Dr Who? Posted 28 May, 2012 Share Posted 28 May, 2012 I know I am getting ahead of myself but I have just been away in the Netherlands for a week and saw many of the grounds on the west and south of the country. This got me thinking about Saints getting into Europe, which with the way things have been going of late could be possible in a couple of years. I would love to get some of the teams in the Netherlands, France, Germany or Belgium just because they are easy to get to, ferry and drive. When we got into Europe in 2003/4 season I was going to drive in my 106..... It never happened. One thing I regret was not going to that game and seeing Saints in Europe, but I was waiting for the next round and a closer game! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thedelldays Posted 28 May, 2012 Share Posted 28 May, 2012 Shall we worry about staying up first? We are more likely to go down than get into europe any time soon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThorpG Posted 28 May, 2012 Share Posted 28 May, 2012 You are right. Let's approach the future with absolutely no hopes or dreams beyond finishing 17th... OK so Fulham, Stoke, P*mpey, Bolton, Birmingham have all played in Europe (all of whom clearly dwarf us in terms of revenues, spending power etc...) in recent years, but we should definitely have lower ambitions. The long term plan of the club should be to get into Europe (realistically the Europa League). No-one (including Doctor Who) is saying this season, but why not in a few years time? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr Who? Posted 28 May, 2012 Author Share Posted 28 May, 2012 Yes of course staying up is a priority, but as many have mentioned, we have a strong fan base. We have a debt free club, with a fantastic infrastructure, including our youth academy, training ground, extending the ground, and the area around SMS. We have links now starting up in Africa, and I am sure we will forge many others in different countries. The club is in a fantastic position to push on. Probably the best time to do so for a long time. Who knows, we could buy new players and things just gel really well. Look at Newcastle believe me they never thought they would be in Europe next season at the start of 2011/12 season. Norwich and Swansea both punched above their weight, and I really do believe we have a better club and more of a chance than bettering what these two did in 2011/12. Our future is bright. Somewhere around mid table next season and pushing for Europe the season after seems possible to me. The club is set up really well and being run the correct way, and we should be even prouder to be Saints fans, and let's dream and let the good times roll. ENJOY! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doddisalegend Posted 28 May, 2012 Share Posted 28 May, 2012 I hate to say it but I'm hoping for relegation this season....hopefully with a drop in ticket prices. Fuc k me if saints become a regular European team I may never see them play live again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SaintBobby Posted 29 May, 2012 Share Posted 29 May, 2012 I know I am getting ahead of myself but I have just been away in the Netherlands for a week and saw many of the grounds on the west and south of the country. This got me thinking about Saints getting into Europe, which with the way things have been going of late could be possible in a couple of years. I would love to get some of the teams in the Netherlands, France, Germany or Belgium just because they are easy to get to, ferry and drive. When we got into Europe in 2003/4 season I was going to drive in my 106..... It never happened. One thing I regret was not going to that game and seeing Saints in Europe, but I was waiting for the next round and a closer game! If you can't afford a season ticket, I'm surprised you're looking forward to away games on the continent. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hutch Posted 29 May, 2012 Share Posted 29 May, 2012 We haven't really been in Europe in the Ryanair/Easyjet/Flybe/Eurostar era. It's a whole new ball game. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Griffo Posted 29 May, 2012 Share Posted 29 May, 2012 This is the only real plus side to us being in the Prem for me. Possible European away trips. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Papa Shango Posted 29 May, 2012 Share Posted 29 May, 2012 We will walk the 2013/14 Champions League Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BristolSaint Posted 29 May, 2012 Share Posted 29 May, 2012 This is the only real plus side to us being in the Prem for me. Possible European away trips. what exactly is there on the negative side to being in the Premier League? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThaiSaint Posted 29 May, 2012 Share Posted 29 May, 2012 I know I am getting ahead of myself but I have just been away in the Netherlands for a week and saw many of the grounds on the west and south of the country. This got me thinking about Saints getting into Europe, which with the way things have been going of late could be possible in a couple of years. I would love to get some of the teams in the Netherlands, France, Germany or Belgium just because they are easy to get to, ferry and drive. When we got into Europe in 2003/4 season I was going to drive in my 106..... It never happened. One thing I regret was not going to that game and seeing Saints in Europe, but I was waiting for the next round and a closer game! Last time I saw Saints play (away) in Europe a player for the other team got injured, was stretchered off and was promptly dropped from the stretcher, breaking his leg. Anyone remember that? