We would be better prepared next season i believe. However who wouldnt want it? You have to aspire to be with the best and as pointed out earlier we attarct better players in the division.
No guarantees we will be going up next season, got to take your chance when you are presented with it IMO
That's the thing, isn't it? Would I prefer a Championship winning season instead of a Premier League struggling season - absolutely. But you don't know what Circumstance has in store, and there are no guarantees. Sure, if we had sorted our home form this season, we'd be pushing for the automatics, but we can't say we'll have this away form next season, or that any new players will gel. Promotion even followed by relegation would guarantee a higher income for five years. And with shrewder minds in charge of the pennies, that can only be a good thing. So yes, I would like to see us back in the Prem. If only so we can stop watching that god awful Football League Show. Will never complain about being last game on MOTD every again.
Stoke do seem to be a pretty solid side now, but I think a lot of people forget how much they spent getting there. In the first season, they spent almost ã25m in fee's on 14 players, while adding about the same in increased wage costs, they then spent another ã25m in fee's for the following season. It's all well and good if you've got an owner like Stoke, Sunderland or Wigan who's willing to personally write off ã50m in losses, but there aren't many of them about.
My thoughts exactly, how many teams have come down and just disappeared into mid-table obscurity? I'd rather be a WBA than a Derby/Coventry.
You have echoed my thoughts from another thread Twf'fers, but, my proviso was that the "yo-yo" money be used to increase the quality on the pitch over a 4 - 5 year period, by which time we should be good enough to battle in the middle of the PL on a better footing!!
Spot on Scooter - heard a Stoke fan after the win yesterday against Bolton saying that Pulis hadn't spent much money FFS. Agree that next year the squad might be better prepared but then again the standard of the opposition may be better also - long trips to Brighton Southampton and bogey grounds like the Galpharm/MacApline, as well better relegated PL sides from the likes of West Ham Wigan Wolves than Pompey us and Burnley. Getting too old to hang about - look at Sheff U - relegated from the PL a short while ago and now staring Lg1 footie in the face. Take the money, add a little to the present squad, buy the KC, (wont do that or extend it whilst in the NPC) build the new Academy and see where this takes us.
Of course I want to see us in the Premiership again. Maybe not going up this season as I think we have just left it too late, But for certain next season. The Championship is a great league and the fact that most teams can beat any other on any given day makes it unique almost. But playing in the top flight is a must. Just look at how Stoke have settled, and now they have a cup final to look forward too. It would give us a much better chance of winning something at last!
