Sums Linfield in Europe up pretty well

[Steve Bruce]

http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/local/article2803155.ece

I have to say. Linfield this season are looking a far better side than last. It's the same team, but we seem to be that bit quicker and that bit better.

Elfsborg where slightly the better team, but Linfield has closed the gap with the other sides in Europe.

Next season will be our season. We have drawn the 2 of the hardest teams in the last 2 seasons in Europe. Next season we are due a slightly easier task. In saying that, I now fear no one in the first round and I relish the chance against anyone next season.

Come on the Blues.

[Graemerz]

http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/local/article2803155.ece

I have to say. Linfield this season are looking a far better side than last. It's the same team, but we seem to be that bit quicker and that bit better.

Elfsborg where slightly the better team, but Linfield has closed the gap with the other sides in Europe.

Next season will be our season. We have drawn the 2 of the hardest teams in the last 2 seasons in Europe. Next season we are due a slightly easier task. In saying that, I now fear no one in the first round and I relish the chance against anyone next season.

Come on the Blues.

I'd fear Derry City, they have a higher co-efficient than us... ;)

[Steve Bruce]

I'd fear Derry City, they have a higher co-efficient than us... ;)



Your not allowed to say anything bad/sarcastic about Derry City on these forums. People take the hump. so less of that;):D

[dcfcsteve]

Your not allowed to say anything bad/sarcastic about Derry City on these forums. People take the hump. so less of that;):D

Never stops you.......! :p

[GavinZac]

Yes, over the two legs Elfsborg had the majority of the chances, but their finishing left a lot to be desired over the 180 minutes of the tieBigger team comes to Linfield and despite breaking them down time and time again, can't find the target? Sounds eerily familiar. Glad that justice prevailed though, I can only imagine what the word for molestation is in Swedish. :D

[Steve Bruce]

Bigger team comes to Linfield and despite breaking them down time and time again, can't find the target? Sounds eerily familiar. Glad that justice prevailed though, I can only imagine what the word for molestation is in Swedish. :D

Read my sig;):D

[Graemerz]

Bigger team comes to Linfield

Aye, right enough Cork are massive.... :rolleyes:

[ifk101]

I can only imagine what the word for molestation is in Swedish. :D

Ofredande :)

Joe Gamble Svensson said:

"Bollen blev ofredad av Cork City på Windsor Idrottsplatsen".

Anyways, I personally thought that Elfsborg ran the show the other night but didn't put their superiority in goals. Linfield had a good chance at the end to equalise but in my mind there's no doubt that Elfsborg were the better team. It was a crappy goal Linfield conceded though.

[Steve Bruce]

Ofredande :)

Joe Gamble Svensson said:

"Bollen blev ofredad av Cork City på Windsor Idrottsplatsen".

Anyways, I personally thought that Elfsborg ran the show the other night but didn't put their superiority in goals. Linfield had a good chance at the end to equalise but in my mind there's no doubt that Elfsborg were the better team. It was a crappy goal Linfield conceded though.

I don't think you would get 1 Linfield supporter to say that Linfield where better. We're not and Elsborg are certainly a better side.(although I would love to get them at the end of September when we are match fit and sharp)

But I think Linfield has shown this year that our standard has certainly risen in recent years and we are getting stronger.

Paul McAreavey showed his class again and this time he showed the stamina as well. Full-time football seems to be working a treat with him and Mannus especially.

[Graemerz]

With Downey and Kearney coming back and bar any serious long term injuries we could very well do the clean sweep again this year including the Setanta this time. :)

[Steve Bruce]

With Downey and Kearney coming back and bar any serious long term injuries we could very well do the clean sweep again this year including the Setanta this time. :)

I'll be happy with the Irish League and 1 other trophy.

[Graemerz]

I'll be happy with the Irish League and 1 other trophy.

Aye the League is the priority but after that it should be (listed in priority):-

Setanta Cup
Irish Cup
CIS Cup
Co. Antrim Shield

[Steve Bruce]

Aye the League is the priority but after that it should be (listed in priority):-

Setanta Cup
Irish Cup
CIS Cup
Co. Antrim Shield

To be honest Graemerz it is hard to prioritise the cups because they play in different times of the season.

The League gets first priority obviously.

The CIS to me would be the 2nd priority as this finishes before any other tournement and if you win this, then the trophy duck is broke for the year.

Then the Co. Antrim sheild, but I would play 3 youngsters from reserves in every game including hte final if we are fortunate enough to get their.

