This is my first new topic and I thought id just get everyones opinion on the Intertoto Cup.

Its format has changed alot over the years, but has always taken place at the same time of year, late June beginning of July. Do you think this hinders teams, with lack of preparation for the season ahead or good for the team, getting competative football ahead of the rest?

The British Clubs this year are:

Aston Villa (First match 19th July)
Hibs (First Match was 5th July)
Lisburn Distillery (First Match 21st June)
Bohemian (First match 21st June)
Rhyl (First Match 21st June)

The benefits are clear for all to see, you can progress into the Uefa Cup, but... will it have a negative effect on your side in the long season ahead. Plus does it favour summer footballing nations like Ireland and Sweden?

Any Thoughs?

I'm not a fan of the Intertoto and was happy when Pompey decided not to enter it either this year or last. Having to come back early for Pre Season gives you a cracking head start but when it comes to March your players are all burnt out. I don't think it attracts any interest from fans or TV so I don't know why they pursue the competition.

Not sure I like the competition either. I don't ever recall seeing it on TV and all it is is a money grabbing exercise for UEFA.

Would the likes of Aston Villa put thier full squad out in theis comp? Sounds like a smaller clubs cup to me tbh. Wouldnt get the likes of Chelsea, Celtic & Portsmouth in this one ;)

Maybe Portsmouth hahaha

I believe Portsmouth decided not to bother in 06/07 and in 07/08 - in 06/07 they preferred to play for (and win) the FA Asia Trophy and last year they won the FA Cup.

Portsmouth are a huge club these days.

Do I sound like a suck up?

Talk about timing. I just noticed this article on The Times online about the 'Greatest Intertoto games' ever...

loltastic.

The UEFA Intertoto Cup is a tournament for mainly smaller associations giving them an opportunity to participate internationally but also for any bigger nations' clubs who have failed to qualify for UEFA directly and there are plenty of famous clubs going through Intertoto in order to clinch a UEFA berth, also from GB. While the Scottish teams don't seem to take it very seriously (or are they just not good enough...?), the English teams do, as we could see in the past with Aston Villa, Fulham, Newcastle etc. We will see how these clubs will play internationally next year when the Intertoto Cup is gone. And last but not least, it is by no means a money making tool for UEFA. It cost more than it generates.
So to say, this tournament is for the grass root football and don't we all need great support for grass root!