RichD
Striker
It's all relative. We were a regular top-half side who more often that not competed in European competition before Ashley rocked up, now we're a struggling/yo-yo side.
Decrease vs decrease. See?
That was a long time ago in footballing terms, most of the present Premier League clubs were nowhere near the top league at that time. Most of the lower half clubs are small lean and based in the south. Your Club has suffered the same as ours been based in the north east. After a few decent Seasons Your club was burning money to attract players offering high wages for average plodders. Where would you be now if Ashley hadn't bailed you out back then..