LOI In Europe 2020

[Nesta99]

Brian Kerr reckons the KI team will not fear Dundalk so, beware of over confidence. Could be another tight squeeze.

He based part of that on a 3-0 win not copping that it was a walkover score. Its another banana skin where we are favourites.

[oriel]

What's the prize money like for the group stage now vs 2016?

I'm seeing various reports of the next round being worth €3m or so which is obviously huge but I thought Dundalk made more than that in 2016?

DFC were on 1.1m at kick off, and moved to 1.4 with the shoot out win. If we beat the Faroes team the prize money moves to 2.8 or 2.9M for the Group Stage.

Then its bonus of 0.5m per win, and 0.25m for a draw, both are up from 2016, so if we make the group, and repeated 2016 of 1 win and 1 draw, total prize would be around 3.65m. There may be a consolation payment still to be added, I`m not sure, but the difference from 2016 to 2020m is the route, this year if we make it, will be via EL, in 2016 when we beat BATE that was in CL, and guaranteed Group EL, then a free shot at CL group v Legia, thats where a lot of the extra prize money came from.

[oriel]

As for the game, thought Dundalk were clearly the better side, and should have won it in 90. Not sure they had a shot on target after that bullet header, which of course we all missed due to dodgy stream at the start, to be fair it improved to near perfection after.

Also thought Sheriff were actually worse that Levadia Tallinn who we beat home and away in 2018 in EL, so as in 2016 when we started with FH of Iceland, the draw was kind.

Next game should be viewed as a golden opportunity to make the group stage, lets face it, we or any Irish side will never get a better shot, just look at the list of other fixtures next week that Daniel McD tweeted, and you will see the strong line up.

Nothing taking for granted, as they won 6-1 tonight and same prizes available to them, with a 3m + bonus, but we will be strong favs, still need to turn up and win the game mind !

The wide spaces of the Aviva will actually be a huge advantage in my view.

Brilliant night, the whole family in the spare room crowded around the monitor cheering the penalty shoot out win, 6 fans back 'at football' !!!

[Comic Book Guy]

Well done Dundalk, delighted for you, I know people are rightly highlighting that the Faroe islands team beat Tblisi 6-1 but am I right to say that the Georgians weren't at full strength due to covid?
I presume that our coefficient will go up should Dundalk prevail?

[oriel]

The Aviva? Really? Wouldn't Dundalk prefer to play at Oriel Park? I know in normal times it wouldn't be up to UEFA standards for a play-off game, but surely the fact that no-one can attend the game would make it OK?

I would say its more to do with the stage of the competition, all play off games would need to be held in higher category stadium, regardless of capacity (3k seats in oriel park v 52k in Aviva) - not to mention no one can attend !

I also think the wide spaces will suit Dundalk well in the Aviva next week. Still a home game in Ireland, first one this season in Europe.

[Buller]

DFC were on 1.1m at kick off, and moved to 1.4 with the shoot out win. If we beat the Faroes team the prize money moves to 2.8 or 2.9M for the Group Stage.

Then its bonus of 0.5m per win, and 0.25m for a draw, both are up from 2016, so if we make the group, and repeated 2016 of 1 win and 1 draw, total prize would be around 3.65m.

Does the money earned in the qualifiers (1.4m) not add onto the group stage 2.9m? Bringing the total to over 4.4m, even before any money earned from group stage draws and wins.

[dundalkfc10]

Finished, The next Cork, Rovers gonna dominate for years

Maybe not folks. Best of luck to them keeping people off the streets if we win next Thursday

[SPXcyan]

Dundalk would earn 2.92m if they qualify to the groups, adding to their 1.4m already earned, similar to 2016.

[paul_oshea]

https://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2020/0924/1167346-giovagnoli-inside-me-i-knew-we-were-going-through/

is it fair to say that Irish managers/coaches are arrested by fear? The negativity of relatively/fairly successful managers domestically like Fenlon/Caufield/Perth seeping through to the players, a lack of trust leading to being unable to perform or get the results in Europe?

[Real ale Madrid]

Dundalk's co-efficient for 2021 now stands at 10.000 and will probably go higher.

Should mean they will be seeded for each of the first 3 qualifying rounds of the ECL if they don't win the league this year which looks unlikely.

[paul_oshea]

Dundalk's co-efficient for 2021 now stands at 10.000 and will probably go higher.

Should mean they will be seeded for each of the first 3 qualifying rounds of the ECL if they don't win the league this year which looks unlikely.

