UEFA Europa Conference League - Alkmaar, Legia and Zrinjski

[PaulWinch again]

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.

[Andy_Lochhead_in_the_air]

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.

[sendô WHU]

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.

[Steve67]

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. 

[Brazilian Villain]

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.

[LeeB]

I'm over the moon that we have got European football back at Villa Park.

You and me both brother

[Lastfootstamper]

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!

[PeterWithesShin]

I hope West Ham get smashed in the final. Same as I do every English club that isn't us.

[Rory]

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.

[algy]

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.

[Meanwood Villa]

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

[Meanwood Villa]

Apart from Blues obvs

[Rory]

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.

[edgysatsuma89]

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."

[TonyD]

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.