When (if ever) can you see us playing European football next?

So with the Europa League final tonight in Dublin, and because of the thread yesterday asking if we would trade our seasons in Europe for an FA cup, I was wondering when you think we (realistically) could next be playing at the European stage.

If we were to finish 7th next season, if only CL place teams are in the FA Cup and League Cup finals, we would grab a place in the Europa League.

So if we aim for 7th next season, which I don't think is too big of a target, we could be in Europe in 2012/13! Judging by teams this season that would mean we would have to be better than teams like Bolton, Everton, Stoke and Fulham. The advantage that we have as a team is we can probably spend more money than them over the next year or two.

Or, we could get a good cup run like Birmingham or Stoke this season and do it that way!

What do you think our chances are? I'm trying to keep it realistic..unlike other teams..*cough* Yewrope *cough*

 

All depends on how the transfer window goes I think. It's a make or break not just for next season but for the future of the club under Ashley. If it goes to **** then it pretty much means never while he's in charge, if it goes well then in a couple of seasons we could be in Europe, if it goes extremely well then maybe we could start thinking about 7th place next season. Imo anyway.

 

Well we are guna win the league next year so we will get into Europe next season

 

Very true. If we bring in the likes of Carlton Cole then I'll be so dissapointed.

 

Should have Ben Arfa back next season, if we sign a decent striker we should comfortably be top half. Whether it's enough I don't know. If things go our way next season it isn't impossible. Everton, Bolton, Stoke are all strong, but I think we're in that group, and if Spurs sell Bale I think they could fall back to us.

 

Depends on what ambition MA has for the club and what funds he gives Pardew to bring in quality players.

 

If Swansea win the play-offs then it will be coming season!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

It depends, if we spend wisely with a player LIKE N'Zogbia, a big front man and a quality centre back, our midfield would be top quality and the defense and attack would be capable of Europe next season imo.

 

Completely agree, I think prority should be ST - Winger - CB. Then any filling out the squad with youngsters/good freebies or cheap players.

 

Until we properly bolster our squad in both quantity and quality then I am not sure if it would be that good getting into the Europa League because you have to play about a gazillion matches and if we did not have the squad to be able to rotate players then I could see it hampering our league performance quite a bit.

That said I think if we buy well this summer and ignore the Carlton Coles of the world then we should be aiming for top 8/7, Gosling and Ben Arfa would also be like new signings.

 

If we get 2 quality Strikers and a Winger I thibk we could be aiming for Top Ten finsh. Europe may be too far, Liverpool, Everton and Spurs will be pushing the top 4 so we may have to wait until 2012/13 season but who knows.

 

If Birmingham can win the league cup theres no reason we can't other than our record in that competition is ****. We should go for cup glory and kill two birds with one stone.

 

I'd take this. A nice little cup win and a shot at Europe.

No thanks to the relegation battle they seem to be going through tho!

 

Aye none of that Hope they actually go down!

 

Would be funny, they'd get ****ed over in yewope.

 

2 years. next year get over the 2nd season syndrome ****. Maybe a decent cup run. Then season after a real push for 5th