WeKnowSFA

11th May2010

Hibs have to be fully prepared this time in Europe

by WeKnowSFA

Planning work must start now for Hibees

The dropping of the Intertoto Cup was no bad thing for Scottish clubs as it seemed to bring more bad luck and woes than it brought joy. Scottish clubs are still not equipped for starting early in Europe, which brings along a cyclical effect.

Teams are starting earlier when they are not equipped for a game against teams who have been playing competitive football for a sustained period of time. This puts them at a disadvantage, making it likely they will lose, which harms the co-efficient. As the co-efficient drops, the clubs have to start earlier and the cycle keeps spinning.

So, its no longer the Intertoto Cup but the Europa League still has a nasty early start and Hibs are the Scottish club parachuting into the second qualifying round.

The draw for this round is set to take place on the 21st of June and the games will take place on the 15th and 22nd of July. You know the World Cup final takes place on the 11th of July?

Okay, no Hibs players are likely to be involved in that match but it indicates how early this round takes place.

Hibs are one of the 53 teams entering this round and will be joining the 27 teams that progress from the Europa League first qualifying round. It’s a huge tournament…but making it through to the group stages would be a great reward for the Leith club.

One thing that the Hibs fans can start preparing for, and their Jambo friends can’t, is the trip to Europe! A foreign trip in July usually means two things – remember your passport and get some new threads. Hibs fans may be happy to know we can help with the latter….and help them get it up their Jambo mates for the former!