essential, the one we had was excellent. She was clearly a jew herself and knew her stuff. My guess is that school parties are treated differently than other tour groups. There was nothing tacky or commercial about the tour I attended. I found Birkenau more moving. Less visitors than Auschwitz but the footprint of the site gives you the immenseness of the place. The train track which you can walk along and you’re asked to stop where the passengers got off and were told left or right is a shuddering moment. I didn’t find it upsetting as I knew what to expect but actually being there resonates. I’m glad I went and recommend others to go if you are in the vicinity.
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I've seen idiots taking selfies there and it just made me want to scream. Not photos - ecstatic, demented selfies with the dumb tongue-faces and some vacuous little kawaii hand gesture. I really don't understand people sometimes.
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I've seen idiots taking selfies there and it just made me want to scream. Not photos - ecstatic, demented selfies with the dumb tongue-faces and some vacuous little kawaii hand gesture. I really don't understand people sometimes.
Probably the sort that would have made unthinking camp guards.
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Auschwitz is a bit of a trek from Warsaw, don’t try that on matchday!
I went from Krakow and agree with previous posters that Birkenau hits you more powerfully. I would recommend a guide as there’s so much you could miss without, and to expect it not to be touristy is not really realistic. Someone on our minibus moaned that her day was spoilt by seeing so many fat tourists - which made me wonder who she was expecting to be walking around with! She was probably also surprised that the sun was out and everywhere was in full colour.
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I loved Warsaw. Went to Auschwitz (an experience which is simply indescribable), went to the salt mines (beautiful carvings) and then got driven deep into the woods to fire guns (AK, shotgun, pistol) where I absolutely wasn't shitting myself. Some Polish looking TA in all camo were doing firing drills and watching us shoot which wasn't intimidating at all. I will say though that I found the AK to be far easier to shoot than I imagined, to the point where I thought it was scarily easy. Very attractive women around and relatively cheap, also. Great place to go.
You should do a fans guide on the prostitution rates around Europe.
Hahaha.
And DeKuip is right, I completely forgot that it was Krakow when I went to both Auschwitz and the salt mines. Completely got mixed up, Warsaw still great though, so is Krakow.
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And DeKuip is right, I completely forgot that it was Krakow when I went to both Auschwitz and the salt mines. Completely got mixed up, Warsaw still great though, so is Krakow.
Haven't been to Krakow but my Mom and sister and sister went and they were very impressed with the salt mines. Thought it was well worth a visit.
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I've seen idiots taking selfies there and it just made me want to scream. Not photos - ecstatic, demented selfies with the dumb tongue-faces and some vacuous little kawaii hand gesture. I really don't understand people sometimes.
Just tut and mumble about respect, don't feel it is an outrage apparently.
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And DeKuip is right, I completely forgot that it was Krakow when I went to both Auschwitz and the salt mines. Completely got mixed up, Warsaw still great though, so is Krakow.
Haven't been to Krakow but my Mom and sister and sister went and they were very impressed with the salt mines. Thought it was well worth a visit.
They really are impressive. Been twice - the chapel thing doesn't lose any of it's impact the second time round. Also far away, but can highly recommend Gdansk/Sopot as a holiday destination in Poland. The northern - I assume - version of polish dumplings (big baked ones) are lovely. Polish dumpings are generally bloody great, though.
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And DeKuip is right, I completely forgot that it was Krakow when I went to both Auschwitz and the salt mines. Completely got mixed up, Warsaw still great though, so is Krakow.
Haven't been to Krakow but my Mom and sister and sister went and they were very impressed with the salt mines. Thought it was well worth a visit.
They're right, the chapels carved from the salt are beautiful.
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I loved Warsaw. Went to Auschwitz (an experience which is simply indescribable), went to the salt mines (beautiful carvings) and then got driven deep into the woods to fire guns (AK, shotgun, pistol) where I absolutely wasn't shitting myself. Some Polish looking TA in all camo were doing firing drills and watching us shoot which wasn't intimidating at all. I will say though that I found the AK to be far easier to shoot than I imagined, to the point where I thought it was scarily easy. Very attractive women around and relatively cheap, also. Great place to go.
(https://i.ibb.co/LgB47jx/7-B782-F70-CA54-4-AE8-DF6-DA60-F0-F60-E1-F5-2.jpg) (https://ibb.co/LgB47jx)
(I'm the fat skinhead.)
Go, think, absorb. Experience it as a human being, not a tourist.
Have you ever seen the comedy series Ladhood? You look and have the vibe of the really intelligent skinhead bully in it. I'd recommend it if you haven't, very age appropriate for us and I just really like Liam Williams.
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I'd recommend anybody who chooses to go to Auschwitz to donate generously, but forgo the guided tours.
I went as part of a school tour, found it overly commercialised and was misquoted in the Birmingham Mail for good measure. They even cut out my best comment: "the only thing missing is a fast food van called 'Auschwitz Burger-Now".
I disagree with that. I’d say the guided tour was essential, the one we had was excellent. She was clearly a jew herself and knew her stuff. My guess is that school parties are treated differently than other tour groups. There was nothing tacky or commercial about the tour I attended. I found Birkenau more moving. Less visitors than Auschwitz but the footprint of the site gives you the immenseness of the place. The train track which you can walk along and you’re asked to stop where the passengers got off and were told left or right is a shuddering moment. I didn’t find it upsetting as I knew what to expect but actually being there resonates. I’m glad I went and recommend others to go if you are in the vicinity.
Fair enough, maybe as a school tour we were spoken down to a little, as you suggest. Our guide was excellent as well, I just didn't find there was any time for contemplation.
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I loved Warsaw. Went to Auschwitz (an experience which is simply indescribable), went to the salt mines (beautiful carvings) and then got driven deep into the woods to fire guns (AK, shotgun, pistol) where I absolutely wasn't shitting myself. Some Polish looking TA in all camo were doing firing drills and watching us shoot which wasn't intimidating at all. I will say though that I found the AK to be far easier to shoot than I imagined, to the point where I thought it was scarily easy. Very attractive women around and relatively cheap, also. Great place to go.
(https://i.ibb.co/LgB47jx/7-B782-F70-CA54-4-AE8-DF6-DA60-F0-F60-E1-F5-2.jpg) (https://ibb.co/LgB47jx)
(I'm the fat skinhead.)
Go, think, absorb. Experience it as a human being, not a tourist.
Have you ever seen the comedy series Ladhood? You look and have the vibe of the really intelligent skinhead bully in it. I'd recommend it if you haven't, very age appropriate for us and I just really like Liam Williams.
I haven't but I'll give it a go. I like the 'really intelligent' bit 😉
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I loved Warsaw. Went to Auschwitz (an experience which is simply indescribable), went to the salt mines (beautiful carvings) and then got driven deep into the woods to fire guns (AK, shotgun, pistol) where I absolutely wasn't shitting myself. Some Polish looking TA in all camo were doing firing drills and watching us shoot which wasn't intimidating at all. I will say though that I found the AK to be far easier to shoot than I imagined, to the point where I thought it was scarily easy. Very attractive women around and relatively cheap, also. Great place to go.
(https://i.ibb.co/LgB47jx/7-B782-F70-CA54-4-AE8-DF6-DA60-F0-F60-E1-F5-2.jpg) (https://ibb.co/LgB47jx)
(I'm the fat skinhead.)
Go, think, absorb. Experience it as a human being, not a tourist.
Have you ever seen the comedy series Ladhood? You look and have the vibe of the really intelligent skinhead bully in it. I'd recommend it if you haven't, very age appropriate for us and I just really like Liam Williams.
I haven't but I'll give it a go. I like the 'really intelligent' bit 😉
Ha, yeah! He's roughly our age and it's about his adolescence so quite a bit should resonate. On iPlayer.
I get your point about Auschwitz as well as there is certainly a churning through of tourists. I personally didn't feel rushed though but I was in my 20's.
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I'd recommend anybody who chooses to go to Auschwitz to donate generously, but forgo the guided tours.
(https://i.ibb.co/LgB47jx/7-B782-F70-CA54-4-AE8-DF6-DA60-F0-F60-E1-F5-2.jpg) (https://ibb.co/LgB47jx)
(I'm the fat skinhead.)
I don't see a fat person in this photo. I do see a decent human being and a malnourished child alongside him.
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You'll need your passport number and your fan ID to buy one. They're selling the lower tier first by the looks of things. £18.61 so guess it was €20 not £20.
Very excited!
Edit: you can choose the upper tier, just went back on. 1100 left so most of the first tranche that could purchase appear to have dived on early doors.
Edit 2: their main end is under a 2 year suspended sentence of being shut, plus a €40,000 fine.
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I'd recommend anybody who chooses to go to Auschwitz to donate generously, but forgo the guided tours.
(https://i.ibb.co/LgB47jx/7-B782-F70-CA54-4-AE8-DF6-DA60-F0-F60-E1-F5-2.jpg) (https://ibb.co/LgB47jx)
(I'm the fat skinhead.)
I don't see a fat person in this photo. I do see a decent human being and a malnourished child alongside him.
Haha!
He's a nose (a decent one), so that might explain the malnourished bit.
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You'll need your passport number and your fan ID to buy one. They're selling the lower tier first by the looks of things. £18.61 so guess it was €20 not £20.
Very excited!
Edit: you can choose the upper tier, just went back on. 1100 left so most of the first tranche that could purchase appear to have dived on early doors.
Edit 2: their main end is under a 2 year suspended sentence of being shut, plus a €40,000 fine.
Direct link buypassing the disabled BUY button for those who don't qualify:
https://tickets.avfc.co.uk/en-GB/events/legia%20warszawa%20v%20aston%20villa/2023-9-21_17.45/stadium%20of%20liga%20warsaw
You won't be able to order btw, just see how many left.
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^^^ 962 at the moment.
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Looks like it’s going to be gone by the 2pm tranche tmw
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You'll need your passport number and your fan ID to buy one. They're selling the lower tier first by the looks of things. £18.61 so guess it was €20 not £20.
Very excited!
Edit: you can choose the upper tier, just went back on. 1100 left so most of the first tranche that could purchase appear to have dived on early doors.
Edit 2: their main end is under a 2 year suspended sentence of being shut, plus a €40,000 fine.
All done. by 5.10pm here. Very painless process. Very excited!!
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^^^ 962 at the moment.
994 I make it. Less optimistic than I was though by far.
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^^^ 962 at the moment.
994 I make it. Less optimistic than I was though by far.
Just saw, i still had the browser tab open from this afternoon when it said: Upper 359, lower 603
Currently it says Upper 382, lower 606.
So I'd take using those figures to guess what level they get down to with a pinch of salt.
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I think this will comfortably go to ST holders .
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Hopeful. But less than confident. Any updates welcomed as people join the criteria.
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Hopeful. But less than confident. Any updates welcomed as people join the criteria.
Worried now😥
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I think it'll go on ease of access for each game.
AZ, piece of piss to get to, usual suspects, be little different to going to arsenal.
Legia, bit trickier trip, might just make STH's.
Zrinjski, where the f***s that, even with a small allocation could possibly go to general sale.
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I reckon we won't sell out Warsaw.
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I reckon we won't sell out Warsaw.
If the proportion eligible in each criteria purchasing stays the same before it gets to STHs then STHs will definitely snap up the rest I’d say.
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I'm sticking with this prediction.
My prediction for tickets is that they'll sell out pretty sharpish on Thursday when they hit general ST holders.
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I think they will go. But I still think I'm in with a shout of the nipper having to come down with *insert undiagnosable two day condition* and also foregoing the drone light show that I've just bought tickets for at Wolverhampton races for a pre-Christmas trip to B&H.
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Anyone going and planning to visit the concentration camps / museums I'd say it's well worth it though they are nearer to krakow than Warsaw. Definitely take in Birkenau the huge camp a couple of miles away from the smaller Aushwitz. A very moving and humbling experience but one I'm glad I went to it to pay my respects .
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The dial won't really move until after noon when the 19+ aways category activates. You're less likely to have people bothered about going to Europe in the away category of 11+.
Still 960 left.
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So far it's about a 50% uptake from those that meet the criteria. It will go to season ticket holders & I reckon there could be 200-300 available.
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It was close to 100% from tranche 1. The 19+ aways will take a big chunk out of it.
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How many will we get for Alkmaar ?
And does anyone think it will get down to Just season-ticket holders ?
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How many will we get for Alkmaar ?
And does anyone think it will get down to Just season-ticket holders ?
Alkmaar allocation is even less, STH only have no chance.
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Yeah with it being a jolly in Amsterdam, that will be pretty popular.
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How many will we get for Alkmaar ?
And does anyone think it will get down to Just season-ticket holders ?
975 is the rumoured number.
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How many will we get for Alkmaar ?
And does anyone think it will get down to Just season-ticket holders ?
Alkmaar allocation is even less, STH only have no chance.
Yeah thought so
Still going though
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Warsaw will comfortably make season ticket holders by the looks of it; 888 sold and 815 remaining. Most went with the 8 year ST/19+ aways, very little take up from the other tranches.
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Warsaw could easily make general sale. Expensive flights . Plus a weird KO time and need to take annual leave will put many off .
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Said before, Madrid in 98 and Hamburg in 08 aside, by and large we've never taken big numbers anywhere in Europe.
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Said before, Madrid in 98 and Hamburg in 08 aside, by and large we've never taken big numbers anywhere in Europe.
I’m feeling more positive but not going to get carried away.
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Said before, Madrid in 98 and Hamburg in 08 aside, by and large we've never taken big numbers anywhere in Europe.
True, but the demand for away tickets in general is way higher these days, than then. So I’d expect our numbers to be higher now.
As an example, Boro away in April 04 (Crouch scored a late winner), we decided to go the night before and paid on the day as we hadn’t sold our allocation. Unthinkable now, and we were chasing top 4 at the time.
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A difficulty is the club set the parameters so high to start off with, that only a few were guaranteed tickets. 19+ over 11 years is a nonsense criteria - add to that the fact that there will be secret squirrel ticket hand over etc but that you will have to demonstrate you have a flight/hotel etc means that trying to sell the tickets a week before the event is a little "hopeful". I wasn't going to speculate sales would get to my lowly criteria I'm afraid.
Lets hope we do sell out but it does add to the growing evidence of getting it right on the pitch ... needs improvement off the pitch.
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Said before, Madrid in 98 and Hamburg in 08 aside, by and large we've never taken big numbers anywhere in Europe.
True, but the demand for away tickets in general is way higher these days, than then. So I’d expect our numbers to be higher now.
As an example, Boro away in April 04 (Crouch scored a late winner), we decided to go the night before and paid on the day as we hadn’t sold our allocation. Unthinkable now, and we were chasing top 4 at the time.
I was there. Keeper saved a De La Cruz shot from memory, keeper's save falls to Crouch and the away go mental.
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I assume they have to set it high as allocations can be pretty small. Likely 975 for AZ, and if it's 5% for Zrinjski then it will be 450. It's probably just easier to use the same criteria for every game.
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The fact that they are absolute nut jobs over there, with quite the reputation might put a few of our fans off too.... and on that note, it could get messy if some of the coked up idiots in our fanbase, seen on recent away trips, start shouting their mouths off, as they're likely to meet their match.
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The fact that they are absolute nut jobs over there, with quite the reputation might put a few of our fans off too.... and on that note, it could get messy if some of the coked up idiots in our fanbase, seen on recent away trips, start shouting their mouths off, as they're likely to meet their match.
I'm booked to be out there from Wednesday morning and was aware of their reputation, but still assumed we would be ok if you were sensible (like most away days) then i stumbled on a post when Rangers were there in 2019 and the guidelines they were issued with - Yikes! No going north of the stadium, no dinking in bars, a fan zone was set up for them in a field with a beer tent and Police presence at the fan zone, hoping its a bit over the top but i will be super careful on match day...no advice from the Villa yet! I also saw the Newcastlfe fans group have arranged a series of bars in Milan they can visit and put flags out etc with some level of saftey, be very interesting where villa fans have to pick the tickets up from to see if we can do similar as happened in Scotland for hibs
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Said before, Madrid in 98 and Hamburg in 08 aside, by and large we've never taken big numbers anywhere in Europe.
True, but the demand for away tickets in general is way higher these days, than then. So I’d expect our numbers to be higher now.
As an example, Boro away in April 04 (Crouch scored a late winner), we decided to go the night before and paid on the day as we hadn’t sold our allocation. Unthinkable now, and we were chasing top 4 at the time.
Down to 10 men as well weren't we if I recall. UDLC had been on a Maradona style run. Good times!
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1081 sold, 622 left.
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The fact that they are absolute nut jobs over there, with quite the reputation might put a few of our fans off too.... and on that note, it could get messy if some of the coked up idiots in our fanbase, seen on recent away trips, start shouting their mouths off, as they're likely to meet their match.
I'm booked to be out there from Wednesday morning and was aware of their reputation, but still assumed we would be ok if you were sensible (like most away days) then i stumbled on a post when Rangers were there in 2019 and the guidelines they were issued with - Yikes! No going north of the stadium, no dinking in bars, a fan zone was set up for them in a field with a beer tent and Police presence at the fan zone, hoping its a bit over the top but i will be super careful on match day...no advice from the Villa yet! I also saw the Newcastlfe fans group have arranged a series of bars in Milan they can visit and put flags out etc with some level of saftey, be very interesting where villa fans have to pick the tickets up from to see if we can do similar as happened in Scotland for hibs
Bladen had 4 other spotters from WMP with him, which was massive overkill, but perhaps a bit of training (his last season with us). In Vienna we had a Met spotter and a local Viennese guy (with a bum bag, so he looked very conspicuous).
I suspect they'll want us to drink where they hand out the tickets as its easy to manage. Was easy in Prague and Hamburg. Only bother we've had post-Madrid (which was our Stone Island before it was Stone Island fault) was Vienna first time when they bounded down to the bar, piled in, said nothing, then nicked a big Sutton Coldfield flag.
With Rangers, you've got to factor in they're absolute twats themselves, so far more likely to rub locals up the wrong way. That said, regardless of how well behaved we are as a travelling support, the curious locals think you're a hooligan by default.
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I didn't know Bladen was moving on. Nice chap to be fair whenever I've spoken to him.
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Yeah he's a nice bloke. Shame he's a dingle.
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I have a hotel provisionally booked but have just seen the price of flights has since gone up considerably.
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Try Liverpool, £250 for us out of there with Ryan Air.
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I reckon we won't sell out Warsaw.
They already sold-out when they changed to Joy Division.
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I reckon we won't sell out Warsaw.
They already sold-out when they changed to Joy Division.
Very good I like it.
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I have a hotel provisionally booked but have just seen the price of flights has since gone up considerably.
Have yout tried flying to Poznan, then getting the train to Warsaw for £10....was much cheaper. I'm flying from Leeds as it was about £170 with WizzAir...probably be cancelled last minute knowing my experience of Wizz Air!
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Said before, Madrid in 98 and Hamburg in 08 aside, by and large we've never taken big numbers anywhere in Europe.
True, but the demand for away tickets in general is way higher these days, than then. So I’d expect our numbers to be higher now.
As an example, Boro away in April 04 (Crouch scored a late winner), we decided to go the night before and paid on the day as we hadn’t sold our allocation. Unthinkable now, and we were chasing top 4 at the time.
I was there. Keeper saved a De La Cruz shot from memory, keeper's save falls to Crouch and the away go mental.
Correct. Then my mate got arrested for hugging Crouch in the celebrations! The Boro police were wankers. They nicked a few Villa fans (for celebrating a goal next to the pitch, not on it) then released them once the last train back to Brum had left.
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They'll be around 500 left for season ticket holders come 6pm. Most of the lower tier has gone.
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The fact that they are absolute nut jobs over there, with quite the reputation might put a few of our fans off too.... and on that note, it could get messy if some of the coked up idiots in our fanbase, seen on recent away trips, start shouting their mouths off, as they're likely to meet their match.
I'm booked to be out there from Wednesday morning and was aware of their reputation, but still assumed we would be ok if you were sensible (like most away days) then i stumbled on a post when Rangers were there in 2019 and the guidelines they were issued with - Yikes! No going north of the stadium, no dinking in bars, a fan zone was set up for them in a field with a beer tent and Police presence at the fan zone, hoping its a bit over the top but i will be super careful on match day...no advice from the Villa yet! I also saw the Newcastlfe fans group have arranged a series of bars in Milan they can visit and put flags out etc with some level of saftey, be very interesting where villa fans have to pick the tickets up from to see if we can do similar as happened in Scotland for hibs
Bladen had 4 other spotters from WMP with him, which was massive overkill, but perhaps a bit of training (his last season with us). In Vienna we had a Met spotter and a local Viennese guy (with a bum bag, so he looked very conspicuous).
I suspect they'll want us to drink where they hand out the tickets as its easy to manage. Was easy in Prague and Hamburg. Only bother we've had post-Madrid (which was our Stone Island before it was Stone Island fault) was Vienna first time when they bounded down to the bar, piled in, said nothing, then nicked a big Sutton Coldfield flag.
With Rangers, you've got to factor in they're absolute twats themselves, so far more likely to rub locals up the wrong way. That said, regardless of how well behaved we are as a travelling support, the curious locals think you're a hooligan by default.
Only time I’ve been to Poland was with England in Katowice, 20 years ago. England fans were asked not to drink in the city centre as it could be too dodgy. That was never going to happen and it was okay in fairness, however the taxi driver deliberately dropped us outside the home end rather than the away end! That was very moody indeed and some police took us to the England end. Atmosphere inside (we were right next to the Poles) was also very hostile, but impressive.
An ex colleague of mine went to Warsaw with Leicester recently. Said it was the loudest ground he’s ever been in.
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Silly question, but when is general sale?
i know, i know stop laughing at the back!
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4 Bournemouth Lions making the trip
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Flying Gatwick to Krakow.
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Silly question, but when is general sale?
i know, i know stop laughing at the back!
No criteria for that yet, but there's a possibility of it tomorrow/Saturday.
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Silly question, but when is general sale?
i know, i know stop laughing at the back!
No criteria for that yet, but there's a possibility of it tomorrow/Saturday.
Wouldn’t it be Claret members first?
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I've also posted this in the Away section, but thought I might as well put it here too:
Here are a few things I know about Warsaw from my minimal knowledge.
Personally, I am very lucky as I have a sister-in-law and niece that in school term time live in the Old Town. My knowledge is mainly of that area and a few things further afield. But, this will be my base of operations.
Travel
If you fly to Chopin Airport, you are basically on the edge of the city and there will be numerous busses etc. to get where you are going.
I fly to Modlin Airport and take the shuttle bus from the airport to the Modlin train station. From there, trains to Warszawa Centralna are frequent. Ticket machines in the airport are easy to use and English language can be selected. Depending upon where you are staying, it is a hub for many bus routes and there are loads of cabs available. If it’s nice and not laden with luggage you can walk to Old Town in 30 minutes.
The Metro system is very simple. Nearest Metro to the Central station is Centrum (about 5 minutes’ walk from the front of the station). The nearest station to Old Town is Ratusz Arsenal followed by a 10 minute walk.
The Metro station Swietokrzyska is basically where the North-South and East-West Metro lines cross.
Food, Drink etc.
Food - you’re basically spoiled for choice! I’ve never had anything bad to eat and you will have no problem finding somewhere to suit your tastes. I have had one of the best Pasta Arabiattas outside of Italy in Warsaw.
My family live a few doors from the WarSaw pub in Old Town. It has a very rowdy cellar (karaoke) and some pool rooms upstairs…not sure about TVs for football but I’ll update before next Thursday as I arrive on Tuesday. I like the chaos of this place, though. There are a couple of nice little craft beer pubs (one is called Same Krafty) opposite each other on Nowomiejska in Old Town. And a few doors down is a marvellous little antique/junk shop full of Soviet and Nazi era stuff. Some expensive, some just cheap tat, but it’s always worth a browse. The main square in Old Town has loads of café-bars to choose from. For a late night “strange” drink in Old Town I cannot advise further than the Podwale Bar and Books situated on Waski Dunaj (again a few doors from “my gaff”). It is a wood-panelled whiskey bar that allows the smoking of cigars in doors. The bar staff treat customers as though you are in a Mayfair club (or how I imagine one to be). They only sell a couple of beers and they play subtitled Bond movies on a loop (volume down). It is cash only with a cashpoint outside the entrance. Gangsters? Maybe.
Further in town I have been in a few craft beer places, often down little side streets. If that’s your sort of thing, I have often been in “The Taps” (situated on Henryka Sienkiewicza) waiting for my niece to come out of her lessons and it is a pleasant place. Jabeerwocky on Nowogrodzka is also fine.
Warsaw is big and you’ll find somewhere you like. If you like Vodka there is a Vodka museum on the corner of Senatorska and Wierzbowa.
For those with an interest in history
On the bus from Modlin Airport to train station lookout for all the big brick structures, some built into the side of hills. Also on the train as it leaves Modlin look for the big brick buildings as you cross the river. This is Modlin Fort, the biggest in Europe, first built by Napoleon on his march to Moscow. The airport and town of Modlin are within the fort itself.
A neat walking tour is from the statue outside Ibis Hotel Old Town to the Jewish Museum. The statue is dedicated to those deported to the east under communism. A walk along the road named Stawki takes you to the monument to those deported to Treblinka. It is called the Umschlagplatz and it is the site of the marshalling yard collection point before being put on trains. Cross the road and head down Karmelicka and turn left onto Mila brings you to the memorial “Mila 18”. It is the site of the last survivors of the Ghetto Uprising and one of the HQs of the fighters. The bodies were left there as a war grave. Leon Uris wrote a novel called Mila 18. A short walk from here along Ludwika Zamenhofa brings you to POLIN – Museum of the history of Polish Jews. A fascinating building in itself, let alone the story told inside. It costs less than a tenner.
The Ghetto uprising was April 1942 to May 1943. Whilst walking the streets try to imagine that most of the area north of the central station to south of the Ibis Hotel Old Town and east of the main north-south road General Andersa was the Jewish Ghetto. Occasionally you will come across markings along streets and pavements that show the route of the ghetto wall. North east corner of the ghetto is between the Ibis Hotel and Polonia football ground. From May 1943 onwards this whole area would have been rubble. Just south of the Ibis and near the road called Bonifraterska was a mini concentration camp for the remaining Jews in Warsaw kept there for work.
Warsaw Uprising Museum (Muzeum Powstania Warszawskiego) is excellent. Well worth a visit. A short walk from Metro station Rondo Daszynskiego. The Warsaw Uprising monument is very impressive, situated on the corner of Dluga and Miodowa. A short walk will take you into Old Town and it’s churches and museums. This whole area was reduced to rubble too, but unlike the ghetto was rebuilt in its original architecture. All over Warsaw you will see plaques on walls to this period; so if you see “35 Osob” it means 35 people killed here, sometimes part of the fighting, sometimes in reprisals.
General Stuff
Remember to tip! 5 zloty is roughly £1.
A lot of places only do table service.
Always wait for the green man before crossing! You will notice most people follow this rule strictly.
Buy a 3 or 5 day travel pass ticket and keep it safe. It’ll cost you less than £10 and you can use on Metro, tram and bus. Ticket machines are at a lot of stops and easy to use with an English option.
On first use get it stamped buy the machine on the bus or tram. It is then valid for the number of days from that time.
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Said before, Madrid in 98 and Hamburg in 08 aside, by and large we've never taken big numbers anywhere in Europe.
True, but the demand for away tickets in general is way higher these days, than then. So I’d expect our numbers to be higher now.
Although nowadays, people will have to budget for the 3 rounds post-Xmas plus the Final.
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I have a hotel provisionally booked but have just seen the price of flights has since gone up considerably.
Have yout tried flying to Poznan, then getting the train to Warsaw for £10....was much cheaper.
Thought about that, but I don't like rear facing seats.
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Great post Small Rodent, really good of you.
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Great post Small Rodent, really good of you.
Agreed. Not going myself, but a quick summary like this covering the important bits is great when you're not familiar with a city.
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So, the Warsaw away tickets have just disappeared off the site a couple of minutes before they go on sale to season ticket holders!
edit: just reappeared.
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And sold out :(
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Got 1. I think it's sold out now.
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Got straight on and got one in the upper tier. Surprised they’ve gone so quickly!
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(Area Upper Tier, row 21, seat 1)
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Yes ! Kept refreshing and got 2 - upper tier row 7 ! See you in another country again Olaftab !
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Luckily, I’m not going so no problem with tickets being sold out for me😂
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We are MASSIVE.
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I’ve just got two in the upper tier. 6.30pm
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Yep got mine, phew, then just gulped and booked my flight tickets.
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1 ticket left right now - be quick!!
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Website is all over the place. After 4 attempts I managed to get a ticket.
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1 ticket left right now - be quick!!
9 when I just looked!
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Hopefully all those on here that wanted a ticket got one. Should be a good trip.
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Just been on and 3 left. Wonder if they’ll do a window for Claret Members
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Wad saying sold out, but 6 more back on sale. Edit now gone.
This is going to be a cracking trip. I met my first H&Ver in Prague. He was dancing on a phone box. Feel free to buy me a pint chaps.
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Great post Small Rodent, really good of you.
Agreed. Not going myself, but a quick summary like this covering the important bits is great when you're not familiar with a city.
Yes excellent info SR, thank you.
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Wad saying sold out, but 6 more back on sale. Edit now gone.
This is going to be a cracking trip. I met my first H&Ver in Prague. He was dancing on a phone box. Feel free to buy me a pint chaps.
Who was that then, I remember someone on top of a phone box?
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Wad saying sold out, but 6 more back on sale. Edit now gone.
This is going to be a cracking trip. I met my first H&Ver in Prague. He was dancing on a phone box. Feel free to buy me a pint chaps.
Who was that then, I remember someone on top of a phone box?
Dave W trying to get his change.
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Said before, Madrid in 98 and Hamburg in 08 aside, by and large we've never taken big numbers anywhere in Europe.
True, but the demand for away tickets in general is way higher these days, than then. So I’d expect our numbers to be higher now.
As an example, Boro away in April 04 (Crouch scored a late winner), we decided to go the night before and paid on the day as we hadn’t sold our allocation. Unthinkable now, and we were chasing top 4 at the time.
I was there. Keeper saved a De La Cruz shot from memory, keeper's save falls to Crouch and the away go mental.
Correct. Then my mate got arrested for hugging Crouch in the celebrations! The Boro police were wankers. They nicked a few Villa fans (for celebrating a goal next to the pitch, not on it) then released them once the last train back to Brum had left.
Must have been the same trip we went on. Mini bus from Water Orton, our mate got arrested for falling over the barrier at the front. Let out after the last train had left, we stopped in Leeds on the way back to wait for him, when he turned up the rozzers had confiscated his shoes and in there place he was wearing some plimsolls like he was about to do gym class in junior school.
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Yes ! Kept refreshing and got 2 - upper tier row 7 ! See you in another country again Olaftab !
Honestly I am not stalking you😂
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I've also posted this in the Away section, but thought I might as well put it here too:
Here are a few things I know about Warsaw from my minimal knowledge.
Personally, I am very lucky as I have a sister-in-law and niece that in school term time live in the Old Town. My knowledge is mainly of that area and a few things further afield. But, this will be my base of operations.
Travel
If you fly to Chopin Airport, you are basically on the edge of the city and there will be numerous busses etc. to get where you are going.
I fly to Modlin Airport and take the shuttle bus from the airport to the Modlin train station. From there, trains to Warszawa Centralna are frequent. Ticket machines in the airport are easy to use and English language can be selected. Depending upon where you are staying, it is a hub for many bus routes and there are loads of cabs available. If it’s nice and not laden with luggage you can walk to Old Town in 30 minutes.
The Metro system is very simple. Nearest Metro to the Central station is Centrum (about 5 minutes’ walk from the front of the station). The nearest station to Old Town is Ratusz Arsenal followed by a 10 minute walk.
The Metro station Swietokrzyska is basically where the North-South and East-West Metro lines cross.
Food, Drink etc.
Food - you’re basically spoiled for choice! I’ve never had anything bad to eat and you will have no problem finding somewhere to suit your tastes. I have had one of the best Pasta Arabiattas outside of Italy in Warsaw.
My family live a few doors from the WarSaw pub in Old Town. It has a very rowdy cellar (karaoke) and some pool rooms upstairs…not sure about TVs for football but I’ll update before next Thursday as I arrive on Tuesday. I like the chaos of this place, though. There are a couple of nice little craft beer pubs (one is called Same Krafty) opposite each other on Nowomiejska in Old Town. And a few doors down is a marvellous little antique/junk shop full of Soviet and Nazi era stuff. Some expensive, some just cheap tat, but it’s always worth a browse. The main square in Old Town has loads of café-bars to choose from. For a late night “strange” drink in Old Town I cannot advise further than the Podwale Bar and Books situated on Waski Dunaj (again a few doors from “my gaff”). It is a wood-panelled whiskey bar that allows the smoking of cigars in doors. The bar staff treat customers as though you are in a Mayfair club (or how I imagine one to be). They only sell a couple of beers and they play subtitled Bond movies on a loop (volume down). It is cash only with a cashpoint outside the entrance. Gangsters? Maybe.
Further in town I have been in a few craft beer places, often down little side streets. If that’s your sort of thing, I have often been in “The Taps” (situated on Henryka Sienkiewicza) waiting for my niece to come out of her lessons and it is a pleasant place. Jabeerwocky on Nowogrodzka is also fine.
Warsaw is big and you’ll find somewhere you like. If you like Vodka there is a Vodka museum on the corner of Senatorska and Wierzbowa.
For those with an interest in history
On the bus from Modlin Airport to train station lookout for all the big brick structures, some built into the side of hills. Also on the train as it leaves Modlin look for the big brick buildings as you cross the river. This is Modlin Fort, the biggest in Europe, first built by Napoleon on his march to Moscow. The airport and town of Modlin are within the fort itself.
A neat walking tour is from the statue outside Ibis Hotel Old Town to the Jewish Museum. The statue is dedicated to those deported to the east under communism. A walk along the road named Stawki takes you to the monument to those deported to Treblinka. It is called the Umschlagplatz and it is the site of the marshalling yard collection point before being put on trains. Cross the road and head down Karmelicka and turn left onto Mila brings you to the memorial “Mila 18”. It is the site of the last survivors of the Ghetto Uprising and one of the HQs of the fighters. The bodies were left there as a war grave. Leon Uris wrote a novel called Mila 18. A short walk from here along Ludwika Zamenhofa brings you to POLIN – Museum of the history of Polish Jews. A fascinating building in itself, let alone the story told inside. It costs less than a tenner.
The Ghetto uprising was April 1942 to May 1943. Whilst walking the streets try to imagine that most of the area north of the central station to south of the Ibis Hotel Old Town and east of the main north-south road General Andersa was the Jewish Ghetto. Occasionally you will come across markings along streets and pavements that show the route of the ghetto wall. North east corner of the ghetto is between the Ibis Hotel and Polonia football ground. From May 1943 onwards this whole area would have been rubble. Just south of the Ibis and near the road called Bonifraterska was a mini concentration camp for the remaining Jews in Warsaw kept there for work.
