Top Four Possibility

[bluestevon]

No see, I'm not - I'm saying I don't want the Europa League to be a distraction to the real goal of breaking the glass ceiling of the top four. Until we have a squad to passively cope with the Europa League, it is not worthwhile. That's my position and has been throughout - that the Europa League for Everton next year would be detrimental to our bigger aims.

Unles sofc the finances are there to greatly increase the size/quality of the squad to cope with it, hence the removal of so much dead wood this year who frankly arent even good squad options for the europa for example

 

[Goat]

No see, I'm not - I'm saying I don't want the Europa League to be a distraction to the real goal of breaking the glass ceiling of the top four. Until we have a squad to passively cope with the Europa League, it is not worthwhile. That's my position and has been throughout - that the Europa League for Everton next year would be detrimental to our bigger aims.

We currently have 14 players out on loan, we have enough players.

 

[ijjysmith]

It's like people don't want us to do well.

 

[USABlue]

It's like people don't want us to do well.

people think you can just skip ahead from finishing 8th-11th to top 4

 

[Dymak]

I don't think players are that arsed about the EL. Money, geography, the needs of their family, and the club's league performance will all be given far greater weighting than the prospect of playing Lokamotiv Tranmere in a half-full stadium with TV viewing figures being less than what you get for an episode of Neighbours, when it comes to choosing a club to play for.

 

[Tubey]

Unles sofc the finances are there to greatly increase the size/quality of the squad to cope with it, hence the removal of so much dead wood this year who frankly arent even good squad options for the europa for example

I'm 100% sure we'll be bringing in quite a few very good quality players this summer with or without the Europa League. I'm sure we could cope with that competition and get to the latter stages, but it'd come at a cost in the league - I'd rather those very good players coming in were focussed on 38 games towards one set goal rather than 50-60 games aiming at four goals.

 

[davek]

You're never happy! We need the exposure that the EL brings us. We can't just say "Ok it's either top 4 or we have to finish lower than 7th to avoid the EL". It's a good tournament and one we could possibly do very well in provided we get the signings we need. We have a good bunch of "kids" who are ready for the extra work an EL campaign would give us. I think it's imperative that we reach Europe as soon as possible. On topic: Top 4 is possible but highly unlikely. I'd take 6th right now but would love to finish above both United and the rs. So 5th for me. Confused myself now.

I associate it with Moyes' terrible season starts when we were in it under him and Martinez's second season woes - which specifically started after a gruelling game away at Wolfsburg then we played Spurs and lost. That team never had the same feel to it again.

So, be careful what you wish for.

 

[Goat]

I'm 100% sure we'll be bringing in quite a few very good quality players this summer with or without the Europa League. I'm sure we could cope with that competition and get to the latter stages, but it'd come at a cost in the league - I'd rather those very good players coming in were focussed on 38 games towards one set goal rather than 50-60 games aiming at four goals.

We dont even need to do well in the Europa league, we simply need to qualify for it.

Play the U18s in it for all I care, but we need it to attract players in the summer.

 

[ianefc]

We wont be getting CL without tier 2 players, tier 2 player require Europe, we wont be getting CL without the big man upfront, the big man upfront requires Europe, we wont be getting CL without increase revenue, Europe increases revenue and exposure which in turn generates money.

Chicken and egg Ian.

I'd be interested to know what we received for getting up to and including the Kiev game in 14/15 and although hypothetical how many places it cost us in the league that year and what that equated to.

 

[Goat]

I md be interested to know what we received for getting up to and including the Kiev game in 14/15 and although hypothetical how many places it cost us in the league that year and what that equated to.

Never judge a season based on certain managers.

Moyes always managed European football and placing retention.

 

[jinkyali]

Hardly likely to say they arent arsed about it though are they?

No. But it will help get others in the door.
Imagine being able to offer money AND european football.

 

[Tubey]

We dont even need to do well in the Europa league, we simply need to qualify for it.

Play the U18s in it for all I care, but we need it to attract players in the summer.

I said that earlier that I'd play the reserves if we qualified, so yeah I agree.

Problem is we won't. Also, I feel you greatly overestimate the pull the Europa League has. It's like Queens to Wimbledon - nobody cares who wins Queens.

 

[The Rhino]

The EL is a fantastic competition to be in and for match going fans it's a chance to have class away days abroad. It also attracts better players and with a good manager and money to bulk up the squad we could still maintain a challenge for the top 6/7 places whilst competing in the EL.

The odds on us at present breaking into the top 4 in 2 consecutive seasons is very unlikely, and I am of the opinion that finishing in it the one season does absolutely nothing for you.

What did cracking the top 4 do for Liverpool the one season? Nothing they lost Suarez and still couldn't attract top players. Leicester the same last season and it would be the same for us.

We have no chance of winning the CL either, whereas we have an outside chance of winning the EL. I've said it before but those not wanting to finish in a EL place because it could effect our chances of top 4 are clowns imo. When was the last time we played in the CL? my point exactly.

 

[Goat]

I said that earlier that I'd play the reserves if we qualified, so yeah I agree.

Problem is we won't. Also, I feel you greatly overestimate the pull the Europa League has. It's like Queens to Wimbledon - nobody cares who wins Queens.

Football players care mate.

Most of them have clauses in sponsor contracts that give them dollar, dollar bills for European football.

 

[jinkyali]

I md be interested to know what we received for getting up to and including the Kiev game in 14/15 and although hypothetical how many places it cost us in the league that year and what that equated to.

TBF you cant judge it how many places it cost you as there are so many more factors that go into league season performances.