LOI in Europe 2022

[TonyD]

Leaving Derry out of the equation as your not going to get the likes of Duffy out of there who in the league is the best Striker tht would improve Rovers....keeping in mind Gaffney will probably win player of the year this year but is not prolific..

Make us a nice offer for Eoin Doyle and maybe we can do business. ;)

[RealJohn91]

If you remeber MON's rovers retaining the league title at the same time as they played in european group stages then either you come from a different timeline or you might want to get checked over. Perhaps all that time spent turned to stone during daylight is affecting your memory?
You're weirdly defensive of Rovers as a Derry fan

[sadloserkid]

You're weirdly defensive of Rovers as a Derry fan

I get it tbh. If Rovers are minnows I don't think there's a word in the English language to describe how minute the rest of the league is. You can make a case for Rovers being overly cautious if you want but that's their lookout, if they're fine aiming for incremental progression that's their strategy. The notion that they should care, even a little about Jonny Whoever the Pats/Bohs/Derry/Treaty fan or, even more, Deco the Liverpool fan who wouldn't go to a League of Ireland game for any reason and will happily invent a new reason not to if necessary is almost parody. Especially with the Derry rocket coming up in the rear view mirror.

I find the almost apoplectic rage from a couple of posters here bizarre. I love the league but I'm not frantic one way or the other about how Rovers group campaign goes. Hopefully we'll see them and/or someone else in the groups again next year.

[A N Mouse]

You're weirdly defensive of Rovers as a Derry fan

If you want to slag rovers performances batter on, there more than enough ammunition there. But don't imagine there would be many to disagree with you even among rovers fans.

If you're going to slag rovers for doing what's right for rovers again have at it. Anyone with half a brain would want their club to the same in similar circumstances.

If you want to do both aggressively while spouting bu11$hit in some kind of appeal to authority, having already trainwrecked a perfectly good thread at least once, then "Why don't you wait for my big brother? He's bigger than me, and much tastier".

[CSAD]

If you remeber MON's rovers retaining the league title at the same time as they played in european group stages then either you come from a different timeline or you might want to get checked over. Perhaps all that time spent turned to stone during daylight is affecting your memory?

2011 numb nuts.

[WeAreRovers]

I get it tbh. If Rovers are minnows I don't think there's a word in the English language to describe how minute the rest of the league is. You can make a case for Rovers being overly cautious if you want but that's their lookout, if they're fine aiming for incremental progression that's their strategy. The notion that they should care, even a little about Jonny Whoever the Pats/Bohs/Derry/Treaty fan or, even more, Deco the Liverpool fan who wouldn't go to a League of Ireland game for any reason and will happily invent a new reason not to if necessary is almost parody. Especially with the Derry rocket coming up in the rear view mirror.

I find the almost apoplectic rage from a couple of posters here bizarre. I love the league but I'm not frantic one way or the other about how Rovers group campaign goes. Hopefully we'll see them and/or someone else in the groups again next year.

Perfectly put.

[oriel]

In fairness to him he is only playing himself into form after a long lay off
The playing on two fronts is undeniably an issue hence Rovers approach. Dundalk finished 22 points behind Rovers in 2020 so they werent exactly distracted by a title chalenge and thats not me having a go just reality

But this is my point, a patched up Dundalk squad with senior players obviously in their last season, some unhappy still managed to 'have a go' in the group stage in 2020 and on two fronts also when they recovered and won the cup.

Plus Rovers have far better options in 2022 than we had in 2020, I`m amazed Rovers fans seem to be happy to just plod along in the group stage, seems to be a new excuse most weeks why they are under performing in these games. Christ lads, score a goal, take at least one of the games left by scruff of neck and go for it.



Why can't they battle on both fronts with the squad they have?