Warsaw Uprising Museum (Muzeum Powstania Warszawskiego) is excellent. Well worth a visit. A short walk from Metro station Rondo Daszynskiego. The Warsaw Uprising monument is very impressive, situated on the corner of Dluga and Miodowa. A short walk will take you into Old Town and it’s churches and museums. This whole area was reduced to rubble too, but unlike the ghetto was rebuilt in its original architecture. All over Warsaw you will see plaques on walls to this period; so if you see “35 Osob” it means 35 people killed here, sometimes part of the fighting, sometimes in reprisals.
General Stuff
Remember to tip! 5 zloty is roughly £1.
A lot of places only do table service.
Always wait for the green man before crossing! You will notice most people follow this rule strictly.
Buy a 3 or 5 day travel pass ticket and keep it safe. It’ll cost you less than £10 and you can use on Metro, tram and bus. Ticket machines are at a lot of stops and easy to use with an English option.
On first use get it stamped buy the machine on the bus or tram. It is then valid for the number of days from that time.
Thanks a million Small Rodent. I’m heading to Krakow on Sunday then Warsaw on Wednesday.
I don’t have a ticket but was hopeful of a mate in Warsaw sorting me out but they are selling packages for all 3 games only at the moment. They on,y launched this info today so their system crashed. You need to have Polish ID or be a member at Legia to purchase. He also says they frequently check ID at the ground so not easy to get in even with a ticket.
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Good luck anyone going , hope nobody needs to rely on the polish police out there , I found them ridiculously corrupt .
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Can't believe the tickets didn't se out before getting to general season ticket holders.
It's a disgrace!
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Good luck anyone going , hope nobody needs to rely on the polish police out there , I found them ridiculously corrupt .
Calm down Tim.
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So. Thanks to everyone on here who has contributed with advice etc. Have decided to fly into Krakow on Tuesday then Auschwitz / Salt Mines on Wednesday before a train over to Warsaw on Thursday morning. Can't wait.
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I've also posted this in the Away section, but thought I might as well put it here too:
Here are a few things I know about Warsaw from my minimal knowledge.
Personally, I am very lucky as I have a sister-in-law and niece that in school term time live in the Old Town. My knowledge is mainly of that area and a few things further afield. But, this will be my base of operations.
Travel
If you fly to Chopin Airport, you are basically on the edge of the city and there will be numerous busses etc. to get where you are going.
I fly to Modlin Airport and take the shuttle bus from the airport to the Modlin train station. From there, trains to Warszawa Centralna are frequent. Ticket machines in the airport are easy to use and English language can be selected. Depending upon where you are staying, it is a hub for many bus routes and there are loads of cabs available. If it’s nice and not laden with luggage you can walk to Old Town in 30 minutes.
The Metro system is very simple. Nearest Metro to the Central station is Centrum (about 5 minutes’ walk from the front of the station). The nearest station to Old Town is Ratusz Arsenal followed by a 10 minute walk.
The Metro station Swietokrzyska is basically where the North-South and East-West Metro lines cross.
Food, Drink etc.
Food - you’re basically spoiled for choice! I’ve never had anything bad to eat and you will have no problem finding somewhere to suit your tastes. I have had one of the best Pasta Arabiattas outside of Italy in Warsaw.
My family live a few doors from the WarSaw pub in Old Town. It has a very rowdy cellar (karaoke) and some pool rooms upstairs…not sure about TVs for football but I’ll update before next Thursday as I arrive on Tuesday. I like the chaos of this place, though. There are a couple of nice little craft beer pubs (one is called Same Krafty) opposite each other on Nowomiejska in Old Town. And a few doors down is a marvellous little antique/junk shop full of Soviet and Nazi era stuff. Some expensive, some just cheap tat, but it’s always worth a browse. The main square in Old Town has loads of café-bars to choose from. For a late night “strange” drink in Old Town I cannot advise further than the Podwale Bar and Books situated on Waski Dunaj (again a few doors from “my gaff”). It is a wood-panelled whiskey bar that allows the smoking of cigars in doors. The bar staff treat customers as though you are in a Mayfair club (or how I imagine one to be). They only sell a couple of beers and they play subtitled Bond movies on a loop (volume down). It is cash only with a cashpoint outside the entrance. Gangsters? Maybe.
Further in town I have been in a few craft beer places, often down little side streets. If that’s your sort of thing, I have often been in “The Taps” (situated on Henryka Sienkiewicza) waiting for my niece to come out of her lessons and it is a pleasant place. Jabeerwocky on Nowogrodzka is also fine.
Warsaw is big and you’ll find somewhere you like. If you like Vodka there is a Vodka museum on the corner of Senatorska and Wierzbowa.
For those with an interest in history
On the bus from Modlin Airport to train station lookout for all the big brick structures, some built into the side of hills. Also on the train as it leaves Modlin look for the big brick buildings as you cross the river. This is Modlin Fort, the biggest in Europe, first built by Napoleon on his march to Moscow. The airport and town of Modlin are within the fort itself.
A neat walking tour is from the statue outside Ibis Hotel Old Town to the Jewish Museum. The statue is dedicated to those deported to the east under communism. A walk along the road named Stawki takes you to the monument to those deported to Treblinka. It is called the Umschlagplatz and it is the site of the marshalling yard collection point before being put on trains. Cross the road and head down Karmelicka and turn left onto Mila brings you to the memorial “Mila 18”. It is the site of the last survivors of the Ghetto Uprising and one of the HQs of the fighters. The bodies were left there as a war grave. Leon Uris wrote a novel called Mila 18. A short walk from here along Ludwika Zamenhofa brings you to POLIN – Museum of the history of Polish Jews. A fascinating building in itself, let alone the story told inside. It costs less than a tenner.
The Ghetto uprising was April 1942 to May 1943. Whilst walking the streets try to imagine that most of the area north of the central station to south of the Ibis Hotel Old Town and east of the main north-south road General Andersa was the Jewish Ghetto. Occasionally you will come across markings along streets and pavements that show the route of the ghetto wall. North east corner of the ghetto is between the Ibis Hotel and Polonia football ground. From May 1943 onwards this whole area would have been rubble. Just south of the Ibis and near the road called Bonifraterska was a mini concentration camp for the remaining Jews in Warsaw kept there for work.
Warsaw Uprising Museum (Muzeum Powstania Warszawskiego) is excellent. Well worth a visit. A short walk from Metro station Rondo Daszynskiego. The Warsaw Uprising monument is very impressive, situated on the corner of Dluga and Miodowa. A short walk will take you into Old Town and it’s churches and museums. This whole area was reduced to rubble too, but unlike the ghetto was rebuilt in its original architecture. All over Warsaw you will see plaques on walls to this period; so if you see “35 Osob” it means 35 people killed here, sometimes part of the fighting, sometimes in reprisals.
General Stuff
Remember to tip! 5 zloty is roughly £1.
A lot of places only do table service.
Always wait for the green man before crossing! You will notice most people follow this rule strictly.
Buy a 3 or 5 day travel pass ticket and keep it safe. It’ll cost you less than £10 and you can use on Metro, tram and bus. Ticket machines are at a lot of stops and easy to use with an English option.
On first use get it stamped buy the machine on the bus or tram. It is then valid for the number of days from that time.
Thanks for the great tips Small Rodent. Lovely to see some Microbreweries. Can I ask about cash? How prevalent is contactless. I'm trying to negate the need for lots of cash.
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Good luck anyone going , hope nobody needs to rely on the polish police out there , I found them ridiculously corrupt .
Calm down Tim.
More for the Zrinjski away game, but when we visited Serbia (2006, first time) the lad we.were staying with told us in no uncertain terms that we should avoid any interaction with the police if possible, and that they were 'a criminal gang like any other, the only difference is they wear a uniform'. Our brief interactions with the Serbian rozzers didn't inspire an awful lot of confidence in how likely they were to uphold the law.
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Good luck anyone going , hope nobody needs to rely on the polish police out there , I found them ridiculously corrupt .
Calm down Tim.
Could be useful information though
Tim - what were your dealings with the Polish police in which you experienced such corruption?
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Good luck anyone going , hope nobody needs to rely on the polish police out there , I found them ridiculously corrupt .
Calm down Tim.
Could be useful information though
Tim - what were your dealings with the Polish police in which you experienced such corruption?
Tim investigated the whole lot, from top to bottom. He's the Eliot (P) Ness of Polish policing.
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Good luck anyone going , hope nobody needs to rely on the polish police out there , I found them ridiculously corrupt .
Calm down Tim.
Could be useful information though
Tim - what were your dealings with the Polish police in which you experienced such corruption?
None of them were football match related but might give you some insight . First was a motoring offence not far from Krakow. I was pulled over for allegedly speeding which I'm not sure I even was , the hire car was probably the giveaway. Anyway to cut a long story short i was given a choice of a lengthy process with paperwork etc down at the local constabulary or to speed things along a cash transaction (preferably in USD) was to take place there and then and I could get on with my day. I was on a tight schedule so went with option 2. (Albeit settled in GBP).
The 2nd incident was on a stag do (not mine) about 6 years ago. Couple of our group were Asian lads really decent guys aswell , anyway there was some racial abuse and intimidation happening in one of the bars and outside etc. Reported to the police and they simply weren't interested .
Guess what I'm trying to say here is anyone going be prepared to stand on your own two feet and don't rely on guaranteed help from the local OB as it may not be forthcoming. Never been to Warsaw for a football match though so the OB there may be of a different mindset,
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A load of us went over to Poland for a mate’s wedding - lots of Brits were working over there at the time on the roads and infrastructure and a mate married a Polish girl. We went to Wrocław and then drove to Krakow and on to Lublin ( on some of the original Autobhans) before getting a train to Warsaw. We were stopped by a copper for speeding and he happily took a few quid off us instead of issuing a ticket. This was a 20 years ago though.
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I swam in a park pond after too many pints in 2008 when I was living there.
The local police department was a client of the school I was working at, and I was teaching them English. At the station after the arrest, they all cracked up when some of the officers realised their teacher was in a cell.
No harm done. They were more concerned that it was February at the time and I might get pneumonia.
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Can't believe the tickets didn't se out before getting to general season ticket holders.
It's a disgrace!
Yes indeed a disgrace, I would like a statement from the club.
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Thanks for the great tips Small Rodent. Lovely to see some Microbreweries. Can I ask about cash? How prevalent is contactless. I'm trying to negate the need for lots of cash.
I very often only use cash there for tipping. The Whiskey and Cigar bar is the only place I've been to which is cash only. This is why I suspect it is gangster run, with their cashpoint outside the door!
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There were a couple of bars in the Praga area (over the river from old town towards the very impressive national stadium) that would only take cash when I was there 4 years ago. I came across 60 zloty in the drawer the other week from then - having £12 to blow is my excuse for going back next week.
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Couple of our group were Asian lads really decent guys as well
I'm not too sure what the bit in italics brings to the story. I may be overthinking this.
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Maybe he means not knobheads, which let's face it is hard to believe; when a stag do has been drinking long enough, the descent into knobheadery is quick and total.
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Couple of our group were Asian lads really decent guys as well
I'm not too sure what the bit in italics brings to the story. I may be overthinking this.
Well you know normally they are a bit peculiar, always adjusting their turban or going off to pray. ;)
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Includes a little run down of Warsaw…
https://www.theguardian.com/your-next-european-break-awaits/2023/sep/01/date-worthy-destinations-in-europe-eight-less-travelled-romantic-city-breaks?CMP=GLabs&utm_medium=sfbk&utm_source=pdscl&utm_campaign=Glabs&fbclid=IwAR3kdo5Hu_Syzyt4Nmxo71jlbXO5gzTZHlrSTAXK0C9jM1R9yyTZOUz9xh0_aem_AZPE6vmKBrULxuPytC0xCR48rkjYQy6npD69MBsA7jh6Za2eAut5cn1GRSHeuNrok7EwPITAWEtbO9nwb7BiaNGL#Echobox=1693831945
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There were a couple of bars in the Praga area (over the river from old town towards the very impressive national stadium) that would only take cash when I was there 4 years ago. I came across 60 zloty in the drawer the other week from then - having £12 to blow is my excuse for going back next week.
. I’ve never been to a place that doesn’t do contactless payments (usually phone but also card) it’s effectively been the norm for the last few years. Handy to have 10 or 20 złoty or so for a tip. Best to avoid Praga as you need to know where you’re going. Lived here for 23 years and very rarely go over there unless it’s to the zoo with the kids! Not many bars near the stadium, best closer to the centre.
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Here’s some ideas if you’ve got time https://warsawinsider.pl/the-warsaw-bucket-list/
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Who would be the English equivalent of Legia Warsaw then?
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Maybe he means not knobheads, which let's face it is hard to believe; when a stag do has been drinking long enough, the descent into knobheadery is quick and total.
Stag do is a stag do but nobody was being offensive so to speak. This was a racist attack by the locals and targeted .
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Who would be the English equivalent of Legia Warsaw then?
Sat 2nd in the league so Arsenal
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Who would be the English equivalent of Legia Warsaw then?
They've won the most titles with 15, seven of which have come in the last 11 seasons. The next two teams on the list with 14, Gornik Zabrze and Ruch Chorzow have not won the league since the late 80s. Wisla Krakow are next on 13, having been dominant in the 00s.
So a team from the capital with most of their success coming in recent years, Chelsea maybe? No idea if they've been bankrolled by a Russian oligarch though.
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Here’s some ideas if you’ve got time https://warsawinsider.pl/the-warsaw-bucket-list/
Cheers Philek
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Any news about whether the next couple of games are on TV at all? Not heard anything from the club
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Virgin Media More (Ireland) have this game listed in the schedule for next week. No idea what Virgin Media More is, mind you. I never watch any of them. I assume it's an actual chanel and not their online only service.
Edit - I've had a look and I think it's a chanel exclusive to Virgin media subscribers.
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Virgin Media More (Ireland) have this game listed in the schedule for next week. No idea what Virgin Media More is, mind you. I never watch any of them. I assume it's an actual chanel and not their online only service.
Edit - I've had a look and I think it's a chanel exclusive to Virgin media subscribers.
That sounds right, the draw was shown on Vigin Media More but I couldn't find it on their website.
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Virgin Media More (Ireland) have this game listed in the schedule for next week. No idea what Virgin Media More is, mind you. I never watch any of them. I assume it's an actual chanel and not their online only service.
Edit - I've had a look and I think it's a chanel exclusive to Virgin media subscribers.
That sounds right, the draw was shown on Vigin Media More but I couldn't find it on their website.
It's kind of annoying because they're showing both Liverpool and Brighton the same day but on one of their proper channels. I suppose there's actual Irish interest in the Brighton game, but I'd guarantee there's more Irish Villa fans than Brighton ones.
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It's kind of annoying because they're showing both Liverpool and Brighton the same day but on one of their proper channels. I suppose there's actual Irish interest in the Brighton game, but I'd guarantee there's more Irish Villa fans than Brighton ones.
I've never met a Brighton fan in Ireland (having even met SHA fans) but I suppose there is the Ferguson factor.
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TNT 2
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Virgin Media More (Ireland) have this game listed in the schedule for next week. No idea what Virgin Media More is, mind you. I never watch any of them. I assume it's an actual chanel and not their online only service.
Edit - I've had a look and I think it's a chanel exclusive to Virgin media subscribers.
That sounds right, the draw was shown on Vigin Media More but I couldn't find it on their website.
We'll have our former centre back Dickie Dunne and Brian Kerr giving out about "yer man, Ezri Konsa trying to organise that bleedin' high line".
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That sounds right, the draw was shown on Vigin Media More but I couldn't find it on their website.
We'll have our former centre back Dickie Dunne and Brian Kerr giving out about "yer man, Ezri Konsa trying to organise that bleedin' high line".
Yeah, not my preferred punditry pairing. Kerr's demeanour and voice can become a bit wearing after a while.
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The email from club yesterday to potential ticket holders was very useful. Amongst other things it mentioned that shuttle busses have been arranged to transport fans from the Old Town to the stadium and then back again after the match. Pick up point is Molly Malone's bar.
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Could be tricky for those who declared they'd avoid the Irish pubs in whatever city we were playing. :)
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Sorry it's not Molly Malones, it's a Polish bar called Molla Malonozlowski. ;)
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Molly Malones calls itself an Irish Bar, but apart from the Guinness it basically a mini beer hall upstairs and a narrow bar at the entrance banging out heavy metal.
I actually like the “Irish Pub Miodowa”. Again not very Irish but local enough to be “home” in less than 10 minutes and they know me there. I’ll probably watch the game there. I’ve only seen it busy for Poland national team games.
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Sorry it's not Molly Malones, it's a Polish bar called Molla Malonozlowski. ;)
Crying, "Pierogi and bigo, alive, alive, oh"...
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It’s seriously a tiny bar downstairs; six bar stools!! Room for about 50/60 upstairs.
Do all ticket holders have to take the shuttle, because that’s a lot of shuttling!
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It's not mandated anywhere in the info pack that everyone must take the shuttle bus. On transport this is the text:
Is there any dedicated transport from the city centre to the ground?
There will be 10 dedicated buses routing fans to and from the stadium. The pickup point is Molly Malones.
The stadium is 4.6 miles from the City centre and will take approx 20 minutes in moderate traffic.
And post match:
What time does public transport run until?
It will remain available all evening with dedicated buses returning fans to the main square.
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Best use those out on for the fans especially coming back. It’s a bit of a jaunt and public transport will be rammed,
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Some musings with the family and they think it’s possible the stretch of road around Molly Malone’s may get closed off.
It’s a normal road but pavements either side are very wide. They’ve closed it before for events, I think.
I also recommend those interested in history to watch the film ‘Warsaw 44’. It’s pretty gritty, and free to view on Amazon freevee.
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Best use those out on for the fans especially coming back. It’s a bit of a jaunt and public transport will be rammed,
Hi Small Rodent, I'm in the Ibis 10 minute walk from the ground. Will the walk back be ok? It just looks like a walk down a main road.
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Best use those out on for the fans especially coming back. It’s a bit of a jaunt and public transport will be rammed,
Hi Small Rodent, I'm in the Ibis 10 minute walk from the ground. Will the walk back be ok? It just looks like a walk down a main road.
I expect it would be. Lots of families go to the football. Everyone else is going to be too busy scrabbling for public transport. Get on your Google maps though for a route because I’ve had to double back sometimes because you can come to a dual carriageway with no crossings.
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Best use those out on for the fans especially coming back. It’s a bit of a jaunt and public transport will be rammed,
Hi Small Rodent, I'm in the Ibis 10 minute walk from the ground. Will the walk back be ok? It just looks like a walk down a main road.
I expect it would be. Lots of families go to the football. Everyone else is going to be too busy scrabbling for public transport. Get on your Google maps though for a route because I’ve had to double back sometimes because you can come to a dual carriageway with no crossings.
Cheers. I've google mapped it and I think I'm familiar with it now. Just wanted to make sure it was pretty safe.
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Best use those out on for the fans especially coming back. It’s a bit of a jaunt and public transport will be rammed,
A couple of us are in that Ibis, so may see you in there.
Hi Small Rodent, I'm in the Ibis 10 minute walk from the ground. Will the walk back be ok? It just looks like a walk down a main road.
I expect it would be. Lots of families go to the football. Everyone else is going to be too busy scrabbling for public transport. Get on your Google maps though for a route because I’ve had to double back sometimes because you can come to a dual carriageway with no crossings.
Cheers. I've google mapped it and I think I'm familiar with it now. Just wanted to make sure it was pretty safe.
A couple of us are in that Ibis, might see you out there
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Best use those out on for the fans especially coming back. It’s a bit of a jaunt and public transport will be rammed,
A couple of us are in that Ibis, so may see you in there.
Hi Small Rodent, I'm in the Ibis 10 minute walk from the ground. Will the walk back be ok? It just looks like a walk down a main road.
I expect it would be. Lots of families go to the football. Everyone else is going to be too busy scrabbling for public transport. Get on your Google maps though for a route because I’ve had to double back sometimes because you can come to a dual carriageway with no crossings.
Cheers. I've google mapped it and I think I'm familiar with it now. Just wanted to make sure it was pretty safe.
A couple of us are in that Ibis, might see you out there
Will look forward to it mate. The location looks ideal!
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Said before, Madrid in 98 and Hamburg in 08 aside, by and large we've never taken big numbers anywhere in Europe.
True, but the demand for away tickets in general is way higher these days, than then. So I’d expect our numbers to be higher now.
As an example, Boro away in April 04 (Crouch scored a late winner), we decided to go the night before and paid on the day as we hadn’t sold our allocation. Unthinkable now, and we were chasing top 4 at the time.
I was there. Keeper saved a De La Cruz shot from memory, keeper's save falls to Crouch and the away go mental.
Correct. Then my mate got arrested for hugging Crouch in the celebrations! The Boro police were wankers. They nicked a few Villa fans (for celebrating a goal next to the pitch, not on it) then released them once the last train back to Brum had left.
Must have been the same trip we went on. Mini bus from Water Orton, our mate got arrested for falling over the barrier at the front. Let out after the last train had left, we stopped in Leeds on the way back to wait for him, when he turned up the rozzers had confiscated his shoes and in there place he was wearing some plimsolls like he was about to do gym class in junior school.
From memory, he'd drank a small of bottle of whiskey on the bus and had attracted the attention of the constabulary by falling asleep in the ground.Fairly sure it was the game we won 4-0 as well.
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Forgot to mention this….
If you hate drums at football, Legia have a purpose built stage in front of their ‘ultras’ with two drummers. They go pretty non-stop all game and the singing is constant.
When I was there they also had a big banner “Pamietamy Jana Pawel II”…”We remember John Paul II”.
Anyway, I’m up at 3am to get the plane from Stansted. Very excited although I am ticketless, but happy to see family and hope to bump into some of you.
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When I was there they also had a big banner “Pamietamy Jana Pawel II”…”We remember John Paul II”.
The original 'Holy Goalie'. Wrt the drums, I bet Lee's glad he's not going now.
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Said before, Madrid in 98 and Hamburg in 08 aside, by and large we've never taken big numbers anywhere in Europe.
True, but the demand for away tickets in general is way higher these days, than then. So I’d expect our numbers to be higher now.
As an example, Boro away in April 04 (Crouch scored a late winner), we decided to go the night before and paid on the day as we hadn’t sold our allocation. Unthinkable now, and we were chasing top 4 at the time.
I was there. Keeper saved a De La Cruz shot from memory, keeper's save falls to Crouch and the away go mental.
Correct. Then my mate got arrested for hugging Crouch in the celebrations! The Boro police were wankers. They nicked a few Villa fans (for celebrating a goal next to the pitch, not on it) then released them once the last train back to Brum had left.
Must have been the same trip we went on. Mini bus from Water Orton, our mate got arrested for falling over the barrier at the front. Let out after the last train had left, we stopped in Leeds on the way back to wait for him, when he turned up the rozzers had confiscated his shoes and in there place he was wearing some plimsolls like he was about to do gym class in junior school.
From memory, he'd drank a small of bottle of whiskey on the bus and had attracted the attention of the constabulary by falling asleep in the ground.Fairly sure it was the game we won 4-0 as well.
According to June it was 2007, we won 3-0, Carew, Mellberg and Gabby with the goals.
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I’m just going to pay at the turnstiles in Warsaw.
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Opta's percentage probabilities for the UEFA Conference League (apologies if it's already been posted).
https://www.reddit.com/r/soccer/comments/169s4dz/opta_percentage_probabilities_for_the_uefa/
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Probably more at home in the tickets section, but are the tickets for the 3 games being sold as a package or do you have to buy them individually? Thought I had heard something about a package, but can't see anything on the home site?
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I’m just going to pay at the turnstiles in Warsaw.
Probably would work actually lol
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Probably more at home in the tickets section, but are the tickets for the 3 games being sold as a package or do you have to buy them individually? Thought I had heard something about a package, but can't see anything on the home site?
You select the tickets for each game then it applies a discount when you checkout.
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Probably more at home in the tickets section, but are the tickets for the 3 games being sold as a package or do you have to buy them individually? Thought I had heard something about a package, but can't see anything on the home site?
You select the tickets for each game then it applies a discount when you checkout.
Cheers. All sorted.
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Forgot to mention this….
If you hate drums at football, Legia have a purpose built stage in front of their ‘ultras’ with two drummers. They go pretty non-stop all game and the singing is constant.
When I was there they also had a big banner “Pamietamy Jana Pawel II”…”We remember John Paul II”.
Anyway, I’m up at 3am to get the plane from Stansted. Very excited although I am ticketless, but happy to see family and hope to bump into some of you.
Small Rodent, my mate in Warsaw says registering with Polish ID number is a doddle. He’s bought tickets today.
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Forgot to mention this….
If you hate drums at football, Legia have a purpose built stage in front of their ‘ultras’ with two drummers. They go pretty non-stop all game and the singing is constant.
When I was there they also had a big banner “Pamietamy Jana Pawel II”…”We remember John Paul II”.
Anyway, I’m up at 3am to get the plane from Stansted. Very excited although I am ticketless, but happy to see family and hope to bump into some of you.
Small Rodent, my mate in Warsaw says registering with Polish ID number is a doddle. He’s bought tickets today.
Sadly I could only get one got my niece, not me!!
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Forgot to mention this….
If you hate drums at football, Legia have a purpose built stage in front of their ‘ultras’ with two drummers. They go pretty non-stop all game and the singing is constant.
When I was there they also had a big banner “Pamietamy Jana Pawel II”…”We remember John Paul II”.
Anyway, I’m up at 3am to get the plane from Stansted. Very excited although I am ticketless, but happy to see family and hope to bump into some of you.
Small Rodent, my mate in Warsaw says registering with Polish ID number is a doddle. He’s bought tickets today.
Sadly I could only get one got my niece, not me!!
My mate got his father in law one, though he does have Polish ID. Edit - he’s got me one too. Just used my passport details, date of birth and email, so no need for Polish ID
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Is going in the home end a good idea ? I'd be a bit uncomfortable with that .
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Is going in the home end a good idea ? I'd be a bit uncomfortable with that .
I’m hoping being with a Pole and a Polish speaker helps. Will need to sit on my hands though
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Is going in the home end a good idea ? I'd be a bit uncomfortable with that .
Speaking Polish and wearing a garish leather jacket would probably help.
Edit : Not that a stylish man like Pat would wear such a jacket.
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Is going in the home end a good idea ? I'd be a bit uncomfortable with that .
Speaking Polish and wearing a garish leather jacket would probably help.
Edit : Not that a stylish man like Pat would wear such a jacket.
Shaved head or a mullet to fit right in.
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I've also posted this in the Away section, but thought I might as well put it here too:
Here are a few things I know about Warsaw from my minimal knowledge.
Personally, I am very lucky as I have a sister-in-law and niece that in school term time live in the Old Town. My knowledge is mainly of that area and a few things further afield. But, this will be my base of operations.
Travel
If you fly to Chopin Airport, you are basically on the edge of the city and there will be numerous busses etc. to get where you are going.
I fly to Modlin Airport and take the shuttle bus from the airport to the Modlin train station. From there, trains to Warszawa Centralna are frequent. Ticket machines in the airport are easy to use and English language can be selected. Depending upon where you are staying, it is a hub for many bus routes and there are loads of cabs available. If it’s nice and not laden with luggage you can walk to Old Town in 30 minutes.
The Metro system is very simple. Nearest Metro to the Central station is Centrum (about 5 minutes’ walk from the front of the station). The nearest station to Old Town is Ratusz Arsenal followed by a 10 minute walk.
The Metro station Swietokrzyska is basically where the North-South and East-West Metro lines cross.
Food, Drink etc.
Food - you’re basically spoiled for choice! I’ve never had anything bad to eat and you will have no problem finding somewhere to suit your tastes. I have had one of the best Pasta Arabiattas outside of Italy in Warsaw.
My family live a few doors from the WarSaw pub in Old Town. It has a very rowdy cellar (karaoke) and some pool rooms upstairs…not sure about TVs for football but I’ll update before next Thursday as I arrive on Tuesday. I like the chaos of this place, though. There are a couple of nice little craft beer pubs (one is called Same Krafty) opposite each other on Nowomiejska in Old Town. And a few doors down is a marvellous little antique/junk shop full of Soviet and Nazi era stuff. Some expensive, some just cheap tat, but it’s always worth a browse. The main square in Old Town has loads of café-bars to choose from. For a late night “strange” drink in Old Town I cannot advise further than the Podwale Bar and Books situated on Waski Dunaj (again a few doors from “my gaff”). It is a wood-panelled whiskey bar that allows the smoking of cigars in doors. The bar staff treat customers as though you are in a Mayfair club (or how I imagine one to be). They only sell a couple of beers and they play subtitled Bond movies on a loop (volume down). It is cash only with a cashpoint outside the entrance. Gangsters? Maybe.
Further in town I have been in a few craft beer places, often down little side streets. If that’s your sort of thing, I have often been in “The Taps” (situated on Henryka Sienkiewicza) waiting for my niece to come out of her lessons and it is a pleasant place. Jabeerwocky on Nowogrodzka is also fine.
Warsaw is big and you’ll find somewhere you like. If you like Vodka there is a Vodka museum on the corner of Senatorska and Wierzbowa.
For those with an interest in history
On the bus from Modlin Airport to train station lookout for all the big brick structures, some built into the side of hills. Also on the train as it leaves Modlin look for the big brick buildings as you cross the river. This is Modlin Fort, the biggest in Europe, first built by Napoleon on his march to Moscow. The airport and town of Modlin are within the fort itself.
A neat walking tour is from the statue outside Ibis Hotel Old Town to the Jewish Museum. The statue is dedicated to those deported to the east under communism. A walk along the road named Stawki takes you to the monument to those deported to Treblinka. It is called the Umschlagplatz and it is the site of the marshalling yard collection point before being put on trains. Cross the road and head down Karmelicka and turn left onto Mila brings you to the memorial “Mila 18”. It is the site of the last survivors of the Ghetto Uprising and one of the HQs of the fighters. The bodies were left there as a war grave. Leon Uris wrote a novel called Mila 18. A short walk from here along Ludwika Zamenhofa brings you to POLIN – Museum of the history of Polish Jews. A fascinating building in itself, let alone the story told inside. It costs less than a tenner.
The Ghetto uprising was April 1942 to May 1943. Whilst walking the streets try to imagine that most of the area north of the central station to south of the Ibis Hotel Old Town and east of the main north-south road General Andersa was the Jewish Ghetto. Occasionally you will come across markings along streets and pavements that show the route of the ghetto wall. North east corner of the ghetto is between the Ibis Hotel and Polonia football ground. From May 1943 onwards this whole area would have been rubble. Just south of the Ibis and near the road called Bonifraterska was a mini concentration camp for the remaining Jews in Warsaw kept there for work.
Warsaw Uprising Museum (Muzeum Powstania Warszawskiego) is excellent. Well worth a visit. A short walk from Metro station Rondo Daszynskiego. The Warsaw Uprising monument is very impressive, situated on the corner of Dluga and Miodowa. A short walk will take you into Old Town and it’s churches and museums. This whole area was reduced to rubble too, but unlike the ghetto was rebuilt in its original architecture. All over Warsaw you will see plaques on walls to this period; so if you see “35 Osob” it means 35 people killed here, sometimes part of the fighting, sometimes in reprisals.
General Stuff
Remember to tip! 5 zloty is roughly £1.
A lot of places only do table service.
Always wait for the green man before crossing! You will notice most people follow this rule strictly.
Buy a 3 or 5 day travel pass ticket and keep it safe. It’ll cost you less than £10 and you can use on Metro, tram and bus. Ticket machines are at a lot of stops and easy to use with an English option.
On first use get it stamped buy the machine on the bus or tram. It is then valid for the number of days from that time.
Unfortunately after living nearly 30 years in Poland, I won't be in Warsaw when Villa come(s?) to town, how fucking depressing is that? Although being in Athens softens the blow somewhat. This is all pretty comprehensive by Rodent, I'll add a few things that may be of interest.
The Old Town is obviously a place everyone goes and I imagine where Villa fans will congregate. It's beautiful and impressive as it was all rebuilt after the war, yada yada. A decent authentic and relatively cheap place to eat is the Polish/Jewish restaurant Pod Samsomen (https://tinyurl.com/y5dh2563). To get a little off the beaten track go down the steps from Place Zamkowy to Mariensztat and walk around the square and streets there (https://tinyurl.com/2s4ddh45).
From the Old Town you can walk/take a bus along the Royal Way (Krakowskie Przedmieście - Nowy Świat) and end up eventually at a place called Plac Na Rozdrożu. You are then near the entrance to Warsaw's most beautiful historical park - Łazienki Park. In fact, you can walk down through the park pretty much to the Legia stadium (https://tinyurl.com/4f8jdt4r).
A good place to drink before the match would be by the river (the weather should be nice). If you get the metro to Kopernik then you are right by the area where there are lots of bars and it's a really nice place to hang out in the summer. You can also get a direct bus (15 min) or walk (30 min) to the stadium from there (https://tinyurl.com/cufcnupw) You are also by an old industrial/hipster area Powiśle, worth a wander around. Nearby is also the science museum (Muzeum Nauk Kopernika) and Warsaw University library, which has a great roof garden which gives a nice view over the river (https://maps.app.goo.gl/RG4pPWgeFNn2UYav7).
Other obvious things to do that haven't been mentioned. Go to the top of the Palace of Culture (you can't miss it and it's great). For other socialist realist architecture walk around Plac Konstytucja. Also not far from there you can wander around the nearby streets that give a bit of the feel of how Warsaw was before the war. This is a decent bar in this area and not a bad starting/finishing point: (https://tinyurl.com/2tmhrwk3).
For areas worth visiting outside of the city centre. Żoliborz is lovely and very historical. Go to Metro Plac Wilsona and take it from there: look for park Żeromskiego and adjoining streets. There is a nice beach bar not far from there: https://tinyurl.com/5b7yws9z.
Saska Kępa over the river is very nice - go to Francuska Street, lots of cafes/bars and it is an an old diplomatic area: https://maps.app.goo.gl/jsHyPNkb7qoxeFSs7. You are also not far from the national stadium. Talking of stadiums if you are up near the old town then take a look at the Polonia Warszawa stadium - they stand on the side of goodness.
Someone said don't go to Praga (the area over the river). I don't agree with this, it's a bit rough and ready but is very interesting and is an area that was not destroyed during the war. There is an orthodox church there - for bars go to Ząbkowska street (https://tinyurl.com/mbbczzay) or to the gentrified industrial complex if it's your thing with a vodka museum: https://tinyurl.com/2c4j4s7y.
If you are looking for an 'expat' bar the best is probably Legends: https://tinyurl.com/yc3r8435. The Irish Bar on Miodowa which Rodent mentioned is pretty good. Both should have the game on. Avoid the Bull Dog.
