[kwik1980]

Arsenal-Manchester United
Sunderland-Millwall/Tranmere

So, a Nationwide League team is guaranteed a spot in the final, and, barring a spectacular collapse down the stretch by either Arsenal, or Man. U, a spot in next seasons UEFA Cup. The matches will be played the weekend of April 3-4. According to the official Manchester United website, the Sunderland-Millwall/Tranmere tie will be played at Old Trafford, and Arsenal-Man. U goes off at Villa Park.

[Scouse]

worst possible draw in my opinion. disappointing.

[kwik1980]

Ideally, you'd want Arsenal-Man. U in the final, but with the runs made by the lower division teams, it's nice that one will be able to go all the way to Cardiff, and is almost guaranteed a spot in European competition next season. And imagine if Tranmere finishes their run, and makes it to Cardiff, as a mid-table 2nd Division team. Nice little David vs. Goliath story in the final.

[Scouse]

Originally posted by kwik1980
And imagine if Tranmere finishes their run, and makes it to Cardiff, as a mid-table 2nd Division team. Nice little David vs. Goliath story in the final.

yeah, and it will be over by half-time.

[voros]

If Tranmere were to pull off getting into the final and thereby making a big stack of cash off that and then the cash from the UEFA cup, what kind of ramifications would this have for them in terms of making a promotion push in 2004/2005?

Obviously most clubs who get a sudden unexpected influx of cash use a great chunk of it to pay off debts, but how much of a springboard could this be for Tranmere?

[kwik1980]

I would think "at least we were there" counts for something too. Outside of the top clubs who are in contention for trophies on a year-in, year-out basis, what has Tranmere won lately? Or Millwall, or Sunderland for that matter? Let them get to the final, let the fans and players experience the day, and at the end, Arsenal or Manchester United will go back to the Premiership and the Champions league, and the other supporters and players have this great achievement to look back on, and likely some games in Europe as well.

[DennisM]

I actually prefer this. It's the same old clubs each year in the finals. It was nice last year with the Blades doing so well. Very close to making it to the final. I hope the Arsenal v Manchester United match will not be at noon or some early time. Let's hope they wait until 3. That would be good. Go Rovers. Good luck.

[Boro_lad]

COME ON TRANMERE

hate sunlun, hate millwall. tranmere are my only hope!

[kevruth]

I just wonder if Tranmere were to get that UEFA Cup spot if UEFA would force them to play their home matches at another venue? I don't know what their stadium capacity is but I know UEFA have moved some smaller Eastern European's clubs matches to larger stadiums.

[The Truth Commission]

Originally posted by kevruth
I just wonder if Tranmere were to get that UEFA Cup spot if UEFA would force them to play their home matches at another venue? I don't know what their stadium capacity is but I know UEFA have moved some smaller Eastern European's clubs matches to larger stadiums.

Prenton Park holds 16,587, and is all-seater. It'd be just fine for a European match.

http://www.worldstadiums.com/stadium..._prenton.shtml