Can we improve next season?

With this season all but done, and the next one still months away, I ask whether we can improve next season?

This season has been fantastic and it could yet get better depending on how results sway in the last game of the season. With Europe guaranteed and a top six finish already in the bag though, I wonder if we can get much better next time round?

The rule seems to be that you spend money to reach the top of the tree. Whilst we've broke the mould with our success this season, Manchester City have shown the difference in class that a few hundred million can get you. It was a game of fine margins yesterday, but in the end the boys in sky blue came out on top thanks to that little bit of extra quality.

I'm not saying that we have to break the bank to break the top four, in fact I don't expect any change in our approach to transfers at all, and why not as it's worked so far. I'm just wondering if our approach to transfers will only take us so far?

That is not being negative towards what we have achieved, I'm just being realistic. There is a reason why so many people are lauding our transfer business because it is out of the norm that has been perceived for years - that money gets you to the top of the table when in fact, as we've shown, it doesn't have to be the case.

My main worry is expectation levels. I fear that now we've flirted with the Champions League places and with Europe that the bar will have been raised to a level we may not be able to reach. Like in the days of Sir Bobby when we missed out on the Champions League that one season.

Stay grounded people. We can improve but it won't happen overnight, especially now our margins for improvement are significantly less. You see what I'm saying? It's going to be hard to improve next season, but given time it isn't impossible.

Keep calm and carry on!