Museums - the two obvious ones for historical interest are the Warsaw Uprising Museum, which although not without its controversy is good. I'd recommend the Jewish Museum - although it's huge and I'd skip some of the stuff if you are going around in one go. You are also in the ghetto area and you can find other monuments to see.
Safety - it's a very safe city and you should have no problems. However, Legia fans do have their fair share of arseholes and English fans are still seen as a bit of a scalp.
Bars - I'm too old to know where the hip places in town are. However, if you're looking for a place for late-night drinking in the centre then Pawiliony is a good (https://tinyurl.com/4ay78mdk ) lots of small bars together and a lively atmosphere. Nearby to there is Amatorska, which is a decent little more 'old school' place: https://tinyurl.com/24s4ueut .
Travel: download this app and you can buy tickets on it - scan the QR code when you get on a bus/tram or enter the metro: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=pl.mobilet.app&hl=en&gl=US&pli=1 .
You can hire city bikes as well through this app: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.nextbike.veturilo&hl=en_US
Enjoy. It's a great city.
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Some more great info, nice one WalsallVilla. I sadly won't be going but nice to see two great posts from you and Small Rodent which will be massively helpful to those that are.
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Some more great info, nice one WalsallVilla. I sadly won't be going but nice to see two great posts from you and Small Rodent which will be massively helpful to those that are.
They have ben a godsend I have to say. Thank you lads. UTV!
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Brilliant info really good.
Is it top 2 from each group who qualify ?
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Thansk WarszaVillan and Small rodent, i have a couple of days either side, so will check some of these places out on Wednesday and Friday.
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Brilliant info really good.
Is it top 2 from each group who qualify ?
Top team goes through runners up play a quallifeir against the teams that drop out Europa League - so 2 extra games we could do without !
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Great info WarszaVillan. I’ll definitely be looking at the river tomorrow. And my niece and sister-in-law here will use the information too. They’re only there in term time and tend to be tied up with ballet stuff so don’t go far. And when dad/husband goes out there he doesn’t know the place too well.
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I know it's all fairly meaningless at this point, particularly with teams dropping out of the Europa League still to enter, but I do very much enjoy seeing us listed as favourites to win the entire thing.
Who'd have thought when losing at home to Barnsley in the Championship that in six years we'd start the season as favourites for a European trophy and Philippe Coutinho would be a mere loaned out squad player.
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Brilliant info really good.
Is it top 2 from each group who qualify ?
Top team goes through runners up play a quallifeir against the teams that drop out Europa League - so 2 extra games we could do without !
Yeah winning the Group is pretty important then
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Villa saying ETickets will be sent out from 3pm today - so no collection at a location afterall? Passport numbers on the tickets which need to be crossed checked going into the ground, be interested in how many are actually checked if thats the case.
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Villa saying ETickets will be sent out from 3pm today - so no collection at a location afterall? Passport numbers on the tickets which need to be crossed checked going into the ground, be interested in how many are actually checked if thats the case.
Cheers liam. You have answered the question I was going to ask on here just now. As for x checks it's all loads of $%^^&*&. Very very unlikely.
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Shame to hear a Newcastle fan stabbed last night in Milan - and a couple others hurt, warning to everyone to be safe during the excitment of European games agian.
"I’ve spoken to the family of 58-year-old Newcastle fan Eddie McKay, who was stabbed by men in balaclavas last night.
He’s in a stable condition after being stabbed in the back & arms.
His daughter Rachel said her dad wanted to send a message to #NUFC fans here in Milan 🗣️"
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seems on the continent attacking English fans is seen as a badge of honour
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seems on the continent attacking English fans is seen as a badge of honour
Your partial sentence would be better if the predicate were followed by an agent complement; it would make it less of a generalisation. For example "by the minority who like to indulge in violence."
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Yeah nothing to do with the worrying rise in violent crime in Milan as rents and the cost of living spiral out of control. No, it's 'on the continent'.
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Shame to hear a Newcastle fan stabbed last night in Milan - and a couple others hurt, warning to everyone to be safe during the excitment of European games agian.
Yes absolutely. Looking at the news report that had the google street view of where it happened, it wasn't exactly Piazza del Duomo. I don't know the circumstances, but common sense goes a long way when you are in an unfamiliar place.
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Shame to hear a Newcastle fan stabbed last night in Milan - and a couple others hurt, warning to everyone to be safe during the excitment of European games agian.
Yes absolutely. Looking at the news report that had the google street view of where it happened, it wasn't exactly Piazza del Duomo. I don't know the circumstances, but common sense goes a long way when you are in an unfamiliar place.
It's at the back of Navigli, the canal area which is full of bars and restaurants, so no surprise for them being around there.
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Could have been Piazza del Duomo tbh, lot of the higher-spiking areas for violent stuff in Milan now are in the central, fancy-ass looking areas.
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Opta's percentage probabilities for the UEFA Conference League (apologies if it's already been posted).
https://www.reddit.com/r/soccer/comments/169s4dz/opta_percentage_probabilities_for_the_uefa/
Know barely anything about the other teams, but I’m curious about why Brighton’s chances are so much smaller than ours? Or is it taking into account that they mightn’t drop to Europa?
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Opta's percentage probabilities for the UEFA Conference League (apologies if it's already been posted).
https://www.reddit.com/r/soccer/comments/169s4dz/opta_percentage_probabilities_for_the_uefa/
Know barely anything about the other teams, but I’m curious about why Brighton’s chances are so much smaller than ours? Or is it taking into account that they mightn’t drop to Europa?
Obviously that, yes. They're not even in it and might never be, so obviously at this moment in time our chances are better.
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Opta's percentage probabilities for the UEFA Conference League (apologies if it's already been posted).
https://www.reddit.com/r/soccer/comments/169s4dz/opta_percentage_probabilities_for_the_uefa/
Know barely anything about the other teams, but I’m curious about why Brighton’s chances are so much smaller than ours? Or is it taking into account that they mightn’t drop to Europa?
It is. Same as Ajax and Marseilles. Ironically, the three highest-ranked teams in the Europa League that COULD drop down to win the Conference League (Brighton, Ajax and Marseilles) are all in the same group. A proper group of death that one!
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So anyone looking for the ticket email it comes from Legia ticket office.
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Thanks, I haven’t had mine yet.
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Sorry if this should be elsewhere (I had a quick look in tickets and travel and couldn’t see anything), but has anyone started to look at Mostar travel? Best I can find is 3 flights / 12 hours!
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In Warsaw, down my “Irish local”. Stiff Little Fingers on the piped-in music and now Ian Drury.
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anybody still not had there ticket? I'm leaving for the airport at 3.30am in the moring so getting a bit spooked now
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Sorry if this should be elsewhere (I had a quick look in tickets and travel and couldn’t see anything), but has anyone started to look at Mostar travel? Best I can find is 3 flights / 12 hours!
We're flying Luton to Sarajevo on day of match and getting taxi to Mostar. None of us are season ticket holders and I have thought on several occasions since booking the flights that it might not be the most sensible decision I've ever made but it should be an experience regardless.
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Sorry if this should be elsewhere (I had a quick look in tickets and travel and couldn’t see anything), but has anyone started to look at Mostar travel? Best I can find is 3 flights / 12 hours!
We're flying Luton to Sarajevo on day of match and getting taxi to Mostar. None of us are season ticket holders and I have thought on several occasions since booking the flights that it might not be the most sensible decision I've ever made but it should be an experience regardless.
Haha yes. That’s the WizzAir flight?
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anybody still not had there ticket? I'm leaving for the airport at 3.30am in the moring so getting a bit spooked now
Check your spam folder for an email like this?
Dzień dobry Aston Villa
Twoje zamówienie (nr *******):
Zostało zrealizowane!
Dziękujemy za zakup biletu. Do zobaczenia #NaStadionie
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I am going with my mate Lech. He is showing Solidarity towards me.
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Sorry if this should be elsewhere (I had a quick look in tickets and travel and couldn’t see anything), but has anyone started to look at Mostar travel? Best I can find is 3 flights / 12 hours!
We're flying Luton to Sarajevo on day of match and getting taxi to Mostar. None of us are season ticket holders and I have thought on several occasions since booking the flights that it might not be the most sensible decision I've ever made but it should be an experience regardless.
You just watching in a bar over there or trying to scalp a ticket?
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Sorry if this should be elsewhere (I had a quick look in tickets and travel and couldn’t see anything), but has anyone started to look at Mostar travel? Best I can find is 3 flights / 12 hours!
We're flying Luton to Sarajevo on day of match and getting taxi to Mostar. None of us are season ticket holders and I have thought on several occasions since booking the flights that it might not be the most sensible decision I've ever made but it should be an experience regardless.
Haha yes. That’s the WizzAir flight?
That's the one. Was quite expensive a couple of weeks back but seems to have gone up since.
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Sorry if this should be elsewhere (I had a quick look in tickets and travel and couldn’t see anything), but has anyone started to look at Mostar travel? Best I can find is 3 flights / 12 hours!
We're flying Luton to Sarajevo on day of match and getting taxi to Mostar. None of us are season ticket holders and I have thought on several occasions since booking the flights that it might not be the most sensible decision I've ever made but it should be an experience regardless.
You just watching in a bar over there or trying to scalp a ticket?
Still got vague hopes we might get a ticket officially on basis that most people will go to Warsaw and Amsterdam instead
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Sorry if this should be elsewhere (I had a quick look in tickets and travel and couldn’t see anything), but has anyone started to look at Mostar travel? Best I can find is 3 flights / 12 hours!
We're flying Luton to Sarajevo on day of match and getting taxi to Mostar. None of us are season ticket holders and I have thought on several occasions since booking the flights that it might not be the most sensible decision I've ever made but it should be an experience regardless.
You just watching in a bar over there or trying to scalp a ticket?
Still got vague hopes we might get a ticket officially on basis that most people will go to Warsaw and Amsterdam instead
if you aren't even a ST you'd need it to reach General Sale.
This ground is tiny so we will only get 450-500 tickets
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I accept it's a long shot but not sure how appealing it will be. Although clearly it appealed to us.
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Anybody else not had their ticket emailed yet?
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Anybody else not had their ticket emailed yet?
No still nothing.
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Ah least its not just me.
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I am going with my mate Lech. He is showing Solidarity towards me.
I'm flying over with a Polish ex-Villa player, so it'll be Dion Lublin in the air.
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Brilliant info really good.
Is it top 2 from each group who qualify ?
Top team goes through runners up play a quallifeir against the teams that drop out Europa League - so 2 extra games we could do without !
Yeah winning the Group is pretty important then
Indeed. Little chance of any dead rubbers I would have thought
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Ah least its not just me.
Has now appeared Ads.
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I have just had my ticket to print. It has my passport number on it.
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Snap mine has come through. Hopefully remember to have my phone charged!
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Is there on TV?
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Just received my ticket to print too!
Thank f**k for that...was beginning to get nervous!
Come On You Villa Boys!
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Is there on TV?
TNT Sports 2 from 5pm.
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You don't have to print them do you?
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You don't have to print them do you?
It's advised in the info....but NFC is also an option.
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So basically then you could have purchased a ticket for £17, fill in a made up travel plan and not go to the game but get to keep your record going for Holland, Bosnia and any future games.
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Hibs wasn't factored into Legia Warsaw and it's taken folks by surprise that you aren't collecting in country.
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Yeah what happened to collecting in person?
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It’s the most Villa thing these days. They can’t do anything right away ticket wise. They have 270 odd unallocated tickets by people who purchased with no intention of going and there will now be a few more who will have done a travel plan with no intention of going either.
Maybe 400 empty seats Thursday.
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Yeah what happened to collecting in person?
Yep I’m very surprised I’m not having to collect in person as that was what they said they would do for European Aways. The administration and off field performance of the club at the moment is completely rudderless and lacking in consistency.
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Got mine through on email. Although as I'm now in Krakow May need to ask politely of the hotel staff to see if they'll print for me otherwise relying on phone version. Assume we'll need passport ID at the ground. Or it's a licence for chaos at future games.
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Yeah what happened to collecting in person?
Yep I’m very surprised I’m not having to collect in person as that was what they said they would do for European Aways. The administration and off field performance of the club at the moment is completely rudderless and lacking in consistency.
Aye, people will just use others' references, which is what they were supposedly trying to stop.
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No way will they do passport checks at the ground. Legia won't give a shit. Would you want to take your passport anyway?
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It’s the most Villa thing these days. They can’t do anything right away ticket wise. They have 270 odd unallocated tickets by people who purchased with no intention of going and there will now be a few more who will have done a travel plan with no intention of going either.
Maybe 400 empty seats Thursday.
Very very selfish of the entitled few
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Or 270 people who hadn't filled it in yet. Nobody would have purchased for Warsaw not intending to go, but to jib the system.
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I'm wondering whether they couldn't find a venue suitably Central to hand out 1700 tickets? They're at the tennis club a short walk away. The Police wouldn't want everybody drinking by the ground given their reputation and the like. Who knows.
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So basically then you could have purchased a ticket for £17, fill in a made up travel plan and not go to the game but get to keep your record going for Holland, Bosnia and any future games.
Yep and I'm sure a fair few have.
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Why?
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Why?
This.
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Why?
Booking history. Just like some do in EPL away games .
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This is like a möbius strip of head banging against a wall.
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Spending money and building up history is a bunk argument. 270 or so not yet attested is not a huge number and it will get sorted in due course.
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It’s the most Villa thing these days. They can’t do anything right away ticket wise. They have 270 odd unallocated tickets by people who purchased with no intention of going and there will now be a few more who will have done a travel plan with no intention of going either.
Maybe 400 empty seats Thursday.
Very very selfish of the entitled few
And also entirely fictional at this moment.
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Very surprised to get an E ticket come through. All seems a bit of a mess re communication from the club. Such a shame that we could end up with empty seats. Leave tomorrow for Krakow.
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Spending money and building up history is a bunk argument. 270 or so not yet attested is not a huge number and it will get sorted in due course.
Not huge ? It's like 15% of the away end ?
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Maybe some people forgot and have since remedied it after a reminder or maybe they'll sort it out in Warsaw when they realise they can't collect and haven't been emailed.
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Got mine through on email. Although as I'm now in Krakow May need to ask politely of the hotel staff to see if they'll print for me otherwise relying on phone version. Assume we'll need passport ID at the ground. Or it's a licence for chaos at future games.
Where were you in Krakow tonight? I bumped into Steve Gough and some of his mates in a bar on the main square.
My mate in Warsaw says they sometimes check ID, but not consistently. It depends on the game and chance of trouble.
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WarszaVillan said: “ Unfortunately after living nearly 30 years in Poland, I won't be in Warsaw when Villa come(s?) to town, how fucking depressing is that? Although being in Athens softens the blow somewhat.”
Being back in Poland when the Villa are in Athens for the final would be even more depressing wouldn’t it?
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Got mine through on email. Although as I'm now in Krakow May need to ask politely of the hotel staff to see if they'll print for me otherwise relying on phone version. Assume we'll need passport ID at the ground. Or it's a licence for chaos at future games.
Where were you in Krakow tonight? I bumped into Steve Gough and some of his mates in a bar on the main square.
My mate in Warsaw says they sometimes check ID, but not consistently. It depends on the game and chance of trouble.
Cheers. Didn't arrive until late evening and an early start for a trip to Auschwitz today so stayed local to our hotel. Hopefully see more of the town tonight.
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Spending money and building up history is a bunk argument. 270 or so not yet attested is not a huge number and it will get sorted in due course.
I know quite a few that have full history but pick and choose their games and sell the spares to mates. I also know quite a few (the same folks) that would gladly pay £18 to keep up their booking history (TBF they didn’t this time, because they assumed they’d have to pick up the tickets over there)… can’t say I blame em, as in all honesty I’d do the same if I could.
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Lets play a game. Who here has had the most local rival fans tell you that this isn't a major trophy?
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Lets play a game. Who here has had the most local rival fans tell you that this isn't a major trophy?
I think I’ve said it myself enough times 😂 I’m happy to enjoy the games and hopefully journey to the final. But it ain’t a major trophy (ducks for cover)
I wouldn’t expect to be singing champions of Europe next season if we win it, it’ll be progress for us.
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Except it literally is a major trophy. It isn't the intertoto cup.
And we wouldn't sing champions of England if we won the FA/League Cup but we still want to win it/them, don't we?
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I don't consider it a major trophy. Clearly it would be nice to win it and West Ham fans certainly enjoyed it, but there's no way I'd class a third-tier Euro competition as a major trophy.
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I agree it’s a longer journey to win it compared to the intertoto. But the standard of teams (overall) makes us rightly amongst the favourites. All the other competitions are much harder to win and are therefore considered as major trophies
I’ll enjoy it, hope we win it. But I won’t be crying when the final whistle goes.
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I don't consider it a major trophy. Clearly it would be nice to win it and West Ham fans certainly enjoyed it, but there's no way I'd class a third-tier Euro competition as a major trophy.
Whether you do or not, it is one. That's a simple fact.
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It is a major trophy. Do we think if Man U or Liverpool won it they wouldn’t be counting it in their trophy records? It’s on a par with the old Cup Winners Cup in terms of importance/difficulty and it’s a proper UEFA competition.
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I don't consider it a major trophy. Clearly it would be nice to win it and West Ham fans certainly enjoyed it, but there's no way I'd class a third-tier Euro competition as a major trophy.
Whether you do or not, it is one. That's a simple fact.
Didn't realise there was a definition. Even so, if the majority of people (outside of Villa and West Ham fans) don't think it is then it doesn't matter what you believe is fact or not.
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That lot think the Daf Rover Leyland Auto Windscreen Cup is a major Trophy.
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Argument against it being a major trophy - The elite don't play in it.
Argument for it being a major trophy - You have to qualify for it and the riff raff don't play in it.
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No way will they do passport checks at the ground. Legia won't give a shit. Would you want to take your passport anyway?
I have had to show mine at Polish league games and even a friendly. So take your passport just in case, but keep it safe.
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It’s a major trophy, but not as major as the more major ones, but it’s still major
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It’s a major trophy, but not as major as the more major ones, but it’s still major
As major trophies go it's pretty minor. I think I'd argue it's a major minor trophy more than a minor major one though.
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Spending money and building up history is a bunk argument. 270 or so not yet attested is not a huge number and it will get sorted in due course.
I know quite a few that have full history but pick and choose their games and sell the spares to mates. I also know quite a few (the same folks) that would gladly pay £18 to keep up their booking history (TBF they didn’t this time, because they assumed they’d have to pick up the tickets over there)… can’t say I blame em, as in all honesty I’d do the same if I could.
the club have slightly started to crack down on it in the EPL, a certain number of tickets are randomly pick up at the away ticket office and you have to show ID to get them . I know people who have been caught and handed 3 game bans . It needs addressing properly
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I don't consider it a major trophy. Clearly it would be nice to win it and West Ham fans certainly enjoyed it, but there's no way I'd class a third-tier Euro competition as a major trophy.
It isn't a major trophy as the best clubs aren't in it
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Pretty amazing to read fans of a club which claims to be big and important, yet hasn't won anything in more than a quarter of a century, turning their noses up at a European competition.
I imagine the European Cup when we won it wasn't a big competition as a lot of the 'best clubs' weren't in that either.
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It is a major trophy and we're going to win it. Let's fucking goooooo
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I don't consider it a major trophy. Clearly it would be nice to win it and West Ham fans certainly enjoyed it, but there's no way I'd class a third-tier Euro competition as a major trophy.
It isn't a major trophy as the best clubs aren't in it
A lot of the best clubs don't compete in the Premier League, Serie A or Bundesliga either.
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anyway if we can win it , its into the Europa League so it's definitely a step in the right direction.
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It's taken less than a season for some to go full Wolves.
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The European competitions are tiered, so the argument that the best teams aren't in it so it's not good is kind of dumb. It's a stepping stone. Yes, we have bigger trophies in our history but for where we are now we're among the 3rd tier of clubs. We have a realistic chance of winning this one and moving up to the 2nd tier. Obviously we can't force anyone to be excited about it, but I think Emery has made his feelings clear on how he rates the European competitions. So anyone thinking we won't be taking it seriously will probably be disappointed.
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anyway if we can win it , its into the Europa League so it's definitely a step in the right direction.
Yes, exactly. It's a nice to have with a decent prize for where we are. For fans starved of European football for so long it's great. But the clubs we aspire to compete with would be gutted to even be in the competition, let alone consider it a major trophy.
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if it was a choice between winning tonight or Sunday , i'd take a win at Chelsea every day of the week.
Premier League > FA Cup > Conference > League Cup
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I imagine the European Cup when we won it wasn't a big competition as a lot of the 'best clubs' weren't in that either.
The Bayern team might have made up a good chunk of the West Germany team in 1982 but they only got to the World Cup Final, didn't even win it.
Pfft, not a major achievement beating that lot of losers.
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I don't consider it a major trophy. Clearly it would be nice to win it and West Ham fans certainly enjoyed it, but there's no way I'd class a third-tier Euro competition as a major trophy.
It isn't a major trophy as the best clubs aren't in it
We are in it.
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anyway if we can win it , its into the Europa League so it's definitely a step in the right direction.
Yes, exactly. It's a nice to have with a decent prize for where we are. For fans starved of European football for so long it's great. But the clubs we aspire to compete with would be gutted to even be in the competition, let alone consider it a major trophy.
After where we were when Emery came in, it's progress. I don't give a shit what other clubs think.
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5 years ago we were talking about what a twat Bruce was as he'd been giving it the big one to fans after beating Rotherham at home and we had just survived the club being totally fucked. Now some are already talking down European football as it's not a big enough European competition. It's bonkers imo.
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It's bonkers and a little bit snobby.
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I managed to get one of the last Legia home tickets last night at about 10pm thanks to my niece on her laptop. Loads of VIP tickets but only 2 normal tickets.
That was tight!
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I don't consider it a major trophy. Clearly it would be nice to win it and West Ham fans certainly enjoyed it, but there's no way I'd class a third-tier Euro competition as a major trophy.
It isn't a major trophy as the best clubs aren't in it
We are in it.
Ridiculous.
Villa are playing European football again and progressing from Tuesday nights in the Championship.
3rd tier or not I'd class it as a major achievement if we manage to win it.
Other clubs are at different levels and used to being in higher ranked competitions but we're not there yet and any side in the top 10 come April or May aren't giving games away just in case they finish 7th.
Anyways I couldn't give a toss what other clubs fans think.
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It's bonkers and a little bit snobby.
Nobody has said it's not progress. Nobody is turning their nose up at it. As far as I can tell everyone is very happy we qualified and glad we're in it. It will be excellent experience for the team and great fun if we win it.
All of that is an entirely different discussion as to whether to people consider it to be a major trophy. I personally don't. I didn't before we qualified and I don't now. I imagine a significant portion of PL football fans feel the same. I'm not sure why this brings out such a hysterical reaction and references to Rotherham etc.
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Ridiculous.
Villa are playing European football again and progressing from Tuesday nights in the Championship.
3rd tier or not I'd class it as a major achievement if we manage to win it.
Other clubs are at different levels and used to being in higher ranked competitions but we're not there yet and any side in the top 10 come April or May aren't giving games away just in case they finish 7th.
Anyways I couldn't give a toss what other clubs fans think.
I'm not sure what point you are making. Has anybody said that progressing from Tuesday nights in the Championship to winning the ECL wouldn't be a major achievement?
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I think West Ham winning it last season raised the profile of the competition in the eyes of most fans. I know 84 other league clubs who'd love a crack at it.
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All those that ain't in it. Remember when the League Cup was introduced, all the 'big clubs' of the day looked down their noses at it and didn't enter? Fast forward a few years and they all wanted to win it as it was a passport to Europe.
If they'd all entered in 1963 Blues wouldn't have won it.
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I can't see Villa fans turning to each other after a super team goal goes in at the Holte End to win us a tight contest on a bonkers night under the lights and saying "That was awesome but it's only the 3rd tier of Europe".
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I can't see Villa fans turning to each other after a super team goal goes in at the Holte End to win us a tight contest on a bonkers night under the lights and saying "That was awesome but it's only the 3rd tier of Europe".
Again, nobody is remotely suggesting that will happen.
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I can't see Villa fans turning to each other after a super team goal goes in at the Holte End to win us a tight contest on a bonkers night under the lights and saying "That was awesome but it's only the 3rd tier of Europe".
Again, nobody is remotely suggesting that will happen.
Yeah, to be fair, most of the conversation in regards to "3rd tier" is about whether we should be prioritising the league over the conference when it comes to team selection. I disagree with that, but it doesn't meant that those who think it won't enjoy seeing us do well in Europe.
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I definitely think we should be trying to win it, there's a Europa place up for grabs and a European tour is great fun.
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I don't consider it a major trophy. Clearly it would be nice to win it and West Ham fans certainly enjoyed it, but there's no way I'd class a third-tier Euro competition as a major trophy.
It isn't a major trophy as the best clubs aren't in it
Get a grip people. Exactly how many trophies have we won since 1996?
It is a major trophy because you have to qualify for it by your League position in the toughest League in world football. Honestly some posts on here take me back to MON era when some on here were dismissing our regular stints in the Europa League as insignificant. From where we have been since then this is absolutely great. It is massive progress and we need to keep on moving up by hard work.
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I don't consider it a major trophy. Clearly it would be nice to win it and West Ham fans certainly enjoyed it, but there's no way I'd class a third-tier Euro competition as a major trophy.
It isn't a major trophy as the best clubs aren't in it
Get a grip people. Exactly how many trophies have we won since 1996?
we won the past incarnation of this Conference in 2001 - Intertoto remember ? No you'd forgotten , just like in 10 years this will be forgotten. But here and now its a route to the Europa League so that is a good target. I still prioritise the League and FA Cup above it though
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I don't consider it a major trophy. Clearly it would be nice to win it and West Ham fans certainly enjoyed it, but there's no way I'd class a third-tier Euro competition as a major trophy.
Whether you do or not, it is one. That's a simple fact.
Didn't realise there was a definition. Even so, if the majority of people (outside of Villa and West Ham fans) don't think it is then it doesn't matter what you believe is fact or not.
Well, it just is. Lots of Man City fans don't think the FA Cup is a major trophy either.
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It’s a major trophy, but not as major as the more major ones, but it’s still major
As major trophies go it's pretty minor. I think I'd argue it's a major minor trophy more than a minor major one though.
Who do you think you are too decide how important trophies are? Do you think it's some kind of army rank thing and you're a major minor trophy major? I think if that's the case you're a pretty minor major minor trophy major!
For what it's worth, I consider it to be the continental equivalent of the League Cup.
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It's nothing like the Intertoto. Why do people keep saying that?
The official entry spot for English clubs into the Conference is winning the League Cup. So from the very first step of the 2 competitions they are nothing alike.
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It’s a major trophy, but not as major as the more major ones, but it’s still major
As major trophies go it's pretty minor. I think I'd argue it's a major minor trophy more than a minor major one though.
Who do you think you are too decide how important trophies are? Do you think it's some kind of army rank thing and you're a major minor trophy major? I think if that's the case you're a pretty minor major minor trophy major!
For what it's worth, I consider it to be the continental equivalent of the League Cup.
Yes, Europa League is the FA Cup (sadly!) and the Champions League is, well, the league.
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I don't consider it a major trophy. Clearly it would be nice to win it and West Ham fans certainly enjoyed it, but there's no way I'd class a third-tier Euro competition as a major trophy.
Whether you do or not, it is one. That's a simple fact.
Didn't realise there was a definition. Even so, if the majority of people (outside of Villa and West Ham fans) don't think it is then it doesn't matter what you believe is fact or not.
Well, it just is. Lots of Man City fans don't think the FA Cup is a major trophy either.
Yeah but they're a bunch of feckless twats.
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I don't consider it a major trophy. Clearly it would be nice to win it and West Ham fans certainly enjoyed it, but there's no way I'd class a third-tier Euro competition as a major trophy.
Whether you do or not, it is one. That's a simple fact.
Didn't realise there was a definition. Even so, if the majority of people (outside of Villa and West Ham fans) don't think it is then it doesn't matter what you believe is fact or not.
Well, it just is. Lots of Man City fans don't think the FA Cup is a major trophy either.
Look at how many Arsenal fans were on their way home whilst their team were lifting the FA Cup after beating us?
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I don't consider it a major trophy. Clearly it would be nice to win it and West Ham fans certainly enjoyed it, but there's no way I'd class a third-tier Euro competition as a major trophy.
Whether you do or not, it is one. That's a simple fact.
Didn't realise there was a definition. Even so, if the majority of people (outside of Villa and West Ham fans) don't think it is then it doesn't matter what you believe is fact or not.
Well, it just is. Lots of Man City fans don't think the FA Cup is a major trophy either.
Look at how many Arsenal fans were on their way home whilst their team were lifting the FA Cup after beating us?
I'd rather not look at anything which happened that day.
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I don't consider it a major trophy. Clearly it would be nice to win it and West Ham fans certainly enjoyed it, but there's no way I'd class a third-tier Euro competition as a major trophy.
Whether you do or not, it is one. That's a simple fact.
Didn't realise there was a definition. Even so, if the majority of people (outside of Villa and West Ham fans) don't think it is then it doesn't matter what you believe is fact or not.
Well, it just is. Lots of Man City fans don't think the FA Cup is a major trophy either.
I doubt there's a single UK based Man City fan who thinks that.
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It's nothing like the Intertoto. Why do people keep saying that?
The official entry spot for English clubs into the Conference is winning the League Cup. So from the very first step of the 2 competitions they are nothing alike.
the tournament is designed for lower ranking UEFA nations to have a go at winning something - think Malta, Faroes, Kazaksthan etc . I don't think it was ever meant for the bigger nations to take it so seriously but they have
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It's nothing like the Intertoto. Why do people keep saying that?
The official entry spot for English clubs into the Conference is winning the League Cup. So from the very first step of the 2 competitions they are nothing alike.
the tournament is designed for lower ranking UEFA nations to have a go at winning something - think Malta, Faroes, Kazaksthan etc . I don't think it was ever meant for the bigger nations to take it so seriously but they have
That much is true. It definitely wasn't designed for the likes of Roma or West Ham to win it.
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Got mine through on email. Although as I'm now in Krakow May need to ask politely of the hotel staff to see if they'll print for me otherwise relying on phone version. Assume we'll need passport ID at the ground. Or it's a licence for chaos at future games.
Where were you in Krakow tonight? I bumped into Steve Gough and some of his mates in a bar on the main square.
My mate in Warsaw says they sometimes check ID, but not consistently. It depends on the game and chance of trouble.
Cheers. Didn't arrive until late evening and an early start for a trip to Auschwitz today so stayed local to our hotel. Hopefully see more of the town tonight.
Blimey I was in Auschwitz yesterday too. Arrived in Warsaw an hour ago. Have a good trip
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I'd recommend reading The Escape Artist by Jonathan Friedland if visiting Auschwitz.
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The Intertoto was a mini qualifying competition, this is a proper cup competition. In 2001 three sides qualified from the Intertoto, by 2006 eleven sides were qualifying from it.
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It's nothing like the Intertoto. Why do people keep saying that?
The official entry spot for English clubs into the Conference is winning the League Cup. So from the very first step of the 2 competitions they are nothing alike.
the tournament is designed for lower ranking UEFA nations to have a go at winning something - think Malta, Faroes, Kazaksthan etc . I don't think it was ever meant for the bigger nations to take it so seriously but they have
Which is nothing like what the Intertoto Cup was. The Intertoto was originally dreamt up so that there was a competition happening to allow sports betting to continue over the summer.
Toto is even the German term for the football pools.
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I'd recommend reading The Escape Artist by Jonathan Friedland if visiting Auschwitz.
A brilliant read!
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It's nothing like the Intertoto. Why do people keep saying that?
The official entry spot for English clubs into the Conference is winning the League Cup. So from the very first step of the 2 competitions they are nothing alike.
the tournament is designed for lower ranking UEFA nations to have a go at winning something - think Malta, Faroes, Kazaksthan etc . I don't think it was ever meant for the bigger nations to take it so seriously but they have
Which is nothing like what the Intertoto Cup was. The Intertoto was originally dreamt up so that there was a competition happening to allow sports betting to continue over the summer.
Toto is even the German term for the football pools.
interesting , i didn't know that
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I don't think it was designed for clubs from small nations to win it. It was maybe partly done to give them a chance of a bit of a run but the fact the major nations all have a team in it, and that teams from the Europa drop into it, means that the odds of a small nation winning it are all but zero. By the QF stage any true minnows have gone.
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It's nothing like the Intertoto. Why do people keep saying that?
The official entry spot for English clubs into the Conference is winning the League Cup. So from the very first step of the 2 competitions they are nothing alike.
the tournament is designed for lower ranking UEFA nations to have a go at winning something - think Malta, Faroes, Kazaksthan etc . I don't think it was ever meant for the bigger nations to take it so seriously but they have
Toto is even the German term for the football pools.
What do they call it in Africa?
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I don't think it was designed for clubs from small nations to win it. It was maybe partly done to give them a chance of a bit of a run but the fact the major nations all have a team in it, and that teams from the Europa drop into it, means that the odds of a small nation winning it are all but zero. By the QF stage any true minnows have gone.
I think we're all wise enough to know that the real reason that it exists is that clubs, sponsors and governing bodies all want more matches, because more matches = more money.
Who does well and who wins them obviously isn't something that they're bothered about.
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It's nothing like the Intertoto. Why do people keep saying that?
The official entry spot for English clubs into the Conference is winning the League Cup. So from the very first step of the 2 competitions they are nothing alike.
the tournament is designed for lower ranking UEFA nations to have a go at winning something - think Malta, Faroes, Kazaksthan etc . I don't think it was ever meant for the bigger nations to take it so seriously but they have
That much is true. It definitely wasn't designed for the likes of Roma or West Ham to win it.
First contested in the 2021–22 season, the competition serves as the bottom level of the Europa League, which was reduced from 48 to 32 teams in the group stage. The competition is primarily contested by teams from lower-ranked UEFA member associations.[1] No teams qualify directly to the group stage, with 10 teams eliminated in the Europa League play-offs and the rest coming from the Europa Conference League qualifiers
UEFA had reportedly considered adding a third-tier competition since at least 2015, believing that a bottom-level tournament could act as a means of giving clubs from lower-ranked UEFA member countries a chance of progressing beyond their customary elimination from the Champions League and Europa League.[3]
Make your own mind up, but that is the background.
For me it's akin to winning the plate at a football tournament - the competition to keep interest for the shitter teams.
That's not to say that anyone who may share this view doesn't want to win it, all the stuff about progress etc etc. The benefits to us playing in it are obvious. It's just some (a lot I'd bet) don't consider a third-tier competition to be a major trophy.
I strongly suspect Jacob Ramsey feels the same, but he'll still do the bouncy trophy on the head photo if we win it.
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Met a few Villa fans last night. One used to sell H&V but not a messageboard person. Very pleasant bloke. Tall…50ish, been to see Villa in USA and Australia.
