True, but I think when a player is deciding on a club they take many things into account and league position is definately one of them. Also if representatives are trying to sell a club to a potential target dont tell me beating Chelsea in the final of a cup wouldnt be somewhat impressive.
Bottom line they have finished above us for the past four seasons. I know what your saying about the two fifths being a blip but they clearly have a good team and dont belong in the bottom half of the table. We dont either truthfully but if I am really honest I think they are clearly the more likely to do something in the next few seasons.
Also when you hear some of the stuff KK comes out with in interviews it cant help either imo.
If you look at their squad they only have maybe 2 or 3 top quality players: Woodgate, King and Berbatov. The rest of their players are either good mid table players, young players or complete shit (Jenas, Kaboul etc.) I think one thing they've managed to do well is create this facade that they are a step above the other teams chasing 5th place when in reality as Everton and Villa have shown this season, Spurs aren't really that good. Anyone can beat Chelsea on their day...heck we've done it 4 out of the last 6 times at home and once in the FA Cup. I honestly don't think players will be impressed by a league cup win at all.