Reflections on Conference League

[stevo_st]

I’ve enjoyed it, and been great to take my lad to his first, of hopefully many, European game

[Lucky Eddie]

Sorely missed and thoroughly enjoyed our run so far and Hibs is up there with my favourite ever away trips.

[aldridgeboy]

I think it’s a good competition, and I think it’s been very useful for building up the player’s experience of the cadence of managing European football.

This

[VillaTim]

Bayern been kippered here .

[pauliewalnuts]

Bayern been kippered here .

Oh, Timothy!

[AV84]

Two of the injuries (Mings and Buendia) were back in August so just unlucky and nothing to do with extra games. You can probably add Ramsey to that as the challenge he received that broke his foot has lasted all season, and that was as a result of somebody stamping on him. Without those three injuries we'd probably be in a much stronger place to see out the season.

With those 3 players fit though you could argue other players wouldn't have had to play so much, so even as pre season injuries, they've played their part in the fatigue we're seeing now. (Although there's also an argument that without those injuries we maybe don't have Zaniolo and Lenglet, maybe even Rogers, and then the squad is the same size and game time remains the same.....)

Whatever way you look at it it's a learning experience for the players who will still be here next year, and for the management to identify which positions we need to add depth, and which we just straight up need to improve.

[Meanwood Villa]

It's been nice to progress in a cup competition for a change and for the most part we seem to have handled it well. Was gutted after last Thursday but on reflection, if this is it, it beats going out with a whimper early like we do with domestic cups.

Best part was ticking something off the bucket list by seeing the Villa play away in Europe. After 13 years, I was determined to make one trip abroad and Mostar will live long in the memory, a fantastic experience.

[Andy_Lochhead_in_the_air]

Newcastle were quite unlucky to get such an awful group so hopefully we get a more forgiving one.

From 2024-25, all teams will now play eight matches (instead of six) against eight different opponents, with four home ties and four away.

All 36 sides will be ranked in one single league table - three points for a win, one for a draw and none for a defeat.

The top eight in this table will go straight into the knockout stages, while those from ninth to 24th will compete in two-legged play-offs to join them in the last 16.

[Brazilian Villain]

Bayern been kippered here .

No, the game didn't end in a tie.

*Apologies for the American sawker speak.

[Pete3206]

Seeing as Villa Park was bouncing up and down a year ago to see us even qualify for the Conference League, it really is surprising to see some of our supporters still treating the competition with disdain. Up to you I guess, but I've enjoyed the ride and I hope there's more to come still.

[Brazilian Villain]

I think it’s a good competition, and I think it’s been very useful for building up the player’s experience of the cadence of managing European football.

Same for me.

[tomd2103]

Coming out of Villa Park at nearly 10pm on a Thursday night after the Hibs game felt a bit strange, but I've been to all the home games and have enjoyed it. 

The group wasn't the greatest draw, but Ajax and Lille were good draws in the knockout stages along with the semi-final.  Really wanted us to win it and still hold out some hope for tomorrow night, but it has been a good introduction back into European football whatever happens.  Think it will have been a good experience for the players who might not have played European football before and they will only benefit from it going forward. 

[tomd2103]

Didn't have a high opinion at the start but I've been to all the home games and enjoyed them, witnessing a perfect record until the Olympiacos game, the mentalness of the Hibs and Lille fans and the surrealness of the missing Legia fans. European nights feel special regardless of the competition you're in.
/quote]

I'd give a mention to the small band of Bosnian fans that came for the Mostar game as well.  Didn't stop singing all game.

[Tokyo Sexwhale]

I was really hoping we would break our trophy drought - that was more important than it being European competiton or whatever.  Looks like it won't be happening though.

On the other hand, as a rehearsal for the Champions League (or Europa League), it will hopefully be extremely useful.

[Rudy Can't Fail]

Enjoyed being in the competition and the progress but not been impressed with the performances.

That changes later today. Finally we'll take the competition seriously. No excuses. Can't  wait!