European football....worth the risk

LoveCurryPies · Post by **LoveCurryPies** » Sat Apr 07, 2018 5:57 pm

I’m a great believer in aiming high....the higher the better.

But, could the additional matches in Europe risk next season’s Premier League survival? I’m only thinking the chance of more injuries.

Or, will we sign more quality players in the summer to account for this?

Barry_Chuckle · Post by **Barry_Chuckle** » Sat Apr 07, 2018 5:58 pm

Absolutely worth the risk.............

ClaretMoffitt · Post by **ClaretMoffitt** » Sat Apr 07, 2018 5:59 pm

Who cares?

We'll get to see Burnley play in Europe. Something I don't think any of of us would have dreamed possible not too long ago. What will be will be but should we achieve European football, that's something nobody will ever be able to take away from us and will last a lifetime.

Imploding Turtle · Post by **Imploding Turtle** » Sat Apr 07, 2018 6:01 pm

It's not just worth the risk, it's worth getting relegated for. We go down there's every reason to think we'll bounce right back. But how often will Burnley get European footbal opportunities? I'd rather Burnley play in the Europa League but get relegated than not play in Europe and grind away to a mid-table finish next season.

clarethomer · Post by **clarethomer** » Sat Apr 07, 2018 6:01 pm

Cant wait for all the discussion around how tickets are allocated....

jedi_master · Post by **jedi_master** » Sat Apr 07, 2018 6:03 pm

Absolutely worth the risk.

When my Dad took me to my first match in 1992 against Mansfield Town, in his wildest dreams he would never have thought we would be watching Premier League football every week. Europe though? Absolutely insane to even think that we could see Burnley playing amongst the elite all over Europe, and not through some fanny route like 'Fair play' - but through actual league position qualification.

Make it happen Burnley, aside from winning a trophy this would make literally every wish I could ever reasonably have dreamt of from the moment Glen scored against Scunthorpe have become a reality.

Genuinely - the prospect of this excites me just as much as the prospect of the Prem did on the 25th May 2009, not even joking.

wickdkewlclaret · Post by **wickdkewlclaret** » Sat Apr 07, 2018 6:05 pm

Burnley. Europe. Come on! We should be in dream land and relishing the challenge, if we do qualify I am confident we will have a squad that can cope after the summer. End of the day we can now attract the calibor of player to take us to the next level.

BabylonClaret · Post by **BabylonClaret** » Sat Apr 07, 2018 6:06 pm

What Jedi said. Except Ive been going on the Turf since 75/76.

IndigoLake · Post by **IndigoLake** » Sat Apr 07, 2018 6:08 pm

100% worth it. If anybody knows how to get those extra miles out of players, it's Dyche. He'll make sure we have enough strength in depth and that we rotate when needed. We may not finish as high in the PL next season but unless relegated, I think a foray in Europe is worth it, yes.

Wilsdenclaret · Post by **Wilsdenclaret** » Sat Apr 07, 2018 6:11 pm

jedi_master · Post by **jedi_master** » Sat Apr 07, 2018 6:12 pm

The other thing to consider is the impact this will have on our potential incomings, and potential contract extensions (i.e, Defour, Mee, Gudmundsson etc).

We may become tempting enough to genuinely look at the likes of Shaqiri when Stoke go down, the wages might still be a joke for us to consider, but who knows, we would certainly be more tempting for some of these lads.

Burnley_Mark · Post by **Burnley_Mark** » Sat Apr 07, 2018 6:12 pm

Cold Thursday nights is some Eastern European ex communist city we had to look up on the internet where it even was?
I would love it.

CrosspoolClarets · Post by **CrosspoolClarets** » Sat Apr 07, 2018 6:14 pm

Win next week. Qualify with 3 games to go. Give the players an early 2 week Summer break. Play reserves for last two games. Bring everything forward. Rest the World Cup players until the group stages. Rotate players so everyone misses one group stage away game.

The road map to a successful 18/19.

Bloody brilliant Burnley, now finish the job

NellyDBFC · Post by **NellyDBFC** » Sat Apr 07, 2018 6:15 pm

clarethomer wrote:Cant wait for all the discussion around how tickets are allocated....

Serious Qustion how big will the demand be ?

Firthy · Post by **Firthy** » Sat Apr 07, 2018 6:19 pm

Won't be a question when Southampton win the cup

Zom Zom · Post by **Zom Zom** » Sat Apr 07, 2018 6:22 pm

Even Paul Matson says 'roll with it'.