IF and a big IF they qualify for the group stages and were to win and draw a game or draw two games in the Group stages could they become seeded for the 4th round?

Its good that a team not dominating domestically(:D) is getting this far, gives the other teams a chance to build their co-effs and have more teams performing at a decent level in Europe.

[The Lilywhites]

Dundalk would earn 2.92m if they qualify to the groups, adding to their 1.4m already earned, similar to 2016.

I think we've banked €820,000 at this stage.

If we lose next Thursday we get an additional €300,000 along with €260,000 solidarity payment for not making either group stage, so that would bring it up to almost €1.4m.

But if we win we don't get that €560k, we get the base EL group stage €2.92m to add to the €820k, so in total €3.7m.

2016 was different as we reached the CL playoff round.

Think we made €7.1m in 2016 but when everything was taken out we banked about €3.3m.

The difference now though is Kenny won't be taking a giant bonus out of the winnings. I wonder if they even discussed such a bonus with Filippo when he was given the job.

The players got 40k each the last time. I'd hope that's considerably lower this time too, although they'd obviously deserve a nice one.

Think UEFA gave 40k travel expenses for each round, so that'll help with our 3 away ties so far.

No home crowds for the groups though and the Aviva will still probably be costly to open up.

Still a nice pot of cash on offer next Thursday.

[pineapple stu]

https://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2020/0924/1167346-giovagnoli-inside-me-i-knew-we-were-going-through/

is it fair to say that Irish managers/coaches are arrested by fear? The negativity of relatively/fairly successful managers domestically like Fenlon/Caufield/Perth seeping through to the players, a lack of trust leading to being unable to perform or get the results in Europe?
In fairness, while those three did have frustrating Euro campaigns, I don't think you can say a penalty shoot-out win after a second uninspiring performance in a row is really sufficient data to conclude that foreign coaches = good.

[Dalymountrower]

Congrats Dundalk. In fairness, very professional penalty shoot out by them. Happy for Rogers, as he gets some amount of stick.

[Kiki Balboa]

In fairness, while those three did have frustrating Euro campaigns, I don't think you can say a penalty shoot-out win after a second uninspiring performance in a row is really sufficient data to conclude that foreign coaches = good.

Sometimes you have to wonder.....

Dundalk went away from home to play a higher ranked team with some European pedirgree, conceded early, got back into the game, and looked more dangerous to win from then on in (apart from the end as tired legs set in).

It was a tight game, as there was so much on the line for a 1 legged tie... I have no idea why there is any negetivity put on that performance. Margins are so tight.

Fantastic stuff for Dundalk, and its good for the league of Ireland, as team in 3rd place in the league is still able to compete in Europe.... if only other LOI clubs could be as uninspiring as Dundalk in Europe.

[placid casual]

Nice win for dundalk, and the promise of more to come. Entry into the group stages will surely halt the slide they were seemingly heading for.
Sheriff were absolute gash, just their attitude alone stank of the bare minimum effort.Considering the next opponents they will be surely kicking themselves. Dundalk fully deserved to go through. Once they keep themselves grounded they should make the group stages now.

[Straightstory]

What was the story of Dinamo's 6-1 defeat? Seems extraordinary on the surface. Did they have to field a makeshift team for some reason (the pandemic presumably)?

[The Lilywhites]

Shane Keegan on OTB confirmed Shields suspended for next Thursday. Big blow.

Also confirms we'll play the reserves on Sunday v Rovers if it goes ahead.

[pineapple stu]

Sometimes you have to wonder.....

Dundalk went away from home to play a higher ranked team with some European pedirgree, conceded early, got back into the game, and looked more dangerous to win from then on in (apart from the end as tired legs set in).
It's a valid argument alright. I think during the thread Sheriff were being called out as comically bad (I think that's a quote) at times, and yet for my money still looked the better team. Did Dundalk really threaten the keeper in 120 minutes aside from the goal? Sloggett played well (man-bun aside) but no-one else really stood out. I think the significance of the result - in a third round match, which gives Dundalk a play-off tie against a Faroese side lucky to still be in the competition - is biasing things slightly.

An excellent - and important - result, for sure. But I think there was still a lot of the recent pedestrian Euro Dundalk in the performance.

[paul_oshea]

In fairness, while those three did have frustrating Euro campaigns, I don't think you can say a penalty shoot-out win after a second uninspiring performance in a row is really sufficient data to conclude that foreign coaches = good.

