No reason we can't finish above newcastle but i think that

them keeping Benitez makes it harder. They will have unity there now if he stays and I think would be unlikely to implode.

Ashley is not the sort of nightmare owner he's made out to be. He's kept some managers on for too long but its not like he hasn't backed them with money to buy players or he's up at the training ground interfering with training or team selections.

That said I still think we have a team and set up more suited to the championship with plenty of oplayers and a manager whi have been there before. they are likely to have a bigger turnoever of players, will have some players who won't fancy it and will also be the big scalp that other clubs want to take. I think we can benefit next season from the fact that Villa and Newcastle will be regarded as bigger games than against us and can hopefully slip under the radar a little bit.

Posted By: Jim, May 18, 07:57:58