Then Irish Cup is to me this is the climax of the season and always gaurenteed bumper crowd.

Setanta would be last priority but that's not to say it's least either. It comes towards the end of the season when the League gets really tight and every point is so important. Like last season I would play as good a team as possible but have to rotate to keep the squad fresh. Last season we never had a full first team on at anyone time and we used fringe players. i think this is a must this season as well.

If I could hand pick 3 trophies it would be League, Irish Cup and Setanta cup.

[waide]

Steve, i agree that the league has to be our first priority, but my next preference is the setanta although the timng of it obviously gives the edge to the southern clubs,i firmly believe that this past two seasons fatigue has cost us the trophy,that is not to take anything away from drogs who are an exellent team,by far the best that we've played in the setanta over this past three seasons.

[mypost]

Aye the League is the priority but after that it should be (listed in priority):-

Setanta Cup
Irish Cup
CIS Cup
Co. Antrim Shield

Europe???? :confused:

[BleusAvantTout]

League first for me then the Setanta All Ireland...........it brings mucho dinero!!! :):cool:

[David]

Europe???? :confused:

We are already out of it for this season and are never going to win the Champions League. :confused:

[Graemerz]

Progression in Europe to me is more important than the CIS, CAS and Irish Cup but David is right we are never ever going to win the competition.

[GavinZac]

Progression in Europe to me is more important than the CIS, CAS and Irish Cup but David is right we are never ever going to win the competition.

not with that attitude ;)

[StarandCrescent]

Steve, i agree that the league has to be our first priority, but my next preference is the setanta although the timng of it obviously gives the edge to the southern clubs,i

How's that? We're pre season and your half way throught your season. Fitness and match sharpness are all in favour of IL clubs.

[Graemerz]

How's that? We're pre season and your half way throught your season. Fitness and match sharpness are all in favour of IL clubs.

I think in mid-February when the Setanta Cup begins it favours the IL teams as they are over the mid-way part of their season and the EL sides are just in pre-season however by the time the competition is ending in May the EL sides have the upper hand as they are certainly fresh with a handful of games under their belts where the IL sides are badly fatigued due to playing close to 60 matches.

[SolitudeRed]

Surely this would not affect Linfield as much as the other IL teams as they now have 7 full timers in the squad now, and I presume their fitness levels would be better than part time players!

Incidentally how many teams in the Eircom League are full time/Professional? I think that Shamrock Rovers are part time are they the only team?

[waide]

I think in mid-February when the Setanta Cup begins it favours the IL teams as they are over the mid-way part of their season and the EL sides are just in pre-season however by the time the competition is ending in May the EL sides have the upper hand as they are certainly fresh with a handful of games under their belts where the IL sides are badly fatigued due to playing close to 60 matches.


This post is spot on.

[De Town]

Incidentally how many teams in the Eircom League are full time/Professional? I think that Shamrock Rovers are part time are they the only team?

Longford Town are all part time.

[DmanDmythDledge]

Surely this would not affect Linfield as much as the other IL teams as they now have 7 full timers in the squad now, and I presume their fitness levels would be better than part time players!

Incidentally how many teams in the Eircom League are full time/Professional? I think that Shamrock Rovers are part time are they the only team?
No, about half are part time. Bohs, Cork, Derry, Galway, Sligo, Pats and Drogheda are full time.

[Graemerz]

Surely this would not affect Linfield as much as the other IL teams as they now have 7 full timers in the squad now, and I presume their fitness levels would be better than part time players!

Incidentally how many teams in the Eircom League are full time/Professional? I think that Shamrock Rovers are part time are they the only team?

Regardless if you are semi-professional or full time, a 60 game season is going to take it out of you.

[Graemerz]

Sums up even more what Linfield achieved as Elfsborg defeated Debrecan tonight 1-0 in Hungary, in the first leg of the 2nd round.

[NY Hoop]

You lost you achieved nothing.


KOH

[Graemerz]

You lost you achieved nothing.


KOH

Maybe, but we're still better than you.

[NY Hoop]

Mature comeback that. Out of interest how do you come to that conclusion? By beating limavady 9-0 or something?

Delusions of adequacy again.

KOH

[Graemerz]

This coming from a supporter of a club who just last season were playing Eircom First Division football, thats a class above the rest that.

[NY Hoop]

Yeah last season and we won the first division which is about the level you play at in some games.

