We may all be disappointed at the way the season has gone but there is a positive;last 4 games -2 wins,2 defeats-if we do this over 38 matches we would have 57 points.With the squad we have and players back from injury next season this an attainable target in my opinion. I know we need to strengthen but I'm not completely convinced that we need Bruce's 7-8 new faces as this could be unsettling. No matter what we wish for managerially I feel that SB will still be here next season for the following reasons:- a.2 years is too soon to change managers b.I don't think that NQ has the balls to sack him . Here's to progress next season-a top 8 finish would be my aim and we could then decide whether that would be as far as SB can take the club-I feel that he hasn't got the tactical nous to get us higher than that.
Top 8 would be nice but it wont be easy, we will need to knock Everton and Villa down a peg or 2, yes they have had pretty poor seasons this year, but i feel thats just a blip and they will be stronger for it next year. Man U Chelsea Arsenal Man City Liverpool Spurs will be top 6 in any order then comes Villa Everton then the rest of the chasing pack, us and the toon included in that.
There are a host of clubs gunning to take Villa or Everton's place; us, Bolton, Fulham and Stoke. I'm not sure about the mags, they did insanely well this year, but Birmingham did very well last year, if I can recall correctly.