Conference League – Do we need it?

By Dave Langton

Do we need the Europa Conference League?

West Ham are in the competition and were drawn into the final play-off round on Tuesday.

The opponents will either be Denmark’s Viborg FF or B36 Torshavn from the Faroe Islands.

Now, we should say here that every single team in Europe has the right to play in continental competition and it’s amazing for both teams that they have the chance of facing a Premier League side.

However, we’ve got to ask the question: Is this more trouble than it’s worth?

The Europa Conference League is undoubtedly the poor relation of the Champions League and the Europa League. Many fans don’t know most of the clubs participating.

Look at last season’s group stages: Group A was made up of Austrian side LASK, Israeli club Maccabi Tel Aviv, HJK of Finland, and Alashkert of Armenia.

The following clubs were also involved: Cyprus’ Anorthosis Famagusta, Estonia’s Flora, Bulgaria’s CSKA Sofia, Norway’s Bodo/Glimt, Romania’s CFR Cluj, Gibraltar’s Lincoln Red Imps and Azerbaijan’s Kairat.

Now, be honest, how many of these have you actually heard of?

West Ham have a pretty thin squad even after the transfer window and it’s worth asking this question ahead of the play-offs.

David Moyes’ squad looks absolutely set up to play one game a week and thrive doing so. Playing two, including potential far-flung trips to places in deepest, darkest Europe, just doesn’t feel conducive to real success.

Of course, Roma won the tournament last season and there is also an argument that the Hammers can go far in this competition and even, potentially, win it.

But, we’ll ask again: Is it really worth it?