No reason why there couldn't be, the question is was there? IMO actions speak louder than words. Look at the recruitment last summer, and the squad with which we went into the season, and tell me honestly whether you think it was what you would expect of a club genuinely targeting a top six finish. I'd say it speaks more to a club set on lowering its age profile and its wage bill while hoping nevertheless to challenge for the top six.
I don't recall anyone on here even hoping for a top six finish; the predictions as I recall were for mid table, the hopes for something a bit closer to the top six.