Yep, all we have to do is avoid defeat in 90 minutes to qualify. We all know what that means.

See ur point about it being better than pre season friendlies, yes of course it is, but for me it's dissapointing that one of only 2 national competitions we can win has been reduced to being seen as a replacement for friendlies.  It should be seen as a cup not pre-season that for me is the downside to this new format.

I don't think anyone is belittling the cup in relation to friendlies, the opposite in fact.

I like the groups, like the pens after a draw, like it going down to the last game to see who has qualified.

Most of all I like that it will be finished before the Scottish Cup starts.

Very few countries have two cup competitions.

kick up the arse for players who don't look after themselves on the break.

This idea these days of being match fit does my nut in. Easing themselves back into training after eating shit and on the bevy.
Under JYM every training match was a match.

Killing off the friendlies and going competitive is the way forward.

If the media embrace this and promote the competition the crowds will swell. Clubs should include the games in ST books and improved image and base attendance might bring in more as the negative attitude is backed up by lower attendance due to all paying in.

I know its hard when getting in shape and building squads but fuck it, better to hit the ground running with something to challenge than playing pishy practice training friendlies against so called opposition with nothing to gain.

Have to admit I don't like the set up. But on here at least I'm in the minority, which is fair enough, and of course, if United get to the semis I'll be full of enthusiasm.

Vast improvement on the past few years but not perfect, yet.

A crowd of almost 5k for the Dunfermline game.

Competitive game + summer weather = attractive game.

Much better than shitey meaningless friendlies. No as good as trip abroad though