European Football

[CB Fry]

Wikipedia seems to suggest the rule is still there.

 

Our computer gaming mentalist will know the answer.

[Redslo]

Must be, because Hull got it last season.

 

Can't say I've heard that rule change.

 

I have found a reference to a rule change on the UEFA web site, but I cannot find the rule itself. http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/news/newsid=2137611.html

 

I have just posted a blog about this general subject entitled “European Qualification Rules for Southampton Fans.”

 

http://redsloscf.blogspot.com/

 

http://redsloscf.blogspot.co.uk/

[spyinthesky]

I want Saints to win as many games as possible and should my wishes come to fruition the prospect of Europa League (and possibly Champions League) is a distinct possibility.

 

I guess the upsides would be:

 

1. Increased profile of the club at home and abroad

2. Greater revenue

3. Ability to keep and attract better players

 

Possible downsides would be:

 

4. Requirement to strengthen squad (would the cost exceed additional revenue?)

5. Increased wages/bonuses (would this impact on Financial Fair Play rules?)

6. Affect of travelling on our domestic form

7. Likelihood of additional match day/season ticket costs

 

I heard a whisper before Xmas, from a well connected source, that the Board were willing to spend big in the January window if Champions league was a possibility.

 

Champions League remains a reasonable prospect but, apart from a replacement for Mane, there doesn't appear to be much prospect of strengthening the squad apart from a possible reaction to Toby's injury.

 

Presumably the Board are considering the pros and cons of further investment in the squad relative to possible benefits and wonder if Redslo or one of the other informative posters could provide a financial analysis of the likely considerations they may be looking at

[CB Fry]

I have found a reference to a rule change on the UEFA web site, but I cannot find the rule itself. http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/news/newsid=2137611.html

 

I have just posted a blog about this general subject entitled “European Qualification Rules for Southampton Fans.”

 

http://redsloscf.blogspot.com/

 

http://redsloscf.blogspot.co.uk/

That's a bit of blow for the FA Cup then.

 

Makes perfect sense but still a shame.

 

But probably for the best in that it takes European spots from teams ill prepared for it - like Hull, where it seems to have done them no favours.

[Saint_Ash]

I suppose it encourages league performance which will be a bonus for us as more than likely a top 4 team will win the FA cup and if we slip out of the top 4 (which if we're being honest if pretty likely at some stage) we can come 5th or 6th and still take a Europa place which we will deserve.

[Plonko]

We'll be guaranteed the minimum of a Europa League spot when we win the FA cup.