Celtic Cup starting in 2009

[GotaFancy?]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/foot...ls/7114148.stm

'Celtic Cup' set to start in 2009

Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland have agreed "in principle" to play a series of three biennial "Celtic Cup" tournaments. An agreement signed on Monday commits the countries to arranging the tournaments on a league basis. Home and away games will be rotated from one tournament to the next with each team playing three matches in each of the competitions. Last week England distanced themselves from involvement in the tournament. Commercial arrangements and fixture dates are now being finalised. The old Home Championship, which included England but not the Republic of Ireland, was staged every year until 1984. 606: DEBATE Do you want home internationals? Give your views here But matches between England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland were eventually scrapped because of increasing fixture congestion. Last week Prime Minister Gordon Brown said he would welcome the revival of home internationals to ease the pain of Euro 2008 misery for the four home nations. England's defeat by Croatia, following the failures of Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales triggered calls for the sides to face each other in 2008. It is the first time since 1994 that no home nations have qualified for a major tournament. The Republic of Ireland did qualify for the 1994 World Cup in the United States. Scotland battled valiantly but finished third in a group including Italy and France, while Northern Ireland's fate was sealed when they were beaten in Spain on Wednesday. Wales's campaign was in tatters after a string of early defeats.

[aliando]

again, not convinced by the footballing benefit of this, but will watch with interest.

[AJ]

if the fans enjoy the games, and it helps player development then why not.

Gives the manager a chance to try out players and tactics in a semi competitive environment

[aliando]

Originally Posted by AJ

if ... it helps player development then why not.

this is the sticking point for me - does it actually improve the teams/players? nearly every player will be playing against the same styles of football they face in the league week in week out - surely there would be more benefit to the players to play against nations that have differing footballing styles in order to learn how to deal with thesse in preparation for qualifying games?

[davidmphill]

Got no problems with it. Hopefully the players will get a chance to represent their countries in this from their clubs as thats where the power is these days.

[steve1966]

England seem to have distanced themselves from this proposed tournament. Yet more evidence to show just how pampered and stuck up the people who run our game really are.

[whycantistayawayfromdogs]

Originally Posted by steve1966

England seem to have distanced themselves from this proposed tournament. Yet more evidence to show just how pampered and stuck up the people who run our game really are.

imagine the absolute ribbin they would get if they didnt win the tournament, thats why they aint in it.

[davidmphill]

Originally Posted by whycantistayawayfromdogs

imagine the absolute ribbin they would get if they didnt win the tournament, thats why they aint in it.

Fair point!

[aliando]

Originally Posted by whycantistayawayfromdogs

imagine the absolute ribbin they would get if they didnt win the tournament, thats why they aint in it.

spot on - and, with the scottish game apart, its not going to have the same appeal to the english supporters when they can easily get games against argentina, brazil, germany, holland etc as friendly

[Football-Tipper]

No wonder England distanced themselves from this, what would the point be I mean Liverpool, Man Utd and Arsenal don't go in the Johnstone's Paint trophy as it gives the smaller clubs a chance to win something!!

[whycantistayawayfromdogs]

Originally Posted by Football-Tipper

No wonder England distanced themselves from this, what would the point be I mean Liverpool, Man Utd and Arsenal don't go in the Johnstone's Paint trophy as it gives the smaller clubs a chance to win something!!

grimsby do though, thats about where i would put england right now

ps. no offense grimsby fans

[whycantistayawayfromdogs]

and although the above was said in jest if you really believe that england in world football terms is in any way comparable to those three teams in prem league then you are deluded and part of the problem, not the solution. lol

[2hcb]

one benefit it might have is to increase team spirit, ie the players will get to know eachother better and be more used to playing alongside eachother. sometimes we get wales sides thrown together at the last minute with guys who can barely even know eachother's names.

[Darren]

Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

Would look forward to playing the pikeys, been a while since Danny Griffins wonder goal (ahem fluke) saw us beat them at Lansdowne Road.

It beats friendlies imo, I don't see what is gained from them at all, things are so low key and no one really gives a shit in friendlies. Noron Iron vs Wales last year was a horrendous game of football, as dull a 0-0 as you will get. That came after 2 quality games in the WC Qualifiers, a 2-2 and a 2-3.

Hopefully the sides will take the competition seriously, it can't hurt to try anyway.

[aliando]

mate of mine is hoping that england can play so the celtic nations can give the new wembly a "makeover"

[aliando]

i feel sick in the stomach - toshack has verbalised the same points I have



http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/foot...ls/7117894.stm





i'm off to change my opinions