Talking to their grandchildren, are our current crop going to say "we survived in the PL?"

No. Go for it. Why not?

Well said Merse. Not my favourite pundit, but sense at last.

Steve1956 · Post by **Steve1956** » Sat Apr 07, 2018 6:25 pm

The Orient game...York ....... Mullen ......worth the risk of course it is,football is about adventures most of our support under 60 will never have expieranced our club doing so well,if it's not worth the risk...what's it all about?

Tribesmen · Post by **Tribesmen** » Sat Apr 07, 2018 6:25 pm

Yer why not the fans would love it and hey not many of us can say on here we were on the last trip to Europe with the Clarets . Those that can please let us know what it was like .

LoveCurryPies · Post by **LoveCurryPies** » Sat Apr 07, 2018 6:26 pm

Ok, love the excitement you have all shown. When would the list of matches be published?

4:20 · Post by **4:20** » Sat Apr 07, 2018 6:27 pm

Would be a dream come true to see Burnley play in Europe and I'm sure for the players too.

clarethomer · Post by **clarethomer** » Sat Apr 07, 2018 6:35 pm

NellyDBFC wrote:Serious Qustion how big will the demand be ?

I don't know but there will be complaints about...

- Not fair that those with the most points get priority even though the person who hasn't has been to every away game since... ever.

- Cant get a ticket for my child/mate because they havent got sufficient points....

- Not fair that the supporters clubs seem to be able to get tickets....

- Whatever excuse makes their situation benefit where it currently doesn't.

Now, I haven't been to an away game for the last 2 seasons but I have been a ST holder for a lengthy period of time which puts me in the top priority of tickets normally. It's the first time I will have seen us in Europe due to my age - am I going to go if I can - hell yeah - its an experience isn't it.

Cajun · Post by **Cajun** » Sat Apr 07, 2018 6:36 pm

I still talk about the Napoli and Eintracht European games. As for another Euro campaign 50 years on, it would be another step up on our amazing recent achievements, and could only raise the profile of the club. Could it stretch our squad and resources - it might. Could it inspire fans and players alike to push on even further - it might. We don't know, but I think qualifying for Europe would represent a magnificent achievement for us

yorkyclaret · Post by **yorkyclaret** » Sat Apr 07, 2018 6:38 pm

4:20 wrote:Would be a dream come true to see Burnley play in Europe and I'm sure for the players too.

Could be the only chance some of them will ever have to play in Europe.

Ric_C · Post by **Ric_C** » Sat Apr 07, 2018 6:40 pm

Absolutely yes. It’s another part of our gradual growth. Think it would help us with recruiting in the summer as well

bob-the-scutter · Post by **bob-the-scutter** » Sat Apr 07, 2018 6:51 pm

Cajun wrote:I still talk about the Napoli and Eintracht European games. As for another Euro campaign 50 years on, it would be another step up on our amazing recent achievements, and could only raise the profile of the club. Could it stretch our squad and resources - it might. Could it inspire fans and players alike to push on even further - it might. We don't know, but I think qualifying for Europe would represent a magnificent achievement for us

Me too. I still remember queuing for my Eintracht ticket and standing on the Cricketfield end with my rolls of Izal.

Thompson for Scotland! Brilliant nights.

UpTheClaretsFCBK · Post by **UpTheClaretsFCBK** » Sat Apr 07, 2018 7:17 pm

We were in the 3rd division when I first started watch Burnley.

This might be the last chance in any of our lifetimes for us to play European football.

To think some people don’t want it is completely bemusing.

Pstotto · Post by **Pstotto** » Sat Apr 07, 2018 8:50 pm

Only use the development squad and the reserves. We won't win the competition, it's a massive slog and just a few squad depletions and we are struggling. We've hardly scored any goals in fact a relegation amount, to be fair. next season could easily go awry without Europe. let's see if we can qualify and then have some fun with it, only.

bob-the-scutter · Post by **bob-the-scutter** » Sat Apr 07, 2018 8:53 pm

We also have the added bonus`s of being able to offer prospective transfer targets European football, not to mention a manager who can now manage in Europe and players such as Defour and Mee should be tempted to stay.

Indecisive · Post by **Indecisive** » Sat Apr 07, 2018 9:11 pm

Pstotto wrote:Only use the development squad and the reserves. We won't win the competition, it's a massive slog and just a few squad depletions and we are struggling. We've hardly scored any goals in fact a relegation amount, to be fair. next season could easily go awry without Europe. let's see if we can qualify and then have some fun with it, only.

