It won’t be long now, less than 3 weeks in fact. We’ll all do a spot of googling to find out which channel, ITV4? BT Sport? Some of us will be up to date quicker than the official Spurs website. We’ll all be there. The Europa League. I’ve been fortunate enough to get to know a good number well informed and genuinely nice Spurs fans in the Twitter community in the last two years, and the majority will watch our Europa League games, though perhaps with varying degrees of interest. But should we care?

A while ago we had a taste of the Champions League, and we liked it. We were one Arjen Robben penalty away from tasting it again. The Champions League brings big money, big players and an unparalleled sense of achievement. So why should we care about the Europa League?

Realism

We’ve got the 6th highest wage bill in the league, the 10th biggest stadium, consistently sell our best players and can’t compete with Man City, Chelsea, or Man Utd for spending power. We don’t have the historical allure of Liverpool and haven’t been able to consistently offer Champions League football like our hated rivals Arsenal. There’s a strong argument to say 6th is about right for Spurs. I don’t necessarily buy that, and if Pochettino can be given the kind of backing that was denied AVB from the board and fans, then I believe we can achieve Champions League football again within two or three years. But in recent seasons the word ‘ambition’ seems to have become a byword for delusion and entitlement. I’ve made an argument before (see far below) that Harry’s achievement of 4th on both occasions were done so in ages of unprecedented turbulence at other clubs, along with the most talented Spurs line-ups you’re likely to see in some time. It’s worth knowing where we sit. Gooners can bait us with “you should know your place” and honestly? Perhaps, for the short term we should. It will make future progress all the sweeter. Realistically we’ve been in and around the Europa league for some time, so its worth accepting that and embracing it temporarily, as anything else will just lead to resentment.

It’s a European competition

You wouldn’t believe it sometimes given the media hype for the Champions League, but it’s true. The Europa league/UEFA cup has a proud history and exposes the squad to European football. Back in 2012-13 we played successive games against Lyon, Inter and Basel, all of whom have been Champions League regulars in recent seasons. That sort of exposure is vital for our players, and in the words of the great Bill Nicholson “If we’re not in Europe..We’re nothing..”

In recent seasons the word ‘ambition’ seems to have become a byword for delusion and entitlement

Co-efficient

Yes, probably the saddest argument of the lot, but important nonetheless. Winning games and generally participating in European competition brings co-efficient points to clubs which determines seeding in subsequent group draws. Liverpool, having not progressed far in their Europa League attempts and missing last season entirely now face the rather daunting prospect of being 3rd or even 4th seeds for their Champions League group when the draw is made thanks to being 45th in the coefficient rankings. Spurs, by contrast are 16th, and were we to achieved the Champions League this year, far-fetched though it may seem, we would be second seeds. The same ‘ambitious’ fans who despise the Europa League may thank it should we reach the Champions League and have a favourable draw.

We could win it

There’s not a single game that comes up in the Europa League where every Spurs fan thinks “ah, we’ll get tonked here”. Unlike the Champions League, where, by the quarter finals you know your luck will run out soon. I just can’t accept the idea of regularly participating in a competition you have no prospect of winning. When the Champions League does happen for Spurs, I’d like us to be a good deal stronger than we are now and not contribute towards this farcical self-serving nonsense perpetuated by the media that being in it is enough. Competitions are there to be won, not so rich men in suits can slap each other on the back over a lucrative sponsorship deal.

Watching Spurs win is good

Among all the turmoil of August-December last year, watching us win every group was pleasant, blessed relief. Soldado even managed a hat-trick. Who doesn’t like watching their team win?!

Squad rotation

The top teams all have two players in every position. The difference between Spurs and Chelsea is that we can’t pay £200k to a player with the promise of a trophy most seasons. Our fringe player want games, and the Europa League provides a good opportunity to play the squad and let everyone fight for their place. And lastly…

What else would you do on a Thursday night?