The Football.....

[ianrauk]

We're there to be milked.

Indeed.
*I know, lets give the London teams a wednesday night in Newcastle*

 

[Dayvo]

Indeed.
*I know, lets give the London teams a wednesday night in Newcastle*

It’ll be the nearest NUFC will get to a semi final.

 

[roubaixtuesday]

The FA - once again - treat the match-going fans with absolute contempt.

Why take two teams from the North West and make them go all the way to bloody Wembley in the first place? And then, for greater inconvenience, choose a day/weekend when trains would be restricted anyway (Easter) and are subject to even more restrictions just then when railway works scheduled for that particular weekend will mean Euston - the capital's hub for travel from the North West will grind to a halt!

It's self-serving greed from the pariahs at the FA and the actual lifeblood of the game (those who actually go, not the couch spuds or Commodores) aren't given the slightest consideration.

There are several stadiums (yes you can!) in closer proximity to the North West where this semi-final could and should be played but obviously won't be taken into consideration at all!

100%

FWIW for previous occasions we've driven to High Wycombe and fit the train from there.

 

[Seevio]

Before last weekend, the FA didn't know that there would be an all North West tie. It may be impractical to book a stadium at short notice.

But it's probably about the money. It usually is.

 

[AndyRM]

Indeed.
*I know, lets give the London teams a wednesday night in Newcastle*

Newcastle's last three games have all been away, at Southampton, Chelsea and Everton. Their next game is away at Tottenham.

If you want to be at a game of football, you'll be there.

 

[T4tomo]

Chelsea (and their handful of fans) ended up getting a coach to Middlesbrough in the last round, as there were no trains back to London after the game had finished, and their sanctions ruled out flying. Not that anyone should have any sympathy for Chelsea.

 

[SpokeyDokey]

Not that anyone should have any sympathy for Chelsea.

Why's that then?

Have the manager, playing staff, players and the "handful of fans" done something wrong that they need punishing for?

 

[Beebo]

Newcastle's last three games have all been away, at Southampton, Chelsea and Everton. Their next game is away at Tottenham.

If you want to be at a game of football, you'll be there.

And people wonder why they can’t attract the big names.

Before last weekend, the FA didn't know that there would be an all North West tie. It may be impractical to book a stadium at short notice.

But it's probably about the money. It usually is.

They need all semi finals at Wembley to pay off the huge rebuilding debts.
It makes a mockery of the competition.

 

[vickster]

Presumably the clubs get a cut of the big gate at Wembley too?
They might be less keen to have at Burnley, Everton or heaven forbid Accrington Stanley
And I can’t imagine Man U would wish to host a semi featuring their two biggest rivals!

 

[ianrauk]

So it's looking like the Euros 2028 will be awarded to the UK & Ireland. As no one else has put a bid in.

 

[Beebo]

And I can’t imagine Man U would wish to host a semi featuring their two biggest rivals!

But that’s that’s what used to happen.
For instance the Hillsborough disaster was Liverpool V Forrest in Sheffield.
They often used Villa Park as a mid way venue between the north and south.
It just makes sense. I appreciate the stadium capacity is an issue.

 

[Beebo]

So it's looking like the Euros 2028 will be awarded to the UK & Ireland. As no one else has put a bid in.

How many big stadiums does Ireland have? Two in Dublin, one in Belfast? Im not sure?

After the Euro 2020 incident Im amazed they think we can host it.

 

[ianrauk]

How many big stadiums does Ireland have? Two in Dublin, one in Belfast? Im not sure?

After the Euro 2020 incident Im amazed they think we can host it.

As I said. No one else had bid. Russia were bidding but of course are now sporting pariahs. Italy have bid for and probably host 2032.

 

[AndyRM]

And people wonder why they can’t attract the big names.

They need all semi finals at Wembley to pay off the huge rebuilding debts.
It makes a mockery of the competition.

Who, Newcastle? They can, have and do.

Fully agree with you about Wembley. An absolutely needless shackle around the necks of the FA.

But then, and I mean this with no shade, there does seem to be a lot placed on the past within the English sporting psyche.

 

[The Crofted Crest]

@Chislenko, just been watching TNS versus Colwyn Bay in the cup semi-final. Was it played at the phoenix club's ground? Excellent pitch! Can't believe it's 100% grass at that level. If so, the groundsman of the year award is heading to Belle Vue!