~Snip~
If Nottingham still maintains its current players and coach, and maybe some new additions can help them compete with big European teams, Nottingham still has the potential to compete.
You can also see how Aston Villa competed last season by getting 1 ticket to the Champions League. Even now they can compete until the quarter-finals, that's extraordinary when compared to what they achieved in the Premier League this season.
There will always be a team that surprised last season but struggled in the new season.
They need some new players to maintain their performance next season, especially as the match schedule will be even tighter if they qualify for the UCL. The board of directors must work hard to maintain the team's performance next season, at least they must be able to maintain the competition in the top four if they fail to compete in the UCL.
After Newcastle and Aston Villa managed to secure tickets to the UCL, now Nottingham has become a new dark horse team that has made a surprise in the EPL. Nottingham must learn from what Aston Villa experienced if they want to continue to be in the top four.