The League Cup. Is It All Worth It ?

[arana peligrosa]

We know there is the small matter of the big League Cup game coming up very soon, but how motivated are people for this upcoming event ?

In so many words, in all probability we'll be beaten on the night. I'm not expecting to go to Old Trafford and take away what many would see as some significant upset, but if it were to occur, that could be the catalyst needed to go for a final appearance.

It was only in the last 4 - 5 years that we reached the semi-finals and remember at the time the excitement and participation of those two games with Arsenal and more so after the first game victory, that we could finally register the clubs name on a trophy that no previous team ever was able. In the end a heavy loss in London in the return saw an end to any and all aspirations, but just to be a part of it was a thrill even then.

There is a very small percentage, maybe 3 - 5 %, that has a problem with Norwich being (past) winners (and beating this club at a vital stage on-route) while we have never won this competition or even reached a final event, but it's only a very minor grudge, hardly anything substantial.

All the same I would hope to see our name put on the winners list one day before it really is too late and it would look well along with League Champions, FA Cup and UEFA Cup winners. Maybe it's just not to be as even with the players of caliber of the late 70s/ early 80s the nearest we got was a semi-final so is it really set in stone that this club is destined to never be a winner of this competition ?

If we can win in Manchester in the days ahead, with a favorable draw, the players and McCarthy showing enough interest and determination - we can at least reach the semi-finals once more and maybe go on to finally win this damn tournament. The promise of last season and instances of some of the games of the past few weeks have provided enough belief that we have the capabilities to do something here.

[hallamblue]

I'd say these cup games are worth it now that the face of football has changed so much. Managers out of the PL find it almost impossible to keep squad players fit to a decent match level since there is no credible Reserve League anymore. Cup games now give the chance for these peripheral players or youngsters to get games of a higher calibre than an U21 game.

[runningout]

of course.. in our position you should aim to win every match.. as supporter ticket prices are too high though

[number 9]

Well you already know my opinion on the League Cup. I think it's a complete waste of time, especially when you already have the FA CUP. And personally, I don't think there's much prestige in winning the league cup. As mentioned, we played Arsenal in the semi-final a few years back. I watched both games. Our home effort was a dogged defensive display, but we were still completely outclassed by the Arse. I think we sustained a few injuries from those matches if I recall. Anyway, it's just my opinion. Concentrate on getting promoted first and foremost...and I hope it's not another 9-0 drubbing. That'll do a lot for our confidence!

[ipswichtownNo1]

But if we DO win we can have another star on our kit!! We only need two more for 5 star.............rain or shine, its you and meeee ohhhhh ohhhhhh. Sorry a little song came to mind then. I think we are best out of it and the fa, premiership is where its at.

[Bluemike]

As much as I want us to win every game we play I don't regard this competition as improtant at all, it is a bit of a joke tournament really and always has been, most teams pay little respect to it which is often reflected in team selection. Even if we were to shock Man Utd I think we have zero chance of winning it.

[arana peligrosa]

Well you already know my opinion on the League Cup. I think it's a complete waste of time, especially when you already have the FA CUP. And personally, I don't think there's much prestige in winning the league cup. As mentioned, we played Arsenal in the semi-final a few years back. I watched both games. Our home effort was a dogged defensive display, but we were still completely outclassed by the Arse. I think we sustained a few injuries from those matches if I recall. Anyway, it's just my opinion. Concentrate on getting promoted first and foremost...and I hope it's not another 9-0 drubbing. That'll do a lot for our confidence!

I think it's only a matter of time before the competition becomes defunct as did the old European Cup Winners Cup in recent years and they'll either just have the FA Cup for main domestic involvement or introduce something new.

Yes you're right also, winning this competition doesn't carry the greatest of honors especially when you look back at some past winners in recent years (Blackburn, Middlesbrough, Swansea, Luton, Oxford etc) but it seems a competition that just about anyone can have a run in and be successful, it's just that our proper time has yet to arrive.

Are we going to be promoted also ? I don't think we can be a first or second placed team by May and that again leaves the play-offs and our record in that has been a concern. Being involved in extra competition is good for morale and Ok we'll probably make the top six again, but let's try to keep going in as many competitions as possible. It provides the players - and fans - that little extra to shoot for.

