Was anyone aware of this at the start of the season ?

And when I say aware, someone who had authority to make it known to all clubs ? I will be very surprised if Everton were aware of the possibility.

The dscussion came about too late. Imagine if you'd be slogging your guts out for 3/4 of the season, only to be told in March that you may as well not have bothered...

The FA did right in clarifying it early, and sticking with the top 4 (who are what any football supporter/player/manager/pundit/journalist would have said would qualify if asked at the start of the season). Given this, Liverpool didn't raise their game to ensure they finished 4th and made the point moot.

Posted By: Arganth, May 27, 12:14:53