NUFC in Europe?
Posted on February 29th, 2012 | 43 Comments |
Ok. So at this point, with 12 games of the season left and 43 points, we are looking to head to Europe; although that could tempt the “Be careful what you wish for” saying.
The squad we currently have is most certainly unable to cope with so many games in such little time if we were to get to the Europa League. Maybe we would follow the same route as Spurs, play almost a reserve team and ‘concentrate on the league,’ but that would be a waste of a flight, wouldn’t it? But is the Europa League good for us? Because after all, its second best, like the League Cup. Would we get any money from it? Not a great deal probably. We would have to somehow get the money to buy in a lot of good players (not just satisfactory) to strengthen the team during the Summer, because put simply, Perch, Williamson and Guthrie aren’t good enough.
But then comes the need for Europe – Demba Ba, Colo and more are never going to stay if we dont get there. So it is important that we do in some shape or form because there is even the big one to mention, the Champion’s League. If we got there, Ashley wouldn’t need to graffiti the stadium with his blue and red tack because we would be in the money and happy for once. We would have the money to buy in backup players, and contract problems – What are they? So, you see where I’m going, we have to get to the Champion’s League this season or never, well, 10 years time.
The chances we get into Europe this season are high. Chelsea look hopeless right now and things on and beyond the pitch just aren’t going good for them at the moment. Arsenal are the same, I can’t see their defence keeping another clean sheet this season. Yes they just killed Spurs 5-2 (to the pleasure of the larger percentage of the toon who dislike ‘Arry), but truly their woeful performances in matches before outweigh that. They aren’t ever going to be like the “Invincibles” again. They are pretty much a one man team, but, that one man is better than Batman when he is on form! That would be the only reason they would finish 4th – Robin Van Persie and their +16 goal difference. Then comes the daft scousers – I’d rather walk alone. They are already in Europa after their League Cup performance. I loved Stevie Gee’s face when he missed his penna! So where I’m going is, even if we finish 6th, if it is a Spurs v Liverpool final of the FA cup, we are still in with a chance.
The ‘must’ of this season is the Europa League, the ‘should’ is the Champion’s League. I can see us getting at least 21 more points this season, but concentrating on one match at a time, next match being the Mackems at home. That should be interesting! However Pardew does it, 3 points is a must. This time next week we could be in ecstasy like the 1st of November 2010, the day after the demolition derby; or just elated, like the 21st of August 2011, the day after Ryan Taylor over the wall. Either way it’s a 6 points party. Super Senegalese Sunday the sequel? Bend it like Taylor? The curly one strikes again? All aboard the dreamboat? Boom Cheik Cheik the room? Shola? Hatembomb? We will see!
Howay The Lads!
Oh! and at 13 mins on Saturday the entire 52,000 singing ‘Stand Up for St James’ Park’ was momentous. Make it a tradition. #StJamesParkForever.
Poll
According to UEFA the fixed payments for the 2010/2011 UEFA Europa League season were as follows, 1st qualifying round: €90,000 2nd qualifying round: €90,000 3rd qualifying round: €90,000 Playoffs: €90,000 Group stage: €640,000 For each match in group stage: €60,000 Group match victory: €140,000 Group match draw: €70,000 Round of 32: €200,000 Round of 16: €300,000 Quarter-finals: €400,000 Semi-finals: €700,000 Losing Finalist: €2,000,000 Winning the Final: €3,000,000
add the ticket receipts and media revenue to that along with possible shirt sales etc from the club being in the spotlight,
…just so you know.