'NO GAP IN CLASS'

Last updated : 10 April 2005 By Editor

"That gap in points doesn't truly reflect the difference between us and Chelsea, and I'm not saying that to take anything away from what Chelsea have achieved," said Fergie.

"But we had a very indifferent start to the season and Chelsea’s win against us in only the second match acted as a great morale-booster for them and obviously did a lot for their confidence.

"However after we got our act together, we went on a run which could well have landed the Premiership title but this has been an exceptional season because at this stage Chelsea have won 16 of their matches 1-0 which is highly unusual.

"I would expect us to be pushing Chelsea all the way once again next season although for all I know they may go out and buy half-a-dozen new players this summer.

"But even they can’t buy everyone and there is always the question of how much a team can improve once it gets to a certain level.

"At the start of every season our priority has always been to win the league title and it will be exactly the same at the start of next season.

"Chelsea have done exceptionally well this season and no-one can take that from them. But I don’t think the gap between ourselves and them is anything like as wide as the table would suggest and we will be in the hunt for the championship trophy next season, I’m sure of that."