DO WE WANT SAINTS IN EUROPE NEXT SEASON??

http://www.dailyecho.co.uk/sport/10356449._/?

Would this be a good thing or a distraction?

On Facebook Joe Jarvie has sent me a message saying....

As much as I Want to see us.playing teams in Europe and have a bit of a tour, I don't think saints have the squad to commit to playing that and the league without maybe struggling, so 1 more season, bring few new faces in, then.we can think about that.. progressing little bit at a time... COYR's

Ive just been reading something about this, here is the link
http://www.fansnetwork.co.uk/football/southampton/fb_news.php?storyid=31859

I think overall the answer has got to be yes. Although you could say it would hinder our premier league performances and playing on Sundays isn't ideal especially for supporters who plan to go to games 3pm Saturday. But in my opinion for Southampton to grow as a club and progress, Europe is the next level and we should not shy at the prospect of playing at this level. The question of not enough depth in the squad will also be on people's mind, I believe that while we don't now, after some summer acquisitions I think we will have more than enough to cope with the demands of Europe. Another huge positive to us being in Europe will be the extra first team experience our young players coming through with massive potential will gain from a European campaign. Even looking at the squad now you could say our centre midfield could cope with Europe as Ward-Prowse has been making short cameo appearances from the bench for the majority of the campaign which is not the greatest for his development. You can also argue we could cope in the centre half area as we have a 4 million pound player yet to make an Appearance for us and Fonte on the bench for the past 6 or so games. Then there's a 5 million pound striker who hasn't made an appearance since Christmas. So if a wide man/striker with pace, Right back and left back as cover for Shaw and Clyne are signed I definitely wouldn't mind saints taking on Europe

At least Europe would give us more games to think about. There are a lot less games to watch when in the Prem than in the championship.

James Palmer wrote:I think overall the answer has got to be yes. Although you could say it would hinder our premier league performances and playing on Sundays isn't ideal especially for supporters who plan to go to games 3pm Saturday. But in my opinion for Southampton to grow as a club and progress, Europe is the next level and we should not shy at the prospect of playing at this level. The question of not enough depth in the squad will also be on people's mind, I believe that while we don't now, after some summer acquisitions I think we will have more than enough to cope with the demands of Europe. Another huge positive to us being in Europe will be the extra first team experience our young players coming through with massive potential will gain from a European campaign. Even looking at the squad now you could say our centre midfield could cope with Europe as Ward-Prowse has been making short cameo appearances from the bench for the majority of the campaign which is not the greatest for his development. You can also argue we could cope in the centre half area as we have a 4 million pound player yet to make an Appearance for us and Fonte on the bench for the past 6 or so games. Then there's a 5 million pound striker who hasn't made an appearance since Christmas. So if a wide man/striker with pace, Right back and left back as cover for Shaw and Clyne are signed I definitely wouldn't mind saints taking on Europe

A great first post James, thanks for that!! Welcome to our little forum and please come back regularly.....

I think it might be too early. I would rather Saints consolidated our position in the PL first (I am unsure if it's safe to assume we'll stay up but, for the purposes of the discussion I will assume just that), as there's always the danger of 'second season syndrome'. Our squad doesn't have the depth or quality to compete on two fronts on either level. Strengthen over the summer, have a good pre-season, stay in the PL and then see if we can't qualify next season.

However, I think it's the top three countries who qualify via 'fair play' and England currently lie fourth. I also think there are one or two clubs - Fulham and Liverpool? - ahead of us as well.

IF we did get in, and that Rodgers might get overruled at Liverpool and told to play as expect their sponsors wont be happy at no European exposure, I would use to blood our youngsters especially in the early rounds. We have plenty of squad players who would also benefit from the games so providing we focus on pre season training as first priority then would not object, though staying up is first priority, get that first then lets see what happens.

I imagine we are out of the running for this now.

http://www.dailyecho.co.uk/sport/10385255._/?