[CSAD]

I get it tbh. If Rovers are minnows I don't think there's a word in the English language to describe how minute the rest of the league is. You can make a case for Rovers being overly cautious if you want but that's their lookout, if they're fine aiming for incremental progression that's their strategy. The notion that they should care, even a little about Jonny Whoever the Pats/Bohs/Derry/Treaty fan or, even more, Deco the Liverpool fan who wouldn't go to a League of Ireland game for any reason and will happily invent a new reason not to if necessary is almost parody. Especially with the Derry rocket coming up in the rear view mirror.

I find the almost apoplectic rage from a couple of posters here bizarre. I love the league but I'm not frantic one way or the other about how Rovers group campaign goes. Hopefully we'll see them and/or someone else in the groups again next year.

Deflect deflect deflect. At least you aren?t denying their minnowism now, progress.

The difference is the other teams in the league would actually have a go in Europe.

There is no progression, stop lying to yourself. What they are doing now they were doing last season, the only reason they made any European competition this year is they had a much easier draw, if they played Flora again I?m confident they would be shown up again.

The complete lack of ambition I find astounding, I still can?t get my head around how any Rovers fan can look at Rovers in Europe this season not have some shame, woohoo we beat the champions of worse leagues than us, progress?

[CSAD]

But this is my point, a patched up Dundalk squad with senior players obviously in their last season, some unhappy still managed to 'have a go' in the group stage in 2020 and on two fronts also when they recovered and won the cup.

Plus Rovers have far better options in 2022 than we had in 2020, I`m amazed Rovers fans seem to be happy to just plod along in the group stage, seems to be a new excuse most weeks why they are under performing in these games. Christ lads, score a goal, take at least one of the games left by scruff of neck and go for it.



Why can't they battle on both fronts with the squad they have?

Because they have a **** manager.

[sadloserkid]

Deflect deflect deflect. At least you aren?t denying their minnowism now, progress.

The difference is the other teams in the league would actually have a go in Europe.

There is no progression, stop lying to yourself. What they are doing now they were doing last season, the only reason they made any European competition this year is they had a much easier draw, if they played Flora again I?m confident they would be shown up again.

The complete lack of ambition I find astounding, I still can?t get my head around how any Rovers fan can look at Rovers in Europe this season not have some shame, woohoo we beat the champions of worse leagues than us, progress?

I'm not a Rovers fan.

What did having a go in Europe do for the other clubs this year? How are they doing in the group stage?

They are in the group stages. This is unusual for an Irish club. Every other club in the league has achieved less than them in Europe this year and would love to be in their position.

You're like a dog with a bone. It's fascinating.

[CSAD]

I'm not a Rovers fan.

What did having a go in Europe do for the other clubs this year? How are they doing in the group stage?

They are in the group stages. This is unusual for an Irish club. Every other club in the league has achieved less than them in Europe this year and would love to be in their position.

You're like a dog with a bone. It's fascinating.


Couldn?t get there because they had a tougher route to qualification? Look who Rovers actually had to beat to get to the conference league, the fact they make it out to be some achievement just sums up their lack of ambition.

It?s not unusual, Dundalk did afew years ago remember?

What is unusual is for an Irish team as bad as this Rovers side be in Europe, they really are an embarrassment to the league. The losses I wouldn?t be worried by if they at least tried to be competitive but they really just aren?t bothered. It would be less bad if they were playing decent sides but the 3 sides they are playing really aren?t very good, of course Rovers make any side look good in Europe with how terrible they are but in actuality they really arent.

Every other team in Europe from Ireland had much tougher fixtures in Europe and yes they would love to be in Europe and would show far more respect than Rovers would have.

Because every single argument you make always is just a deflection, so much so that I need to repeat it and hope it reaches into you?re brain some how unless you just don?t have a functioning one?

[ger121]

CSAD Man, go smoke a joint or have a beer or whatever it is you like to do to chill but you seriously got to relax. It?s just a football forum full of ageing dudes, who still get their kicks from talking balls on a football platform, like it is still the noughties. It really is not worth getting that worked up over.