I am not disagreeing with your point, I was merely pointing out the LOI Irish managers issues.


An excellent - and important - result, for sure. But I think there was still a lot of the recent pedestrian Euro Dundalk in the performance.

There was for sure, but they looked more confident and assured and none of those stupid defensive mistakes, bar shields fooling everyone including himself in extra time with the duff clearance.

[Kiki Balboa]

It's a valid argument alright. I think during the thread Sheriff were being called out as comically bad (I think that's a quote) at times, and yet for my money still looked the better team. Did Dundalk really threaten the keeper in 120 minutes aside from the goal? Sloggett played well (man-bun aside) but no-one else really stood out. I think the significance of the result - in a third round match, which gives Dundalk a play-off tie against a Faroese side lucky to still be in the competition - is biasing things slightly.

An excellent - and important - result, for sure. But I think there was still a lot of the recent pedestrian Euro Dundalk in the performance.

Look, I dont want to get into an internet fight.... But ....The above bold is something someone with no experience of fooball would nearly say (the Faroe team scored 6 in Europe, no small feat.). Dundalk hardly blew anyone away in 2016, apart from one game against BATE. These games are defined by small margins. A pedestrian team would have lost that game. Did you ever think Dundalk made them look ordinary?

Im not saying the Dundalk team is anywhere near 2016, it has been a lucky draw for sure, but dont dismiss that performance.

[Mr A]

Bit late with this and it may have been done but feck it..

Dundalk shot the Sheriff, but can they shoot the Faroese?

[pineapple stu]

Look, I dont want to get into an internet fight.... But ....The above bold is something someone with no experience of fooball would nearly say
Personal insults don't really count for a discussion point Kiki.

The Faroese got a walkover in the CL first round against a Slovan side who would have been heavy favourites. In fact, Slovan had two entire teams scratched due to covid. That gave KÍ a higher seeding, and an easier draw, than they would otherwise have gotten last night. All that counts as quite lucky in my book.

I don't know why you're talking about Dundalk blowing anyone away? I never said anything along those lines.

Did I think Dundalk made them look ordinary? I thought it was a game between two poor teams to be honest, which Sheriff marginally shaded. No more than that. I don't think you can define a "pedestrian team" as one that would have lost that game; that's a bit too narrow a definition.

So I still think it was an excellent result, but not a great performance. Both of those can be true.

[Ezeikial]

Sometimes you have to wonder.....

Dundalk went away from home to play a higher ranked team with some European pedirgree, conceded early, got back into the game, and looked more dangerous to win from then on in (apart from the end as tired legs set in).

It was a tight game, as there was so much on the line for a 1 legged tie... I have no idea why there is any negetivity put on that performance. Margins are so tight.

Fantastic stuff for Dundalk, and its good for the league of Ireland, as team in 3rd place in the league is still able to compete in Europe.... if only other LOI clubs could be as uninspiring as Dundalk in Europe.

Those who have a fetish or delusion for having their own extraordinary insight seem to roll his way - maybe it is a lack of self-belief or attention seeking

I'm not sure it actually deserves any commentary either way as it just elicits more biased diatribes

[Real ale Madrid]

Those who have a fetish or delusion for having their own extraordinary insight seem to roll his way - maybe it is a lack of self-belief or attention seeking

I'm not sure it actually deserves any commentary either way as it just elicits more biased diatribes

MOD COMMENT: Look lads I don't want to start issuing infractions left right and centre but please respond to comments with your own opinion on the matter in hand please. Having an opinion is not a 'fetish or delusion' . Christ almighty.

[Nesta99]

I basically do not give a fiddlers how we have managed to get in the the Play-off round. It is remarkable considering the turmoil at the club and the ropey domestic performances. We werent desperate in the CL but well beaten in chasing the game in the end and 3-0 flattered Celje a bit in the end. We had plenty of the ball without doing a whole lot with it. Inter, well the result counts but it was practically impossible to get some momentum going as Inter were true masters in manipulating a weak ref. Last night Dundalk changed formation - not something we have seen too often in recent years and it was reasonable effective. It is a fairly tight performance with few clanger errors. Arguably Garts losing his man for the goal but it was a bullit header all the same. We didnt drop off and put some good spells together and got back on terms. 2nd half we had more than a few decent chances but werent in scramble defence mode. Sherriff were poor in terms of wayward shooting. Crowd or not they were at home. The 5 Dundalk penalties were quality though Hoare gambled on whacking it down the middle.