I think he was called Steve…but I was a little drunk at the time.
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I don't consider it a major trophy. Clearly it would be nice to win it and West Ham fans certainly enjoyed it, but there's no way I'd class a third-tier Euro competition as a major trophy.
It isn't a major trophy as the best clubs aren't in it
Get a grip people. Exactly how many trophies have we won since 1996?
we won the past incarnation of this Conference in 2001 - Intertoto remember ? No you'd forgotten , just like in 10 years this will be forgotten. But here and now its a route to the Europa League so that is a good target. I still prioritise the League and FA Cup above it though
Speak for yourself; I hadn't forgotten our Intertoto win and I'll never forget our recent trip to Edinburgh.
Lifes what you make it and me and mine are relishing european adventures once more.
I hope I have as much fun as when we won the European Cup of Traditions which I haven't forgotten about either.
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Apart from the opportunity to win what is a rather attractive trophy, the ECL winners qualify for next season's Europa League, a competition that you'd otherwise have to finish sixth in the Premier League or win one of the domestic cups to get in to.
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Met a few Villa fans last night. One used to sell H&V but not a messageboard person. Very pleasant bloke. Tall…50ish, been to see Villa in USA and Australia.
I think he was called Steve…but I was a little drunk at the time.
Sounds like Steve Whitehouse.
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Apart from the opportunity to win what is a rather attractive trophy, the ECL winners qualify for next season's Europa League, a competition that you'd otherwise have to finish sixth in the Premier League or win one of the domestic cups to get in to.
Also this allows us to win Europa next season and have all 3 European trophies in our cabinet. Man City will never do that!
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I don't think it was designed for clubs from small nations to win it. It was maybe partly done to give them a chance of a bit of a run but the fact the major nations all have a team in it, and that teams from the Europa drop into it, means that the odds of a small nation winning it are all but zero. By the QF stage any true minnows have gone.
Countries appearing in the two finals of the competition. Italy Twice, England once, Netherlands once. Definitely minnows.
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It's nothing like the Intertoto. Why do people keep saying that?
The official entry spot for English clubs into the Conference is winning the League Cup. So from the very first step of the 2 competitions they are nothing alike.
the tournament is designed for lower ranking UEFA nations to have a go at winning something - think Malta, Faroes, Kazaksthan etc . I don't think it was ever meant for the bigger nations to take it so seriously but they have
That much is true. It definitely wasn't designed for the likes of Roma or West Ham to win it.
First contested in the 2021–22 season, the competition serves as the bottom level of the Europa League, which was reduced from 48 to 32 teams in the group stage. The competition is primarily contested by teams from lower-ranked UEFA member associations.[1] No teams qualify directly to the group stage, with 10 teams eliminated in the Europa League play-offs and the rest coming from the Europa Conference League qualifiers
UEFA had reportedly considered adding a third-tier competition since at least 2015, believing that a bottom-level tournament could act as a means of giving clubs from lower-ranked UEFA member countries a chance of progressing beyond their customary elimination from the Champions League and Europa League.[3]
Make your own mind up, but that is the background.
For me it's akin to winning the plate at a football tournament - the competition to keep interest for the shitter teams.
That's not to say that anyone who may share this view doesn't want to win it, all the stuff about progress etc etc. The benefits to us playing in it are obvious. It's just some (a lot I'd bet) don't consider a third-tier competition to be a major trophy.
I strongly suspect Jacob Ramsey feels the same, but he'll still do the bouncy trophy on the head photo if we win it.
Well Jacob should have asked his mates who played against Stevenage "why were you so shit lads,"
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Met a few Villa fans last night. One used to sell H&V but not a messageboard person. Very pleasant bloke. Tall…50ish, been to see Villa in USA and Australia.
I think he was called Steve…but I was a little drunk at the time.
Sounds like Steve Whitehouse.
Could well be.
I’ve just met another H&Ver Liam. It’s brilliant being here.
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Have a great time guys (and girls of course), I’m jealous.
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This could make me a prick and I don't know if I'm a product of my age but I could not give a shit about the League Cup. Do any of the other big European leagues have 2 'league' cups? I understand that it sounds snobbish and it is our only recent silverware but it just doesn't get me excited, I can't manufacture it. It would also add more weight to the FA Cup but I get that it would mean fewer clubs tasting success so I understand it in that sense. It doesn't mean I'm still not pissed off Vidic wasn't sent off.
I am genuinely excited by this competition though so it means something to me now in a way the League Cup just doesn't. Maybe I'll think differently in ten years but I won't give a shit whilst I'm getting annoyed about where the new star is that our lion will be playing with.
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Met a few Villa fans last night. One used to sell H&V but not a messageboard person. Very pleasant bloke. Tall…50ish, been to see Villa in USA and Australia.
I think he was called Steve…but I was a little drunk at the time.
Steve Whitehouse.
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I actually think the League Cup is better than the FA Cup, much as I’d prefer us to win the latter. It doesn’t interfere with the league games and has a much more exciting semi-final.
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I actually think the League Cup is better than the FA Cup, much as I’d prefer us to win the latter. It doesn’t interfere with the league games and has a much more exciting semi-final.
Fair enough, Percy. I genuinely don't think I've ever heard anyone else have that opinion.
FA Cup semis at Wembley will always be a shit idea.
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I actually think the League Cup is better than the FA Cup, much as I’d prefer us to win the latter. It doesn’t interfere with the league games and has a much more exciting semi-final.
Fair enough, Percy. I genuinely don't think I've ever heard anyone else have that opinion.
FA Cup semis at Wembley will always be a shit idea.
It’s a rare opinion for sure, but it is shared by The Villa Podcast, who convinced me. Also, I love midweek games as I take the night off for them. I finish work at 6 on Saturday mornings and am back in at 6 on Sunday morning so weekend games really fuck with my very limited time.
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I actually think the League Cup is better than the FA Cup, much as I’d prefer us to win the latter. It doesn’t interfere with the league games and has a much more exciting semi-final.
Fair enough, Percy. I genuinely don't think I've ever heard anyone else have that opinion.
FA Cup semis at Wembley will always be a shit idea.
It’s a rare opinion for sure, but it is shared by The Villa Podcast, who convinced me.
Ahh, I only started listening to them about 3 months ago. Funny lads, even when I don't agree with them. I'll always love the Pep Guardiola rant.
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I actually think the League Cup is better than the FA Cup, much as I’d prefer us to win the latter. It doesn’t interfere with the league games and has a much more exciting semi-final.
Fair enough, Percy. I genuinely don't think I've ever heard anyone else have that opinion.
FA Cup semis at Wembley will always be a shit idea.
Well, they gotta pay the mortgage for it somehow.
The Millennium Stadium is there, has the facilities and capacity, and is crying out to be used as a neutral semi-final venue, for both cups
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I don't consider it a major trophy. Clearly it would be nice to win it and West Ham fans certainly enjoyed it, but there's no way I'd class a third-tier Euro competition as a major trophy.
It isn't a major trophy as the best clubs aren't in it
Get a grip people. Exactly how many trophies have we won since 1996?
we won the past incarnation of this Conference in 2001 - Intertoto remember ? No you'd forgotten , just like in 10 years this will be forgotten. But here and now its a route to the Europa League so that is a good target. I still prioritise the League and FA Cup above it though
Speak for yourself; I hadn't forgotten our Intertoto win and I'll never forget our recent trip to Edinburgh.
Lifes what you make it and me and mine are relishing european adventures once more.
I hope I have as much fun as when we won the European Cup of Traditions which I haven't forgotten about either.
This, a million times over. Most clubs' supporters never get to go on a European adventure in their lifetime, and the percentage of those is getting smaller now, since they're almost always divvied up by league position and the top 5 at least don't change that much year-on-year.
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I actually think the League Cup is better than the FA Cup, much as I’d prefer us to win the latter. It doesn’t interfere with the league games and has a much more exciting semi-final.
Fair enough, Percy. I genuinely don't think I've ever heard anyone else have that opinion.
FA Cup semis at Wembley will always be a shit idea.
My dad's been saying the same for a few years now. It's also the first piece of silverware of the season, so significant in that way, whereas the FA Cup - having been slowly downgraded in recent years anyway, kind of gets lost where it is.
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League Cup has an advantage that more of your fans can go to the Final.
Did hear a theory that nowadays it's easier to win the FA Cup, than League Cup. 2 legged Semi, so less likely to upset a top team and top teams more likely to rest players later on in FA Cup, if they're concentrating on Europe/Premier League.
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The 6am KLM flight from Brum was almost entirely Villa and now loads more on Warsaw connection.
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Some great fun last night. Met inMolly Malone’s, Villa rallying point with the security and tickets staff, and watched some of the football. We then had some brilliant food nearby in the old town followed by the Kraft bar which was quiet, and the War Saw which was heaving. Got thrown out at closing time and I have a sore head this morning. Hoping to slowly recover before the game.
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Some great fun last night. Met inMolly Malone’s, Villa rallying point with the security and tickets staff, and watched some of the football. We then had some brilliant food nearby in the old town followed by the Kraft bar which was quiet, and the War Saw which was heaving. Got thrown out at closing time and I have a sore head this morning. Hoping to slowly recover before the game.
Enjoy mate! Wish I was there with you boys!
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Some great fun last night. Met inMolly Malone’s, Villa rallying point with the security and tickets staff, and watched some of the football. We then had some brilliant food nearby in the old town followed by the Kraft bar which was quiet, and the War Saw which was heaving. Got thrown out at closing time and I have a sore head this morning. Hoping to slowly recover before the game.
Enjoy, and stay safe everyone! UTV
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Some great fun last night. Met inMolly Malone’s, Villa rallying point with the security and tickets staff, and watched some of the football. We then had some brilliant food nearby in the old town followed by the Kraft bar which was quiet, and the War Saw which was heaving. Got thrown out at closing time and I have a sore head this morning. Hoping to slowly recover before the game.
Glad you're having fun and staying safe, but it'll all kick off now that Aftab's on his way. :(
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The War Saw! Great name.
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Some great fun last night. Met inMolly Malone’s, Villa rallying point with the security and tickets staff, and watched some of the football. We then had some brilliant food nearby in the old town followed by the Kraft bar which was quiet, and the War Saw which was heaving. Got thrown out at closing time and I have a sore head this morning. Hoping to slowly recover before the game.
Have a boss time !
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Some great fun last night. Met inMolly Malone’s, Villa rallying point with the security and tickets staff, and watched some of the football. We then had some brilliant food nearby in the old town followed by the Kraft bar which was quiet, and the War Saw which was heaving. Got thrown out at closing time and I have a sore head this morning. Hoping to slowly recover before the game.
Glad you're having fun and staying safe, but it'll all kick off now that Aftab's on his way. :(
Arrived to keep an eye on everyone😂
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https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/66808886
Not sure if this has been shared already. Gav must be WarsavaVillan. Is Jo on here?
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In the pre-match thread.
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I'm avoiding that for superstitious reasons. You'll thank me later.
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(https://i.ibb.co/899RFVH/Screenshot-20230921-152225-Chrome.jpg) (https://ibb.co/899RFVH)
Going to be in Brum 5 Oct and was planning to go to this.. just WTAF? Yes sure, commerce has come before paying fans for a long time now. But its actually, deliberately blocking the view of the pitch. That is a new low...
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There's a chance that it's actually a UEFA requirement. They have so many that I can't be arsed looking through them all but they do, I think, have them even for hoardings etc.
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There's a chance that it's actually a UEFA requirement. They have so many that I can't be arsed looking through them all but they do, I think, have them even for hoardings etc.
I'm sure it is. Whoever mandates it, it sucks. How about a rule that they *must not* obstruct the view of the pitch?...
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It's a UEFA thing. I've definitely seen Liverpool and Celtic have to empty the front few rows because of it.
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It's a UEFA thing. I've definitely seen Liverpool and Celtic have to empty the front few rows because of it.
Yes, same at Ibrox for their European games.
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The advertising boards didn't look any higher than average at Warsaw?
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Did anyone manage to buy a match day programme? I didn't see any for sale in the away end? If anyone knows how to get one I would really appreciate it.
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Did anyone manage to buy a match day programme? I didn't see any for sale in the away end? If anyone knows how to get one I would really appreciate it.
"Czy to jest program? Tak, nazywa się Bohaterowie. i złoczyńcy."
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Did anyone manage to buy a match day programme? I didn't see any for sale in the away end? If anyone knows how to get one I would really appreciate it.
No, but I did buy a glass for tap water for £1.95😂
Didn’t see any programme sellers but the isolation and containerisation of away fans was stifling to the extreme.
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That as an away exprience in the dead of winter would be absolutely dire.
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Yep freezing your bollocks off waiting to be let out to then be effectively kettled and not allowed to walk back to your hotel for another hour was fucked up.
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Yep freezing your bollocks off waiting to be let out to then be effectively kettled and not allowed to walk back to your hotel for another hour was fucked up.
Couldn't be arsed with that shite any more, it's not the 80s, and if that's what playing in Europe is going to be like they can stick it.
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It did look a bit ambush alley in the dark on the way back, but there's 1500 officers, all dressed like ninja turtles, just whack us in an escort and use the sticks you were itching to in any event.
The kettling at the top of the drive way made zero sense given there were 20 odd horses, scores of vans and hundreds of police, without a Legia scrote anywhere near.
I hope we lock them in for 3 days. We had a shit time of it because they're a bunch of retrograde skin head twats. Fuck em.
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Yeah doesn’t sound too good. Almost glad I was in the Legia end. That was strange too. I didn’t understand my ticket so was just allowed to wander to the very back of the stand and mill about with a great view of the pitch.
I can only guess that this is what happens weekly and is routine.
Everyone I have seen have behaved fine, so I understand the confusion with the police’s attitude.
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3 days I’d deport each and everyone of them that turns up at villa park. Ps big👍 to our stewards who turned up and assisted despite having to deal with brain dead poles
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3 days I’d deport each and everyone of them that turns up at villa park. Ps big👍 to our stewards who turned up and assisted despite having to deal with brain dead poles
Why deport?
The Polish have been marvellous in all the places I have been. The Villa fans I have encountered all have enjoyed their stay. Some were even asking how to say Polish numbers to make it easier for the staff.
Policing is s different matter.
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The policing was over the top and disproportionate. I was stressed out, I had private travel arrangements and if I couldn't get out in time risked not being able to fly last night. I kept being told to join the bus queue. You build in possible delays but 3 hours after the match for an estimated 45 minute journey was certainly not envisaged. The rest of the day - apart from the result - was great.
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We had a good trip. Went into Krakow on Tuesday A visit to Auschwitz on Wednesday and then train into Warsaw on match day. Avoided the Irish bar but found a great place for lunch and a few drinks before walking to the ground (about 40 mins through what seemed to be mainly student / university land). Quick beer in a pub near the ground mainly occupied by home fans but stress free.
Post match experience similar to many others. Held in and then faced with a police line. Not allowed to walk back to the hotel but allowed out to get an Uber. He then cancelled on us 2 minutes away (presumably couldn't be arsed fighting through the traffic) but got a normal taxi which he confirmed was on the meter. Didn't mention he was going to add on various made-up tariffs to drive it up to a £60 fare for a 10 minute ride - but negotiated this down to just a minor rip-off. And then got a free pint in the Grand Sheraton due to a cock-up so balanced out.
On balance I get the policing strategy given the previous problems and ultimately everyone was kept safe. Could have been miles better but equally could have been much worse.
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The policing was over the top and disproportionate. I was stressed out, I had private travel arrangements and if I couldn't get out in time risked not being able to fly last night. I kept being told to join the bus queue. You build in possible delays but 3 hours after the match for an estimated 45 minute journey was certainly not envisaged. The rest of the day - apart from the result - was great.
Yes, that is bad. I find going to a game stressful in itself. I never feel U am in control if anything home or away.
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It's been interesting reading various people's experiences of the trip over. Apart from the ballache after the game and the result, it sounded good and no-one came to any harm by the sound of it. Fair play to those that went.
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A fantastic 24 hours in Warsaw was had. AV82EC and I avoided the main square and had pints and lunch in Pinta before taking a stroll too Jabeerwockey and Kufle and enjoying some more beers. Took a taxi to the ground around 5.30. Post match we endured the stress of trying to get back to our hotel. We were at the ibis. Half a mile away. The plod we spoke to almost let us walk then to be told it wasn't his decision.
Numerous Ubers cancelled us before finally getting one. We really should get our own back for the return match and make the Leiga fuckers stay inside the ground for 2 hours after the match
The lack of communication was the worst bit.
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I hope we lock them in for 3 days. We had a shit time of it because they're a bunch of retrograde skin head twats. Fuck em.
What would be the point of that?
Doing what we're complaining about being done to us?
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Two wrongs don't make a right.
I hope all fans are treated well at Villa Park.
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I hope we lock them in for 3 days. We had a shit time of it because they're a bunch of retrograde skin head twats. Fuck em.
What would be the point of that?
Doing what we're complaining about being done to us?
Their fans are massive twats and we suffered because they're massive twats. Let them endure a couple of extra hours in the Witton.
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I hope we lock them in for 3 days. We had a shit time of it because they're a bunch of retrograde skin head twats. Fuck em.
What would be the point of that?
Doing what we're complaining about being done to us?
Their fans are massive twats and we suffered because they're massive twats.
So no different than a trip to The Sty.
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Just landed at Gatwick. Should be home by 4 AM. Four if us travelled and apart from the after match nightmare we had a great trip. Flew back from Krakow today and spent time in the lovely old town. Did talk to a youngish Villa fan from Newcastle at Krakow airport who like us walked to the game. He said he got pinned against a wall by some of the Legia fans passing the home end but luckily the police came to his rescue very quickly. That's the only account if any bother we heard of. Hopefully he had a safe trip home.
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Just landed at Gatwick. Should be home by 4 AM. Four if us travelled and apart from the after match nightmare we had a great trip. Flew back from Krakow today and spent time in the lovely old town. Did talk to a youngish Villa fan from Newcastle at Krakow airport who like us walked to the game. He said he got pinned against a wall by some of the Legia fans passing the home end but luckily the police came to his rescue very quickly. That's the only account if any bother we heard of. Hopefully he had a safe trip home.
Was that Aidan, a lad with the Irish flag? We were with him on Wednesday.
I was with Brits who live in Warsaw near the halfway line so we were sat at a bar near the ground 10 -15 minutes after the final whistle. It did seem like a crazy amount of policing and also very heavy handed in keeping people in for so long. Everyone I met was decent, including bar staff in the centre and old town, but I’ve heard of a couple of isolated incidents. At breakfast today, the bloke who runs Kingswinford Lions said his son had his hat nicked near the ground - they went in a taxi and were followed by a small mob looking for trophies - and one of the Sutton Coldfield club blokes was knocked over by a big bugger on Wednesday night. Some scrapes but nothing major.
Most of the Poles have been brilliant. Friendly and fun, and keen to know what we think of Poland. It’s a fab country based on my week here
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Just landed at Gatwick. Should be home by 4 AM. Four if us travelled and apart from the after match nightmare we had a great trip. Flew back from Krakow today and spent time in the lovely old town. Did talk to a youngish Villa fan from Newcastle at Krakow airport who like us walked to the game. He said he got pinned against a wall by some of the Legia fans passing the home end but luckily the police came to his rescue very quickly. That's the only account if any bother we heard of. Hopefully he had a safe trip home.
Was that Aidan, a lad with the Irish flag? We were with him on Wednesday.
I was with Brits who live in Warsaw near the halfway line so we were sat at a bar near the ground 10 -15 minutes after the final whistle. It did seem like a crazy amount of policing and also very heavy handed in keeping people in for so long. Everyone I met was decent, including bar staff in the centre and old town, but I’ve heard of a couple of isolated incidents. At breakfast today, the bloke who runs Kingswinford Lions said his son had his hat nicked near the ground - they went in a taxi and were followed by a small mob looking for trophies - and one of the Sutton Coldfield club blokes was knocked over by a big bugger on Wednesday night. Some scrapes but nothing major.
Most of the Poles have been brilliant. Friendly and fun, and keen to know what we think of Poland. It’s a fab country based on my week here
Good write up, mate.
That's exactly what I thought of Poland, generally. I suspect a lot has changed since 2008, but everywhere I went, people were decent, hospitable and most had links to England with family living or working there.
Only when I crossed over into Belarus or Ukraine did I encounter the occasional bellend who wanted to fight, argue about politics etc etc. Things I have absolutely no interest in or much knowledge of.
And the women in all three above mentioned countries were often stunning. I was walking around Minsk with my eyes popping out 😂
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Two wrongs don't make a right.
I hope all fans are treated well at Villa Park.
Apart from Bluenoses and Birmingham reds, of course! 😂
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There was a bit of trouble according to my mate’s message on WhatsApp:
Warsaw Poland last night🤷🏿♂️lads my age in hotel got landed on by Polish ultras . Went off 💥👊🏿 beaten up, followed em . They had Villa tops on 🤦🏼♂️ they are ok but bruised and shook up . Group of 12 attacked them. That would never have happened with CCREW, furthermore I always know my surroundings🤷🏿♂️ this is why 100% chartered flight will be sorted for Bosnia 🇧🇦 those Genghis Khan ****** will come riding in on horse back with long swords.
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Two wrongs don't make a right.
I hope all fans are treated well at Villa Park.
Apart from Bluenoses and Birmingham reds, of course! 😂
(https://i.ibb.co/z22g24B/Screenshot-20230430-131859.png) (https://ibb.co/qgg8grc)
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Just landed at Gatwick. Should be home by 4 AM. Four if us travelled and apart from the after match nightmare we had a great trip. Flew back from Krakow today and spent time in the lovely old town. Did talk to a youngish Villa fan from Newcastle at Krakow airport who like us walked to the game. He said he got pinned against a wall by some of the Legia fans passing the home end but luckily the police came to his rescue very quickly. That's the only account if any bother we heard of. Hopefully he had a safe trip home.
Was that Aidan, a lad with the Irish flag? We were with him on Wednesday.
I was with Brits who live in Warsaw near the halfway line so we were sat at a bar near the ground 10 -15 minutes after the final whistle. It did seem like a crazy amount of policing and also very heavy handed in keeping people in for so long. Everyone I met was decent, including bar staff in the centre and old town, but I’ve heard of a couple of isolated incidents. At breakfast today, the bloke who runs Kingswinford Lions said his son had his hat nicked near the ground - they went in a taxi and were followed by a small mob looking for trophies - and one of the Sutton Coldfield club blokes was knocked over by a big bugger on Wednesday night. Some scrapes but nothing major.
Most of the Poles have been brilliant. Friendly and fun, and keen to know what we think of Poland. It’s a fab country based on my week here
Good write up, mate.
That's exactly what I thought of Poland, generally. I suspect a lot has changed since 2008, but everywhere I went, people were decent, hospitable and most had links to England with family living or working there.
Only when I crossed over into Belarus or Ukraine did I encounter the occasional bellend who wanted to fight, argue about politics etc etc. Things I have absolutely no interest in or much knowledge of.
And the women in all three above mentioned countries were often stunning. I was walking around Minsk with my eyes popping out 😂
A running joke out here among Villa fans has been the prospect of getting nicked by one of the numerous gorgeous police women :)
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There was a bit of trouble according to my mate’s message on WhatsApp:
Warsaw Poland last night🤷🏿♂️lads my age in hotel got landed on by Polish ultras . Went off 💥👊🏿 beaten up, followed em . They had Villa tops on 🤦🏼♂️ they are ok but bruised and shook up . Group of 12 attacked them. That would never have happened with CCREW, furthermore I always know my surroundings🤷🏿♂️ this is why 100% chartered flight will be sorted for Bosnia 🇧🇦 those Genghis Khan ****** will come riding in on horse back with long swords.
Was that in the old town Percy? Some lads last night were saying a massive bloke was in one bar and walking around with a Stanley knife, popping the blade up and down, trying to bait or intimidate people.
There are some very big blokes out here. Some fellows we know who did the stadium tour said there is a Legia fight club opposite the stadium!
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There was a bit of trouble according to my mate’s message on WhatsApp:
Warsaw Poland last night🤷🏿♂️lads my age in hotel got landed on by Polish ultras . Went off 💥👊🏿 beaten up, followed em . They had Villa tops on 🤦🏼♂️ they are ok but bruised and shook up . Group of 12 attacked them. That would never have happened with CCREW, furthermore I always know my surroundings🤷🏿♂️ this is why 100% chartered flight will be sorted for Bosnia 🇧🇦 those Genghis Khan ****** will come riding in on horse back with long swords.
Was that in the old town Percy? Some lads last night were saying a massive bloke was in one bar and walking around with a Stanley knife, popping the blade up and down, trying to bait or intimidate people.
There are some very big blokes out here. Some fellows we know who did the stadium tour said there is a Legia fight club opposite the stadium!
He sounds like the complete opposite of those policewomen!
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Two wrongs don't make a right.
I hope all fans are treated well at Villa Park.
Apart from Bluenoses and Birmingham reds, of course! 😂
(https://i.ibb.co/z22g24B/Screenshot-20230430-131859.png) (https://ibb.co/qgg8grc)
Brummie Reds, who individually have no link to Manchester, I have no time for. Except maybe those who are genuine enough to at least attend some games outside of the Midlands. Cockney Reds ditto. Just can't stand those who put a badge on and don't even make any attempt to follow the team properly beyond the odd showpiece. At least with Bluenoses you know they are going to be genuine
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There was a bit of trouble according to my mate’s message on WhatsApp:
Warsaw Poland last night🤷🏿♂️lads my age in hotel got landed on by Polish ultras . Went off 💥👊🏿 beaten up, followed em . They had Villa tops on 🤦🏼♂️ they are ok but bruised and shook up . Group of 12 attacked them. That would never have happened with CCREW, furthermore I always know my surroundings🤷🏿♂️ this is why 100% chartered flight will be sorted for Bosnia 🇧🇦 those Genghis Khan ****** will come riding in on horse back with long swords.
Was that in the old town Percy? Some lads last night were saying a massive bloke was in one bar and walking around with a Stanley knife, popping the blade up and down, trying to bait or intimidate people.
There are some very big blokes out here. Some fellows we know who did the stadium tour said there is a Legia fight club opposite the stadium!
He sounds like the complete opposite of those policewomen!
This is a tactic I first saw at the Japan/S Korea W/C in '02. Line the barriers with young female PCs. It's a clever diffusion tactic, in presenting a front that the fuckwits cannot in their own minds credibly rail against
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I must say I found the whole experience other than the match quite uplifting. Had some concerns about Warsaw since reading a report on refugees being targeted there last year but walked about 8 miles on Thursday all around old town and Praga side from about lunch time to well past midnight and never ever felt unsafe at any stage. Met and spoke to nice young lads Legia fans in the WarSwa bar with the legendary poster Pat McMahon (Paul). Other than the 90+90 minutes of crap at the stadium I have no complaints.
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3 days I’d deport each and everyone of them that turns up at villa park. Ps big👍 to our stewards who turned up and assisted despite having to deal with brain dead poles
Why deport?
The Polish have been marvellous in all the places I have been. The Villa fans I have encountered all have enjoyed their stay.
Indeed. A totally bizarre comment above.
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3 days I’d deport each and everyone of them that turns up at villa park. Ps big👍 to our stewards who turned up and assisted despite having to deal with brain dead poles
Why deport?
The Polish have been marvellous in all the places I have been. The Villa fans I have encountered all have enjoyed their stay.
Indeed. A totally bizarre comment above.
Bizarre being very polite for utter fucking nonsense.
You're right about Warsaw by the way, mate. A great city. If I ever move back to Europe it's a toss up between Poland, Italy and Portugal.
Not England because I'd be looking over my shoulder all the time fearing deportation 😂
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from Polish right wing ultras to hedge fund managers and solicitors of the West End. What a crazy few days
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There was a bit of trouble according to my mate’s message on WhatsApp:
Warsaw Poland last night🤷🏿♂️lads my age in hotel got landed on by Polish ultras . Went off 💥👊🏿 beaten up, followed em . They had Villa tops on 🤦🏼♂️ they are ok but bruised and shook up . Group of 12 attacked them. That would never have happened with CCREW, furthermore I always know my surroundings🤷🏿♂️ this is why 100% chartered flight will be sorted for Bosnia 🇧🇦 those Genghis Khan ****** will come riding in on horse back with long swords.
Was that in the old town Percy? Some lads last night were saying a massive bloke was in one bar and walking around with a Stanley knife, popping the blade up and down, trying to bait or intimidate people.
There are some very big blokes out here. Some fellows we know who did the stadium tour said there is a Legia fight club opposite the stadium!
That was the whole message that pertained to the match Pat.
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Have to say we loved our time over there - I had my lad with me and never felt bothered once. Warsaw is a beautiful place and we would definitely like to see more of the whole country.
We found a cracking bar (Da Gusta) just a few minutes from the stadium on the Wednesday which no one else seemed to find. After exploring the city on Thursday, we headed back there a few hours before KO. We clocked a couple of lads dressed in black who were having a good look at us before stopping and getting their phones out, so we moved on not long afterwards - We left a lad who had been sat on his own and caught up with him in the ground where he said about 30 lads had turned up (all in black!) and he'd made a quick and quiet exit!
Our hotel was a five minute walk from the ground which included an underpass (complete with Legia graffiti) with the busy road network overhead. We were heading that way after the game to collect our bags and get back to the station. At the last minute, one of our number reckoned it might be better to get all our stuff into lockers at the station as the buses that were being laid on would be heading in that general direction.
What a move that was. As our bus was being escorted out, we saw around 100 Ultras (all in white!) waiting there, surrounded by Police and vans. We did hear of one guy who was stabbed in the arm but his watch had saved him from any serious injury - that was by the other side of the ground where there was a huge congregation of people (all in black!). We'd walked through them earlier but no one had any Villa colours on.
The Legia fans we spoke to were great. All friendly and wanted to make clear they had two sets of "Ultras" - One that just wanted to make noise at the game, the other which would be looking for trouble.
We met some great people and loved it. The walk down by the river (towards the National Stadium), in 25 degree sunshine, is something I won't forget.
(https://i.ibb.co/HPQvjbj/DSC03983.jpg) (https://ibb.co/HPQvjbj)
(https://i.ibb.co/4Rmd7cC/20230920-185210.jpg) (https://ibb.co/4Rmd7cC)
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https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/legia-warsaw-supporter-dies-after-27768893.amp
Just saw this story about a Legia fan who fell from a bridge and died after leaving the game against us. Not sure how close it happened to the stadium, but perhaps the reason for the extended shut in for Villa fans?
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Met a few Villa fans last night. One used to sell H&V but not a messageboard person. Very pleasant bloke. Tall…50ish, been to see Villa in USA and Australia.
I think he was called Steve…but I was a little drunk at the time.
Sounds like Steve Whitehouse.
Could well be.
I’ve just met another H&Ver Liam. It’s brilliant being here.
Great to meet you as well and for the information you provided before the game, my son and I had a great 3 days and got back midday yesterday, we experienced no problems, i actually found the policing quite re-assuring until after the game, but even then if there was a risk of a villa fan getting into trouble due to certain Legia Fans hanging around, i'd rather be safe than sorry. The few legia fans we met were great, and the passport control guy at the airport was proudly wearing his Legia badge on his lanyard, clocked i was Villa and asked if we have a good time. Great weather, great company, too much beer and and amazing atmosphere at the ground, and a crazy first 45 mins. Loved it!
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Just a reminder that Dutch Fans and Police can be just as bad.
This was what the home fans did BECAUSE they were losing.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/av/football/66914632
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There's an element of Dutch fans that is particularly cuntish.
In European games, the currently preferred MO seems to be an attack on the family/VIP stand. Which, even by hooligan standards, seems beyond the pale. AZ did it against West Ham, Twente against Hammarby and I remember hearing of at least one or two more over the last year or so though I cannot now remember the clubs involved.
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But this hooligan problem is a very British problem - or so some quarters would have you believe - seemingly not anymore as we have grown up (a bit)
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There's an element of Dutch fans that is particularly cuntish.
In European games, the currently preferred MO seems to be an attack on the family/VIP stand. Which, even by hooligan standards, seems beyond the pale. AZ did it against West Ham, Twente against Hammarby and I remember hearing of at least one or two more over the last year or so though I cannot now remember the clubs involved.
Before being chased off by a couple of West Ham lads. There’s a reason they target women and children in that area.
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Still about 7,500 tickets left for Thursdays game.
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I had a look at West Ham and Spurs in this competition, both averaged around 30,000.
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Doesn't look like they're on general sale?
"Supporters with an Aston Villa Booking History for matches before 8/9/2023- Online from 28 September 5pm - Phone from 29 September 10am"
That's the last date listed on the "buy tickets" section. Which I suppose is kind of general sale, but only if you've gone before. Guess they're trying to give everyone a shot at tickets before releasing them to anyone and everyone.
Lower Grounds sold out. 289 still in Terrace View.
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After Hibs, I'll be surprised if it goes to general sale.
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Looking at the requirements, it's never going to general sale.
Which sounds a bit daft.
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Only 155 seats left for the Alkmaar game, despite there being 7k plus for the Mostar whatever they're called one.
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Ah, ignore, that'll be because ST holders can still buy their seats for a week or so.
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Have gone on general sale this afternoon.
6,064 available at the moment. Adults £24-£35.
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Have gone on general sale this afternoon.
6,064 available at the moment. Adults £24-£35.
Mostar? According to the site it's only people with a booking history. Nothing about general sale?
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They’re selling quite well then as there were over 7500 yesterday morning.
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Have gone on general sale this afternoon.
6,064 available at the moment. Adults £24-£35.
Mostar? According to the site it's only people with a booking history. Nothing about general sale?
It doesn't say "general sale" but you can click in to buy them now, which you couldn't do yesterday. They also tweeted about them being on sale now.
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Have gone on general sale this afternoon.
6,064 available at the moment. Adults £24-£35.
Mostar? According to the site it's only people with a booking history. Nothing about general sale?
It doesn't say "general sale" but you can click in to buy them now, which you couldn't do yesterday. They also tweeted about them being on sale now.
Ah.
I see they are saying "last tickets" which is a strange way to describe 6,000 unsold!
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Have gone on general sale this afternoon.
6,064 available at the moment. Adults £24-£35.
Mostar? According to the site it's only people with a booking history. Nothing about general sale?
It doesn't say "general sale" but you can click in to buy them now, which you couldn't do yesterday. They also tweeted about them being on sale now.
Ah.
I see they are saying "last tickets" which is a strange way to describe 6,000 unsold!
I'd assume it's just because they've got like 7 different layers of releases, they're now on the last one.
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Has anybody that doesn't fit into any of the criteria tried to buy one? Anybody without any booking history whatsoever prior to 3 weeks ago? It's not general sale, it's open to anyone they've got a record of attending any game since, well, forever-ish. As it has been since Thursday. If you buy extras it's still asking you to assign it to someone that qualifies.