KOH

[Graemerz]

Yeah last season and we won the first division which is about the level you play at in some games.

KOH

Fortunately its not Linfield's problem if a few of the clubs within Northern Ireland are of a poor standard. All we can do is expect to beat them and dominate within our country, which we pretty much do.

[David]

Mature comeback that. Out of interest how do you come to that conclusion? By beating limavady 9-0 or something?

Delusions of adequacy again.

KOH

Two defeats plus one after penalties in almost 20 games against the top Eircom League teams shows that we are at the very least on a par with anything the Eircom has to offer.

[osarusan]

the first division which is about the level you play at in some games.

The games where they win the Setanta cup?

[sonofstan]

Two defeats plus one after penalties in almost 20 games against the top Eircom League teams shows that we are at the very least on a par with anything the Eircom has to offer.

Agreed. So would you not prefer to play in a league where you'd get a game every now and then? Glens apart, it must get pretty boring up there.

[David]

Agreed. So would you not prefer to play in a league where you'd get a game every now and then? Glens apart, it must get pretty boring up there.

Never gets boring winning trophies. However personally I would prefer an all Ireland League.

[Steve Bruce]

Never gets boring winning trophies. However personally I would prefer an all Ireland League.

Once upon a time I would have but not now.

Any games bar Tolka and we have a very reduced amount of tickets for our supporters.

Also with the LOI playing during the week most weeks and never on a Saturday, it would be a financial nightmare for the supporters.

I simply couldn't afford to pay £30+ every two weeks for an away game and also lose a days pay.

[Graemerz]

Once upon a time I would have but not now.

Who’s to say they would make an All-Ireland League and base it on the Eircom League and not the Carnegie? I’m sure fans of the Eircom League would prefer more structure and that most matches are played on a Saturday at 3pm. As for mid-week cup fixtures this could easily be sorted out.

Just an idea…

All-Ireland Premier League (12 to 14 teams) most matches played on a Saturday and could be moved to a Friday night or a Sunday for television purposes.

All-Ireland Cup (64 teams) most matches played on a Saturday and could be moved to a Friday night or a Sunday for television purposes.

All-Ireland League Cup (32 teams) Split into regional groups (Ulster, Munster, Leinster, Connacht) Then goes to a final 8 from the groups. Group matches played on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday evening with the Quarter finals to final matches being played on Saturday and could be moved to a Friday night or a Sunday for television purposes.

Will probably never happen though…

[David]

Once upon a time I would have but not now.

Any games bar Tolka and we have a very reduced amount of tickets for our supporters.

Also with the LOI playing during the week most weeks and never on a Saturday, it would be a financial nightmare for the supporters.

I simply couldn't afford to pay £30+ every two weeks for an away game and also lose a days pay.

There would certainly be difficulties. However I honestly feel we are outgrowing the Irish League if we have not already done so. I simply see continued participation in the Irish League as a possible hindrance to our undoubted progress.

[Steve Bruce]

There would certainly be difficulties. However I honestly feel we are outgrowing the Irish League if we have not already done so. I simply see continued participation in the Irish League as a possible hindrance to our undoubted progress.

What happens if we have an all-island league, Linfields support base grows even bigger and we start to dominate football across this island? Where do we go then?

If we are to move leagues to fulfill our potential then Scotland or England has to be it. We would grow to our biggest possible size in either league and although we would never be a force, I think it would be a lot more enjoyable to be watching Linfield vs Hibs/Rangers/Celtic/Hearts/Aberdeen/Dunfirmline etc in front of 15-20,000 every week in Scotland.

or Watching Linfield vs Leeds/Southampton/Oldham/Leicester etc etc

It's all pie in the sky anyway, but I do not believe an all-island league is the promise land. The promise land lies in either Scotland or England.

Well that's my opinion anyway.

[SolitudeRed]

Agreed. So would you not prefer to play in a league where you'd get a game every now and then? Glens apart, it must get pretty boring up there.

I'd say Cliftonville give the Blues a pretty tough game these days! we were one of the few IL teams (perhaps the only) that Linfield couldn't beat last season!

[Graemerz]

I'd say Cliftonville give the Blues a pretty tough game these days! we were one of the few IL teams (perhaps the only) that Linfield couldn't beat last season!

correct, as for this season, bring it on! :)

[whitewell red]

What happens if we have an all-island league, Linfields support base grows even bigger and we start to dominate football across this island? Where do we go then?

