UEFA Europa Conference League - Alkmaar, Legia and Zrinjski

[Ads]

It is a major trophy and we're going to win it. Let's fucking goooooo

[Dave]

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.

[VillaTim]

anyway if we can win it , its into the Europa League so it's definitely a step in the right direction.

[PeterWithesShin]

It's taken less than a season for some to go full Wolves.

[AV84]

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.

[chrisw1]

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.

[VillaTim]

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

[Brazilian Villain]

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.

[Axl Rose]

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.

[Clampy]

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.

[PeterWithesShin]

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.

[Clampy]

It's bonkers and a little bit snobby.

[Small Rodent]

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!

[Nunkin1965]

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.

[chrisw1]

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.