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Even with a general sale, you’ve still got to register and have a fan ID
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I've thought for a while, they make it a bit harder than it needs to be to buy tickets these days.
Why make someone register and get a fan ID when they just fancy going to a football match?
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It's letting me go all the way through to payment details.
Although when I went back in again to try it a second time I'm getting " The quantity of tickets owned [redacted] exceeds limitations.
To resolve, click "Assign Owners" and assign some of the tickets to other owners.
Too many tickets per event Aston Villa v HSK Zrinjski Mostar 05/10/2023 20:00: Please reduce the quantity to 1 or less.
Sales to this event are limited to 1 tickets per event per history per item owner."
I then reduced it to 1, and it was letting me go through to the payment page again. 🤷♂️
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I don't think you can ever buy multiple tickets on one reference like you used to be able to. And the Hibs ticket palaver has likely put a stop to being able to get a ticket at the same time as registering.
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Couple of hundred bought in the last hour anywayz so someone's able to buy them. 5735 left now.
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When's Alkmaar away going on sale? I'm not going but it seems like they could have sorted things a bit sooner than this given we've known date and time for weeks.
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When's Alkmaar away going on sale? I'm not going but it seems like they could have sorted things a bit sooner than this given we've known date and time for weeks.
It's rubbish ain't it...would love to take my lot...its half term so ideal for a little break...but can't book anything till we know if we have a good chance on tickets
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I've thought for a while, they make it a bit harder than it needs to be to buy tickets these days.
Why make someone register and get a fan ID when they just fancy going to a football match?
I’m not sure if you meant this rhetorically, but for three reasons I think: Stopping away fans from buying in home areas, trying to manage demand (which mostly is bigger than the number of tickets available) fairly, or at least with some system; and to get Custer details for marketing purposes.
I can understand all 3 to be honest, although I agree it can be a pain.
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I've thought for a while, they make it a bit harder than it needs to be to buy tickets these days.
Why make someone register and get a fan ID when they just fancy going to a football match?
To add you to the fictitious "waiting list"!
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Interestingly, the number of tickets available for Thursday's match has just plummeted several thousand.
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Interestingly, the number of tickets available for Thursday's match has just plummeted several thousand.
Brummie Bosnians have oppiled in.
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Jesus we’ve just sold 3000 seats since I checked this morning. <posts picture of Jimmy Hill meme>
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Interestingly, the number of tickets available for Thursday's match has just plummeted several thousand.
What the fuck's going on with that, then? It's like they've gone overnight!
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Interestingly, the number of tickets available for Thursday's match has just plummeted several thousand.
What the fuck's going on with that, then? It's like they've gone overnight!
I looked this morning (whilst tempted to buy one) and there were, at a quick estimate, at least 5000 left. Looked again an hour later, almost all gone
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I know it was mentioned previously but it is great value. Got my bundle in the ‘members window’. There were loads left in The Holte for the first game but now many for the second and third home games. Quite a few ST holders not attending this weeks game which is a surprise to me.
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Only anecdotal but a few STHs I know had trouble getting the link to work properly to buy all 3 games and could only get their own seats for the AZ and Legia games and had to buy others seats for tomorrow
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I know it was mentioned previously but it is great value. Got my bundle in the ‘members window’. There were loads left in The Holte for the first game but now many for the second and third home games. Quite a few ST holders not attending this weeks game which is a surprise to me.
Think there major work works coming up from Stratford upon Avon and Warwick, also I believe they are a few Hunt balls arranged that have to be attended
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I know it was mentioned previously but it is great value. Got my bundle in the ‘members window’. There were loads left in The Holte for the first game but now many for the second and third home games. Quite a few ST holders not attending this weeks game which is a surprise to me.
Think there major work works coming up from Stratford upon Avon and Warwick, also I believe they are a few Hunt balls arranged that have to be attended
you'd best not be disrespecting those of us who live in Warwick(ish).
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AZ had a player sent off, so he'll miss at least 1 of the matches against us.
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Fiorentina held at home and Eintracht Frankfurt lost away to PAOK.
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What we have seen is that there is no easy games in this group, who would have thought Zrinjski would put up more of a fight than Brighton.
Of course with our best X1 we would have no problem getting out of the group. The teams we are playing see us as a huge scalp and expect more very tough games.
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Sorry if this has been mentioned elsewhere before, or maybe I'm just missing something. But why haven't the Bournemouth (Saturday 2nd December) and Manchester City (Tuesday 5th December) games been rescheduled? When we play Legia on Thursday 30th November?
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Alkmaar ticket details are out https://www.avfc.co.uk/news/2023/october/06/AZ-Alkmaar-ticket-details/
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Worrying that the first category is over subscribed for the allocation. Fingers on the buzzer at 5pm Monday!
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Sorry if this has been mentioned elsewhere before, or maybe I'm just missing something. But why haven't the Bournemouth (Saturday 2nd December) and Manchester City (Tuesday 5th December) games been rescheduled? When we play Legia on Thursday 30th November?
Changes will be formal when the TV games are announced for that batch of fixtures
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Bloody he’ll I’m in the second category!! I won’t get a ticket as it’ll sell on the first but quite surprised on the criteria.
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They've put number of tickets in categories now: 576 for batch one so can relax as long as there's 4g/5g about. 2nd category has 1387 in it. Be gone by 19:01 this.
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Oh hang on it isn’t oversubscribed on the first criteria.
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Oh hang on it isn’t oversubscribed on the first criteria.
No I miscalculated, 400ish left over after category 1 for 1300 people!
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Oh hang on it isn’t oversubscribed on the first criteria.
No I miscalculated, 400ish left over after category 1 for 1300 people!
I'm a Season ticket holder with 8+ years, 19 aways and did Legia Warsaw. But might miss out because I couldn't make Hibs due to being on holiday. Gutted! Feel absolutely sick.
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The criteria are consecutive. The 1387 includes the 576 in the top bracket so there will be 811 people maximum going for 409 tickets. Considering the events there last night and with West Ham, I imagine many won't be too keen on it and that anyone in the second bracket will be fine as long as they are quick.
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The criteria are consecutive. The 1387 includes the 576 in the top bracket so there will be 811 people maximum going for 409 tickets. Considering the events there last night and with West Ham, I imagine many won't be too keen on it and that anyone in the second bracket will be fine as long as they are quick.
What happened last night?
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I dont think anybody is going to be put off by any local Schtone Island lads you know, they how you shay, shithouse, yesh? Warsaw were the rough lot and it was uneventful. Be loads go ticketless for Amsterdam (like my good lady will be).
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The criteria are consecutive. The 1387 includes the 576 in the top bracket so there will be 811 people maximum going for 409 tickets. Considering the events there last night and with West Ham, I imagine many won't be too keen on it and that anyone in the second bracket will be fine as long as they are quick.
What happened last night?
Mirror report is here; https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/legia-warsaw-alkmaar-conference-league-31119546
Essentially after they forced Warsaw fans to go back on themselves to the Hague to get a bus to Alkmaar, there was then trouble at the ground. This culminated in a fight between the Warsaw team and officials and Dutch police and two Warsaw players including the captain are still in custody
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There's an element of Dutch fans that is particularly cuntish.
In European games, the currently preferred MO seems to be an attack on the family/VIP stand. Which, even by hooligan standards, seems beyond the pale. AZ did it against West Ham, Twente against Hammarby and I remember hearing of at least one or two more over the last year or so though I cannot now remember the clubs involved.
Dutch footy has been going down the shi**er for a while now and it culminated in the De Klassieker a week or so ago. The post-match scenes at AZ Legia last night with Dutch police going in heavy-handed, nicking the Legia captain and man-handling the Legia chairman (causing an international spat between NL and the Polish PM) really don't bode well for the game in a few weeks.
My advice for anyone going to the AZ game is not to drink in Alkmaar but to stay in Amsterdam and then catch the train over because until the Dutch FA gets a handle on things here, the potential for trouble is just too high.
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I'd imagine that an awful lot of Villa going over will have no intention of leaving Amsterdam at all.
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I dont think anybody is going to be put off by any local Schtone Island lads you know, they how you shay, shithouse, yesh? Warsaw were the rough lot and it was uneventful. Be loads go ticketless for Amsterdam (like my good lady will be).
As I just mentioned, issues with organised ultra groups here remain a major problem. Even my shi**y local Dutch 2nd Div team had to get extra police in, create a stadium ring of steel and stop online ticket sales due to a planned and organised attack between two clubs (one of whom Telstar was playing that night). My advice remains don't go to Alkmaar without a ticket, even for a drink and be vigilant if drinking in Amsterdam.
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I'm not going, but hopefully those who do don't have to go the The Hague to collect tickets like Legia had to, that would certainly spoil the plans for stopping in Amsterdam and just getting the train to Alkmar
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I'm not going, but hopefully those who do don't have to go the The Hague to collect tickets like Legia had to, that would certainly spoil the plans for stopping in Amsterdam and just getting the train to Alkmar
Plenty of pubs in Haarlem where the Villa fans would have to change trains if forced to go to The Hague to collect tickets; beer is a damn sight better than the typical Amstel/Heineken crap served on The Dam too.
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More from the BBC
Legia Warsaw: Poland PM wants 'urgent diplomatic action' after two players arrested following Conference League tie at AZ Alkmaar - https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/67027229
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Considering the events there last night and with West Ham, I imagine many won't be too keen on it and that anyone in the second bracket will be fine as long as they are quick.
Whatever the thoughts of Villa fans on the Dutch trip, I'd be even less keen on heading to Warsaw if I were an Alkmaar fan.
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The amount of Police in Warsaw, the AZ lot will be lucky to see a Legia fan until they're bussed in.
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Was thinking the same ads.
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I know there's occasionally a spot of bother at other matches bit does this kind of thing seem to happen more in the Conference League? Or is it just that I'm paying more attention to it now?
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I know there's occasionally a spot of bother at other matches bit does this kind of thing seem to happen more in the Conference League? Or is it just that I'm paying more attention to it now?
I wondered that. I expect it partly because there's a higher proportion of teams from smaller Eastern Europeans backwaters, with a lot more racists as a result.
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I know there's occasionally a spot of bother at other matches bit does this kind of thing seem to happen more in the Conference League? Or is it just that I'm paying more attention to it now?
I wondered that. I expect it partly because there's a higher proportion of teams from smaller Eastern Europeans backwaters, with a lot more racists as a result.
Ha ha, that just made me laugh.
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I know there's occasionally a spot of bother at other matches bit does this kind of thing seem to happen more in the Conference League? Or is it just that I'm paying more attention to it now?
I wondered that. I expect it partly because there's a higher proportion of teams from smaller Eastern Europeans backwaters, with a lot more racists as a result.
That explains some of it, but Alkmaar are Dutch, and seem particularly bad for it. I'd been thinking it's more about the level of club that's involved. Like the massive clubs from any country have been in European competition for years, mostly, and would have maybe dealt with this stuff before and are now held to a higher standard. English clubs have dealt with it because of the reputation of English fans in general, which seems to have mostly died away.
But there does seem to be a bit more of it around the conference whatever the cause.
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Think the away followings of the next two group games could be a bit different to last night.
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Think the away followings of the next two group games could be a bit different to last night.
And the Zulu's will meet them in City centre to hone their hooliganistic skills and tell them how to storm the Holte.
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Think the away followings of the next two group games could be a bit different to last night.
Should be a decent atmosphere if anything, thought it was flat as anything last night, especially in the first half.
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I know there's occasionally a spot of bother at other matches bit does this kind of thing seem to happen more in the Conference League? Or is it just that I'm paying more attention to it now?
I wondered that. I expect it partly because there's a higher proportion of teams from smaller Eastern Europeans backwaters, with a lot more racists as a result.
That explains some of it, but Alkmaar are Dutch, and seem particularly bad for it. I'd been thinking it's more about the level of club that's involved. Like the massive clubs from any country have been in European competition for years, mostly, and would have maybe dealt with this stuff before and are now held to a higher standard. English clubs have dealt with it because of the reputation of English fans in general, which seems to have mostly died away.
But there does seem to be a bit more of it around the conference whatever the cause.
Dutch fans have always been amongst the worst, haven't they?
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I know there's occasionally a spot of bother at other matches bit does this kind of thing seem to happen more in the Conference League? Or is it just that I'm paying more attention to it now?
I wondered that. I expect it partly because there's a higher proportion of teams from smaller Eastern Europeans backwaters, with a lot more racists as a result.
That explains some of it, but Alkmaar are Dutch, and seem particularly bad for it. I'd been thinking it's more about the level of club that's involved. Like the massive clubs from any country have been in European competition for years, mostly, and would have maybe dealt with this stuff before and are now held to a higher standard. English clubs have dealt with it because of the reputation of English fans in general, which seems to have mostly died away.
But there does seem to be a bit more of it around the conference whatever the cause.
Dutch fans have always been amongst the worst, haven't they?
Maybe, I don't know. I would have thought Italians, Polish, Eastern European etc. but as I said, I haven't really been paying much attention to anything European until recently.
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Think the away followings of the next two group games could be a bit different to last night.
Should be a decent atmosphere if anything, thought it was flat as anything last night, especially in the first half.
I chuckled when I (briefly) had a stream of the match. Our half-arsed "we even conquered Europe..." sounded hilariously weedy against their metronomic military-industrial harumphing.
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I dont think anybody is going to be put off by any local Schtone Island lads you know, they how you shay, shithouse, yesh? Warsaw were the rough lot and it was uneventful. Be loads go ticketless for Amsterdam (like my good lady will be).
As I just mentioned, issues with organised ultra groups here remain a major problem. Even my shi**y local Dutch 2nd Div team had to get extra police in, create a stadium ring of steel and stop online ticket sales due to a planned and organised attack between two clubs (one of whom Telstar was playing that night). My advice remains don't go to Alkmaar without a ticket, even for a drink and be vigilant if drinking in Amsterdam.
I hope it’s not that bad. I’m taking the whole family over for a few days in Amsterdam.
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There's clashes at a lot of European games, regardless of which competition. It's just that most don't get reported over here unless it involves an English club or is particularly nasty. Even then the minor clashes with Marseille and Brighton have received little to no publicity.
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Think the away followings of the next two group games could be a bit different to last night.
Should be a decent atmosphere if anything, thought it was flat as anything last night, especially in the first half.
I chuckled when I (briefly) had a stream of the match. Our half-arsed "we even conquered Europe..." sounded hilariously weedy against their metronomic military-industrial harumphing.
I think the Ultras thing is initially impressive but there are times when the constant singing is monotonous and bears no relation to what's happening on the pitch.
I'm also not fit enough to keep up the jumping and singing for 90 minutes so on this, I like what we are
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I know everyone hates them but the atmosphere at Newcastle the other night was amazing, and it felt pretty natural too. No idea how you go about replicating something like that but still have it be natural.
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Think the away followings of the next two group games could be a bit different to last night.
Should be a decent atmosphere if anything, thought it was flat as anything last night, especially in the first half.
I chuckled when I (briefly) had a stream of the match. Our half-arsed "we even conquered Europe..." sounded hilariously weedy against their metronomic military-industrial harumphing.
I think the Ultras thing is initially impressive but there are times when the constant singing is monotonous and bears no relation to what's happening on the pitch.
I'm also not fit enough to keep up the jumping and singing for 90 minutes so on this, I like what we are
I don't disagree. I just thought it was funny.
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They were more subdued 2nd half with bouncing up and down. I'm never particularly impressed by some dope with a megaphone organising what you should be singing next. All very contrived.
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They were more subdued 2nd half with bouncing up and down. I'm never particularly impressed by some dope with a megaphone organising what you should be singing next. All very contrived.
It’s just a different fan culture but as others have said just doing organised singing and dancing routines is a bit K pop for my liking. I like the slightly more ebb and flow of the English way as it tends to reflect what’s happening on the pitch a bit a more.
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I know everyone hates them but the atmosphere at Newcastle the other night was amazing, and it felt pretty natural too. No idea how you go about replicating something like that but still have it be natural.
I would guess that Villa Park would be jumping if/when we're beating PSG 4-1
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They were more subdued 2nd half with bouncing up and down. I'm never particularly impressed by some dope with a megaphone organising what you should be singing next. All very contrived.
It’s just a different fan culture but as others have said just doing organised singing and dancing routines is a bit K pop for my liking. I like the slightly more ebb and flow of the English way as it tends to reflect what’s happening on the pitch a bit a more.
Agreed. I'll take some criticism of the atmosphere being a bit flat over some nobhead telling me what I should be doing every minute of the game. God forbid drums are involved too.
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The criteria are consecutive. The 1387 includes the 576 in the top bracket so there will be 811 people maximum going for 409 tickets. Considering the events there last night and with West Ham, I imagine many won't be too keen on it and that anyone in the second bracket will be fine as long as they are quick.
As we sold all 1700 for Warsaw to STHs the numbers don’t make sense, unless 300 didn’t turn up.
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Where are these
The criteria are consecutive. The 1387 includes the 576 in the top bracket so there will be 811 people maximum going for 409 tickets. Considering the events there last night and with West Ham, I imagine many won't be too keen on it and that anyone in the second bracket will be fine as long as they are quick.
As we sold all 1700 for Warsaw to STHs the numbers don’t make sense, unless 300 didn’t turn up.
Where are these numbers coming from?
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Where are these numbers coming from?
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F7v7NJ9WcAA_wtS?format=jpg&name=small)
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Worrying that the first category is over subscribed for the allocation. Fingers on the buzzer at 5pm Monday!
It's unlikely to be the same 950 people who did both.
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I know everyone hates them but the atmosphere at Newcastle the other night was amazing, and it felt pretty natural too. No idea how you go about replicating something like that but still have it be natural.
I would guess that Villa Park would be jumping if/when we're beating PSG 4-1
The atmosphere was good before the game, before they scored, before they scored a 2nd etc. etc.
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Where are these numbers coming from?
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F7v7NJ9WcAA_wtS?format=jpg&name=small)
Cheers
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I know everyone hates them but the atmosphere at Newcastle the other night was amazing, and it felt pretty natural too. No idea how you go about replicating something like that but still have it be natural.
I would guess that Villa Park would be jumping if/when we're beating PSG 4-1
The atmosphere was good before the game, before they scored, before they scored a 2nd etc. etc.
Similar to when we twatted them last season then. It's not that surprising that the atmosphere fell a bit flat after a first half when we laboured against a team everyone was expecting us to beat. Yes both matches were European fixtures but they're not really comparable beyond that.
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I know everyone hates them but the atmosphere at Newcastle the other night was amazing, and it felt pretty natural too. No idea how you go about replicating something like that but still have it be natural.
I would guess that Villa Park would be jumping if/when we're beating PSG 4-1
The atmosphere was good before the game, before they scored, before they scored a 2nd etc. etc.
Similar to when we twatted them last season then. It's not that surprising that the atmosphere fell a bit flat after a first half when we laboured against a team everyone was expecting us to beat. Yes both matches were European fixtures but they're not really comparable beyond that.
I'm not comparing them, really. It was part of a conversation about a flat atmosphere vs scripted ultra chanting. The atmosphere at Newcastle was good from the start and it spurred the team on early which led to goals which spurred the fans on even more. And it all felt very natural. Obviously it's just a bit more exciting to be playing PSG in your first home champions league game for 20 years than it is to be playing Zrinjski in the Europa conference. But the Newcastle crowd just seems to be naturally very good at creating an atmosphere.
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Been driving around Switzerland today , the roads are fantastic here not so crowded like UK , shame we didn't draw a Swiss team
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The criteria are consecutive. The 1387 includes the 576 in the top bracket so there will be 811 people maximum going for 409 tickets. Considering the events there last night and with West Ham, I imagine many won't be too keen on it and that anyone in the second bracket will be fine as long as they are quick.
As we sold all 1700 for Warsaw to STHs the numbers don’t make sense, unless 300 didn’t turn up.
Correct. They didn’t turn up. Approximately 200+ tickets were bought but the travel forms were never returned, so those fans had no intention of going. Just another notch on their history. There were plenty of empty seats in our end. Six in our row alone.
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Been driving around Switzerland today
Keep going!
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Been driving around Switzerland today
Keep going!
No he’s finished now. It doesn’t take very long.
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The criteria are consecutive. The 1387 includes the 576 in the top bracket so there will be 811 people maximum going for 409 tickets. Considering the events there last night and with West Ham, I imagine many won't be too keen on it and that anyone in the second bracket will be fine as long as they are quick.
As we sold all 1700 for Warsaw to STHs the numbers don’t make sense, unless 300 didn’t turn up.
Correct. They didn’t turn up. Approximately 200+ tickets were bought but the travel forms were never returned, so those fans had no intention of going. Just another notch on their history. There were plenty of empty seats in our end. Six in our row alone.
Absolute tossers they should be banned
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They didn’t get it as a notch in their history though did they.
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They didn’t get it as a notch in their history though did they.
No but you missed the bigger point , they denied others going by acting like selfish twats . I did say this would happen
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200 hadn't completed forma the day before the game. We have no idea how many were there and the away end held more than 1700, with people milling about where they wanted.
There was a lad in the bar we'd been drinking in and went back to that had a ticket but didn't go, as he was steaming.
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I know there's occasionally a spot of bother at other matches bit does this kind of thing seem to happen more in the Conference League? Or is it just that I'm paying more attention to it now?
Think there was a spot of bother when Frankfurt went to Napoli in the Champions League.
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I know there's occasionally a spot of bother at other matches bit does this kind of thing seem to happen more in the Conference League? Or is it just that I'm paying more attention to it now?
Think there was a spot of bother when Frankfurt went to Napoli in the Champions League.
Yeah, quite a lot, remember reading about that.
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Dutch fans have always been amongst the worst, haven't they?
Yes. The Ajax F-Side were notorious all through the 80s and 90s as were many other firms in Holland. The Feyenoord lot in particular. Organized and armed hooliganism without apology. I'm not sure it has gotten much better since.
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They were more subdued 2nd half with bouncing up and down. I'm never particularly impressed by some dope with a megaphone organising what you should be singing next. All very contrived.
It’s just a different fan culture but as others have said just doing organised singing and dancing routines is a bit K pop for my liking. I like the slightly more ebb and flow of the English way as it tends to reflect what’s happening on the pitch a bit a more.
Agreed. I'll take some criticism of the atmosphere being a bit flat over some nobhead telling me what I should be doing every minute of the game. God forbid drums are involved too.
You lot are a bunch of grumpy old men ;)
England/Britain is a bit of a hold-out compared to most other places. It's probably a good thing as I can really only think of England and Brazil (Gremio the odd, recent exception I suppose) that are hanging on to their own stadium culture and there is much to be said for that. Of course, some would argue the plush all-seater stadiums and expensive match tickets in England are detrimental to a vigorous supporter culture and question if there's much left of it. It's different experience to be sure.
Anyway, I like drums and I ain't shy to admit it. Argentina came up with it with the bombo being the OG drum. It seems there is a bit of a merge of Barra Brava and Ultras culture that has come to dominate on the continent nowadays (though the drums are subservient to the capos here). When an awful lot of people are singing for a very long time, you need drums or it just won't work. It's hard labour too, funding, prepping and organizing the tifo (and sending study groups on expensive trips to Argentina!). In the stands it's up to the capos to determine which songs to go with when in the game - and you need to know how to read a room or you're stood down - and the drums are necessary to signal the change. I understand why someone might feel it is contrived but since that carries an artificial connotation I disagree. It's just very organized in a way that supporters prefer.
I expect you fancy whatever approach you are used to and I very much prefer constant, intimidating noise. Donating to the tifo-group is my longest standing charitable expense.
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Drums at football should equal immediate and instant relegation.
I didnt find anything particularly intimidating about Warsaw. It's just noise and eventually you stop hearing it. There was a real absence anger when we scored or limbage from their main end when they scored as well. As LeeB half joked, its all a bit Fash and there's actually something serious to be said about that.
It's up to me what songs I sing, not some badly dressed whopper in a hoodie with a megaphone and a bumbag.
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Drums at football should equal immediate and instant relegation.
I didnt find anything particularly intimidating about Warsaw. It's just noise and eventually you stop hearing it. There was a real absence anger when we scored or limbage from their main end when they scored as well. As LeeB half joked, its all a bit Fash and there's actually something serious to be said about that.
It's up to me what songs I sing, not some badly dressed whopper in a hoodie with a megaphone and a bumbag.
Yep that lack of goal celebration and just carry on with the song is fucking weird.
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Drums at football should equal immediate and instant relegation.
I didnt find anything particularly intimidating about Warsaw. It's just noise and eventually you stop hearing it. There was a real absence anger when we scored or limbage from their main end when they scored as well. As LeeB half joked, its all a bit Fash and there's actually something serious to be said about that.
It's up to me what songs I sing, not some badly dressed whopper in a hoodie with a megaphone and a bumbag.
Yep that lack of goal celebration and just carry on with the song is fucking weird.
Emotionless subservience to minority authority. Not today Oswald. Imagine some twerp in a moody Stone Island trying to stop us all for fuck sake Villa-ing when the opposition scored or giving the opposition player the Nescafe shuffle, because he wants us to boing boing about.
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Everything that's good and enjoyable in life is because of scarcity and the fact it's not present all the time. The weekend break from work, the chorus in a song, the first cup of coffee in the morning or a cold drink on a hot day. The moment they become ubiquitous is the moment they stop being as satisfying.
I think the same rule applies to singing at football. If it's just a 90 minute non-stop effort regardless of what's going on in the match, there's then no room for those moments of unrestrained joy you get when your team scores a goal or the final whistle goes after a victory. I remember watching one of the African teams in the World Cup, and to be honest the singers just looked bored and like they'd been paid to be there.
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Drums at football should equal immediate and instant relegation.
I didnt find anything particularly intimidating about Warsaw. It's just noise and eventually you stop hearing it. There was a real absence anger when we scored or limbage from their main end when they scored as well. As LeeB half joked, its all a bit Fash and there's actually something serious to be said about that.
It's up to me what songs I sing, not some badly dressed whopper in a hoodie with a megaphone and a bumbag.
Yep that lack of goal celebration and just carry on with the song is fucking weird.
I'd agree with that but not experienced it.
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Everything that's good and enjoyable in life is because of scarcity.
There speaks a married man…
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Everything that's good and enjoyable in life is because of scarcity.
There speaks a married man…
There speaks a married man with a gazillion kids.
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Everything that's good and enjoyable in life is because of scarcity.
There speaks a married man…
There speaks a married man with a gazillion kids.
He’s the exception that proves the rule.
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Found some good flights to Sarajevo for the Wednesday out of Manchester via Frankfurt. Sarajevo looks class so we're going to stay there, get a train on the Thursday morning up to Mostar, stop there the evening and get the afternoon train back.
Plenty of travel blogs saying Sarajevo is the best place to visit in the region. Fancy a winter snap of the spot where the Archduke got the good news.
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Drums at football should equal immediate and instant relegation.
I didnt find anything particularly intimidating about Warsaw. It's just noise and eventually you stop hearing it. There was a real absence anger when we scored or limbage from their main end when they scored as well. As LeeB half joked, its all a bit Fash and there's actually something serious to be said about that.
It's up to me what songs I sing, not some badly dressed whopper in a hoodie with a megaphone and a bumbag.
Yep that lack of goal celebration and just carry on with the song is fucking weird.
I'd agree with that but not experienced it.
I was on the halfway line in Warsaw, on the very top row and had a great vantage point.
I posted on here that the atmosphere was relentless and loud, but utterly detached from the action on the pitch. It’s like they’ve gone on to Spotify and selected a playlist for the game and that has no bearing on the ebb and flow on the pitch. Like a shit DJ not reading the room.
They carried on their playlist when we scored, not missing a beat, which is downright weird. And I felt that when they scored it was like being in the upper Witton Lane rather than Holte level limbs. You sit outside the ground there and you’d probably think they won 3-0.
I was at Boca Juniors in 2006 and it was like Warsaw but more intense in that they were much more crazy when they scored. However they also didn’t miss a beat when they conceded. On the plus point for the Legia ultras, they utterly drowned out the Villa fans who I only heard occasionally, though I could see they were singing and bouncing. I saw a quote from Konsa a few days ago saying they couldn’t hear each other on the pitch. That must have an amazing impact on the team.
There must surely be a happy medium as there are games when English stadiums are like a quiet church.
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Lausanne would be a great away trip
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Found some good flights to Sarajevo for the Wednesday out of Manchester via Frankfurt. Sarajevo looks class so we're going to stay there, get a train on the Thursday morning up to Mostar, stop there the evening and get the afternoon train back.
Plenty of travel blogs saying Sarajevo is the best place to visit in the region. Fancy a winter snap of the spot where the Archduke got the good news.
Sarajevo's on my list once Istanbul is sick of me.
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Found some good flights to Sarajevo for the Wednesday out of Manchester via Frankfurt. Sarajevo looks class so we're going to stay there, get a train on the Thursday morning up to Mostar, stop there the evening and get the afternoon train back.
Plenty of travel blogs saying Sarajevo is the best place to visit in the region. Fancy a winter snap of the spot where the Archduke got the good news.
Sarajevo's on my list once Istanbul is sick of me.
Was Albania any good? Was thinking of going there at some point.
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Found some good flights to Sarajevo for the Wednesday out of Manchester via Frankfurt. Sarajevo looks class so we're going to stay there, get a train on the Thursday morning up to Mostar, stop there the evening and get the afternoon train back.
Plenty of travel blogs saying Sarajevo is the best place to visit in the region. Fancy a winter snap of the spot where the Archduke got the good news.
Sarajevo's on my list once Istanbul is sick of me.
Was Albania any good? Was thinking of going there at some point.
Still here. Yes, a strong recommend from me. We're cutting our sojourn short and returning to England next week as my mum passed the other day.
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Sorry for your loss brother
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Sincere condolences SE to you and your family. Stay strong.
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Many condolences SE.
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Thanks all.
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Really sorry to hear about the loss SE. Hope all's well. Thanks for the recommendation for Albania :)
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So sorry for your loss SE.
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My condolences, SE. Always a tough time to lose someone so close, so just try to focus on any positives.
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Sorry to hear that SE.
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Sorry for your loss SE
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Sorry for your sad news SE.
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Very sorry for your loss, SE. Look after yourself
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Condolences SE, sorry to hear your sad news.
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Thank you all.
Let's talk about these foreign Johnnies again!
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SE sorry to hear about your Mum. Condolences mate.
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Let's talk about these foreign Johnnies again!
Johnny Hallyday eh, he was no Elvis.
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Condolences to you SE, losing those close to you is difficult but your Mom is another level. Don’t know you but for words on here, my thoughts are with you.
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Found some good flights to Sarajevo for the Wednesday out of Manchester via Frankfurt. Sarajevo looks class so we're going to stay there, get a train on the Thursday morning up to Mostar, stop there the evening and get the afternoon train back.
Plenty of travel blogs saying Sarajevo is the best place to visit in the region. Fancy a winter snap of the spot where the Archduke got the good news.
Sarajevo's on my list once Istanbul is sick of me.
Was Albania any good? Was thinking of going there at some point.
Still here. Yes, a strong recommend from me. We're cutting our sojourn short and returning to England next week as my mum passed the other day.
Sincere condolences SE
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Condolences to you SE. Best wishes to all your family.
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Seems odd. 309 left when I bought one at 17:01. Just checked again and its say 186. Not sure how that's possible?
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Seems odd. 309 left when I bought one at 17:01. Just checked again and its say 186. Not sure how that's possible?
Maybe they have only released so many for the first window?
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Seems odd. 309 left when I bought one at 17:01. Just checked again and its say 186. Not sure how that's possible?
Maybe they have only released so many for the first window?
Let's hope so.
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not a big allocation is it, 950 ?
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not a big allocation is it, 950 ?
They have a small stadium pretty sure it holds about 20,000
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This is where it kicked off with West Ham last season
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Had to retry, go in and out, refresh etc. several times but just bagged my ticket. They seem to release them in blocks. One minute it says sold out, the next it says tickets are available but you get an error when you try to buy them but eventually it works.
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Phew.. Got 1.
1 TicketsAdult
(Area Sector K, row 9, seat 12)
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None for me. Will keep refreshing
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Yep got one as well. What an absolute shitfest getting those tickets is, constant refreshing and in and out of the website. Definitively seems to be better doing it through the app.
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Got one at 7.23 after what seemed like eternity of refreshing. Shaking now! UTV!!!
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None for me. Will keep refreshing
I am not going if you are not there. It just won't be the same :)
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None for me. Will keep refreshing
I am not going if you are not there. It just won't be the same :)
Lol. Does that mean I can have your ticket ?
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Phew.. Got 1.
1 TicketsAdult
(Area Sector K, row 9, seat 12)
Area Sector K sound ominous, but wold be a great name for Death Metal beat combo.
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None for me. Will keep refreshing
I am not going if you are not there. It just won't be the same :)
Lol. Does that mean I can have your ticket ?
<cough> <cough>
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I was the only 1 of the 4 of us who went to Warsaw to get a ticket for Alkmar. We had worked a great road trip itinerary so a shame it will be shelved. I'm now travelling to Amsterdam from Bristol on my own.
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So, sold out before going to season ticket holders. Having booked my trip to Amsterdam, does anyone know if you can buy a ticket in the home end (tricky, I know) if you have a Netherlands address? I'm sure someone posted about this some time ago.
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So, sold out before going to season ticket holders. Having booked my trip to Amsterdam, does anyone know if you can buy a ticket in the home end (tricky, I know) if you have a Netherlands address? I'm sure someone posted about this some time ago.
I had a look at this when the draw was made. I got a ticket - just about having done Liga Warsaw.
But for Alkmaar you need to be a season ticket holder for AZ.
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So, sold out before going to season ticket holders. Having booked my trip to Amsterdam, does anyone know if you can buy a ticket in the home end (tricky, I know) if you have a Netherlands address? I'm sure someone posted about this some time ago.
In principle yes you can but the match is already sold out, there are plenty of Villa fans based here who are striving for tickets and have had to go via AZ season ticketholders - And to repeat what I have previously said, given the issues around AZ right now I would advise against.
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Neil H
I ask out of genuine curiosity - why are AZ so hooliganed up - is it social, economical or are they just nutters?
Recently you had Ajax fans smashing up their own stadium - have they changed the drugs suppliers in Holland as i work for a huge Dutch company and used to visit many times a year and found all the regular blokes to be just like us - liked a beer, loved football and never came across as aggressive???
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So, sold out before going to season ticket holders. Having booked my trip to Amsterdam, does anyone know if you can buy a ticket in the home end (tricky, I know) if you have a Netherlands address? I'm sure someone posted about this some time ago.
In principle yes you can but the match is already sold out, there are plenty of Villa fans based here who are striving for tickets and have had to go via AZ season ticketholders - And to repeat what I have previously said, given the issues around AZ right now I would advise against.
