Faith, Hope and Moyes!

If ever there was a condemnation of the Champions league it has surely come at its own hands. They have now recognised that the lion's share of moneys from the last season's Tournament ensured that the Sky 4 recouped a staggering £100m from their endeavours which even they concede is not a good thing for the National league as it increases the wealth gap between them and other clubs to such an extent that it allows them to make it almost impossible to break their stranglehold.

I say almost because but for a few bad decisions, it would be Liverpool playing in the Uefa Cup next season. I know that?s not entirely accurate either as the REAL reason we didn?t overhaul Liverpool and claim 4th spot was a direct cause that can be attributed to a lack of comparative finances. IF we had a larger and better squad we would undoubtedly lay claim to even 3rd spot.

But that?s the rub. The Premier League and the Champions League are all about the lucrative business of winning. As can be seen the rewards are great and if a team is to realistically challenge those same 4 they either have to be exceptionally well managed, coached and supported — something I think David Moyes has done brilliantly. But he really IS up against it. We have pulled some gems out of the woodwork in the past few seasons but when compared to those above us we look desperately weaker. It's hardly surprising that those clubs do succeed most years because they consistently have more funds due to the success and profile given to them. Sods Law, really. Success breeds Success, Money makes Money.

So how do we break the mould? I believe the next three years will see Everton topple Liverpool in the race for a CL spot and once done will allow the money machine to start in our favour too. We will need several new additions to the squad and to the team. I expect Moyes, astute as ever to find the best, but we do need a talisman of great international pedigree to build a great team around. They don?t come cheap but then risk against reward IS the name of the game. (Look at Tottenham — for all their moneys spent they received less than we did!)

Who could be that talisman? Do we need to have more than one?

As the season petered out because of injuries and form, we lacked the depth and skill (savvy) that in the end was the real difference between us and Liverpool last year. The Uefa Cup was worth the effort but not just for the money, as welcome as it is, but because of its profile and perception. On the TV, in the media around Europe, fans of other clubs see us and so do their players. Suddenly, perhaps, we will be a club players actually WANT to sign for instead of the past decade when players ignored us and choose poorer clubs over us.

So the Uefa Cup was a good thing, but I can?t see Uefa sharing the spoils of the Champions League any differently than it does now, except maybe to tinker at the edges. The imperative of success is winning trophies, be in it to win it. It's no wonder the rest of the Premier League look at us with admiration, they know how difficult it is to compete with clubs who consistently spend 20 times your budget. It's the Chicken and Egg scenario. To win you have to have money to spend on a team. To have money you have to win something... unless your'e Russian and own the odd oil field or two. (Perhaps we can get Shell to sponsor us?)

Look out Liverpool, we are about to break your heart. Roll on 2008 -09

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