The answer's in the middle ground.
We're historically a big club, and in the reasonably recent past have been dominant champions, leading to high expectations.
But in the last few seasons we've been predictably outclassed by clubs with more resources, and this is going to continue. The wealth of our owners is neither here nor there in determining what can be done, since they have absolute control over whether it is spent. Like every club we only have the whims of the rich plus our own revenues to rely on.
We're realistically unlikely to win the league this season, I think we're all used to that idea. And our only serious hope of reclaiming a regular spot at the winners table is if our resources come into line with those available at other big clubs. Our options: FFP, gazillionaire benefactor, or the hard graft of succeeding as a 'sustainable' commercial entity - or a combination of all three.
I'm looking forward to a season in which I hope we'll get off to a flyer with a strengthened squad and a more dynamic tactical approach - and fewer pricks in the squad, I hope - and maybe threaten a trophy or two. No more than that.