Thanks for the advice, guys. Not sure I'll ever get to see Villa play in Europe. (Ironically it would have been a breeze to get a ticket for Rotterdam in '82). Rather than risk encountering the Alkmaar hooligans, I'll settle for the tranquility of the Rijksmuseum.
Whatever happened to the peace loving hippy culture the Dutch exemplified in the 1960s/70s?
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The Dutch Police look like massive twats the way the handled the Legia Warsaw team.
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Fucking hell that is incredible.
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Banned the Legia fans from the town on the basis that there was some local commerative festival on, so they sent them an hour down the road to the Hague to collect tickets and drink there.
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Bloody hell just watched that. Sounds like the Head of Security for Alkmaar completely over reacted to some perceived threat and the Mayor of Alkmaar is a xenophobic ******. I’m travelling on my own to Alkmaar and will be keeping an exceptionally low profile.
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Disgusting
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So, sold out before going to season ticket holders.
That’s not strictly corrrect. All tickets were sold to ST holders but those that had also been to Hibs and Legia. I hope you find a way to get to the match🤞
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Bloody hell just watched that. Sounds like the Head of Security for Alkmaar completely over reacted to some perceived threat and the Mayor of Alkmaar is a xenophobic ******. I’m travelling on my own to Alkmaar and will be keeping an exceptionally low profile.
Just do your best Steve McLaren impression and you'll be fine.
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Holding up a brolly and having an hair island?
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I'd just go and get tickets off touts.
Or at least I used to back in 2006 at the world cup etc etc. Don't know if that's still a viable way of getting tickets
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I will be there without a ticket
I’m looking at jumping the turnstile like I did at hillsborough in 1977 for the league cup final replay
Just got to get my leg over
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I will be there without a ticket
I’m looking at jumping the turnstile like I did at hillsborough in 1977 for the league cup final replay
Just got to get my leg over
You might be better off staying in Amsterdam.
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I will be there without a ticket
I’m looking at jumping the turnstile like I did at hillsborough in 1977 for the league cup final replay
Just got to get my leg over
You might be better off staying in Amsterdam.
Do not try and 'jump the turnstile' in those circumstances
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Neil H
I ask out of genuine curiosity - why are AZ so hooliganed up - is it social, economical or are they just nutters?
Recently you had Ajax fans smashing up their own stadium - have they changed the drugs suppliers in Holland as i work for a huge Dutch company and used to visit many times a year and found all the regular blokes to be just like us - liked a beer, loved football and never came across as aggressive???
The irony with AZ is that they always used to be a family club but over the last few years the ultras there seem determined to compete with more notorious crews like those of Ajax,Feyenoord and ADO. The fuel for this seems to be copious amounts of coke being consumed by AZ ultras, to the point at which they have even managed to displace the family stand as families were getting their seats nabbed and altercations took place. My local lower division club was even impacted at the first game by AZ when the local police found internet talk of a planned mass brawl against Telstar fans being organised by Cambuur and Az, at which point online ticket sales were immediately ceased and a police cordon set up at the Telstar stadium; I’ve never seen anything like it there given that normally there are two local cops and that’s it (they are even twins so often mistaken for one cop).
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It went off last season AZ v intercity firm
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Just asked a Dutch colleague and he says AZ fans are fine , the ones he said are a worry are Ajax, feyenord , Utrecht and Ado.
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I took up the 3 home games offer and all 3 tickets were showing on my online account. I’ve just had an email saying that my ticket for the Alkmaar game is to be released at 5pm tomorrow. Can’t see either of the home tickets left in my account. I’ll be trying to call them tomorrow but anyone else had any nonsense like this happen
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Same thing has happened to me. I've got my ticket saved. I think its just a generic email sent out to all season ticket holders. It would have better if they had said , please ignore this email if you have already purchased your ticket .
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I’ve had the same email as well.
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Same thing has happened to me. I've got my ticket saved. I think its just a generic email sent out to all season ticket holders. It would have better if they had said , please ignore this email if you have already purchased your ticket .
I didn’t save the tickets for the 2 games and can’t see them now. They are showing on my purchase history so I’m sure I can sort it tomorrow
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Same email and ive bought mine.
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I took up the 3 home games offer and all 3 tickets were showing on my online account. I’ve just had an email saying that my ticket for the Alkmaar game is to be released at 5pm tomorrow. Can’t see either of the home tickets left in my account. I’ll be trying to call them tomorrow but anyone else had any nonsense like this happen
got the same email, but I also printed out them, might not even contact them but guess where I am sitting when the match comes around, unless of course they want to give me a terrace view or Holte suite upgrade
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I see the club are reviewing how away tickets are allocated . Hopefully they will agree a new plan to crack the stranglehold on eligibility.
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I took up the 3 home games offer and all 3 tickets were showing on my online account. I’ve just had an email saying that my ticket for the Alkmaar game is to be released at 5pm tomorrow. Can’t see either of the home tickets left in my account. I’ll be trying to call them tomorrow but anyone else had any nonsense like this happen
I didn't receive the email, I just checked my account and my tickets are still there, I also printed them out and added them to my wallet just in case.
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Same thing has happened to me. I've got my ticket saved. I think its just a generic email sent out to all season ticket holders. It would have better if they had said , please ignore this email if you have already purchased your ticket .
This happened to me as well. All of the tickets that I bought for both myself and friends/family are in my account. I have sent a message to the club.
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And me. A hopefully the club send an explanatory email to clarify matters. Clowns.
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From AVFC Support on Twitter:
Supporters are advised that the email sent out yesterday, is a reminder for those who have not yet purchased their seat for AZ Alkmaar.
You have until 5pm today to claim your seat.
Thank you to those who have already purchased their seats for this match.
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Does this mean that there are about to be a number of tickets released post 5pm today?
ie all ST held seats which haven't been, and are not claimed by today?
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They are. I'm relying on the bloke that sits next to me for league games maintaining his habit of not doing cup games so's I can grab it for the nipper.
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Things to do in Mostar. Pack your trunks.
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Things to do in Mostar. Pack your trunks.
...but can she do it on a cold night in December?
More seriously, you wouldn't get me anywhere near that!
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The untaken STH seats are now available for Alkmaar. Plenty all around the ground.
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Things to do in Mostar. Pack your trunks.
It looks like that has been made a bit safer over the last few years. There was no platform for the divers when I was there
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Anyone else feel like they’re being continually bombarded by the ticket office for these ECL tickets? Bloody annoying
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You would expect after all the trouble of getting into this competition and the continual messages that we have 000's on the waiting list that these games would be sold out in minutes rather than them pitching to sell.
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I'll be honest, I struggle to be arsed to go to midweek games.
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You would expect after all the trouble of getting into this competition and the continual messages that we have 000's on the waiting list that these games would be sold out in minutes rather than them pitching to sell.
I don’t think there’s much to read into it. West Ham averaged 30k in their conference games last year. Spurs the same the year before.
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37,000 was a good attendance against Mostar, considering there was a good 1000 seats not available for sale and 2300 empty in the away end.
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I'll be honest, I struggle to be arsed to go to midweek games.
Same. Mainly because I have to drive due to the appalling state of the train service. And I hate going out on a school night.
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People really need to stop beating themselves up if we don’t immediately get a full house when the tickets go on sale, there is a cost of living crisis still ongoing and as others have said the state of public transport midweek is shockingly poor so you have to drive.
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People really need to stop beating themselves up if we don’t immediately get a full house when the tickets go on sale, there is a cost of living crisis still ongoing and as others have said the state of public transport midweek is shockingly poor so you have to drive.
Yes, this. Some fans seem to think if we don't get a full house everyone is going to think they have a small penis. It doesn't matter, and if you're worried what some arsehole is going to say about it on social media, grow a fucking backbone.
Or a larger penis.
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People really need to stop beating themselves up if we don’t immediately get a full house when the tickets go on sale, there is a cost of living crisis still ongoing and as others have said the state of public transport midweek is shockingly poor so you have to drive.
Yes, this. Some fans seem to think if we don't get a full house everyone is going to think they have a small penis. It doesn't matter, and if you're worried what some arsehole is going to say about it on social media, grow a fucking backbone.
Or a larger penis.
To paraphrase SE here, I agree with LeeB.
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I come from an era where getting 20k in was a big gate, full houses every week constantly amazes me, I genuinely never thought that would happen.
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We could even think about not singing that "empty seats my lord" thing, or better still, not sing that song at all about the demons of a legend.
That might be for another thread
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People really need to stop beating themselves up if we don’t immediately get a full house when the tickets go on sale, there is a cost of living crisis still ongoing and as others have said the state of public transport midweek is shockingly poor so you have to drive.
Yes, this. Some fans seem to think if we don't get a full house everyone is going to think they have a small penis. It doesn't matter, and if you're worried what some arsehole is going to say about it on social media, grow a fucking backbone.
Or a larger penis.
Is dangling our appendages over the empty seat in front really going to make the ground look full?
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People really need to stop beating themselves up if we don’t immediately get a full house when the tickets go on sale, there is a cost of living crisis still ongoing and as others have said the state of public transport midweek is shockingly poor so you have to drive.
Yes, this. Some fans seem to think if we don't get a full house everyone is going to think they have a small penis. It doesn't matter, and if you're worried what some arsehole is going to say about it on social media, grow a fucking backbone.
Or a larger penis.
Is dangling our appendages over the empty seat in front really going to make the ground look full?
Speak for yourself.
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The point being we want to be on the shirt tails of the "big (scum) 6" then we need to fill out every game - no matter who is playing or whom we are against.
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Spurs attendances in the Conference league 2 years ago
30k
25k
36k
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The point being we want to be on the shirt tails of the "big (scum) 6" then we need to fill out every game - no matter who is playing or whom we are against.
Do we? I get the increased income and turnover argument but the difference between maybe 35k and 42k isn’t going to radically shift the dial.
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This is the flipside of the Premier League uber alles mentality. Mr & Mrs Newfooty will bring the kids to watch the big stars in the Greatest League on Earth but all those silly little cups just get in the way.
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This is the flipside of the Premier League uber alles mentality. Mr & Mrs Newfooty will bring the kids to watch the big stars in the Greatest League on Earth but all those silly little cups just get in the way.
Or maybe people can only afford the PL tickets and can’t come to the Cup games.
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As an aside, the attendance for the Everton game does seem to now be offically listed in places as 23,851.
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You would expect after all the trouble of getting into this competition and the continual messages that we have 000's on the waiting list that these games would be sold out in minutes rather than them pitching to sell.
It was sold out, and then at 5 yesterday a load became available. I'm not sure how feverishly people keep an eye on availability, but I imagine there'll be plenty gone by the time we play.
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You would expect after all the trouble of getting into this competition and the continual messages that we have 000's on the waiting list that these games would be sold out in minutes rather than them pitching to sell.
It was sold out, and then at 5 yesterday a load became available. I'm not sure how feverishly people keep an eye on availability, but I imagine there'll be plenty gone by the time we play.
Because at 5 yesterday season ticket holders deadline to book their ST seat expired.
So basically until yesterday no seat held by a ST holder, all 30k of them, could be bought.
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This is the flipside of the Premier League uber alles mentality. Mr & Mrs Newfooty will bring the kids to watch the big stars in the Greatest League on Earth but all those silly little cups just get in the way.
Or maybe people can only afford the PL tickets and can’t come to the Cup games.
Poor people aren't allowed into Villa Park anymore.
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I think it's a bit early to worry about ticket sales when there's so long to go before the game.
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You would expect after all the trouble of getting into this competition and the continual messages that we have 000's on the waiting list that these games would be sold out in minutes rather than them pitching to sell.
It was sold out, and then at 5 yesterday a load became available. I'm not sure how feverishly people keep an eye on availability, but I imagine there'll be plenty gone by the time we play.
Because at 5 yesterday season ticket holders deadline to book their ST seat expired.
So basically until yesterday no seat held by a ST holder, all 30k of them, could be bought.
I know, but the point I was trying to get across was that it said it was sold out. It didn't say 'more tickets coming soon' or 'check back later', it said 'Sold Out'. How many people will have been on beforehand in the hope of getting a ticket, seen that, not read the small print or realised its relevance, and thought, 'oh well, not going to that, then'?
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You would expect after all the trouble of getting into this competition and the continual messages that we have 000's on the waiting list that these games would be sold out in minutes rather than them pitching to sell.
It was sold out, and then at 5 yesterday a load became available. I'm not sure how feverishly people keep an eye on availability, but I imagine there'll be plenty gone by the time we play.
Because at 5 yesterday season ticket holders deadline to book their ST seat expired.
So basically until yesterday no seat held by a ST holder, all 30k of them, could be bought.
I know, but the point I was trying to get across was that it said it was sold out. It didn't say 'more tickets coming soon' or 'check back later', it said 'Sold Out'. How many people will have been on beforehand in the hope of getting a ticket, seen that, not read the small print or realised its relevance, and thought, 'oh well, not going to that, then'?
If that’s what’s happening, it’s bloody stupid
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Things to do in Mostar. Pack your trunks.
Wow…well done, brave girl.
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Things to do in Mostar. Pack your trunks.
https://m.youtube.com/shorts/A2CTt4BI_10?si=wMAQUp3PF55C0aqF
Wow…well done, brave girl.
Obviously it would be top of my list of things to do there but I can't swim, so they probably wouldn't allow me to do the dive. :(
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Things to do in Mostar. Pack your trunks.
https://m.youtube.com/shorts/A2CTt4BI_10?si=wMAQUp3PF55C0aqF
Wow…well done, brave girl.
Obviously it would be top of my list of things to do there but I can't swim, so they probably wouldn't allow me to do the dive. :(
Same here, much to the mirth of many friends
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So some advice on transport etc. for Alkmaar. I have booked two nights in Amsterdam, hotel in Dam square, and planning to train to match and back after. Those of you familiar with transport in that region please tell me this is ok?
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So some advice on transport etc. for Alkmaar. I have booked two nights in Amsterdam, hotel in Dam square, and planning to train to match and back after. Those of you familiar with transport in that region please tell me this is ok?
Bear in mind the Alkmaar ground is fucking miles from the station about 56mins to walk on GoogleMaps.
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So some advice on transport etc. for Alkmaar. I have booked two nights in Amsterdam, hotel in Dam square, and planning to train to match and back after. Those of you familiar with transport in that region please tell me this is ok?
Yes, I expect most Villa fans will do similar.
It’s a good train service from Amsterdam Central Station to Alkmaar and back… and there will be buses laid on to get to the ground and then back to the station after. Trains back to Amsterdam run until half past midnight and you can book tickets in advance on Trainline.
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So some advice on transport etc. for Alkmaar. I have booked two nights in Amsterdam, hotel in Dam square, and planning to train to match and back after. Those of you familiar with transport in that region please tell me this is ok?
We need to watch that the locals aren't as xenophobic towards us as they are the Poles and make us go to the Hague before and after the game, as that's an hour the wrong way.
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Things to do in Mostar. Pack your trunks.
https://m.youtube.com/shorts/A2CTt4BI_10?si=wMAQUp3PF55C0aqF
Wow…well done, brave girl.
Obviously it would be top of my list of things to do there but I can't swim, so they probably wouldn't allow me to do the dive. :(
Same here, much to the mirth of many friends
I was the last in my year in secondary school to learn to swim (badly, without sticking my face in the water) after a couple of years of additional lunchtime lessons. Recently been taking my kids to swimming lessons and contemplating the trauma.
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I first learned to swim in my last year at primary school - I did half a width. I was then caught being naughty/taking the piss in church at harvest festival and was banned from swimming lessons. I never went again.
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So some advice on transport etc. for Alkmaar. I have booked two nights in Amsterdam, hotel in Dam square, and planning to train to match and back after. Those of you familiar with transport in that region please tell me this is ok?
Yes, I expect most Villa fans will do similar.
It’s a good train service from Amsterdam Central Station to Alkmaar and back… and there will be buses laid on to get to the ground and then back to the station after. Trains back to Amsterdam run until half past midnight and you can book tickets in advance on Trainline.
Is that buses to and from the ground info definite DeKuip? As I said yesterday the stadium is a pain in the arse to get to if you’re not in a coach or driving. I agree with Ads as well that if we get treated like the Poles did we’ll be picking tickets up in The Hague and trying to get to Alkmaar after that. Anyone heard anything from the club on whether it’ll be a Hibs style ticket pick up or Warsaw style send you a pdf?
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I first learned to swim in my last year at primary school - I did half a width. I was then caught being naughty/taking the piss in church at harvest festival and was banned from swimming lessons. I never went again.
I managed to go to a school that had two swimming pools and still not learn to swim.
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I travelled around the Netherlands in the summer and used a public transport app called 9292 on my phone. Very useful for planning all public transport journeys. I never bought tickets once for trains, trams or buses as you can use a contactless card (even for inter city journeys). Remember to swipe off though.
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What, you mean they don't charge you nine times the amount for the same ticket if you didn't buy it two months in advance? Weirdos.
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I travelled around the Netherlands in the summer and used a public transport app called 9292 on my phone. Very useful for planning all public transport journeys. I never bought tickets once for trains, trams or buses as you can use a contactless card (even for inter city journeys). Remember to swipe off though.
I've been over to Amsterdam the last couple of years, the ease of transport and variety makes me weep as a Brummie.
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I travelled around the Netherlands in the summer and used a public transport app called 9292 on my phone. Very useful for planning all public transport journeys. I never bought tickets once for trains, trams or buses as you can use a contactless card (even for inter city journeys). Remember to swipe off though.
I've been over to Amsterdam the last couple of years, the ease of transport and variety makes me weep as a Brummie.
Absolutely. Me and my daughter had a lovely day out in Brum yesterday, because as well as looking at the university we went around the city centre as well. I obviously love the place, but it's one of the most difficult places to get around. Badly designed buildings blocking everywhere, tunnels and crap roads make it a nightmare to traverse.
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the trains in Holland are superb .
I don't understand why the tram in Birmingham is so shite . The trams in Manchester are superb
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So some advice on transport etc. for Alkmaar. I have booked two nights in Amsterdam, hotel in Dam square, and planning to train to match and back after. Those of you familiar with transport in that region please tell me this is ok?
Yes, I expect most Villa fans will do similar.
It’s a good train service from Amsterdam Central Station to Alkmaar and back… and there will be buses laid on to get to the ground and then back to the station after. Trains back to Amsterdam run until half past midnight and you can book tickets in advance on Trainline.
Is that buses to and from the ground info definite DeKuip? As I said yesterday the stadium is a pain in the arse to get to if you’re not in a coach or driving. I agree with Ads as well that if we get treated like the Poles did we’ll be picking tickets up in The Hague and trying to get to Alkmaar after that. Anyone heard anything from the club on whether it’ll be a Hibs style ticket pick up or Warsaw style send you a pdf?
It’s what they’ve done for other European games and makes sense that it’s much easier for the Dutch police to do that too, rather than having to monitor/escort a thousand foreigners on a long walk from the centre. From what I read for the Legia game there was some big anniversary event going on in the town centre that day so they made the meeting point at Den Haag’s ground and bussed the Legia fans in from there - the problem was that a lot of the polish fans ignored that and made their way directly to the ground.
West Ham fans six months ago were given a fanzone type meeting point 10 mins walk from Alkmaar Station and the free busses took them to the ground from there and then back to the station after.
The Dutch police will keep rivals fans away from each other from the moment they arrive in Alkmaar. If you go to Ajax as an away fan you get off the train straight into a cage for the away end.
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If you go to Ajax as an away fan you get off the train straight into a cage for the away end.
always nice to have a little TLC . Jesus
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I travelled around the Netherlands in the summer and used a public transport app called 9292 on my phone. Very useful for planning all public transport journeys. I never bought tickets once for trains, trams or buses as you can use a contactless card (even for inter city journeys). Remember to swipe off though.
I've been over to Amsterdam the last couple of years, the ease of transport and variety makes me weep as a Brummie.
Absolutely. Me and my daughter had a lovely day out in Brum yesterday, because as well as looking at the university we went around the city centre as well. I obviously love the place, but it's one of the most difficult places to get around. Badly designed buildings blocking everywhere, tunnels and crap roads make it a nightmare to traverse.
I've been up to the uni every year with one of the kids as their primary school run a 'university' scheme based on them doing hours of extra curricular activities and then getting certificates in a big ceremony in the Great Hall. It's is lovely and everything but the bloody journey over from where I am is an absolute nightmare, it used to be quicker for me to get to my old office on the other side of Coventry.
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I went to school opposite the university, and had my first job there, I love the campus, there can't be many other universities with such a lovely green location, so close to a city centre.
re travel, Brum is particularly bad, but most european cities tend to be more densely populated (and thus cover less geographical area) than their British counterparts which makes it hard to compare.
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So some advice on transport etc. for Alkmaar. I have booked two nights in Amsterdam, hotel in Dam square, and planning to train to match and back after. Those of you familiar with transport in that region please tell me this is ok?
Yes, I expect most Villa fans will do similar.
It’s a good train service from Amsterdam Central Station to Alkmaar and back… and there will be buses laid on to get to the ground and then back to the station after. Trains back to Amsterdam run until half past midnight and you can book tickets in advance on Trainline.
Is that buses to and from the ground info definite DeKuip? As I said yesterday the stadium is a pain in the arse to get to if you’re not in a coach or driving. I agree with Ads as well that if we get treated like the Poles did we’ll be picking tickets up in The Hague and trying to get to Alkmaar after that. Anyone heard anything from the club on whether it’ll be a Hibs style ticket pick up or Warsaw style send you a pdf?
It’s what they’ve done for other European games and makes sense that it’s much easier for the Dutch police to do that too, rather than having to monitor/escort a thousand foreigners on a long walk from the centre. From what I read for the Legia game there was some big anniversary event going on in the town centre that day so they made the meeting point at Den Haag’s ground and bussed the Legia fans in from there - the problem was that a lot of the polish fans ignored that and made their way directly to the ground.
West Ham fans six months ago were given a fanzone type meeting point 10 mins walk from Alkmaar Station and the free busses took them to the ground from there and then back to the station after.
The Dutch police will keep rivals fans away from each other from the moment they arrive in Alkmaar. If you go to Ajax as an away fan you get off the train straight into a cage for the away end.
DeKuip
Are ticketless fans likely to be allowed to travel from Amsterdam to Alkmaar?
I've read a statement supposedly from the Dutch Police saying not but didn't know if this was true.
Seems strange that a club/town enjoying their last twenty years in European Football are deemed not suitable to accommodate away fans wanting to enjoy the experience of European football.
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Based on West Ham, anyone was allowed to travel to Alkmaar, however the bars in the city weren't allowed to show the game so they asked all West Ham fans to stay in Amsterdam and watch the game there.
Separately, it also appears that they sold beer in the away end which could be drank in view of the pitch.
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it did end in a mad brawl you know
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So some advice on transport etc. for Alkmaar. I have booked two nights in Amsterdam, hotel in Dam square, and planning to train to match and back after. Those of you familiar with transport in that region please tell me this is ok?
Yes, I expect most Villa fans will do similar.
It’s a good train service from Amsterdam Central Station to Alkmaar and back… and there will be buses laid on to get to the ground and then back to the station after. Trains back to Amsterdam run until half past midnight and you can book tickets in advance on Trainline.
Is that buses to and from the ground info definite DeKuip? As I said yesterday the stadium is a pain in the arse to get to if you’re not in a coach or driving. I agree with Ads as well that if we get treated like the Poles did we’ll be picking tickets up in The Hague and trying to get to Alkmaar after that. Anyone heard anything from the club on whether it’ll be a Hibs style ticket pick up or Warsaw style send you a pdf?
It’s what they’ve done for other European games and makes sense that it’s much easier for the Dutch police to do that too, rather than having to monitor/escort a thousand foreigners on a long walk from the centre. From what I read for the Legia game there was some big anniversary event going on in the town centre that day so they made the meeting point at Den Haag’s ground and bussed the Legia fans in from there - the problem was that a lot of the polish fans ignored that and made their way directly to the ground.
West Ham fans six months ago were given a fanzone type meeting point 10 mins walk from Alkmaar Station and the free busses took them to the ground from there and then back to the station after.
The Dutch police will keep rivals fans away from each other from the moment they arrive in Alkmaar. If you go to Ajax as an away fan you get off the train straight into a cage for the away end.
That’s great DeKuip thanks for the info much appreciated.
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Things to do in Mostar. Pack your trunks.
Wow…well done, brave girl.
She does it for a living so not really. Noticeable she changed from head-first to feet first right before landing which is the preferred when not sure of what is under the water. But Redbull sponsor her to free dive from around places and as Redbull seemed to have sponsored the bridge diving setup, she probably was assured it was "safe".
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She does it for a living so not really. Noticeable she changed from head-first to feet first right before landing which is the preferred when not sure of what is under the water. But Redbull sponsor her to free dive from around places and as Redbull seemed to have sponsored the bridge diving setup, she probably was assured it was "safe".
Do they sponsor her to free dive, or dive off bridges?
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Well she is/was a regular on their free diving channel including the same mostar jump so yes, I suspect some money did change hands for her to be filmed doing multiple jumps.
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I travelled around the Netherlands in the summer and used a public transport app called 9292 on my phone. Very useful for planning all public transport journeys. I never bought tickets once for trains, trams or buses as you can use a contactless card (even for inter city journeys). Remember to swipe off though.
Yep, 9292 is the standard app for travel, you can also use the ns app for the trains. It's a bloody long walk from the station to the stadium so jump on a No2 bus which will drop you a couple of minutes walk from the AFAS.
There is no need to pre-order tickets as you can tap in and out ''contactloos'' - Just don't forget the tap-out!
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Congratulations to Super John McGinn Scotland national team qualified for Euros in Germany.
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DeKuip
Are ticketless fans likely to be allowed to travel from Amsterdam to Alkmaar?
Luckie Eddie - I don’t know the answer to that but would be surprised if anyone was checking match tickets in Amsterdam. They might even have to be collected at a meeting point in Alkmaar anyway.
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Noticeable she changed from head-first to feet first right before landing which is the preferred when not sure of what is under the water.
I used to share a house with a Swiss high-diver who would dive off a 35 m platform into an above -ground pool. Entry was always feet first for safety reasons (risk of neck injuries etc ).
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DeKuip
Are ticketless fans likely to be allowed to travel from Amsterdam to Alkmaar?
Luckie Eddie - I don’t know the answer to that but would be surprised if anyone was checking match tickets in Amsterdam. They might even have to be collected at a meeting point in Alkmaar anyway.
Thank you
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So some advice on transport etc. for Alkmaar. I have booked two nights in Amsterdam, hotel in Dam square, and planning to train to match and back after. Those of you familiar with transport in that region please tell me this is ok?
Yes, I expect most Villa fans will do similar.
It’s a good train service from Amsterdam Central Station to Alkmaar and back… and there will be buses laid on to get to the ground and then back to the station after. Trains back to Amsterdam run until half past midnight and you can book tickets in advance on Trainline.
Thanks my friend. I take it Alkmaar Noord is the station to head for from Amsterdam?
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So some advice on transport etc. for Alkmaar. I have booked two nights in Amsterdam, hotel in Dam square, and planning to train to match and back after. Those of you familiar with transport in that region please tell me this is ok?
We need to watch that the locals aren't as xenophobic towards us as they are the Poles and make us go to the Hague before and after the game, as that's an hour the wrong way.
I think the Dutch love us :D
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I went to Alkmar for a friendly a few years ago , stayed in Amsterdam got the train ...there was a nice bar 10 mins from the ground , it was fine .
Gronigen was a little different , they avoided the more "lively Villa fans " and picked off couples.
I know a few F side lads the older ones won't be a bother but their youth are snides, so maybe stay away from the Grasshopper and the topless place just down from Central station on the main road .
You want peace and quiet stick to to the right hand neighborhood or stroll into the center .
The trains are great .
Have fun
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I first learned to swim in my last year at primary school - I did half a width. I was then caught being naughty/taking the piss in church at harvest festival and was banned from swimming lessons. I never went again.
I managed to go to a school that had two swimming pools and still not learn to swim.
Excellent dodging paulie.
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I travelled around the Netherlands in the summer and used a public transport app called 9292 on my phone. Very useful for planning all public transport journeys. I never bought tickets once for trains, trams or buses as you can use a contactless card (even for inter city journeys). Remember to swipe off though.
I've been over to Amsterdam the last couple of years, the ease of transport and variety makes me weep as a Brummie.
Absolutely. Me and my daughter had a lovely day out in Brum yesterday, because as well as looking at the university we went around the city centre as well. I obviously love the place, but it's one of the most difficult places to get around. Badly designed buildings blocking everywhere, tunnels and crap roads make it a nightmare to traverse.
I've been up to the uni every year with one of the kids as their primary school run a 'university' scheme based on them doing hours of extra curricular activities and then getting certificates in a big ceremony in the Great Hall. It's is lovely and everything but the bloody journey over from where I am is an absolute nightmare, it used to be quicker for me to get to my old office on the other side of Coventry.
I’ve been to that with my two. Our school put a coach on though. Funny to watch all the Chelmsley bods looking open-mouthed at the tall buildings in town and the big houses in Edgbaston like a load of yam-yams.
No offence Dave.
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So some advice on transport etc. for Alkmaar. I have booked two nights in Amsterdam, hotel in Dam square, and planning to train to match and back after. Those of you familiar with transport in that region please tell me this is ok?
Yes, I expect most Villa fans will do similar.
It’s a good train service from Amsterdam Central Station to Alkmaar and back… and there will be buses laid on to get to the ground and then back to the station after. Trains back to Amsterdam run until half past midnight and you can book tickets in advance on Trainline.
Thanks my friend. I take it Alkmaar Noord is the station to head for from Amsterdam?
No, Alkmaar Station is best.
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Can only do 24 hours in Holland for this game so out at 8.20am from Brum on the Thursday morning and Back on the 7am flight back friday...anyone else on that flight out that fancies a drink or 2 on the train to Alkmar? travelling on my own...
Also has anyone found a way to get to Mostar and back home by saturday morning latest..
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We're flying Sarajevo to Frankfurt and Frankfurt to Manchester on the Saturday at roughly 10am. We get back about 2 in the afternoon.
Might be worth seeing if that flight runs on the Friday. Issue you night have is there are only 2 trains a day and one is 7am ish, so a taxi would be needed. This is with Lufthansa.
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Thanks Ads - will check that out.
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Can I just check? All weekend games following a Thu match will be played on Sun or Mon won't they?
It's just we're still showing as playing Sat 2 & 16 Dec
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Can I just check? All weekend games following a Thu match will be played on Sun or Mon won't they?
It's just we're still showing as playing Sat 2 & 16 Dec
December fixtures not finalised yet, though you are right the Bournemouth and Brentford away games will both move to the Sundays.
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We're flying Sarajevo to Frankfurt and Frankfurt to Manchester on the Saturday at roughly 10am. We get back about 2 in the afternoon.
Might be worth seeing if that flight runs on the Friday. Issue you night have is there are only 2 trains a day and one is 7am ish, so a taxi would be needed. This is with Lufthansa.
Another option might be a bus from Mostar to Split, then fly from there. There’s not that many though (looks like 3 a day).
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I believe Goughy is running a coach to and from split on the day of the game, so it might be worth contacting him.
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Just as an FYI, if anyone did their European travel form immediately after they purchased their Alkmaar ticket, there seems to be a high chance the club have deleted it. It's happened to quite a few people I know. Worth resubmitting one or checking with the ticket office
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Just checked and they have mine but the best they can do on when details will come out is “it’s imminent” however it will be a Hibs style voucher and pick up tickets in Alkmaar type thing.
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Come on Villa get the bloody ticket details out for Alkmaar.
Yours Mr Impatient.
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Did you call the ticket office or email to confirm they had received your European Travel Form?
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Did you call the ticket office or email to confirm they had received your European Travel Form?
Yep called on Friday, they have mine.
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Cheers
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I only did my booking form last Friday for the away accommodation/travel. Think these might well be collected in person.
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I only did my booking form last Friday for the away accommodation/travel. Think these might well be collected in person.
That seems to be what the TO were intimating to me on Friday.
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I only did my booking form last Friday for the away accommodation/travel. Think these might well be collected in person.
That seems to be what the TO were intimating to me on Friday.
I have just spoken to them. Vouchers should be issued later today or maybe early tomorrow. You will need to take them to Alkmaar and show matching ID to swap them for a ticket. She said that they'll be issuing instructions, maps etc. shortly.
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I have just received my email. We have to meet AVFC staff at the horse market 13:30-16:00.
Map (https://www.google.com/maps/place/52%C2%B038'03.2%22N+4%C2%B044'45.4%22E/@52.6342222,4.7459444,18z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m4!3m3!8m2!3d52.6342222!4d4.7459444?entry=ttu)
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Going to the horsh market, yesh.
It's a sign we're going to batter tham. Tickets in the Grassmarket in Edinburgh, heavy win. Tickets via email in Warsaw, lose. Back to the markets here, equal heavy win.
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Just had my email so I'm assuming they have my travel form.
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Had my email through and the area they are turning into a fanzone looks a little underwhelming... unless they put some cover up we better hope its not raining! spoiled with the sunshine in Poland
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Long way from the ground too. Dutch Police had Warsaw in Hague but plenty made their own way to the ground and caused bother. Assume this will be the other step of keeping us all in one spot, as there's a wee square just around the corner.
Amsterdam weather app has rain on the Thursday.
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The collection point email has arrived. Fairly good location not far from station. Collection timing 1.30 to 4 pm.
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Going to the horsh market, yesh.
I hope that's not your interpretation of how the Dutch pronounce 'horse'.
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No not the Dutch but how a former England and Twente Enschede coach says it.
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No not the Dutch but how a former England and Twente Enschede coach says it.
Yes, I knew the the reason for adding the 'sh' sound. ;)
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Anyone know if Villa fans without tickets are meeting up in Amsterdam to watch the game in a bar?
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Anyone know if Villa fans without tickets are meeting up in Amsterdam to watch the game in a bar?
I expect there will be but I have no idea where, probably best to find out where the fans are congregating pre-match. An Irish bar is likely. It does say that you won't be able to watch it in any of the bars in Alkmaar.
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Anyone know if Villa fans without tickets are meeting up in Amsterdam to watch the game in a bar?
I expect there will be but I have no idea where, probably best to find out where the fans are congregating pre-match. An Irish bar is likely. It does say that you won't be able to watch it in any of the bars in Alkmaar.
Get the distinct impression they don't want anyone wandering around Alkmaar as with their lot there's the potential for trouble. So much for travel broadening the mind, its seems like Alkmaar plod aren't taking any chances.
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Is anyone travelling without tickets and wanting to meet in Amsterdam to watch the game? Let's make a plan ..
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We're flying Sarajevo to Frankfurt and Frankfurt to Manchester on the Saturday at roughly 10am. We get back about 2 in the afternoon.
Might be worth seeing if that flight runs on the Friday. Issue you night have is there are only 2 trains a day and one is 7am ish, so a taxi would be needed. This is with Lufthansa.