Definitely one of your wackier posts.

Claretincraven · Post by **Claretincraven** » Sat Apr 07, 2018 9:13 pm

I an remember my disappointment in 1967 at not being allowed to go to watch us play Eintracht Frankfurt at Turf Moor in the Inter Cities Fairs Cup. I was only 10 at the time, and I suppose it was understandable not being allowed to go on a school night. 51 years later I might have the chance to finally watch us play in Europe. Worth the risk? Too bloody right it is.

levraiclaret · Post by **levraiclaret** » Sat Apr 07, 2018 9:29 pm

I'm a cautious sort, but football is about the glory so lets go for it.
We will have to strengthen the squad again, but we have done it every season.
Europa league football will increase our profile and help us attract better players.
Dyche and Garlick will put the resources in place i'm sure.
Claret passports at the ready.

Lancasterclaret · Post by **Lancasterclaret** » Sat Apr 07, 2018 9:32 pm

Something like this is why you support a football team.

That one season where something amazing happens. We've been lucky under SD that those days have come along fairly often, but this would be one of those "I was there" moments.

I mean, we might not even get past the qualifying rounds (seriously gets in the way of pre-season) but its still well worth it.

DCWat · Post by **DCWat** » Sat Apr 07, 2018 9:33 pm

Big challenge for a smaller club, to be able to have a squad of significant depth and quality to be able to deal with the extra games and travel.

It certainly wouldn’t make next season an easy one in terms of Premier League survival but as I said to our lass when paving the way for some trips to obscure places, it really could be a once in a lifetime opportunity - bring it on.

Vino blanco · Post by **Vino blanco** » Sat Apr 07, 2018 9:34 pm

I'm afraid that I am in the camp that says it could be a bit too much for our small squad. If we do qualify, we will need at least four or five quality players to get through the season.

Celts · Post by **Celts** » Mon Apr 09, 2018 1:48 am

Yes, if we get chance, go for it. Sean and the board will have a plan. One game at a time though.

No Ney Never · Post by **No Ney Never** » Mon Apr 09, 2018 7:35 am

In footballing terms it is worth the risk.
In terms of 'some' of our supporters, I just hope that if it comes off then they will represent the club in a manner that is the opposite of how some English fans behaved in Amsterdam. That to me is the biggest risk.

jlup1980 · Post by **jlup1980** » Mon Apr 09, 2018 7:55 am

Pope
Lowton Tarky Mee Ward
Lennon Detour Cork Brady
Wood Barnes

Heaton
New Long New Taylor
New Westwood Hendrick JBG
Vokes New

I expect we'll move one or two on in the summer (Arfield, Marney, Bardsley, Walters and Wells spring to mind) but it's an opportunity to bring in some top quality replacements; maybe a couple who can seriously challenge for the first team. Europe would be hard for us but it would be a great opportunity to continue our progression also.

Grumps · Post by **Grumps** » Mon Apr 09, 2018 8:44 am

Imploding Turtle wrote:It's not just worth the risk, it's worth getting relegated for. We go down there's every reason to think we'll bounce right back. But how often will Burnley get European footbal opportunities? I'd rather Burnley play in the Europa League but get relegated than not play in Europe and grind away to a mid-table finish next season.

Wow... Worth getting relegated for? Really? I wouldn't be confident of bouncing back either, too many clubs have thought the same thing and still remain midtable championship teams, or worse, not a risk worth taking.

No Ney Never · Post by **No Ney Never** » Mon Apr 09, 2018 8:54 am

What's wrong with winning it, finish mid table and play champions league the following season?

Silkyskills1 · Post by **Silkyskills1** » Mon Apr 09, 2018 11:31 am

Seems the mantra of 'small steps' that have and are serving us well has been well and truly kicked into touch. 'Be careful what you wish for' springs to mind and though it is viewed sometimes as an over-cautious approach I certainly don't want a foray into Europe at the expense of my weekly,enjoyable indulgence currently. And I was around for Reims, Hamburg, Stuttgart, Lausanne, Napoli and Eintracht Frankfurt but that was a completely different era to the one we are in now. At best, I'm sitting on the fence on this one at the moment.

ClaretTony · Post by **ClaretTony** » Mon Apr 09, 2018 11:46 am

I've been playing it down for the last few weeks because I didn't even really want to think of something that might not happen. I am privileged, because of my age, to have seen us play in the European Cup and the Fairs Cup but I wasn't old enough to travel so I watched only the home games. I know at least a couple of posters on this message board certainly went to one of the Fairs Cup games away.

