On Tue, 26 Jul 2005 04:11:46 GMT, "Brian Jackson"
I'm aware that the word 'bye' wasn't used and in fact for the first time someone in here has correctly clarified the way in which LFC got into the ECL.
I can't argue with your post at all except to say that you're right in saying 'They were offered a place in the pre- qualifying rounds,', however once they accepted the place the word 'offered' must clearly change to 'given'. So the situation concluded as 'They were given a place in the pre- qualifying rounds,'
For what it's worth I actually think the holders should be given an automatic place, even if it leads to situations such as Villa qualifying as Champions but only managing 14th place in the league. But even though I think it's good that the rules have been changed, there's no getting away from the fact that when LFC finished 4th and then went on to win the cup they did *not* qualify for the ECL, and had to rely on the generosity-charity of UEFA to hand them a place.
Had the British press not made such a stink about it UEFA would not have been embarrbutted into changing the rules and you'd now be in the UEFA Cup, that's what happened in Spain with Madrid. I bet half the people didn't even know about that situation until it was mentioned with regard to LFC situation this year. Thank the British press for your inclusion this year.
Bernie The Bolt - 'Tommy Smith would frequently turn up for training wearing women's clothes. We used to pretend we hadn't noticed.' - Bob Paisley
