How unfair

I think it's bloody stupid that your team will not be able to defend the cup next year *if* they win it, and finish the domestic season in a non-qualifying position. TBH, I never quite knew what the details in the rules were...as normally the cup is won by teams who are in a CL qualifying position - so this is a new one on me. I have, however, heard it mentioned in the past that the holders qualify automatically.....so I don't know if this was just from people who never knew for sure, or they were just buttuming it, or if rules changed somewhere. I think it's really unfair though....I mean a *Champions* League in which the champions of the whole of Europe can't play? But some team finishing 4th in a domestic table can? It seems a bit odd to me - but that's rules for you.

Anyway, I hope you can get into a qualifying position via your remaining games - as it would be a heartbreaking scenario for your side and supporters (though the joy of actually winning it would numb the pain I should think - till next year...that's when it'd kick in I would suspect).

Also, even though I'm a Manchester United fan....I'll let you into a secret, I almost hit the roof when the final whistle went in the semi-final! Maybe it's a North West pride thing? I don't know. But I do wish to god that you win it. It's great for English football, and I can't understand why many of my fellow United fans would not wish you every success - but alas, many do. It's almost expected of us to "hate" each other. I, however, hate no one - at least not for footballing reasons. So may I wish you good luck on the night, I'll be crossing my fingers for you.

Regards, all.