[CSAD]

CSAD Man, go smoke a joint or have a beer or whatever it is you like to do to chill but you seriously got to relax. It?s just a football forum full of ageing dudes, who still get their kicks from talking balls on a football platform, like it is still the noughties. It really is not worth getting that worked up over.

I can tell it?s aging dudes based on the lack of understanding of basic information.

[Nah Nah Nah Nah]

What about Keena? Yes he is in contract but that has not stopped Sligo selling in the past for the right fee. You need a finisher and he has done very well this season in the league. Only 23 and 18 goals across all competitions. Is he worth splashing the cash vs the potential rewards from Europe?

During our game a couple of weeks ago all the Shams players were encouraging him to move to the dark side. I do think he would be very good there. Release clause is only for English clubs.

[Shinkicker]

I'd rather go with the UEFA's description of Rovers this week as "the undisputed giants of the Irish game."

I agree, Yes they are the undisputed Giants of the Irish game but remember.
In Ireland Rovers are a big fish in a small pond and in Europe they are a very small fish in a big pond. It will be like this for Irish clubs for another 2-3 years at least. We just don't have the quality but it is getting better year on year. I always wish all Irish clubs well when they play in Europe and look forward to when we can really compete.

[Real ale Madrid]

Admin note : I know the speed of moderation doesn't keep up with some of the nonsense but please don't stoop to level of some posters in retaliation. Use the report function please.

[Shinkicker]

And there you go again deflecting from the point of the discussion, I?ll try repeating to make sure that little brain of your?s is working properly?Winning in the league with this squad is NOT and achievement, it?s to be expected. Winning against Hibernians and Shkupi is NOT an achievement it?s to be expected. The only reason you make it out to be an achievement is because you set the bar so low that it?s considered an achievement.

This would be accurate if Dundalk during their 2 seasons in Europe also were as bad but they were far better against far better opposition. You don?t need quality, the teams you are playing against aren?t very good, this Rovers team is just incapable of competing against anyone who is in any way half decent. It?s easy against teams like Shkupi and Hibernians.

Is it getting better, this Rovers team is by far the worst Irish team ever to compete in Europe.

You will never be competing when Bradley as the manager, you?ll compete against teams you should be beating and get beat by any side that is similar or a higher level. This side with Bradley is so laughably bad coaching wise that any half decent or average side will take them apart.
I think you have missed something. I didn't deflect from anything. I replied to a previous post. The first paragraph was from that post. My post said Rovers are a big fish in a small pond while in Europe they are a very small fish in a big pond. You just ranted it using different words and jargon.
Rovers have certainly not done well in Europe in fact it was abysmal but I do still believe in 2-3 years an Irish team will break through and do well in Europe and I'm not saying winning a trophy I'm clearly saying doing well scoring goals and winning matches in the group stages.
As for my small brain, we'll even I know you should be standing in the corner wearing a pointed hat.

[CSAD]

I think you have missed something. I didn't deflect from anything. I replied to a previous post. The first paragraph was from that post. My post said Rovers are a big fish in a small pond while in Europe they are a very small fish in a big pond. You just ranted it using different words and jargon.
Rovers have certainly not done well in Europe in fact it was abysmal but I do still believe in 2-3 years an Irish team will break through and do well in Europe and I'm not saying winning a trophy I'm clearly saying doing well scoring goals and winning matches in the group stages.
As for my small brain, we'll even I know you should be standing in the corner wearing a pointed hat.

I repeatedly say the issues are little to do with the league?

What do you pose as a defense - continue to use the league as a defense.

You?re one and only defense in Europe was immediately debunked by the fact Dundalk have 2 times been able to compete at an even higher level. When was the last time Rovers beat anyone of significance in a game that actually matter? Dundalk beat BATE,Maccabi, Sheriff etc?what result does Bradley have that?s even remotely comparable to this? Let me guess?beating Shkupi, Wowowowow stop the phone?.


