08 Feb 2026 12:10:11
Apologies for any controversy this may cause in advance.
I personally don, t want European football next season, we have, nt got the squad to compete in it and all the other competitions and you only have to look at Spurs, Newcastle etc and see how it screws up their Premier League performance. Maybe next year after another rebuild we will be in better shape.
Also once we reach the 40 point safety net how about getting our youngsters ready for next season. Anjou, Rohl, Dibling, George, Graham. Rest Keane, Tarkowski, Guyere, McNeil, Beto, Mykolenko and give the youngsters their chance, they are the future and it may save us a fortune next window.
They will only grow with minutes given and hopefully gain in confidence. We can always substitute if needed.
We have the nucleus of a good team going forward, but let’s not lose or sell our up and coming youngsters as we have previously by not giving them a chance. We already have a couple of so called senior players who are not Premier league Standard, so what do we have to lose and maybe everything to gain.
08 Feb 2026 13:20:48
You’re right Yam, we don’t have the squad for it right now. If we achieved a spot though, we’d surely look to build a bigger squad over the summer to manage the increase in games. No guarantee we’ll be in touching distance this time next season, other teams will also strengthen. I hope we nick it personally.
08 Feb 2026 13:29:34
I think it depends what competition tbh. That conference league, you could literally field a side of McNeils and Mykos and have a fair crack at it imo.
The obscure European trips away are just too good to pass up for me.
Recruitment team would have to do their jobs, after all, we have been told that we have the best in class.
08 Feb 2026 14:26:33
Yes you are correct, we don't have the squad, now. However the positives of getting into Europe outweigh the negatives in my humble opinion, both from the clubs viewpoint and as importantly the supporters who need it. We will be able to attract better players, will bring in more revenue and the Manager, whoever it may be, will be forced to use and try out fringe players and youngsters.
We are unlikely to get into the Champions League but one of the other European cups would be an ideal introduction to Europe.
{Ed025's Note - i agree Mike..
08 Feb 2026 14:59:54
Spot on Mike, we have to aspire to better than mid table. The revenue alone makes it worthwhile.
08 Feb 2026 20:30:37
Playing the kids after we get to 40points is exactly what we should be doing. If not all at once, cameos and bit part games.
08 Feb 2026 21:14:24
I don't understand how anyone can say they don't want us to qualify for Europe because we are nit ready. How do you know we're not ready?
Spurs and Newcastle are flying in Europe and struggling in the league because they have been so inconsistent. If we qualify for Europe we will have earned more prize money for finishing further up the league, can try and attract better quality of player and many many other positives for the club. If the only reason fans don't want us to qualify is because 'hypothetically' we don't have the squad to compete on another front, then bring it on and we will find out.
Seeing we're thinking hypothetically I hope we finish in top 4 or 5 and qualify for the Champions league, just like Spurs, Villa and Newcastle have done recently. COYB!