Silently sneaking in while everyone’s eyes were really on Euro 2020, the draw for the first qualifier in the opening UEFA Europa Conference League has been made.
Before you ask, no, Tottenham are not in it yet. At this stage, the teams from the lowest ranked countries on the continent were involved, with Spurs taking part in the action in the third qualifier.
However, that does not mean that it is too early for fans to start dreaming of some exotic outings. Here are ten such teams that Spurs can come up with to run out for this season.
Tottenham fans will cross their fingers that the Bohemians will make it through the various qualifying stages. Why do you ask? Well, what’s better than a trip to Dublin?
Bohs finished the 2020 season in second place, but has so far fought in 2021. They are currently fifth in the League of Ireland Premier Division, ten points behind joint leaders Shamrock Rovers and Sligo Rovers.
They also have the best away jersey in the world – probably.
Great success on @AC_Libertas in the headline of Coppa Titano! The May Day double and the return of Rinaldi and Peluso will make it 4-0 in the final! pic.twitter.com/sqXlNSyLPO
– La Fiorita 1967 (@ lafiorita1967) 1 October 2020
La Fiorita blew to the top spot in the Campionato Sammarinese di Calcio last season and lost just one of its 14 matches. Unfortunately, San Marino’s highest division has the playoffs for the title – and they lost in the final against rivals Folgore.
Fortunately, a domestic cup victory meant that they still made it into the Conference League qualifiers. However, getting into the competition will take a little miracle. Maybe they will be able to use the opportunity to host Harry Winks and co as motivation.
Team @LeiknirRvkFC ready! Baldur Logi and Björn Daníel come in for Eggert and Guðmann. # ViðerumFH pic.twitter.com/T7TcZLd6pB
– FHingar (@fhingar) 25 May 2021
Commentators across the country hope that Fimleikafélag Hafnarfjardar does not make it to the Conference League.
The Icelandic second places from the 2020 campaign count former Rangers man Steven Lennon and former Manchester City goalkeeper Gunner Nielsen among their ranks.
Lovely sleeve detail on the away kit / Laszlo Szirtesi / Getty Images
Puskas Akademia began life as an academy team before mutating into something completely different under the leadership of the autocratic Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban.
Orban used public funds to build a £ 100 million stadium for the club and their “youth first” ethos is also gone. They finished second in the Hungarian OTP Bank League last season and will quietly be sure to reach the competition.
“Hi, I’m Maribor. You may remember me from such Champions League humiliations as 7-0 for Liverpool 2017 and 6-0 for Chelsea 2014.”
Their stock has declined significantly since the hard days and losing the Slovenian title by a single goal means they have to settle for the Conference League this time.
We meet @ KuPS1923 in the first qualifier in the Europa Conference League!
Let’s go Noah ▪️▫️ # WeNoah #EuropaConferenceLeague pic.twitter.com/VUI0Hd0vdA
– FC Noah (@FC_Noah_) June 15, 2021
FC Noah was first founded in 2017 and they have the most no-nonsense brand in European football.
Why waste time paying any graphic design company to do so when you can just type your full name in Arial Black?
Europa FC is pleased to announce the signing of Jack Breed! Gibraltar U21 comes to us from the English team @farehamtownfc. A very versatile two-footed player, he is primarily a central attacking midfielder but can work anywhere in the midfield. Welcome to Europe Jack! ??? pic.twitter.com/HGPxia1T6C
– Europa FC (@EuropaFC_Gib) 12 February 2021
Europe is one of four Gibraltan teams that Tottenham could end up in the Conference League next season.
If they succeed, keep an eye out for Jack Breed, who began his senior career at Gosport Borough – widely regarded as the best football team on the planet.
WE ARE GOING ON A EUROPEAN TOUR !! ?? # WeAreRobins pic.twitter.com/h27BfWrspU
– Newtown AFC (@NewtownAFC) May 29, 2021
Newtown’s presence in the Conference League is thanks to Cymru Premier’s playoff system.
Despite finishing seventh out of 12 teams and losing more games than they won in the process, Robins beat the competition from Barry Town, Caernarfon Town and Penybont to seal a spot with the Spurs in the Conference League.
Malta is a dream destination. Add some football to the mix and you create a close and perfect away day.
One of the teams that can make Tottenham fans’ Maltese dreams come true is Gzira United. Based on an idyllic port city, a third place in the Premier League last season was enough to give them a Conference League place.
UE Sant Julia miss the Andorran title by five points and have to settle for a place in the Conference League this season.
Located in a province adjacent to Catalunya, perhaps we can expect a Barcelona-inspired sexy football from minnows in the qualifiers.
