Don't listen to any off them Blue. Success breeds contempt. It's a jelousy thing.
Steve Bruce has more credentials than most in the Premiership. Just look at the success he had as a player.
He may not have such a succesful managerial career so far, but he is a youngster in real terms.
I think a european placing is acheivable this year. The difficulty is, and i mean this with no disrespect, it takes a lot more to get past that European placing.
We know that the top four places will be taken by four of five teams (Alphabetically, Arsenal, Cheslki, Liverpool, Man Utd, Newcastle) So the remaining places, dependant on shock cup results will be in short supply.
The real contenders this year (IMO) are M'Boro, B'ham, Charlton, Bolton, and Tottenham.
So six clubs chasing 3(?) places.
S'pose you finish 6th. Next year will be a failure if you don't manage it again. Problem is, you don't have the clout of the teams above that sixth place to go any further, and nor does any other club. I'm afraid it's going to be a split league for a while to come with the remaining 14 clubs fighting for that 6th spot.
PS: Like the new avatar (Thanks Elton!) Thought i'd suppport the local boys for a while!!!