This is the one of the main reasons why I was so livid about our capitulation after Christmas and especially with only 10 games to go and a 14 point advantage.
We all know that the big teams will mortgage their clubs to sweep in and buy all the better players worldwide at discounted prices. Not finishing top 4 and qualifying for Champions League we are less attractive to better players and will not have that Champions League money. Also the 5 substitution rule is basically a gift to the bigger clubs who can now guarantee quality fringe players with more playing time during the season, in Europe and the Cup games. Don't know why any of the so-called lesser teams ever agreed to such a rule. Pathetic. Mind you FIFA probably didn't even consult with the smaller teams. They just want the big clubs in the big competitions anyway. Even the stupid talking heads on Sky etc keep going on about, well we need the bigger clubs in the Champions League. They were doing my head in. Almost willing us the fold.
All told I think it was a chance that we will probably never see again, getting into the top 4. Not for at least a generation anyway.
I strongly feel the so-called shit*y big teams will only get bigger and the smaller teams will be fighting for 6-10 for respectability and safety.
In the bitter end all the mega rich teams will have to leave their domestic leagues and form a European Super League. A rumour that has been bouncing around for some time now. Only inevitable.