European qualification

[JamesMcClean]

Following yesterday, we’re clearly realigning our ambitions now from those at the start of the season. From wanting to avoid the bottom two, top 6 is not just an aim but likely a probability. We’re 10 points clear of 7th with a much better GD and even if we have a poorer points return in this next round of fixtures it’s still unlikely to be insufficient to at least get top 6.

However obviously there is a big chance of achieving much more than this. But here’s the rub - deep down do we really want European football at this stage of our development cycle? It would be way ahead of where even the most optimistic of Arabs would have expected to be and very likely those in the Club as well. I look at provincial teams that qualify for Europe (and even the New Club this season) and European qualification is actually a bit of a poisoned chalice. You only have to look at ourselves two years ago but also look at the likes of Killie, Hearts and St Mirren this season, the SSBs last season and numerous others along the way. The fact is that although it’s a bit of a jolly the truth is that it places huge demands on a Club in terms of expanding squad size and quality in a relatively short period of time and the finances required for this plus the big one, which is normally an early start with a curtailed pre season and if you?re incredibly lucky (which if we finish 3rd will happen) then having to juggle midweek games with weekend league fixtures. History shows that Scottish Clubs (mostly bar Celtic although they struggle at times too) have great difficulty negotiating such schedules and it’s not uncommon to see teams who had done well and qualified the previous season subsequently struggling in the League the following season.

So are we ready for this? Personally I think the jury is out. I would have my concerns following on from two years ago and is it something the Club would have remotely even thought about preparing for back in July last year? Would it have implications for who gets kept in May and who gets released? Lost and lots to think about but in the meantime let’s just keep winning…..

[Arabdownsouth]

Following yesterday, we’re clearly realigning our ambitions now from those at the start of the season. From wanting to avoid the bottom two, top 6 is not just an aim but likely a probability. We’re 10 points clear of 7th with a much better GD and even if we have a poorer points return in this next round of fixtures it’s still unlikely to be insufficient to at least get top 6.

However obviously there is a big chance of achieving much more than this. But here’s the rub - deep down do we really want European football at this stage of our development cycle? It would be way ahead of where even the most optimistic of Arabs would have expected to be and very likely those in the Club as well. I look at provincial teams that qualify for Europe (and even the New Club this season) and European qualification is actually a bit of a poisoned chalice. You only have to look at ourselves two years ago but also look at the likes of Killie, Hearts and St Mirren this season, the SSBs last season and numerous others along the way. The fact is that although it’s a bit of a jolly the truth is that it places huge demands on a Club in terms of expanding squad size and quality in a relatively short period of time and the finances required for this plus the big one, which is normally an early start with a curtailed pre season and if you?re incredibly lucky (which if we finish 3rd will happen) then having to juggle midweek games with weekend league fixtures. History shows that Scottish Clubs (mostly bar Celtic although they struggle at times too) have great difficulty negotiating such schedules and it’s not uncommon to see teams who had done well and qualified the previous season subsequently struggling in the League the following season.

So are we ready for this? Personally I think the jury is out. I would have my concerns following on from two years ago and is it something the Club would have remotely even thought about preparing for back in July last year? Would it have implications for who gets kept in May and who gets released? Lost and lots to think about but in the meantime let’s just keep winning…..

We'll be lucky to get through a qualifier anyway tbh and it means we wouldn't have to play in the league cup group stages so f*ck yeah we should always be aiming as high as possible. European nights are some of my best United memories so we should be trying to bring them back whenever possible or what's the whole point of everything? Win every single game should be the mentality.

[Steve Finan]

Excellent point James. I have been thinking along the same lines.
It is, of course, very much an idle "what if" musing point at the moment. But your points about how qualifying for Europe has damaged clubs makes this a very interesting point.

[weegiearab]

Qualifying for Europe may well help selling the club and getting better players in.

[Stoke_Arab]

If either Celtic or Newco win the Scottish Cup, 5th place will get Conf League play off and it's looking likely that we could be 3rd 4th or 5th so likely hard to avoid! But let's not think too much about that for now. The sole aim and focus needs to be on finishing as high in the league as possible and staying in the Scottish Cup as long as possible.
Here's the permutations
https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/a...s/c623p9qmlveo

We were a wee bit unlucky to draw a side as strong as Alkmaar for our return to Europe and we shouldn't be scarred by that away result. And as ADS says as a club we should always be showing ambition.
The financial boost to the club that would result from qualification to group stages would be potentially game changing for the club. So bring it on.

[Arabs4ever]

As long as we keep the wage structure in place and we build a squad with strength and depth European football should be welcomed. What I don't want to happen is we throw stupid money at the situation for what might just be two fixtures.

At least we have a manager who sees the priority of being getting a striker in with pace. Unfortunately when the fans were calling for a new goalie our manager, sporting director and chairman thought no, we know best and relegation was rightfully ours. Imagine going against your fans who want to see their team do well, phucking nuts imo.

[shedka]

I think we should just cross that bridge if it comes and that's still a fair if with the upcoming fixtures

If we keep taking it fans by game and we end up in Europe, yes it's a good thing, we would need to add depth and keep nice of the team at have now to deal with all comps but financially it's a no brainer

However feet on ground, game by game has served us well

[Arabdownsouth]

If we do finish 3rd do we still drop into the conference league group stages if we lose the europa league qualifier? Been trying to find out but can't seem to get a straight answer

[shedka]

If we do finish 3rd do we still drop into the conference league group stages if we lose the europa league qualifier? Been trying to find out but can't seem to get a straight answer

Yea they usually do if it's the rd to quality for the Europa group stage and they lose

[ROMA84]

To qualify for European competition would be good for giving players and fans a euro experience. There will be teams like us from various countries, with limited finance and players in a once in a lifetime position to enter european cometition. I have been fortunate to have been to various countrys following United and it would be a great experience for our team and fans to achieve this.