Bosnian woman I know has said bus is better from Sarajevo to Mostar. 2h30 and a dozen or so buses through the day. I have a printed timetable from her if you need more info.
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No not the Dutch but how a former England and Twente Enschede coach says it.
Yes, I knew the the reason for adding the 'sh' sound. ;)
Just wanted to remove any hint of casual xenophobia, with hint of brollyman ;)
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Anyone using Easyjet from Luton tomorrow and return on Friday are welcome to a free lift in my vehicle. Leaving Brum about midday.
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Anyone using Easyjet from Luton tomorrow and return on Friday are welcome to a free lift in my vehicle. Leaving Brum about midday.
Careful where you park <winky thing>
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Anyone using Easyjet from Luton tomorrow and return on Friday are welcome to a free lift in my vehicle. Leaving Brum about midday.
Careful where you park <winky thing>
Don’t need a lift, but I’m on the 12.45 from Luton, might see you at the boarding desk
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We're flying Sarajevo to Frankfurt and Frankfurt to Manchester on the Saturday at roughly 10am. We get back about 2 in the afternoon.
Might be worth seeing if that flight runs on the Friday. Issue you night have is there are only 2 trains a day and one is 7am ish, so a taxi would be needed. This is with Lufthansa.
Bosnian woman I know has said bus is better from Sarajevo to Mostar. 2h30 and a dozen or so buses through the day. I have a printed timetable from her if you need more info.
Appreciated, but the train is a bit quicker and will get us up into Mostar nice and early- plus it seems to meander via rivers and mountains, so it should look pretty special in December.
A friend at the gym has just been there and she says it's an amazing place. Not sure about jumping off the bridge in December mind.
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I'm on Goughy's coach to Alkmaar. Leaves tomorrow at 3.15pm from town!
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Went with Goughy's coach to Rennes, really well organised, but it was a long journey their and back.
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Good wishes to all travelling and attending in the Netherlands.I can imagine it's exciting, if not a bit scary, and hopefully there is no untoward behaviour by the AZ fans and policing and security are present.My concern for any away game, be it UK or overseas, is the security and policing presence, and travelling football fans are respected.So everyone stay safe and enjoy!
Up The Villa!
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We're flying Sarajevo to Frankfurt and Frankfurt to Manchester on the Saturday at roughly 10am. We get back about 2 in the afternoon.
Might be worth seeing if that flight runs on the Friday. Issue you night have is there are only 2 trains a day and one is 7am ish, so a taxi would be needed. This is with Lufthansa.
Bosnian woman I know has said bus is better from Sarajevo to Mostar. 2h30 and a dozen or so buses through the day. I have a printed timetable from her if you need more info.
Appreciated, but the train is a bit quicker and will get us up into Mostar nice and early- plus it seems to meander via rivers and mountains, so it should look pretty special in December.
A friend at the gym has just been there and she says it's an amazing place. Not sure about jumping off the bridge in December mind.
A friend of mine said it's supposed to be a stunning journey on the train. Loads more info on the link below, The Man In Seat 61 is a brilliant resource for international train travel.
https://www.seat61.com/trains-and-routes/sarajevo-to-mostar-by-train.htm (https://www.seat61.com/trains-and-routes/sarajevo-to-mostar-by-train.htm)
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I'm flying from Bristol to Amsterdam early on Thursday morning and then back in the early evening on Friday. It's been a good few years since I've been to Amsterdam so looking forward to it. Hopefully, Villa play a strong team and we get a good performance and result.
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More teams, more games - and more flights. Next season will see men's European club football expand further, with an additional 177 fixtures across Uefa's three major tournaments - and with that comes an increasing impact on the planet.
BBC Sport research suggests the inflated fixture list could lead to teams and fans flying about two billion air miles across the 2024-25 campaign, up from 1.5 billion in 2022-23.
The projected figures for next season equate to more than 4,000 journeys to the Moon and back, and would result in the release of nearly half a million tonnes of greenhouse gases which cause global heating.
But how does that tally with Uefa's pledge to cut its climate impact? And what can be done?
Uefa's former head of social responsibility, Patrick Gasser, has suggested the governing body stops issuing tickets to away fans for Champions League, Europa League and Europa Conference League matches to help reduce its carbon footprint.
Full article https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/67159156
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I'd love to hear some away days in Europe stories from those who went.
Any one have any to share?
Athletic Bilbao was the best ever
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Anyone using Easyjet from Luton tomorrow and return on Friday are welcome to a free lift in my vehicle. Leaving Brum about midday.
Careful where you park <winky thing>
Ha ha. Keeping away from Airport by parking at Lutom Parkway station.
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Anyone using Easyjet from Luton tomorrow and return on Friday are welcome to a free lift in my vehicle. Leaving Brum about midday.
Careful where you park <winky thing>
Don’t need a lift, but I’m on the 12.45 from Luton, might see you at the boarding desk
Probably not as my flight is at 16.40, so see you around Dam square. Wish you a safe journey.
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Anyone using Easyjet from Luton tomorrow and return on Friday are welcome to a free lift in my vehicle. Leaving Brum about midday.
Careful where you park <winky thing>
Don’t need a lift, but I’m on the 12.45 from Luton, might see you at the boarding desk
Probably not as my flight is at 16.40, so see you around Dam square. Wish you a safe journey.
Same to you
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I've researched the respective line ups Emery uses in Europe and have here for debate and discussion on the Europa squad.
Let's take a look at the starting line ups in the 2 Conference League games
Away
Martinez ,Chambers, Konsa, Lenglet, Digne. Kamara, Tielemans, McGinn, Zaniolo. Bailey, Duran.
Home
Martinez, Konsa, Carlos, Lenglet, Digne, Bailey, Dendoncker Tielemans, McGinn, Zaniolo, Duran.
Insights gleamed
Started both conference league matches
Martinez
Konsa
Lenglet
Digne
Tielemans
McGinn
Bailey
Zaniolo
Duran
Started one conference league
Chambers away
Kamara away
Dendoncker home
Not started any conference league
Olsen
Cash
Pau
Douglas
Diaby
Watkins
One can draw their own conclusions on how the squad has been used and the results so far indicate to me a need for some if the key players to come into Europa League starting
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What happens after the group finishes? Do we get a load of clubs drop down from the Europa and make us part of another set of group games or do we go straight into a last 16 knock out stage, if we get through, of course!
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What happens after the group finishes? Do we get a load of clubs drop down from the Europa and make us part of another set of group games or do we go straight into a last 16 knock out stage, if we get through, of course!
Finish second in the group and you have to play an extra round against the teams that come 3rd in the Europa League groups.
Win the group and we skip that round entirely.
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Yes, the 8 third place teams from the Europa League drop down and play the 8 second placed teams from the Conference League in a preliminary knockout round. Topping the group puts us straight into the last 16.
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Yes, the 8 third place teams from the Europa League drop down and play the 8 second placed teams from the Conference League in a preliminary knockout round. Topping the group puts us straight into the last 16.
Thanks for clearing that up BV I didn't know about the 8 teams dropping down from the Europa League.
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Yes, the 8 third place teams from the Europa League drop down and play the 8 second placed teams from the Conference League in a preliminary knockout round. Topping the group puts us straight into the last 16.
Thanks for clearing that up BV I didn't know about the 8 teams dropping down from the Europa League.
Which, as it stands, are Olympiakos, Brighton, Rangers, Sturm Graz, Toulouse, Villareal, Servette and Molde but plenty of time for that to change.
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For this reason, I've been cheering on Liverpool, Brighton and West Ham.
Just want them to progress, so we don't have to face them potentially.
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Yes, the 8 third place teams from the Europa League drop down and play the 8 second placed teams from the Conference League in a preliminary knockout round. Topping the group puts us straight into the last 16.
Thanks for clearing that up BV I didn't know about the 8 teams dropping down from the Europa League.
Which, as it stands, are Olympiakos, Brighton, Rangers, Sturm Graz, Toulouse, Villareal, Servette and Molde but plenty of time for that to change.
What could possibly go wrong?
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Probably too complicated to work out but with the 5th place probably getting CL next season, I'm just wondering what would happen if we won the Conference, but then also finished say 4th in the league?
We'd get Europa for winning the Conference, but where would that place go when we're going CL instead? Are we looking at potentially 8 English teams in Europe? Or would it go to the runner up from Conference final?
Is there still 2 Europa spots and a EC spot even with 5 CL spots? Which would make 8 anyway? (Possibly more if one of the top teams win the FA Cup too?)
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Probably too complicated to work out but with the 5th place probably getting CL next season, I'm just wondering what would happen if we won the Conference, but then also finished say 4th in the league?
We'd get Europa for winning the Conference, but where would that place go when we're going CL instead? Are we looking at potentially 8 English teams in Europe? Or would it go to the runner up from Conference final?
Is there still 2 Europa spots and a EC spot even with 5 CL spots? Which would make 8 anyway? (Possibly more if one of the top teams win the FA Cup too?)
In the Conference League winners already qualify for the Champions League or Europa League through their league position the spare place in the Group Stage of the Europa League goes to the team with best UEFA club co-efficient in the qualifying rounds. So there’s be one less game in the first qualifying or Preliminary round. It wouldn’t gain the PL an extra place.
England could though have 7 Champions League places if say Newcastle and West Ham won this season’s Champions League & Europa League and finished outside the top 5 in the Prem. Then there would be 10 English teams in Europe (or 11 if we also won the Conference League and finished 10th or 11th, ie outside the Europa League qualifying places).
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Has anyone heard anything about when the ticket arrangements for Mostar will be released?
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This is a piece from The Athletic which "forecasts" success.
It's based on a comparison of positions after 10 games and the season end over several seasons.
Here's hoping!
(Didn't quite know which topic to post it into).
THE 2023-24 PREMIER LEAGUE TABLE IS UNLIKELY TO CHANGE DRAMATICALLY - HERE ARE THE NUMBERS TO PROVE IT
There is an understanding that a league table does not truly “take shape” until 10 games of the season have been played.
It is an ancient and arbitrary threshold that we have created for ourselves, but one that does have some merit.
First, it is a nice round number. Second, it’s… double figures.
It’s also precisely 26.3158 per cent of the way through the league season, which makes it feel odd to infer much about the final positions each team will occupy in May 2024.
We wouldn’t take this approach in other walks of life.
If you watched 26 per cent of The Usual Suspects, you wouldn’t know that Roger ‘Verbal’ Kint was Keyser Soze all along. If you watched 26 per cent of The Sixth Sense, you (probably) wouldn’t have worked out that Malcolm is a ghost the whole time. If you watched 26 per cent of Titanic, you wouldn’t have seen the ship… well, you know.
(Major) spoiler alerts notwithstanding, the point is valid — there are still plenty more twists and turns to come in the 2023-24 season.
However, broadly speaking, there is reason to suggest that the pack is unlikely to shuffle dramatically from the current standings. Since the inaugural 20-team Premier League season in 1995-96, more than one-third of teams (38 per cent) have shifted by just one place — or stayed in the same position — when comparing matchweek 10 to the final league standings.
Maybe we innately trust the league table after 10 games because deep down, we know just how much it reveals about the season ahead.There is an understanding that a league table does not truly “take shape” until 10 games of the season have been played.
It is an ancient and arbitrary threshold that we have created for ourselves, but one that does have some merit.
First, it is a nice round number. Second, it’s… double figures.
It’s also precisely 26.3158 per cent of the way through the league season, which makes it feel odd to infer much about the final positions each team will occupy in May 2024.
We wouldn’t take this approach in other walks of life.
If you watched 26 per cent of The Usual Suspects, you wouldn’t know that Roger ‘Verbal’ Kint was Keyser Soze all along. If you watched 26 per cent of The Sixth Sense, you (probably) wouldn’t have worked out that Malcolm is a ghost the whole time. If you watched 26 per cent of Titanic, you wouldn’t have seen the ship… well, you know.
(Major) spoiler alerts notwithstanding, the point is valid — there are still plenty more twists and turns to come in the 2023-24 season.
However, broadly speaking, there is reason to suggest that the pack is unlikely to shuffle dramatically from the current standings. Since the inaugural 20-team Premier League season in 1995-96, more than one-third of teams (38 per cent) have shifted by just one place — or stayed in the same position — when comparing matchweek 10 to the final league standings.
Maybe we innately trust the league table after 10 games because deep down, we know just how much it reveals about the season ahead.
With Tottenham Hotspur sitting at the top of the table after 10 games — their best start to a season in the Premier League era — the instruction from manager Ange Postecoglou was to “let the fans dream” about a title challenge following their 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace on Friday.
Sure, let them dream, but a more pertinent — albeit less catchy — phrase might be to “let them be driven by the data”.
A 2019 study looked at match data from 1995 to 2017 and found that the team who topped the Premier League after matchweek 10 had a 77.3 per cent chance of finishing in the top three by the end of the season.
Title challenge or not, a high likelihood of a return to the Champions League next season after just one-quarter of the season is surely a deal Spurs fans are likely to shake hands on.
Interestingly, a closer look at the findings from the 2019 study highlighted just how stable the league table becomes after just 10 matchweeks.
In the Premier League, the researchers found that 77 per cent of the statistical variance in the final league standings was explained by matchweek 10. By matchweek 20, that rose to 87 per cent. By matchweek 30, it was 94 per cent.
In other words, looking at the league table as early as November does give a decent indication towards the final positions held by each team.
Let’s be clear, the smaller changes in league positions are obviously the ones that can be the most crucial. The difference between a team finishing in first or second is not significant mathematically but immeasurable in its importance.
We should still get the final-day drama of title races, European pushes and relegation battles, but the wider analysis of league standings shows that a decent projection can be made pretty early on.
The implications of this are interesting. While it might seem like club owners appear a little overzealous when parting company with struggling managers before the festive period, the statistical laws suggest things are unlikely to change dramatically in the proceeding weeks and months.
We have come to accept the chaotic desperation that reeks out of clubs when sacking a manager, but the message is simple — there is mathematical merit in taking action sooner rather than later.
While the configuration of the table shuffles less than we might think, there will also continue to be memorable examples of teams who experience a significant drop — or significant charge — from matchweek 10 to the final day.
Looking across the Premier League era, a few seasons stand out.
Last season, Leeds United dropped from a comfortable mid-table position in matchweek 10 to the relegation zone by the end of the campaign.
That swing of eight positions was the second-biggest drop — behind Bournemouth’s nine-position shift from ninth to 18th in 2019-20 — of any Premier League team in the past six seasons.
For those with longer memories, cast your mind back to 2008-09, when a promoted Hull City won six of their opening 10 games — including away trips to Arsenal and Spurs — to find themselves ‘pushing for a European spot’… only to win just two of their remaining 28 games to scrape survival and finish in 17th.
Meanwhile, Spurs were rooted to the table after matchweek 10 in 2008-09, following their worst start to a league season in their history with only two points from their opening eight games. Harry Redknapp replaced Juande Ramos in late October to push Spurs to an eighth-placed finish — the biggest shift in the Premier League era.
Or how about that 2005-06 season, eh?
Charlton Athletic fans will not need reminding of their Darren Bent-inspired early title push that saw them win their opening four league games, only to drop down to a more realistic 13th position by May.
It is a nosedive that has only been matched by Hull’s 2008-09 season in the Premier League era, with no team dropping more than 11 positions within this timeframe.
Similarly, a pre-Sheikh Mansour-owned Manchester City looked to be on for a strong top-half finish in the autumn of 2005, before Stuart Pearce’s side fell eight places to 15th by the end of the season.
Of course, these fun quirks of yesteryear highlight the caveats that must be considered in the wider context of the current league table.
The Athletic has previously analysed the impact of fixture difficulty in skewing the league table in the early part of the season and a favourable run of games can look more pronounced than a team’s quality might suggest.
Secondly, a team’s over- or under-performance can similarly provide a false perception of a team’s true performance. For example, no team has currently scored above their non-penalty expected goals more than Aston Villa, or scored below expectation more than Everton.
Across a full season, you’d expect — although not guarantee — those quirks to even themselves out.
Nevertheless, the numbers don’t lie. While teams are yet to even play all opponents once, there is evidence to suggest that a large part of the league table variance can bey explained after just one-quarter of the season, something that really would give Unai Emery something to smile about.
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Apologies for the double post at the beginning
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Apologies for the double post at the beginning
You know you can "modify" your posts and remove the mistake. Not sure where it is on a mobile device but on the main version it is usually upper right of the post.
I would be more concerned why a post about our PL positions is in the Europa Conference specific thread myself....
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Apologies for the double post at the beginning
You know you can "modify" your posts and remove the mistake. Not sure where it is on a mobile device but on the main version it is usually upper right of the post.
I would be more concerned why a post about our PL positions is in the Europa Conference specific thread myself....
Thanks for the hint about modifying posts, but that kind of IT literacy is beyond me.
As regards the post not belonging in this topic stream, I did say that I wasn't sure where it belonged. Feel free to move it.
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All unclaimed STH seats for Legia Warsaw are now available. If you know anybody that fancied one prior to now but couldn't get one, spread the word.
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Apologies for the double post at the beginning
You know you can "modify" your posts and remove the mistake. Not sure where it is on a mobile device but on the main version it is usually upper right of the post.
I would be more concerned why a post about our PL positions is in the Europa Conference specific thread myself....
Thanks for the hint about modifying posts, but that kind of IT literacy is beyond me.
As regards the post not belonging in this topic stream, I did say that I wasn't sure where it belonged. Feel free to move it.
It's dead easy when you done it once and I the same with IT
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Mostar tickets go on sale tomorrow.
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Just seen the criteria, oof that’s restrictive but understandable when we only get 490. Assume you’re in the top tier Ads?
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I am yes. They'll definitely get to the 3rd tier. Random having that 2nd window for 60 odd people lasting until the following day.
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Ouch. That's me buggered then I think. I only have Legia and Alkmaar.
The numbers in each bracket don't add up to what was shown for Alkmaar though. According to that there were only 576 ST holders who went to Hibs and Legia regardless of away attendance. Now there are 1,189 ST holders who went to Hibs, Legia and Alkmaar. Ignore me, just figured it out!
Alkmaar Criteria (https://twitter.com/AVFCSupport/status/1710237210090553811/photo/1)
Mostar Criteria (https://twitter.com/AVFCSupport/status/1722622571290431765/photo/1)
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Wouldn't that mean there were 66 who did Hibs and Warsaw but didn't do Alkmaar, hence the reduction? Also references the cancellation for failure to attend below, so perhaps incorporates them?
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I think there's a good chance it gets down to the 4th criteria, as more than 20 won't be able to go you'd have thought.
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It's a difficult place to get to and is on the lead up to Christmas which might just save me. I will be on it asap but I think I'll be lucky if I manage to get one. Really hoping I do. The last 2 were a lot of fun.
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What result do we want in the other game tonight? Would a draw give us some leeway?
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Legia one up
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I think Zrinjski winning, and us winning, would put us on 9, and them on 6 along with Legia, which is the most breathing room we'd get. But give we'd still have to play them both again, I'm not sure it's necessarily a good result.
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A win tonight for both of us should mean we qualify pretty much with one more point for definitive. Then it is just the fight for first and second.
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So if we beat Legia with a better result than 3-2 we've definitely won the group and are into the last 16 thus avoiding the play off round? Do 1-0 and 2-1 count as better results than 3-2 because of away goals?
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So if we beat Legia with a better result than 3-2 we've definitely won the group and are into the last 16 thus avoiding the play off round? Do 1-0 and 2-1 count as better results than 3-2 because of away goals?
It then goes on goals scored so we need to either win 2-0, 3-0, 3-1, or score 4 and win so it doesn't matter on their score.
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AZ can't catch us. Zrinjski can only catch us if they win both and we lose both.
Kinda hoping we can beat Legia and rest players at Zrinjski.
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AZ can't catch us. Zrinjski can only catch us if they win both and we lose both.
Kinda hoping we can beat Legia and rest players at Zrinjski.
DefI best outcome.
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If we put a score on Legia (I.e. beat them by 2 clear goals) then we've won the group haven't we?
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If we put a score on Legia (I.e. beat them by 2 clear goals) then we've won the group haven't we?
I think so.
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If we put a score on Legia (I.e. beat them by 2 clear goals) then we've won the group haven't we?
I think so.
Yep because if we lost to Zrinjski in the last game and they beat AZ we’d both be on 12 points but we’d have the better record in the head to head. It’s all on this Legia game. FTF.
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We have had a few wobbles on this campaign but we seem to have adjusted pretty well to being back in European football. Whatever happens from here onnwe will have learned an awful lot from this - really 2009 is the last time we have had a proper European campaign to manage.
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Does anyone know if Zrinjski and AZ fans had to follow the same protocol as we did for away games such a specific ticket pick up points, dedicated transport and kettling etc back to town?
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It looked like the AZ fans were taken out of the ground, down Manor Rd to Witton station and put on a train to NS whether they wanted to go there or not.
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It looked like the AZ fans were taken out of the ground, down Manor Rd to Witton station and put on a train to NS whether they wanted to go there or not.
So like us in the Netherlands then.
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Any idea how the ticket sales for Mostar are going?
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Any idea how the ticket sales for Mostar are going?
I heard last night that in the first tranche that about half the tickets had gone but not heard anything since.
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It looked like the AZ fans were taken out of the ground, down Manor Rd to Witton station and put on a train to NS whether they wanted to go there or not.
shame
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Any idea how the ticket sales for Mostar are going?
There's 223 left.
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Cheers. Definitely going to at least fourth tier then.
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I'd have thought so. I'll check again about half 10 for you once category 3 has opened.
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Whats the best flight for Mostar ? Are flight prices reasonable ?
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I'd have thought so. I'll check again about half 10 for you once category 3 has opened.
Appreciate the offer but my window for tickets is non existent, I'm just curious.
There's three of us heading over, will just need to find somewhere to watch it in the town.
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Whats the best flight for Mostar ? Are flight prices reasonable ?
Pretty much the only direct flight I found was Luton to Sarajevo on the day of the match. We paid 300 odd quid each back in September. Actually looks like it might be a bit cheaper now, which is annoying
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Whats the best flight for Mostar ? Are flight prices reasonable ?
Pretty much the only direct flight I found was Luton to Sarajevo on the day of the match. We paid 300 odd quid each back in September. Actually looks like it might be a bit cheaper now, which is annoying
not a bad price that , looks like wizz air then turkish back can get for £235 , sadly i got zero chance of a match ticket or the time off work
then it looks like the train isn't running from Sarajevo to Mostar ?
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Whats the best flight for Mostar ? Are flight prices reasonable ?
Pretty much the only direct flight I found was Luton to Sarajevo on the day of the match. We paid 300 odd quid each back in September. Actually looks like it might be a bit cheaper now, which is annoying
Sadly for you Meanwood £112 last night.
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Whats the best flight for Mostar ? Are flight prices reasonable ?
Pretty much the only direct flight I found was Luton to Sarajevo on the day of the match. We paid 300 odd quid each back in September. Actually looks like it might be a bit cheaper now, which is annoying
not a bad price that , looks like wizz air then turkish back can get for £235 , sadly i got zero chance of a match ticket or the time off work
then it looks like the train isn't running from Sarajevo to Mostar ?
Taxi booked from Sarajevo to Mostar, will get the train the other way. Accommodation prices have been very reasonable at least.
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Whats the best flight for Mostar ? Are flight prices reasonable ?
Pretty much the only direct flight I found was Luton to Sarajevo on the day of the match. We paid 300 odd quid each back in September. Actually looks like it might be a bit cheaper now, which is annoying
Sadly for you Meanwood £112 last night.
Saw that earlier, once you add the extras it more than doubles in price but still cheaper than what we paid. C'est la vie.
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Whats the best flight for Mostar ? Are flight prices reasonable ?
Pretty much the only direct flight I found was Luton to Sarajevo on the day of the match. We paid 300 odd quid each back in September. Actually looks like it might be a bit cheaper now, which is annoying
not a bad price that , looks like wizz air then turkish back can get for £235 , sadly i got zero chance of a match ticket or the time off work
then it looks like the train isn't running from Sarajevo to Mostar ?
Taxi booked from Sarajevo to Mostar, will get the train the other way. Accommodation prices have been very reasonable at least.
fair play how much is the cab ?
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Whats the best flight for Mostar ? Are flight prices reasonable ?
Pretty much the only direct flight I found was Luton to Sarajevo on the day of the match. We paid 300 odd quid each back in September. Actually looks like it might be a bit cheaper now, which is annoying
not a bad price that , looks like wizz air then turkish back can get for £235 , sadly i got zero chance of a match ticket or the time off work
then it looks like the train isn't running from Sarajevo to Mostar ?
Taxi booked from Sarajevo to Mostar, will get the train the other way. Accommodation prices have been very reasonable at least.
fair play how much is the cab ?
£120
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Whats the best flight for Mostar ? Are flight prices reasonable ?
Pretty much the only direct flight I found was Luton to Sarajevo on the day of the match. We paid 300 odd quid each back in September. Actually looks like it might be a bit cheaper now, which is annoying
not a bad price that , looks like wizz air then turkish back can get for £235 , sadly i got zero chance of a match ticket or the time off work
then it looks like the train isn't running from Sarajevo to Mostar ?
Taxi booked from Sarajevo to Mostar, will get the train the other way. Accommodation prices have been very reasonable at least.
fair play how much is the cab ?
£120
not bad at all for an 80 mile trip
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Get in!
1 Tickets Adult
(Area Away Sector, row 7, seat 12)
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Get in!
1 Tickets Adult
(Area Away Sector, row 7, seat 12)
We’re there many left at that level? Oh and enjoy it.
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I got in and it said 13 tickets left but by the time I'd clicked the button to add 1 adult ticket they'd all gone. Then it put me back to the list of away matches and said sold out. I went into my browsing history, found the page where it let me in and kept hitting refresh then okay on the error that popped up. At 12:05 it let me through. Maybe someone who got in before me didn't complete their purchase, I guess I'll never know. Anyway, I feel luckier than Charlie Bucket.
1 Tickets Adult
(Area Away Sector, row 3, seat 14)
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We’re there many left at that level? Oh and enjoy it.
Didn't look at selecting etc mate. I was just focused on pressing 3 buttons till it said "successful transaction". Totally narrow focussed. :D
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We’re there many left at that level? Oh and enjoy it.
Didn't look at selecting etc mate. I was just focused on pressing 3 buttons till it said "successful transaction". Totally narrow focussed. :D
Has to be done on fastest finger first.
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is it on general sale yet ?
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Looks like this is the away end. Might need a jacket.
(https://i.ibb.co/LtZkwKt/stadion-pod-bijelim-brijegom40.jpg) (https://ibb.co/LtZkwKt)
(https://i.ibb.co/zmH8bJw/stadion-pod-bijelim-brijegom41.jpg) (https://ibb.co/zmH8bJw)
(https://i.ibb.co/Kz7k8rT/stadion-pod-bijelim-brijegom42.jpg) (https://ibb.co/Kz7k8rT)
Source: http://stadiumdb.com/stadiums/bih/stadion_pod_bijelim_brijegom (http://stadiumdb.com/stadiums/bih/stadion_pod_bijelim_brijegom)
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Stand up if you suffer with the old Nobby Stiles.
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Tickets all sold.
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With AEK, Panathinaikos and Olympiacos all contenders to drop into the Conference League, it's currently mathematically possible for us to win the whole thing with four away knockout games all in Athens.
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Looks like this is the away end. Might need a jacket.
(https://i.ibb.co/LtZkwKt/stadion-pod-bijelim-brijegom40.jpg) (https://ibb.co/LtZkwKt)
(https://ibb.co/zmH8bJw)
What a lovely view. Enjoy!
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Get in!
1 Tickets Adult
(Area Away Sector, row 7, seat 12)
Nice one.
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Get in!
1 Tickets Adult
(Area Away Sector, row 7, seat 12)
Nice one.
Is is me on my own again?😊
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With AEK, Panathinaikos and Olympiacos all contenders to drop into the Conference League, it's currently mathematically possible for us to win the whole thing with four away knockout games all in Athens.
And the chances of getting the shit beaten out of you vastly increased
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With AEK, Panathinaikos and Olympiacos all contenders to drop into the Conference League, it's currently mathematically possible for us to win the whole thing with four away knockout games all in Athens.
If one of those made the final that would make it much harder , be like a home game for them
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Mostar derby tonight. Velez absolutely loath Zrinjski for evicting them from their ground. It's going as you might expect:
The game Velez Mostar vs Zrinjski was paused due to fight between securities and the part of the crowd...
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Away end at Velez just now.
Twitter linky (https://twitter.com/Bljesak/status/1724120660216099099)
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Mostar derby tonight. Velez absolutely loath Zrinjski for evicting them from their ground. It's going as you might expect:
Quite a few on here won't like their crest.
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The second bloke jumping the barriers is quite the arrival.
Pitch may have been watered. (https://twitter.com/Bljesak/status/1724121435889635635)
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Velez two up. Their first has a McGinn, Bailey, Watkins feel to it.
One nil. (https://twitter.com/hercegovinainfo/status/1724133712193806594)
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Mon Velez!
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Velez two up. Their first has a McGinn, Bailey, Watkins feel to it.
One nil. (https://twitter.com/hercegovinainfo/status/1724133712193806594)
Cheers, Unai.
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You wonder how so few fans can get so many fireworks into the ground.
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Looking forward to this must not lose game. Sending them home having had their pants down for 90 minutes would be nice.
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It's a 'Must win' if we want to finish top of the group and skip a round of the competition in February. 2 extra games we don't need (although we're normally out of the cup by that point so easier to arrange).
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Can't go to the game on Thursday so try to get a refund, but because they were purchased as a package they can't do a refund
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It's a 'Must win' if we want to finish top of the group and skip a round of the competition in February. 2 extra games we don't need (although we're normally out of the cup by that point so easier to arrange).
Yep. If we win by two goals it also means the last group game will be a dead rubber and we can rest players during what is going to be a busy period.
Looking forward to this one, should ge a good atmosphere.
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What's the story on Villa halving the Legia allocation. Paints the club in a very bad light over here as apparently we signed a contract for around 2000. Likely there will be 2000 Legia fans around the ground trying to get in as most had already bought their flights and booked accommodation. Police could be busy
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What's the story on Villa halving the Legia allocation. Paints the club in a very bad light over here as apparently we signed a contract for around 2000. Likely there will be 2000 Legia fans around the ground trying to get in as most had already bought their flights and booked accommodation. Police could be busy
I’ve heard that but only from Polish sources. The same sources that reckon both teams have agreed on a draw so that they knock Alkmaar out going into the final game…
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If they turn up and congregate in Witton Lane they will probably be allowed in for safety and security reasons.
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What's the story on Villa halving the Legia allocation. Paints the club in a very bad light over here as apparently we signed a contract for around 2000. Likely there will be 2000 Legia fans around the ground trying to get in as most had already bought their flights and booked accommodation. Police could be busy
I’ve heard that but only from Polish sources. The same sources that reckon both teams have agreed on a draw so that they knock Alkmaar out going into the final game…
So it's a load of bollocks then?
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If any allocation has been cut it will be by authorities rather than Villa.
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Not bollocks. Was reported in local Warsaw press that allocation would be just under 2000, even though away section can hold 3,000. Legia fans were already unhappy about this. Then Villa changed the allocation about 2-3 weeks ago after "consultation with authorities".
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Don't know about the allocation stuff but there's zero chance we've agreed to a draw that would disadvantage us
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Doesn't second in the Group mean you have to play a play-off against a team dropping down from the Europa leagues to get to the round of 16 proper?
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Doesn't second in the Group mean you have to play a play-off against a team dropping down from the Europa leagues to get to the round of 16 proper?
Yes, I believe so.
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They've got 1,000 tickets.
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As they're massive twats that can't behave themselves.
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They've got 1,000 tickets.
Isn’t that more or less what they gave us?
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Think the Legia allocation was about 1700
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I thought we’d agreed a standard 5% allocation ceiling, so roughly 2k. I thought Warsaw would be the one club to take the full allocation.
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Legia gave us what is required under the competition rules, same with our allocations for Mostar and Alkmaar. We're giving Legia half what we're required to, and apparently originally had told them they were getting.
A big part of me thinks it's piss poor by the club, a smaller part thinks that if Legia didn't take pride in acting like bellends for most away games then they'd have the full allocation.
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Why the club? I doubt we would have done it without the Police request and I doubt we could have done it without UEFA allowing it.
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If we, and/or the police, can't cope with the required 2k fans, and seemingly can't cope with more than 1k fans how the fuck are we going to cope if we're in the CL, and when we have a bigger ground. It's piss poor. We'd be bitching like fuck if it was the other way round.
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This is a WMP decision backed by the club and UEFA. Frankly, fuck Legia, the Millwall wannabee gimps.
I spoke to Bladen at Alkmaar about it and the Alkmaar version of Bladen and how they behaved there was embarrassing. That extra apparently pointless turnstile we went through was installed because Legia rushed the gates.
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Don't know about the allocation stuff but there's zero chance we've agreed to a draw that would disadvantage us
Plus the only way we could possibly not qualify now would be by a two goal defeat to Mostar, not impossible but you'd hope unlikely.
Besides, I just don't think playing for the draw is the Unai Emery way. His football DNA doesn't allow for gaming, he just plays what's in front of him
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If we, and/or the police, can't cope with the required 2k fans, and seemingly can't cope with more than 1k fans how the fuck are we going to cope if we're in the CL, and when we have a bigger ground. It's piss poor. We'd be bitching like fuck if it was the other way round.
Not if we behaved repeatedly like they have on their travels within the last decade we wouldn't.
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I did wonder what the 2 turnstile procedure at Alkmaar was all about. It will be interesting to see what happens in Brum and at Villa Park with the Warsaw fans. They do love the self styled hooligan image so I'm sure they will play up
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Do we have any idea of potential opponents next round. I know it depends on several things still but it must be narrowed down a bit by now?
Would be nice after the group stages to get a team with no ultras and just a nice couple of days away for everyone both legs.
Rangers anyone?
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Do we have any idea of potential opponents next round. I know it depends on several things still but it must be narrowed down a bit by now?
Would be nice after the group stages to get a team with no ultras and just a nice couple of days away for everyone both legs.
Rangers anyone?
I'm sure this has been asked and answered multiple times, but do some 3rd place teams from the Europa group stage drop down into the conference League, the way some Champions league group 3rd placed teams drop down into the Europa League?
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Do we have any idea of potential opponents next round. I know it depends on several things still but it must be narrowed down a bit by now?
Would be nice after the group stages to get a team with no ultras and just a nice couple of days away for everyone both legs.
Rangers anyone?
I'm sure this has been asked and answered multiple times, but do some 3rd place teams from the Europa group stage drop down into the conference League, the way some Champions league group 3rd placed teams drop down into the Europa League?
Some drop down, not sure if it's all 3rd place or what, but the 2nd place teams in the Conference have to play an extra round against one of the teams that drops down. The 1st place teams skip that and go straight into the last 16.
