Hoops seeded for CL draw

The_Kew_Tour

Great news for LOI right?

http://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2011/0531/airtricity_europe_shamrockrovers_stpats_sligorovers_bohemians.html

Airtricity League champions Shamrock Rovers have been seeded in the draw for the Second Qualifying Round of the UEFA Champions League.

The Hoops, along with Sligo Rovers, St Patrick's Athletic and Bohemians will enter the UEFA Champions League and Europa League draws in June with the most favourable odds in the history of Irish participation on the European stage.

By virtue of FC Porto winning the Europa League Cup rather than Sporting Braga, Sligo Rovers - as FAI Ford Cup winners - will be forwarded to the Third Qualifying Round of the UEFA Europa League.

This is because FC Porto do not require the title holder's place in the Europa League as they have qualified for the Champions League next season.

Ireland is placed 29th on the access/ranking list. This would be the first time ever that an Irish club was exempted from two rounds of a European club competition.

St Pat's will also be seeded in the draws for both the First and Second Qualifying Rounds of the UEFA Europa League, while Bohemians will be seeded for the Second Qualifying Round as they are exempt from the First Qualifying Round.

As a result of FK Borac Banja Luka winning the League title in Bosnia-Herzegovina, Rovers will now face one of the 17 unseeded sides for a place in the third qualifying round.

The Hoops will face one of the following clubs: Dacia Chisinau (Moldova), FC Pyunik Yerevan (Armenia), FK Borac Banja Luka (Bosnia-Herzegovina), Skonto Riga (Latvia), FC Fehérvár (Hungary), Bangor City (Wales), HB Torshavn (Faroe Islands), Linfield (Northern Ireland), Tobol Kustanai (Kazakhstan), F91 Dudelange (Luxembourg), Flora Tallinn (Estonia), Breidablik (Iceland), FC Valletta (Malta), Neftchi Baku (Azerbaijan), Shkendija Tetovo (FYR Macedonia), Skënderbeu Korçë (Albania) and FK Mogren (Montenegro).

Being seeded will give the Hoops an opportunity to make significant progress in Europe this summer. Victory in the Second Round would guarantee Shamrock Rovers a minimum of four extra European matches including a play-off for a place in the group stages of the Europa League, if required.

Financially, it would also mean a minimum payment of €550,000 from UEFA - €330,000 of which is already guaranteed - and the club would also garner €130,000 should the Hoops qualify for the next round.

Rovers would also benefit to the tune of a further €90,000 should they fail to qualify for the Champions League group stages and move into the Europa League.

The draws for both stages of the UEFA Europa League will take place on 20 June.

Airtricity League director Fran Gavin said: 'Our clubs have made significant progress in Europe over the past few seasons and this year's representatives are benefiting from those previous good results.

'The inclusion of Sligo Rovers in the Europa League third qualifying round is another milestone for the Airtricity League and puts the group stages well in sight of an Airtricity League club.

'However, we should not underestimate how difficult this season's European campaigns will be for our clubs, who are now working with reduced squads and young players, some of whom will be facing European opposition for the first time.'

OhNoYouDidn't

We knew this last week, FAI just confirmed it today.

Draw is regionalised, so we can't get some of the nasty trips.

Great news, no sides in there we will fear.

CantGetNoSleep

How many stages do any of them have to get through to actually qualify for the group stages?

Fr Tod Umptious

OhNoYouDidn't wrote: »

We knew this last week, FAI just confirmed it today.

Draw is regionalised, so we can't get some of the nasty trips.

Great news, no sides in there we will fear.

What....

'Tobol Kustanai (Kazakhstan)' isn't nasty ?

It's closer to Mongolia than it is to Tallagh

http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=53.12,63.38&spn=0.1,0.1&t=m&q=53.12,63.38

OhNoYouDidn't

CantGetNoSleep wrote: »

How many stages do any of them have to get through to actually qualify for the group stages?

3

We are in the 2nd qualifying round, then third, then playoff

Losing in the third round drops us into the final Europa Leage group playoff, losing the playoff gurantees EL group football

OhNoYouDidn't

Fr Tod Umptious wrote: »

What....

'Tobol Kustanai (Kazakhstan)' isn't nasty ?

It's closer to Mongolia than it is to Tallagh

http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=53.12,63.38&spn=0.1,0.1&t=m&q=53.12,63.38

Article is wrong.

There is a North and South European regionalisation.

