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IRONOPOLIS TO CONQUER EUROPE 26-8-05
In just a few short hours, we will know who we are playing in the first round of the UEFA Cup.
The specualation over who we may draw in the first round of the competition has been intense but also vague, with a list of eighty-nine possible opponents being touted.
But the structure for the draw is quite simple and we will draw one of five unseeded teams who are in the same pot as ourselves.
Here's the list of possibles:
RC Strasbourg (FRA)
Halmstads BK (SWE)
Xanthi FC (GRE)
SK Brann (NOR)
Anorthosis Famagusta FC (CYP)
There are no second chances if we don't win this tie. Lose to our first round opponents and it is all over for this season. Its victory or we out of Europe.
But I don't see any danger in any of those sides and I cannot comprehend Boro not making it to the group stages, where big names such as Sampdoria, CSKA Sofia or Grasshopper-Club Zürich could be guests at the The Riverside as early as October.
We could also be swapping scarves with the fans of Metalurg Donetsk of Ukraine, Olympique Marseille, Shakhtar Donetsk, Hamburger SV, Sampdoria and Steaua Bucuresti in the not too distant future.
Exciting times are ahead and what kind of sentiments would be unleashed if Tony Mowbray's Hibernian were to be drawn with us in the group stage or beyond?
The Philips Stadion in Eindhoven will host the 2006 UEFA Cup final. The Philips Stadion has a capacity of over 35,000 and will be renamed for the final.
I suggest they rename it Ironopolis.
George Hardwick was manager at the Philips Stadion and his name is still revered in Eindhoven.
What a tribute it would be to George if Boro were to lift the UEFA Cup in the very place that he pioneered total football.
Onwards Into Europe again.
Until next week.
Steve
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