And Dundalk were a small fish in an even bigger pond yet we?re never as utterly hopeless as this Rovers side is.

They?ve been beyond abysmal, embarrassment/disgrace would be a better word to use. True and that side won?t be a Stephen Bradley managed Rovers side, either they?ll finally get common sense and sack him or another team breaks through. And that was all achieved already by Dundalk if you remember, scored in 5 out of 6 games in the EL last year and managed RO compete against AZ ,Maccabi & Zenit in 2016. That?s the bench mark.

You don?t seem understand basic English from my posts that even a JC student would know which makes me question you?re brain size or knowledge in general.

[A N Mouse]

2011 numb nuts.
Aw, you got me bang to rights using your tactics, I mean talking through me hoop authoritatively. But congratulations, you read the post, replied, with a fact no less and it was even pertinent.

Now hypothetical speaking would 2011 rovers or 2016 Dundalk have been as expansive and brilliant 🙄 in Europe if they had to play all their group games before the end of the league season? Or would pragmatism have become fashionable?




2011, was that the year of that Norwegian documentary about your kind? That was a good show, I think I put it in the recommended watch thread at the time. Maybe it was 2010...

[CSAD]

Aw, you got me bang to rights using your tactics, I mean talking through me hoop authoritatively. But congratulations, you read the post, replied, with a fact no less and it was even pertinent.

Now hypothetical speaking would 2011 rovers or 2016 Dundalk have been as expansive and brilliant 🙄 in Europe if they had to play all their group games before the end of the league season? Or would pragmatism have become fashionable?




2011, was that the year of that Norwegian documentary about your kind? That was a good show, I think I put it in the recommended watch thread at the time. Maybe it was 2010...

No tactics just using Wikipedia, which maybe you being an old timer maybe haven?t heard of.

Yes they would have because they actually had a good manager.

What are you even talking about anymore, wise up for once on this forum.

[CSAD]

Admin note : I know the speed of moderation doesn't keep up with some of the nonsense but please don't stoop to level of some posters in retaliation. Use the report function please.

How come you weren?t as quick to act when someone called me a R-tard on here?

Is that just an acceptable word to use in you?re world, or are you just selective on who you police on here?

[Shinkicker]

I repeatedly say the issues are little to do with the league?

What do you pose as a defense - continue to use the league as a defense.

You?re one and only defense in Europe was immediately debunked by the fact Dundalk have 2 times been able to compete at an even higher level. When was the last time Rovers beat anyone of significance in a game that actually matter? Dundalk beat BATE,Maccabi, Sheriff etc?what result does Bradley have that?s even remotely comparable to this? Let me guess?beating Shkupi, Wowowowow stop the phone?.


And Dundalk were a small fish in an even bigger pond yet we?re never as utterly hopeless as this Rovers side is.

They?ve been beyond abysmal, embarrassment/disgrace would be a better word to use. True and that side won?t be a Stephen Bradley managed Rovers side, either they?ll finally get common sense and sack him or another team breaks through. And that was all achieved already by Dundalk if you remember, scored in 5 out of 6 games in the EL last year and managed RO compete against AZ ,Maccabi & Zenit in 2016. That?s the bench mark.

You don?t seem understand basic English from my posts that even a JC student would know which makes me question you?re brain size or knowledge in general.
I never said or implied it would be Rovers who make the breakthrough in Europe. You seem to have a loathing hatred for Rovers so now I hope they do. It'll sicken your ar*e. From your tone and you belief you are a higher authority to everyone I would assume you operate on this forum under two names??

[CSAD]

I never said or implied it would be Rovers who make the breakthrough in Europe. You seem to have a loathing hatred for Rovers so now I hope they do. It'll sicken your ar*e. From your tone and you belief you are a higher authority to everyone I would assume you operate on this forum under two names??

Oh Rovers definitely won?t be, Nope I have a loathe hatred for teams that accept mediocrity and have no ambition. And I wouldn?t hope if I was you, you?re going to be disappointed and arse will be fine.