OhNoYouDidn't

Forget the list in the article, these are actual potential opponents

Linfield (Nir)
Flora Tallinn(Est)
Skonto Riga(Lat)
HB Torshavn(Far)
Bangor(Wal)
Breidablik(Isl)
+/or Winner of F91 Dudelange(Lux) vs FC Santa Coloma(And) or Champion of (Sma)

The_Kew_Tour

OhNoYouDidn't wrote: »

Forget the list in the article, these are actual potential opponents

Linfield (Nir)
Flora Tallinn(Est)
Skonto Riga(Lat)
HB Torshavn(Far)
Bangor(Wal)
Breidablik(Isl)
+/or Winner of F91 Dudelange(Lux) vs FC Santa Coloma(And) or Champion of (Sma)

Lets hope they dont do a bohs from last season:D

OhNoYouDidn't

The_Kew_Tour wrote: »

Lets hope they dont do a bohs from last season:D

No chance. Can't see our club officials not realising it was a plastic pitch till the team got there....

_blank_

The_Kew_Tour wrote: »

Great news for LOI right?

Correction.

Good news for Shamrock.

OhNoYouDidn't

Des wrote: »

Correction.

Good news for Shamrock.

Don't be bitter Dessie, we all supported you lot when you had your 15 mins against Depor.

The_Kew_Tour

Des wrote: »

Correction.

Good news for Shamrock.

They will be main winners but surely if they can do well it gives the league a better outlook from people who claim its **** etc

Im Cork City supporter but this can only be good thing.

_blank_

OhNoYouDidn't wrote: »

Don't be bitter Dessie, we all supported you lot when you had your 15 mins against Depor.

I'm not bitter in the slightest, what have I to be bitter about, I wish you good luck in your endeavours in Europe, I really do, but I won't be "supporting" Shamrock Rovers.

I'm sure you were there in Landsdowne in your Shels scarf alright :pac:

but the only people a good European run will benefit is Shamrock Rovers. End Of.

The_Kew_Tour wrote: »

They will be main winners but surely if they can do well it gives the league a better outlook from people who claim its **** etc.

I don't care what anyone thinks of the league anymore, it's pointless.

The_Kew_Tour wrote: »

Im Cork City supporter but this can only be good thing.

...for Shamrock Rovers

28064212

OhNoYouDidn't wrote: »

Article is wrong.

There is a North and South European regionalisation.

Source? I've had a look around, can't see it mentioned anywhere

OhNoYouDidn't

28064212 wrote: »

Source? I've had a look around, can't see it mentioned anywhere

Rovers forum and Bert K's site. Geeks have done nothing else all week.

tallaghtmick

come 3rd in england straight into the champions league,champions of ireland gotta qualify bitches:Dfifa/uefa are clueless.

Oat23

Almost that time of year again

OhNoYouDidn't

Des wrote: »

I'm not bitter in the slightest, what have I to be bitter about, I wish you good luck in your endeavours in Europe, I really do, but I won't be "supporting" Shamrock Rovers.

But thats not the point being made. Its got nothing to do with whether you want us to win or lose. Its about increasing exposure and experience

Des wrote: »

I'm sure you were there in Landsdowne in your Shels scarf alright :pac:

No, but I was there and I oohed and awed with the rest of them

Des wrote: »

but the only people a good European run will benefit is Shamrock Rovers. End Of.

But the league needs a strong Rovers... :pac:

Des wrote: »

I don't care what anyone thinks of the league anymore, it's pointless.

So you are bitter...

Des wrote: »

...for Shamrock Rovers

Bull and you know it. If Rovers can lift it to the next level, the whole league benefits. Ditto any other club

28064212

OhNoYouDidn't wrote: »

Rovers forum and Bert K's site. Geeks have done nothing else all week.

Link? Don't see it anywhere on Bert K's site anyway

tallaghtmick

Does anyone else think that john delaney is sitting there now thinking how the F.A.I can profit from this:pac:

nullzero

Here's a mad idea.
Why don't UEFA give small footballing nations a real chance and put champions from each country into the group stages, or at least the last round before the group stages (seeing "Europe" escapsulates so much in footballing terms these days)?

The group stages of the Champions League are getting worse and worse every season, the money given to clubs for being there should be spread evenly across the board thus improving football everywhere instead of just perpetuating the hegemony of the big clubs and those who wallow just underneath them.

It's heartening to see Iirsh clubs getting a break for once but no small sides should have to be feeding off bigger clubs scraps.
If I'm going to see boring one sided games in the CL group stages I'd be happier knowing the side taking a pasting from the big boys are going to benefit from being in the competition.

Oat23

If Shams reach the group stages the league benefits. If they fall short only they benefit. Simple.

I hope they do reach the group stages though because I've waited all my life for an Irish team to be represented at that level, even if it is Shams.

OhNoYouDidn't

28064212 wrote: »

Link? Don't see it anywhere on Bert K's site anyway

You have to register for the Rovers forum, but it's legit.

OhNoYouDidn't

nullzero wrote: »

Here's a mad idea.
Why don't UEFA give small footballing nations a real chance and put champions from each country into the group stages, or at least the last round before the group stages (seeing "Europe" escapsulates so much in footballing terms these days)?

