Fifth place for Europe?

Published: 16 Mar 2010 - 12:32:39

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Craig Brown's remarks following the cup semi-final draw were interpreted differently by the various media outlets that latched onto his view that the last Europa League spot should be earned via league performance rather than cup failure. He was quoted in some detail in the Herald and the relevant paragraph is: “I just feel that your league position is a more valid determining factor of the team to represent Scotland. That is no disrespect to Gretna, I had great regard for what they did, but I do think the team next in the league would have been a better international representation. Arguably, you could get to the cup [final] without playing any stiff opposition. I think if you win it, good luck to you.” He made the remark following his participation in the draw which sets up the possibility of an Old Firm final that would deliver a Europa League place to the SPL’s fifth placed team. It would surprise no one that everyone with a Motherwell bent favours that outcome as we are a potential beneficiary. The contrary view is that Scotland’s Uefa coefficient has not been helped by the dismal performance of losing finalist in the last few years. Falkirk, Queen of the South, Dunfermline and Gretna have found themselves in the unlikely position of representing Scotland in the Uefa Cup or Europa League by virtue of losing in the Scottish Cup final. None has impressed. Indeed, one of the first decisions taken by Gordon Smith following his appointment as SFA supremo was to begin the grindingly slow process of persuading Uefa that the losing finalist should not have an automatic place. The Daily Express interpreted Brown’s view as sniping at the minnows and STV reported his comments as “Well boss hits out at smaller clubs playing in Europe” – a bit ironic that given the pulling power of the Mighty ‘Well! One certainty is that a falling European coefficient does Scottish football no good and that any change that reverses the trend needs to be grasped. Follow us on Twitter | Receive News Updates Via RSS Latest Topics From the Message Board Click here to share your views with other Motherwell Fans