For the first time in history, we may see two English sides competing in Europe from the second division. This comes after both Birmingham and Blackpool were relegated from the English top flight with respectable tallies of 39 points.
This total was he highest by a relegated side in nine seasons.
Birmingham have already secured their place in the Play-off round of the Europa League by upsetting Arsenal in the League Cup final, but now Blackpool are also set to join them after a twist on the Leagues final day.
Early last week the European governing body (UEFA) granted England an extra place in next seasons Europa League after topping the ‘Respect Fair Play’ rankings, along with Norway and Sweden.
Fulham had been in pole position to claim the place, but within two minutes of being substituted on Zoltan Gera was shown a straight red card for reckless challenge on Arsenal’s Thomas Vermaelen, teammates Jonathan Greening and Steve Sidwell also did the side no favours, with each receiving a yellow card.
On this alone, Blackpool should be through, but the table is calculated not just according to red and yellow cards but also on positive play, respect towards opponent and referees, and the behaviour of club officials.
Blackpool manager Ian Holloway didn’t seem too keen, saying: ‘If this Europe thing does happen then all I’ll be thinking about is how short our summer is going to be because the qualifying stages for the Europa League begin at the start of July,’
‘The season doesn’t end until 22nd May so we will get about a month off, tops. When you consider we didn’t really have much of a break last year because of the [Football League play-offs] that really isn’t good.’ he added
The Premier League must await the arrival of its delegates’ reports from the games involving Blackpool and Fulham before making a decision, which is expected on Thursday.
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