algy

The title says it all. But neither competition is particularly highly rated, so what about combining them both, plus the teams in Welsh & Northern Irish top divisions. Early rounds regionalised to bring it down to something like 48 English, 12 Scottish, 2 Northern Irish, 2 Welsh, then a single legged, straight knockout competition. Maybe a gentlemans agreement that one UEFA Cup place is awarded to the winner from the appropriate national association's quota.

Arguably because all the Celtic leagues have top divisions of 12, you could just play either twice in the national League top flight and make up another 18 games per season in a divisions-of-10, cross border League. A bit like Brazil where teams play in the Brazilian national League and also regional leagues. I'm far from convinced there's any economic sense in it mind, but that's the direction i'd look in since it doesn't threaten the autonomy of any of the national associations.

The problem with any proposed cross border League involving Welsh clubs is that the ones who might be interested already play in a more lucrative cross-border league (the English pyramid). The remaining clubs were previously involved in a cross border league and decided it wasn't worth the effort, hence (one of the reasons) why the League of Wales was formed in 1992.

Definite "no", Super John McGinn's worth far more than that

Well, anyone who dies from the age of 76 and above will potentially have children in their 60s, and by the time you'd get to people in their mid 90s you'd be looking at most having children in their 60s, maybe 70s. A few (96ys+) could have children in their 80s.

Hardly Boh's fault tho was it? Was under the impression that they did say it'd be a problem beforehand and the SPFL told them they'd sort it out should it come to that.

SPFL win at sponsorship.

Well, if the Championship sides are entering at R3 with the 'foreign' teams - realistically R3 has to have 32 sides (16 would mean no qualifiers, 64 would mean 48 qualifiers which seems too large to justify 2 previous rounds) 6 foreign + 10 championship = 16 qualifiers (so 32 teams in R2) 8 foreign + 10 championship = 14 qualifiers (28 teams in R2) You'd assume 20 of those would be League 1/2 clubs, and they probably won't start in R1 - so that makes either 8 or 12 qualifiers - so 16 or 24 teams in R1. 12 of those will be colts, you'd think, taking it to 4 (top 2) or 12 (top 6) teams from the HL/LL. Adding another 'foreign' country would mean 24 teams in R2, 48 in R1, which might be plausible - 20 L1/2 sides + 12 colts + 6 HL + 6LL.

Heh, fair point. Kinda ruined my point eh?

I like how you're all saying Connah's Quay are arrogant and planning your trips in the 2nd qualifying round already. Absolute premier league standard hypocrisy. Anyways hope you all have a good trip down. For CQN, Wolves would be an amazing draw - can only imagine the pandemonium at the Belle Vue leg

I've not been as excited about a transfer since probably Savo. My reasoning's gone completely out of the window and I'm becoming increasingly convinced we'll be seeing UEFA Cup football again in 20/21 and - obviously - win the European Cup (again) in 2022. I know I'm completely deluded, but .. a Brazilian striker to replace our departed Brazilian-Scottish right back!

The Welsh teams will be TNS & Connah's Quay Nomads again next year, assuming it's 1st/2nd place as before.

The Welsh Premier League seem to think they'll still be involved for the next couple of seasons: https://wpl.cymru/news/Nathaniel-MG-Cup-winners-to-qualify-for-IRN-BRU-Cup-from-201920-season/116140/ Nathaniel MG Cup = Welsh League Cup. Assume it's to offer "European" football to the winners of that, since at the moment it's just the Welsh Cup winners + league placings that qualify for the UEFA Cup.

I love that programme cover ... it's weird in all the best ways

What's the ticket situation for the final? Have they gone on sale at Ross County yet? Not heard a peep from Connah's Quay Nomads ...