Its a great opportunity in what has abeen a difficult season so far so I am taking it. The Dundalk lads were under an emotional pressure jnowing how key this game was and got through even with a stumble. Nobody is going to look back on the record on performances just the results and progression. Did anyone consider this opportunity possible - Exekiel was probably the only one who seemed to have belief that it will happen rather than just hope. Nobody will be taking the Faroese for granted and while Sherriff were not the team we expeted, I doubt that they expected Dundalk being able to worry them. The randome factors like the draw have helped but really we should and should have embraced seeded status from the get go and do so every season. We were concerned that 2016 co-efficient will drop next year, we are actually making some inroads in offsetting that and help stabalise our ranking. Lots of watching games between fingers to come and I hate been favourites but however it happens getting within 90mins of the groups stages and maybe actually getting there I see no down side. It may garner the interest of owners that a Dundalk team out of form have managed this so far. You can see the confidence creeping back in!

[nigel-harps1954]

It is indeed remarkable how Dundalk have got to this stage, considering how things have gone for them this season, on and off the pitch.

But you do have to give them great credit regardless of what's gone on. The heads could have been down after Celje and the comedy show that became of their managerial appointment, but they've stuck at it, dug in their heels, and progressed in two rounds in two weeks, irrespective of opponent or performance, they done it and are 90 minutes away from group stage action once again.

I'd give my right arm for something like that at Harps. I genuinely hope Dundalk fans enjoy it, even our argumentative friends on board the good ship foot.ie.

[EatYerGreens]

Will be interesting to see if the Dundalk supporters who have petulantly been dismissing the League of Ireland title this year as compromised and diminished will also take the same view of the Europa League - especially if they reach the group stages ?* :D

Arguably it has been even more compromised, given the huge dollop of luck Covid handed their Faroese opposition.

Still a great result all the same (though another poor performance).

Anyone know why Sheriff don't have a shirt sponsor btw ?

*(I think we all know the answer to that...)

[Real ale Madrid]

Klasivik beat Riteriai on away goals in last years ELQR1. So a decent barometer there. Still though, Dundalk should have no problems.

2018–19 UEFA Europa League
Round Club Home Away Aggregate
PR Malta Birkirkara 2–1 1–1 3–2
1QR Lithuania Žalgiris 1–2 1–1 2–3

2019–20 UEFA Europa League
Round Club Home Away Aggregate
PR San Marino Tre Fiori 5–1 4–0 9–1
1QR Lithuania Riteriai 0–0 1–1 1–1 (a)
2QR Switzerland Luzern 0–1 0–1 0–2

2020–21 UEFA Champions League
Round Club
1QR Slovakia Slovan Bratislava 3–0(awd.)
2QR Switzerland Young Boys 1–3

2020–21 UEFA Europa League
3QR Georgia Dinamo Tbilisi 6−1

[CorribsideSteve]

https://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2020/0924/1167346-giovagnoli-inside-me-i-knew-we-were-going-through/

is it fair to say that Irish managers/coaches are arrested by fear? The negativity of relatively/fairly successful managers domestically like Fenlon/Caufield/Perth seeping through to the players, a lack of trust leading to being unable to perform or get the results in Europe?

More than likely. I think Dundalk would have lost to the Andorrans in the previous round if Perth was in charge. And I say that based on last year's Euro campaign largely, which was littered with kamikaze defending and utter bluntness up front. Sure, they didn't create a whole lot of chances last night, but were noticeably the better team. Something that was hardly ever the case, as far as I can recall, in any Euro match that Perth managed them.

[Nesta99]

It is indeed remarkable how Dundalk have got to this stage, considering how things have gone for them this season, on and off the pitch.

But you do have to give them great credit regardless of what's gone on. The heads could have been down after Celje and the comedy show that became of their managerial appointment, but they've stuck at it, dug in their heels, and progressed in two rounds in two weeks, irrespective of opponent or performance, they done it and are 90 minutes away from group stage action once again.

I'd give my right arm for something like that at Harps. I genuinely hope Dundalk fans enjoy it, even our argumentative friends on board the good ship foot.ie.

I had this chat a few fans last night! I actually dont enjoy football when my teams is involved often. Nerve wrecking depending on the importance of the game. These days its that undertone of hoping the owners are satisfied to stay. Watching as a neutral I thoroughly enjoy football, even muck games. That said when you endure the stress of games and you are on the right side of results, there is no better feeling on this world!! At Dundalk we have had a good share of the good days and no shortage of last minute drama over the years. But we really never do things the easy way....supporters must be tortured as part of the occasion.