Nope wrong and not for the first time.

[Real ale Madrid]

How come you weren?t as quick to act when someone called me a R-tard on here?

Is that just an acceptable word to use in you?re world, or are you just selective on who you police on here?

As I said if you have an issue, report and it will be dealt with. I don't read every single post.

[CorribsideSteve]

The frustration from some posters over Shamrock Rover's conference league campaign so far is somewhat justified. There's a feeling that they are just going out for a run around, knowing they'l get beaten, and it's handy money anyway. That's not going to capture the imagination of the wider public. To that, SRFC fans would rightly say "So what. Winning the league gets us back there". But if they are as toothless and hapless in next years EL/ECL group stages, should they get there, being just happy to take the cheque and lose, it will hardly be a surprise if people aren't praising them from the rooftops for their anaemic displays. Now, it's possibly been forgotten and glossed over,even, that SRFC actually do have a point in the group so far, and it represents their first-earned point in a group stage competition. So that IS progress. But Dundalk EL 2016 were 10 times more fun to watch, and they really tried, whereas I feel SRFC have not tried, not really. Maybe that is apples and oranges by comparison but they shoud have had more ambition this year than "Ah well, sure we were going to lose anyway." as happened away to Molde. Also, it's distasteful that some posters are accusing each other of being egregious embeciles, and it would be nice to be fair and frank on here without personal jibes being involved.

[oriel]

The frustration from some posters over Shamrock Rover's conference league campaign so far is somewhat justified. There's a feeling that they are just going out for a run around, knowing they'l get beaten, and it's handy money anyway. That's not going to capture the imagination of the wider public. To that, SRFC fans would rightly say "So what. Winning the league gets us back there". But if they are as toothless and hapless in next years EL/ECL group stages, should they get there, being just happy to take the cheque and lose, it will hardly be a surprise if people aren't praising them from the rooftops for their anaemic displays. Dundalk EL 2016 were 10 times more fun to watch, and they really tried. Maybe that is apples and oranges by comparison but they shoud have had more ambition this year than "Ah well, sure we were going to lose anyway." as happened away to Molde. It's distasteful that some posters are accusing each other of being egregious embeciles, and it would be nice to be fair and frank on here without personal jibes being involved.

This is 100% the point, even the Dundalk 2020 EL group stage team really tried, back to my point 'Had a Go', that night in Vienna Oct 2020, lost 4-3, I think we were the only club that night to score more than 2 and not get a result, and yes fully aware lost all 6 games, but again we had a go.

My u10 team this am lost 5-1 and I told them they were great for the last 5 as they had a go and got a goal back, they tried harder than Rovers have in the group stage !

[pineapple stu]

I remember in 1994, Ray Treacy took a lot of stick after losing 7-0 to Gornik Zabrze in the European Cup - fans shouting stuff like "Are you going to win the league so we can get embarrassed in Europe again?" It feels like this season's results are quite comparable, but the viewpoint is the polar opposite.

I get that Europe has changed a lot since then and it's important to win the league so you can get an easy run to the groups, pick up another €3m and use that to consistently qualify - but against that I think Rovers fans are being excessively defensive of Bradley and his team selections. Granted Derry have improved a bit, but I don't think the title race should be quite so close at this stage. And given Rovers' crowds and recent Euro funds, they really should have built a squad capable of competing on two fronts at this stage.

I think that discussion can happen without Rovers fans calling people bitter and twisted and without CSAD questioning "you're [sic] brain size or knowledge in general".

[sbgawa]

I think the bitter and twisted comments are mostly reacting to some ridiculous OTT stuff. The league would have been over sooner if we hadn't been without our 3 most creative players Burke Byrne and mandroiu for most of the season.
That's what has led to Bradley playing weaker teams in Europe and I'm not being over defensive of him by saying he is doing the right thing I actually believe it is in the long term interest of the club. Before he named the team away to molde I qas calling for a team of 19s to play. Other fans might not care about the long term benefit to the club of making groups two years in a row (hopefully) and might prefer we weren't prioritising the league and that's fir enough. Different perspectives from different fans, there is no need for the hysterics on display though.

