Last season we were a mid-table team that overachieved and nearly made the playoffs. This season we are a mid-table team that has underachieved and had a terrible run of injuries. I think we will revert to being a mid-table side if we stay up this season. Premier League is a very long way away indeed.
Can you imagine the fuss if Sheffield United miss out on autos and then lose in the Play Offs... 2 point deduction...
I think the available PL parachute money should be divided equally (or even gradually increased in amount from 24th to 6th positioned teams in the Championship table) at the end of each Premier League season. Such income distribution may possibly create a better level playing field for all clubs to aim for promotion the following season in the sense of cash available for team strengthening. Same principle should be applied to lower leagues in the pyramid too.