[Eminence Grise]

Bit late with this and it may have been done but feck it..

Dundalk shot the Sheriff, but can they shoot the Faroese?

Bohs in a race with Bob Marley's estate to see who can get their injunction in first!


Fair play to Dundalk. I'll hold my hands up as someone who thought Giovagnoli's appointment was the prelude to a car crash at 100mph. I don't think anybody can say Dundalk play as well as they did under Kenny, but it looks like the new man has stopped the slide and the form is gradually picking up.

I can't recall who brought it up, but there is something about Irish managers expecting to lose in Europe. And maybe foreign managers from cultures where that fear isn't a default setting communicate something less fatalistic to players. It'll be interesting to see when players from Rovers' and Dundalk's Euro runs become managers if they'll have a less fearful view of these games. Come back to me in a decade for an answer!

[passinginterest]

Great result from Dundalk. Wasn't completely focused on the game but from what I saw, the setup looked to be well rehearsed. Dundalk looked vulnerable to the counterattack in previous European games, but they seemed to be really well set up this time and didn't get caught out even when tiring. I thought they got the creative players involved in dangerous areas quite well too, there wasn't too many clear chances, but there was some nice crosses and pull backs from the end line that just didn't quite find a man. It definitely looked like a step up in terms of organisation and confidence from recent time. The coaching appointment was obviously a massive risk, but there has to be some credit due there. Yes they have a decent squad to work with, but it was showing some major cracks and they seem to be getting the best from some of the older players again, which is absolutely key for them at the moment.

[Nesta99]

The general story about town is that the players really enjoy the variations in training. The change up in formationsalso seems to suit as it isnt all plan a. Sometimes back to basics works, get t right, then evolve. Retrospecitvely maybe we stagnated and needed some new ideas. I can still see us geting a lesson by Rovers but priorities at this stage

[Ezeikial]

Will be interesting to see if the Dundalk supporters who have petulantly been dismissing the League of Ireland title this year as compromised and diminished will also take the same view of the Europa League - especially if they reach the group stages ?* :D

Arguably it has been even more compromised, given the huge dollop of luck Covid handed their Faroese opposition.

Still a great result all the same (though another poor performance).

Anyone know why Sheriff don't have a shirt sponsor btw ?

*(I think we all know the answer to that...)

Without a doubt the Europa League is different this season because of the Covid impacts. In some cases the single leg or away draw has worked to the advantage of some clubs and in other cases it has worked against them. Ki have rode their luck in relation to Slovan - fair dues to them.

They are certainly not the first underdog to make the EL playoffs and I doubt they will be the last

[geysir]

He based part of that on a 3-0 win not copping that it was a walkover score. Its another banana skin where we are favourites.

They impressed me against Young Boys and apart from scoring the 6, beating Tbilisi was not a surprise, it has to be said Tbilisi were poor but KI made mincemeat out of them.
Put KI's two performances side by side with Dundalk's two v Celje and Sherrif, then KI's performances come out on top.
KI will have no suspensions, Dundalk will be missing Shields?
Still Dundalk will dissect those two games from KI on video and take note of such things such as using Duffy to exploit the defensive weaknesses that gifted goals to the Young Boys.

This also demonstrates the effects of a Faroe FA using finances from UEFA and FIFA to develop facilities, coaching and infrastructure at local club level. The international set up is built on the strength of the local clubs.
Here you have a part time professional team from a rock bottom league in Europe, based in a small town (albeit in a stunningly beautiful landscape) in a remote region of an arctic atlantic archipelago, somewhere north of Rockall, who have transformed the way they play football. Inside a period of 3 years they have moved from euro trash whipping boys to something very decent and are now on the brink of making a history that should it happen, will expand the complexities of E = mc2

[paul_oshea]

Do you mean mincedmeat, or are we talking about fruits here? Whos this Tbilisi you speak of Lokomtiv? Is it like Split? :D



Great result from Dundalk. Wasn't completely focused on the game but from what I saw, the setup looked to be well rehearsed. Dundalk looked vulnerable to the counterattack in previous European games, but they seemed to be really well set up this time and didn't get caught out even when tiring. I thought they got the creative players involved in dangerous areas quite well too, there wasn't too many clear chances, but there was some nice crosses and pull backs from the end line that just didn't quite find a man. It definitely looked like a step up in terms of organisation and confidence from recent time. The coaching appointment was obviously a massive risk, but there has to be some credit due there. Yes they have a decent squad to work with, but it was showing some major cracks and they seem to be getting the best from some of the older players again, which is absolutely key for them at the moment.