[ontheotherhand]

This is 100% the point, even the Dundalk 2020 EL group stage team really tried, back to my point 'Had a Go', that night in Vienna Oct 2020, lost 4-3, I think we were the only club that night to score more than 2 and not get a result, and yes fully aware lost all 6 games, but again we had a go.

My u10 team this am lost 5-1 and I told them they were great for the last 5 as they had a go and got a goal back, they tried harder than Rovers have in the group stage !

You're keeping it civil oriel, fair play. I'm not sure bringing up the 2020 Dundalk team is helpful though. You weren't competing for the league so it's not apples for apples. In fact you got smashed in the league at home 4-0 by a team with half your budget that year while you focused on your game with KI. The cup isn't the league in terms of level of effort. Especially not when you win your semi 11-0. You also lost all your games so it wasn't exactly a roaring success. Others keep mentioning the MON rovers team as if they actually came close to winning the group. They were comfortably beaten by Spurs reserves in reality.

If we weren't competing for the league we'd go out hell for leather away from home. As it is we've priorities elsewhere and still managed to be competitive in our home group games, something which is being overlooked here as it doesn't fit the narrative. We drew with the top team in the group and played well against arguably the strongest team on paper this week. We played our game and created enough chances. The talk of needing a striker is fair and maybe Gaffney would have made the difference but we really need to get points against Drogs and he is better suited to that than other options. Our worst results aren't as bad as the 4-0 you took off us in Oriel in 2020. You'd swear we were going down 9-0 reading this thread. We're poor away from home all the same, no question and it needs to be fixed.

If we'd gotten the win against Djurgardens we might be looking at things differently but as it is, we've taken a fairly ruthless approach to focus on the league. Agree or not it doesn't bother me much. As I said earlier, I want the league not a moral victory or two in Europe.

To your earlier question on whether or not Jack has shown his class in the groups, the answer is no sadly. He's barely showed his class in the league and that is part of the issue. He hasn't been the same since the back and covid issues he got in 2020. Ironically the best example of him struggling was in the cup you won. He was anonymous that day and hasn't really gotten close to his best level since. He's had a few good assists and passages of play when he gets enough time on the ball but he either needs more time to get back there or.......well he's still a good loi player, just not a lad you'd coast to a league with or who might help you punch above your weight in Europe.

[oriel]

But surely this was completely diff, we played the u19's / B team / tea lady managed team and lost 4-0 indeed, but that was a one off game to ensure team was fresh for EL play off. We are talking about 3-4 consistent not having a go displays now by Rovers in group stage.

Ps the A team put the record straight with a 4-2 win v Rovers 3 months later in the cup final, easily the better team after 90 mins and most of ET.

And finally I want Rovers to do much better in the group stage, it reflects better on our league for better performances, not just results.

[ontheotherhand]

But surely this was completely diff, we played the u19's / B team / tea lady managed team and lost 4-0 indeed, but that was a one off game to ensure team was fresh for EL play off. We are talking about 3-4 consistent not having a go displays now by Rovers in group stage.

Ps the A team put the record straight with a 4-2 win v Rovers 3 months later in the cup final, easily the better team after 90 mins and most of ET.

Jaysus oriel I'm not reliving the cup with you! 😅

Do you really think we didn't have a go in the home games? I'd disagree with that. Away from home sure I'd agree but at home we've played well in both games. Points on the board as well which is more than Dundalk got in 2020 or we got in 2011.

What is "having a go" worth anyway? Is the 2020 Dundalk side lauded in song? I'd have almost forgotten you were in the groups to be honest. There were more striking stories coming out of Oriel that year than a few gutsy defeats.