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The 2nd placed teams in in the Conference League play 3rd placed teams in the Europa League in a play-off round to move to the the last 16 where the Conference League group winners come back into the draw
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From Conference already. Definitely champs in bold
Group A: Lille (11pts) / Bratislava 10 pts
Group B: KAA Gent (13 pts) / Maccabi (12 points)
Group C: Plzen (15 pts) / Any of Zagreb, Astana, Ballkani.
Group D: Bruges (13 pts) / Bodo (10pts)
Group E: Aston Villa (12 pts) / Legia or Alkmaar
Group F: Fiorentina (11pts) / Ferenc (9pts)
Group G: PAOK (13pts) / Eintracht (9pts)
Group H: Nordsjaelland (10pts) / Razgrad (9pts) / Fenerbache (9pts)
Coming down from Europa League, definitely in 3rd in bold
Group A: Olypiakos or Topola
Group B: AEK or Ajax
Group C: Any of Betis / Rangers / Sparta Prague / Limassol
Group D: Sturm Graz or Rakow
Group E: Any of Toulouse, Union Saint-Gilloise and LASK.
Group F: Panathanoikas or Maccaibi
Group G: Servette
Group H: Qarabag / Molde
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Mortar didn't even have a shot at goal yesterday as they lost to Alkmaar. I don't see Villa losing by 2 goals over there.
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Mortar didn't even have a shot at goal yesterday as they lost to Alkmaar. I don't see Villa losing by 2 goals over there.
I don't, but I also don't want to tempt fate.
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Anyone know how the draw for the next round is done - seedings? Groupings? Totally random?
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Don't know about the allocation stuff but there's zero chance we've agreed to a draw that would disadvantage us
Plus the only way we could possibly not qualify now would be by a two goal defeat to Mostar, not impossible but you'd hope unlikely.
Besides, I just don't think playing for the draw is the Unai Emery way. His football DNA doesn't allow for gaming, he just plays what's in front of him
Not true. We have already qualified for last 16 due to head to head record with AZ
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Anyone know how the draw for the next round is done - seedings? Groupings? Totally random?
Uefa website
The 2023/24 UEFA Europa Conference League knockout round play-off draw will be held at the House of European Football in Nyon, Switzerland, on Monday 18 December at 14:00 CET.
Seedings, any groupings and the procedure will be available here from 09:00 CET on the day of the draw.
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Fenerbache got smashed 6 last night.
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This is a WMP decision backed by the club and UEFA. Frankly, fuck Legia, the Millwall wannabee gimps.
I spoke to Bladen at Alkmaar about it and the Alkmaar version of Bladen and how they behaved there was embarrassing. That extra apparently pointless turnstile we went through was installed because Legia rushed the gates.
Ads, what/who is Bladen?
I've been meaning to ask as I've seen you use this phrase a few times.
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He's the copper assigned to Villa, and specifically our 'risk' supporters. Loons.
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This is a WMP decision backed by the club and UEFA. Frankly, fuck Legia, the Millwall wannabee gimps.
I spoke to Bladen at Alkmaar about it and the Alkmaar version of Bladen and how they behaved there was embarrassing. That extra apparently pointless turnstile we went through was installed because Legia rushed the gates.
Ads, what/who is Bladen?
I've been meaning to ask as I've seen you use this phrase a few times.
As PW said, he's our spotter/liaison. He's a good bloke, even for a Dingle.
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Ah ok, cheers chaps!
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Fenerbache got smashed 6 last night.
That was a surprise as they look strong and I thought they’d cruise that group and they’re now in 3rd! However last game is against Trnava at home so they should be ok. That Nordsjallend Ludogorets game is going to be tasty.
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They smashed them 7 at home!
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I’d forgotten about that but the Danes would have already qualified if they hadn’t drawn at home to Trnava.
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I’d forgotten about that but the Danes would have already qualified if they hadn’t drawn at home to Trnava.
Watched that game. It was non league standard.
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I think being is this competition this season is a massive blessing. Getting used to the rhythm of playing midweek/weekends is vital for doing it consistently in the coming years and playing against weaker opposition means we can shuffle without too much lost and keep ourselves fresh in the league too.
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Good chance that the 3 Greek giants AEK, Olympiacos and Panathinaikos all drop into the Conference League from the Europa League.
AEK definitely will, Olympiacos near certain and Panathinaikos odds on.
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The highlights from AEK v Brighton made it look like Brighton were fortunate to win. AEK much more on top.
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Good chance that the 3 Greek giants AEK, Olympiacos and Panathinaikos all drop into the Conference League from the Europa League.
AEK definitely will, Olympiacos near certain and Panathinaikos odds on.
Not sure that’s true about AEK as if they lose at Ajax then Ajax will finish 3rd.
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The highlights from AEK v Brighton made it look like Brighton were fortunate to win. AEK much more on top.
The Brighton manager said as much himself. Something along the lines of - its good that we are learning how to win games when we are not the better team.
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I suspect if we play Rangers further down the line, there will be more than 2000 ticketless fans!
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I suspect if we play Rangers further down the line, there will be more than 2000 ticketless fans!
It’d be like a bye to the next round for us, they are absolutely pony.
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I thought it'd be more complicated, but no, any AZ win and the aggressive overcompensating twunts are out.
Fwiw, I'd like to draw Sturm Graz, for no other reason than the 1970s UEFA Cup name vibes!
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Got a ticket for Mostar - but really struggling to get a reasonable priced flight.... i need to be back by the saturday morning, and best i can do is 1 stop both ways into Split and get on Steve Goughs coach from Split to Mostar as he leaves straight after the game so i can fly back Friday - but thats just under £600 anyone found anything better?
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Got a ticket for Mostar - but really struggling to get a reasonable priced flight.... i need to be back by the saturday morning, and best i can do is 1 stop both ways into Split and get on Steve Goughs coach from Split to Mostar as he leaves straight after the game so i can fly back Friday - but thats just under £600 anyone found anything better?
We're going London Heathrow to Split via Zagreb on Wednesday afternoon, back Friday lunchtime with Croatia Airlines. It had come down from from £250 to £220 when we booked – through booking.com which was miles cheaper than anywhere else.
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Got a ticket for Mostar - but really struggling to get a reasonable priced flight.... i need to be back by the saturday morning, and best i can do is 1 stop both ways into Split and get on Steve Goughs coach from Split to Mostar as he leaves straight after the game so i can fly back Friday - but thats just under £600 anyone found anything better?
Thanks - will take a look!
We're going London Heathrow to Split via Zagreb on Wednesday afternoon, back Friday lunchtime with Croatia Airlines. It had come down from from £250 to £220 when we booked – through booking.com which was miles cheaper than anywhere else.
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Few options around the £390 mark on booking.com still.
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Any whiff on grapevine as to when Zrinjski tickets are going to be posted out?
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Any whiff on grapevine as to when Zrinjski tickets are going to be posted out?
Doubt they'll be posted out.
Bladen/WMP hadn't gone out to Mostar like they had with Warsaw and Alkmaar for pre-match planning, so would imagine the ticket office will be googling 'Irish bar Mostar' (there is one) and ringing them up in the hope of setting up a tupperware box full of tickets like they did in Edinburgh.
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Got a ticket for Mostar - but really struggling to get a reasonable priced flight.... i need to be back by the saturday morning, and best i can do is 1 stop both ways into Split and get on Steve Goughs coach from Split to Mostar as he leaves straight after the game so i can fly back Friday - but thats just under £600 anyone found anything better?
Thanks - will take a look!
We're going London Heathrow to Split via Zagreb on Wednesday afternoon, back Friday lunchtime with Croatia Airlines. It had come down from from £250 to £220 when we booked – through booking.com which was miles cheaper than anywhere else.
I’m going via Frankfurt next Wednesday night, connecting to Sarajevo on Thursday morning and then a bus to Mostar. Return via Vienna on Saturday. All of this is from Heathrow, mind.
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I meant to add I think the same return flights were available on Friday. I think I paid around £200 return 3 weeks ago.
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A mate who goes everywhere said they’re getting a private bus from Sarajevo (I think) to Mostar £180 return between 6 or 8 of them.
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A mate who goes everywhere said they’re getting a private bus from Sarajevo (I think) to Mostar £180 return between 6 or 8 of them.
That’s what Chico Hamilton and a group of his mates are doing.
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Any whiff on grapevine as to when Zrinjski tickets are going to be posted out?
Doubt they'll be posted out.
Bladen/WMP hadn't gone out to Mostar like they had with Warsaw and Alkmaar for pre-match planning, so would imagine the ticket office will be googling 'Irish bar Mostar' (there is one) and ringing them up in the hope of setting up a tupperware box full of tickets like they did in Edinburgh.
At the point of purchase it was stated that tickets will be posted.
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Any whiff on grapevine as to when Zrinjski tickets are going to be posted out?
Doubt they'll be posted out.
Bladen/WMP hadn't gone out to Mostar like they had with Warsaw and Alkmaar for pre-match planning, so would imagine the ticket office will be googling 'Irish bar Mostar' (there is one) and ringing them up in the hope of setting up a tupperware box full of tickets like they did in Edinburgh.
At the point of purchase it was stated that tickets will be posted.
That’s interesting, so is there any reason why for the other games they expect you to pick up at the location? I thought it was some UEFA rule
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So if the tickets are being posted, any spares going?
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Any whiff on grapevine as to when Zrinjski tickets are going to be posted out?
Doubt they'll be posted out.
Bladen/WMP hadn't gone out to Mostar like they had with Warsaw and Alkmaar for pre-match planning, so would imagine the ticket office will be googling 'Irish bar Mostar' (there is one) and ringing them up in the hope of setting up a tupperware box full of tickets like they did in Edinburgh.
At the point of purchase it was stated that tickets will be posted.
That’s interesting, so is there any reason why for the other games they expect you to pick up at the location? I thought it was some UEFA rule
The 'tickets posted' was on the pdf that was leaked the day before, but not on the one that was released officially. That states that ticket collection point tbc – expect it to be a bar in town.
AVFC Support link (https://twitter.com/AVFCSupport/status/1722622571290431765/photo/1)
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Any whiff on grapevine as to when Zrinjski tickets are going to be posted out?
Doubt they'll be posted out.
Bladen/WMP hadn't gone out to Mostar like they had with Warsaw and Alkmaar for pre-match planning, so would imagine the ticket office will be googling 'Irish bar Mostar' (there is one) and ringing them up in the hope of setting up a tupperware box full of tickets like they did in Edinburgh.
At the point of purchase it was stated that tickets will be posted.
This was on my email from the club - saying they had to be collected from host country again
This is NOT your ticket.
Each supporter who purchases a ticket will be required to complete a European Travel Form which details travel plans, time of arrival in the host country and accommodation details.
Once you have purchased your ticket and completed the travel form, a ticket eligibility voucher will be forwarded to you by email. You must bring a paper copy of this voucher with you to the host country, which will be exchanged for your ticket.
Click here to complete your European Travel Form.
Your ticket(s) will be issued to you in the host country by Aston Villa staff and the address and collection details will be outlined on the ticket eligibility voucher.
Your numbered voucher along with driving licence and/or passport photo ID will be required to exchange for a match ticket. Tickets are strictly for personal use only, cannot be resold and are non-transferable.
All supporters will need to comply with our Europa Conference League Away Match policy, which includes an agreement to complete the European Travel Form no later than 48 hours prior to the fixture.
If the form is not completed and submitted to the club, your ticket sale may be cancelled.
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This was on my email from the club - saying they had to be collected from host country again
Thanks liam. Yes I noted that on the email but thought it was standard guff, as Legia ticket was issued via email but Alkmaar followed the stated process.
Anyway has anyone received the voucher yet?
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Yes Legia was the odd one out so far...looking at Zrinjski's stadium i do wonder if they will have the facilities for E-Tickets!
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I take my hat off to all those going to Mostar
I managed Amsterdam but that was no hardship really as it turned into a nice city break
But a trip to Bosnia at this time of year is true commitment and I hope you all have a great time over there with a few beers and no problems
I don’t mind admitting you are all better fans than i
Happy travels and keep safe
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But a trip to Bosnia at this time of year is true commitment and I hope you all have a great time over there with a few beers and no problems
I don’t mind admitting you are all better fans than i
Happy travels and keep safe
Agreed, hope the beer is cheap and they gave a great trip.
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Yes Legia was the odd one out so far...looking at Zrinjski's stadium i do wonder if they will have the facilities for E-Tickets!
And it does annoy me a fair bit that they can't let us have the ticket info email/voucher (to print!) sooner rather than later...some are having to fly out 2 days before the game and probably aren't taking their printers with them! We go out on Wednesday and return Friday, which is what the majority are doing I think.
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I'm sure scanners of QR codes have reached the Balkans. It's a nice place Mostar. We'll have running water and everything.
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Collection point for tickets has been emailed. Trg Hrvatskih velikana between 13:30 and 16:00 next Thursday. Looks like a public square.
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Classic ticket office proofreading. Email claims we're playing 14 October.
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Collection point for tickets has been emailed. Trg Hrvatskih velikana between 13:30 and 16:00 next Thursday. Looks like a public square.
Don't forget to get your picture next to the Bruce Lee statue in the park opposite.
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Right next to the GoldenCube Nightclub.... get those doors open for midday! Looks abit like the Lower Grounds
(https://i.ibb.co/CJBdvzt/goldencube.png) (https://ibb.co/CJBdvzt)
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...only probably better value!
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Will be interesting to see what sort of team UE puts out; how much value he puts on us securing the point to win the group and thus, hopefully, ensure weaker opposition in the first knockout round. I imagine he will gamble that a team that looks like the Prem bench should do it. Especially given that Mostar are not likely to put out their first team either
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I wonder if we'll see something like the team from the first Legia game? Olsen, Chambers, Donk starting, maybe? Rest as many as possible and just deal with whatever result we get.
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Team for Thursday, I would try to leave some players at home.
Olsen
Moreno
Diego
Konsa
Cash
Donk
Luiz (think he misses Brentford)
Ramsey
Diaby
Duran
Zaniolo
Leave Emi, Pau, SJM and Watkins extra rest at home.
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I would play Lenglet rather than Konsa.
Konsa could do with a rest.
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Olsen
Moreno
Lenglet
Diego
Cash
JJ
Dendoncker
Luiz
Tielemans
Duran
Diaby
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Edit: I can't count
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McGinn, Dougie, Konsa and Ollie could do with a rest ready for Brentford. Lenglet for Pau has become a standard swap (and he's been a decent back up for Pau to be fair).
Moreno, Carlos, JJ, Tielemens, Duran, Olsen and the Donk will benefit from minutes. Diaby and Cash haven't been overly exerted in the past week, so should be reasonably fresh.
We could chuck in a few U23 and still have enough to get the point we need but I think we've enough depth to put out a quality senior side that should get the job done.
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Dougie's suspended for Brentford so him and Digne should be certs to play.
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------- Olsen ---------
Cash Lenglet Torres Digne
--- Luiz -- Dendoncker ---
Zaniolo ------------ Ramsey
-- Duran --- Diaby -------
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We could chuck in a few U23 and still have enough to get the point we need but I think we've enough depth to put out a quality senior side that should get the job done.
Do we actually have any non regular first team players we could realistically send to this? Iroegbunam is the only one that springs to mind.
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Olsen
Moreno
Lenglet
Diego
Cash
JJ
Dendoncker
Luiz
Tielemans
Duran
Diaby
I wOuld rest Luiz and Tielemans.
We have bigger fish to fry.
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Olsen
Moreno
Lenglet
Diego
Cash
JJ
Dendoncker
Luiz
Tielemans
Duran
Diaby
I wOuld rest Luiz and Tielemans.
We have bigger fish to fry.
Doug is suspended for Brentford so will be getting a rest then, I would think he will play.
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Just noticed this on Greek fans being banned from all domestic games until February and wondered if it might cause UEFA to move the Conference League final.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/67684377
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When is the 2023/24 Europa Conference League knockout stage?
Knockout round play-offs: 15 and 22 February 2024
Round of 16: 7 and 14 March 2024
Quarter-finals: 11 and 18 April 2024
Semi-finals: 2 and 9 May 2024
Final: 29 May 2024
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I have 2 German Villa fans flying on Thursday morning. They are hoping to get tickets in the home end. Is there anyone currently in Mostar that can help them source tickets before they sell out. If anyone can a DM would be appreciated.
I know it's a long shot!
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Anyone going to be in Split tomorow night..not landing till 8pm but if any plans are in place to meet please post here, taveliing on my own .
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Just noticed this on Greek fans being banned from all domestic games until February and wondered if it might cause UEFA to move the Conference League final to Villa Park.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/67684377
FIFY.
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Anyone going to be in Split tomorow night..not landing till 8pm but if any plans are in place to meet please post here, taveliing on my own .
Steve Gough’s merry men leave from there on Thursday morning so bound to be a few in Split tomorrow
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I'm on Steve Goughs coach so will start with the irish bar and see whose in there
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Dougie's suspended for Brentford so him and Digne should be certs to play.
Yes and Diaby is a booking away from suspension in the next round so he can be on the bench
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Anyone going to be in Split tomorow night..not landing till 8pm but if any plans are in place to meet please post here, taveliing on my own .
Steve Gough’s merry men leave from there on Thursday morning so bound to be a few in Split tomorrow
STEVE GOUGH'S MERRY MEN, SURELY?
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Ah! The comedian one is on tonight.
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Gough. All is revealed (https://twitter.com/premtravel_avfc/status/1731764074415853915)
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Oh heavens!
It's all innocent! It's Prem coach travel!!
I mean I search Steve Gough and it came up with something different and wondered what sort of japes and antics were to be going on! Apologies.
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I'm on Steve Goughs coach so will start with the irish bar and see whose in there
Which Irish bar is it?
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Violence is so bad in Greece that they're playing behind closed doors for two months. It's been steadily getting worse there for a while now and does make me slightly worried for us if we up in Athens, or have to play a Greek team before that.
I don't know any but wonder what Brighton or West Hams fans' experience might have been this season.
Even kicking off at the volleyball there as well, lunatics.
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Feckin… Greeks!
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They invented gayness!
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Even kicking off at the volleyball there as well, lunatics.
It's pretty lively at the basketball as well.
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Teams through so far from completed groups
Group winners
Villa
Fiorentina
PAOK Salonika
Fenerbahçe
Runners up
Leiga Warsaw
Ferencvárosi TC
Frankfurt
Ludogorets
Europa League 3rd place
Union Saint-Gilloise
Maccabi Haifa
Servette
Molde
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In the next round is the draw seeded?
ie all first place clubs get drawn against winners of the play off ties between the second place sides and the EL dropouts?
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That's a winnable tournament.
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In the next round is the draw seeded?
ie all first place clubs get drawn against winners of the play off ties between the second place sides and the EL dropouts?
This is what happened last season so hopefully the same. We will have the home leg second too.
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In the draw for the knockout round play-offs, the eight group runners-up are seeded, and the eight Europa League group third-placed teams are unseeded. The seeded teams are drawn against the unseeded teams, with the seeded teams hosting the second leg. Teams from the same association cannot be drawn against each other.
In the draw for the round of 16, the eight group winners are seeded, and the eight winners of the knockout round play-offs are unseeded. Again, the seeded teams are drawn against the unseeded teams, with the seeded teams hosting the second leg. Teams from the same association cannot be drawn against each other.
In the draws for the quarter-finals onwards, there are no seedings, and teams from the same association could be drawn against each other. As the draws for the quarter-finals and semi-finals are held together before the quarter-finals are played, the identity of the quarter-final winners will not be known at the time of the semi-final draw. A draw will also be held to determine which semi-final winner will be designated as the "home" team for the final (for administrative purposes as it is played at a neutral venue).
The draw for the knockout round play-offs will be held on 18 December 2023, 14:00 CET. The first legs will be played on 15 February 2024 and the second legs will be played on 22 February 2024.
Round of 16
The draw for the round of 16 will be held on 23 February 2024, 13:00 CET. The first legs will be played on 7 March 2024 and the second legs will be played on 14 March 2024.
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And there’s nothing stopping us drawing Legia if they get through the play off.
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And there’s nothing stopping us drawing Legia if they get through the play off.
Are you sure? I know in the Champions League you can't draw teams who were in the same group as you.
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Incorporating Round of 16 for 5 games in 15 days
March:
2nd Luton away
7th Conference League
10th Spurs home
14th Conference League
17thWest Ham away
International Break
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That’s no too bad actually as West Ham will have Europe on that Thursday too. Spurs will be tough.
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And there’s nothing stopping us drawing Legia if they get through the play off.
Are you sure? I know in the Champions League you can't draw teams who were in the same group as you.
The only thing I can see on the UEFA site is that teams from the same country can't play each other.
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And there’s nothing stopping us drawing Legia if they get through the play off.
Are you sure? I know in the Champions League you can't draw teams who were in the same group as you.
Last season group runners up Basel won their play off round match then knocked out Slovan Bratislava in Rnd of 16 - Slovan had topped Basel’s group.
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Ah ok, thanks. Seems like they should be consistent with the CL....they are trying to be with all other aspects.
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Ah ok, thanks. Seems like they should be consistent with the CL....they are trying to be with all other aspects.
I'd imagine the fact that nobody drops down into the CL makes it a bit easier to have that rule.
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When is the 2023/24 Europa Conference League knockout stage?
Knockout round play-offs: 15 and 22 February 2024
Round of 16: 7 and 14 March 2024
Quarter-finals: 11 and 18 April 2024
Semi-finals: 2 and 9 May 2024
Final: 29 May 2024
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At the moment looks like the teams dropping down from Europa are:
Olympiakos (GRE)
Ajax (NLD)
Real Betis (ESP)
SK Sturm Graz (AUT)
Union Saint-Gilloise (BEL)
Maccabi Haifa (ISR)
Servette (SWI)
Molde (NOR)
They will playoff against:
Slovan Bratislava (SVK)
Gent (BEL)
Dinamo Zagreb (CRO)
Bodø/Glimt (NOR)
Legia Warsaw (POL)
Ferencvárosi TC (HUN)
Frankfurt (GER)
Ludogorets (BUL)
Teams from same country can't be drawn against each other, so that's Molde and Bodø/Gmilt, and Union Saint-Gilloise and Gent.
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The top 3 concern me.
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Some nice accessible cities amongst that lot
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Arent Ajax rubbish this year? And Betis can't be that good they've just lost at home to Rangers. Olympiacos could be tricky but so could Fenerbahce, Fiorentina, Lille and others.
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I believe this is the full line up
Group winners
Villa
Fiorentina
PAOK Salonika
Fenerbahçe
Lille
Maccabi Tel-Aviv
Viktoria Plzen
Club Bruges
Runners up
Leiga Warsaw
Ferencvárosi TC
Frankfurt
Ludogorets
Slovan Bratislava
Gent
Dinamo Zagreb
Bodø/Glimt
Europa League 3rd place
Union Saint-Gilloise
Maccabi Haifa
Servette
Molde
Olympiakos
Ajax
Real Betis
SK Sturm Graz
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With that lot you're playing a name. The Premier League is so strong now that almost all of our clubs could get into the Champions League snywhere else. There's not another club in the draw who we wouldn’t be favourites to best.
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Main odds:
Villa 10/3
Fiorentina 5/1
Eintracht Frankfurt 8/1
Lille 10/1
Fenerbahce 12/1
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Not having to travel too far, and fans that don't require major police operations for the home leg would be ideal.
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Main odds:
Villa 10/3
Fiorentina 5/1
Eintracht Frankfurt 8/1
Lille 10/1
Fenerbahce 12/1
I'd say those are the odds before the EL teams dropped down. I'd imagine Real Betis, USG and Ajax (history more than current form) will make it onto that list at the very least..
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Main odds:
Villa 10/3
Fiorentina 5/1
Eintracht Frankfurt 8/1
Lille 10/1
Fenerbahce 12/1
I'd say those are the odds before the EL teams dropped down. I'd imagine Real Betis, USG and Ajax (history more than current form) will make it onto that list at the very least..
Wouldn’t the fact that those teams have a play-off to get through mean their odds will be long(er) compared to the teams already through to the last 16?
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Main odds:
Villa 10/3
Fiorentina 5/1
Eintracht Frankfurt 8/1
Lille 10/1
Fenerbahce 12/1
I'd say those are the odds before the EL teams dropped down. I'd imagine Real Betis, USG and Ajax (history more than current form) will make it onto that list at the very least..
One thing I really like is that those would all be proper European games.
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I can’t see the two Maccabis hosting UEFA games again this season. Haifa played their last two home group games in Larnaca & Budapest, Tel Aviv played their’s in Serbia.
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I'd say those are the odds before the EL teams dropped down. I'd imagine Real Betis, USG and Ajax (history more than current form) will make it onto that list at the very least..
Wouldn’t the fact that those teams have a play-off to get through mean their odds will be long(er) compared to the teams already through to the last 16?
Probably depends on the individual team and circumstances e.g. see Frankfurt. I don't think our odds would lengthen much if we had to play the additional round.
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With that lot you're playing a name. The Premier League is so strong now that almost all of our clubs could get into the Champions League snywhere else. There's not another club in the draw who we wouldn’t be favourites to best.
True Dave, but most of them will be a step up from what we have faced so far.
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With that lot you're playing a name. The Premier League is so strong now that almost all of our clubs could get into the Champions League snywhere else. There's not another club in the draw who we wouldn’t be favourites to best.
True Dave, but most of them will be a step up from what we have faced so far.
They would be but we're still better than them.
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Draw today - Fri - I presume? Am wondering if two draws will be made actually, such that we know which play-off tie's winners we will be playing
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Draw is Monday I think
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With that lot you're playing a name. The Premier League is so strong now that almost all of our clubs could get into the Champions League snywhere else. There's not another club in the draw who we wouldn’t be favourites to best.
True Dave, but most of them will be a step up from what we have faced so far.
They would be but we're still better than them.
Should be, but there do look some tricky away legs in there.
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With that lot you're playing a name. The Premier League is so strong now that almost all of our clubs could get into the Champions League snywhere else. There's not another club in the draw who we wouldn’t be favourites to best.
True Dave, but most of them will be a step up from what we have faced so far.
They would be but we're still better than them.
Should be, but there do look some tricky away legs in there.
That's the spirit.
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Draw today - Fri - I presume? Am wondering if two draws will be made actually, such that we know which play-off tie's winners we will be playing
Play off round draw is Monday as someone else said. We can happily speculate about our fate until 23 February 2024 when all will be revealed (well last 16 draw anyway).
If we happen to be drawn away first gives us 13 days to sort tickets / travel / accommodation etc.
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The teams that have officially qualified. Draw will be seeded
(https://i.ibb.co/xDgJkXL/IMG-1308.jpg) (https://ibb.co/xDgJkXL)
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Draw today - Fri - I presume? Am wondering if two draws will be made actually, such that we know which play-off tie's winners we will be playing
Play off round draw is Monday as someone else said. We can happily speculate about our fate until 23 February 2024 when all will be revealed (well last 16 draw anyway).
If we happen to be drawn away first gives us 13 days to sort tickets / travel / accommodation etc.
We will be away first as seeded.
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Draw today - Fri - I presume? Am wondering if two draws will be made actually, such that we know which play-off tie's winners we will be playing
Play off round draw is Monday as someone else said. We can happily speculate about our fate until 23 February 2024 when all will be revealed (well last 16 draw anyway).
If we happen to be drawn away first gives us 13 days to sort tickets / travel / accommodation etc.
We will be away first as seeded.
Yep, that 7 March game will be away so get your holidays booked and let’s hope for a draw where we get a decent allocation of tickets!
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Went to Mostar on a wing and a prayer and not only managed to get in the stadium but in the Villa end too. Fantastic day yesterday, met loads of really sound Villa fans. Now to do touristy stuff in Herzegovina today, Bosnia tomorrow.
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Villa 7/2
Frankfurt 9/1
Fiorentina 11/2
Lille 12/1
From oddschecker
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Draw today - Fri - I presume? Am wondering if two draws will be made actually, such that we know which play-off tie's winners we will be playing
Play off round draw is Monday as someone else said. We can happily speculate about our fate until 23 February 2024 when all will be revealed (well last 16 draw anyway).
If we happen to be drawn away first gives us 13 days to sort tickets / travel / accommodation etc.
We will be away first as seeded.
Yep, that 7 March game will be away so get your holidays booked and let’s hope for a draw where we get a decent allocation of tickets!
Thanks both. Missed the seeding bit. Useful to know.
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The teams that have officially qualified. Draw will be seeded
(https://i.ibb.co/xDgJkXL/IMG-1308.jpg) (https://ibb.co/xDgJkXL)
Some decent badges in there. I like Lille's.
What's that on Fenerbahce's? A weed?
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An oak leaf.
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Is there an explanation for the Gent one?
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Whenever I see the word Ghent - either the town or the eponymous football club - my internal jukebox queues up "Ain't Nothing Going On But the
Rent Ghent" by Gwen Guthrie.
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Is there an explanation for the Gent one?
Supposedly because Buffalo Bill visited Gent the same year as they were being setup so they decided on the nickname "The Buffalos" and decided the Indian Chieftain in his shows embodied their spirit.
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I didn't realise until today that Maccabi Tel Aviv's manager is Robbie Keane.
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I didn't realise until today that Maccabi Tel Aviv's manager is Robbie Keane.
He did support them as a boy.
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Whenever I see the word Ghent - either the town or the eponymous football club - my internal jukebox queues up "Ain't Nothing Going On But the Rent Ghent" by Gwen Guthrie.
I always think of HMHB. "So think on if your'e up against Gent"
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If anyone’s interested or has a love of overblown nonsense with UEFA suits drawing plastic balls from serving dishes the Europa Conference League Play off draw is live at 1pm on UEFA.tv.
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Sturm Graz v Slovan Bratislva
Servette v Ludogorets
Union St Gilloise v Eintracht Frankfurt
Real Betis v Dinamo Zagreb
Olympiacos v Ferencvaros
Ajax v Bodo/Glimt
Molde v Legia Warsaw
Maccabi Haifa v Gent
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Presumably Warsaw will be playing with no fans again
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They are not allowed to take travelling fans, I dont think they were banned from home games but I might have got that wrong.
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Sturm Graz v Slovan Bratislva
Servette v Ludogorets
Union St Gilloise v Eintracht Frankfurt
Real Betis v Dinamo Zagreb
Olympiacos v Ferencvaros
Ajax v Bodo/Glimt
Molde v Legia Warsaw
Maccabi Haifa v Gent
Would be happy with the winners of either Real Betis / Dinamo Zagreb or Olympiacos / Ferencvaros ties as a glamour fixture for our Round of 16 game.
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If anyone’s interested or has a love of overblown nonsense with UEFA suits drawing plastic balls from serving dishes the Europa Conference League Play off draw is live at 1pm on UEFA.tv.
Ah right, so this is the 'extra' game we avoided by winning the group.
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As easy as possible please so the winner of the Sturm Graz/Slovak Bratislava or Servette/Ludogorets. Or maybe Maccabi Haifa/Gent.
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Da Beeb
Aston Villa are favourites to win the Conference League according to our Euro Club Index. Villa are ranked 21st in Europe and the highest ranked team they could draw in the last-16 is Real Betis (29th).
However, the Spanish team have to first negotiate the knockout play-off round tie against Dinamo Zagreb after being surprised by Rangers in the Europa League last week.
There are only three possible last-16 opponents for Villa amongst the top 64 teams in Europe according to our index - Real Betis (29th), Eintracht Frankfurt (44th) and Union Saint-Gilloise (49th).
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If anyone’s interested or has a love of overblown nonsense with UEFA suits drawing plastic balls from serving dishes the Europa Conference League Play off draw is live at 1pm on UEFA.tv.
Yep
Ah right, so this is the 'extra' game we avoided by winning the group.
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I think the bye for winning the groups in 2nd and 3rd competitions is a really good incentive and removes some of the dead rubbers.
Does anyone know if they are planning something similar in Champions League next year
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I think the bye for winning the groups in 2nd and 3rd competitions is a really good incentive and removes some of the dead rubbers.
Does anyone know if they are planning something similar in Champions League next year
Yes....ish
The top eight sides in the league will qualify automatically for the round of 16, while the teams finishing in 9th to 24th place will compete in a two-legged knock-out phase play-off to secure their path to the last 16 of the competition. Teams that finish 25th or lower will be eliminated, with no access to the UEFA Europa League.
https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/0268-12157d69ce2d-9f011c70f6fa-1000--new-format-for-champions-league-post-2024-everything-you-ne/
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Champions league will be a completely different format next year. Moving to 8 games in a “Swiss league” format.
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Champions league will be a completely different format next year. Moving to 8 games in a “Swiss league” format.
It's mental, I'm playing through it on Football Manager.
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Unfair on Ajax that they have to beat both Bodo AND Glimt.
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I think the bye for winning the groups in 2nd and 3rd competitions is a really good incentive and removes some of the dead rubbers.
Does anyone know if they are planning something similar in Champions League next year
It changes completely next season - four team groups will be a thing of the past. Everyone plays in one big 36 team group but plays eight games against eight different opponents. Top eight go through to last 16 and the teams finishing 9th to 24th go into a play off round. Same or similar with the other two competitions.
So that’s an extra two group dates to fit in, and there’ll still be dead rubbers, maybe even more.
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Apologies for duplicating when UK Redsox posted while I was typing!
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https://www.reddit.com/r/avfc/s/hZsd3PRbto
Anyone lose a flag in Mostar?
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Seems like some of the bigger name teams are playing each other in the next round which is good.
Think I read that the draw for the last 16 is not until February 23rd, so we can really focus on the other competitions for the next couple of months.
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https://www.reddit.com/r/avfc/s/hZsd3PRbto
Anyone lose a flag in Mostar?
These euro types seem to think nicking a flag off a hotel balcony or bar and holding it upside down for photos is the sporting equivalent of holding Rourke's Drift.
Weirdos.
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Weird commies.
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If anybody knows where my flag is, could they let me know.
Last seen in Bilbao in 1977. Not absolutely sure if I lost it, gave it some spaniard or it was stolen. To be honest I was very drunk at the time.
It was a Union flag which I had acquired by shinning up to the top of a flagpole outside a conservative club late one night.
I'm not by nature a thief and also have a terrible head for heights. In my defence I was very drunk at the time.
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If anybody knows where my flag is, could they let me know.
Last seen in Bilbao in 1977. Not absolutely sure if I lost it, gave it some spaniard or it was stolen. To be honest I was very drunk at the time.
It was a Union flag which I had acquired by shinning up to the top of a flagpole outside a conservative club late one night.
I'm not by nature a thief and also have a terrible head for heights. In my defence I was very drunk at the time.
Ha ha there’s a common theme flowing through your post
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https://www.reddit.com/r/avfc/s/hZsd3PRbto
Anyone lose a flag in Mostar?
That was our London Lions flag - on the far left. Someone borrowed it to take to the game and got jumped by FC Velens fans, who nicked it. I think that photo was taken at Velens’ ground at the weekend.
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Er, FC Velez