Still don't like this idea.

[Dave Blue]

We do have a chance of qualifying if we win a cup and we've been in two finals since 2008. Bolton, Fulham, Leicester, Ipswich, Norwich and the like have all tasted European football, and deserved it too.

I just don't see the point in this. It cheapens it massively and it feels a lot like cheating. What's the point in qualifying for Europe in this way?

And if it means we can't qualify via the leagues and cups what are we doing it for? To become a bigger club and get promoted and then be a second class citizen in the top flight?

It's a mess

You might have a point if the club and fan base had not all but given up on cup competitions. 2008 and 2012 were wonderful times but that now seems like 3 centuries ago as regards our attitude to doing well in them.