Now the other Dundalk is a different story. They were brilliant and are rightly talked about as the best LoI side of all time. But it didn't last. We are attempting to build something that lasts. Maybe we are getting it wrong but it's odd that people don't see the reasoning at the very least.

[Kingswood Rover]

I thought we played some really good football against Molde but if you do not take your chances in Europe you have no hope. The 2022 Rovers are very average with perhaps only Andy Lyons out of the Squad playing consistently above average. The League has to be won end of and as we have a decent chance of doing that European Group Stages are secondary to that ambition. Am i pleased with this No but its right for the club in the here and now. Next Season's league will be a lot more competitive with Derry and possibly Dundalk and Pats having ever chance Rovers may then possibly finding themselves deciding to focus on European games and still get well beaten in all bar one or two. Getting that 2nd gold star on our jersey is this years priority folks.

[Shinkicker]

Oh Rovers definitely won?t be, Nope I have a loathe hatred for teams that accept mediocrity and have no ambition. And I wouldn?t hope if I was you, you?re going to be disappointed and arse will be fine.

Nope wrong and not for the first time.
You really must hate all teams in the league because at the moment they all only want to get to Europe for the money with fixtures close to home to keep expenses down and happy to go out after 2nd -3rd round. If they do make group stage happy to come last. You must be so frustrated.

[EatYerGreens]

Unless I'm missing somwthing, the problem Rovers face isn't with 'trying'. It's with the fact they're playing teams who are just a lot better than them. The higher you go in football the more that small margins become influential - and that's what you pay for from quality players. The difference between almost putting away a chance and actually doing so.

[A N Mouse]

No tactics just using Wikipedia, which maybe you being an old timer maybe haven?t heard of.

Yes they would have because they actually had a good manager.

What are you even talking about anymore, wise up for once on this forum.


I take that as you saying that two of, in your opinion, the best managers in the league wouldn't have prioritised winning the league over winning hearts and mind in the group stages, should they had to choose. Did I get that right? On the other hand, there was no objection to my earlier characterisation of your previous statement as 'rovers were muck in qualifying, why are they muck in the groups'. Take it you still standby both opinions?

Don't worry about my lack of tech savvy. I'll stick with altavista. Like back in the old days. Do you know, this wikipedia might be useful, will add a bookmark to lynx. Oh, thank you, bless your heart.

I'd also like to thank you for the advice. Now would you be be receptive to some? Seems others have suggested, hinted, implied, told, even hollered about worrying kwibbling from your account and the need to do something about it. I too think you should tone it down. Pause, take a breath before posting. I can't speak for others but it's tiresome. Don't become the type of poster that nobody wants to be seen arguing with.

Of course there room to discuss Bradley's competence, rover's poor showing or perceived lack of ambition or reasons for any of the above. Take your cue from others, and do it without pi$$ing in everyone's lemonade. Users on more modern platforms would be getting mental health advice with their reported posts. Should we be concerned? Everyone should have someone to talk to, and check themself regularly.

The other thing was this great documentary from 2010. Really enjoyable. Of course norway deal better with these things than we do. Link (https://youtu.be/uvwEyHeRSvE). Looks good after this time,must give it another watch.

[oriel]

Jaysus oriel I'm not reliving the cup with you! ��

Do you really think we didn't have a go in the home games? I'd disagree with that. Away from home sure I'd agree but at home we've played well in both games. Points on the board as well which is more than Dundalk got in 2020 or we got in 2011.

What is "having a go" worth anyway? Is the 2020 Dundalk side lauded in song? I'd have almost forgotten you were in the groups to be honest. There were more striking stories coming out of Oriel that year than a few gutsy defeats.

Now the other Dundalk is a different story. They were brilliant and are rightly talked about as the best LoI side of all time. But it didn't last. We are attempting to build something that lasts. Maybe we are getting it wrong but it's odd that people don't see the reasoning at the very least.