It might not be the best idea to qualify in some ways, financially it won't be good and it might affect the squad and it's ability to compete as well in the Premier League. BUT I'm so excited at the prospect of potentially seeing us playing away in Europe.

It's not happened yet but I really am hoping we're going on a European tour.

Milltown1882 · Post by **Milltown1882** » Mon Apr 09, 2018 11:51 am

We've made massive steps forward this season but we're always looking to improve year after year. We aren't going to be in contention for Champions League/winning the league etc so this really is as good as it gets for us at this stage. Europe would be the dream but I can see why different generations of fans will have different opinions on it.

Murger · Post by **Murger** » Mon Apr 09, 2018 11:52 am

Absolutely yes. Bring it!!

Erasmus · Post by **Erasmus** » Mon Apr 09, 2018 12:20 pm

I was against the idea at first as the new TV deal means that staying up next season will make a huge difference to the club as a whole. But on reading through the posts I have changed my mind. Even though there is no trophy for it (and perhaps there should be) finishing 'best of the rest' and playing in Europe is a permanent achievement for the club. The best I can ever see us doing. So I think now we have to go for it, even if it means scrapping for our lives in the league next season.

Goobs · Post by **Goobs** » Mon Apr 09, 2018 12:29 pm

As a kid who grew up watching us bounce around the 4th division, I could never have dreamed that we would ever play in Europe (even more so considering the ban on English clubs at the time), so to think that next season there is a possibility that it could happen is almost dream like.

With this squad (and of course Sean Dyche) I have no doubt that we could handle both Europe and achieve Premier league survival so I don't see it as a risk only an adventure.

Plus if we are in the Europa league it will mean quite a few games being on Sunday's which is better for me as her indoors would be happier with Saturday's not being taken over by Burnley.

Goddy · Post by **Goddy** » Mon Apr 09, 2018 12:31 pm

So, in the Championship we played 46 games a season (plus the (short-lived, normally) foray into the FA Cup and League Cups).

In the Europa League we'd play 4 qualifying games (equivalent of pre-season friendlies but with something on them so might even get us match sharper more quickly) plus 6 games in the group stage (if we got there) and 38 league games in the Prem.

Apart from the additional travel, this doesn't seem a massively excessive burden compared to being in the Championship...and we seemed to cope alright when we played in that league!

Admittedly, I've never run a professional football team before, so don't know about the specifics of how the different challenges might affect players' recovery times (for example) but I definitely think it's something I'd love our club to be involved in. Bring it on!

Goobs · Post by **Goobs** » Mon Apr 09, 2018 12:34 pm

Goddy wrote:So, in the Championship we played 46 games a season (plus the (short-lived, normally) foray into the FA Cup and League Cups).

In the Europa League we'd play 4 qualifying games (equivalent of pre-season friendlies but with something on them so might even get us match sharper more quickly) plus 6 games in the group stage (if we got there) and 38 league games in the Prem.

Apart from the additional travel, this doesn't seem a massively excessive burden compared to being in the Championship...and we seemed to cope alright when we played in that league!

Admittedly, I've never run a professional football team before, so don't know about the specifics of how the different challenges might affect players' recovery times (for example) but I definitely think it's something I'd love our club to be involved in. Bring it on!

The games are more intense and the travel will undoubtedly affect recovery, but that is where squad management and having the cover in all areas to allow players to slot in seamlessly to the framework should be advantageous.

northernpowerhouse · Post by **northernpowerhouse** » Mon Apr 09, 2018 12:34 pm

Definitely worth the risk. Hopefully we can kill some of the earlier ties in the first leg and rest players, and if we get to the group stage there'll be a minnow we can play a weakened side against.

Anyway it's not like a European run has to have a major effect on your league form. When Boro reached the final they finished 14th, 11 points clear of relegation. When Fulham reached the final they finished 12th, 16 points clear of relegation.

Milltown1882 · Post by **Milltown1882** » Mon Apr 09, 2018 12:35 pm

Kevin Long compared it to the Championship where most weeks are Saturday-Tuesday and the games come thick and fast. No doubt whatsoever that Dyche would/will have a plan for if it does happen so not worried in the slightest there.

Roger Mellie · Post by **Roger Mellie** » Mon Apr 09, 2018 1:04 pm

I see the final's in Baku, Azerbaijan. I'll book my hotel now...