The group stages of the Champions League are getting worse and worse every season, the money given to clubs for being there should be spread evenly across the board thus improving football everywhere instead of just perpetuating the hegemony of the big clubs and those who wallow just underneath them.

It's heartening to see Iirsh clubs getting a break for once but no small sides should have to be feeding off bigger clubs scraps.
If I'm going to see boring one sided games in the CL group stages I'd be happier knowing the side taking a pasting from the big boys are going to benefit from being in the competition.

To be fair, UEFA have jigged the draw so the champions of the 'smaller' countries avoid the 3rd and 4th placers in the 'bigger' leagues until right to the end.

Pauleta

I like seeing Irish teams to well in Europe but i will be cheering for any team playing Shamrock Rovers. I really dislike their club, fans, players and the media wing of the club MNS but the main reason i will be cheering against them is that Rovers have a major financial advantage over everyone in LOI football. If they do well in Europe and get a load of cash, it will be to the detriment of competitiveness in the premier division.

OhNoYouDidn't

Pauleta wrote: »

I like seeing Irish teams to well in Europe but i will be cheering for any team playing Shamrock Rovers. I really dislike their club, fans, players and the media wing of the club MNS but the main reason i will be cheering against them is that Rovers have a major financial advantage over everyone in LOI football. If they do well in Europe and get a load of cash, it will be to the detriment of competitiveness in the premier division.

Thats heartbreaking stuff. What can we do to win you over?

Het-Field

Pauleta wrote: »

I like seeing Irish teams to well in Europe but i will be cheering for any team playing Shamrock Rovers. I really dislike their club, fans, players and the media wing of the club MNS but the main reason i will be cheering against them is that Rovers have a major financial advantage over everyone in LOI football. If they do well in Europe and get a load of cash, it will be to the detriment of competitiveness in the premier division.

I have quite a bit of respect for Rovers. They have managed to recover from a very difficult period to become a very credible team again.

I wont forget the repeated black-eyes they caused for the National League during the bad patch, but credit where credit is due. I will be cheering them on in Europe.

Pauleta

OhNoYouDidn't wrote: »

Thats heartbreaking stuff. What can we do to win you over?

Pay me €20

frantic190

OhNoYouDidn't wrote: »

No chance. Can't see our club officials not realising it was a plastic pitch till the team got there....

Our officials were told to **** off when we complained about it, but you wont have to worry about them anyway, we could get them again.

I want to see a team in the Group Stages of a competition even if it is Rovers, but I will not be cheering for them in any case and I hope that another team will reach the groups instead. I hope Sligo can put in a better shift than the last time they were in Europe (likewise for us!).

Unfortunately I don't even think its gonna happen this season even with the seeding the countries teams got.

S.R.F.C.

Pauleta wrote: »

I like seeing Irish teams to well in Europe but i will be cheering for any team playing Shamrock Rovers. I really dislike their club, fans, players and the media wing of the club MNS but the main reason i will be cheering against them is that Rovers have a major financial advantage over everyone in LOI football. If they do well in Europe and get a load of cash, it will be to the detriment of competitiveness in the premier division.

Good man yourself, that brings such a smile to my face!

Known for a while that we'll be seeded after the outcome in the Bosnian league, to be perfectly honest the bigger news is probably Sligo skipping two rounds.

markc1184

It would be great to see an Irish side in the group stages of one of the major tournaments. Rovers have a very good chance this year. When did the draws become regionalised?

Frisbee

If Rovers manage to get to the group stages yes it will benefit them in the main at first. But surely it will benefit the league as a whole over the net year or so when they start re-calculating co-efficients.

Radharc na Sleibhte

Great news for SLIGO Rovers.
Cant wait.

shanec1928

S.R.F.C. wrote: »

Good man yourself, that brings such a smile to my face!

Known for a while that we'll be seeded after the outcome in the Bosnian league, to be perfectly honest the bigger news is probably Sligo skipping two rounds.

we were in round two already unless you struggle with basic maths that's only one place moving into round three..

Mint Sauce

The only downside of Rovers (sligo ) being promoted to the EL 3rd qualifying round, is that there is unlikely to be a European Night at the showgrounds, last I heard at least the flood lights and seating did not meet UEFA requirements for that round of the competition.

We do how ever, as far as I understand, still get the the 2nd round payment.

Would be nice to see an Irish club in the playoffs of either competition.

Shamrocks, you might even get a cheer from me if you reach the groups of either comp.

Pinturicchio

irish-stew wrote: »

The only downside of Rovers (sligo ) being promoted to the EL 3rd qualifying round, is that there is unlikely to be a European Night at the showgrounds, last I heard at least the flood lights and seating did not meet UEFA requirements for that round of the competition.

