Alkmaar (A)

[stokearab]

Teams like us & motherwell should be nowhere near europe. Any half decent continental side is miles ahead of us in every way. Players that we can attract just cannot string a few performances together for a few games let alone most of a season. One good show in 10 & they think thats good enough. Its like they just arent bothered. No personal pride in being the best they can be week after week. Absolutely hacked off with modern football & modern footballers. It hasnt helped having a new manager,new players & next to no games before we played in europe but if these players dont bust a gut for the next 6 months then the fans are more than entitled to give everyone of them a hard time. Last week was great but if we can scrape not being bottom that will do me. Whats the point of making europe if thats what you experience?

You make some good points but would it be also fair to say we're still in transition from a team that was battling to stay in the division under Mellon to a team that can genuinely compete for European places. Why would we want to be in Europe - the same answer as 7 days ago because if you can get through to the group stages it's big money for a club of our size. And that in turn leads to more investment in players.
Imo to say we shouldn't bother is wrong though.

[Bannons boots]

You make some good points but would it be also fair to say we're still in transition from a team that was battling to stay in the division under Mellon to a team that can genuinely compete for European places. Why would we want to be in Europe - the same answer as 7 days ago because if you can get through to the group stages it's big money for a club of our size. And that in turn leads to more investment in players.
Imo to say we shouldn't bother is wrong though.

Yes re transition. This tie came far too soon for us. If we were even a month or 2 into things we might have fared better but we will never know. As for progressing to group stages I think thats a pipe dream thats very unlikely to ever happen to clubs like ours. Being beaten I can accept. Being hammered & embarrassed I cant. These players now have no good will left in reserve & a tough Hearts game next could well mean this season is a battle before its barely started