Who said that then?
As for a cup final being the next step, it would be the next step as in 'a step further than we've managed in almost a decade of trying'. Qualifying for Europe is an achievement, it's a huge achievement, increased revenue, trips abroad, the lure of European football possibly attracting better players to the club. Football is not all about winning things, it's the ultimate goal, it's what we should want at the beggining of every season, but it's not just about winning things.
It's the 'Football is all about winning things' attitude that causes thousands of North East school children to follow the fortunes of the Old Firm, Man Utd or Chelsea instead of their local club.
We all want to see the dons win a cup, it's our only realistic chance of winning anything. But we've also got to be realistic.
There is no excuse for the cup disappointments over the past few seasons, I think we're all really feeling it this week.