Where could it be played instead? Surely not in Dublin?

shanec1928

Pinturicchio wrote: »

Where could it be played instead? Surely not in Dublin?

we have decided to play two away legs instead

Mint Sauce

Pinturicchio wrote: »

Where could it be played instead? Surely not in Dublin?

Id say more than likely our home game will be played there.

losthorizon

OhNoYouDidn't wrote: »

To be fair, UEFA have jigged the draw so the champions of the 'smaller' countries avoid the 3rd and 4th placers in the 'bigger' leagues until right to the end.

I think you mean to say UEFA Have jigged the draw so the champions of the 'smaller' countries do not avoid the 3rd and 4th placers in the 'bigger' leagues until right to the end. If UEFA didnt want do this all you need to do is have an open draw. UEFA carefully manages the draw so that bigger countrys wont meet each other too early because if they do they threaten to walk out of the competition entirely like spoilt children.

For arguments sake this season say the Hungarian champions had as good a team as the fourth placed team in England. Well, despite this the Hungarian team would still get knocked out first because of the draw structure put in place (in all probability.

Raskolnikov

The seeding thing really doesn't help Rovers that much. While they should win the second round qualifier, they will still have two complete stinkers to play. Pretty much the same as the old system when you think about it.

AgileMyth

Pinturicchio wrote: »

Where could it be played instead? Surely not in Dublin?

The Aviva if we draw a huge team.
Possibly Tallaght if we don't. I'd honestly rather just play the away leg, or look for the use of one of the Gah stadiums than play our home match there.

StickyMcGinty

AgileMyth wrote: »

The Aviva if we draw a huge team.
Possibly Tallaght if we don't. I'd honestly rather just play the away leg, or look for the use of one of the Gah stadiums than play our home match there.

surely has to be an all seater stadium?

I'm a Shels fan and wish both the rovers the best of luck, i'll hit both dublin games if tickets are about

Mint Sauce

StickyMcGinty wrote: »

surely has to be an all seater stadium?

I'm a Shels fan and wish both the rovers the best of luck, i'll hit both dublin games if tickets are about

Only seated sections can be used. Any standing sections would be closed or have bucket seats installed.

And even then if a GAA staduim could be approved by UEFA, the GAA them selfs would have to give permission for its use.

ArmaniJeanss

losthorizon wrote: »

I think you mean to say UEFA Have jigged the draw so the champions of the 'smaller' countries do not avoid the 3rd and 4th placers in the 'bigger' leagues until right to the end. If UEFA didnt want do this all you need to do is have an open draw. UEFA carefully manages the draw so that bigger countrys wont meet each other too early because if they do they threaten to walk out of the competition entirely like spoilt children.

For arguments sake this season say the Hungarian champions had as good a team as the fourth placed team in England. Well, despite this the Hungarian team would still get knocked out first because of the draw structure put in place (in all probability.

The champions of Hungary (And Ireland, Wales, Faroes etc) can start the competition secure in the knowledge that in order to qualify for the group stages they will not have to face the likes of Arsenal, Udinese, BayernMunich, Villareal, Benfica and all the other clubs who finished 2nd, 3rd or 4th in their leagues.

It's not going as far as some people want, but give them credit it's a hell of a major change from the situation 3 years ago.

citytillidie

Going to lose that Derry City run into the Full Uefa Cup soon.

Hopefully somone else can do that to keep the seeding up high.

Could be Shamrock Rovers v Linfield that would be fun

The_Kew_Tour

citytillidie wrote: »

Going to lose that Derry City run into the Full Uefa Cup soon.

Hopefully somone else can do that to keep the seeding up high.

Could be Shamrock Rovers v Linfield that would be fun

Not for the cops;)

Coillte_Bhoy

citytillidie wrote: »

Could be Shamrock Rovers v Linfield that would be fun

Unite plenty of LoI fans, anti Shams and the barstoolers for two nights anyway.

dsmythy

Getting to the playoff round of the Europa League is the realistic best I can see for Shamrock Rovers. Would still help with the co-eff. Sligo and Bohs will get their two games and bow out I suspect.

stovelid

Raskolnikov wrote: »

The seeding thing really doesn't help Rovers that much. .

Apart from avoiding the other seeded teams in that round...

dfx-

Raskolnikov wrote: »

The seeding thing really doesn't help Rovers that much.

HJK Helsinki, Malmo, Rosenborg or

Linfield (Nir)
Flora Tallinn(Est)
Skonto Riga(Lat)
HB Torshavn(Far)
Bangor(Wal)
Breidablik(Isl)
+/or Winner of F91 Dudelange(Lux) vs FC Santa Coloma(And) or Champion of (Sma)

amacachi

AgileMyth wrote: »

The Aviva if we draw a huge team.
Possibly Tallaght if we don't. I'd honestly rather just play the away leg, or look for the use of one of the Gah stadiums than play our home match there.

What's the seating capacity of the Galway showgrounds?