Certainly the older players have been more focused and going the full 100, 100 % of the time, thats something that wasnt there in previous European outings. But the biggest change I noticed was the pressing, especially in the second half, they did to Sheriff what sheriff did to them in the first half, but sheriff didnt like it as much as Dundalk put up with it in the first half. They also tracked back in numbers so the counter attack wasn't a 3 on 3 or 4 on 3 at anytime, the midfield and wingers got back time and again, there were a couple of examples of this where the midfield, murray or shields had got too far forward and a winger came back to get in behind again. Under perth that organisation wasnt there. Theyve looked more solid on the counter but still looked a bit flaky in the tight situations. One other thing that was very evident from Sheriff was an ability to ping one touch passes about, but they weren;t getting through dundalk and at times dundalk were just happy to chase shadows, that smacks of a team who haven't played together or well drilled ideas from training. Ya you can pass the ball but so what?

[Martinho II]

Delighted for Dundalk after losing VP. I think the influence of Shane Keegan has increased since VP left. That man is also managing Portloaise Town and also managin some GAA team how he gets the time I never know? But he has great knowledge of the loi and always speaks well on OTB. Think Dundalk have a great chance

[ontheotherhand]

Good result for the cup runners up though Sheriff were surprisingly poor. Very wasteful with the ball and lethargic without it. Pre-season rustiness maybe but they looked bereft of a plan and made some comical errors. Dundalk looked like they are more defensively sound than they have been though so Filippo must be doing something right. We will see if he can do it in the league now as well. At this stage I think it's been a year since they beat either of the top 2 in Ireland but that squad is still phenomenal and should be able to reach higher levels.

[pineapple stu]

Pre-season rustiness maybe but they looked bereft of a plan and made some comical errors.
Can't really be pre-season rustiness given they're ten games into their league season (and have won every match)

They didn't even have a covid interruption like here (they've actually switched from a summer season to a winter season because of covid)

[ontheotherhand]

For whatever reason, Google's match history doesn't include their current season and makes it look like they haven't played games outside of Europe competition since February. It has their 2019 season but nothing from this year. I see on their website they are 10 in as you say. Perhaps they just have it too easy domestically and weren't ready to play a decent side?

[oriel]

Does the money earned in the qualifiers (1.4m) not add onto the group stage 2.9m? Bringing the total to over 4.4m, even before any money earned from group stage draws and wins.

I don't think so, its more the accumulative figure, so it adds up per round, but it will settle at almost 3m for whoever makes the group stage, then the bonus per win and draw is extra, but those who progress further via CL route and not KO in first round would get additional prize money.

[oriel]

I think we've banked €820,000 at this stage.

If we lose next Thursday we get an additional €300,000 along with €260,000 solidarity payment for not making either group stage, so that would bring it up to almost €1.4m.

But if we win we don't get that €560k, we get the base EL group stage €2.92m to add to the €820k, so in total €3.7m.

2016 was different as we reached the CL playoff round.

Think we made €7.1m in 2016 but when everything was taken out we banked about €3.3m.

The difference now though is Kenny won't be taking a giant bonus out of the winnings. I wonder if they even discussed such a bonus with Filippo when he was given the job.

The players got 40k each the last time. I'd hope that's considerably lower this time too, although they'd obviously deserve a nice one.

Think UEFA gave 40k travel expenses for each round, so that'll help with our 3 away ties so far.

No home crowds for the groups though and the Aviva will still probably be costly to open up.

Still a nice pot of cash on offer next Thursday.

This isn't correct, you are not accounting for the consolidation payment of 300k for not making CL group stage, so last night DFC started on 1.1m, then moved to 1.4 or so after the shoot out win. The pot of cash next Thurs is to change the current 1.4 into almost 3m.

Note the monies are for the rounds you qualify for, not extra for winning.

The reduced figure (potential to earn) for 2020 v 2016 is due to the route we took, people forgetting in 2016, the win v BATE qualified in advance to EL group, then the free shot a week later for the CL group v Legia, the 'loss' of not making the CL group stage was one of the reasons for the additional figures.

