Last season we worked hard to achieve qualification for the Europa League, yes we might have got through the back door a bit, but we are there and need to make sure we don't blow it.

I am not one of those who thinks that the Europa League is a distraction from the Premier League, I have often wondered why the likes of Stoke, Hull, Middlesbrough and Fulham failed to win the Premier, perhaps it was the distraction of a Europa League /UEFA Cup campaign ?

I see the Europa League as a natural progression as a football club, testing yourself against European opposition and building a squad that gets better and better and eventually might let you challenge the so called big boys of the Premier.

Those Premier League managers who slag it off do so because they are scared of relegation, Ronald Koeman has never been like that he looks forward and not over his shoulder, he does not let fear get in his way.

This week we start our next step in Europe and that is overcoming FC Midtjylland on Thursday night at St Mary's, hopefully there will be another big crowd for this one, although at time of writing there still seem to be plenty of tickets left, that is a shame because the Danes could well be a far sterner test than Vitesse and we need the backing of another full house.

Beat FC Midtjylland and we are in the group stages and that could pit us against some top European sides and give the supporters some great memories, the Europa League is a chance to put the name of Southampton Football Club on the map lets help the team take it.

Photo: Action Images

Olley added 10:11 - Aug 17 For me this season is about looking to maintain good league position [not as high as last season due to continuos departures] but to win a trophy which would define the season and memories in the minds of saints fans, ideally in the Europe League, COYRS!!!
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schatfield added 10:55 - Aug 17 top 10, and win a trophy, any trophy, would be fantastic. Good run in the Europa would be lovely too.
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SanMarco added 11:14 - Aug 17 I totally agree - except for the fact that we must not forget Saturday - the decision makers would do very well ro remember it for a long time...
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SalisburySaint added 11:15 - Aug 17 don't think we'll sell out loads seem prepared to watch on TV rather than come to game, especially as it's 8Pm kick off so for those going back to London and beyond means late night which many found too much in previous round
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aceofthebase added 11:56 - Aug 17 And why were the prime seats on the empty stands not being made available? Far better to use these seats than the corner seats.
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