I do think there will be another less recognized team that wins it this season as has been frequent in recent years, and while that may not be us, let's at least go that extra mile to put ourselves in and around the latter stages. I'd be maybe content to win it next year and never give a damn about it ever again, it's just something I want to see added to our honors list. - Along with those other fine achievements.

[AylesburyBlue]

I personally couldn't give a toss about the league cup. Being in the top 6 come May is what matters. Nether the less Wednesday will be a good occasion and if you lose to a prem team it shouldn't effect morale which is important.

[arana peligrosa]

I personally couldn't give a toss about the league cup. Being in the top 6 come May is what matters. Nether the less Wednesday will be a good occasion and if you lose to a prem team it shouldn't effect morale which is important.

That's what disappointing to see as a great many share the same sentiment. I realize we're unlikely to win it, but all the same would like to win it. This season seems as good an opportunity as any.

Lo and behold if (or when) we are eliminated tomorrow I'll probably revert and say couldn't give a sh*t about it either, but that'll just be the frustration of the moment and seeing another year pass without a chance to add it to our honors list. As before it's only a matter of time you feel before they withdrawal this competition and there won't be any say in the matter, but all the same it's something some of us would hope for.

[marko69]

Definitely with Aylesbury Blue with team morale being very important, and losing to a prem team, (should that happen) shouldn't be too damaging, unless of course it's 15-0 at half time.

But not with Aylesbury Blue in not giving a sh*t about the trophy. Very much with Saint Jude. It's a domestic trophy, one that the rival has won, and I personally would love it as part of the honours list. I suppose everyone will have differing opinions on the league cup.

I can guarantee this though, people claiming to not give a sh*t about it, would be celebrating like it was a league title should it happen. ANY trophy that the club you have in your very veins wins, is a f**king HUGE celebration.

[number 9]

I think it's obvious that all fans would be ecstatic if we won the League Cup...but it doesn't mean you have to give a sh*t about the competition.

[marko69]

The only thing in life you need to genuinely give a sh*t about are your children, mate. Everything else, including the league cup, doesn't matter!

Point I was making was, most people don't really care about it, but it's great when it's won. That was all.

But it's all trivial really innit?......., after tomorrow, it'll be over.
*annoying c*nt voice* "Concentrate on the leeeeee-ague!"

[arana peligrosa]

That's probably the one major factor with this damn competition. So long as you're involved it's something worthwhile or relevant, and the moment you are eliminated it reverts back to being a trivialized piece of garbage and ridiculed objective.

Saying that, remember back in January at the time of the Southampton game that a number of our support didn't care about the FA Cup (either) and were welcome of a quick elimination so only to concentrate on league matters. FFS There's only a promotion to shoot for from this league, it doesn't hurt to have other goals in your sights.

Guessing there's a majority of United support that will be wanting to lose tomorrow, so they can concentrate on the bigger objectives that are the league and European Cup for example. Either way, in a few hours from now - someone will get what they wished for - one way or another.

[number 9]

That's probably the one major factor with this damn competition. So long as you're involved it's something worthwhile or relevant, and the moment you are eliminated it reverts back to being a trivialized piece of garbage and ridiculed objective.

Saying that, remember back in January at the time of the Southampton game that a number of our support didn't care about the FA Cup (either) and were welcome of a quick elimination so only to concentrate on league matters. FFS There's only a promotion to shoot for from this league, it doesn't hurt to have other goals in your sights.

Guessing there's a majority of United support that will be wanting to lose tomorrow, so they can concentrate on the bigger objectives that are the league and European Cup for example. Either way, in a few hours from now - someone will get what they wished for - one way or another.

ManU supporters never want to lose!

[Tangfastic]

Just as long as we don't get humiliated -and especially if we put up a good account of ourselves - would be more than happy to lose this one.

I don't buy this attitude thats its a great opportunity for introducing fringe or youth players - the teams are likely to go out early, so that's where it stops.

How many young players get only the odd League Cup appearance against other weakened sides in August/September - and never make the grade.

I will bet you most of the youngsters who were introduced in the last League Cup game and we thought might be ready to move up to the first team will never make it.. and moved on.

Great to see young kids get the chance.... but then they disappear of the radar and play under 21's games and its so difficult to know how good they are as the under 21 level is inconsistent, but mostly a poor level.

There used to be quite a healthy, competitive reserve league years ago, where kids could face hardened pro's every week.