However valid point on the bonuses, it was far too high in 2016, including what the mgt team got. I would think 20-25k would be sufficient this time, IF we make it.

[oriel]

Personal insults don't really count for a discussion point Kiki.

The Faroese got a walkover in the CL first round against a Slovan side who would have been heavy favourites. In fact, Slovan had two entire teams scratched due to covid. That gave KÍ a higher seeding, and an easier draw, than they would otherwise have gotten last night. All that counts as quite lucky in my book.

I don't know why you're talking about Dundalk blowing anyone away? I never said anything along those lines.

Did I think Dundalk made them look ordinary? I thought it was a game between two poor teams to be honest, which Sheriff marginally shaded. No more than that. I don't think you can define a "pedestrian team" as one that would have lost that game; that's a bit too narrow a definition.

So I still think it was an excellent result, but not a great performance. Both of those can be true.

Remarkable comment, I haven't read a single article today which suggested anything other than Dundalk should have won it in 90. Apart from the bullet header they scored, and given they were the home team, I don't recall Rogers having to make a serious save?

[Charlie Darwin]

I expect Europe fooball next season and would not be a all surprised to be taking on Dinamo Tbilisi for a place in the EL Group stages on 1 Oct
Joke's on you, Zeke!

[Charlie Darwin]

On the game, I thought Dundalk played. I mean, they're obviously not at the level of the 2016 team or even this time last year, but they kept the tempo low and probably showed more of a willingness to win the game. One of the issues for Irish teams in Europe is often impatience but Dundalk showed plenty of it and probably should have won in 90 minutes. Agree Sheriff weren't as good as their ranking suggests but, while Sheriff probably have a better overall standard of player, their league is an even lower standard than us so they might be finding it hard to get back up to European level.

[The Lilywhites]

This isn't correct, you are not accounting for the consolidation payment of 300k for not making CL group stage, so last night DFC started on 1.1m, then moved to 1.4 or so after the shoot out win. The pot of cash next Thurs is to change the current 1.4 into almost 3m.

Note the monies are for the rounds you qualify for, not extra for winning.

The reduced figure (potential to earn) for 2020 v 2016 is due to the route we took, people forgetting in 2016, the win v BATE qualified in advance to EL group, then the free shot a week later for the CL group v Legia, the 'loss' of not making the CL group stage was one of the reasons for the additional figures.

However valid point on the bonuses, it was far too high in 2016, including what the mgt team got. I would think 20-25k would be sufficient this time, IF we make it.

Did you just read the first line of my post? As I mentioned the €260k solidarity payment in the next line! We don't get that if we make the EL groups (it's a payment for not making either UEFA group stage).

If we lose on Thursday we end up with a pot of almost €1.4m (€820k + €560k) but currently we've banked €820k. We get the €560k only if we lose on Thursday.

That €560k figure disappears if we win and we get the €2.92m payment for the group stage, bringing our total winnings to €3.7m.

[Ezeikial]

I can still see us geting a lesson by Rovers but priorities at this stage

I don't share your pessimism Nesta! A lot depends on how FG decides to approach this match. If he picks a first choice team and goes for it, then it should be a cracker (although he has plenty of choice as the squad is hardly small). It's also a test of character for Rovers, although i'ts really a free shot for them - even a defeat for them will have little impact on their title challenge.

That all said, we have bigger fish to fry and need to prioritise Thursday's match

[Ezeikial]

Joke's on you, Zeke!

LOL

Qulle surprise!

[pineapple stu]

Remarkable comment, I haven't read a single article today which suggested anything other than Dundalk should have won it in 90. Apart from the bullet header they scored, and given they were the home team, I don't recall Rogers having to make a serious save?
Ah would you stop. I certainly don't think there was anything in that match which justifies anyone saying "Dundalk should have won it in 90". What article said that - the Dundalk website or the Democrat? Plenty here have said Dundalk weren't great as well. They were better than against Celje, yes, but the shyness in front of goal was still there.

Yes, Rogers didn't have a serious save to make - but then I'm not suggesting Sheriff should have won it in 90. As I said, I thought it was a poor match between two poor teams.

Like, I get that watching the game as a Dundalk fan is a different experience from watching the game as a neutral - especially when the result probably means the lights get kept on for another couple of years. And it was a great result - I've said that before. But let's leave out the shocked uproar whenever someone suggests that the performance wasn't much. A bit of objectivity can't hurt.