Singular term - POINT :D

[ontheotherhand]

Singular term - POINT :D

Well now that we've lost the league we can focus on getting a second.

[ger121]

Well with the shackles fully off I expect Rovers to really go for it tonight. Gent are bang average in the league and their only win in Europe in 6 games was in the reverse fixture. Away from home in general they seem to be poor.
Rovers have created chances in the group games, they just haven’t been clinical so far. They need to take them tonight.
I fancy them tonight and would not be surprised if they sneak a win. Having said that, I went for 1-1 in the UEFA prediction league.

[pateen]

Big money still at stake too

[EatYerGreens]

You'd assume the Rovers players are on some sort of bonus structure for European results. This is essentially their last game of the season and a cup final for them, so they should be going all out to get at least a draw. One game tonight has the potential to earn them massively more money than 36 games in the league did. So they'd be daft not to go all out for it tonight.

[placid casual]

Finn and O'Neill are injured and Burke and Byrne are doubtful.
Think a draw is about the limit of our ambitions tonight.

[WeAreRovers]

Unless I'm missing somwthing, the problem Rovers face isn't with 'trying'. It's with the fact they're playing teams who are just a lot better than them. The higher you go in football the more that small margins become influential - and that's what you pay for from quality players. The difference between almost putting away a chance and actually doing so.

Haven't looked at this thread in a while funnily enough but the quoted post sums up the entire Rovers in Europe argument for me and applies right across Europe to the CL, EL & ECL group stages.

Rovers join the likes of Celtic, Rangers, Viktoria Plzen, Marseille, FC Zurich, Dynamo Kyiv, Helsinki, Malmo, Omonia, Olympiacos, Steau, Austria Wein, Vaduz and more in being thoroughly outclassed in this year's group stages.

Sometimes you're just not as good as the opposition and the job in that context is to qualify consistently and make incremental improvements year on year. Ange Postecoglou and Stephen Bradley among many others face the same challenge - translating domestic dominance into competitive European group stage campaigns.

[2 Year Contract]

Rovers join the likes of Celtic, Rangers, Viktoria Plzen, Marseille, FC Zurich, Dynamo Kyiv, Helsinki, Malmo, Omonia, Olympiacos, Steau, Austria Wein, Vaduz and more in being thoroughly outclassed in this year's group stages.

I see your overall point but with one CL group game left Marseille can top their group if they win coupled with a draw in the other game.

On rovers, the gap between them and Molde/Gent/Djurgardens isn’t/shouldn’t appear to be anything like the gap between Rangers and Liverpool/Napoli/Ajax. Ludogorets (who rovers ran close and are currently lie in 2nd place in their group, 3 points above Roma) would be a better side than any of rovers group opponents but the group stage performances from rovers haven’t been near that Ludogorets 2nd leg performance level or even the 2nd leg performance level of the win against Ferencvaros who are current top of a group with Monaco/Trabzonspor/Red Star Belgrade and would absolutely stroll past the 3 sides in rovers group if they were paired with them

[MichaelCherrito]

Perfect start for Rovers.

Cannot believe bookies were offering 6/1 for a home win.

[ger121]

Perfect start for Rovers.

Cannot believe bookies were offering 6/1 for a home win.

I could always see why the LOI was big for overseas betting.Some of the odds in games are ridiculous and show a lack of knowledge of the game here, even by the “local” bookies.

[pineapple stu]

Great start from Rovers. Gent getting back into it though and - famous last words here! - you can't see Rovers keeping them out for 90 minutes really.

[ger121]

Crazy the amount of injuries Rovers have had. Lucky the league is wrapped up going into Sunday. At this rate Bradley be coming on.

[pineapple stu]

Bit of booing at the half-time whistle there I think - what's that about?

[ger121]

Bit of booing at the half-time whistle there I think - what's that about?

Gent Fans according to Dan McDonnell.

[pineapple stu]

Must be TV mics right in front of them; I can't imagine they'd have come across that clearly in the ground!