The Race for Champions League Places

[elrichio86]

Does anyone think we'll be back in the Champions League within say the next 5 seasons?

Looking at the situation objectively, can anyone really argue we are considerably behind United, City, Arsenal, Spurs, Chelsea and Newcastle.

Based on how we've played this season (and this is reflected in the league table, we are on a par with Everton, Norwich, Fulham, Sunderland and Stoke.

We do not have a God given right to be in the Champions League and I can't see things changing soon unfortunately.

It's hard to believe how far we've regressed in such a short period of time.

Yes - no doubt in my mind.

You just have to look at Newcastle over the past 5 seasons to see how quickly a clubs fortune can change:

07/08 - Prem - 12th
08/09 - Prem - 18th (Relegated)
09/10 - Cham - 1st (Winners)
10/11 - Prem - 12th
11/12 - Prem - challenging for fourth

[lickedlollipop]

burn this thread.

[Muddled]

Does anyone think we'll be back in the Champions League within say the next 5 seasons?

Looking at the situation objectively, can anyone really argue we are considerably behind United, City, Arsenal, Spurs, Chelsea and Newcastle.

Based on how we've played this season (and this is reflected in the league table, we are on a par with Everton, Norwich, Fulham, Sunderland and Stoke.

We do not have a God given right to be in the Champions League and I can't see things changing soon unfortunately.

It's hard to believe how far we've regressed in such a short period of time.

Yes.

It's almost as simple as 'goals' - we turn draws into wins, defeats into draws.

Obviously it's not *that* simple, but I think it's what has caused our players a head **** the more the season has gone on. We've discussed how important this summer is going to be and it's going to be massive, but it will be for other teams too; Newcastle don't have the squad to battle in Europe and in the league and they've been lucky in parts that they've been able to field a pretty consistent starting eleven, Spurs may have to deal with losing 'Arry and look to replace the goals from Adebayor, whilst Chelsea need to decide whether to back Di Matteo (which I think will mean another year of an ageing team and a short-sighted decision) or a new manager (which will mean another battle of ego's and long-term planning).

I think fourth is attainable next season, but it will be another incosistent 'un.

[cream]

We're back.

[Trippendicular]

Just to put in perspective how bad we've been lately, and that 4th was absolutely there for the taking, here is the table 10 games ago, and today.

Screen shot 2012-04-11 at 8.32.59 AM.jpg

Screen shot 2012-04-11 at 8.35.19 AM.jpg

[TheElephantMan]

If any team needed to strengthen in the January window it was us.

[sean_lfc]

Just to put in perspective how bad we've been lately, and that 4th was absolutely there for the taking, here is the table 10 games ago, and today.

[ATTACH]1915[/ATTACH]

[ATTACH]1916[/ATTACH]

I vividly remember looking at the first picture and going 'We've got a game in hand over Arsenal, just need that one win and we'll coast it'. Sadly, it never came. 8 points in 10 games is quite a feat! Aw well, there's always next season.

[Trippendicular]

I vividly remember looking at the first picture and going 'We've got a game in hand over Arsenal, just need that one win and we'll coast it'. Sadly, it never came. 8 points in 10 games is quite a feat! Aw well, there's always next season.

It's ridiculous to think both Arsenal and Newcastle (equal 4th) are looking good for CL and we're so far off the pace. We had the easiest run in, got to play both these teams, and had come off the back of a CC win and still we ****ed it up.

[sean_lfc]

It's ridiculous to think both Arsenal and Newcastle (equal 4th) are looking good for CL and we're so far off the pace. We had the easiest run in, got to play both these teams, and had come off the back of a CC win and still we ****ed it up.

Aye, that's what lead to my outburst today. Early in the season when I was looking at our run-in in comparison to (pretty much everyone else's of note), I was staggered how 'easy' the run-in was. Can't remember back when we had such an easy run-in. Aw well, as me mate Mitch from Lancashire says "It's one o'them"

[magicalbarnes]

I'll happily 'stick my neck out' and categorically state that Newcastle have absolutely no chance of finishing 4th.

Time to stick your neck in!

[Craig_H]

Why, are they 4th?

[Kenneth]

Do they have no chance?

[Craig_H]

In my opinion, they have no chance. Same as back in february when i said it.

[Kenneth]

ok. No, they're not fourth due to inferior goal difference.

I think they go have a realistic chance, especially with spurs looking ropey and Chelsea preoccupied.

[Craig_H]

No chance at all.