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint86 Posted 29 May, 2012 Share Posted 29 May, 2012 Last time I saw Saints play (away) in Europe a player for the other team got injured, was stretchered off and was promptly dropped from the stretcher, breaking his leg. Anyone remember that? Careful, you will have Turkish on your back making sarcastic comments about our "catchment" area and the 5 year plan for champions league football very soon! I happen to disagree with him on both issues ';.;' Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fan The Flames Posted 29 May, 2012 Share Posted 29 May, 2012 Aim for the stars and you might hit the roof tops Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doddisalegend Posted 29 May, 2012 Share Posted 29 May, 2012 what exactly is there on the negative side to being in the Premier League? well off the top of my head A) I can't afford a ST anymore B) we will probably lose a lot more C) we will never win it D) we're unlikely to ever finish in the top 6 E) MarK Lawrenson on MOTD Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Kraken Posted 29 May, 2012 Share Posted 29 May, 2012 well off the top of my head A) I can't afford a ST anymore B) we will probably lose a lot more C) we will never win it D) we're unlikely to ever finish in the top 6 E) MarK Lawrenson on MOTD The biggest difference for me will be the distinct reduction in the amount of Saturday 3pm games. I'm interested to see just how many times we'll play at home for that day and time. I know that the next TV deal will have even more games being shown on TV, meaning that the average club will be on TV 3 times out of 5 games. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doddisalegend Posted 29 May, 2012 Share Posted 29 May, 2012 The biggest difference for me will be the distinct reduction in the amount of Saturday 3pm games. I'm interested to see just how many times we'll play at home for that day and time. I know that the next TV deal will have even more games being shown on TV, meaning that the average club will be on TV 3 times out of 5 games. Might as well all just get sky and stay at home cheaper than going to the match (espeically when you throw in travel expenses and such like to the cost of a ticket) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The9 Posted 29 May, 2012 Share Posted 29 May, 2012 I know I am getting ahead of myself but I have just been away in the Netherlands for a week and saw many of the grounds on the west and south of the country. This got me thinking about Saints getting into Europe, which with the way things have been going of late could be possible in a couple of years. I would love to get some of the teams in the Netherlands, France, Germany or Belgium just because they are easy to get to, ferry and drive. When we got into Europe in 2003/4 season I was going to drive in my 106..... It never happened. One thing I regret was not going to that game and seeing Saints in Europe, but I was waiting for the next round and a closer game! Have you SEEN the price of petrol ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr Who? Posted 29 May, 2012 Author Share Posted 29 May, 2012 Have you SEEN the price of petrol ? Don't get me started! I already have to travel 233 mile round trip, when I do go to home games. I prefer away games and will choose this option. If I got a season ticket I would not be able to go to every home game, and would not be able to go to away games at all. For me and others it is not just the case of buying a season ticket it is petrol and food for the day. Now if we got into Europe I would do all I could to get to away games yes, but this would put the league right on the back burner and I would probably make a family break away out of it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
suewhistle Posted 29 May, 2012 Share Posted 29 May, 2012 Last time I saw Saints play (away) in Europe a player for the other team got injured, was stretchered off and was promptly dropped from the stretcher, breaking his leg. Anyone remember that? Carrick Rangers, from memory, so at my age an inaccurate one! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
suewhistle Posted 29 May, 2012 Share Posted 29 May, 2012 I'm currently abroad but if/when I move back it'll certainly be time for a new car. Perhaps I'd better get one of those 80mpg extra-urban jobs for a pootle across Europe every now and again. It's certainly good to dream, even if some people on this board like to come down on you like a ton of hot bricks for thought crime. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
suewhistle Posted 29 May, 2012 Share Posted 29 May, 2012 well off the top of my head A) I can't afford a ST anymore B) we will probably lose a lot more C) we will never win it D) we're unlikely to ever finish in the top 6 E) MarK Lawrenson on MOTD You sound a bit like Marvin the paranoid android. Joking aside, is the season ticket THAT more expensive this year? If you really want to go couldn't you work in a pub one night a week or something like that? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buctootim Posted 29 May, 2012 Share Posted 29 May, 2012 You dont even have to get something incredibly high tech and expensive. Smallish diesel hatchbacks are incredibly efficient . Citroen C2 1.4 HDi and Renault Clio 1.5HDI will both get you over 65mpg. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doddisalegend Posted 30 May, 2012 Share Posted 30 May, 2012 You sound a bit like Marvin the paranoid android. Joking aside, is the season ticket THAT more expensive this year? If you really want to go couldn't you work in a pub one night a week or something like that? Well thanks to the seating area being re-classified the loss of free kids tickets and my eldest turning 12 the cost of STs for me and the kids has shot up. I already have a full time job...If I could covince the bank to forget about the mortgage I'll be alright:) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doddisalegend Posted 30 May, 2012 Share Posted 30 May, 2012 You dont even have to get something incredibly high tech and expensive. Smallish diesel hatchbacks are incredibly efficient . Citroen C2 1.4 HDi and Renault Clio 1.5HDI will both get you over 65mpg. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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