I believe that finishing 8th in the league is realistically as high as we can achieve in the foreseeable future. Assuming that the Prem is perhaps 3 separate leagues in one, being in the top 3 of the second division is our limit, given the amount of money required to step up a level and the limitation of a 28,000 stadium. I would like to think we could achieve quarter final status (hopefully at least) in the cups. Tin hat time or does anybody agree
I think realistically (as you say) we will be unable to compete with the true performers in the league over a full season. The likes of United, City, Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool, Spurs & Everton are most likey out of all the other teams reach. My expectation is to continue in the same way we have this season, with progressive football and signings and if we not looking down and looking up that will do me fine - wherever we finish. It would be pointless in saying we dont want to finish as high as we can (if only for the financial rewards) but I would like to think that we can continue to challenge the likes of Southampton, and Newcastle. A solid couple of cup runs would be a bonus aswell.
Fully agree Nick, unless the big four clubs go into some form of European super league we could never hope to compete, money talks.
Yes, I generally agree with the views so far posted. To maintain the position we finished in last season consistently whilst possibly looking to 8th is the level for a club like ours. That may well mean losing the likes of ShawX and Bego at some point in the future but if we can continue the progress (in style, if nothing else) we have seen under Mark Hughes the fans should be happy. And, yes, good runs in both domestic cups would be excellent. Not to be in any danger of relegation next season would be progress.
