[madsteve]

Very true MS, it is almost worth getting relegated in order to do so, certainly in our current situation and such other similar clubs. Which was part of my point, I'm not trying to minimise the demoralising effects of relegation, but these days, and with that money. Many clubs have the foresight and finance to bounce back up as you pointed out.

So does it take the edge off the relegation battles or tense finale's to the seasons when clubs know there's a big pay off regardless? I don't mean that there's nothing to play for, just that I feel the incentive isn't what it was.

Back in School on sports day, you got eff all for finishing last in a race, now we give our kids butt pats and trophies for 'participating'

It is still a big drop.

You get £99m for finishing last in PL but only get about £24m as Year One Parachute Payment. The significant point is that you have already improved your squad with the £99m from the previous season & the extra £24m gives you a head start over the rest of SBC.

We should end up with a situation where there is an elite of 23 clubs, 20 of whom are in the PL and three who have just got relegated but should get promoted the following season. We need to get on board soon before this rocket takes off.