Mon 17 Apr 06
Switching Tables
A number of the promotion and relegation decisions are in, courtesy of BBC and the Telegraph.
Some events ahead to watch for:
- If Arsenal wins the Champions League and still finishes behind Tottenham in fifth, Spurs get punted into the UEFA Cup instead of the Champions League. Rather like being named UEFA’s Miss Congeniality, except parts of North London won’t be that pretty afterwards.
- Grimsby Town look to move up from League Two to League One. The result? A near-apocalyptic derby with Scunthorpe United that will make Lincolnshire look like Fallujah.
Paul Canniff
I’m not sure that’s the case re: Spurs and Arsenal. Everton faced the same fears last year - it was “the nightmare scenario” with a 4th place finish but Liverpool winning the CL and bumping Everton out of Europe. I forget the decision, but Liverpool were allowed to defend their title - at one point, the Welsh league’s winner was willing to play them for their spot (it would have been a huge cash infusion for the Welsh team), but UEFA allowed Liverpool in as Champions.
At any rate, I think Spurs could find a way in.
MikeC, it is the way now. Check the regulations on UEFA’s site. Actually, it is still down to the respective association to nominate the champion in place of the 4th-placed domestic side. It’s not an obligation. But there will not be five English (or from any other nationality) sides entering into future Champions League competitions.
It’s a stupid rule if you ask me. Having 4 teams in from England, Italy, and Spain is already too many for my liking. How are #2, #3 and #4 Champions?! It’s absurd. Make it top 3 at most, and then if the title-holder doesn’t qualify the next year, then 4 teams enter. It’s an unfair knock against the big 3 leagues, because if this situation happens with a German, French or Portuguese team, they’re not affected (they would be allowed 4 entries, instead of their normal 3).
I’m seriously torn between wanting Arsenal - a traditionally BIG team - to win Europe’s top prize, and wanting Tottenham, with their great array of exciting English youth, to test themselves against the very best.
Either way, they are in Europe next season (barring a major collapse), and will develop the mentality needed for European games in either the top competition or the UEFA Cup.
There are many fine English teams at the moment who would do well in Europe. One only needs to look at M’Boro residing in 13th spot in the EPL, yet in the UEFA Cup semi’s.
I stand corrected. Thx.