If we are to move leagues to fulfill our potential then Scotland or England has to be it. We would grow to our biggest possible size in either league and although we would never be a force, I think it would be a lot more enjoyable to be watching Linfield vs Hibs/Rangers/Celtic/Hearts/Aberdeen/Dunfirmline etc in front of 15-20,000 every week in Scotland.

or Watching Linfield vs Leeds/Southampton/Oldham/Leicester etc etc

It's all pie in the sky anyway, but I do not believe an all-island league is the promise land. The promise land lies in either Scotland or England.


i don't no what u eat be4 u go 2 sleep but u can do some dreaming. Linfield r a good team, so what. ur getting on like linfield r unbeatable, there not. yes they have won the league 4 the last few years just like Celtic, man u, but some1 else will win it soon.
As 4 linfield movin leagues 2 fulfill their potential, they will never play in Scotland or England just like the old firm will never play in England, it might sound good and might b the best way forward 4 the old firm but Uefa will not agree 2 it.
u need 2 have a reality check m8 linfield r not good enough 2 play in Scotland never mind England which leaves a all Ireland league the only option and that's not because linfield r 2 good 4 the Irish league its because it would b best 4 every1

[BleusAvantTout]

i don't no what u eat be4 u go 2 sleep but u can do some dreaming. Linfield r a good team, so what. ur getting on like linfield r unbeatable, there not. yes they have won the league 4 the last few years just like Celtic, man u, but some1 else will win it soon.
As 4 linfield movin leagues 2 fulfill their potential, they will never play in Scotland or England just like the old firm will never play in England, it might sound good and might b the best way forward 4 the old firm but Uefa will not agree 2 it.
u need 2 have a reality check m8 linfield r not good enough 2 play in Scotland never mind England which leaves a all Ireland league the only option and that's not because linfield r 2 good 4 the Irish league its because it would b best 4 every1

You'd be better typing in Hungarian!!!!! :confused: ;)

[David]

I'd say Cliftonville give the Blues a pretty tough game these days! we were one of the few IL teams (perhaps the only) that Linfield couldn't beat last season!

On a one off yes Cliftonville have shown they are capable. However it does seem that the be all and end all of your season is your results against Linfield. You are not able to sustain a league challenge and have done so once in living memory when you won it in 1998. You have not come close to challenging since and with the mentality that you seem to have I do not see that changing. Cliftonville focus on the games against Linfield, Linfield focus on winning championships. Therein lies the difference.

[BleusAvantTout]

On a one off yes Cliftonville have shown they are capable. However it does seem that the be all and end all of your season is your results against Linfield. You are not able to sustain a league challenge and have done so once in living memory when you won it in 1998. You have not come close to challenging since and with the mentality that you seem to have I do not see that changing. Cliftonville focus on the games against Linfield, Linfield focus on winning championships. Therein lies the difference.

A succinct summation..............and you've "hit the nail on the head"! :cool: ;)

[mypost]

This coming from a supporter of a club who just last season were playing Eircom First Division football, thats a class above the rest that.

Yes, we won our (highly competitive) league by 1 point after 36 games. :) Linfield had won their uncompetitive league before a ball was kicked. :rolleyes:


I’m sure fans of the Eircom League would prefer more structure and that most matches are played on a Saturday at 3pm.

You wouldn't get 3pm games here. We play at night only.

[lofty9]

I'd love to know what the obsession is with Saturday afternoon football? Most people I know couldn't get to a game due to work or family commitments at that time. If Derry played regularly on a Saturday afternoon our crowds would drop off substantially. Off the top of my head these Saturday games take place in NI, England, Scotland and Germany. The rest on Sundays or have evening kick offs.

[SolitudeRed]

On a one off yes Cliftonville have shown they are capable. However it does seem that the be all and end all of your season is your results against Linfield. You are not able to sustain a league challenge and have done so once in living memory when you won it in 1998. You have not come close to challenging since and with the mentality that you seem to have I do not see that changing. Cliftonville focus on the games against Linfield, Linfield focus on winning championships. Therein lies the difference.

LOL I should have expected a response like that from certain Linfield fans! yes its true Cliftonville and all IL teams only ever bother to play when its against Linfield! The world clearly revolves around Linfield:rolleyes:

Anyways look at my post I am merely stating that Linfield can and do get beaten by teams such as Cliftonville and Distillery, it was a response to a claim that the Glens are the only ones who can give Linfield a game!